Tuesday, December 09, 2008

SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was the seasons 1st snow day today. I managed to push the kids out the door for a little while to get out of the house. Here are some highlights of our day cooped up at home.






Amaya's attempt at a snow angel -














Sunday, November 30, 2008

Just one more thing...

I was so sad to read about the Walmart Employee's death on "Black Friday". It really makes me mad too. Every year, news outlets show footage of crazy shoppers rampaging through the doors of Walmart. How could the company not see this coming? Every single year someone is trampled, it's only a matter of time before someone was injured severly or killed. Opening all the doors at one time to allow a mass of thousands in never ends well. This poor man wasn't a "real" employee, from what I read - he was just a temp. Part of me thinks that Walmart likes the attenion that the media draws to it's mass entrances. I hope next year they queue the line and open one or 2 doors at a time. People shouldn't risk their life just to work.

Just one more reason why I really don't like that company as a whole. This should never ever have happened.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Walmart Saved our Butt

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I despise Walmart, especially the one here in Madison. I haven't set foot in the Walmart on the westside in years, and I do not intend on changing that anytime soon. I watched a movie a few years ago about Walmarts employment practices and I have choosen, for the most part, not support an employer who doesn't appear to value their employees except for their inexpensive labor.

Now, on the night before Thanksgiving, while at a hotel in the Dells, my husband discovered that that our battery in the van had died. We were about an hour from home and I had to be at work at a retail store (that is VERY busy on the day after t-giving - yes, I know they all are, but really, trust me, we are SLAMMED!) by 11am on Friday. Around 9am on Thanksgiving, my dear husband called AAA and a kind tow truck from Prairie Land towing came not once, but twice (because the cables didn't work the 1st time) to get the van up and running. We knew if it was turned off, it wouldn't start back up.

We were all prepared to buy a battery and have to install it on our own since I didn't expect to find an open car shop on Thanksgiving. I left David and the kids in the car, running of course, while I ventured into the only open store around. Walmart. This is the Wisconsin Dells, after all. I wandered in, picked up some decongestant for my daughter and made my way back to the car dept. when what did I see?

People. Yes, they were open.

I have never been so relieved to see a helpful Walmart employee.

They picked out the battery we needed, and me and my family waited. I was about to go and pay for the medicine when one of the other helpful walmart women said I could just pay for it with the battery, but I could go head and open it to give some to my daughter then. A few moments later she returned to put on the DVD of Tinkerbell for her as well. She also had a little girl and watched Tinkerbell lots.

I coudln't help but think that this woman was here, helping us (probably on barely a living wage) while her little girl was back home with out her.

We were extremely Thankful to the 2 or 3 people who were there on Thanksgiving, to help people like us who's car battery died an hour from home. While I don't like Walmarts in general, I have a new found love for the Walmart SuperCenter in the Wisconsin Dells. Beleive me, we were Thankful for Walmart this Thanksgiving. I will never say that again.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Just Keep Swimming Swimming... Just Keep Swimming...


So, let's sit back and look back at how Blake got into swimming...



Long long ago, in a cold January in 2004, Blake started taking swimming lessons at SwimWest here in Madison. Those first few months were rough. Screaming, crying, and general misery were involved. But, we thought at 4 1/2, he needed to start getting into the water. We continued there faithfully for 2 or 3 years. It was warm, the classes were small and it went great. The only problem was that it was a little pricey. Eventually we switched over to lessons at the outdoor pool in Middleton and then to the indoor one in the winter. This past summer, he was finally convinced to join the Middleton Gators swim team. It was a new experience for him and a bit confusing for us as parents. He did great with this new competitive streak that he found inside of him. He did have some difficulties with a few things such as diving in and doing the breast stroke legally. He DQ'd more on breast stroke, than not.


When the summer ended, I wondered where this would leave us. I could tell he loved swimming, and with a little coaching, I knew he could excel. There are quite a few local USA Swimming teams in the area, but we logically choose the one that practices walking distance from our home. This year he has been swimming with the Badger Aquatics Club. While he's not the fastest, he's also not the slowest by any means. And he tries his hardest everytime, and that's all, as a parent I expect.


