Music has played an integral part in my life. I can't think of anyone who hasn't been affected by a song even if they prefer quiet. This morning as a shot of self-care, I set up the Bluetooth speaker and listened to my Amazon playlist while I showered. What a difference that made!
The little person of the house, aka The Governor, already has her own taste in tunes. She also does not like it when I sing and definitely does not like it when I dance. She has been told but doesn't understand when I was in college, friends and I would go to the Varsity every Thursday night and dance on the front of the stage for hours. I think it was called "Retro Night", so of course I dressed in-theme wearing seventies and vintage clothes.
Some songs that have really stuck with me over time and why:
Ingrid Michaelson's "Afterlife" is so appropriate for the current events right now. I know I discovered her post-college, but I can't remember exactly how or where.
Eliza and the Delusionals is a newly discovered band. The singer is young, but that girl's got some lungs! This would have totally been one of my theme songs when I was dating in my twenties and early thirties - "Just Exist".
Katy Perry's "Wide Awake" is a video and a song that I can watch and listen to over and over to this day. There are definitely two relationships that this is the theme song for. While every part of life makes us who we are today, I also hope that my daughter is not as naive as I was when she dates. That quote about doing the same thing over and over expecting different results means your insane is very true. Giving up your entire lifestyle for another person or trying to change who you are (as cliche' as that is) is also a horrible idea and should never happen. Stay strong. No one is worth all that.
"Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap is one of my favorites because it makes me dance, but also because I remember it almost as a signifier that I was in love with my now-husband. It came on one day when we were getting ready for a date and it was maybe the first time in years that I danced as my true skilless self and didn't care what I looked like. For whatever reason, I got very self-conscious about dancing in front of other people in my mid to late twenties, so I was very freeing to feel that safe again.
The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" is an older favorite of mine. I think I was introduced to them at the beginning of high school. A track teammate of mine introduced me to a lot of "alternative" music. He was actually my first date, but I ended it early because I was bored. He was always really snarky with me after that, which I guess was his defense mechanism but he was still someone I interacted with regularly because of track and cross country meets. Bands like Psychadelic Furs, Pearl Jam, Dinosaur Jr. and Alice in Chains were some of the other bands I learned about from him. Either sophomore or junior year of high school, I went to homecoming without a date and my friend Rachel and I danced to "Just Like Heaven" without abandon in the gym. It was another one of those incredibly freeing moments.
What musicians have influenced you over the years? Is there a song that makes you want to get up and dance, stirs up deep emotions, or always brings a smile to your face? If you're a parent, what do you think of the songs your offspring listen to? I will say that our parents did not listen to the lyrics of some of what we listened to growing up - there's no way! So many lyrics are obviously about drugs or sex, but I don't remember being censored. Anyway, jam on!
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Life School
Each day of the "new normal" is getting better. Today is especially improved because my hubby is home from work, too. Single parenting is hard, even when you're technically not a single parent - they're just at work for the day.
I've discovered that I really don't know my way around the kitchen. Baking has long been my jam but I never wanted to learn how to cook. My mom offered several times to teach me growing up, but I always had something else I wanted to be doing. Since I'm working from home now I figure that I should be fixing the meals so the hubby gets a break after he's been working in a hot warehouse all day. He's always in a warehouse and I'm always in the air conditioning, but my brain says that since I'm home and he's not, I should be the cook. Silver lining: I'm expanding my skill set and learning more recipes.
I have also gained respect for the amount of time he spends washing dishes. We have a galley kitchen and it is very small. There is hardly any counter space so prepping anything, even a sandwich, is cramped. More than one person in there at a time can cause claustrophobia or at least, an elbow to a hanging pot or the dishrack, if not the other person in there with you. The single basin sink fills with dirty dishes quickly and while the dishwasher gets run just about every other night, there is still a lot of handwashing that needs to happen so the most often used pots are available for cooking dinner.
Last but not least, I have a better idea of what stay-at-home parents do every day. It is quite different now that our girl is older and can do so much for herself. When she was an infant and I was craving social interaction but didn't want to pack her and all of her stuff up to go out, my perspective was much different. Trying to do chores, decluttering projects, fix meals, work from home, and help her with school assignments, I don't understand how regular stay-at-home parents get anything accomplished. I have yet to practice much self-care, although I am trying to do something small every day.
