I forgot momentarily that in between refereeing we found some time to write a poem based on two favorite phrases of Lily (9) and Levi (7)
Lily went off to the ocean.
Levi went off to the sea
They thought that they would catch some fish
But neither did succeed.
Lily said, "Whatever."
Levi said "So What."
Becky said, "What's wrong with you kids?! I'll give a big kick in the butt."
Levi climbed a mountain
Lily climbed a hill
The saw a goat carrying a boat
take an awful spill.
Lily said, "Whatever."
Levi said "So What."
Becky said, "What's wrong with you kids?! I'll give a big kick in the butt."
Levi went to Pluto
Lily went to Mars
Fortunately for both of them they remembered
their peanut butter jars.
Lily said, "I like this."
Levi said, "Me too!"
Becky said, "Get Back here you kids I'm so lonely without you!"
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
from Frederick Galleries titled "Ice Cream Meltdown"
and for the record, no matter how good they are with kids, boys will be boys. Just as the peak of the tantrum subsided, Mr. Sophanne called the tantrum thrower a "baby" and said we'd get a plane ticket and leave tonight. Eventually apologies were exchanged and all is well with the world but, well... you know.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Day is Done
I am glad. Called the dog. She's o.k.
We spent the afternoon at the pool.
I'm really not so much a people person.
Monday, July 13, 2009
new beach houses
Mr. Sophanne and entourage returned from the store with poptarts, fruitloops, and 3 bags of gummy worms ignoring the fact that they just had eggs, soy milk, and toast as per what the mama recommends.
This for children whose dietary sugar is limited generally to one small candy/piece of gum a day. I was not amused and almost became the tsk tsk'er but then figured- what the hell-it's vacation for them too. If we keep feeding them sugar, we can prolong the meltdown. So far so good but I feel really bad for the mama and the papa tonight.
After amply supplied with empty calories we explored at the shore. No crab was safe. I insisted that Bob explain the Buddha's "Hurt no Living Thing" premise to them and without complaint, when we left, the crabs were returned to their natural habitat. They may need some trauma therapy after being banished to the "punishment shell" within the rock circle of crabness.
Mr. Sophanne also introduced one of his favorite pastimes- "Nature Art."
We're looking forward to watching the tide slowly decimate this abode in "our" back yard. It was all we could do not to throw rocks at it to speed up the process.
We drove down the road a bit to explore swimming options for tomorrow and found more shore very similar to that in the back yard.
I learned that you can do the same thing in a different place with kids and to them it will feel different. (I knew it was true of the songs we sing in kindergarten-same tune-different words-only the very brightest will pause and say "hey... that sounds like...") The house building continued.
After the youngest said "I'm Hungry" we skipped the trip to the grocery store- I was oh so wary of the meltdown potential- and ate at a nearby Mexican Restaurant- a stroke of brilliance on the part of Mr. Sophanne and stupidly- something I wouldn't have thought of. And now here's the kicker... we didn't have a doggie bag. All kids ate all food (each other's and/or their own) and there was no food trauma.
A public thanks to all of the experienced mamas reading and commenting and joining me on this trip. It has reduced my stress level considerably to know you're out there and have got my back.
This for children whose dietary sugar is limited generally to one small candy/piece of gum a day. I was not amused and almost became the tsk tsk'er but then figured- what the hell-it's vacation for them too. If we keep feeding them sugar, we can prolong the meltdown. So far so good but I feel really bad for the mama and the papa tonight.
After amply supplied with empty calories we explored at the shore. No crab was safe. I insisted that Bob explain the Buddha's "Hurt no Living Thing" premise to them and without complaint, when we left, the crabs were returned to their natural habitat. They may need some trauma therapy after being banished to the "punishment shell" within the rock circle of crabness.
Mr. Sophanne also introduced one of his favorite pastimes- "Nature Art."
We're looking forward to watching the tide slowly decimate this abode in "our" back yard. It was all we could do not to throw rocks at it to speed up the process.
We drove down the road a bit to explore swimming options for tomorrow and found more shore very similar to that in the back yard.
