Henry ate a black bean last night. In fact, he ate several. This is big news, people.
In our Quest For Henry To Eat Dinner Like A Normal Person we acted all normal last night while we made black bean burritos, all the while knowing that Henry has proclaimed to not like black beans, although he has never actually eaten one. He always wants me to just melt some cheese in a tortilla for his "burrito." Well, he's catching on to the new plan, because he conceded the beans pretty easily last night. He did, however, request that I leave the cooked belly peppers and onions off of his.
I had no problem with the bell pepper, but the onions were pretty integrated, so I left those on and just didn't tell him.When he asked me about the pieces of onion that were clearly visible inside his burrito (because naturally, he had to peel it apart to check my work) I told him that they were "spices."
Yes, I lied to my child. Guilt that I feel regarding this confession: Zero.
He ate the burrito, beans and onions included. And as I knew would be the case, he liked it.
Victory is mine.
Anne also ate some beans, and even some chopped tomato. It was a family dinner success story.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
"What are we having for dinner?" *suspicion*
I just returned from our annual staff recognition luncheon, and I was set to receive a little award/gift since I recently got tenure. I have what I think is a great suggestion: instead of engraved items (which are inevitably paperweights) from Things Remembered, why not throw caution to the wind and just start giving everyone cash? I guarantee you, everyone loves cash. I don't care if it's $10. That's $10 I can put toward, oh I don't know. Yarn, for one thing. Books for my Kindle, another.
Oh well. They didn't ask my opinion, so I got a paperweight. But I will say, it's an adorable paperweight. It's shaped like a book, and it has my name on it. It's quite precious, actually.
But anyway, this post *does* have a point. I received some good suggestions on my last post regarding kids' eating habits, and I really want Henry to start toeing the line on this one. He had a swim lesson last night, which Mike took him to, so Anne and I made a quick trip to Target for a few needed items while they were gone. While there, I grabbed a box of Hamburger Helper and some ground beef for dinner. Nobody judge me, that's just the way it has to be sometimes on week nights. Plus, it's not like I can browse the aisles real well with Anne in tow. The instant the cart comes to a stop, she attempts to climb out. The little restraint? Useless. She somehow becomes a chipmunk with no bones and worms her way out of it. I can see her, struggling and working at it, while I try to shop. It's terrible. So I just grabbed the first thing I saw and headed for the checkout.
When we got home, I began browning the meat. As I was setting everything to simmer, Hank and Mike get home. Hank takes one look at the Hamburger Helper box and declares that he doesn't think he'll like this dinner, little button nose wrinkled up in disgust. I told him that this was what was for dinner, and he was going to have to try it. I put as positive a spin on it as possible:
"It's hamburger with cheesy noodles!"
He wasn't buying it.
However, he ended up loving the dinner. He even asked for seconds, which is pretty unprecedented for him. So, our first dinner success story. :) Anne will pretty much eat anything that I give her. She has a texture thing going on, so I can't cut up meat and put it on her tray. She touches it and looks repulsed. But as long as I feed her off of a fork, she eats everything. Fruit, vegetables, meat, pasta, you name it. She ate the Hamburger Helper and couldn't get enough. She'll eat crackers, cheese, and some fruit off her tray. But she definitely seems to have a meat texture issue if she actually has to TOUCH the meat.
I guess I can't blame her.
Oh well. They didn't ask my opinion, so I got a paperweight. But I will say, it's an adorable paperweight. It's shaped like a book, and it has my name on it. It's quite precious, actually.
But anyway, this post *does* have a point. I received some good suggestions on my last post regarding kids' eating habits, and I really want Henry to start toeing the line on this one. He had a swim lesson last night, which Mike took him to, so Anne and I made a quick trip to Target for a few needed items while they were gone. While there, I grabbed a box of Hamburger Helper and some ground beef for dinner. Nobody judge me, that's just the way it has to be sometimes on week nights. Plus, it's not like I can browse the aisles real well with Anne in tow. The instant the cart comes to a stop, she attempts to climb out. The little restraint? Useless. She somehow becomes a chipmunk with no bones and worms her way out of it. I can see her, struggling and working at it, while I try to shop. It's terrible. So I just grabbed the first thing I saw and headed for the checkout.
