Phantom birthday decorator

So, for the past, at least 10 plus years, I have put a cheap, plastic Happy Birthday banner on my girls' bedroom door for their birthday. I always waited until they were asleep and tape it up. Sometimes I would fall asleep when they did and wake up at 2-3 am or set my alarm for 5 am so that when they woke up on their SPECIAL day, they would be surprised with banner. I always want them to feel like their birthday is the best day of the year and go out of my way to make them feel special.

It's the same banner that has 10 years worth of tape - scotch (good stuff and cheapie stuff), masking tape, painters tape, garage sale dots, whatever I could find to stick that thing up there. You'd think that I would plan better, right? I know when their birthdays are. Same day. Every year. But NOOOOOOOO, that would be too easy and not nearly as fun.

Some years I would add streamers to the door frame just to be a little different. And really, who am I kidding, I only do it if I have any leftover streamers laying around.

Then we leave it there for a few weeks after the special day. I want to say because they loved it so much and it was so awesome that their mom went to all the trouble. But honestly we forget its there. Then one day I will think to myself - hmmm what day is it? How many days since the kids birthday? Oh crap 21??? Take it down! I fold it all away in the hall closet until the next birthday.

My youngest turned 13 on the first. And although it was a "school night" my oldest was still up after 11 with her door open. As I walked down the hall to the hall closet where I stash the birthday decorations, I see my daughter standing in her room. I think to myself, dang, the kids are getting older - why am I still doing this? I took the stuff to the bathroom and started unfolding it. This is no easy feat - I must do it slowly because all that tape sticks together and I certainly don't want to rip my banner! So as I'm fighting with it and slowly peeling apart the ends, I am standing in the hallway where she can see me.

She stops, turns to look then stares at me. Then says, real slowly, "woooooow, mom, I've never SEEEEEEN it happen before. It's like I know you do it, but It just magically appears on the door on birthday morning!" I laughed out loud. Then feared that I might awaken the birthday girl. Then she said, "it's like Santa!!" Then I really laughed out loud.

Luckily I didn't wake the birthday girl and she got to wake up the next morning and the banner magically appeared.

I think I'm gonna keep it up until they graduate from high school. Why stop now, right?

K

PS if you are wondering if its still up, the answer is YES!

Ten years of dance recitals

Last weekend marked 10 years of attending dance recitals to watch my daughters, along with hundreds of other dancers, showcase the dances they've worked on all season. It is a bittersweet time for me. The good mom part is excited to watch the girls perform again. The bad mom part of me is glad the season is almost over because I am worn out and I've seen the same piece and heard the same music HUNDREDS of times!

Last weekend also marked a first for me too. In light of being completely frustrated that we were rushing at the last minute because important things were missing, I declared that I would not be helping backstage and I definitely would not be the one to unpack the wadded up costumes, tights, accessories, shoes, hair ties, blah blah blah. I also announced that if anything else was lost from now on that they will be held accountable. They will have to work to get the money to replace the list item. My friend asked what I would do if they really did lose a costume piece and the studio came to talk to me about it -- they will have to talk to the girls as they are responsible for it! She wasn't sure if I would stick to it or not. Let's just hope we don't have to cross that bridge. Stay tuned...

Watching my girls dance brings me so much joy and pride. They have grown to be beautiful dancers and young women and will continue to grow in their passion for dance. The dedication, determination and drive is evident in them. Those who aren't involved in this world will never understand all the incredible benefits!

A real dance mom,
K

Am I really old enough to have a kid driving?

Wasn't it just the other day that I brought her home from the hospital? How is it possible that almost 16 years have gone by in the blink of an eye?

As all of the transitions my child has made over the years, this one has been harder for me than it has been for her. She matures and then it hits me like a ton of bricks. I can say for certain that I have learned as much from my daughters as they have learned from me.

The first week of official drivers education has gone by fairly well. Only 2 "discussions", a few tears, and one angry honker. That's a pretty good record, if I do say so myself.

Probably the biggest adjustment I have had to make this week is giving up control of the wheel. I'm the driver. Always have been. I'm not a very good passenger. Ask my husband. Well, don't. Just take my word.

I'm not ready for this. But here it is whether I want it or not. Keep us in your thoughts. Send positive vibes. I need them.

K

Not today!!

It's ICED coffee for me this morning. Ok so I traded scalded thighs for frozen thighs. Good move.

K

Chillin'

Dear Karan,

I'm waiting.

Feet up and looking forward to your post,
Me

Girl Say... Nothing

Dear Girl Say What? -

Email is changed. 

Bring it on... 
xoxo
K

Mobbed

Dear Howie Mandel -

Last night's show was painful to watch.  Ease up on the entrance segment - no need to be so hardass.  It is not THAT dramatic..please.  Then with 8 minutes left to go, the screen goes blank so I don't know how it ended.