I learned that you can do the same thing in a different place with kids and to them it will feel different. (I knew it was true of the songs we sing in kindergarten-same tune-different words-only the very brightest will pause and say "hey... that sounds like...") The house building continued.
After the youngest said "I'm Hungry" we skipped the trip to the grocery store- I was oh so wary of the meltdown potential- and ate at a nearby Mexican Restaurant- a stroke of brilliance on the part of Mr. Sophanne and stupidly- something I wouldn't have thought of. And now here's the kicker... we didn't have a doggie bag. All kids ate all food (each other's and/or their own) and there was no food trauma.
A public thanks to all of the experienced mamas reading and commenting and joining me on this trip. It has reduced my stress level considerably to know you're out there and have got my back.
New Olympic Event
Much like its predecessor, Volleyshoe is an excellent beach game. Played with a size 2 purple croc (specs can and do vary) there are fewer volleys and skilled play is based on the drama of the hit more than the accuracy.
"Getting Under the Shoe" and "Setting the Shoe" is encouraged as is "Diving for the Shoe." To date the record number of successful volleys is three.
The advantage to Volleyshoe over it's more traditional Volleyball is that the shoe does not go rolling off into the water. Volleyshoe appears to have the effect of keeping seven and nine year old siblings bicker-free (and occasionally apologizing for poor volleys) for OVER FORTY MINUTES.
For those of you joining me on this journey, here is a map of where you are. The beach in the photo above is Alki Beach in West Seattle. Our cozy cottage is a few blocks south of here.
And now, because you are my friends and I feel I can trust you, I have to tell you that sometimes kids make me crazy and impatient. While I'm sure the impression I've often given is one of absolute patience and kindness (and I have maintained this external illusion thus far here on Fantasy Island), I may start to lose it pretty soon.
Mr. Sophanne is experiencing some slight reaction with some of his food allergies and and is certain that his heart will likely explode any minute in a way that only a man with some discomfort can be.
This left me large and in charge for about 3 hours this morning. While I know I should be the good and patient wife, I struggle. I forced him out of bed this morning and said "It's nine o'clock." He seemed distressed that I was more concerned with the time than with the pain in his side (NOT near his heart.)
He has now decided to push his way through the pain and I've got a little down time as they are adventuring in the car. If there is something seriously wrong, I'll have this post to make me feel guilty for the rest of my life. If not, then I'm guessing many of you know exactly where I'm coming from in the Mars/Venus world.
"Getting Under the Shoe" and "Setting the Shoe" is encouraged as is "Diving for the Shoe." To date the record number of successful volleys is three.
The advantage to Volleyshoe over it's more traditional Volleyball is that the shoe does not go rolling off into the water. Volleyshoe appears to have the effect of keeping seven and nine year old siblings bicker-free (and occasionally apologizing for poor volleys) for OVER FORTY MINUTES.
For those of you joining me on this journey, here is a map of where you are. The beach in the photo above is Alki Beach in West Seattle. Our cozy cottage is a few blocks south of here.
And now, because you are my friends and I feel I can trust you, I have to tell you that sometimes kids make me crazy and impatient. While I'm sure the impression I've often given is one of absolute patience and kindness (and I have maintained this external illusion thus far here on Fantasy Island), I may start to lose it pretty soon.
Mr. Sophanne is experiencing some slight reaction with some of his food allergies and and is certain that his heart will likely explode any minute in a way that only a man with some discomfort can be.
This left me large and in charge for about 3 hours this morning. While I know I should be the good and patient wife, I struggle. I forced him out of bed this morning and said "It's nine o'clock." He seemed distressed that I was more concerned with the time than with the pain in his side (NOT near his heart.)
He has now decided to push his way through the pain and I've got a little down time as they are adventuring in the car. If there is something seriously wrong, I'll have this post to make me feel guilty for the rest of my life. If not, then I'm guessing many of you know exactly where I'm coming from in the Mars/Venus world.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
For the past 5 years of marriage, Mr. Sophanne and I have taken this family trip, visiting, trying to create good family memories etc. I am not the evil step-mother. I'm not even old enough to be the mother of his children- which in many circumstances could be (and in the beginning- was) slightly awkward.