When we got home, I began browning the meat. As I was setting everything to simmer, Hank and Mike get home. Hank takes one look at the Hamburger Helper box and declares that he doesn't think he'll like this dinner, little button nose wrinkled up in disgust. I told him that this was what was for dinner, and he was going to have to try it. I put as positive a spin on it as possible:
"It's hamburger with cheesy noodles!"
He wasn't buying it.
However, he ended up loving the dinner. He even asked for seconds, which is pretty unprecedented for him. So, our first dinner success story. :) Anne will pretty much eat anything that I give her. She has a texture thing going on, so I can't cut up meat and put it on her tray. She touches it and looks repulsed. But as long as I feed her off of a fork, she eats everything. Fruit, vegetables, meat, pasta, you name it. She ate the Hamburger Helper and couldn't get enough. She'll eat crackers, cheese, and some fruit off her tray. But she definitely seems to have a meat texture issue if she actually has to TOUCH the meat.
I guess I can't blame her.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
My prayer arsenal
With my ongoing 54 day rosary novena, I was contemplating my little collection of rosaries and chaplets that I pray with regularly. Now, granted, the actual *prayers* are the most important thing here. But I'll be honest. I have a rosary fetish. As in, the actual, physical beads. I love them. And my collection isn't actually so little.
*unladylike snort*
I have a LOT of rosary beads. A LOT. I have them scattered throughout my house. Some in the kitchen, the living room, a set next to my bed, each of the children have *several* in their rooms. But I rarely use those.
The beads I use the most are small 1 decade chaplets. When I'm praying a regular rosary, I have a 1 decade "decina" chaplet that I use, which is the traditional 1 Our Father and 10 Hail Mary beads. This is my absolute favorite, and I use it just about every day:
I bought this from the fabulously talented Carm at Unbreakable Rosaries. She is my absolute favorite rosary maker. I also have a full rosary that she made, and the beads are wrapped in copper, it's absolutely to die for. I don't have a picture of it, but I love this rosary too. I don't use it as often, because I simply find that I love the tiny little chaplets better since I'm usually praying the rosary in the car. It's easier to hold in my hand as I drive. So this little chaplet pictured above is my all time favorite rosary. The beads are smooth and slip through my fingers so nice as I pray, and they're very sparkly and pretty. I also like the 4-way medal cross at the end. It's nice and compact and very light. The centerpiece is Our Lady giving the rosary to St. Dominic. It's my favorite. *kiss*
I also love specialized chaplets, and I think they make a nice addition to my prayer repertoire every once in awhile. I have several tucked into a little case in my purse. My favorites are:
Our Lady Star of the Sea. Carm also made this one, and some friends bought it for me 2 years ago. The beads are turquoise and deep, deep blue, making this chaplet just stunning, and fitting the sea theme so well. :) I love to pray this chaplet and ask for Our Lady's intercession for guidance on specific challenges I'm working through. It mainly consists of praying 12 Hail Marys, but full directions for praying the chaplet may be found here. This chaplet also has beautifully smooth beads and the physical experience of praying with them is so pleasing. I'm a knitter, I'm very tactile. :) Carm doesn't have any of these chaplets listed right now in her shop, but she makes them and posts listings for them often. You can also request that she make you a custom chaplet in whatever beads and medals she has in stock or can get access to.
Another chaplet that I pray often is St. Kateri Tekakwitha:
Cam made this for me, in her Full of Grace Creations shop. You pray 8 Our Fathers, 8 Hail Marys, and 8 Glory Be prayers in this chaplet, each prayer representing a year of St. Kateri's life. I love how the bead colors are very nature inspired, and these beads are made of stone; they are heavy and feel wonderful in your hand. I think Cam's shop is on vacation mode right now, but she'll be back, and she had more of these chaplets listed, so you can get yours too. :)
And...on it's way to it's new home right now is the newest addition to my prayer arsenal:
This is a 7 Sorrows of Mary Chaplet, and I can't wait for it to arrive! I just love the combination of the black and purple beads, and there is my favorite 4-way medal cross again. :) Instruction on this chaplet may be found here. When you pray this, you meditate on the 7 sorrows that Mary experienced during her life (prophecy of Simeon, flight into Egypt, child Jesus lost in the Temple, Jesus carrying the cross, etc.). I can't wait to begin using this one. :)
I also love rosary bracelets (available from both Carm and Cam's shops). I really wanted a new one, but I figured this is a want and not a need. I already own a handful of lovely rosary bracelets, and I wear one every day, but I can hold off. Very saintly of me, wouldn't you say?
