Ten on Tuesday

1. Remember that moment when the concept of how they actually get money into checks perplexed you?  I seriously do.

2. Experts claim without question that oatmeal is the best breakfast for a vast array of reasons.  Now, if only they could get it to taste worthy of making it into my daily menu.  Up to this point I've yet to taste an oatmeal I can stomach for more than four consecutive days.  Your move, oatmeal.

3. Am I the only person who has a beef with where stationary soap dishes are cemented in showers?  The fiberglass showers place them in just the right place to be knocked off by your elbow.  The tile showers place them perfectly in the line of fire to be quickly broken down by the blast of the water.  Don't even get me started on the showers that don't have a place for me to place my foot when I shave my legs....

4. I actually find it a thrill to decipher which store brand products are superior to both other store brands and their brand name counterparts.  I have to say, my favorite store brand vanilla ice cream is Target's.  I have the girls' tonsillectomy to thank for that discovery.

5. Shepard Smith, anchor at FOX News.  I'm torn here.  He easily engages me in the programs he anchors.  But then there is his arrogance.  I've overlooked his daily shout-out to Oxford, Mississippi.  But twice now he's capped stories about the NHL lockout with snarky comments about how no one cares.  I care.  What I don't care about is Mississippi or your beloved Alabama "Roll Tide" (whatever that means) football team.  As a person I think he's a douche.

6. It's funny how kangaroos are cute and angelic looking, and yet I'm pretty sure they could kick or box the crap out of a grown man.  Me for sure.  Frankly, they scare me.

7. Random Family Fun Fact: Lauren is the only one of my parents' grandchildren that does not also share a name with one of my mother's brothers' dogs.  Follow-Up Fact: All of the dogs were named before the children were born.  Does this mean that subconsciously my sister & I have issues?

8. Growing up I was never a fan of radio talk shows.  I listened to KROC or KDWB when I got ready for school, but there was enough music to keep me engaged and the talk was light & entertaining.  Now I'd take a talk show any day.... Elvis Duran, Neal Boortz, Andy Dean, I could listen to my faves all day.

9. While I was home for Christmas I noticed my favorite column in the Owatonna People's Press was MIA.  That's right, they dropped Dear Abby.  So I'm posting the link for future reference, this way next time I'm home and without a paper version I've got this baby online: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/.  Thanks, Mrs. Best for passing this on!

10. My Christmas vacation this year was crappy, and that's being kind.  There were many sweet spots, but overall the trip ranks as one of my least favorite visits home.  This is honest to God, the best part of my entire time in Minnesota this Christmas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG_iODz6e7E&sns=fb.  I could watch it a million times and not get tired of it.... maybe it's Jerry's endearing Minnesota accent.  Maybe it's his spirit.  But when it comes down to it, I just like the way looking at The Tree makes me feel.

Happy 2013!

We're Having a Tea Party

When life throws you a tea bag, you steep it in hot water and point your pinky.... We're Having a Tea Party!

That's right,

We're moving to Boston!!!

When the possibility of moving back to Bean Town reared its unexpected head, Geoff & I approached it with heavy hearts.  We've spent so long waiting for the day when the right job in Minneapolis came our way.  But there is only one place that even comes close to how we feel about Minnesota.  You got it, Boston!

To be honest we've been perfectly happy to be back in the Midwest.  Yes, Ohio isn't exactly paradise and Buckeye fans are hands down the most annoying collection of sports nuts on the planet, but the people we've met here have won our hearts.  We have surrounded ourselves with some pretty great people, and all-in-all we're content in our humble, quiet life.

However, someone else seems to have something else on tap for us because a company in Boston gave Geoff an offer he couldn't refuse.  So when the school year is finished (at least right now that is the plan) we're packing our bags, putting on our Red Sox caps & heading back to New England.

A lot of changes are in store for our family in the coming year.  And we have a lot to look forward to.... a new house, some of the best food EVER, riding the T, walks through Boston Commons, and of course a wicked awesome tea party.

