Recital

The recital went really well, if really long. We didn't get home until about 10:30. Maybe next year's recital can be on a Saturday afternoon instead of a Friday night?

Both girls' performances were fine, though you could see Lauren looking up at the lights and some of the people backstage. Sarah's hat fell in her face, but she just pushed it up and kept on dancing.

At intermission, my mom took Jeff home--he had been sitting in one position for too long and really needed to go, but was glad he got to see them.

After the big finale, I made my way up to the stage to get the girls (younger kids had to wait up there), but it took a few minutes. When I got there, I saw Lauren, eyes red and very upset. When she saw me, she ran up, and clung to me when I picked her up. I think she thought she'd been abandoned, poor thing. And the first words out of her mouth were: "Did you bring me any flowers?" Heh, I bet she saw some other girl get flowers and tried to horn in, and got rebuffed. I told her that of course we had flowers for her, and that Grammy & Grandpa had them down by the seats. We found Sarah, calmly sitting and waiting for us. Sadly, I didn't have my camera to get pictures right there (cameras are big time verboten during performances), but I got a few once we got home.

Dance

Tonight is the Dance Recital. Finally. This week has been so crazy, with rehearsals and pictures and all. I'm glad we're almost done. Both girls want to continue--Lauren is made for Tap, and Sarah wants to try Hawaiian (Jami, you can come and give us some tips!)

Sarah's song is Perfect Isn't Easy from the movie Oliver & Co. Lauren has Rubber Duckie. Yesterday was Dress Rehearsal, and Sarah's went smoothly (although they started the wrong music for a second). Lauren knows her routine well, and her song was going fine, too--until she noticed a lost bobby pin on the stage and picked it up to return it to the teacher. After that, they had to start over from the beginning. And even then, Lauren was so distracted, she was all over the place. I'm curious to see how she does tonight, but if she's remembered as the comic relief, that's fine, too.

He's home!

Yay!

I picked him up from the hospital last night after dinner. How odd is it that he'd been on a liquid diet for two meals, and for his first meal on solids, his choices were:

1. a hamburger
2. mostaccioli
3. cottage cheese & fruit

He still isn't eating much, nor sleeping enough, but he feels a lot better, now that he's home. He has a boatload of drugs, mostly antibiotics, to take for the next couple weeks, and there's no telling when he'll go back to work.

I so don't care--I'm so happy and relieved to have him home!

Evil, the thing about appendicitis is this: usually, you get a little warning. There is pain that is manageble at first, and gets worse. If you catch it in time, the appendix can be removed laproscopically, through the belly button, before it perforates. Jeff's pain was quite severe right away, and by the time the surgeon got there, his appendix had ruptured. There was a hole in his lower intestine, so to speak and some nasty stuff was coming out of it. This is the point where you get peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal cavity. It's very severe and it had gotten to that point with him. That's also why they had to make a regular incision, and why his recovery is taking as long as it is.

Priorities

While we were all at the ER Friday, waiting for Jeff to be seen, I kept thinking, "I have to be out of here by no later than 4PM in order to get to dance class on time." If it had been a regular class, I wouldn't have cared, but this was the Finale Rehearsal, and it's been drummed into us that it is mandatory--miss this, and you don't dance in the recital.

We did make it in time, and some of the other moms were teasing me about Dance being more important than Dad (at this point, there was still hope that it was not his appendix, just an extreme case of the stomach flu). This is how the imaginary monologue conversation went:

"Honestly, hon, I'd be rather be here with you the whole time, but we can't miss Dance. No, of course you're more important than Dance class. It's just the one time we can't miss. Well, and pictures next Tuesday for Lauren. And pictures Wednesday for Sarah. And Dress Rehearsal on Thursday. And of course, the recital on Friday. Any time other than those, and you're at the top of the list. Really."

The real kicker of all this is that Jeff had been asking if he had to stay through the entire recital. "We have to sit through the whole thing? We can't cut out at intermission, once our kids are done?" My stepdad is already getting ready to tease him about the extremes to which he'll go in order to avoid sitting through two hours of dancing, heh.

In medical news, Jeff is feeling better, although that's still a relative term. We're hoping he can come home in a few more days.

Since I'm awake anyway . . .

I might as well blog about why I'm awake.

I got home from the hospital about 45 minutes ago--Jeff just had his appendix out. It had perforated, and the surgeon said it was pretty ugly. He'll be in the hospital at least three or four days, maybe longer. His total recovery might be as long as a month.

My awesome in laws picked up the kids for a sleepover, so I could be at the hospital without worrying about a babysitter having to sleep on the couch.