So, even though rosaries and chaplets abound in my house and in my purse, I feel no guilt. At least they're cheaper than belly dance costumes, my other weakness. Well, there's also books, but those are also cheap, especially for my Kindle.
*feels very justified*
Anyway, I'm excited. Do you have any favorite chaplets that you pray on a regular basis?
*unladylike snort*
I have a LOT of rosary beads. A LOT. I have them scattered throughout my house. Some in the kitchen, the living room, a set next to my bed, each of the children have *several* in their rooms. But I rarely use those.
The beads I use the most are small 1 decade chaplets. When I'm praying a regular rosary, I have a 1 decade "decina" chaplet that I use, which is the traditional 1 Our Father and 10 Hail Mary beads. This is my absolute favorite, and I use it just about every day:
I also love specialized chaplets, and I think they make a nice addition to my prayer repertoire every once in awhile. I have several tucked into a little case in my purse. My favorites are:
Another chaplet that I pray often is St. Kateri Tekakwitha:
And...on it's way to it's new home right now is the newest addition to my prayer arsenal:
I also love rosary bracelets (available from both Carm and Cam's shops). I really wanted a new one, but I figured this is a want and not a need. I already own a handful of lovely rosary bracelets, and I wear one every day, but I can hold off. Very saintly of me, wouldn't you say?
So, even though rosaries and chaplets abound in my house and in my purse, I feel no guilt. At least they're cheaper than belly dance costumes, my other weakness. Well, there's also books, but those are also cheap, especially for my Kindle.
*feels very justified*
Anyway, I'm excited. Do you have any favorite chaplets that you pray on a regular basis?
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Just cute life stuff
"Honey, I really appreciate you and all that you do for me and the kids. I just wanted you to know that. I'm so glad that I don't have to share you."
"You've been watching Sister Wives again while I take Hank to soccer, haven't you?"
Well yes, I have. But that's not the point, now is it? :)
School is out for the summer, and happy, frolicking children abound in our home. Of the two children these days, Anne is actually the easier eater. She's suddenly decided that she no longer cares for pureed baby food, and just wants table food. This is great, I just wish it hadn't happened right after we stocked up on jarred baby food. But I digress. She eats cooked vegetables, cheese, crackers, fruit, all that good stuff. Henry, on the other hand, nearly passes out at the sight of a vegetable. Sigh. He does like fruit, but he ends up eating something different from what we eat far too often. He's 6. Should I be forcing the issue more now, or will he outgrow this?
Inquiring parental minds want to know.
Anne is just at a wonderful stage. She's into everything, but she's just a delight. Running around, giggling, being cute, it's just her full time job. Last summer, while I was on maternity leave, was just an idyllic time. Mike was home with me, and it was simply smashing. I will say though that I enjoy my children more when they're no longer newborns. :) I love them always, but the early baby days are tough on my psyche. With Anne being a toddler, things are so much fun.
Life is good.
"You've been watching Sister Wives again while I take Hank to soccer, haven't you?"
Well yes, I have. But that's not the point, now is it? :)
School is out for the summer, and happy, frolicking children abound in our home. Of the two children these days, Anne is actually the easier eater. She's suddenly decided that she no longer cares for pureed baby food, and just wants table food. This is great, I just wish it hadn't happened right after we stocked up on jarred baby food. But I digress. She eats cooked vegetables, cheese, crackers, fruit, all that good stuff. Henry, on the other hand, nearly passes out at the sight of a vegetable. Sigh. He does like fruit, but he ends up eating something different from what we eat far too often. He's 6. Should I be forcing the issue more now, or will he outgrow this?
Inquiring parental minds want to know.
Anne is just at a wonderful stage. She's into everything, but she's just a delight. Running around, giggling, being cute, it's just her full time job. Last summer, while I was on maternity leave, was just an idyllic time. Mike was home with me, and it was simply smashing. I will say though that I enjoy my children more when they're no longer newborns. :) I love them always, but the early baby days are tough on my psyche. With Anne being a toddler, things are so much fun.
Life is good.
Monday, June 25, 2012
54 day rosary novena: persevering
The inevitable happened on Saturday night, as I lounged in bed awaiting slumber to overtake me:
I realized that I'd forgotten to say my rosary. Sigh.
