Shoe Be Doo Be Doo
Violet asks: "With all the lusting (over shoes) that you do, how many pair do you actually own?"

Lusting? Violet!!!! Truly, I don't lust over the shoes. There was a time when I did, but now...not so much. Here's my story:

Just out of college I made a sudden, drastic change in plans and found myself a little lost. I took a job with Pappagallo, planning to work there for a few months while I found a "real" job. I stayed more than 6 years! I already had a thing for shoes, and the heavy discount and constant allure of the shoes contributed to quite a closet full of them! In fact, when I quit working and moved off to law school, I counted 80 pairs of shoes in my closet! Even I was shocked.

After my first year of law school, my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Although the tumor was benign, the lengthy surgery to remove it caused severe and permanent neurological damage and she spent months in the hospital and the rehab center. She eventually went back to work, but was soon layed off. (She had a most excellent lawsuit, but she's not the suing type). I wasn't working and she wasn't working and the money was quickly disappearing. We started trying to sell our stuff and quickly realized how worthless all those shoes were. It hit me hard when I realized how much money I would have if I hadn't purchased the clothes and shoes.

I haven't spent nearly so much on fashion ever since. I'm not angel about spending money, but the shoes just don't have the hold on me they used to have. For years I had only 4 pairs of shoes. This past year or so I have collected a few more and have gone a little overboard on the decorative flip flops, but I would estimate my current shoe count at about 12 shoe shoes and 6 flip flops. The shoes include a turqoise with green polka dot mule, silver satin mules, butter yellow slings, black high-heeled mary janes, black satin mules, walking/sport shoes, brown suede house shoes, red low-heeled mules and super-high gunmetal heels. I'm sure I have 2 or 3 non-descript black shoes to add to that list. The flip flops are generally platform because I don't look good in flat shoes.

I've always thought shoes say a lot about a person's style, more than any other type of apparel. I don't know why. I am just fascinated by shoes. But lustful? Violet! Really!

Muley asks: "You seem to be very active in your church. What's it like? Is it a big church with lots of departments and programs, or is it a smaller congregation? Do people know each other outside of Sunday school? And do your kids welcome being plugged in to church activities?"

My church is kinda big: about 1800 members or so. I've been a member for 18 years, so it doesn't seem "big" to me in that I'm familiar with the building, the history of the congregation and many of the people. I still meet new people every week - some of them have been members as long as I have. I think there is a natural grouping of people with children the same age (or with no children, as the case may be), and as our children enter new horizons, we meet new people.

Our church is one that traditionally meets on Sunday nights, and our congregation accomplishes that through small groups that meet in homes. Over the years we have been members of several different small groups. Those groups provide for more intimate friendships. Because of those groups, we know a lot of people very well. Such groups have been support and comfort to us through many deaths, births, surgeries and "marital growth spurts." I am very grateful for them.

People who participate in these groups do know people outside of Sunday School. Not only do they know their groups, but groups tend to volunteer together for tasks at church (like VBS, for instance), and that allows them to meet even more people. We also have "extra-curricular" activities like talent shows, cook outs, spaghetti dinners, retreats, and even a group who does aerobics to Christian music.

We do have lots of departments/programs such as a women's ministry, a men's ministry, several age-appropriate children's ministries and day-time Bible studies. Under the women's ministry (which is the one I know most about) is a sister-to-sister mentoring group that meets once a month, a Wednesday morning in-depth Bible study, a yearly women's retreat, a quilting ministry and an aerobics class.

We support missions around the world and right here in Oklahoma City. Our newest missionaries were in my small group and have just arrived in Rwanda this week. We also have some members who quit their jobs and opened a mission in the heart of Oklahoma City: Cross and Crown. Many of our small groups volunteer to go there on Sunday nights to prepare a meal and pray with everyone who comes that night. Having that mission so close to home has really affected the fabric of our church as so many people, like me, who had never done mission work before have experienced it first hand. We have been pushed outside of our comfort zone and have grown because of it.