I told him on our journey here that for the first time, I felt welcomed, loved and that family was looking forward to seeing me and that my only real anxiety was the air travel and kid overload.
I shared this with his daughter as well when we went shopping and we had one of those "yea, we're o.k." moments.
During the trip I took note of the lovely cut flowers and knew that while we were paying for the food, adding flowers to the mix would be considered less than frugal. No biggie.
This afternoon, when daughter's husband and smallest child came back from taking the mama to work, they delivered these.
They are the nicest flowers I've ever gotten with the most sincere sentiment behind them. I got me some in-laws and they're pretty awesome.
I found a more better vase but would feel a little self-conscious taking another picture of them. Know that they are now appropriately housed.
AND- I made pasta, sausage and toasted bread for 5 adults and 5 kids and there was enough and it didn't suck!
Also there was a dead red jellyfish in "our" backyard. Coincidentally enough- it looks like the sauce we had with dinner.
I told him on our journey here that for the first time, I felt welcomed, loved and that family was looking forward to seeing me and that my only real anxiety was the air travel and kid overload.
I shared this with his daughter as well when we went shopping and we had one of those "yea, we're o.k." moments.
During the trip I took note of the lovely cut flowers and knew that while we were paying for the food, adding flowers to the mix would be considered less than frugal. No biggie.
This afternoon, when daughter's husband and smallest child came back from taking the mama to work, they delivered these.
They are the nicest flowers I've ever gotten with the most sincere sentiment behind them. I got me some in-laws and they're pretty awesome.
I found a more better vase but would feel a little self-conscious taking another picture of them. Know that they are now appropriately housed.
AND- I made pasta, sausage and toasted bread for 5 adults and 5 kids and there was enough and it didn't suck!
Also there was a dead red jellyfish in "our" backyard. Coincidentally enough- it looks like the sauce we had with dinner.
Former selves
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Puget Sound
Every now and then the camera can make things look more dramatic than they really are. Things aren't quite this dark but there has been some thunder and it looks promising.
Also missing are the sound effects of Mr. Sophanne talking about his ancestry and the book he's been working on about it, 5 laughing screaming children and one daughter-in-law talking about what she wants to do to her house next. You can filter the pleasant and unpleasant sounds for yourself
Steak, salmon, and an avocado salad with some water chesnut-like crunchy addition (that I can't remember the name of) for dinner with fresh green beans and bread. (now I feel like I'm twittering but I told you I was going to share the experience-and it's keeping me sane.)
Groceries for lunch and dinner purchased along with a small package of Fran's decadent award winning gray salt caramels. Daughter of Mr. Sophanne (not the house talker) is an herbalist and I'm not sure if this is a standard PMS cure but it certainly did not hurt.
we let the little people carry the bags.
A good night's sleep- some bagels and a walk to Miller Park a block away.
Heading to Puget Sound this afternoon.
We let the little people carry the bags.
Heading to Puget Sound this afternoon.
We let the little people carry the bags.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Old Dog- New Tricks
Lessons learned from Seattle '08 and '07.
1. Get a hotel room the night you arrive and the night before you leave. This relieves all pre and post travel anxiety and keeps everyone fresh and happy for meeting and greeting. It helps if you're Mr. Sophanne and you search the credit card companies for bonus Fairfield Marriot night points. This hotel has wifi- yippee.
2. Don't quit reading and writing blogs. It may be the only thing that keeps you sane.
3. Not every flight is as bad as the last few we've had and we've arrived safely and in relatively decent humors. I recommend 50 mg of xanax and 3 ibuprofen to take the edge off.
Ya'll are coming on this vacation with me- not just reading about it later.
Another lesson from Seattle '09
When your flight takes you from Pittsburgh to Seattle via Dulles in Washington DC, the actual flight time to Seattle is extended by about the same time it took you to get to DC. doh.
Mr. Sophanne can find treats (ice cream, muffins, milk, chexmix, and yogurt) anywhere. If he were ever to go on Survivor, they would all have apple pie as a bedtime snack.
