My nephew is the adorablest. It's true, no matter what Jane says. Let me just recount some of the stories. Yes, I'm going to bore you with Kids Say the Darnedest Things.
He opened up his presents from me, and glommed onto the shirt I'd bought him in NH. Never mind that he can't read the shirt and it's just a blue shirt with darker blue writing that says "If you think I'm cute you should see my Aunt." Never mind that it's a 2T and he's still wearing 18 mo. clothing. He took one look at it and said, "new shirt for me! Put on, Kwenwa!" He stuck his hands in the air to indicate that he was ready for his other new shirt to come off and that shirt to go on.
His cousin was there, and despite the fact that his cousin is almost six months older than him, he is stronger verbally and his motor skills are stronger. He kept helping his cousin and would get this beam of satisfaction whenever he did. He ended up giggling at one point and kept saying something no one could understand. Finally, he got frustrated with us and yelled, "Reece help GOOD!"
His newest thing is to put the adults in time out. My mom got put in time out for hitting, though none of us saw her hit anything or anyone, and she denies any such bad behavior, but you know how those grammas can be. Dad got put in time out for throwing a towel to my sister. (You can't throw anything but balls, you know!) And I got put in time out for playing keep away with him with Daddy's electronic level.
This morning he got really worried that I had left. He was almost to the point of crying when I made it upstairs. He was so excited to see me that he just started laughing so hard he could barely breathe. My brother-in-law put together the sand and water table he got for his birthday and he started playing with it. I went around to tell everyone goodbye, and my sister said, "say goodbye to Auntie Kendra!" He didn't turn around, didn't look at me...nothing. He just yelled at the top of his lungs "BYE KWENWA!"
I lurve him.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Ranting about corporate America, AKA: Festering Boils of Pestilence
So, I just got the nastiest call from a billing company EVER. Let me just start out by explaining that I have paid my credit card bill every month for over a year, now. I will also admit that outside of making sure that it gets paid, I don't pay attention to my bill. This is where I fucked up, and I know it.
However... (Imagine that ominous movie music here)
I am 150 dollars over my limit. Now, I knew I was very close to my limit line, because I had to use the card for an unexpected expense. I did not, however, know that I was so far over my limit due to late fees and over limit charges. Because, well, the dumbass in me hasn't actually looked at my bills, being thoroughly satisfied that I was paying every month, whether it was just the minimum payment or a little more.
So, how is it, you might ask, that I am getting late fees if I'm paying every month? Well, let me tell you what I found out today. My bill is due on the 2nd of the month. I pay on the 20th, and they get it the 25th. They will not post a payment to a specific month unless it's paid on the 1st or after. So, when I paid my August bill on the 2oth of July, and they got it on the 25th--they posted it as a July payment, and I'm now overdue for my August bill. So, I have exactly a two day window of opportunity to get my payment made. I explained that I have been paying on the 20th of the month for over a year and she said that I'd had late charges for the last seven months. Only she wasn't nice about it. She was somewhat like Cruella DeVille's less nice sister.
So, here's my big question, since I can't really bitch about not knowing this since I don't look at my bill when it comes in. Seven months? What happened seven months ago to suddenly make it not ok to do what I've been doing all along? I, of course, did not think of asking this question until I was off the friggin' phone, but now it's the center of my rage. Never mind that it's an incredibly STUPID policy to not apply my payment I just made to August's bill. Never mind that it's MORONIC to expect anyone not paying by phone (2.95 extra charge that way) to hit a 2 day window. Never mind that this lady had the bedside manner of Dr. Cox on a bad day (We'll call her Cruella DeCoxucker). That shit pisses me off, but it pales in comparison to the more worthy question--WHY SEVEN MONTHS AGO???? I checked my past bills (because despite the fact that I don't look at them, I've been doing a stellar job of filing them), and sure enough, my first late charge was SEVEN MONTHS AGO.
I can't find anything in the bill that says "by the way, this is how we've decided to fuck you over for being such a reliable and profitable credit card holder." I'm their dream. I'm someone who pays every month, but never enough that they can't make PLENTY of money off of me. So, really, they should be putting my dumbass bill pay history up on the walls like little plaques every month reminding them that I am their target market. Instead, they've found a new, inventive way to ensure my continuing financial fumbling and self-esteem. Not to mention what I've been doing to my credit score the last seven months. No wonder I wasn't making any progress on that front.