The weekends are the worst "rosary memory" days for me, because I get so wrapped up in what I'm doing at home and with the kids that it just slips my mind. During the week, I start my rosary in the car on my way in to work and I never forget.
*halo*
At any rate, I know that God isn't that structured, so I just keep going with the novena. He's not going to snub me because I forgot one day out of 54.
Yesterday I was very angelic because I started my rosary in the car on the way to Mass ,which just spurs it into my head for the rest of the day. And I hadn't been at my parish for a couple of weeks, so it was just a very sweet homecoming. I've been at other parishes for Mass for a few weeks in a row. Even though I'm back to being the only woman in the congregation wearing a head covering, it felt good to be back to my neighborhood parish. I really do love the community there.
And this particular Mass was the last one for our weekend associate, the priest who says one Mass per weekend and otherwise fills in for our regular pastor when he has to be away. This precious monsignor just celebrated his 80th birthday, and finally felt that he had to cut back a bit on his schedule. :) He's absolutely adorable, and during the homily, told us how our parish is very special to him because he grew up in our small town. Our parish was his childhood parish, and he made all his sacraments there, his baptism taking place in the original church building, even. (our parish is over 100 years old, but the current church has been around since around 1950). He attended the parish school, and when he went on to become a priest, celebrated his very first Mass at our very parish in 1957. It was just such a lovely story. He's still going to be saying Mass, just at a parish in a nearby town only. He didn't feel like he could keep up with two anymore.
It was a good Sunday.
I realized that I'd forgotten to say my rosary. Sigh.
The weekends are the worst "rosary memory" days for me, because I get so wrapped up in what I'm doing at home and with the kids that it just slips my mind. During the week, I start my rosary in the car on my way in to work and I never forget.
*halo*
At any rate, I know that God isn't that structured, so I just keep going with the novena. He's not going to snub me because I forgot one day out of 54.
Yesterday I was very angelic because I started my rosary in the car on the way to Mass ,which just spurs it into my head for the rest of the day. And I hadn't been at my parish for a couple of weeks, so it was just a very sweet homecoming. I've been at other parishes for Mass for a few weeks in a row. Even though I'm back to being the only woman in the congregation wearing a head covering, it felt good to be back to my neighborhood parish. I really do love the community there.
And this particular Mass was the last one for our weekend associate, the priest who says one Mass per weekend and otherwise fills in for our regular pastor when he has to be away. This precious monsignor just celebrated his 80th birthday, and finally felt that he had to cut back a bit on his schedule. :) He's absolutely adorable, and during the homily, told us how our parish is very special to him because he grew up in our small town. Our parish was his childhood parish, and he made all his sacraments there, his baptism taking place in the original church building, even. (our parish is over 100 years old, but the current church has been around since around 1950). He attended the parish school, and when he went on to become a priest, celebrated his very first Mass at our very parish in 1957. It was just such a lovely story. He's still going to be saying Mass, just at a parish in a nearby town only. He didn't feel like he could keep up with two anymore.
It was a good Sunday.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Is there a full moon?
For your reading enjoyment, below are actual inquiries that I received while on a one hour reference shift yesterday afternoon:(1) Lengthy question about finding recent books on the topic of health services in colleges. No problem, and she was super sweet, she was just waiting for me when I came onto the desk, so I didn't have time to really catch my breath. Nor did I have time after I wrapped up with her (and she thanked me profusely! a rare treat for a reference librarian), when my chat reference window booped...
(2) "I need to find information on internet and the mind. I can't find anything. Just strange things from China." No, I am not exaggerating. As you can imagine, this was a fairly painful interaction, with me trying to pull out what in tarnation he actually meant, and where on earth he was searching. He lingered in my chat interface for quite some time, reluctantly trying the new key words I was suggesting, when...
(3) "My computer just shut itself down. Why did it do that?!" An angry man is suddenly *next to me*. I put up the cute "The Librarian is Busy Helping Somebody Else!"sign and went to his computer, but seriously. I wasn't there, I have no idea why his computer shut down. I return to the reference desk to find...
(4) "You're very pretty." I look up to see a strange guy winking at me. Oh boy. Please don't linger, please don't linger... Oh good, young student approaching...
(5) "I need a book on how to pick locks." Oh boy. I didn't ask questions. I mean, isn't there some kind of librarian honor code like a priest in confession? I certainly won't reveal his identity, and it isn't for me to judge why he needs a manual on how to pick locks. I referred him to the public library. They have all sorts of interesting reference manuals there...