1. Get a hotel room the night you arrive and the night before you leave. This relieves all pre and post travel anxiety and keeps everyone fresh and happy for meeting and greeting. It helps if you're Mr. Sophanne and you search the credit card companies for bonus Fairfield Marriot night points. This hotel has wifi- yippee.
2. Don't quit reading and writing blogs. It may be the only thing that keeps you sane.
3. Not every flight is as bad as the last few we've had and we've arrived safely and in relatively decent humors. I recommend 50 mg of xanax and 3 ibuprofen to take the edge off.
Ya'll are coming on this vacation with me- not just reading about it later.
Another lesson from Seattle '09
When your flight takes you from Pittsburgh to Seattle via Dulles in Washington DC, the actual flight time to Seattle is extended by about the same time it took you to get to DC. doh.
Mr. Sophanne can find treats (ice cream, muffins, milk, chexmix, and yogurt) anywhere. If he were ever to go on Survivor, they would all have apple pie as a bedtime snack.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Let the lessons Begin-Seattle Adventure '09
As we prepare once again to trek across the country, I've learned a few things and we haven't even left yet.
1. It's much harder to leave your dog the second year than the first (when she was still doing annoying puppy things.) Can you say Niagra Falls? Oy. Didn't see that coming.
2. I can fit all of my leftover sock yarn as well as enough for 3 pairs of socks without even an extra bulge in the luggage. Much wiser than trying to haul a whole sweater from ocean to ocean.
3. It is possible to convince Mr. Sophanne that he does NOT need to pack Four. Pairs. of Shoes. for a ten day vacation. We've got it down to two. I may regret this later but at least he'll get a new pair of shoes out of it.
4. The cat doesn't look so bad when the dog's gone.
We're going to the zoo on Friday. If see you a Steve Martin/Herman Munster/Ralph Kramden sort of friendly looking guy playing around at the Seattle Zoo with 5 monkeys of his own, be sure to stop and say hi. I'll be the one carrying all the stuff. He'll be the one with no shoes.
1. It's much harder to leave your dog the second year than the first (when she was still doing annoying puppy things.) Can you say Niagra Falls? Oy. Didn't see that coming.
2. I can fit all of my leftover sock yarn as well as enough for 3 pairs of socks without even an extra bulge in the luggage. Much wiser than trying to haul a whole sweater from ocean to ocean.
3. It is possible to convince Mr. Sophanne that he does NOT need to pack Four. Pairs. of Shoes. for a ten day vacation. We've got it down to two. I may regret this later but at least he'll get a new pair of shoes out of it.
4. The cat doesn't look so bad when the dog's gone.
We're going to the zoo on Friday. If see you a Steve Martin/Herman Munster/Ralph Kramden sort of friendly looking guy playing around at the Seattle Zoo with 5 monkeys of his own, be sure to stop and say hi. I'll be the one carrying all the stuff. He'll be the one with no shoes.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Dear Winter Self
In addition to 5 pairs of socks, I knitted you some giant mittens. I hope you like them.
Debbie Bliss Chunky Cashmerino- size 10 dpns- cast on 30 stitches- used Ann Budd's How to knit everything book and the 30 stitches column.
The last few pairs I've knit (not with the same yarn) have been too short at the top. (nothing to do with her pattern- plenty to do with me not measuringaccurately at all.)These are a little too long at the top. 23 rows from gusset to decrease was about 3 too many. Maybe summer self will make another pair.
The green is some duplicate stitching because that can be so enjoyable. Yea, the thumbs don't have any decoration but big deal.
Who says I don't knit for others?
Debbie Bliss Chunky Cashmerino- size 10 dpns- cast on 30 stitches- used Ann Budd's How to knit everything book and the 30 stitches column.
The last few pairs I've knit (not with the same yarn) have been too short at the top. (nothing to do with her pattern- plenty to do with me not measuring
The green is some duplicate stitching because that can be so enjoyable. Yea, the thumbs don't have any decoration but big deal.
Who says I don't knit for others?
Friday, July 03, 2009
If Mr. Sophanne says it, it must be so.