So to all of our friends and family who have yet to experience Boston for yourselves, there's no excuse now.  We know where to grab the best clam chowder, the best whoopie pies, the best scones, the best pasta, and the best pizza in the city.  And I look forward to all of the new bests we'll discover.  Boston, it's been too long, my friend.  Woohoo!  2013!!!

Ten on Tuesday

1. Today Abby mentioned someone living in the Fawn Ridge neighborhood.  Lauren thought she said Clown Stage.  I don't know why that strikes me so funny.

2. Abby amps up the naughty during the holiday season.  Any special event really.  Grrrrrrr.  It makes this time of year that much less sweet.

3. I finally decide to suck it up and get my flu shot in the wake of recent reports about this season's flu being particularly bad and this season's shot being spot on; low and behold.... Target is out.  Grrrrrrrr again.

4. When the temperature started to drop today I wanted to jump in the air and kick my heels.  I can't actually do that, but it my head it was a perfect ten.

5. Rudolph is on tonight.  You have no idea how excited I am for one of my favorite nights of the year!!!

6. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be married to Jimmy Fallon.  I'm not wishing, or even day dreaming.  But the guy is well-versed in the talent department.... I wonder if he's as fun at home as he is on TV.

7. Absolute favorite job, hands down is the one I'm currently in.  Love the kids.  LOVE the staff.... how am I ever going to find another job I enjoy going to half as much as this one.  Boston, you have big shoes to fill!

8. Did I mention we're moving to Boston?!  Oh so bittersweet.

9. It's funny how the thought of doing laundry can be such a weight on your shoulders.  And then you don't have access to your washing machine for a few days and it's return makes you want to jump in the air and do that heel kick thing again.

10. I didn't realize how much I missed Lizzie until a dog came up to me yesterday for some attention.  And then Lauren picked out a story about a puppy nuzzling its owner for attention.  I sure do miss that Lizzie Girl.

Ten on Tuesdayish

1. Whenever I see another Acadia on the road I give them a slight nod & grin.  And then I think, 'Yep, there goes another person equally as cool as me.'  I wonder what I'd be thinking if I was rockin' a minivan?

2. Key Lime Pie.  I offered to bring a pie to church for a gathering after tonight's service.  I'm certain no one else will show up with this tropical treat.  Although I won't really know for sure since I'll be home with my sick children.  Sigh.

3. It's now Abby's turn to be lounging in her PJs.  I'm thankful for Thanksgiving break so my babes can be home, rest, and get back to the business of being healthy!

4. I'm convinced Ohio is killing me.  Okay, maybe not literally killing me.  But I'm not myself here.... my face is swollen, my body is sore and lethargic.  I've spent a lot of time adjusting my sleep, my workout, my habits & my diet.  But the bottom line is I never feel worse than when I'm here.  Maybe it's time for a permanent something different?!

5. Fact: I love basil. If I was a food we would be married.  If we weren't then I would have a hard time not cheating on my other half.  I can't get enough of the leafy treat.  Confession: Sometimes I put grilled pizza on our menu just so I have an excuse to pair it with fresh mozzarella and gobble it up.

6. This month's Book Club featured a visit by our current author, Vanessa Gray Bartal.  I left that night so inspired and uplifted by this seemingly common mom who quite honestly is a lot like me.  If everyone who hits a personal wall in life could be as inspired and productive as Vanessa, our world would be a much better place.

7. Lauren brought home her Christmas tree yesterday.  Each year at the girls' school first graders bring home a giant green paper Christmas tree to decorate and bring back to school to festive up the halls.  While I'm not thrilled with the collection of glitter all over the little table & the floor, her tree is decorated to her standard of perfection.  For that reason alone, I LoVe It!

8. My heart swelled with pride when I walked into Lauren's classroom yesterday afternoon.  The room was filled with the smell of Thanksgiving and children dressed in Indian head dress & Pilgrim hats.  I know the PC police will slander me for that statement, but the truth of it is, those children were learning about their American history.  Frankly, schools are so caught up with teaching about acceptance and other cultures that an appreciation for our own is often lost.

9. If I could, I would add another hour--maybe two--to every day.  And I would make myself do all of the projects and crafty things I seem to have lost time for.