Ah, the life of the modern reference librarian. It isn't usually this interesting.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
The summer begins to sizzle, but hanging in there
After an unseasonably mild winter *glares* and then chillier spring (which I loved) the temperatures and humidity have finally begun to climb up here. Now, I'm not complaining, because it's already past mid-June and we just felt compelled to put the a/c units in the bedroom windows this week. That's not bad at all. Sometimes, it starts to get really warm in late May, which is just too early for me.
So I'm officially not complaining, although I do wish that the heat had waited until after Saturday so that I wouldn't have felt like I may melt at any moment during the hafla on Saturday. But I digress.
We can't put a traditional window a/c unit in Anne's room because she doesn't have standard sized windows, so our solution was to set up her Pack 'n Play (whereby each of my babies have only slept; there is no playing in there, they'd apparently rather DIE than play in captivity) in our guest room where we do have a window a/c unit. I was anxious about her throwing a protest rally and refusing to fall asleep in a new place, but this was our only option. We do have a fan in her room, but on really warm nights it's simply still uncomfortable.
Last night was the test night, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that she did really, really well in her temporary sleep space. She did howl when I first put her down, but she had her little duck lovey in there, plus her nightlight, so some familiar things. Within a minute, she realized that maybe howling wasn't the best course of action given that she was: (a) utterly exhausted, plus (b) a complete sweat head, when (c) this room was really cool and cozy. So she laid down and went to sleep. Thank the Lord above.
Yesterday was our warmest day so far this year, and naturally, that coincided with me having another belly dance performance. Our performance group was invited to dance at a voice studio show, and the venue was about a 30-40 minute drive for me. In a recurring theme for my summer existence, my car does not have functioning air conditioning. Thus, the drive down involved lots of sweating while Middle Eastern music blared out the open windows of my little Honda Civic. Upon arriving, I sweatily carried in 2 costumes, 2 veils, my dance shoes, an assortment of pins and makeup, and my sword. Tis the lot of the modern belly dancer.
The instant the lady at the ticket table saw sequins and beads peeking out from my garment bag and a sheathed sword in my hand, she pointed down the hall where I could see my wonderful dance ladies huddled in a circle. We were directed to a storagey-looking "dressing room" off the backstage area, but told to post somebody at the door so that no one tried to come in while we were changing.
!
It goes without saying that we all changed as quickly as humanly possible. I hardly think the high school voice students were dying to peep on us or anything, but the possibility of an unexpected interruption in that situation seems awkward, no?
All costumed up, we swirled our veils a bit, applied makeup, and waited.
And waited.
We were scheduled to dance at intermission, and unfortunately no one had told us that the first half of the show was a LOT longer than the second half. So we were waiting for a *really long time*. We'd crack open the door to hear various Celine Dion songs being belted out to quickly close it again and chit chat some more. Students frequently did happen upon us in there as they came in search of a music stand or a guitar, and seemed pretty surprised to see a group of women wearing sparkly green costumes lurking inside.
We continued to wait.
In the mean time, we began to have the opposite problem that we have been experiencing: cold air was absolutely *pumping* through the vents in there, and since we we merely standing around, we were freezing our sparkly buns off in no time. We were just contemplating sacrificing a few veils to begin a little bonfire when it was finally our turn.
I don't get nervous for group performances anymore, which is a nice thing. It was intermission, so I was afraid the auditorium would empty out, leaving us belly dancing for empty seats, but a LOT of people stayed, squinting their eyes at us in wonder. On the whole, they seemed to like us. Lots of people took pictures and videos, we were apparently a bit of a novelty.
Once again, I loved our improvised section much more than the choreography. Even though our first dance is a polished one that we've done many times, in my auto-pilot mode I came back down to earth a few times to find that I was screwing up. I just kept moving my hips, smiling, and caught up to what we were supposed to be doing, but it all reinforced my new belief in improvisation. Much more relaxed that way.
So, that was that. My ride home was much cooler, and I was thrilled to greet a cute husband and 2 sleeping children. Life is good.
So I'm officially not complaining, although I do wish that the heat had waited until after Saturday so that I wouldn't have felt like I may melt at any moment during the hafla on Saturday. But I digress.
