A couple years ago, there was a house in our neighborhood that was for sale.
They had planned to move about 50 miles north and had put money down on a house that was being built. But after a few months they decided to take their home up the street off the market.
Last fall, the husband got a new job. In the midwest. He accepted the job. His wife and her son decided to stay in the house to finish out the school year. They put the house up for sale again in March this year. After the son finished the school year, they moved to the midwest to be reunited as a family. And the house? It sits empty with a "For Sale" sign in front.
Empty and for sale.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Oops, I did it again
Guess who was in a bathing suit again?
Yes. Me!
Two days in a row? Unheard of. But it happened anyway.
Yesterday, the kids and I went to watch Ice Age 3 in 3-D.
As we talked before the movie and munched on popcorn.
We only were able to chat for a little bit before the movie started. We also ended up chatting for a little bit longer.
I ended up just catching up with NATS and finding out what's been going on with his family and all our neighbors. Remember that NATS knows almost everything about what's going on in the neighborhood. This is kind of why I don't like to reveal anything about us to him. Because I know he'll blab to everyone else. He's just that way.
The kids had a great time swimming and that's all that matters.
Yes. Me!
Two days in a row? Unheard of. But it happened anyway.
Yesterday, the kids and I went to watch Ice Age 3 in 3-D.
As we talked before the movie and munched on popcorn.
Hey! Look who's here kids!I turned when I heard that phrase and saw....my neighbor-across-the-street (NATS) and his two kids.
We only were able to chat for a little bit before the movie started. We also ended up chatting for a little bit longer.
NATS: What are you guys up to now?So I again put on a bathing suit. No. Not so that I could swim. So I could monitor the kids just in case they needed me. I wasn't sure how deep NATS pool was. Turns out I didn't have to take off my shorts and tank top because their pool had a large 3-foot area. Whew!
Me: We're just headed home. Clean up a little. Figure out dinner.
NATS: Why don't you guys come over and swim for a little bit. We're headed to the library, but I'll call you when we get home so you can come by.
Me: Okay....
I ended up just catching up with NATS and finding out what's been going on with his family and all our neighbors. Remember that NATS knows almost everything about what's going on in the neighborhood. This is kind of why I don't like to reveal anything about us to him. Because I know he'll blab to everyone else. He's just that way.
The kids had a great time swimming and that's all that matters.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Laughing at other people
Wednesday has turned into a family night of laughter.
Why?
We all settle down onto the couch together and watch Wipeout.
We end up laughing up a storm!
It's too funny.
The antics of the competitors.
The types of races they create for the competitors.
We laugh. And laugh. And laugh.
A nice family hour of tv.
Is there a particular show that your family gets together and watches?
Why?
We all settle down onto the couch together and watch Wipeout.
We end up laughing up a storm!
It's too funny.
The antics of the competitors.
The types of races they create for the competitors.
We laugh. And laugh. And laugh.
A nice family hour of tv.
Is there a particular show that your family gets together and watches?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Impromptu outing
Around 9am yesterday I decided to take the kids to a water park.
Yes. A. Water. Park.
Meaning I would have to adorn myself in a bathing suit out in public.
[gasp]
The Princess ventured out of her room around 9am. When she came down and was making her breakfast. I went into the master bedroom and got myself ready for the day. Washed up. Changed into my favorite bathing suit. A tankini from Lands End. Keeps me all pulled in and my tummy covered. As soon as I was ready for the day, I walked out into the family room with beach towels in one hand and their bathing suits in the other.
I'd never been to the water park, so I was flying blind. I didn't know where anything was situated. What I did know? That since I was the only parent...that I was going to have to lock up valuables in the lockers. I'd have to be in the water with them. I'd have to do the slides and stuff with them. And that I would NOT be able to take any photos. ARGH!
But needless to say. The kids had a great time. The place wasn't too crowded so I didn't lose my sanity. We stayed about 3 hours. Luckily I timed it so that we didn't have to buy any food there. We ate a late lunch once we got home. And when we left? It was about 104* outside. Eek! And we are all bushed when we got home. That's what sun, water, and heat will do.
What's crazy is that tonight after dinner a storm blew through. And we had a torrential downpour. Enough to knock out our power for about a half hour. Can you believe it? That's what happens during monsoon season!
Yes. A. Water. Park.
Meaning I would have to adorn myself in a bathing suit out in public.
[gasp]
The Princess ventured out of her room around 9am. When she came down and was making her breakfast. I went into the master bedroom and got myself ready for the day. Washed up. Changed into my favorite bathing suit. A tankini from Lands End. Keeps me all pulled in and my tummy covered. As soon as I was ready for the day, I walked out into the family room with beach towels in one hand and their bathing suits in the other.
Me: Okay. Everyone ready to get ready for the day?Oh my good gracious. You should have seen how quickly the kids moved. Like lightening. No dragging of their feet whatsoever. Go figure, eh?
Princess: What? Where are we going? [she was in mid-bite]
Me: The water park.
I'd never been to the water park, so I was flying blind. I didn't know where anything was situated. What I did know? That since I was the only parent...that I was going to have to lock up valuables in the lockers. I'd have to be in the water with them. I'd have to do the slides and stuff with them. And that I would NOT be able to take any photos. ARGH!