This afternoon, my dear husband called me a "bag ho." This is no surprise. It seems that the bag bug hits just before travel time when I am hoping to get the perfect travel
I loves me some Namaste. I had three of these pieces- I just got the Hermosa, the mini-clutch and the needle cozy this week from Scout and man oh man does she understand the need for a bag fix. My order couldn't have arrived any faster if she had gotten on a plane and delivered it herself.
I'm not even going to try to justify these purchases- we're traveling again soon- the laptop fits in the big one. The miniclutch is a perfect wallet. All Completely Unnecessary. All I can say is that I had to label this picture bagho2 because bagho was already taken in the picture file.
insert *i could have had a v8 * sound- really loud
Remember how when I got a new computer I was too impatient to save for the MacBookPro and instead figured a regular MacBook would do the trick?
Remember how I was a little peeved at Apple for not mentioning that the regular MacBook did not have a firewire?
Remember how I was disappointed that my new computer did not recognize my dv video recorder?
A series of events (which included Mr. Sophanne getting lucky at his favorite casino and the acquisition of a compatible video camera) sent me to the applestore to find video editing software. Seeing that the software I was looking at was $400 (and slightly out of my price range) I clicked on "education store." There I found my school and discovered that I could get the same software at a 60% discount. I also found a MacBookPro for the same price as the lesser machine I am using now.
Aargh.
At any rate, August may very well bring some "amateur high tech" video editing. Something that I was not able to do with last summer's vacation video plans. I really don't know what I'm doing but I think it's all so cool.
In knitting news- Matilda has her third pattern repeat. I am on sock number 10.2.
Remember how I was a little peeved at Apple for not mentioning that the regular MacBook did not have a firewire?
Remember how I was disappointed that my new computer did not recognize my dv video recorder?
A series of events (which included Mr. Sophanne getting lucky at his favorite casino and the acquisition of a compatible video camera) sent me to the applestore to find video editing software. Seeing that the software I was looking at was $400 (and slightly out of my price range) I clicked on "education store." There I found my school and discovered that I could get the same software at a 60% discount. I also found a MacBookPro for the same price as the lesser machine I am using now.
Aargh.
At any rate, August may very well bring some "amateur high tech" video editing. Something that I was not able to do with last summer's vacation video plans. I really don't know what I'm doing but I think it's all so cool.
In knitting news- Matilda has her third pattern repeat. I am on sock number 10.2.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
I *heart* blackberries
so you can imagine my joy and surprise when I found some in my backyard. It's amazing what you can discover when it's not 95 degrees with 95% humidity (Cindy- if I had known the weather was going to be like this I would have sent out an invitation)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
but wait there's more
The good news is that uncle seems "back to normal." Aunt is positive. Others are waiting for the dr.'s report. That everything happened so quickly is a sign that medication could have been involved. Also the internets tells me that depressive episodes and hydrocephalus can create such symptoms. We are not sure but for now Aunt is relieved, I am home and on call, and there is more NYC sharing to be had.
As I said, BT spent a good bit of time being more "Teen" than "Boy." However, there was a moment as the train approached the station that I clearly heard him slightly squeal "I get to ride on a Train!"
GT's most favorite moment was definitely Madame Tussaud's. She took a photograph of every single wax figure. At the end of the tour she got the wax hand. She spent the rest of the evening in awe repeatedly stating- "I can't believe I have my hand in wax."
This was said even as we finished milkshakes in one of the parks near Broadway and her head slipped down and she nearly fell asleep practically on her feet. This was likely caused by the fact that they both played PS2 and Wii until 3:00 am at our house the night before.
Here we are at Giovanni's in Little Italy. You'll notice the cokes on the table. The waiter asked if we wanted Pellegrino. I was all in favor. They didn't know what was going on. He came, poured it into crystal water glasses- it all looked very upscale. They took a sip of theirs and simultaneously "thphphtted." They wanted none of it.
They were, however, in favor of the footlong confetti poppers found in Chinatown. They were especially pleased to pop one out the window of the hotel and onto a nearby roof.