We can't put a traditional window a/c unit in Anne's room because she doesn't have standard sized windows, so our solution was to set up her Pack 'n Play (whereby each of my babies have only slept; there is no playing in there, they'd apparently rather DIE than play in captivity) in our guest room where we do have a window a/c unit. I was anxious about her throwing a protest rally and refusing to fall asleep in a new place, but this was our only option. We do have a fan in her room, but on really warm nights it's simply still uncomfortable.
Last night was the test night, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that she did really, really well in her temporary sleep space. She did howl when I first put her down, but she had her little duck lovey in there, plus her nightlight, so some familiar things. Within a minute, she realized that maybe howling wasn't the best course of action given that she was: (a) utterly exhausted, plus (b) a complete sweat head, when (c) this room was really cool and cozy. So she laid down and went to sleep. Thank the Lord above.
Yesterday was our warmest day so far this year, and naturally, that coincided with me having another belly dance performance. Our performance group was invited to dance at a voice studio show, and the venue was about a 30-40 minute drive for me. In a recurring theme for my summer existence, my car does not have functioning air conditioning. Thus, the drive down involved lots of sweating while Middle Eastern music blared out the open windows of my little Honda Civic. Upon arriving, I sweatily carried in 2 costumes, 2 veils, my dance shoes, an assortment of pins and makeup, and my sword. Tis the lot of the modern belly dancer.
The instant the lady at the ticket table saw sequins and beads peeking out from my garment bag and a sheathed sword in my hand, she pointed down the hall where I could see my wonderful dance ladies huddled in a circle. We were directed to a storagey-looking "dressing room" off the backstage area, but told to post somebody at the door so that no one tried to come in while we were changing.
!
It goes without saying that we all changed as quickly as humanly possible. I hardly think the high school voice students were dying to peep on us or anything, but the possibility of an unexpected interruption in that situation seems awkward, no?
All costumed up, we swirled our veils a bit, applied makeup, and waited.
And waited.
We were scheduled to dance at intermission, and unfortunately no one had told us that the first half of the show was a LOT longer than the second half. So we were waiting for a *really long time*. We'd crack open the door to hear various Celine Dion songs being belted out to quickly close it again and chit chat some more. Students frequently did happen upon us in there as they came in search of a music stand or a guitar, and seemed pretty surprised to see a group of women wearing sparkly green costumes lurking inside.
We continued to wait.
In the mean time, we began to have the opposite problem that we have been experiencing: cold air was absolutely *pumping* through the vents in there, and since we we merely standing around, we were freezing our sparkly buns off in no time. We were just contemplating sacrificing a few veils to begin a little bonfire when it was finally our turn.
I don't get nervous for group performances anymore, which is a nice thing. It was intermission, so I was afraid the auditorium would empty out, leaving us belly dancing for empty seats, but a LOT of people stayed, squinting their eyes at us in wonder. On the whole, they seemed to like us. Lots of people took pictures and videos, we were apparently a bit of a novelty.
Once again, I loved our improvised section much more than the choreography. Even though our first dance is a polished one that we've done many times, in my auto-pilot mode I came back down to earth a few times to find that I was screwing up. I just kept moving my hips, smiling, and caught up to what we were supposed to be doing, but it all reinforced my new belief in improvisation. Much more relaxed that way.
So, that was that. My ride home was much cooler, and I was thrilled to greet a cute husband and 2 sleeping children. Life is good.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Henry starts soccer
Henry's last day of school is tomorrow, and Mike (my superhero) will then have both children home with him full time for the summer. He's not teaching again until the fall.
Thus, we were on the lookout for a few activities to keep Henry's interest engaged. He's not the easiest child to keep entertained. He could go non-stop at an amusement park for an entire day, get home, and announce:
"What are we doing next? I'm bored."
So, we signed him up for soccer, figuring it would be something fun for him, and a way for him to burn off some energy once per week. Last night was his first session, and I had to stay home to put Anne to bed. He arrives back home just as I'm finishing up watching my second episode of Sister Wives on demand:
"Hi Honey! How was soccer?"
I notice right off that he's wearing a new jersey sponsored by a local coffee shop chain, and he looks adorable.
"It was great, Mommy. We played sharks and minnows."
"Oh. Were you a shark or a minnow?"
*blond eyebrows furrow*
"I was both, Mommy."
Clearly, I know nothing about soccer practice.
"Oh, ok. Well, did you really like it?"
"I did. There were older boys there, and they were playing a REAL GAME."
