October 31, 2012

Sounds like Texas to me....

Today I had a phone meeting with one of the vendors I have been working with for a few months. He has a southern drawl and conversation always comes before business.

He was so excited that his office was dressing up for Halloween - and he could wear his normal clothes. Today he left the house in his black boots, baby blue cowboy shirt, and back hat - even had his holster and gun.

When his coworker asked if the gun was real he replied, "Well, it don't make much sense to carry one that's not."

Ye-haw. 

October 28, 2012

They do everything big!

My stepson and his girlfriend are on vacation in New York City. Of course they are. If our family didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck at all.

Last night I called the airline to see what their options were, and got put into a callback que - with a 4 hour wait. Hearing this, they called right away to get in the cue too. Good thing, because when I answered the callback I got disconnected without even talking to anyone. They did reach a representative, who told them that all flights out were full.

The hotel was very helpful and extended their stay. They were still able to find flashlights, water, and snacks. They spent the rest of the day sightseeing until the wind forced them inside.

Now they are settled in awaiting the the storm in their hotel - which has become an evacuation zone for people in the financial district. What was a nice, normal vacation has become an epic story, thanks to Hurricane Sandy.

Still, they are relatively safe. I hope the same for all of our friends on the east coast.

NASA image courtesy LANCE MODIS 
Rapid Response Team at NASA GSFC.

October 27, 2012

October 26, 2012

We are the 30%

Back in February of 2010, our $3000 free puppy had surgery to repair his torn ACL. Did you know that 30% of dogs who tear one wind up tearing the other? Yep. This week, our dog was became the $4500 puppy.

His first day home he slept almost the entire time, thanks to a hefty round of pain medication. A week later he is moving around and beginning to put weight on it. Now the hard part begins. Rehab is incredibly important, and dogs are ready to run, jump, and climb long before the repair is healed. At least we aren't dealing with snow too.

Some people think $4500 is too much to spend on a pet, and I know others would spend their life savings if it would make a difference. For me, it will be worth every cent to see him blasting across the dog park again!



October 21, 2012

now I run

Last summer, after years of telling myself and others that I don't run, I started running so that I could be part of my middle daughter's sport. I have come so far from where I started a year ago.

This weekend I ran the 5K while my oldest completed her first half marathon. Not only did she finish, she was within her goal for time and placed in her age group.

 I am so lucky to have kids who inspire and encourage me to be better!




October 20, 2012

all the things you missed as a kid

Last night the oldest and I were hanging out.

I was watching tv when I heard from over her laptop, "Bath tub crayons? No way!"
"Are you on Pinterest?"
"Um, no?"

Yeah, right.

October 19, 2012

like singing the alphabet

The youngest and I were watching the WNBA game together, and she noticed the song in the background during one of the time outs.

Her: Aw remember that song? That's um...
Me: Usher?
Her: Yeah. Oh, what's the name of that song?
(waiting while she sings along to the song)
Me: Did you get to the title of the song yet?
(more singing)
Her: Oh, ha, yeah. 

October 9, 2012

time flies

This morning I woke up really tired - because I started watching youtube videos in bed to fall asleep and 10:30pm became 1:30am.

When I told the youngest, she said, "Yep. I know what you mean. One minute you're watching Jimmy Kimmel and the next you're searching for soccer tricks."

Yeah, kinda. 

October 3, 2012

Can I have a minute to debate that?

Against our better judgement we watched the pre-election debates tonight. It was everything I thought it would be, and I felt I wasted the whole evening. On the way up to bed the middle daughter says, "Well at least SNL will be good this week!"

Ok, maybe not a total waste.

October 2, 2012

we know everyone

My husband and I have lived and worked in the same area for so many years, that whenever we go anywhere we always seem to know people. It happens so often that the kids are surprised when we go the mall or dinner and don't run into a co-worker, neighbor, or former student. A few months ago the oldest told me that as a kid she stayed out of trouble because she believed that we knew people everywhere.

Given this, I know I should not find it odd that we have bought things off Craig's list twice... and both times, we knew the seller.