- I always feel like I’m 23 years old, but in reality, I’m uh.... NOT .
- I wish my family understood better when I tell them ... this is a hard one. I usually say exactly what I mean.
- If you saw me when I play the flute, you’d think I was a total girly-girl, but if you saw me when I had my motorcycle, or when I do maintenance on my car, you’d think I was a tomboy through-and-through.
- I feel like I’m in a totally different universe when I'm performing.
- In honor of this being MFF #60… 60 months ago (exactly 5 years ago, so September 30, 2006) I lived in NH with my parents and my life was totally different because Hubby was living in Groton alone (it was a three month school, and you milspousers know what that means- wife gets completely left behind! Instead of leaving me in the dirty south by myself, we agreed that I'd live with my parents and see each other on the weekends).
9/30/11
Milspouse Friday Fill-in #60
9/29/11
9/28/11
Scary Saxophone Guy
There are stereotypes out there about musicians, and I don't mean the general ones. The uppity bitches play the flute (that'd be me, ha!), the quiet ones play the clarinet, the obnoxious & chauvinistic a@@holes play the trumpet, and the creepy Euro-sleaze guys play the sax.
Ugh. I've been around musicians long enough to confirm these stereotypes, especially the creepy sax one. And my apologies to any sax player who isn't criminally creeptastic- of course, stereotypes don't cover everyone. Just the majority.
Anyway, my point.... As soon as I saw this guy at my first symphonic band rehearsal in college, he just screamed out "epitome of sleazy sax", and I nicknamed him Scary Saxophone Guy. He was about twice my age. He wasn't a student, or a TA, or a professor. Just some guy there ogling the college chicks.
Back in those days, I had some mad ogling potential. I was a trim size 6, with long blondish hair and long legs, and I seldom left my apartment wearing sweats. I took pride in the way I looked, and I knew my legs and a$$ looked killer in some heels. If a guy was checking me out, I'd feel flattered... but this guy didn't make me feel flattered at all. He made me feel like I needed a shower.
He'd stare at me all rehearsal. He had a psychotic, possessed smile on his face the entire time he'd talk to me. He asked me lots of questions about Hubby (we were dating at the time), and once wrote me a love letter, saying that I was "ravishing" and he couldn't take his eyes off me. I wish I still had that letter... I think I burned it.
Hubby knew all about Scary Saxophone Guy. So did my conductor. I think people thought it was pathetic and hilarious. I felt like he was undressing me with his eyes, so I was very uncomfortable... although I did see the hilarity. The guy was in his mid-40s, trolling the college campus for young chicks to hit on. PATHETIC.
After my graduation in '03, I didn't see him again, until this past weekend. He saw me, he recognized me, then didn't say a word. Of course, I don't look as fab as I did a decade ago, but I was very relieved. And also very amused that apparently he is still trolling for chicks at a college campus ten years later.
Ugh. I've been around musicians long enough to confirm these stereotypes, especially the creepy sax one. And my apologies to any sax player who isn't criminally creeptastic- of course, stereotypes don't cover everyone. Just the majority.
Anyway, my point.... As soon as I saw this guy at my first symphonic band rehearsal in college, he just screamed out "epitome of sleazy sax", and I nicknamed him Scary Saxophone Guy. He was about twice my age. He wasn't a student, or a TA, or a professor. Just some guy there ogling the college chicks.
Back in those days, I had some mad ogling potential. I was a trim size 6, with long blondish hair and long legs, and I seldom left my apartment wearing sweats. I took pride in the way I looked, and I knew my legs and a$$ looked killer in some heels. If a guy was checking me out, I'd feel flattered... but this guy didn't make me feel flattered at all. He made me feel like I needed a shower.
He'd stare at me all rehearsal. He had a psychotic, possessed smile on his face the entire time he'd talk to me. He asked me lots of questions about Hubby (we were dating at the time), and once wrote me a love letter, saying that I was "ravishing" and he couldn't take his eyes off me. I wish I still had that letter... I think I burned it.