*eyes wide*
He's very cute. And he made me very happy the other day by inquiring whether or not he was staying at his Catholic school for second grade (he is) and announcing that he was very happy about it. He received an award at the final assembly for "Most Improved Student." It was a bit of a tough adjustment for him at first, but I'm so, so happy that he seems very happily ensconced there now.
We just have to get through the summer...
Thus, we were on the lookout for a few activities to keep Henry's interest engaged. He's not the easiest child to keep entertained. He could go non-stop at an amusement park for an entire day, get home, and announce:
"What are we doing next? I'm bored."
So, we signed him up for soccer, figuring it would be something fun for him, and a way for him to burn off some energy once per week. Last night was his first session, and I had to stay home to put Anne to bed. He arrives back home just as I'm finishing up watching my second episode of Sister Wives on demand:
"Hi Honey! How was soccer?"
I notice right off that he's wearing a new jersey sponsored by a local coffee shop chain, and he looks adorable.
"It was great, Mommy. We played sharks and minnows."
"Oh. Were you a shark or a minnow?"
*blond eyebrows furrow*
"I was both, Mommy."
Clearly, I know nothing about soccer practice.
"Oh, ok. Well, did you really like it?"
"I did. There were older boys there, and they were playing a REAL GAME."
*eyes wide*
He's very cute. And he made me very happy the other day by inquiring whether or not he was staying at his Catholic school for second grade (he is) and announcing that he was very happy about it. He received an award at the final assembly for "Most Improved Student." It was a bit of a tough adjustment for him at first, but I'm so, so happy that he seems very happily ensconced there now.
We just have to get through the summer...
Monday, June 18, 2012
I'm still alive
Got through my big dancing night, and I didn't brain anybody with my cane. I call that a successful belly dancing night with props.
It was a really great night. I was nervous (I know I didn't smile during the sword number, because my cheeks would start to quiver, so I figured looking stoic was better than looking stupid) but really, it went great. The sword number was first, so I got a big more relaxed after that. I would have preferred to have led off with the cane, since I was most nervous about that one, but alas.
So anyway, before our sword number we all had a small glass of a chilled wine called Relax Riesling, so it seemed pretty appropriate, no? So, we drank and belly danced, yes. But it was about more than loosening up a bit; it was HOT on Saturday, and although the studio is air conditioned, it's small and had a good number of people smushed into it. Plus, the changing area is NOT air conditioned, so we were all quite hot. This made looking fresh and cute a bit of a challenge but we persevered.
So, without further ado, the first nerve wracking moments of getting the sword balanced on my head:
And then, happiness when it actually stays and I'm successfully dancing:
Then came the cane number, which went as well as it could have. That one still feels a bit "off" to me, like we haven't fully gelled with it as a group, but it went pretty well. And like I said, no glass was broken nor a call to 911 made.
Then came the solos. By this point, we were all SWEATY. It was HOT. It made changing costumes a bit harrowing, and then I *really* worried about looking all gross. But I had limited options so I just patted myself off and hoped for the best.
I was anxious about that "uh oh, can't get out of this now" feeling that I usually get when I dance solo right before my music starts, and this time, I have to say it didn't happen. It just couldn't have gone better. Am I the next Fifi Abdou? Well, no. But I felt great about my solo, and it just flowed. I didn't worry about "what should I do next?!" with the improvisation or have any awkward pauses. I just danced. And it felt fluid and wonderful. I felt happy.
That's my favorite of the photos. It captures my happiness and feeling of everything being right with the world. Unfortunately, there are 2 very bored looking guys right behind me in just about every shot, but in fairness, they are in other photos when other people are dancing and they look bored then too. I don't fathom how belly dancing can bore a person, but I'm not offended. Maybe that's just the way their face looks all the time? We'll go with that one.
All in all, I felt "on." My timing was good, my hips were snappy, and I felt like I was just dancing and interpreting the fun music rather than "this is the choreography I made, and I know I look a bit stiff duplicating it here" like I usually do. I would *definitely* improvise again, and plan that for my future solos. I felt so much more relaxed and good about everything. Aside from the Bored Guys, the crowd was extremely enthusiastic and interactive. It was a great feeling. It reaffirmed why I love belly dancing so much, and why it has come to mean so much to my creative identity.
Afterward, I was a sweaty mess, but at least the photos still turned out ok. :) It was worth it. It was a great dancing night, and I treasure the memory.