So much for my relaxing afternoon.
However... (Imagine that ominous movie music here)
I am 150 dollars over my limit. Now, I knew I was very close to my limit line, because I had to use the card for an unexpected expense. I did not, however, know that I was so far over my limit due to late fees and over limit charges. Because, well, the dumbass in me hasn't actually looked at my bills, being thoroughly satisfied that I was paying every month, whether it was just the minimum payment or a little more.
So, how is it, you might ask, that I am getting late fees if I'm paying every month? Well, let me tell you what I found out today. My bill is due on the 2nd of the month. I pay on the 20th, and they get it the 25th. They will not post a payment to a specific month unless it's paid on the 1st or after. So, when I paid my August bill on the 2oth of July, and they got it on the 25th--they posted it as a July payment, and I'm now overdue for my August bill. So, I have exactly a two day window of opportunity to get my payment made. I explained that I have been paying on the 20th of the month for over a year and she said that I'd had late charges for the last seven months. Only she wasn't nice about it. She was somewhat like Cruella DeVille's less nice sister.
So, here's my big question, since I can't really bitch about not knowing this since I don't look at my bill when it comes in. Seven months? What happened seven months ago to suddenly make it not ok to do what I've been doing all along? I, of course, did not think of asking this question until I was off the friggin' phone, but now it's the center of my rage. Never mind that it's an incredibly STUPID policy to not apply my payment I just made to August's bill. Never mind that it's MORONIC to expect anyone not paying by phone (2.95 extra charge that way) to hit a 2 day window. Never mind that this lady had the bedside manner of Dr. Cox on a bad day (We'll call her Cruella DeCoxucker). That shit pisses me off, but it pales in comparison to the more worthy question--WHY SEVEN MONTHS AGO???? I checked my past bills (because despite the fact that I don't look at them, I've been doing a stellar job of filing them), and sure enough, my first late charge was SEVEN MONTHS AGO.
I can't find anything in the bill that says "by the way, this is how we've decided to fuck you over for being such a reliable and profitable credit card holder." I'm their dream. I'm someone who pays every month, but never enough that they can't make PLENTY of money off of me. So, really, they should be putting my dumbass bill pay history up on the walls like little plaques every month reminding them that I am their target market. Instead, they've found a new, inventive way to ensure my continuing financial fumbling and self-esteem. Not to mention what I've been doing to my credit score the last seven months. No wonder I wasn't making any progress on that front.
So much for my relaxing afternoon.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Let Me Count the Ways
Over the vacation, a few benevolent comments about Scott had me clenching my teeth. Apparently, the impression both he and I have given to others has shown him as inactive and too laid back for his and my own good. While there is partial truth in those generalizations, they do not characterize the man fully. I blame myself for this, as often people only hear from me about the times I'm frustrated with him, for the most part.
I love this man. Why? The number one reason is that he loves me unfalteringly, and without conditions of any kind. I know from experience that this is not only difficult to find in life, but also to be cherished. I used to smoke, he doesn't. Though he would lovingly and teasingly tell me I needed to quit, it was never a requirement for our continued relationship. This allowed me to come to the decision to quit on my own, and I have no fear that if I were to fall off the wagon that he would be nonsupporting. I drink on occasion, he does not. Not only does that not bother him, but he even tried a drink of Champagne with me over New Year's despite his fear of alcoholism. I generally don't think of myself as attractive, which drives him crazy (or at least the closest to being driven crazy that he ever gets), yet he is amazingly reassuring and patient with my insecurities considering his lack of experience in the relationship venue. A while back I used to do this completely silly thing where I would ask him an absurd question in this formula "If I...would you still love me?" For example, "If I had three breasts, would you still love me?" Some of them were so absurd that it was easy for him to say "of course, I would still love you," with no fear of ever having to prove that in the future. However, some of the more realistic ones, I was touched by how easily and sincerely he responded with a yes. Not because he said yes, or I expect him to ever prove it, but because I believe it to be true. I believe that he will love me for who I am as long as I am always true to him and honest with him.
