I feel strangely prepared for my trip to NY tomorrow. Laundry is done, house is clean, my “to do” list of 45 things is almost completely scratched off. Could it be? Have I finally figured out how to truly prepare for a trip? And I will tell you…it’s not easy being responsible for everything and going out of town. Not only am I responsible for the events taking place with me, I’m also responsible for the events taking place when I’m not even home. hmmmph. doesn’t seem right, does it? Tonight, while I was cleaning Race Car’s closet, Brian came looking for me, he found me on the floor in the closet straightening books. He didn’t really understand why I was tiding up. What he needs to understand is what it would look like come Friday night when I return home, what it will look like if I did not tidy up. oh, the horror.

You may hear from me while in NY, but it’s doubtful, I do plan to pay for internet access from the room, but I could very well change my mind. I have acquired a shadow. A shadow named “Anna” who is fully aware of my New York departure. She says things like “but Mom, I just love you, please don’t go so far away.” She followed me all night as if I was going to sneak out of a window with my suitcase. It will feel strange leaving the house without my shadow right behind me.

I just realized I didn’t explain why my kids are calling me “witch.” I wore a witch’s hat on Halloween. That’s it. There is NO explanation for them calling Brian skeleton, though!

And yes,Racecar and I went to Target whileAriel was at school today and the cashier said “what’s your name?” and he replied “Bob the Builder.” Of course, he is.

When I don’t have time?

Today is a very busy day. I already made two loaves of friendship bread. My neighbor gave me a start on November 1st and I made the bread today. The funny thing is thatAriel LOVES it,Racecar won’t even try it and Brian and I can’t eat it because it’s too fattening. So, I’ll be giving it away, which I think makes me really happy. Brian can bring some into work for his co-workers and I have a baby shower that I am helping to throw on Sunday, I’ll bring some then. Perfect!

I have this thing to do today. I am so not excited. In fact, I’m dreading it. I don’t know why, I guess I don’t like the city I have to drive to. I have to be apart of a check presentation for Exxon Mobil. They are donating money to the LLS and since they do not have a nearby office they have asked me to do public appearances, if I have the time available. We have been trying to work out a time for 4 weeks now and now the time is today. We are taking a picture for the newspaper. It’s a nice gesture and I get to wear a new suit a bought, so that’s exciting, I just am not excited to do it.

Then I am having dinner at Olive Garden with my very pregnant girlfriend. She is 37 weeks pregnant. She is the girl we are having a shower for on Sunday. All she wants is Olive Garden, who I am to stop her? I would be a very unsupportive friend to tell her no. So, with my feet dragging, I guess I’ll go eat salad, breadsticks dipped in alfredo sauce, cheese ravioli topped with meat sauce and perhaps some chocolate gelato. And, to be extra supportive, I’ll have a glass of wine. I’m such a good friend. This is her third child since 2002. This third child is a boy, the first two were girls. She has asked me to be in the delivery when the baby is born to take pictures. I’m so honored. She is a friend I acquired later in life and I’m so glad I did. Her daughter was born in 11/02, mine was born in 1/03. We celebrated her daughter’s birthday last weekend. We worked together afterAriel was born. In 12/03 she lost her mother to breast cancer. Her heart is broken, of course. She is the type of person to never admit pain, when I would talk about her Mom and her loss she would get so mad at me because she would start to cry and she didn’t want to cry. But, we still talk about her. I wish it were her Mom in the room when her son is born, but it can’t be, so I’ll just be the best friend I can be to her. She deserves it.

Next week I am going to New York. It’s a “business” trip. I’m excited, but starting to get very nervous about leaving the kids, as always. I have already toldAriel, she deserves a notice. I won’t mention it again for a few days now.

Did I tell you I cracked my knee three weeks ago? I did. I ran directly into our coffee table, it hurt SO bad, it immediately swelled and bruised. Well, four days after that I was at Target with my sister when I ran the same knee into a fixture holding folded clothes. OMFG. It hurt so fucking bad. I had to leave the store. (my sister bought me a Starbucks to make me feel better) No, I wasn’t crying, I know you are wondering, it just hurt. Well, my knee still hurts and it feels funny. So, I’m going to the doctor. I have a whole list of things I need to discuss with him.

After my appointment, I’m taking a knitting class. I think this is funny, when I told my friend Lynette she laughed SO hard at the thought that I thought I would have time to knit! Well, I’ll find time…like in the airport next week! I’m excited. I want to make blankets for underprivledged kids.

So, that’s what is going on. Time for lunch!

Anna wrote the word “Mom” today. all.by.herself. I am still in shock. Her preschool doesn’t even cover letters, yet. She’s wonderful. She first drew a picture of me, and I asked her to write my name. (just to try) She said she didn’t know how. I told her to write the letter “M” and she said she couldn’t and asked if I would help her. I encourage her to make the “M” and to just try and she did and she did it. She proceeded to finish the word. I am so proud of her. She is so proud of herself. Perhaps I’ll work on a new word everyday. I am also very pleased with her thanks to the conference I had with her teacher today. Everything is going VERY well. “Smart, sweet, very socialable, well rounded and kind.” Music to our ears.

Here are some pictures from today and this past weekend. I had the intention of making a lengthy entry tonight, I have SO much to share, but I’m just too tired.

Noah is sick. They did give both the kids their flu shots, the doctor checked outRacecar’s ears and gave us the “go ahead” for their shots. They did very well. I’m so proud of them.

All of a sudden tonight, the letter “h,c and s” stopped working on my keyboard tonight. I rebooted and they started working again. Has this happened to you?

Can you see it? Can you believe it? She did this 100% by herself.
The pride is overwhelming.

This is a huge moment in our lives. Ariel has always been sooooooooo TERRIFIED of vacuum cleaners. To the point where we have talked to the doctor about it. If she even thought we may vacuum she would go hysterical. We bought a new vacuum cleaner and we named it “hoover.” (aren’t we clever?) She has even kissed him. LOL. Like I said, this is a huge step. (even though it only lasted a moment.)

I love this picture.

You can never be too safe while playing in the sand.

Busy kids in the fall.

SAFETY FIRST.

Trying to take advantage of these warmer days.