It was a really great night. I was nervous (I know I didn't smile during the sword number, because my cheeks would start to quiver, so I figured looking stoic was better than looking stupid) but really, it went great. The sword number was first, so I got a big more relaxed after that. I would have preferred to have led off with the cane, since I was most nervous about that one, but alas.
So anyway, before our sword number we all had a small glass of a chilled wine called Relax Riesling, so it seemed pretty appropriate, no? So, we drank and belly danced, yes. But it was about more than loosening up a bit; it was HOT on Saturday, and although the studio is air conditioned, it's small and had a good number of people smushed into it. Plus, the changing area is NOT air conditioned, so we were all quite hot. This made looking fresh and cute a bit of a challenge but we persevered.
So, without further ado, the first nerve wracking moments of getting the sword balanced on my head:
Then came the solos. By this point, we were all SWEATY. It was HOT. It made changing costumes a bit harrowing, and then I *really* worried about looking all gross. But I had limited options so I just patted myself off and hoped for the best.
I was anxious about that "uh oh, can't get out of this now" feeling that I usually get when I dance solo right before my music starts, and this time, I have to say it didn't happen. It just couldn't have gone better. Am I the next Fifi Abdou? Well, no. But I felt great about my solo, and it just flowed. I didn't worry about "what should I do next?!" with the improvisation or have any awkward pauses. I just danced. And it felt fluid and wonderful. I felt happy.
All in all, I felt "on." My timing was good, my hips were snappy, and I felt like I was just dancing and interpreting the fun music rather than "this is the choreography I made, and I know I look a bit stiff duplicating it here" like I usually do. I would *definitely* improvise again, and plan that for my future solos. I felt so much more relaxed and good about everything. Aside from the Bored Guys, the crowd was extremely enthusiastic and interactive. It was a great feeling. It reaffirmed why I love belly dancing so much, and why it has come to mean so much to my creative identity.
Afterward, I was a sweaty mess, but at least the photos still turned out ok. :) It was worth it. It was a great dancing night, and I treasure the memory.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Big night tomorrow
Well, I'm as ready as I can be. My sword is all polished, my veil hanging in the bathroom to steam out the wrinkles. My costumes are all checked and ready, any sewing alterations long since done. I have new dance "shoes" that I love. They are these. They are called "underwear for your feet", how precious is that? I prefer to dance barefoot, but then I can't spin because I have too much traction. I usually wear half soles but lately I don't like them as much. They gap funny on my foot after a time and for performance I think they're too visible and distracting. These new ones you can barely see. They just go over your toes and have pads on the balls of your feet so that you can turn. Perfect.
Anyway, I've practiced and I'm ready. I'm hoping for all the things every belly dancer hopes for before a show:
No costume malfunctions.
No salacious comments or leering looks from audience members.
That I don't stab anybody or poke their eye out with my props.
That I don't drag my veil through somebody's glass of wine or worse, their appetizer that is inevitably a dip of some kind. Hummus? Baba ghanoush? The possibilities are endless.
That in the moment, I remember how to dance.
That I look like I'm having a great time, rather than like I'm in pain.
If we can accomplish the above, the night will be a resounding success.
One way or another, you'll find out on Monday. Because I'm going to tell you. Plus I'll probably post pictures, assuming I like them. No action shots of me panicking as my sword falls to the floor.
I AM looking forward to it. In my mid-thirties (don't laugh, 37 is still MID; no, I am not defensive) I truly feel like I have *arrived*. I'm happy. Life is good.
Anyway, I've practiced and I'm ready. I'm hoping for all the things every belly dancer hopes for before a show:
No costume malfunctions.
No salacious comments or leering looks from audience members.
That I don't stab anybody or poke their eye out with my props.
That I don't drag my veil through somebody's glass of wine or worse, their appetizer that is inevitably a dip of some kind. Hummus? Baba ghanoush? The possibilities are endless.
That in the moment, I remember how to dance.
That I look like I'm having a great time, rather than like I'm in pain.
If we can accomplish the above, the night will be a resounding success.
One way or another, you'll find out on Monday. Because I'm going to tell you. Plus I'll probably post pictures, assuming I like them. No action shots of me panicking as my sword falls to the floor.
I AM looking forward to it. In my mid-thirties (don't laugh, 37 is still MID; no, I am not defensive) I truly feel like I have *arrived*. I'm happy. Life is good.
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