Our children have never known anything but an active church life. They don't really know about having an option to be involved, we just are. They love VBS, including the preparation for it. They love the mission. Dinners and cookouts at church are a blast. The talent show is awesome. Their friends are at church...what's to argue about?

Thanks for asking! Next question?

READER PARTICIPATION DAY!
Go ahead, ask me something. Get to know me! What do you want to know? What do you want me to write about? C'mon, I know there's something you want to know!

Work, Work, Oh Shake It Up Baby!
Muley asks:
"I'm curious about what kind of attorney you are. Do you work for a big firm, doing corporate-type stuff, or do you work solo in a small office, writing up wills? And what's it's like being both a Christian and an attorney? Is that a conflict at times? Don't say anything that will get you DOOCED."

Thanks for asking! It is very difficult for me to say what I do without taking the chance of getting dooced, but I will try to give you some idea. I have been at my job for 9 years now (this week!) and I truly love it. When I first started, I was working in a medium-sized law firm in a high-rise building. I researched the law for a couple of cases here and there and I worked as a state lobbyist, but the primary focus of my job was developing and creating a publication about the judiciary. Eventually, my boss sold the firm and we moved out to create a virtual office, meaning we moved to our home offices and communicated by phone, email and meetings. Once Colin was born, I dropped all work except the publication and that's all I do now.

We have a staff of 10 attorneys and 2 support staff and still maintain the virtual office concept. We all meet together once a week to argue over which cases should be included in the publication. We argue for a few hours and then go to lunch. Lawyers are like that. Arguing isn't personal, its just what we do. It is actually a great mental exercise to argue with a bunch of attorneys once a week.

Our publication is well known in certain circles and, in those circles, we are heroes and champions - but to most of the world we are anonymous.

My job is perfect for me because I don't really want to have any "clients." I prefer to work alone most of the time and I'm easily troubled by others' troubles, so I think I'll just keep my job, thank you.

Regarding being a Christian and a lawyer, I'd like to relay what a mentor of mine once told me. He is an attorney and I was trying to decide whether to go to law school. I told him I was concerned about maintaining my Christian values and being an attorney at the same time. He is a Christian and told me it is possible to do both. Then he said what I'll never forget: "If all the Christians stayed away from the law, what would the law become?" That's the moment I made my final decision to go.

My boss is a Christian, as are most of my co-workers. Through lawyering and even lobbying, I have watched him maintain his Christian values in his work over these last 9 years. If you wonder about mixing Christianity with law, imagine mixing it with lobbying!!! But, yes, it can be done. I have seen that he commands respect at the capitol and he is trusted, perhaps even more than the other lobbyists, because everyone knows he is a man of his word. He has been a true inspiration to me in my career.

Thanks for asking, Muley!

I'm feeling better today, though I'm still getting tired easily. I had a good weekend of tv watching, magazine reading, puzzle working and napping with the occassional peanut butter cracker snack made by Colin and the fast food delivered by James. On the one hand I could take another day in bed. On the other, this house is unliveable. Perhaps if I clean the house and take a shower, I'll feel much better. You think?
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Out
I've been in bed since Thursday night. Yes, that's right. 48 hours in bed. AND, I'm getting ready to go back to bed. I've got the fever (see no. 9). I've got the congestion. I've got the headache. Woe is me.

The benefit to staying in bed so long, of course, is that I've read all 5 of my favorite magazines (Scrapbook Trends, Islands, Family Fun, Southern Living, and Midwest Living) and watched PBS all morning. When I was single I always watched PBS on Saturday mornings. I love This Old House, Oklahoma Gardening and Julia Child. I am fascinated by the quilting shows and the wood crafting shows, too.

KARAOKE FRIDAY NIGHT!