It's nice too, that for the most part parents don't get too obsessive over it. Parents aren't allowed on the deck of the pool during the meet. (although, I have to say, yesterday there was one REALLY annoying mom who whistled as loud as she could each time her kids swam -- think each time the kids head bobbed up -- and even once almost walked into the area where the starting thingy was. She's pretty much the exception to the rule though). Also, when it's a home meet, parents MUST volunteer for something, so it keeps them occupied. Kids also have to be fairly self sufficient as well. The coaches do come and round up the kids to make sure they are at the blocks, but the older ones are responsible for getting there when the time arrives.




So far this season, Blake has come away with multiple ribbons. There has been 2 1st place, I beleive both in Relays, then some 2nd places -- some in relays others in 50 or 100 Freestyle, then some 3rd and 4ths... and then they also give out 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th at most events. Yesterday he was really fixated on a MEDAL. This is the 1st event with medals. Medals were only given out to the top 3. In one event he tied for 4th out of 18 kids. That's incredible! However, to him, it was a failure since he didn't get the MEDAL. Even if he had gotten 3rd out of 3, if it was a medal, that's all that mattered. I need to get him to look at the big picture. No matter what though, I am SOOO incredibly proud of his accomplishments swimming competitively in the last 6 months!!!!



This is from the 100y Medley Relay. Blake swam the last quarter freestyle. His team was in lane 5 and they got 2nd. The other team was about 5 seconds ahead of them. Him and the other boy who swam butterfly swam the 2 lengths in ~40 seconds, which is great for this age!

This was another race he did well in, backstroke. The difference in time from 3-8th place was about 2 seconds. Blake got 7th, but I think 3rd was about a second and a half faster -- not much! He was in lane 1, the furthest away from the camera.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

October 29, 1992

I grew up without my father around and it was never a big deal. The man I was closest to growing up was my grandpa Hal. I remember one day when I was graduating High School he made a comment about not knowing if he would go to any of his other grandchildren's graduation. I brushed it off not beleiving a word of it and not wanting to imagine a world without him. He was only 70 and surely he'd be around 10 more years for my 2nd oldest cousin to graduate - his mother lived into her 90's. He was healthy and only vice was chewing cigars (a habit I found SOOO gross!). Less than 2 year later he died after a 2 month battle with cancer.

He died on October 29 and his funeral was on Halloween. I am the oldest grandchild by 10 years and that Halloween was so surreal to me. I was 19 which meant my oldest cousin was 9 and then there were 6 others all younger than him. While I cried they played. While my family mourned, they went Trick or Treating. Now, as the mother of children who are the age my cousins were I understand the need for normalcy, but back then it was odd.
I remember the cold day at the cemetary in Illinois and how poingant the service was on Halloween. While it seemed creepy, it also seemed fitting.

This is honestly one of the hardest days of the year. Things have gotten better, but this date is etched in my mind forever. My grandfather is the closest relative I have ever had pass away. (well, except my father, but since I had virtually no relationship with him, it's hard to say he was a close relative). I loved my grandfather so much and I wish and hope he can see all that has happened since he left 16 years ago. I am married and have 2 wonderful children - his great grand children. My cousins are all almost our of high school, and some out of college.

I have such a small family and sadly virtually no contact with my extended family. I don't have any siblings (and neither does my husband, so no aunts, uncles or cousins for my kids - is that weird or what?!) so I have my mom and my inlaws and of course my grandfathers wife, my wonderful grandmother. That's it. Sometimes I wonder what my grandfather would think of the fact that our family has lost so much contact with each other. The last time we were all truly together was at his funeral. Perhaps his death meant the loss of a lot more than just him.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Couponing Success