Hubby knew all about Scary Saxophone Guy. So did my conductor. I think people thought it was pathetic and hilarious. I felt like he was undressing me with his eyes, so I was very uncomfortable... although I did see the hilarity. The guy was in his mid-40s, trolling the college campus for young chicks to hit on. PATHETIC.
After my graduation in '03, I didn't see him again, until this past weekend. He saw me, he recognized me, then didn't say a word. Of course, I don't look as fab as I did a decade ago, but I was very relieved. And also very amused that apparently he is still trolling for chicks at a college campus ten years later.
9/27/11
Reliving the past two decades in one weekend
This past weekend felt odd. Just, odd.
Friday night, I swung by my old high school. I had heard there was a home football game and the band was actually marching. I'm not one to turn down an opportunity to see a marching band, so I went. Unfortunately, the band had left due to rain, but I felt bad just leaving, so I sat in the stands for a few minutes, watching the football team lose horribly.
It was very strange. I had sat in those stands, freezing my a$$ off in a polyester band uniform for four years. It was a very surreal, innocent feeling. I realized just how easy high school was! My only worries were schoolwork and who I was going to see at the games and what my plans were that weekend.
Saturday, I did a few errands, then went up to see GA. It was so good to see her! We had a lengthy conversation and an equally lengthy night, but it was needed. Yes, I'm going to gloss over this night, but there was definitely a moment where two of my worlds collided. Small world, indeed!
Sunday, I cleaned up my parents' house, then headed up to my old college to see my flute professor perform in a faculty recital. I ran into some girls from my studio and some former professors, who surprisingly recognized me. Oh, and I saw Scary Saxophone Guy. There's a background to that story, which I'll save for another post.
I sat in the same recital hall I'd sat in for four years. The same one I performed my senior recital in. The same recital hall I had juries in. It was also a very surreal moment, but actually very enjoyable. For once, I was not being graded sitting in that hall! I merely had to enjoy the concert, and OMG I did. I still am in awe over my professor and her technique and tone and just flawless performance.
So, I saw my bestie from middle school, my old high school, and my old college all in one weekend. It was almost like flipping through a scrapbook of my entire NH education. Very odd to me.
Friday night, I swung by my old high school. I had heard there was a home football game and the band was actually marching. I'm not one to turn down an opportunity to see a marching band, so I went. Unfortunately, the band had left due to rain, but I felt bad just leaving, so I sat in the stands for a few minutes, watching the football team lose horribly.
It was very strange. I had sat in those stands, freezing my a$$ off in a polyester band uniform for four years. It was a very surreal, innocent feeling. I realized just how easy high school was! My only worries were schoolwork and who I was going to see at the games and what my plans were that weekend.
Saturday, I did a few errands, then went up to see GA. It was so good to see her! We had a lengthy conversation and an equally lengthy night, but it was needed. Yes, I'm going to gloss over this night, but there was definitely a moment where two of my worlds collided. Small world, indeed!
Sunday, I cleaned up my parents' house, then headed up to my old college to see my flute professor perform in a faculty recital. I ran into some girls from my studio and some former professors, who surprisingly recognized me. Oh, and I saw Scary Saxophone Guy. There's a background to that story, which I'll save for another post.
I sat in the same recital hall I'd sat in for four years. The same one I performed my senior recital in. The same recital hall I had juries in. It was also a very surreal moment, but actually very enjoyable. For once, I was not being graded sitting in that hall! I merely had to enjoy the concert, and OMG I did. I still am in awe over my professor and her technique and tone and just flawless performance.
So, I saw my bestie from middle school, my old high school, and my old college all in one weekend. It was almost like flipping through a scrapbook of my entire NH education. Very odd to me.
9/23/11
Milspouse Friday Fill-in #59
- My favorite thing that happened this week was baking an apple pie.
- Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll have an annoying penny in your pocket that you can't use. Really, who uses pennies any more?.
- Autumn is officially here and my favorite part of the season is EVERYTHING- apples, pumpkins, squash, hay bales, corn, Halloween, pies, slow cookers, changing leaves, crisp air, etc.