On and On ( Stephen Bishop )
(click on title for music)

Down in Jamaica
They got lots of pretty women
Steal your money
Then they break your heart
Lonesome Sue, she's in love with ol' Sam
Take him from the fire into the frying pan

On and on
She just keeps on trying
And she smiles when she feels like crying
On and on, on and on, on and on

Poor ol' Jimmy
Sits alone in the moonlight
Saw his woman kiss another man
So he takes a ladder
Steals the stars from the sky
Puts on Sinatra and starts to cry

On and on
He just keeps on trying
And he smiles when he feels like crying
On and on, on and on, on and on

When the first time is the last time
It can make you feel so bad
But if you know it, show it
Hold on tight
Don't let her say goodnight

Got the sun on my shoulders
And my toes in the sand
My woman's left me for the some other man
Aw, but I don't care
I'll just dream and stay tan
Toss up my heart to see where it lands

On and on
I just keep on trying
And I smile when I feel like dying
On and on, on and on, on and on

On and on, on and on, on and on
On and on, on and on, on and on

At VBS the children were given a small rubber bracelet for each guest they brought. This was a great incentive for Colin, who made me call every child in his class after the first night to ask them to join him at VBS. In the end, he had collected 2 bracelets, which is insufficient to him, but still exciting. He is wearing them just below his knee. This morning I found this drawing under my bed. The meaning is clear. He had a goal of 17 bracelets and he got 2. I never noticed how bony his knee is before....and I'm not so sure about that extra toe.
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Woe to the Phone Talkers
Lileks is always amusing...particularly today:

"There’s also a guy pacing the aisle of the café, talking on a cell phone. He’s very important. I wouldn’t have known that if he hadn’t stood and started talking. I’m glad he told us. I feel better just knowing that meeting is going ahead as scheduled. The entire café feels better. The entire café would also feel better if the skies parted, an angel descended, and smote him with a terrible flaming sword. Of course, one of us would have to pick up the phone and say “better reschedule. Bob has been cleaved in twain by heavenly justice made flesh. Uh – hold on.” Mr. Angel, are you flesh, or some sort of divine phlogeiton arrayed in mortal form?"

Picking berries at Sun Berry Farms in Harrah yesterday.
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Blackberries!!
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Berry Streusel Muffins

Muffins

1 ½ cup flour

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 egg, lightly beaten

½ cup butter, melted

½ cup milk

1 ¼ cup fresh or frozen berries

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Sift together dry ingredients. Make a well in the center. Mix in, just until blended, egg, butter and milk. Fold in berries and lemon zest. Pour into 12 muffin cups.

Streusel Topping

½ cup chopped pecans

½ cup packed brown sugar

¼ cup flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

2 tablespoon butter, melted

Stir to combine. Sprinkle over muffins. Bake 20-25 minutes at 350° F.

Glaze

½ cup confectioner’s sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Drizzle over warm muffins.

Welcome to VBS 2005 in Review. Our theme was "Good News Clues" and the children are finding clues all week to find out about the Truth as they investigate clues. What's the mystery they're trying to solve? The basics of salvation and the Christian life!
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There's my Garden!
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Fun and games in the Garden of Eden.
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Young children doing a craft.
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Let's Think.
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The Mystery Solvers
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The Prodigal Son lives it up.
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Steve (from Blue's Clues) by the entrance to the Music Room.
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The Music Room where they sing songs about the Good News.
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Many of you have, no doubt, wondered what gives me the right to make fashion commentary. I think this speaks for itself. (me circa 1968)
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This is Colin's t-ball team roster, made by one of the parents. Is it not the best roster ever?
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DuckTape brand duct tape sponsors a prom contest each year. The winner gets a $5000 scholarship. The contestants must be a couple who actually attend the prom in outfits made entirely of duct tape. The results are spectacular!
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This girl is my mom's best friend's granddaughter,so you should probably vote for them. Oklahoma, No. 3445.
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The Swapatorium has some wonderful finds to share. Today I found some incredible bedding in the "Sweet Dreams" section. This one reminded me a bit of my past, as you'll see below. Sorry about the assault on your eyes.
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Me in my crazy quilted dress. I was sure to crop this photo so you could still see the awesome shag carpet (orange, green, yellow AND brown!) and the groovin' macrame planter my mom made.
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Me with my favorite sleeping bag. Groovy.
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The VBS Saga

Our VBS began last night and it was a success. It has, however, been a bit crazy.