Because money is tight, I am trying to be more frugal & stay on a budget. One of the main things I have always wanted to do, and yes, it sounds silly, was to use coupons to shop very cheaply. Over the years I would clip my coupons, but I think I spent more than I would have otherwise BECAUSE of the coupons. I had heard about those websites that would tell you how to basically use your coupons to buy things on sale for cheap or free. Because I live where there are no major (ie chain, nationwide stores) these sites never had a list for Madison that was worthwhile. Recently I discovered that they are finally including Copp's! I know... it sounds silly, but it makes me happy. Today I went to the grocery store and had I NOT shopped the specials or used coupons I would have spent $140, instead I spent $70. 50% off. I think that's a HUGE success! Granted, I now have bread for the next 3 weeks (as long as it doesn't get moldy, we should be good!) and sadly, Hamburger Helper that should last for years (I am reserving that scary stuff for when my family is here over the holidays and I need something that can be cooked in large batches, fast and cheap. Cooking for 7 people for 2 weeks calls for some short cuts here and there). Oh yeah, and in my previous weeks I have stocked up enough broth and diced tomatoes to make chili for the entire winter season. But this is a good thing. Now when I want chili, I have the fixings and I don't have to go out and drop $15 on overpriced ingrediants that I got for probably 75% off through couponing.
My site of choice is www.thegrocerygame.com . You get to try it for $1 for 4 weeks and if you like it, you pay about $10 for the 1st list for 3 months. I have definitely saved $10 in one week, so it is worth it. I am thinking I will need some shelves for my stockpiles of cereal and canned goods soon. I am also enjoying the variety. This is enouraging me to buy things I might not otherwise get and do a few different things.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Fall Part II










This past Sunday I was supposed to work, but ended up not having to go in. It was an incredible day - clear and WARM! Normally in October, the temps do not get up to 80 degrees in Wisconsin, but on Sunday it did. Because the folliage was at or near peak this weekend, we headed about a hour north of here to Mirror Lake State Park. This park was just outside the Dells, but you'd never know you were so close to the insanity of that area. It was so serene and peaceful. We were there for only about 2 hours, but we had a nice picnic and walked some of the short trails. Fall is definitely my favorite time of the year. The weather is so nice and the colors are radiant.

After spending some time at the State Park, we headed over to see Lake Delton. The lake broke through the road over the summer, devastating the area and destroying houses and ruing the summer tourist season for the area. The Lake is supposed to be filled again next summer, so I really wanted to at least see what it looked like with no water. It really was amazing to see this large area filled with weeds that is usually a recreational lake. I didn't take any pictures. There were lots of signs to keep away the gawkers and I didn't want to stop and be one of the millions of people who oohed and ahhed. I am sure the residents are sick enough of it.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Fall

It's been way too long since I posted to this blog. A lot has changed in the last 3 months. My daughter turned 5 and started Kindergarten. My son is in 3rd grade and is now swimming competitively with a local swim club. He has his 1st meet this weekend.  My daughter is determined to swim on the Gators team next summer, although I am not so sure she will be able to make it across the pool in less than a year.

I now work about 5 hours a day in the morning on the week days. It's odd... for the last 4 years I have worked primarily evenings and weekends and in a blink that changed. I am still getting used to getting up at 6:15 in the morning and also having more time with the family in the evening. It's a bit different to get used to. 

I can't believe that fall is here already and Halloween is just around the corner. Our family LOVES Halloween and it's almost time to put up the decorations. Before you know it Christmas will be here!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

A Swimming Summer!




This year, my son decided to swim on the Middleton Gators swim team. The team has proven to be a good challenge for him. He has never really been "into" sports and really marched to the beat of his own drum. He had a bit of trouble at the beginning mainly due to the fact that we knew little about the rules of swimming and there are a lot of little rules. He seems to have overcome most of his difficulties and has ended up doing very well. He hasn't placed in the top 3 or anything, but the fact that he did not DQ in the last meet in any event and won a heat winner ribbon was a HUGE success for him.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Back from vacation

Well... we got back almost a week ago from a little trip to upstate NY. We go not because we really WANT to, but we "have to". We didn't go last year because of family issues and some of those arose again during this trip. That was definitely the low light of the trip.