- One of the things I’d like to do before winter arrives is clean the exterior of our windows. Do you have to take the screens down for the winter?? Hubby and I are divided on this.
- I would be willing to participate in MilSpouse Secret Santa. (sorry folks, just trying to get an idea here on how many would participate)
9/21/11
Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Ingredients:
6 large apples, quartered (no need to core or peel them)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tbsp ground allspice
Water
How To:
Throw the apples, sugar, and spices in the slow cooker. Fill the pot with water until it is about an inch or two from the top. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours. Strain out the solids, and if you really want to, strain the remaining liquid through a cheesecloth.
The Verdict:
I loved it and Hubby loved it, although it wasn't as thick or cloudy as the store-bought stuff (it was definitely not clear, though... just how I like it!). It tasted like traditional cider, but with the texture of apple juice. VERY tasty, though! And a good way to use up some apples after an overzealous apple picking weekend.
6 large apples, quartered (no need to core or peel them)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tbsp ground allspice
Water
How To:
Throw the apples, sugar, and spices in the slow cooker. Fill the pot with water until it is about an inch or two from the top. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours. Strain out the solids, and if you really want to, strain the remaining liquid through a cheesecloth.
The Verdict:
I loved it and Hubby loved it, although it wasn't as thick or cloudy as the store-bought stuff (it was definitely not clear, though... just how I like it!). It tasted like traditional cider, but with the texture of apple juice. VERY tasty, though! And a good way to use up some apples after an overzealous apple picking weekend.
9/20/11
Getting weary
I think our busy weekends are catching up with me. I skipped my workout this morning, which sucks, since I only work out Tues and Thurs during the week. I'm lethargic and bored, yet running around and busy at the same time. Does that make sense?
Today, I am digging into the HUGE pile of apples we brought home from apple picking this weekend. So far, I've made an apple pie and I'm in the process of making homemade apple cider... don't know how that will turn out, since I've never done it, but I'll keep you posted. I still have a ton left, but I also want to make applesauce, which I can use for cinnamon Christmas ornaments. And, if there's any left and the pie is all gone, I can make some apple crisp, which is so yummy.
I sometimes feel like I'm in my own personal Groundhog Day. I don't feel like I'm moving forward, or moving backward, just stagnant, like I'm living the same day over and over and over. I think this solo weekend I have coming up will help. I'll be on my own from Friday night to Sunday night, and when I return, a few awesome Navy people from our past will be here with Hubby.
Oh, and preschool- it's going pretty well. LB is LB... for those of you who know him, you know what he's like! :) He's made one friend who he talks about and she talks about him. It's really great because her mom is cool, too. I'm planning on showing up Thursday with my number, in case they want to do a playdate sometime (gotta keep the kiddos busy in the winter when there's not much to do).
Btw, do any moms out there feel like they're dating all over again when making friends with other moms?
Today, I am digging into the HUGE pile of apples we brought home from apple picking this weekend. So far, I've made an apple pie and I'm in the process of making homemade apple cider... don't know how that will turn out, since I've never done it, but I'll keep you posted. I still have a ton left, but I also want to make applesauce, which I can use for cinnamon Christmas ornaments. And, if there's any left and the pie is all gone, I can make some apple crisp, which is so yummy.
I sometimes feel like I'm in my own personal Groundhog Day. I don't feel like I'm moving forward, or moving backward, just stagnant, like I'm living the same day over and over and over. I think this solo weekend I have coming up will help. I'll be on my own from Friday night to Sunday night, and when I return, a few awesome Navy people from our past will be here with Hubby.
Oh, and preschool- it's going pretty well. LB is LB... for those of you who know him, you know what he's like! :) He's made one friend who he talks about and she talks about him. It's really great because her mom is cool, too. I'm planning on showing up Thursday with my number, in case they want to do a playdate sometime (gotta keep the kiddos busy in the winter when there's not much to do).
Btw, do any moms out there feel like they're dating all over again when making friends with other moms?