All my flowers....ALL of them....fell off the wall yesterday. I knew they had fallen because I stopped by the church in the morning to pick up something and noticed they were all on the floor. I thought it was not a big problem...I would go get some staples for my staple gun and firmly re-attach them an hour before VBS began. I went to the store and got 1/4" staples like the staple gun box said, but when I arrived at the church they were too small for my staple gun. I ran through the halls of the church searching for a box of staples. Person after person told me they had already taken everything home. Of course they had. So had I!! I finally found one staple gun with a few staples left and ran back to my room. Staple. Staple. Staple.

Down went the flowers!

PANIC!

I found my glue gun and started glueing like crazy. Once I convinced a fellow to find me an extension cord, we were good to go and got the last flower up with 15 minutes to spare. Meanwhile, my children were running around like crazy monkeys which, in itself, caused me to work up quite a sweat!

I gathered up my little monkeys and told them it was time to check in. On the way to registration, I had to drop off something and told my boys to wait in the hall for me. When I came back out they were gone. GONE!

Now I'm a crazy, sweaty woman running the halls looking for her errant children, who deserve to be hung by their toes and tickled to death. They are nowhere to be found. I finally made it to the lobby and found my friend with her hands on their heads. She looked a little frazzled herself. She had found them under a pew in the auditorium and, thankfully, took control. Frankly, I was thinking about taking up drinking.

The rest of the evening went well. James is in a skit about the prodigal son. He is a true ham when he gets on stage, and he had me laughing through the entire thing. Another parent in the room said, "Who did you marry?" Good question. I ask that every day.

All the way home they boys complained that we were planning to attend ANOTHER VBS in the morning. They did not want to go. I don't quite understand since they love this VBS and rave about it every year. Besides, I need some time alone, so they NEED to go! But, alas, they were still asleep when the other VBS began this morning, so I decided it wasn't worth the struggle to take them.

Spencer awakened and said, "Let's go to VBS!"

???

We threw their clothes on and jumped in the car for a fast-paced ride to VBS. When we got there we jumped out, ran in and got the nametags. The children hadn't gone to their classes yet, so we really weren't too late, but as soon as we got to the class, Spencer decided he was NOT GOING TO VBS. The tears came. Did you think I meant Spencer was crying? Well, okay, he was. But so was I. My children are officially spoiled.

An hour into VBS I finally had both children settled into their classes. When it was all over Spencer was happy as a lark and looking forward to tomorrow. Colin announced, "I am NOT coming back here."

Should I start with scotch or whiskey?

Sounds Fruity
Update on ways to look younger: GRAPEFRUIT!

KARAOKE FRIDAY NIGHT!!!
Amie ( Pure Prarie League )
(click on title for music)

I can see why you think you belong to me
I never tried to make you think
Or let you see one thing for yourself
But now your off with someone else and I'm alone
You see, I thought that I might keep you for my own

Amie, what you wanna do?
I think I could stay with you
For a while, maybe longer if I do

Don't you think the time is right for us to find
All the things we thought weren't proper could be right in time?
And can you see
Which way we should turn together or alone?
I can never see whats right or what is wrong
(Will it take to long to see?)

Amie, what you wanna do?
I think I could stay with you
For a while, maybe longer if I do

Well now
Amie what you wanna do?
I think I could stay with you
For a while, maybe longer if I do

Now it's come to what you want, you've had your way
And all the things you thought before just faded into gray
And can you see
That I don't know if it's you or if it's me?
If it's one of us I'm sure we'll both will see
(Won't you look at me and tell me?)
Amie, what you wanna do?
I think I could stay with you
For a while, maybe longer
Longer if I do

Amie, what you wanna do?
I think I could stay with you
For a while, maybe longer if I do

I keep fallin' in and out of love with you
Fallin' in and out of love with you
Don't know what I'm gonna do
I'd keep fallin' in and out of love
With you

Volunteerism. It Just Doesn't Pay.
San Fransisco has decided it cannot take the risk of allowing volunteers to repair the city softball fields. Why? Fear of litigation. From what I've seen, the concern is valid.