I love him also because he can be endearingly sweet, if dorky while doing so. He is at his sweetest when he is groggy and doesn't guard himself before he speaks. I won't nauseate you with specifics about his sweetness, but know it is there.
I love him because he is always up for anything I want to do, and often what he hasn't realized he wants to do. This is where the hackles came up regarding the inactivity comment. Left to his own devices, he will often choose inactivity because it's there in front of him. However, when given the option, he will not shy away from activity. For example, when he was taking his walking class, he went above and beyond what he had to do. He pushed himself just beyond what he had to do and made it what he wanted to do for himself. Also, when planning our stay in Boston, I have mentioned a dozen or more possible activities, and only one has he said he isn't interested in, and that was the Duck tours, which, after my Hot Springs encounter with Duck tours, I don't even want to try in Boston. He hasn't been camping in years, but thinks that it would be fun to camp with me. Basically, unless I ask him to go shoe shopping with me, 95 percent of the time, he won't hesitate to say yes and to enjoy whatever we do. I strive to be the same in return.
I love him because he is smart. Sure, sometimes his area of focus bores me, but I'm trying to be better about listening and finding ways to understand what he's talking about, because he strives to be interested in my job and life. I just love that I have a smart boyfriend.
I love him because friends are so important to him. He has close and easy relationships with his friends. They all have clearly defined boundaries, but within those boundaries, those friends would do anything for one another. Every time he helps a friend move, he says that it's the last time. But he can't say no just because he remembers how sore his arms or back were after the last time.
There are thousands of other reasons to love him, but I will stop with that for right now. I think that acceptance has finally set in.
I love this man. Why? The number one reason is that he loves me unfalteringly, and without conditions of any kind. I know from experience that this is not only difficult to find in life, but also to be cherished. I used to smoke, he doesn't. Though he would lovingly and teasingly tell me I needed to quit, it was never a requirement for our continued relationship. This allowed me to come to the decision to quit on my own, and I have no fear that if I were to fall off the wagon that he would be nonsupporting. I drink on occasion, he does not. Not only does that not bother him, but he even tried a drink of Champagne with me over New Year's despite his fear of alcoholism. I generally don't think of myself as attractive, which drives him crazy (or at least the closest to being driven crazy that he ever gets), yet he is amazingly reassuring and patient with my insecurities considering his lack of experience in the relationship venue. A while back I used to do this completely silly thing where I would ask him an absurd question in this formula "If I...would you still love me?" For example, "If I had three breasts, would you still love me?" Some of them were so absurd that it was easy for him to say "of course, I would still love you," with no fear of ever having to prove that in the future. However, some of the more realistic ones, I was touched by how easily and sincerely he responded with a yes. Not because he said yes, or I expect him to ever prove it, but because I believe it to be true. I believe that he will love me for who I am as long as I am always true to him and honest with him.
I love him also because he can be endearingly sweet, if dorky while doing so. He is at his sweetest when he is groggy and doesn't guard himself before he speaks. I won't nauseate you with specifics about his sweetness, but know it is there.
I love him because he is always up for anything I want to do, and often what he hasn't realized he wants to do. This is where the hackles came up regarding the inactivity comment. Left to his own devices, he will often choose inactivity because it's there in front of him. However, when given the option, he will not shy away from activity. For example, when he was taking his walking class, he went above and beyond what he had to do. He pushed himself just beyond what he had to do and made it what he wanted to do for himself. Also, when planning our stay in Boston, I have mentioned a dozen or more possible activities, and only one has he said he isn't interested in, and that was the Duck tours, which, after my Hot Springs encounter with Duck tours, I don't even want to try in Boston. He hasn't been camping in years, but thinks that it would be fun to camp with me. Basically, unless I ask him to go shoe shopping with me, 95 percent of the time, he won't hesitate to say yes and to enjoy whatever we do. I strive to be the same in return.
I love him because he is smart. Sure, sometimes his area of focus bores me, but I'm trying to be better about listening and finding ways to understand what he's talking about, because he strives to be interested in my job and life. I just love that I have a smart boyfriend.