9/16/11
Milspouse Friday Fill-in #58
- Right now, our weather is hot and a little humid, but what I’d really like is crisp, cool air.
- I like to let my hair down and ... well, I never let my hair down. It's always in a ponytail or bun. I have two boys, after all.
- Mommy Rambles made a post about heroes… my hero is I don't know any more, because .....
- It’s a weird combination, but I swear mango chutney and dijon mustard are a perfect pair!
- Some may see the glass half empty and others may see it half full, but I will trade it in for a beer... or wine... or anything alcoholic at this point.
I am still in a funk. Some things are going well, and some things... *sigh* I can't type it. I'm just hoping for the best.
9/13/11
First day of preschool... success?
Today was LB's first day of school, ever. We've never even done the gymnastics / library story time / Gymboree stuff. Really, after his first few library story time visits, I vowed never to do that again, but he has got to get out there and make some friends.
Apparently, it went okay. He had a lot of fun and brought home a drawing and some markers. But he refused to leave the playground when I came to pick him up and the teachers said he was "testing". I'm assuming the rules! He didn't hit any of the kids (thank god), but he tried to take a swing at the teachers. Yes, plural.
It makes some sense. He hates being told what to do. He wants to run the show and take command of everything going on around him. In short, he's a control freak. And authority figures don't mix with control freaks.
I'm a little disturbed to hear that he wanted to sleep over at preschool and not come home. Is home so bad that he never wants to come back? Are we being too hard on him? Does he hate us? I tried asking him kid-friendly questions and reassured him that no matter what, Mommy & Daddy love him, but he was too distracted for it to sink in.
I suppose I should be thankful that I don't have to peel him off my leg, kicking and screaming, so he can go to preschool. But the opposite is almost just as bad.
Apparently, it went okay. He had a lot of fun and brought home a drawing and some markers. But he refused to leave the playground when I came to pick him up and the teachers said he was "testing". I'm assuming the rules! He didn't hit any of the kids (thank god), but he tried to take a swing at the teachers. Yes, plural.
It makes some sense. He hates being told what to do. He wants to run the show and take command of everything going on around him. In short, he's a control freak. And authority figures don't mix with control freaks.
I'm a little disturbed to hear that he wanted to sleep over at preschool and not come home. Is home so bad that he never wants to come back? Are we being too hard on him? Does he hate us? I tried asking him kid-friendly questions and reassured him that no matter what, Mommy & Daddy love him, but he was too distracted for it to sink in.
I suppose I should be thankful that I don't have to peel him off my leg, kicking and screaming, so he can go to preschool. But the opposite is almost just as bad.
9/12/11
Testing their limits
It's been a trying time in our household. My own mother said she feels bad for me. The boys have been difficult, testing each and every limit we've set.
I know it's all part of growing up, but sometimes I just want them to wake up and suddenly be six or seven, with reasoning skills (to some degree) and a sense of right and wrong. I'm doing all I can to be patient and consistent, but it's getting very stressful.
I took LB to his preschool for an open house on Friday. He's the only one who made three kids cry. He's also the only one who flipped out on the teacher and tried to smack her. I was on the verge of tears, but the other parents reassured me that they've all been there, and the teacher has seen everything. I partially smiled because they don't know my kids. Everyone says they've seen it all, then are shocked when they have to deal with LB and JC. Opinionated, independent, and strong-willed don't even begin to describe their personalities.
It's a little disappointing. When LB was an infant, everyone remarked out well-behaved he was. Now that he's the active little guy he is, I feel like I am a parenting failure sometimes. Having two kids who are aggressive and defiant just reinforces my feelings.
Bear with me. I'm in a funk. I don't like the nasty mom that I've become lately, and I'm sure the kids and Hubby don't, either. It's tough when they are constantly (and I really mean constantly) doing something they know is wrong. I can't let them walk all over me, but I also can't be yelling all the time, because it's driving all of us crazy.
I know it's all part of growing up, but sometimes I just want them to wake up and suddenly be six or seven, with reasoning skills (to some degree) and a sense of right and wrong. I'm doing all I can to be patient and consistent, but it's getting very stressful.