We did drive the 800 or 900 miles it is from Wisconsin to Rome NY. Gas was expensive, but I had actually budgeted it to be at $4/ gal, so it wasn't so bad. Another way that made the trip a little easier to bear was that alot of we spent money on during the trip was already paid. The hotel in Lansin MI was bought on Priceline, therefore when checking out, nothing was owed. Granted Priceline can be a bit of a gamble, but if you do some research on Bidding for Travel you get a bit of an idea as to what hotel you might get -- and sometimes a handy review of it. As for food, I bought a gift card to Subway and Cracker Barrel through a Scrip program that benefits my sons school called Simplified Scrip . Granted, the school only got a few bucks, but hey, it's better than nothing. I also bought $325 in gas gift cards as well through the Scrip program. I figured I would have to fill up about 4 times in our Windstar @ about 22/gal per fill up or a mind boggling $88 each! (ouch!) 88x4 = 352 which is why I bought $325 in cards. The cards can be used at the pump (so you aren't tempted to buy anything else -- which is what they really want you to do!) and I just paid in $50 increments (and we stop that often with a 4 yr old little girl anyway!). During the 1st 2 days of driving, I think we spent about $10 on a debit card because everything was paid for on gift cards or priceline. It's also a great way to plan for a trip because you can buy, say, 1 $50 card from scrip each month and after a year you have $600 saved... and of course you have donated a few bucks to a school in the process!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

I am really not found of Charter

So... Charted has never been one of my favorite companies. Today however, they really became my least favorite company.

I decided to log on to my account and pay my bill. I often forget the password and have to look it up - it's usually some gibberish one I can't recall easily. I did find it and I proceed to log on to my account using my user name and the random password. As soon as I got into my account I noticed that the amount due was different than what I thought I owed, as well as the name on the account. It was a Keith something or other in Nebraska. Odd. I figured it was a fluke, so I opened another tab in my browser and did the same. Logged on. This time it was different. It was a different name again... a foreign name in California. So... then I was getting concerned. Charter wasn't *really* giving me access to random accounte complete with home phone numbers, addresses, account numbers, the ability to change/add/delete service, personal e-mail addresses.... you get the point.

I tried a 3rd time. Surely this time I would get my account. Nope. Another try, another name. I forget where the 3rd person was.

This is when I lost it. Charter was giving access to account information. Who knows how many people got access to my account or anyones account.

I called them up and of course they didn't quite understand what I was talking about. They offered to transfer me. I figured I needed to tell someone at Charter about their "little" problem. I got put on hold. For. Ever. And Ever. And Ever.

I eventually hung up. In the meantime I wanted to see what I could get to. Yup. I got to bills. I could change what I wanted. I didn't of course. I would never do that. But the possibility scared me.

I tried calling again. This time someone asked me some security questions. My address, my phone things that I could have had access to on any of the 3 random accounts I had sitting in front of me. This did NOT reassure me at all. The call center rep kept asking me if I wanted to pay my bill and I kept explaining that there was NO WAY I was paying my bill to a company that was giving out account information for free. She eventually transferred me to tech support who robotically explained that this was a known issue and not to log into my account anymore. He wouldn't stop talking for about 30 seconds - just spilling out a spiel about how they were working on it etc... Not reassuring. He was supposed to reset my password. He put me on hold and never came back. Not surprised.

I am REALLY unhappy with Charter.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

The start of summer

So summer is about to start. At the end of this summer things will be dramatically different. For the 1st time, both my kids will be in elementry school. For 8 years I have had a baby or a preschooler, but when my daughter hits kindergarten this fall, I will have neither. It's a little odd to not be the parent of a "little" kid, but it also feels good. I feel like I am moving forward. Many people I know have 3 chilren and many of them had the 3rd right around the time the 2nd started school. People also ask themselves how do they know when they are done having kids, the answer is that you just know. Things are good with the 4 of us. I can't imagine bringing another child into the family, and I honestly really have no desire to. I feel content with how things are right now.