I really do need to go to bed.

Garage Sale Weekend

Clean House, it ain't. Honestly, I would love for Miss Niecy to come and deal with all my "foolishness" and bring a crew to get rid of all my crap.

Short of that, we are having our own yard sale. Yesterday went well enough, to the tune of about $150 and a sunburn for me. I realized that I needed to get all the utterly adorable baby clothes that no one is interested in off the table so that people realize that the table itself is also for sale. But what to do with the clothes? I fear that putting them on a blanket on the ground will only make them less appealing, if that's even possible.

Eh, whatever doesn't sell gets donated, although I'll probably cull the best of the clothes for my niece anyway.

Sarah also has a dance performance this afternoon, and then a birthday party, which means that she & Daddy will have to make a trip to Toys R Us this morning.

Summer

Stolen from Snapper

Cookie Monster is probably my favorite Muppet, after Grover.

You Are Cookie Monster

Misunderstood as a primal monster, you're a true hedonist with a huge sweet tooth. You are usually feeling: Hungry. Cookies are preferred, but you'll eat anything if cookies aren't around. You are famous for: Your slightly crazy eyes and usual way of speaking How you life your life: In the moment. "Me want COOKIE!"

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

sick

I've been sick all week. It started on Monday with some sinus issues, then I got an ugly cough, and then a sore throat. By Friday, I made a doctor's appointment. The last time I went to see our GP was when I was pregnant with Lauren (again, sinus issues, about a month before all the wierd stuff with my eye).

At the doc's office, I had a temp of 101.9, and the doc thought it was strep throat, so she ordered a swab. I have a bad gag reflex, so that wasn't fun, but I got through it. But when the test came back negative, the doc wanted it done again (she really thought it was strep), so I got a different nurse, one who really jammed it into the back of my throat. Damn, it hurt. Luckily for her, I hadn't eaten all day, or I think I would have thrown up on her. That test came back negative too, but the doc still gave me a scrip for antibiotics and an expectorant.

So I stayed in my pajamas and watched TV and slept all weekend. Jeff was so awesome. He picked up groceries, and did everything for the kids, including getting them to church in time to plant flowers Sunday morning.

So how do I feel now, after three days of meds? Well, the fever is gone. But other than that, I feel about the same as I did in the middle last week. Barky cough, lots of phlegm, sore throat that I can feel in my ears when I swallow. I don't think I need an expectorant. I think I need a heavy duty antihistamine. I think all this garbage is thanks to sinus drainage (though my nose isn't runny or stuffy at all). My throat is raw from coughing, not strep. My mom suggested Chlortrimatron tabs, and I'll wait until I finish the prescribed meds, but then I'm going to jump on that.

McCall's 4359

Easiest dresses I've made so far. Lined bodices instead of facings, and no sleeves or gathers. Zippers still give me trouble, but I'd rather deal with that than buttonholes. There's a good chance I'll do this pattern again next year, and if I do, I'll make the sash double sided (the only thing I didn't like).

Originally, I wanted to make one of the more complicated views (chiffon overlay, pretty!), but couldn't find fabric that I thought went well together. Last weekend, I was really glad that I was doing the most basic version, since they went together amazingly quickly!

They got new shoes and cardigans from Grammy & Grandpa J., and baseball gloves in their baskets from my Dad & stepmom.

Quickie

Just a quick "hi" so everyone knows I didn't fall down a well or something.

We've been so busy lately, it's nuts. Sarah had a Brownie/Girl Scout overnight carnival last Friday (I got to go, too!), and then choir practice Sat, and both girls went to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese on Sunday.

This week is being dominated by sewing Easter dresses. When I originally got the pattern, I really wanted to do one of the more complicated options, but now I'm glad I couldn't find coordinating fabric. Aside from the zippers, they should go together in a flash.

I also have to (FINALLY) take in my paperwork for the German class I started teaching, so I can get paid. We so need the money; I can't believe I've put it off so long. I like teaching German again, but I feel a little out of my depth sometimes.

As for my computer classes, that's just a mess. They still don't have the lab up and running (they moved to a different building), so there's no way of knowing if I'll be able to teach any time soon. I've complained about them so much for so long, but it's really hard to walk away from the money and the schedule that works so well for us.

Lauren is starting her Gym class today. We tried her in Sarah's baseball practice last week, but she just wasn't that interested. Almost all the kids were at least a few years older than she, and she really doesn't have the focus to practice hitting, catching, throwing. Sarah seemed to have a good time, though. Gym is more for smaller kids, with tag, follow the leader, and basic hand/eye coordination. Should be perfect for her, but now we have classes for the kids four days a week. That is right on the brink of being overscheduled, which I always said I wanted to avoid.