Here they are on the streets of NY- this was before the hoodie so you don't really get the full effect. GT's second favorite moment was when we found a soccer store in Little Italy. She's wearing "John Terry's" number with his name on the back- Even more appropriate given that Terry is the last name at House of Sophanne.
BT said "all we need are pants and we'll have a whole new outlook." (I think he meant look- but the mispeak really said more.)
GT, at the train station said," I was afraid when I saw those dogs (police dogs.) They probably think this box in my luggage is a bomb."
Seems to me that 14 is a lot like 2- balancing between kid and adult-trying out new identities-laughing and shouting "again! again!" when the music teacher races them down the hallway of the hotel. You can't directly tell them what you want them to know.
Me: Mr. Sophanne says to count the seconds between mile markers to see how fast you're going once you leave Philadelphia.
GT/BT: Ha Ha- we can't count to five.
Later BT: We're going faster now.
GT: We're passing the cars.
BT: yeah, and they're going 70, 80 90 at the most.
They want little or no part of anyone obviously pointing out how the world sometimes works- instead let them figure it out by either watching or trying.
It was indeed an experience for everyone.
As I said, BT spent a good bit of time being more "Teen" than "Boy." However, there was a moment as the train approached the station that I clearly heard him slightly squeal "I get to ride on a Train!"
GT's most favorite moment was definitely Madame Tussaud's. She took a photograph of every single wax figure. At the end of the tour she got the wax hand. She spent the rest of the evening in awe repeatedly stating- "I can't believe I have my hand in wax."
This was said even as we finished milkshakes in one of the parks near Broadway and her head slipped down and she nearly fell asleep practically on her feet. This was likely caused by the fact that they both played PS2 and Wii until 3:00 am at our house the night before.
Here we are at Giovanni's in Little Italy. You'll notice the cokes on the table. The waiter asked if we wanted Pellegrino. I was all in favor. They didn't know what was going on. He came, poured it into crystal water glasses- it all looked very upscale. They took a sip of theirs and simultaneously "thphphtted." They wanted none of it.
They were, however, in favor of the footlong confetti poppers found in Chinatown. They were especially pleased to pop one out the window of the hotel and onto a nearby roof.
Here they are on the streets of NY- this was before the hoodie so you don't really get the full effect. GT's second favorite moment was when we found a soccer store in Little Italy. She's wearing "John Terry's" number with his name on the back- Even more appropriate given that Terry is the last name at House of Sophanne.
BT said "all we need are pants and we'll have a whole new outlook." (I think he meant look- but the mispeak really said more.)
GT, at the train station said," I was afraid when I saw those dogs (police dogs.) They probably think this box in my luggage is a bomb."
Seems to me that 14 is a lot like 2- balancing between kid and adult-trying out new identities-laughing and shouting "again! again!" when the music teacher races them down the hallway of the hotel. You can't directly tell them what you want them to know.
Me: Mr. Sophanne says to count the seconds between mile markers to see how fast you're going once you leave Philadelphia.
GT/BT: Ha Ha- we can't count to five.
Later BT: We're going faster now.
GT: We're passing the cars.
BT: yeah, and they're going 70, 80 90 at the most.
They want little or no part of anyone obviously pointing out how the world sometimes works- instead let them figure it out by either watching or trying.
It was indeed an experience for everyone.
Responsible Adult Resides Here.
We have returned from the bright lights big city. All in one piece. So much to observe.
Mr. Sophanne and I were at a NJ beach with his grandson (then aged 3) about 5 years ago. Every now and then, Little Levi would walk ahead of the family unit with some other group of people as if he were "trying out" other families just to see what it was like. He was always safe and never wandered too far away.
This is what BT (boyteen) did for about 60% of the NY trip. He bought an oversized NY ball cap- very loud even for black and white, a Billabong hoodie, and some mirrored sunglasses. Most of the time walking in the city, he played "gangsta" with himself. He had gotten a new pair of pants before going to the city which included plastic chains hanging from them. He lost one of these chains when it got caught on a seat on the train.