Other than the lifestyle learning curve and allergies, we are doing pretty well with all of this. I hope you and your peeps are, too!
Saturday, March 14, 2020
COVID 19 Scare
Yeah, I'm just going to start with the obvious. What is happening?? I know the media is really good at scaring us, especially when it comes to weather, but I'm going to be honest, I'm a little concerned about having an autoimmune disease and this new strain of COVID 19. I make a note of saying new strain because the virus has been around forever, just like the rhinovirus (the common cold). Apparently, this strain is new and has no cure which is why it's taking people out. Am I old? No, but I'm not young, and the person who just died in New Orleans from COVID 19 was only 58 years old - only 16 years older than me. There was not a specific cause of "underlying condition" mentioned, but I'm already immunocompromised with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
I've been a working mom for 6 years now. When I was on maternity leave, I quickly realized that I could not be a stay at home mom. The whole, "let me just roll with the punches and do whatever strikes me" thing is a little too unstructured for me, even though I do greatly appreciate the autonomy of my job. I'm sure that's not what an actual SAHM does, but that's how I viewed it at the time. Due to school closing for 4-weeks and having to work remotely from home, we'll also be homeschooling.
There are actual homework assignments due each week. I'm not complaining - I think it's a great idea to keep our kids learning during this time. Not that they aren't always learning, but you know, "school stuff". Also, routine and structure. That may help both of us during the next few weeks. We can still do fun stuff, of course, but also we can also spend true quality time together rather than half paying attention trying to get things done on a school night or cram things into a weekend.
Finally, as scary as this time seems at the moment, I do feel like it is all happening for a reason. The "riff-raff" needs to get cleaned out of the universe. People need to reprioritize and get rid of the clutter. We need to see the true value of things again and be kind to one another. That doesn't mean I'm ready to see a generation die off or put myself or loved ones at risk getting a disease, but I also believe in the greater good a situation. My hope is that we can achieve a better work-life balance and focus on what really matters again.
Cheers to decluttering, self-care, and the coveted balance...and God have mercy on us!
I've been a working mom for 6 years now. When I was on maternity leave, I quickly realized that I could not be a stay at home mom. The whole, "let me just roll with the punches and do whatever strikes me" thing is a little too unstructured for me, even though I do greatly appreciate the autonomy of my job. I'm sure that's not what an actual SAHM does, but that's how I viewed it at the time. Due to school closing for 4-weeks and having to work remotely from home, we'll also be homeschooling.
There are actual homework assignments due each week. I'm not complaining - I think it's a great idea to keep our kids learning during this time. Not that they aren't always learning, but you know, "school stuff". Also, routine and structure. That may help both of us during the next few weeks. We can still do fun stuff, of course, but also we can also spend true quality time together rather than half paying attention trying to get things done on a school night or cram things into a weekend.
Finally, as scary as this time seems at the moment, I do feel like it is all happening for a reason. The "riff-raff" needs to get cleaned out of the universe. People need to reprioritize and get rid of the clutter. We need to see the true value of things again and be kind to one another. That doesn't mean I'm ready to see a generation die off or put myself or loved ones at risk getting a disease, but I also believe in the greater good a situation. My hope is that we can achieve a better work-life balance and focus on what really matters again.
Cheers to decluttering, self-care, and the coveted balance...and God have mercy on us!
Sunday, September 8, 2019
First Disney Trip: Disney for the non-Disney lover
There are the diehard Disney types who can go over and over again and get just as excited as a kid going for the first time, and then there are the, “What is the big deal?” types who have been a couple times and don’t have it on their top 10 places to go back to. I was definitely in the second camp. I’m sure you noticed that I said, “I was”. Here’s what happened.
My parents took my brother and me when we were kids – he was 5 and I was 10. Our grandparents had been and brought us stuff back and we liked our presents. I had seen all of the princess movies that were out at the time, and owned some Lisa Frank Disney binders for school and some Disney Store things from Lakeside Mall. That was the extent of it save the senior trip Mandeville High students got to go on, which was a whirlwind tour of three parks in a weekend. At the time is was Blizzard Beach one afternoon, Magic Kingdom afterhours for Grad Night, Epcot and MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios).