I took LB to his preschool for an open house on Friday. He's the only one who made three kids cry. He's also the only one who flipped out on the teacher and tried to smack her. I was on the verge of tears, but the other parents reassured me that they've all been there, and the teacher has seen everything. I partially smiled because they don't know my kids. Everyone says they've seen it all, then are shocked when they have to deal with LB and JC. Opinionated, independent, and strong-willed don't even begin to describe their personalities.
It's a little disappointing. When LB was an infant, everyone remarked out well-behaved he was. Now that he's the active little guy he is, I feel like I am a parenting failure sometimes. Having two kids who are aggressive and defiant just reinforces my feelings.
Bear with me. I'm in a funk. I don't like the nasty mom that I've become lately, and I'm sure the kids and Hubby don't, either. It's tough when they are constantly (and I really mean constantly) doing something they know is wrong. I can't let them walk all over me, but I also can't be yelling all the time, because it's driving all of us crazy.
9/9/11
Milspouse Friday Fill-in #57
- My plans for Labor Day included the speedbowl, but what really happened was we took the boys to Dinosaur Land, then the speedbowl... those lucky kids.
- Call me crazy, but sometimes I just need to shred stuff. It helps me feel organized.
- One of the funniest things I’ve seen lately is Expectations vs Reality. You should see it, it's a hoot.
- It’s strange, but chick flicks, like The Notebook and A Walk To Remember, drive me crazy while chick flicks on prozac, like Legally Blonde and Bring It On, are perfectly fine with me!
- One, two, buckle my shoe… three, four churn the butter.... it doesn't rhyme, but I must be a pilgrim to be wearing effing buckles on my shoes.
(I am just realizing now that I actually do have small buckles on some of my shoes. I was just imagining those big-ass silver buckles that the pilgrims wore... you know, the kind you had to make out of aluminum foil for the school's Thanksgiving Day play and scotch tape to your LA Gear high-tops, and you wondered why on earth someone would wear something so fugly on their shoes?... No, you have no idea what I'm talking about? I envy you.)
Happy Friday, everyone! Head on over to Wife of a Sailor to play along, then leave me some thoughts about the link I included!
9/4/11
Unofficial end of summer
Happy Labor Day everyone! I hope you all are enjoying the weekend with some BBQs, drinks, sun, and of course, relaxation. In honor of the unofficial end of summer, I'd like to recap this year with my Top Ten Summer 2011 Most Favorite Moments:
10. Seeing Mount Rushmore on July 4th. Could it get more patriotic than that? ...Maybe if I was wearing american flag pants serving apple pie in Washington, DC.
9. Camping in Pillsbury State Park. Despite the bruises, I had a great time. And there's nothing like a big campfire, surrounded by high school friends you haven't seen in years, and more importantly, that you enjoy seeing again.
8. Hurricane Irene. Yes, it was a favorite, because ultimately we were unscathed and had a great weekend.
7. Going to Squam Lake with the boys and my family. Every time we go up there with my parents, the boys have such a good time! LB loves going fast in Grandpa's boat, and they both love swimming and eating sandwiches on the beach.
6. Seeing friends in upstate NY, and finally meeting their boys. Our kids had a blast with their kids, and they're such cool people to hang out with. It's too bad we don't live closer!
5. Meeting up with GA in Manch. Doesn't happen often enough!!!! But I had a friggin blast. :)
4. Watching the boys become brothers. There is still plenty of refereeing on my part, but the rare moments when they share and hug each other and hold hands... it's just too cute.
3. Going on an actual date with Hubby and knowing the boys are safe with relatives. It's nice to not have to pay $100 just to see a movie!
2. Signing LB up for preschool. As much as I want to be the mother who cries and doesn't want her baby to grow up, I'm honestly looking forward to him taking the next big step into school. He's ready and it will benefit all of us. I can't wait to take pictures of him with his new Toy Story backpack!