I love him because friends are so important to him. He has close and easy relationships with his friends. They all have clearly defined boundaries, but within those boundaries, those friends would do anything for one another. Every time he helps a friend move, he says that it's the last time. But he can't say no just because he remembers how sore his arms or back were after the last time.
There are thousands of other reasons to love him, but I will stop with that for right now. I think that acceptance has finally set in.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Vacation Home
My family and I took a vacation this weekend. We trekked down to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and enjoyed not only the stay, but the travels as well. One of the best things about the trip was the beautiful places we saw and the beautiful place we stayed in. Now, the house hasn't been decorated since 1972, I'm sure. There was wallpaper everywhere. 197o's era wallpaper. Not the most attractive decor, but the house was clean and roomy, and well supplied. We ate out twice, instead of our intended once, but that was mostly because mom and dad paid for dinner one night and the lunch we ate out was after Pieces banged his head on the pontoon boat. Most of the meals, however, we cooked at the house. It was a nice getaway for an amazingly affordable price. So, my plug is: if you're going to go to Hot Springs, rent a house in Hot Springs Village (which is actually not in Hot Springs, strangely enough).
But that's not really what I want to write about. I want to write about arriving at home. I'm sitting out on my back deck and looking out at the foliage around me, looking into my house, and thinnking that it really is a fabulous place for a vacation. As gorgeous as it was in Hot Springs, it is equally as beautiful in my backyard. My house would really be ideal for a vacation rental. Apparently my parents agree, because they are going to vacation at my house while I'm vacationing in Boston and New Hampshire.
Scott and I were talking about the possibility of me staying the summer with him next summer if I don't end up moving anyway. So, this morning I thought of how cool it would be to be able to rent my house out to vacationers while I was away. Now, I probably wouldn't ever do it because A) It's obviously more of a hassle than my idealistic vision allows me to ponder, and B) my cats. But it is really nice to think that I can think of my house as an ideal place for people to vacation.
So, now I'm thinking of my summer as one long series of vacations. Isn't that fabulous?
But that's not really what I want to write about. I want to write about arriving at home. I'm sitting out on my back deck and looking out at the foliage around me, looking into my house, and thinnking that it really is a fabulous place for a vacation. As gorgeous as it was in Hot Springs, it is equally as beautiful in my backyard. My house would really be ideal for a vacation rental. Apparently my parents agree, because they are going to vacation at my house while I'm vacationing in Boston and New Hampshire.
Scott and I were talking about the possibility of me staying the summer with him next summer if I don't end up moving anyway. So, this morning I thought of how cool it would be to be able to rent my house out to vacationers while I was away. Now, I probably wouldn't ever do it because A) It's obviously more of a hassle than my idealistic vision allows me to ponder, and B) my cats. But it is really nice to think that I can think of my house as an ideal place for people to vacation.
So, now I'm thinking of my summer as one long series of vacations. Isn't that fabulous?
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Dinner with Friends
Yesterday.
Yesterday was a combination of fun, frustration, and realization. I had planned to have a dinner party. 8 people had RSVP'd and two had said that they didn't know if they would be able to make it, but might stop by. So, brilliant me, I spent Friday night installing a ceiling fan, and did none of the cooking or the cleaning. I also had agreed to watch my student's baby boy while he and another student raked my yard. Now, mind you, I'm used to watching Jane's son, who is very low maintenance 95% of the time. I'm also used to my Nephew who, while not low maintenance, is at an age where he can be entertained by the task you are working on. So, while I had anticipated not being able to get very much done, I had not counted on not being able to get anything done at all.
I think the problem lies in the "child of teenage parents" arena. He can't fall asleep unless someone's holding him, and he wants to be held almost 24/7. If you set him down in his playpen--screaming. If you set him on the floor--screaming. I'm not talking baby crying that's a little hard to take because they sound so heartbroken. I mean are-the-police-going-to-stop-by-any-minute-to-see-if-I'm-abusing-him screaming. So, I literally got nothing done, and my arms hurt from holding him for 3 hours straight.