The summer will be busy. My son is doing swim team for the 1st time and we have a trip planned. We are also going camping and my daughter will celebrate her 5th birthday. I have lots of activities for them during the day and hopefully we can get out and about through the state a bit. All this will happen in roughly 2 1/2 months time. At the end of it all my life will change dramatically. I will no longer be the "at home mom" - even though I have been working part time for the better part of 4 years. I still want to be part time so that I can go to the activities in the evening and be able to have fun. I definitely feel that I miss out on a lot working evenings and weekends. I look forward to the future of my kids in school during the day and being able to be with them in the evenings.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Oh my gosh, I love HDR

I have seen lots of HDR pictures over the last year or so. They are always so amazing.


I got a Canon Rebel for Christmas and have wanted to make HDR pictures. in The last month or so finally decided to figure it out. It's not hard. It's just bracketing the exposure of several pictures (at least 3) and then using a program to merge them together. I tried Photoshop CS2 and was not impressed. Them I did a little more research and found Photomatix. Holy moly! This program is amazing. It basically does all the work for you. I love taking the HDR pictures now. I just need HUGE CF card now.
Here is my first REAL GOOD HDR image. It is of a corner of the Thai Pavillion at Olbrich Gardens. When I first saw this pop up on the screen it litterally took my breath away.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

I appreciate the cool weather, really I do.

However, I am truly ready for something consistantly in the say, 75-80 degree range. I don't think that's too much to ask for in May, do you? The rain has finally slowed down. We just need it too be a little warmer. We took a long walk through Middleton last night and it was quite pleasant. I am really looking forward to this summer and the activities we have planned.

It looks like we are going to head to NY after the boy gets out of school. When we return both kids will have lots of things going on around town. The boy will be doing swim team this year which I think he will be good at. Not much is happening in July, however we may try to take a trip to Devil's Lake and camp for a night or 2.

August we are planning a lovely trip to Door County and camping in Peninsula State park. We have even convinced the grandmothers to join us. Granted, they will NOT be camping, but roughing it in a quaint little hotel right outside the park grounds. Every time we go up we always comment on how much they would love it up there. I am so happy they will join us this year. Hopefully too we can go on a LONG hike with the boy - something the little girl can't do *QUITE* yet. Hopefully in they next year or so she'll be able to make it 5+ miles with few compaints. The grandmothers can hang out with her and we will explore the park.

I am really looking forward to summer, I just need it to be a tad bit warmer.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

1 Bag, 1 Person, 2 Weeks?

So Mom left today. She'd been here 2 weeks and when she arrived 2 weeks ago, she brought along her 2 checked bags. She checked them both with no issue.

Today, leaving to go home, she walked back to me a bit perplexed telling me she had to pay $25 for her 2nd bag. I told her no... one bag must have been overweight and that's why they charged you. Nope. Big sign says "1 Bag Free 2nd Bag $25" and then some other fee for 3 bags. This was on Northwest. I don't know if other airlines are following suit. I don't think it's THAT big of a deal, but what bothers me is that she brought 2 here for free, she should be able to return with that amount and not have to pay. What was she supposed to do with the 2nd bag?

So anyway, pack lightly for your domestic trips!

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Tragic

This is really sad. This happened here in Madison. This girl was killed a few weeks ago here in downtown. It turns out she called 911 and no one followed up.

Once we accidentally called 911 and apparently they tried to call us when we didn't answer, the police came to our apt and had to see everyone in the house to make sure we were all ok. I can't beleive that this wasn't followed up on. So tragic and inexcusable.

Monday, April 28, 2008

The boy turned 8.



Well... he's 8. My son turned 8 yesterday. I can't beleive that it's been 8 years since he was born. It just doesn't seem like that long ago and I remember it so clearly. That's the weird thing about getting older. When we were young, 8 years ago was hazy and hard to remember - if at all. Now, in my 30's 8 years ago is clear. Anyway, here's a few pictures. He got a scooter, Super Smash Bros Brawl & an Eyeclops. I have more pictures of the cake on my cake blog.

Friday, April 18, 2008

The wit and wisdom of 4 year olds.