Each time I’d been to Disney, we traveled by car. I do love a road trip as an adult if we can sightsee along the way or if it’s a short drive, but I generally prefer to fly places if it’s affordable. Well, my sister-in-law is from Florida and she grew up going to Disney on the regular. Her love of the parks really became apparent to us when she and my brother started having kids. Honestly, my parents, I and my husband wondered what the deal was. We know it’s not a cheap vacation, and we just didn’t understand the allure – kids or not. They have been annual pass holders multiple years and drive there every time. Turns out, my brother is a fan now, too.
Cousins on both sides of the family have been and some of our daughter’s classmates, so even though we weren’t pushing it at home or watching more than “Parent Trap” or “Mary Poppins”, our girl was learning about the current princesses and the classic characters like Mickey and his friends. Sister-in-law started suggesting that our girl go with them on a trip to try it out. We agreed without hesitation, knowing she would be in good hands and that we’d likely not be planning our own trip for a few more years. That idea morphed into, “Hey, do you want to do a girls trip?” and since SIL is a Disney travel agent, we got a nice deal that we thought would be silly to pass up.
The first week of April, we loaded up our three girls – ages 5, 4, and 2 – in the backseat and my SIL and I in the front and headed to the parks! Since I hadn’t been in over twenty years and my daughter had never been before, we considered ourselves first timers and the trip was planned so that we would catch the highlights of each park. Animal Kingdom didn’t exist when I went before and Hollywood Studios was known as MGM Studios. Both Magic Kingdom and Epcot have both gone through some changes in the span of time between my visits as well. Fast passes and possibly meal plans (although I was a kid so maybe I just wasn’t aware they existed) were also new things to me this go round.
The road trip was fun – the girls had the best time singing, coloring, playing games and watching movies. SIL and I got to catch up and have an adult conversation, which rarely happens during holiday dinners. Her navigational skills obviously helped a great deal, and her knowledge of the parks and planning skills in general also played a huge role in this trip being a success. Did the girls get tired of each other? Of course. We all got hot and tired, and mine wanted to live at the hotel pool while the other two were more inclined to shop or meet characters. Overall, though, it really was a nice trip.
Each day we visited a different park. The first day we went to Magic Kingdom and while we were there, they happened to have extra Magic Hours, which helped us do more rides than we normally would have. Turns out, my girl loves rollercoasters! We ended up in the first car for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and it hardly phased her. Every ride we did she wanted to get back in line to do again! Side note: I love New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades, but the artistry and professionalism of the Disney parades is truly magical and very impressive.
The second day we went to Animal Kingdom. It was a good laid back day, which we needed to recuperate from all the walking we’d done in the Magic Kingdom the day and night before. Another side note: it was a nice park, but to me, Audubon Zoo is so well done that it’s hard to top even with the special rides and characters. However, the Mickey and Minnie visit was the best there out of the entire trip. They were so sweet and spent so much time with my girl I nearly cried. Maybe that’s when I started to drink the Kool-Aid.
Our third day was at Hollywood Studios and it was rough. The park itself is fine, but we were so exhausted from the two previous days that we probably could have all benefitted from a day at the hotel by the pool. By the way, we stayed at Pop Century. The cafeteria, the pool, and all of the things to explore and participate in while you’re there can be a vacation in itself. We did enjoy a late lunch at Brown Derby, however, and got moved to the VIP section to meet Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, and BB-8 because my nieces were dressed so cute. We skipped the fireworks show that night, however, because we all just needed a break. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening by the hotel pool and watched the featured movie, “Ralph Breaks the Internet”.
The final day of the trip was spent at Epcot. I’d say it is still my favorite park, and now that I can drink my way around the world (and have a more experienced palate) it’s even better. It rained and lightninged that night, though, so the fireworks show was canceled. The Flower and Garden Show was beautiful, and the Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt was an added bonus for the girls, as was the princess meet and greet in Norway.
Now we’ve made great memories, seen what it’s all like these days, and can go back after saving up for a while. There will be other vacations in between. We still aren’t going to be Disney all the time people, but I can say that I have a much better understanding of my SIL’s love for it, see that an adults-only trip would be a lot of fun, too, and there is certainly a park for everyone. The trick is convincing my husband why it’s worth it. Thankfully, Star Wars and The Muppets will help a lot with that. Also, I could never have planned this trip without the help from my SIL. I don’t know how people go without a planner to be perfectly honest. It’s overwhelming with so many options for everything – from the places to stay, fast passes, meal plans, and getting around and to and from the parks.