Oh, and we started cleaning out the basement. I'm finally ready to get rid of the baby stuff (except for the crib, because that converts to a toddler bed and then we can use the headboard when Lauren grows out of that), so we're in the process of getting it all up to the garage. The big question now is whether to donate it or have a garage sale. If I didn't have such a laundry list of projects that require $$$ staring at me, I'd happily donate it and take the tax credit. As it is, I'm willing to do some work to get a couple hundred bucks. Wish me luck!

A Little Good News, Please

I'm ready for a little turnaround in things. I'm kind of sick of:

• needing to call the plumber, and--$200 later--finding out that "someone" flushed a baby hairbrush
• having Sarah throw up five times since she got home last night (Jeff's parents babysat at their house while I was working)
• having Sarah refuse to eat either chicken broth or Jello, and having neither Pedialyte nor Gatorade in the house, so missy is both crabby and hungry
• learning that my neighbor needs some help getting a resume together (he didn't get fired, but his job is a bad situation, so I said I'd help with getting a resume together)
• my Dad being all stressed out about trying to get their house together to sell
• my mom needing four more chemo treatments (but they're planning to be here by the middle of June, yay!)

So, if anyone wants to leave comments, please tell me something funny or happy. I need it!

Cool!

Word Cloud, from http://www.snapshirts.com/index.php

The Go-To Girl

Yep, I'm the Get It Done Kid. My Dad and Sharon (stepmom) are putting their house on the market in May, so are trying to get rid of a lot of their stuff, including a painting, a lamp, and hunting rifles. So I said I'd see what I could find out about pricing and the best way to sell said things. I can understand not wanting to take it to a middle man (gun shop or antiques dealer), because then you won't get as much back. Since they're going to move into a condo, they're also getting rid of their lawn mower and snow blower. Problem is, I have no freaking idea how to go about finding the worth of any of these things. But I said I'd try.

Yesterday, my brother called. He essentially asked if I could go over to Ann Arbor (about a 45 minute drive) to pay his storage unit bill. He said they won't take a money order, so he UPS-ed me an envelope with $400 in it, and I'm going to take it over there. Once we get home, I'm making a Lazy Daisy cake for my dad's birthday. It's his fave from when he was a kid.

And since the bell just rang while I was writing this, I need to get going. More later!

Notes:

• Shish Tawook is broiled chicken with spices sauce, and a dill pickle wrapped in a fresh hot pita. The pickle sounds weird, but it's what makes it. And I don't even like dill pickles!
• I can't wait for the Project Runway finale tomorrow night, but I'm going to be really sad that it's over again. I'm hoping Top Chef will be good.
• I DVR my favorite X-files episodes. I never seem to watch any of our DVD's, but I'd die without the DVR.

Edited to delete rant and add link.

Thanks, Pez!

Four Jobs I've had in my Life:
1. Hotel Maid
2. Au Pair
3. Curriculum Development Specialist/Reading Instructor
4. Tutor
Four Movies I'd Watch Over and Over:
1. The Blues Brothers
2. The Fifth Element
3. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
4. The Princess Bride
Four Places I've Lived:
1. Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
2. Hailey, Idaho
3. Zürich, Switzerland
4. Pocatello, Idaho
Four TV Shows I like to Watch
1. Project Runway
2. Veronica Mars
3. X-Files
4. Good Eats
Four Favourite Places I've been on Vacation:
1. Arosa, Switzerland
2. Cancun, Mexico
3. Diamond D Ranch, Idaho
4. Stratford, Ontario
Four Web Sites I Visit Daily
1. www.delphiforums.com
2. www.televisionwithoutpity.com
3. www.woot.com
4. www.jigzone.com
Four of my Favourite Foods:
1. Shish Tawook Sandwish and Fattoush Salad
2. Chocolate
3. Sesame Chicken and Potstickers
4. Chicken Pot Pie
Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Cuddling in bed with hubby & kids
That's all I got for that--I'm glad I'm here.
Four People I feel sorry for because they're getting tagged: Snapper, Dawn, DMouse, EvilAmy

Motivation

I should really go clothes shopping more often. Before I walked in the store, I fully intended to get McDonald's on the way home. Once I'd spent about 30 seconds in the fitting room, that wasn't even an option.

Oatmeal for breakfast today, yum!

By the way, Lauren can stand on her snowboard, but I didn't want to get it out at the park when we last went for various reasons. Now, the snow is all gone, so I don't know when we'll be able to go again. Heh, we'll probably have blizzards all through March.