Helpful Hints
1) Put a bar of soap in your car, still wrapped. You can put it under the seat or in a side pocket, somewhere out of sight. Your car will smell fresh and clean!
2) Bake an apple or onion in your oven for about an hour or so before people come over. They won't know why, but they'll think your home seems very warm and welcoming.
3) Keep a swim bag packed in your car in case somebody invites you to swim. You never want to miss out on that!
4) Quit wearing a watch.
5) When you make a casserole or cook a chicken, cook double and freeze the rest for a busy day.
6) Buy chicken breasts in bulk, divide them up in baggies, two servings for bag, and pour marinades in the bags. Freeze them. Before you go to work, pull out what you'll need for dinner and you're good to go!

Share your hints, please. My list is short, I need more!

Little Dooced Coup
You can get fired for writing a blog. I don't really have anything to add, I just wanted to use that headline.

Here's a little photo collection from our recent day trip to downtown Oklahoma City. There is so much to do downtown, you could really spend a couple of days. On this day we went to a plant sale at the botanical gardens (inside that large tube you see), shopped in the garden's gift shop, played in the park and rode the trolley around town. (click on image for a better view)
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Running up and rolling down.
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This was on our television last night. See that little white dot in the center of the state? That's where I live. Looks ominous, doesn't it? The Oklahoma news stations have such fantastic equipment now they know every detail of a storm as it approaches. For instance, the weatherman can just click anywhere on the map and wind speed at that spot will appear. This storm had winds around 50 miles and hour and, of course, there is always the potential for tornadic activity in Oklahoma, so the network stations were on the air with these maps from 8:00 until sometime after midnight when I fell asleep on the couch. (I was the designated weather watcher last night). The outcome, we had a heavy rain with high winds and everything is just fine.
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The Earnestness of Playing
One of the great joys of parenting is watching young children use their imaginations. My two little boys recently built a grand hotel out of a couch, a suitcase and some blankets. Of course, it completely destroyed the adult livability of our living room, but they had hours and hours of fun making the hotel their own with the appopriate books, beds, windows and hallways. The two of them were very serious about getting it right and quite proud of the final product. They even kept their clothes in their little hotel closets and slept there a few nights.

This morning I found Colin on my bed watching The Thunderbirds from his pillowy triangular spaceship. He was busy at the controls and only briefly acknowledged my presence. I think he had Spencer busy at ground control supplying him with his most urgent needs. It was hard for me to resist that little body, clad in jungle pajamas and white socks....but I walked away and let him fly his rocket through space. There is no telling what he will do today to save the universe, after all.

Left to their own, those two little boys would completely transform our home into a reality from another dimension. Their ways are not our ways, and we cannot understand them. But it is a delight to watch those little minds at work!

Well, at least the height between toes and heels is reasonable. I name these "70s Carnivale."
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Groovy
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The Famolare Tsunami Wave
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no comment
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Stick Magnolias
Don't mess with a southern beautician!

via Glib and Superficial (The Gentleman Farmer)

Time for a little shoe round-up. Let's start with this. This is weird. Way weird. I think I'll pass.
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This is a Candie's shoe. Apparently Candie has acquired a thing for Hush Puppies. Too bad.
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Every girl's dream in 1979.
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For the girl who is part tomboy, part mary jane.
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The thoughtful Playboy flip flop with gently reminders where the toes go. Sweet. But......no.
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Interesting. Notice the cut out under the ball of the foot and the tres moderne stabilizing heel.
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hmmmm.
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No.
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Ah, yes.
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Memory, Where Art Thou?

My children kinda scare me. They have incredible memories for past events. Yesterday I heard them talking to each other about which of their friends have swimming pools. Colin said Bryce has a pool and I chimed in that, no, he really doesn't. He reminded me that Bryce had a pool at his party when they were 2.

Indeed, they did have a small wading pool that summer's day 4 years ago.

This afternoon he talked about the guy who drove us from our car to the airport for our summer vacation last year. He said, "Are you boys going to Disney World?" Colin replied, "No, we're going to the Florida beaches."