My 4 year old can be quite witty sometimes. Yesterday, as we were in the car she asked me "Why is called Illinois? Is it full of annoying people?" See, she heard "Ill annoy" when saying it. I had to laugh at this since my family is from "Ill Annoy". I did tell her that no, people in Illinois are not annoying (ok, maybe except one cranky old man that is friends with my grandmother, but other than that I won't generalize for the whole state).

On that note, just a thought. My grandmother who is 86 isn't doing so well. She fell yesterday and went into the hospital. Today my mother called to tell me she's having hip replacement surgery next week. I can't say that I truly feel major surgery at her age is the wisest choice, but to her it's the only choice. I think she'd rather be dead than confined to bed for the rest of her life.

No, Illinois isn't full of annoying people. My dear sweet old grandmother is there.

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Back to Reality

So, after more than a week in Florida we came back to Wisconsin. The plus was that the snow was almost melted away, the con was that it's still cold. But spring is coming I can feel it. The tulips are starting to peek out of the ground and everything seems to be coated with dust. I need to do some spring cleaning, but the dreary cool weather doesn't make me very perky. When it's in the 70's & sunny - I get spring fever big time. This weekend was almost like that, but I was stuck inside all weekend working (one of the cons for being gone so long).

I have a ton of Wilton classes to teach this month. This is good since I had to spend $600 fixing the car last week.

My son turns 8 later this month. I cannot beleive it's been 8 years since he was born. It feels like yesterday. Well... not yesterday, but almost.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Beach Day




Growing up in Florida, I wasn't much of a beach bum. I rarely, if ever, went to the beach. My kids wanted to go today since it's a novelty to them. When I was little, the beach was there. It was a normal every day thing. No big deal. We decided today to go to Caladesi Island. This was actually a place I mainly went with my grandmother when she visited. It's only accessible by boat (well... actually, since 1985, you can walk from Clearwater beach, but it's a long walk) so we headed out today on the ferry.

It was heavenly. We got an umbrella for my mom to sit under, and the kids played in the shallow and surprisingly clear water. Now, in "Clearwater" the water is not clear. But over here on Caladesi it was. The shelling was incredible. We found several sand dollars that weren't alive, yet were whole. I found a nice sized conch and even found a live sea urchin! The urchin obviously went back into the water. We were there for four hours. It was so pleasant to sit on the beach . It wasn't hot. It wasn't cool. There was a great breeze coming in too. My daughter even found a little playmate under the umbrella next to us.

I was surprised to hear that Caladesi is ranked as one of the "Best Beaches" at first. It's always been right there and I never gave it much though. However, after my visit today, I suppose I can see what others see in it. It's quiet, restful, nice water, activities and lots of great shells.
We are definitely going to add Caladesi to our list of things to do in the future. It was SO much better than Honeymoom Island or Clearawater Beach.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

It's different down here


My son had a great idea to go to a children's fine art museum. He found a brochure for one at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center which is few miles from his grandmother's house. It had a great exhibit called "Artist as Inventor". Before we went I just knew no one would be there. Sure enough, we pull up to an empty parking lot. No one else in site, except at the pool across the field. We walked in and the lady there seemed excited to see us. She went through a whole spiel about the place and even talked to my mom about a big fundraiser gala they have there. But no one else was there. During our hour long visit, one other child came through. That was it. It was really cool too for kids. They had a whole real stage area for the kids to perform complete with theatre lights that they could adjust. Several different areas where they would look at machines and draw and different parts of machines that the kids could assemble on a magnet to create a sculpture. Granted... it was small. But it was nice. But like I said... I just knew no one would be there. Something like this at a children's museum would be busier in Madison. Some of this stuff would be a huge hit there. I'd also love to see something like this at the Madison Children's Musuem.

One other thing I noticed there that was odd - there was some articles laminated from previous exhibits, and one in particular was about a Learning Tree that they had at one time. There was a quote from a parent saying something to the extent that at her kids experience at the exhibit it was the 1st time her kids have ever picked up books and sat down to read. Really? Worse.... the quote was a highlighted part of the article. Color me confused.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

It's a nice place to visit...