10. It pains me to see our nightly routine of story time slipping away.... often it is for a lack of time, which is a horrible excuse.  Priority number one: Bring back story time with full force!

Thank You Thursday

1. I am thankful for Halloween candy.  Those bite-size little bittys are just the right amount of chocolaty goodness.  Today's nod goes to Baby Ruth.  Yumm!

2. I'm thankful for sick days.  Sad as it is, yes, I am thankful for the rare days we take a break from life to stay home and recoup.  Not that I did any recouping on this day that Lauren was off school, but my house is polished top to bottom.  Love that conquest!

3. I'm thankful for Geoff.  You're my best friend, father to my children, and provider for our family.  Your hard work is paying off in big ways and it doesn't go unappreciated.  Thank you!

4. I'm thankful for wine.  Because after I get Abby off the bus and take my shower for the day (I know, ishy!) I'll be sitting down addressing my Christmas cards & sipping on a glass of my favorite Iowa wine.  With any luck, I'll also be thankful for the ease in my cramped shoulder.

5. Last but not least, I'm thankful for unexpected inspiration.  I look forward to the great things that are around the corner for our family and hope that those inspirations can rear their little heads when they're needed most.

Ten on Tuesday

1. In my book Candy Corn is not irrelevant until after Thanksgiving.

2. Tic Tacs.... I always eat them in pairs.

3. If the 80s had a flavor, it would be orange Tic Tacs.

4. Never underestimate the power of well manicured eyebrows!

5. Gray Hairs: Why do they always crop up on the part in your hair?  Maybe it's just me.  Either way, I go after them with a good pair of tweezers every time.

6. I'm pretty sure my BFF & I coined the best period code word when we were in school.  Shopping.  Boys automatically tune out when you start talking about that!

7. Tickle Attacks.... Lauren LOVES them! Here is her list of the reasons why:

• I love it when you tickle me.
• I love it that we can be together.
• When we kiss each other.
• I love my giggle.
• I love it when you smooch on me.

Yeap, that pretty much covers it.

8. Back to periods & my BFF.  I can still see her walking around the junior high when she was graced with her inaugural period.  She carried around a brown paper bag packed with provisions the entire day "just in case".  I was certain it was a dead giveaway, but she was adamant that people would believe it was her lunch.  BFF, I won't out your identity, you know who you are.  Thank you for the smile all these years later!

9. Why didn't anyone raise an eyebrow when TV show characters had such inappropriate names & nicknames in the 80s & 90s.... like Boner & Scrote.  Ahhhh, when being PC wasn't so PC.

10. For the life of me I cannot get Michael Jackson's PYT out of my head.  There could be worse songs, I know.  Don't suggest any; I'm perfectly happy with that MJ track. For now.

Election Blue

Disappointed.  Disgusted.  Distraught.  Defeated.  As we watched the polls close and the election results come in my mood turned blue with the map.  To say I woke up this morning in a funk would be an understatement.  It isn't because my team didn't win, it's because my faith in the convictions of my fellow Americans came into question last night.

So this morning as I dressed for work I put on my Christmas socks, wore a smile on my face, and I dove into the kids at school today head first.  They don't have a clue what happened on the TV last night.  All that really matters to them is that their basic needs are met and that laughter makes them feel good.  So we ate, pottied & played.  And we laughed.  A lot.  And we sang & danced, and for a precious few consecutive minutes this morning my focus was on the Now.

My Now is all I can really control.  I can raise my children how my husband and I see fit, and if we're going to build a better America, we're going to start in our home.

I believe in Honesty.
Showing Respect.
Hard Work.
Not Expecting Handouts.
Love.
Giving From Your Heart.
Being Educated.
Being Well-Rounded.
Healing.
Forgiveness.
Loyalty.
Compassion.
Integrity.
Drive.
Ambition.
Two-Parent Families.
Commitment.
Morality.
God.
Karma.
Determination.

I believe in fostering all of these things in our children and making our world a better place.

And I will take a deep breath, do a lot of praying, and live in the now.  Starting right.... Now!