But needless to say. The kids had a great time. The place wasn't too crowded so I didn't lose my sanity. We stayed about 3 hours. Luckily I timed it so that we didn't have to buy any food there. We ate a late lunch once we got home. And when we left? It was about 104* outside. Eek! And we are all bushed when we got home. That's what sun, water, and heat will do.
What's crazy is that tonight after dinner a storm blew through. And we had a torrential downpour. Enough to knock out our power for about a half hour. Can you believe it? That's what happens during monsoon season!
Ready to get back into politics?
I found out that a historic race may take place in a few months.
Apparently, the current mayor of Boston is going to run for re-election. I guess the mayor has been in office for 16 years and wants to put another 4 years under his belt. Now I don't live in Boston, but don't you think that 16 years is enough time for one person to run a city?
Someone recently announced his candidacy into the race against the long-standing mayor. A young City Council member named Sam Yoon has decided to step up so that change can happen in Boston. He graduated from Princeton but rather than go for the big bucks he decided to take a teaching position in the public schools. He's also worked in non-profit and other community organizations over the last decade. He's a married man with two young kids who is active in his church and has a fire inside him to make positive changes within Boston.
Check out these articles to read more about Sam Yoon.
Look to see who has endorsed Sam:
Apparently, the current mayor of Boston is going to run for re-election. I guess the mayor has been in office for 16 years and wants to put another 4 years under his belt. Now I don't live in Boston, but don't you think that 16 years is enough time for one person to run a city?
Someone recently announced his candidacy into the race against the long-standing mayor. A young City Council member named Sam Yoon has decided to step up so that change can happen in Boston. He graduated from Princeton but rather than go for the big bucks he decided to take a teaching position in the public schools. He's also worked in non-profit and other community organizations over the last decade. He's a married man with two young kids who is active in his church and has a fire inside him to make positive changes within Boston.
Check out these articles to read more about Sam Yoon.
Look to see who has endorsed Sam:
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Slowly back in the saddle again
Oh yeah...we've been back safe and sound since Sunday.
But me?
It's always hard for me to get back to writing after I've been away.
I can't believe how some of you all are able to get back online right when you come home.
I just have a hard time getting back into it.
I guess I primarily end up catching up on work and then get burned out on being online.
But we're back.
Hopefully I'll get something online today.
But me?
It's always hard for me to get back to writing after I've been away.
I can't believe how some of you all are able to get back online right when you come home.
I just have a hard time getting back into it.
I guess I primarily end up catching up on work and then get burned out on being online.
But we're back.
Hopefully I'll get something online today.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Another busy summer day [updated @ 10am]
Today is going to be a busy day for me.
Had to get the kids up early so that we can make it to their late 6-month dental check-up. They were supposed to be seen in April but (whoops!) it slipped my mind. Little did I know that the Bear would sleep into 7:30am and Princess would turn into a crawl out of bed at 9am this summer. I had to wake them bright and early at 7am, so we could leave at 8am and make the 8:30am and 9am appointments.
At 11am the kids have their last swim lesson of the session. Thankfully it looks cloudy outside so I'm hoping it won't be sweltering. The place has a bit of shade but dang it's still doggone hot outside.
Then I've still got to finish packing. We're going on an impromptu trip out to see my family (yet again!). We want to get out there since LilSis and Shorty had their little girl. The Hubs decided he'd leave work early today so that we could head out this afternoon. For those of you who've been reading a while, you know that the Hubs can drive at night. Me? Not so much. It's this business of wearing gas-permeable lenses -- my eyes get mighty tired at night. Scratchy. Dry. Just plain irritated when I wear them too long.
Like I said, I still have to pack. I've already gathered the kids clothes. I have to grab their toothbrushes and soap. I haven't packed even one bit for myself. Go figure? But I've got clothes in the drier right now that I want to wear. [sigh] I've also got to fit in a trip to the gas station to fill up.
But that's how it goes when it's the 4th of July weekend, eh?
What are YOU doing this holiday weekend?
------------ updated @ 10am ------------
We're back home!
Took both kids to the dentist for their cleaning.
They came back with sparkling clean teeth. No cavities! The Bear had a little plaque on 2 of his new teeth. We've gotta make sure to get behind those front teeth. The Bear got his first panoramic x-ray. It was too funny watching him take direction from the dental assistant. He was so distracted by the equipment!
Unfortunately, the Bear had another meltdown during his cleaning. He cried. He coughed. He ended up with two little lakes in his ears. Yes. He had SO many tears that the tears pooled up in his ears. I think the issue was that he was trying to breath out of his mouth while the gal was cleaning his teeth. BREATH. THROUGH. YOUR. NOSE. KID. Oy! I ended up holding his little hands while he tossled his feet nervously. Poor kid. I think the process makes him so nervous inside. But I must say that this cleaning was better than the last. I'm hoping that the January appointment will go even better. [crossing fingers]
I finished about 95% of the packing. I still have to throw in all our toiletries. Haven't done it yet since I'll probably end up showering again after swim lessons. You know? Sweaty? I'm planning on having the kids shower after swim lessons as well, so they'll still need to use their toothbrushes and hairbrushes. But I've got a bunch done. Still have many tasks to do though. ARGH!