Then I fed the boys. After they were done eating, I thought they'd leave. Noooooo. They sat in my house and chit chatted like they were Mabel and Petunia down at the local feed store. I thought they were never going to leave. So, by two o'clock, I still had to vacuum, clean the bathroom, wash and dry the tablecloth, and do all of the cooking. I was stressed.
I'll tell you, I was beating myself up in my head. Why did I even decide to host this stupid dinner party? Why didn't I just tell the boys to rake next week when he didn't have his baby? Why didn't I do more before they came to rake? Friday?
Thank goodness for Jennifer. She really was a lifesaver. She came in and started doing the time-consuming task of chopping. Now, I didn't get done on time, and my kitchen looked like a miniature tornado had hit it, but we had dinner by 7 pm, and they had been sitting and eating appetizers and drinking wine for the hour that I worked on the pork chops and finishing the salad.
Here was the menu:
relish tray with hummus and cilantro dip
apple and goat cheese bruschetta on french bread (get the recipe from me...you'll love it)
12-hour salad
Maple and mustard glazed pork chops (oh my god, yum)
prosciutto wrapped asparagus with mock hollandaise sauce
Jane's trifle with home-picked blackberries
Even though there were only 6 of us, it was so much fun. First of all, everyone loved my food. If you don't know this about me already, I love to cook for people, and there are very few things that make me feel better than watching someone enjoy a meal I've cooked. They also loved my house and the planting I had done. Betty and Jennifer found out that Jennifer's brother was one of Betty's college students, and one of her favorites. Small world, huh? Everyone was joking and having a blast, and nobody wanted to go home when they decided they had to.
Now, it's Sunday morning, and Flylady is beckoning me to do my dishes. I just couldn't last night. Not even my stove top got cleaned last night, and I never leave that dirty. I woke up aching from the top of my head down to my heels. I'm just going to have to do the dishes 15 minutes at a time.
I shoule have more weekends like this. Well, almost like this.
Yesterday was a combination of fun, frustration, and realization. I had planned to have a dinner party. 8 people had RSVP'd and two had said that they didn't know if they would be able to make it, but might stop by. So, brilliant me, I spent Friday night installing a ceiling fan, and did none of the cooking or the cleaning. I also had agreed to watch my student's baby boy while he and another student raked my yard. Now, mind you, I'm used to watching Jane's son, who is very low maintenance 95% of the time. I'm also used to my Nephew who, while not low maintenance, is at an age where he can be entertained by the task you are working on. So, while I had anticipated not being able to get very much done, I had not counted on not being able to get anything done at all.
I think the problem lies in the "child of teenage parents" arena. He can't fall asleep unless someone's holding him, and he wants to be held almost 24/7. If you set him down in his playpen--screaming. If you set him on the floor--screaming. I'm not talking baby crying that's a little hard to take because they sound so heartbroken. I mean are-the-police-going-to-stop-by-any-minute-to-see-if-I'm-abusing-him screaming. So, I literally got nothing done, and my arms hurt from holding him for 3 hours straight.
Then I fed the boys. After they were done eating, I thought they'd leave. Noooooo. They sat in my house and chit chatted like they were Mabel and Petunia down at the local feed store. I thought they were never going to leave. So, by two o'clock, I still had to vacuum, clean the bathroom, wash and dry the tablecloth, and do all of the cooking. I was stressed.
I'll tell you, I was beating myself up in my head. Why did I even decide to host this stupid dinner party? Why didn't I just tell the boys to rake next week when he didn't have his baby? Why didn't I do more before they came to rake? Friday?
Thank goodness for Jennifer. She really was a lifesaver. She came in and started doing the time-consuming task of chopping. Now, I didn't get done on time, and my kitchen looked like a miniature tornado had hit it, but we had dinner by 7 pm, and they had been sitting and eating appetizers and drinking wine for the hour that I worked on the pork chops and finishing the salad.