He remembers all the parties. He knows which gifts he received for which Christmas. If he sees a small child wearing his hand-me-down shoes, he remembers that they were his shoes. He knows if we've been to a store or restaurant and what we ate or bought there. And he knows how old he was when everything happened.

Spencer's mind is not so clearly (to me) geared to what happened, but he does know who drives every NASCAR racecar and who the sponsors are. As we drive down the road he will yell out what he sees on the signs: "Look, FedEx/Kinkos! Jason Leffler sponsor!" or "There's Cingular Wireless! It sponsors number 99! Well, used to be 99."

Is this normal?

Here's the problem, though. When they run down the halls of church and I grab them by the collar and say, "I JUST told you not to run in the halls," they will reply, "Oh, we forgot."

Did you put the seat down? "Oh, I forgot."

Did you wash your hands? "Oops! Forgot!"

Do you have your shoes on? Forgot.

I KNOW that is normal. But how does it jive with all the other minutia they heard once but still remember?

Perhaps its time for me to start saying prayers for their wives, who will one day wonder what I did to cause this!

We have too many cats, but I doubt I could resist this guy if offered to me! (via Kitten Wars via Glib and Superficial)
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The Sunday paper has a 2-page section of small ads designed for the fashion-forward crowd. Most ads contain a small photo representing the type of products they sell to the privileged masses. Apparently it is becoming fashionable for the elite to dress like the gypsies, tramps and thieves. Take this dress for instance. This woman, who is cute enough on her own, now looks like a pixie whore. Look at the way that jacket flips out above her waste. And....wait....is that her belly button I see? Well, the skirt is see-through, so the shirt might as well be. And a wristwatch? Are the rich girls flocking to the store for this frock? Egads.
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From the same fashion page comes this "patriotic" outfit. I get that our soldiers wear "camo," but I'm not willing to accept the wearing of camo by civilians as "patriotic." In fact, I think one has a civic duty to wear red, white and/or blue to an Independence Day parade and I would be disappointed if everyone showed up in this sort of "patriotic" apparel. It would be downright depressing.
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If I Only Had a Brain
My dad sometimes sang that little line, and he joked easily about the effects of Parkinson's on his life. I know he would have sung, "If I Only Had a Brain" after reading this article.

Lifestyles of the Rich
So, I just returned home from a night with some girlfriends. They aren't close friends, but I know them fairly well. I'm beginning to think they're the wrong crowd for me. Indeed, most of my friends are the wrong crowd for me. The trouble? They have beautiful, super-fantastic homes. I'm serious, they are beautiful. And clean. Clean beautiful homes. It is insufferable.

Tonight's mini-mansion sat on a golf course, which we viewed through large windows from the leather couch, which was next to the oversized accessories (because you NEED big accessories when you have a big house). I saw but one speck of dust (I was looking). The tiles had no spots, the carpet had no spots. Nothing was out of place and the view was spectacular.

I used to blame these sorts of things on my youth. You know, "I'll have a house like this when I'm old, too."

Well, I'm old now, but still no mansion. And anyway, these people are younger than me.

The thing is, I may also be bipolar. After a little outting like tonight's, I come home ready for a spotless home, with gleaming floors and a clear desktop. My children should be tucked neatly into their beds having put all their toys in place and said their prayers. The little rubber ducky ought to be drying on the side of the bath and the dishes all cleaned and put away. I expect the furniture should be, well, at least coordinated. Matchy matchy is not necessary, but coordinated would be good. Not only that, all my laundry should be ironed and hanging in the closet and my pedicure should be fresh.

Tomorrow morning, different story. Why, we wouldn't want to waste the children's childhoods cleaning when we could be having grand adventures and visiting friends. Oh no, we must forget about the clutter and go have some FUN. Who needs a clean floor when friends have asked us to swim. Who cares about the laundry if the nature park is open? All those people in those neat little mansions must be insane to spend any part of a summer day CLEANING. And this furniture? It has character. Its been around. It'll do. Anyway, why buy furniture? Its just a worldly treasure.

Aaaaccckkkk!