... but I don't want to live here anymore.

So I am visiting Florida where I grew up. It's a great place to come to when the weather is in the thirties and your where you live has reached over 100 inches of snow - a record for the season - and winter won't seem to leave. But living here just doesn't have an appeal to me. I am amazed by the quantity of people that *do* choose to live here.

I will admit that I am enjoying myself but I feel like a tourist. I am doing touristy things since I have 2 little kids who want to do all this stuff. We have been to Clearwater Beach and to Sunken Gardens in St Pete. I don't recall if I had even been to Sunken Gardens, but with my reciprocal membership from Olbrich back home, it was free, and why not, right?

One perk for my 7 year old was that the Space Shuttle Endeavour Landed in Florida last night and we were able to hear the sonic booms from the landing. We were hoping to see something, but alas, we were not.

What to do today? We shall see. I am sure that it will be something that charges admission.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

I absolutely totally 100% hate flying.

Why do I have such a huge fear of flying?????

I am supposed to go to Florida to visit my mom on Tuesday and I cannot stop checking the weather to see what the weather will be like here and in Detroit. Right now it's rain/wind/snow showers. I like to fly in pristine conditions. Fortunately, landing in Tampa should be good. It's just getting there. Here's my rationalization. Right now, Madison should be ok. It's going to be above freezing - but it will be raining. The forecast calls for wind. So far it only looks like 15-20 mph gusts. I think I am ok with that. Detroit isn't as great. Their temp is a little lower and calls for the same rain ... but of course possibly as snow. This I am not as ok with.

I have had some bad experiences flying. Last year the plane was struck by lightening. Another time we were almost on the ground and we had an aborted landing. Another time I was in a VERY small plane in snow and turbulence (like 10-12 seats - one on each side). This was flying from Rome NY to Newark. I think that flight was actually the beginning of my fears. I vividly remember a passenger in front of me grabbing the seat with all her might. I remember praying to just get on the ground safely. Prior to that flight I had flown tons and never had a problem.

Of course, my fear got worse after I had kids. 100X worse.

I just want the flights to be over and be in Florida and done with it. I want to travel and I want to go to Europe sometime but I can't even imagine. After about 2 hours on a domestic flight, I am *ready* to get off the plane. Like seriously, I feel the need to open the door and get off NOW. Of course, I wouldn't, but how in the world would I make it on a 5+ hour flight??

Anyway... this helps to write it out. I need to vent about my fear.

I hate flying.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Welcome Spring!!!


Hooray! It's Spring!!!



That is all.


Thursday, March 20, 2008

An outing



We headed to the Childrens Museum today. A and her friend were there and they had a nice time. Their older siblings don't really enjoy this museum. It's a nice place, but best for the 5 and under crowd. We actually spent 2 hours there. After, the girls had a nice Happy Meal, princess style, of course.

Snow, in spring.

Ok, I am tired of the snow. I have dealt with 92 inches of it and I am really ready to call it quits. Apparently, mother nature is not. Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow and I have to drive through the awfulness. I hate going out in snow. It makes me very anxious and very unhappy. The only way I can avoid the snow is if work is closed. Unless there's going to be a foot, I doubt this will happen. I have something else coming up that I am dreading too. Flying. I hate flying with a passion. If I had it my way, I would be content to ride a train, drive or take a boat. I know flying is safe, but I still hate it. I have all this anxiety pent up about snow and flying it makes me quite unhappy. When Wednesday gets here and there's no snow or planes for a week I will have a few days of happiness. Until then, I am going to be a big bundle of nerves.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

It Figures...

So, we leave on a trip in just a few days and my son is sick. He's also disappointed that he will miss beach day at school tomorrow since he's pretty sick. He's already had the flu once this year and I am not sure what's happening here. Poor little guy.

It's been a while... welcome back.

Man. I abandoned this for almost 2 years. I have decided to resurect my blogs though. I am using twitter, have a facebook page, actively use flickr and work for a techy company (which I cannot discuss) and so, I want to revive the blogs. Don't let me forgot about you again, Blogspot.
 

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