Love Tabitha & Napoleon - did they know what they were signing up for.  And YAY for Tabitha speaking up to say the way they lured the poor girl in was wrong.  And THEY ROCK so so so happy for their success!!

Hopefully camera shots will get better, if the show lasts past a few shows.

I did like seeing all the different shots at once when the whole flash mob was going to be revealed - that was cool.

I love me some flash mobs and look forward to being involved with a big one someday.

Kath
PS...  I hate to say that I don't think the couple on the show has a chance of a successful marriage - seriously - there is way too much jealously going on.  She will never trust him.  And I don't really see him trying that hard....

American Idol Top 11

Dear American Idol Fans -

Finally!!!  You got it right this week. 

OK, so next week...  Jacob is going home.  Not Paul, K?

Jacob seems like a nice boy.  He really does.  His voice isn't my favorite.  And let's scale it down a notch, or 5, please.

Hooked for the 11th season,
Kath

Long time no blog

Dear blog,

Has is really been since September when I last wrote to you? This is a true testament that time really does fly by. I have thought about you alot - things I wanted to tell you. Things I wanted to share with you. I think about my potential at this whole blogging thing. Should I continue here at this site or should I create my own website blog? I start thinking through my thoughts like I'm writing them out when random thoughts hit me. When will I do it? How will I do it? What will I say? What will I call it? Who's going to do all this laundry? Why can't we put away all the clean laundry? Oh wait, what was I thinking about?

Good things are coming.
Procrastinate much?

ADD in full effect,
Kath

No reservation this time

Dear Oprah show -

Boo.

I didn't get a reservation this time. Although I am sad, I will not be discouraged. I will check the website every single day for an opening. I KNOW that I will be seeing you this season. I WILL be in your audience! :)

love,
kath

Oprah's last season

Dear Oprah show -

Like thousands of other viewers, I want to attend a taping of a show during this last season. I've tried to call and sign up online over the past several years, but wasn't dedicated to the cause. I pray my name will come up in the lottery. I have a good feeling about this!

In the words of Meredith Grey on Grey's anatomy... Pick me, choose me.

I am sure my story is like many others... I admire Oprah. She's a true hero and role model of mine. Her drive and ambition along with her heart and compassion is truly inspiring to me. It makes me strive to be a better person.

<3,
kath

Racetrack

Dear race fans -

During the long, long hours I have spent working at the past couple of events at the racetrack, you have provided me with much amusement and helped pass the time. Thank you so much. Here is a list of some of what I saw while there; those who know me know that I took pictures, but I only shared those with family...

• the heat miser in woman form
• spiky high heels with skin tight black hot-pants (think ONJ, Grease)
• severely burnt red face and neck with pastey white arms and legs
• lots of red necks, for real
• black stubble on a burnt red belly...you know that he probably couldn't run a razor over that burn!
• 4 pregnant women (one wearing WHITE pants and a thong)
• side-to-side walkers
• cowboy boots with cutoffs
• lots of mullets; some braided, some curly & flowy, some gray and wirey...business in the front - party in the back!
• a grown woman with a pink care bear backpack with long pink colored hair
• lots of big, huge beer bellies
• ESPN2 sportscaster that showed me proof that lighting makes ALL the difference in the world!
• a lady with hair past her butt that was in a ponytail...that had a colored terrycloth hairtie every 3 inches. AND a big plastic comb in her back pocket. She was drunk. Very drunk.
• a white banana clip holding up permed hair!
• a grandpa walking with his 2 or 3 year old grandson on his side belly - the boy looked like a sack of potatoes...poor kid was so light skinned with red hair; i just hoped that grandpa remembered to put sunscreen on him. he also was bow-legged and pigeon-toed. super cute though.
• a side to side walker with a huge beer belly whose white t-shirt had cut off sleeves advertising Butt Rub... yummy.
• a HUGE number 1 tattoo that was red, white & blue...cuz that's what he is - #1.

Here are a few phrases that I mastered during my time:

• "No, I am not making a fortune off these beer prices."
• "I wish I could give you a volume discount, but sorry, I can't"
• "Yeah, this is GREAT spot! And yep, the smoke gets bad here!"
• "Yes, it is BEAUTIFUL weather for the nationals!"
• "Yes, I do have ear plugs in." And to the old man who kept pretending to speak, but really wasn't just to see if you could mess with me, you're an idiot, but I was nice to you so you would tip me... Yeah, that didn't work cuz you are an ass.
• "Oh yeah? That's great!" Seriously, I have been doing this for 8 years, I have NO clue what is going on at the actual event. I don't know the drivers names. I don't really care.

you all are the best,

kath

Snickers candy bars

Dear Snickers -

You really do satisfy. There's no lying in your advertising.