My parents took my brother and me when we were kids – he was 5 and I was 10. Our grandparents had been and brought us stuff back and we liked our presents. I had seen all of the princess movies that were out at the time, and owned some Lisa Frank Disney binders for school and some Disney Store things from Lakeside Mall. That was the extent of it save the senior trip Mandeville High students got to go on, which was a whirlwind tour of three parks in a weekend. At the time is was Blizzard Beach one afternoon, Magic Kingdom afterhours for Grad Night, Epcot and MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios).
Each time I’d been to Disney, we traveled by car. I do love a road trip as an adult if we can sightsee along the way or if it’s a short drive, but I generally prefer to fly places if it’s affordable. Well, my sister-in-law is from Florida and she grew up going to Disney on the regular. Her love of the parks really became apparent to us when she and my brother started having kids. Honestly, my parents, I and my husband wondered what the deal was. We know it’s not a cheap vacation, and we just didn’t understand the allure – kids or not. They have been annual pass holders multiple years and drive there every time. Turns out, my brother is a fan now, too.
Cousins on both sides of the family have been and some of our daughter’s classmates, so even though we weren’t pushing it at home or watching more than “Parent Trap” or “Mary Poppins”, our girl was learning about the current princesses and the classic characters like Mickey and his friends. Sister-in-law started suggesting that our girl go with them on a trip to try it out. We agreed without hesitation, knowing she would be in good hands and that we’d likely not be planning our own trip for a few more years. That idea morphed into, “Hey, do you want to do a girls trip?” and since SIL is a Disney travel agent, we got a nice deal that we thought would be silly to pass up.
The first week of April, we loaded up our three girls – ages 5, 4, and 2 – in the backseat and my SIL and I in the front and headed to the parks! Since I hadn’t been in over twenty years and my daughter had never been before, we considered ourselves first timers and the trip was planned so that we would catch the highlights of each park. Animal Kingdom didn’t exist when I went before and Hollywood Studios was known as MGM Studios. Both Magic Kingdom and Epcot have both gone through some changes in the span of time between my visits as well. Fast passes and possibly meal plans (although I was a kid so maybe I just wasn’t aware they existed) were also new things to me this go round.
The road trip was fun – the girls had the best time singing, coloring, playing games and watching movies. SIL and I got to catch up and have an adult conversation, which rarely happens during holiday dinners. Her navigational skills obviously helped a great deal, and her knowledge of the parks and planning skills in general also played a huge role in this trip being a success. Did the girls get tired of each other? Of course. We all got hot and tired, and mine wanted to live at the hotel pool while the other two were more inclined to shop or meet characters. Overall, though, it really was a nice trip.
Each day we visited a different park. The first day we went to Magic Kingdom and while we were there, they happened to have extra Magic Hours, which helped us do more rides than we normally would have. Turns out, my girl loves rollercoasters! We ended up in the first car for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and it hardly phased her. Every ride we did she wanted to get back in line to do again! Side note: I love New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades, but the artistry and professionalism of the Disney parades is truly magical and very impressive.
The second day we went to Animal Kingdom. It was a good laid back day, which we needed to recuperate from all the walking we’d done in the Magic Kingdom the day and night before. Another side note: it was a nice park, but to me, Audubon Zoo is so well done that it’s hard to top even with the special rides and characters. However, the Mickey and Minnie visit was the best there out of the entire trip. They were so sweet and spent so much time with my girl I nearly cried. Maybe that’s when I started to drink the Kool-Aid.
Our third day was at Hollywood Studios and it was rough. The park itself is fine, but we were so exhausted from the two previous days that we probably could have all benefitted from a day at the hotel by the pool. By the way, we stayed at Pop Century. The cafeteria, the pool, and all of the things to explore and participate in while you’re there can be a vacation in itself. We did enjoy a late lunch at Brown Derby, however, and got moved to the VIP section to meet Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, and BB-8 because my nieces were dressed so cute. We skipped the fireworks show that night, however, because we all just needed a break. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening by the hotel pool and watched the featured movie, “Ralph Breaks the Internet”.