Here was the menu:
relish tray with hummus and cilantro dip
apple and goat cheese bruschetta on french bread (get the recipe from me...you'll love it)
12-hour salad
Maple and mustard glazed pork chops (oh my god, yum)
prosciutto wrapped asparagus with mock hollandaise sauce
Jane's trifle with home-picked blackberries
Even though there were only 6 of us, it was so much fun. First of all, everyone loved my food. If you don't know this about me already, I love to cook for people, and there are very few things that make me feel better than watching someone enjoy a meal I've cooked. They also loved my house and the planting I had done. Betty and Jennifer found out that Jennifer's brother was one of Betty's college students, and one of her favorites. Small world, huh? Everyone was joking and having a blast, and nobody wanted to go home when they decided they had to.
Now, it's Sunday morning, and Flylady is beckoning me to do my dishes. I just couldn't last night. Not even my stove top got cleaned last night, and I never leave that dirty. I woke up aching from the top of my head down to my heels. I'm just going to have to do the dishes 15 minutes at a time.
I shoule have more weekends like this. Well, almost like this.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
The tables have turned
See that photo collage/painting? My mom created that. Not only did she create it, but she won first prize in an art contest. I am so incredibly proud of her. She took two art forms she's worked on developing and she combined them to create what I consider her best piece of art to date. It's kind of nice to be the one being proud rather than the one having pride bestowed upon her. Kudos, Mom.
On a side note, I made the most delicious veggie burgers tonight.
1 medium potato
1 medium carrot
1 small zucchini
1/4 cup onion
tomato bullion to taste
montreal chicken seasoning to taste
1/2 cup egg substitute
Grate all the veggies and add the seasoning and egg. I used the foreman grill, but they'd probably be easier to take off of a flat skillet. It looks like there's too much egg, but really there is not. It really keeps the burger together as much as they can be kept together. It's yummy. Try it. You'll like it. And if you do it as six servings then you're looking at 50 calories a burger. Can't beat that, I say.
Flowers, and hummus, and herbs...Oh my!
This weekend has been not only productive, but very uplifting. I spent the week whittling away on my house, and while there are still things that can be done, overall, my house is exceptionally clean, comfortable, and peaceful. Really, in the end, aren't we all looking for a little peace. Perhaps our forefathers were in pursuit of happiness, but I'd say that if you pursue a peaceful lifestyle, happiness will follow. Have I gotten too Ms. America candidate for you yet? If so, stop reading.Here is what I have gotten accomplished this weekend.
First of all, I got my bedroom rearranged. I got the dresser out of my closet and into the bedroom, got the bookshelf moved, and moved all the plastic into my closet. Dad finished up the edge tiles in the closet for me, since I never got around to it.
I cooked. I made maple and mustard glazed steak for supper on Friday with hummus and all the dippers as a side. Mom made the asparagus fritatta for breakfast, I made apple chicken gouda sausages for lunch with (surprise!) hummus and pita bread for lunch. Supper was chicken shawarma with artichoke. Let's talk about artichoke. When I was younger, mom always melted butter and threw toasted breadcrumbs into it to dip our artichoke in. Why did we do this? Artichoke is quite yummy on its own. So yummy, in fact, that I got another one, and it's quite possible that my dinner tonight will be a veggie burger and a whole artichoke. On the down side, artichokes are the crab of the vegetable world. Oh so good, but so much work for so little product, you know? It's worth it, though, more so than crab, even. Back to the weekend menu...For dessert I made chocolate chip banana muffins. They were very yummy, and not that bad for you. I still want to eat all of them in one sitting, though. I'm going to have to be very good.
I measured this week, and in three weeks I have lost 2.5 inches in my waist. Isn't that something? The funny thing is that I lost only.25 inches in my hips. I don't know how you even that all out, but I've got to try.
Mostly this weekend, though, we did yard work. While Mom and Dad were here we did a lot of raking, "mowing," and moving wood. You wouldn't believe the huge amounts of wood that Willis left here when he moved out. I'm going to have to remember to bring the logs camping with me so that we don't have to buy firewood, but I assume I'd have to cut it, and I don't know if you know this, but I shouldn't ever be trusted with an ax. No, really, it's true. I might cut my foot off. Then camping wouldn't be nearly as much fun. After the rents left, I went to Lowe's and got some plants. I'm attaching pictures of what I've bought and planted. If anyone knows what the yellow flower is, please let me know because I am at a loss as they did not label it.
Now I have to go cook...again.
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