A trip to the city with "redneck" (they referred to themselves as this) teenagers is full of memorable moments. In sharing them I hope you get a chuckle and realize that I am not really laughing at them, only enjoying the learning moments of the trip.
"I can't believe we ate at Red Lobster. The nicest restaurant I've ever been to is Eat-N-Park."
"They have cloth napkins."
As we prepared to go to our 4th floor room, one pointed to elevator #4 assuming it was the one we had to use.
While dining at the Hard Rock Cafe, both of them (dressed in varying degrees of their perception of gangsta attire) ordered non-alcoholic "drinks." BT ordered a second. GT (girl teen) just one. As the waitress brought our check she said, "You guys have had a few too many. We're going to have to roll you up the steps." They thought this was hysterical. Upon finding out the receipt in their hands entitled them to complimentary glasses, they started to walk out with the glasses they had been drinking out of and some explanation was required to convince them that they would get new, clean, boxed glasses.
The trip was a sine wave of silliness, exhaustion, interest, and identity searching. We won't talk about the near nervous breakdown I had on the way there on the train in Philadelphia when I sat there wondering WTF AM I DOING? (fortunately they were oblivious to this moment of panic)
In other news, not so good, when I returned I found out that my uncle is in the hospital with what is believed to be advanced stages of Alzheimer's. The belief is that he was doing a fairly good job of hiding it (with my aunt's help-although I'm not sure she was admitting there was anything wrong.) That's the only way I can explain the fast progression of the disease although they are still testing him and the possible interactions of the various medications he's been on.
I have read all of my Google reader posts. It is a joy to have friends such as you to come home to. I may be out of touch for a while but please know I'm reading your blogs to keep that sense of normalcy-or that shared sense of "we're all in this thing called life" together.
Mr. Sophanne and I were at a NJ beach with his grandson (then aged 3) about 5 years ago. Every now and then, Little Levi would walk ahead of the family unit with some other group of people as if he were "trying out" other families just to see what it was like. He was always safe and never wandered too far away.
This is what BT (boyteen) did for about 60% of the NY trip. He bought an oversized NY ball cap- very loud even for black and white, a Billabong hoodie, and some mirrored sunglasses. Most of the time walking in the city, he played "gangsta" with himself. He had gotten a new pair of pants before going to the city which included plastic chains hanging from them. He lost one of these chains when it got caught on a seat on the train.
A trip to the city with "redneck" (they referred to themselves as this) teenagers is full of memorable moments. In sharing them I hope you get a chuckle and realize that I am not really laughing at them, only enjoying the learning moments of the trip.
"I can't believe we ate at Red Lobster. The nicest restaurant I've ever been to is Eat-N-Park."
"They have cloth napkins."
As we prepared to go to our 4th floor room, one pointed to elevator #4 assuming it was the one we had to use.
While dining at the Hard Rock Cafe, both of them (dressed in varying degrees of their perception of gangsta attire) ordered non-alcoholic "drinks." BT ordered a second. GT (girl teen) just one. As the waitress brought our check she said, "You guys have had a few too many. We're going to have to roll you up the steps." They thought this was hysterical. Upon finding out the receipt in their hands entitled them to complimentary glasses, they started to walk out with the glasses they had been drinking out of and some explanation was required to convince them that they would get new, clean, boxed glasses.
The trip was a sine wave of silliness, exhaustion, interest, and identity searching. We won't talk about the near nervous breakdown I had on the way there on the train in Philadelphia when I sat there wondering WTF AM I DOING? (fortunately they were oblivious to this moment of panic)
In other news, not so good, when I returned I found out that my uncle is in the hospital with what is believed to be advanced stages of Alzheimer's. The belief is that he was doing a fairly good job of hiding it (with my aunt's help-although I'm not sure she was admitting there was anything wrong.) That's the only way I can explain the fast progression of the disease although they are still testing him and the possible interactions of the various medications he's been on.
I have read all of my Google reader posts. It is a joy to have friends such as you to come home to. I may be out of touch for a while but please know I'm reading your blogs to keep that sense of normalcy-or that shared sense of "we're all in this thing called life" together.
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