Had to get the kids up early so that we can make it to their late 6-month dental check-up. They were supposed to be seen in April but (whoops!) it slipped my mind. Little did I know that the Bear would sleep into 7:30am and Princess would turn into a crawl out of bed at 9am this summer. I had to wake them bright and early at 7am, so we could leave at 8am and make the 8:30am and 9am appointments.
At 11am the kids have their last swim lesson of the session. Thankfully it looks cloudy outside so I'm hoping it won't be sweltering. The place has a bit of shade but dang it's still doggone hot outside.
Then I've still got to finish packing. We're going on an impromptu trip out to see my family (yet again!). We want to get out there since LilSis and Shorty had their little girl. The Hubs decided he'd leave work early today so that we could head out this afternoon. For those of you who've been reading a while, you know that the Hubs can drive at night. Me? Not so much. It's this business of wearing gas-permeable lenses -- my eyes get mighty tired at night. Scratchy. Dry. Just plain irritated when I wear them too long.
Like I said, I still have to pack. I've already gathered the kids clothes. I have to grab their toothbrushes and soap. I haven't packed even one bit for myself. Go figure? But I've got clothes in the drier right now that I want to wear. [sigh] I've also got to fit in a trip to the gas station to fill up.
But that's how it goes when it's the 4th of July weekend, eh?
What are YOU doing this holiday weekend?
------------ updated @ 10am ------------
We're back home!
Took both kids to the dentist for their cleaning.
They came back with sparkling clean teeth. No cavities! The Bear had a little plaque on 2 of his new teeth. We've gotta make sure to get behind those front teeth. The Bear got his first panoramic x-ray. It was too funny watching him take direction from the dental assistant. He was so distracted by the equipment!
Unfortunately, the Bear had another meltdown during his cleaning. He cried. He coughed. He ended up with two little lakes in his ears. Yes. He had SO many tears that the tears pooled up in his ears. I think the issue was that he was trying to breath out of his mouth while the gal was cleaning his teeth. BREATH. THROUGH. YOUR. NOSE. KID. Oy! I ended up holding his little hands while he tossled his feet nervously. Poor kid. I think the process makes him so nervous inside. But I must say that this cleaning was better than the last. I'm hoping that the January appointment will go even better. [crossing fingers]
I finished about 95% of the packing. I still have to throw in all our toiletries. Haven't done it yet since I'll probably end up showering again after swim lessons. You know? Sweaty? I'm planning on having the kids shower after swim lessons as well, so they'll still need to use their toothbrushes and hairbrushes. But I've got a bunch done. Still have many tasks to do though. ARGH!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Do you remember GS camp?
No. I know you guys out there don't remember Girl Scout camp, but how about Boy Scout camp?
Did you have a good time?
The Princess and the rest of the troop had a good time.
What cracks me up was the "cabin" that they all slept in. Rough description I'd say.
It's got a roof with wood walls. And that's chicken wire that's covering up the openings that they lovingly called windows. The curtains are on the inside so that they could block out light/noise when they slept. Definitely an "open air" cabin. They put their sleeping bags on top of metals beds with thin mattresses. But the sleeping wasn't what it was all about. It was about having a good time with the girls.
They did arts and crafts.
They went on a hike. A 3-mile hike. Yes! They walked 1.5 miles out. Had lunch. And then walked 1.5 miles back.
The last night they had a luau.
The Princess came home super-stinky. Since it was only a 2-night camp they did not take showers. You heard that right folks. No showers. Needless to say that I washed the Princess' clothes in HOT when we unloaded her backpack.
It's outings like this away from us that make me realize that the Princess is growing up. Soon enough she'll be going on one of those 5 day school trips. Y'all remember 6th Grade Camp? Or is that just a California thing? Or maybe you did a Washington D.C. trip in junior high/middle school? Yes. Trips away from home and family. Definitely a milestone.
Did you have a good time?
The Princess and the rest of the troop had a good time.
What cracks me up was the "cabin" that they all slept in. Rough description I'd say.
It's got a roof with wood walls. And that's chicken wire that's covering up the openings that they lovingly called windows. The curtains are on the inside so that they could block out light/noise when they slept. Definitely an "open air" cabin. They put their sleeping bags on top of metals beds with thin mattresses. But the sleeping wasn't what it was all about. It was about having a good time with the girls.
They did arts and crafts.
They went on a hike. A 3-mile hike. Yes! They walked 1.5 miles out. Had lunch. And then walked 1.5 miles back.
The last night they had a luau.
The Princess came home super-stinky. Since it was only a 2-night camp they did not take showers. You heard that right folks. No showers. Needless to say that I washed the Princess' clothes in HOT when we unloaded her backpack.
It's outings like this away from us that make me realize that the Princess is growing up. Soon enough she'll be going on one of those 5 day school trips. Y'all remember 6th Grade Camp? Or is that just a California thing? Or maybe you did a Washington D.C. trip in junior high/middle school? Yes. Trips away from home and family. Definitely a milestone.
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