Of course, I realize, intellectually, that there is a middle ground. One can have a clean house, old furniture, adventure and a home-pedicure. That works. Its just that I'm not very good at achieving it. I live life in that second paragraph and wonder what it would be like to live in the first. Quiet simply, I'm a mess. (Actually, so is my house).

Creation is Hard Work
Staff meeting first thing this morning and then I was off the the church to continue the building of the Garden of Eden. It is starting to look like....something, and that is encouraging. The sky is in place, the grass is in place (although it doesn't look so very good) and the tree now has one branch. The room is a craft room and I've designed it so the children will sit under the fruit tree to do their craft. You know, the Bible never says it is an apple tree, so I've considered hanging all sorts of fruit on the tree to be silly and open up dialogue about that, but I can't decide. Thoughts?

I enjoy the process of decorating for VBS. We never know what friends will be working when we drive up, but there is usually somebody for the children to play with and for me to talk with. If I can get the children off to another room I can have some much needed quiet time to draw and paint. When I need a break I wander the halls and marvel at the creativity of our church members. We really do have the most amazing VBS I have ever seen. The children are transported to another place for a few days. I can't wait to show you the photos from this year.

Of course, as VBS nears, my house becomes increasingly unliveable. Please don't drop in for a visit this week!

OR...you could drop in and clean for me???

Sorry about his boring post. The creative part of my brain is zapped.

Random Thoughts

I'm feeling kinda down this week. Yesterday was my dad's birthday and next week if Fathers Day. June has always been a big "dad" time, so its a rough spot this year. Also, for those of you who don't already know, James' dad died two years ago on Fathers Day....so it is rough on him, too. Mostly I feel like just laying around, staring into space and thinking. Something about having two young boys prevents me, though.

I took the boys by Lake Hefner today to watch the body sailers (surely not the correct name, but that's just my descriptive term). They didn't really care about watching middle-aged men try to get their "kites" in the air (probably because they weren't very successful today), but instead indulged in finding shells and crab claws. Amazingly, there were a lot to be found. It was nice to sit outside next to the breezy lake.

James participated in a triathalon this morning. The street was blocked for the race, but policemen were hired to allow cars to cross the street at a few intervals. Apparently one of the policemen was not a good judge and he allowed a car to pull out right in front of James. To avoid the car, James turned quickly, which caused him to topple over, his feet still clipped into the pedals, and slide right in front of the car. Luckily, the car stopped two feet short of James. Of course, James' bike was twisted up so he was out of the race and came home with big bruises and scrapes on his hip.

Peanut butter M&Ms aren't nearly as good as plain old M&Ms.

I worked a few hours today while my boys visited my mom. Panera Bread is a nice place to read cases. Free refills, excellent bagels and classical music.

Speaking of M&Ms, Spencer came into me this morning moaning, "Mommy, my tummy hurts." He curled up in my arms and collapsed before he said quietly, "Only neminems will make me feel better."

Wise boy.

KARAOKE FRIDAY NIGHT!

Gilligan's Island
(click on title for music)

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
a tale of a fateful trip.
That started from this tropic port,
aboard this tiny ship.
The mate was a mighty sailin' man,
the skipper brave and sure.
Five passengers set sail that day,
for a three hour tour, a three hour tour………
The weather started getting rough,
the tiny ship was tossed.
If not for the courage of the fearless crew,
the Minnow would be lost; the Minnow would be lost.
The ship took ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle,
with Gilligan, the Skipper too,
the Millionaire, and his Wife,
the Movie Star, the Professor and Mary Ann,
here on Gilligan's Isle.

So this is the tale of our castaways,
they're here for a long, long time.
They'll have to make the best of things,
it's an uphill climb.
The first mate and his skipper too,
will do their very best,
to make the others comfortable,
in the tropic island nest.
No phones, no lights, no motor cars,
not a single luxury.
Like Robinson Crusoe,
it's primitive as can be.
So join us here each week my friend,
you're sure to get a smile.
From seven stranded Castaways,
Here on Gilligan's Isle.

Posted by Hello

Posted by Hello