What NOT to Say

"Sarah, as soon as you get your schoolwork done, we'll go sledding!"

This guarantees that Sarah's mind will not be on the schoolwork, and she'll do a poor job.

Eh, we had fun anyway, and she can practice stuff this afternoon.

Grizzly Man

I recorded Grizzly Man off the Discovery Channel last time it was on (have I waxed rhapsodic over my love of the DVR recently?), and finally got around to watching it last night.

For the first half hour, I was really on edge every time he got too close to the bears. I felt myself tensing up and nervous about how close he was, and really couldn't believe it when he would go so far as to reach out and touch a bear.

One winter while I was in college, I went snowmobiling with my parents in Yellowstone. At one point, I stopped to take a picture of a bison. It just stood in the snow off the side of the road, while I fiddled with my camera. After I got the picture and drove off again, my stepmother stopped me and practically took my head off (which I deserved). In my eagerness to get a really good, close picture, I was too close, and was blocking its path back to the road. I could easily have been trampled if it had been so inclinded. It's nothing like a bear, but it was still dangerous.

I understand that Treadwell felt a spiritual connection with the bears. When Jeff asked me about it after the first half hour or so, I said, "He thinks he's Dian Fossey." Back in the 70's, there was a TV show called Grizzly Adams. Man, I loved that show. It absolutely captured my city-kid desire to be out of the city. Of course, fueling that fire were our summers spent in Idaho. I loved being in the mountains, where it was so quiet and clean and open. Yep, the classic pastoral fantasy. So I do understand Tim Treadwell's love of that place, and his passion for it.

But he crossed the line. I understand that he talked to schools about the bears, and did a lot to help protect them. But when he mentions studying them, I wondered what exactly he studied. All I saw was his emotional attachment to them. Maybe he did scientific studies, and those clips weren't shown. I'm sure they wouldn't have been very exciting, but I think it would have given more depth to the film.

A curator at a local museum mentioned how Treadwell did more harm than good, in that he "habituated the bears" to humans. There's a reason that the local native culture has a tradition of giving the bears their own space--it's respectful to the bears, as well as safer for the humans. Treadwell didn't seem to anthropomorphize the bears much, but I did get the sense that he looked on them as spiritual kin, in spite of his apparent realization that they could kill him.

I have to admit, I found it a little distracting that Werner Herzog's voice reminded me of Connor MacLeod. "There can be only one!"

In the end, Treadwell was a guy who lived on the edge. Like the people who climb Everest, he knew death was a real possibility. He took the risk, and for a long time, he survived. But he knew there were no guarantees, and in the end he paid that price.

I'm going to need a nap

Lauren has been doing really well at staying dry all night. This is largely because Jeff & I have been religious at making sure she goes to the bathroom right before bed. Last night, we forgot. Right after I got in bed, I realized that, and thought about waking her up to take her to the bathroom, but didn't. I should have known better.

She woke up at three, and Jeff got up to take her to the bathroom. The thing is, when Lauren wakes up wet, she's hysterical and crying. Always. So I gave Jeff the clean sheet and said, "Trade." I got her cleaned up and new pajamas on her, and let her come lay down with us.

But. Jeff was snoring, and she was kicking and rolling (not in her sleep), so I tucked her back in bed between 3:30 & 4, and came out to the computer. I got my Project Runway follow up done (Tim Gunn's blog and podcast, and all the bonus videos), started a load of laundry, and played a few online games. It's now almost 5:30, and I'm not really tired. But I know I need sleep, because I have a really busy day ahead.

Also, Sarah's been complaining of a sore throat, and my throat is a little sore as well. If we get colds, I hope they come and go quickly. Any recomendations for knocking this out?

Eye Roll - Just Have to Share

When the phone rang a few minutes ago, I answered even though no name came up on the caller ID. Usually I don't do that (never at night), but my work number comes up that way, so I answered.

It was some young kid, asking for my first name. "This is," thinking maybe is was one of the kids from Brownies or dance class, though why they would call, I've no idea. Then the kid said, making his voice "deeper," "This is the sex line. Do you want to come?" Now, that's so stupid, that I thought I must have been hearing wrong, so I said, "What?" The dumb kid actually repeated himself, so I asked for his mom. He mumbled something, but didn't hang up. So I said that maybe I should call back so I could talk to his mom, or "would it be better to talk to your dad?" Then he hung up.

Dang it, I wish just once I would have the presence of mind to talk like a phone sex operator, and really scare him off!!!