The final day of the trip was spent at Epcot. I’d say it is still my favorite park, and now that I can drink my way around the world (and have a more experienced palate) it’s even better. It rained and lightninged that night, though, so the fireworks show was canceled. The Flower and Garden Show was beautiful, and the Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt was an added bonus for the girls, as was the princess meet and greet in Norway.
Now we’ve made great memories, seen what it’s all like these days, and can go back after saving up for a while. There will be other vacations in between. We still aren’t going to be Disney all the time people, but I can say that I have a much better understanding of my SIL’s love for it, see that an adults-only trip would be a lot of fun, too, and there is certainly a park for everyone. The trick is convincing my husband why it’s worth it. Thankfully, Star Wars and The Muppets will help a lot with that. Also, I could never have planned this trip without the help from my SIL. I don’t know how people go without a planner to be perfectly honest. It’s overwhelming with so many options for everything – from the places to stay, fast passes, meal plans, and getting around and to and from the parks.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
First Post of This Year - Whaaatt??
It's June. I'm dreaming of a beach vacation or even a lakehouse trip. The year is half over and I had no idea it had been so long since I made an entry. I have been journaling a lot more, though, and it's rare I both blog and journal at the same time. Generally, I keep petty and more personal stuff to my journals. Although I can't speak as freely as I'm thinking with this topic in a blog, this post is something that I think is relatable for most adults, and most definitely curators of any kind.
Lately, it's been very draining and stressful to always be needed. It's not even been caused by my child or my husband, although, out of everyone they get the most mind. It seems as though the idea of letting things "just be" is falling by the wayside. People don't let each other do things their own way. Everybody has something to say about how else something could or should be done. The reason why is not important either. We all think we know better than someone else. It could be that it's always been done that way so why change it - the old if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it way of thinking. It could be because you actually did it one way and it didn't work, which certainly carries more weight, but still not be the best option for someone else. Either way, someone always has to offer their two cents.
Idea sharing is entirely different. Brainstorming is awesome and happy accidents turn out to be some of the best-unmade plans ever. BUT sometimes you just need to leave people alone to do their own thing. I'm sort of talking about personal space and alone time, but more directing my thoughts toward the constant barrage of comments people make either to hear themselves talk or to pester you about something. They probably don't think they're being annoying or even causing you physical angst, but that also means they need to practice self-awareness - another trait that is severely lacking in today's average human.
Am I guilty of these things, too? Of course. I waste time and energy judging my next-door neighbors when I should focus on everything inside the walls of our home and making it as pleasant as possible for us to live here while we have to. At work, I need to focus on balancing the types of programs I provide and the places where I schedule them rather than getting frustrated with the "squeaky wheels" who are causing me high anxiety and tummy issues.
If it's possible to suffer burnout from the way society is trending these days, I'd say that's what is happening with me. Seeing Broadway plays, like "Kinky Boots" or watching movies like, "The Princess and the Frog" and "Ponyo", where accepting everyone for who they are, provide cultural reminders that there is still hope for humanity. No wonder I'm dreaming of a vacation - I need to retreat and refresh my mind and my soul.
Lately, it's been very draining and stressful to always be needed. It's not even been caused by my child or my husband, although, out of everyone they get the most mind. It seems as though the idea of letting things "just be" is falling by the wayside. People don't let each other do things their own way. Everybody has something to say about how else something could or should be done. The reason why is not important either. We all think we know better than someone else. It could be that it's always been done that way so why change it - the old if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it way of thinking. It could be because you actually did it one way and it didn't work, which certainly carries more weight, but still not be the best option for someone else. Either way, someone always has to offer their two cents.
Idea sharing is entirely different. Brainstorming is awesome and happy accidents turn out to be some of the best-unmade plans ever. BUT sometimes you just need to leave people alone to do their own thing. I'm sort of talking about personal space and alone time, but more directing my thoughts toward the constant barrage of comments people make either to hear themselves talk or to pester you about something. They probably don't think they're being annoying or even causing you physical angst, but that also means they need to practice self-awareness - another trait that is severely lacking in today's average human.
Am I guilty of these things, too? Of course. I waste time and energy judging my next-door neighbors when I should focus on everything inside the walls of our home and making it as pleasant as possible for us to live here while we have to. At work, I need to focus on balancing the types of programs I provide and the places where I schedule them rather than getting frustrated with the "squeaky wheels" who are causing me high anxiety and tummy issues.