1. Moving across the country. Definitely my most favorite part of the summer. It was tough, don't get me wrong! But the payoff has been great. We live in a great house, we can see our families & friends way more often, and we can spend several months in New England, instead of dreaming about it.
How was your summer??
10. Seeing Mount Rushmore on July 4th. Could it get more patriotic than that? ...Maybe if I was wearing american flag pants serving apple pie in Washington, DC.
9. Camping in Pillsbury State Park. Despite the bruises, I had a great time. And there's nothing like a big campfire, surrounded by high school friends you haven't seen in years, and more importantly, that you enjoy seeing again.
8. Hurricane Irene. Yes, it was a favorite, because ultimately we were unscathed and had a great weekend.
7. Going to Squam Lake with the boys and my family. Every time we go up there with my parents, the boys have such a good time! LB loves going fast in Grandpa's boat, and they both love swimming and eating sandwiches on the beach.
6. Seeing friends in upstate NY, and finally meeting their boys. Our kids had a blast with their kids, and they're such cool people to hang out with. It's too bad we don't live closer!
5. Meeting up with GA in Manch. Doesn't happen often enough!!!! But I had a friggin blast. :)
4. Watching the boys become brothers. There is still plenty of refereeing on my part, but the rare moments when they share and hug each other and hold hands... it's just too cute.
3. Going on an actual date with Hubby and knowing the boys are safe with relatives. It's nice to not have to pay $100 just to see a movie!
2. Signing LB up for preschool. As much as I want to be the mother who cries and doesn't want her baby to grow up, I'm honestly looking forward to him taking the next big step into school. He's ready and it will benefit all of us. I can't wait to take pictures of him with his new Toy Story backpack!
1. Moving across the country. Definitely my most favorite part of the summer. It was tough, don't get me wrong! But the payoff has been great. We live in a great house, we can see our families & friends way more often, and we can spend several months in New England, instead of dreaming about it.
How was your summer??
9/3/11
The biggest lie ever told: "I'm all done buying motorcycle stuff, honey... I swear."
Hubby is out right now, trading in his street bike for another street bike.
I'm not too thrilled about this. The bike he has is paid off, and now we'll be adding another (albeit, very small) bill to the pile. This was supposed to be the bike to end all bikes. Also, I feel like I'm being very stupid and naive- he's said before that he's all done buying motorcycle shit, and here we are, buying more shit.
I feel like when I'm spending money, it's on immediate needs. Bills, groceries, preschool, clothes for the kids, etc. I feel like when he's spending money, it's about half on immediate needs (caulk, oil for the vehicles, leaf sucker {for lack of better word}, etc), but there are several large purchases on stuff we don't need, like this.
I guess I'm just pissy because of a certain situation that has me all fired up. We'll see how this new motorcycle thing pans out...
I'm not too thrilled about this. The bike he has is paid off, and now we'll be adding another (albeit, very small) bill to the pile. This was supposed to be the bike to end all bikes. Also, I feel like I'm being very stupid and naive- he's said before that he's all done buying motorcycle shit, and here we are, buying more shit.
I feel like when I'm spending money, it's on immediate needs. Bills, groceries, preschool, clothes for the kids, etc. I feel like when he's spending money, it's about half on immediate needs (caulk, oil for the vehicles, leaf sucker {for lack of better word}, etc), but there are several large purchases on stuff we don't need, like this.
I guess I'm just pissy because of a certain situation that has me all fired up. We'll see how this new motorcycle thing pans out...
9/2/11
Milspouse Friday Fill-in #56
- My plans for this weekend include taking the boys to the speedbowl for motorcycle stunts and a demolition derby show, but what I’d really like to do is spend a whole day away from dirty diapers, endless requests for video games, and being a short order cook.
- I consider the Labor Day holiday kind of pointless, but a nice little break before the fall starts.
- My favorite meal for cookouts is hot dogs, but my sister wouldn’t agree.
- So far, my favorite part of summer has been after this move was over with.
- When it comes to deployments, my philosophy is break it up into chunks, and take each chunk one day at a time.
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