Licking my chops,
kath

Live with Purpose

Dear soul searcher -

"Live with purpose"

That's what I have been subconsciously doing for a long time - at least as far back as when I was pregnant with my first kid. Before then, I was just gliding through life without a thought or care about what was I was going to do with my life. I feel like I've been struggling to find a purpose or find MY meaning of life...why am I here? what am I supposed to be doing with my life? what inspires me? how am i supposed to use myself here on earth? what is my spirit all about? what is it that my soul is trying to tell me?

I've spent countless hours trying to work through this. Over the years, I've read books, magazines, blogs, websites; I've consulted Oprah, my real life friends, my online friends, my family - but I haven't figured it out. I understand that it's a journey...I get that, but if I could get some focus, that would be wonderful.

I attended a training session today at work about Life Balance and Time Management thinking that I could do a couple of things: 1) get training points that will apply to my Individual Development Plan and 2) continually work on my time management skills (I LOVE things like this! - geeky, I know) - all FREE @ work. How cool is that?! And what am I faced with once again??? "Live with Purpose", "Create a Mission Statement", "Get Inspired" etc.

I mean, seriously, the universe is trying to get my attention. I GET IT!!! I am consistently presented with opportunites to try to figure myself out. I notice them. I pay attention. But, I am just not figuring it out.

If anyone out there can help me on my path, I'm open to suggestions. I love this journey, but I'm REALLY ready to be heading down MY path now.

all ears,
kath

Boeuf Bourguignon

Dear Julia Child -

I've decided to make this famous recipe of yours. I admit that I'm a little nervous. I even had to look up how to brown-braise those little onions...I've never even bought pearl onions....or bacon with the rind still attached. This will be a lot of "firsts" for me. I am preparing to embarrass myself in front of the butcher getting the beef and bacon. What do I say? How do I ask? I can do it, right?

I even have to figure out what dish I'm going to cook/bake it in. Someday, I would love to own one of those awesome casserole pans that you can use on top of the stove as well as in the oven...maybe that will be a Christmas wish list item?

I realize that you passed away several years ago so I guess this is directed to your spirit and hopefully I can feel you with me as I attempt this recipe.

thank you for the inspiration,
kathy

Signs

Dear employees -

DO NOT EAT FOOD
THAT DOES NOT
BELONG TO YOU!!

Really? Seriously? We are grown up adults. Isn't this a general rule known by all?

Obviously not if we must post this sign on the breakroom fridge...

However, if there is a yogurt in there, help yourself.

dumbfounded,
kath

Pompous Jerk....

Dear jerk-off ~

I know I said I wouldn't talk about you again...but I can't help it.

Please don't talk to me anymore. I don't want to hear what you have to say. I can't even fake being nice to you.

I don't like you. You don't like me. Why should we waste our time?

I don't care what you have to say. You clearly think you are better than me. But you are sadly mistaken.

I am not sure how long I will be able to hold my tongue and not lash out at you. I have to let out the pressure - get it out there in the universe so it's out of my head. I can't afford to explode out of nowhere, right?

pressure released for now,
kath

Minor hit and run

Dear Toyota Camry driver ~

So, I'm wondering, did you even realize that you hit a mailbox this morning and that your passenger side view mirror was hanging by a wire? You know - the one on Township Line Road by Dan Jones Road in Plainfield.... You hit it solid. Never hit the brakes. Turned on Dan Jones like nothing ever happened.

The mailbox was fine. I noticed as I passed it. I was far enough behind you not to catch your license plate but saw you hit it. I was on my way to work and sort of felt guilty not following you to flag you down.

Were you texting? Oprah would be so mad at you. Luckily it was a mailbox and not a person.

curious,
kath

Justin Bieber

Dear 13 year old self -



It's 2010 and I'm 41 years old. Yea, I know it's hard to think of me THAT old, right? Especially when your mom is roughly that age now and BOY is she Ooooold!



There's a teen singer named Justin Bieber that my daughters are listening to; one is a teenager and one is a tween. One will admit that she likes him...but not too much (yeah, right!) and the other one won't admit to anything. I admit that I took my daughter's latest JB CD with me to work today and totally blasted the radio. I have no shame - I let it play loud and proud.



This I know for sure...that if he was around at your age, I would have torn his picture out of the Teen Beat or Tiger Beat and taped him to my wall. That is, if my mom bought me the magazine. My girls don't ask for those magazines with the teen idols in them - not sure if it's because they don't know the magazines exist or they really don't care about them.



I keep telling my husband (you would like him) that JB is my new boyfriend - and he just shakes his head... He thinks I'm crazy or he feels sorry for me...not sure which. Yes, I know he is only 16 years old. I don't like him in that creepy way! So, don't think any less of me please. I like his music and think he seems like a nice boy based on some interviews I have seen recently.





you smile, i smile...

kathy

Girl Say Huh?!

Dear Girl Say What?,

You said 'stay tuned'.

I've been staying tuned for a week now. Waiting anxiously to see the first post.

I need a good 'OMG I'm gonna pee my pants' kind of laugh soon.

please, and thank you,
kath