If it's possible to suffer burnout from the way society is trending these days, I'd say that's what is happening with me. Seeing Broadway plays, like "Kinky Boots" or watching movies like, "The Princess and the Frog" and "Ponyo", where accepting everyone for who they are, provide cultural reminders that there is still hope for humanity. No wonder I'm dreaming of a vacation - I need to retreat and refresh my mind and my soul.
Sunday, December 16, 2018
No Santa
Our almost-five-year-old still proclaims that Santa is not allowed in our house! We saw him at a plant nursery when we were looking at Christmas trees this year. He was at least fifty meters away, but she went into an immediate panic attack, and we had to slink around the nursery to escape as soon as possible. Her school Christmas party was Friday afternoon and when I got the warning that he was in the class next door, she instinctively knew that it was time to get out and get out fast.
She met him for the first time when she was almost two at my work and had a very unsure look on her face. Her grandmother and great-grandmother and I were all there, and I know the Santa. The next time she met him was that same year, but with her cousins, aunt, uncle, dad, and I. If nothing else, she was distracted. When she was three, we took her to Lakeside Mall where there was a nicely dressed Santa and a train to ride. Everything was kosher until we opened the gate to go stand by him for the picture. She waived from afar, but that was the end of that and she would only ride the train around.
Apparently, this is unusual in a child her age, although, I'm not offended or worried. I only know what I know with her. She has said it's his beard, but when her dad and I start naming our friends who have beards that she's totally comfortable with, that excuse fades. The next excuse is that Santa is so big he scares her. That could be at least partly true because when we tried to go see Elmo and Chase at a local toy store a few weeks ago, she had another panic attack. When we escaped into another store in the shopping center, she explained that Elmo was much bigger than she expected. She was assuming that he would be the same size that he is on Sesame Street.
I love to costume and even have gotten her into doing it. We never wear masks, but I have quite a collection of wigs. She's even asked for an Elsa wig for Christmas this year, although, when she was younger, she didn't like when I put a wig on. I think it was scary to her then since she was still trying to identify people and surroundings. Maybe that's some of it, too. Santa is a complete stranger and sitting on his lap to tell him something very special to you, and then inviting him into your house is a huge concept for a little person to fathom. Even typing it out and reading it makes the whole idea sound super creepy to me, a forty-year-old woman.
One of her classmates does not believe in Santa, so I asked her if that's what she wanted to do at our house. She has always said and continues to say that he'll be ok when she's older. Personally, I'm happy to skip the whole lying to her about it for years and just make her swear to not spoil it for her friends. Maybe when she's another year older we can try that out, but right now she is the worst secret keeper and hide-and-seek player I've ever encountered. Do not ask if she's excited to see what Santa brings her because she will most emphatically tell you that she is not!
She met him for the first time when she was almost two at my work and had a very unsure look on her face. Her grandmother and great-grandmother and I were all there, and I know the Santa. The next time she met him was that same year, but with her cousins, aunt, uncle, dad, and I. If nothing else, she was distracted. When she was three, we took her to Lakeside Mall where there was a nicely dressed Santa and a train to ride. Everything was kosher until we opened the gate to go stand by him for the picture. She waived from afar, but that was the end of that and she would only ride the train around.
Apparently, this is unusual in a child her age, although, I'm not offended or worried. I only know what I know with her. She has said it's his beard, but when her dad and I start naming our friends who have beards that she's totally comfortable with, that excuse fades. The next excuse is that Santa is so big he scares her. That could be at least partly true because when we tried to go see Elmo and Chase at a local toy store a few weeks ago, she had another panic attack. When we escaped into another store in the shopping center, she explained that Elmo was much bigger than she expected. She was assuming that he would be the same size that he is on Sesame Street.
I love to costume and even have gotten her into doing it. We never wear masks, but I have quite a collection of wigs. She's even asked for an Elsa wig for Christmas this year, although, when she was younger, she didn't like when I put a wig on. I think it was scary to her then since she was still trying to identify people and surroundings. Maybe that's some of it, too. Santa is a complete stranger and sitting on his lap to tell him something very special to you, and then inviting him into your house is a huge concept for a little person to fathom. Even typing it out and reading it makes the whole idea sound super creepy to me, a forty-year-old woman.
One of her classmates does not believe in Santa, so I asked her if that's what she wanted to do at our house. She has always said and continues to say that he'll be ok when she's older. Personally, I'm happy to skip the whole lying to her about it for years and just make her swear to not spoil it for her friends. Maybe when she's another year older we can try that out, but right now she is the worst secret keeper and hide-and-seek player I've ever encountered. Do not ask if she's excited to see what Santa brings her because she will most emphatically tell you that she is not!
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Hell on Earth
Eleven years ago, I became a homeowner. It has been nothing short of a bad investment. Property value has declined, the neighbors have never been great and in some ways are getting worse. I've gotten stuck running the HOA more than once and currently, while I'm an officer, I have my husband handle all of it because I'm so over it.
In past posts, I have complained a bit about living here, but after yesterday afternoon we have come to realize that I have reached the bottom of the pit of despair. The only kid who is our daughter's age that lives around here throws rocks at people's windshields, calls adults names, and doesn't listen or have any respect for anyone - much like his father. Our daughter has lost interest in playing with him, but he doesn't get the hint. My husband and I have both told his parents about issues we have had with him, but it makes no difference. truthfully, I feel bad for the mother. She is in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship with his father and likely doesn't see a way out so she stays.
Additionally, the father is "Sanford and Son" with three boats that he never uses, a broken dirt bike, a broken motorcycle, a broken golf cart, and a giant tool shed and a tree house that he built with no permits. He owes the HOA thousands of dollars from not paying over the last several years, and has had a lean place on his property. Again, it makes no difference. That's all on one end of the building.
Our immediate next door neighbors supposedly have maggots and other unsavory inhabitants in their unit because, until last weekend, they hadn't taken their trash out in quite some time. We are assuming that their parents must be in town for Thanksgiving since their front porch is the cleanest I have seen it in years. We had a roof rat in our place after Easter that supposedly came to visit from their place. The two brothers that live there are at least nice enough people. The third brother that used to live there is the one who used to keep me up at night with loud music and parties, one of which my car got keyed at by a guest when I called the cops. My whole car had to get repainted because across my hood, the guy wrote "KUNT" and drew a line around the entire car body.
My mental well-being has been permanently damaged by all of the drama here and I truly hate that we are stuck here for our child's first several years of life. The plan is to sell my husband's place near Lafayette within the next few months and then work on getting out of my place which is where we live. Apparently, people who live near us think I'm a "crazy lady" as a teenager called me yesterday, but I don't care. Maybe that will make them all leave us alone until we can get out of this hell.
In past posts, I have complained a bit about living here, but after yesterday afternoon we have come to realize that I have reached the bottom of the pit of despair. The only kid who is our daughter's age that lives around here throws rocks at people's windshields, calls adults names, and doesn't listen or have any respect for anyone - much like his father. Our daughter has lost interest in playing with him, but he doesn't get the hint. My husband and I have both told his parents about issues we have had with him, but it makes no difference. truthfully, I feel bad for the mother. She is in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship with his father and likely doesn't see a way out so she stays.
Additionally, the father is "Sanford and Son" with three boats that he never uses, a broken dirt bike, a broken motorcycle, a broken golf cart, and a giant tool shed and a tree house that he built with no permits. He owes the HOA thousands of dollars from not paying over the last several years, and has had a lean place on his property. Again, it makes no difference. That's all on one end of the building.
Our immediate next door neighbors supposedly have maggots and other unsavory inhabitants in their unit because, until last weekend, they hadn't taken their trash out in quite some time. We are assuming that their parents must be in town for Thanksgiving since their front porch is the cleanest I have seen it in years. We had a roof rat in our place after Easter that supposedly came to visit from their place. The two brothers that live there are at least nice enough people. The third brother that used to live there is the one who used to keep me up at night with loud music and parties, one of which my car got keyed at by a guest when I called the cops. My whole car had to get repainted because across my hood, the guy wrote "KUNT" and drew a line around the entire car body.
My mental well-being has been permanently damaged by all of the drama here and I truly hate that we are stuck here for our child's first several years of life. The plan is to sell my husband's place near Lafayette within the next few months and then work on getting out of my place which is where we live. Apparently, people who live near us think I'm a "crazy lady" as a teenager called me yesterday, but I don't care. Maybe that will make them all leave us alone until we can get out of this hell.
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