So I've been hustling through my 2011 list of things "to do". Got through a lot...I'm now texting, blogging, gmailing, backing up my computer, scanning/copying/printing/faxing in wi-fi. All I need is an i-Pod with some ear plugs and to put on some skinny jeans with converse shoes, some layered shirts that don't match and I could pass as a teenager. (I don't look a day over 18 I'm sure. Okay, 19).
But really, the kicker is that I joined...dun da da daaaaa... Facebook. After all my ranting for the last couple years about it, I decided to swallow my pride, my opinions, my negativity, and give it a try. I've come to grips with the fact that there are people out there, especially "long lost friends" who I'm not going to find and get in touch with by any other means. So, after a few days I have to say its been interesting. Interesting especially when I start clicking on people's faces I recognize from many years ago and check out what they are up to in life. Then it puts me in a very reflective mood and I begin wondering, what's become of my life? I haven't had any earth-shattering impacts on this world, so far as I can tell. I'm thinking when others find me on facebook they're not running to the phone to call so-and-so to say "Remember that Kristi-chick- guess what she's up to!" (Which by the way, I have done already with a few people I've read up on!). It's just not big news to say, "She's married and has three lovely children!" Maybe I should liven things up on my facebook page and make posts that mention I know 7 languages, or will be appearing in concert in LA this weekend. Or that I've decided to reject all material belongings and live as the Amish. Yes, that would spark a few phone calls amongst the people I once knew - which is my goal, obviously.
But, oh well. They'll find me there, facebooking away with the rest of the people who got sucked in to the "now" too. It does feel good to be current.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Reflections of 2010
It's the third week of January already, I want to post some highlights from 2010 before it gets too far away from me. Here's some of the more noteworthy things from the past year:
Michelle - Performed in her gymnastics recital - got really good at one-handed cartwheels. Began going to an orthodontist (ugh) but picked out a really cool mouthpiece/retainer, which is rainbow with butterflies (they really know how to cater to an 8-year old). Played a season of soccer with her friends-out on the field sometimes played soccer...and other times turned cartwheels instead.
Jacob - Finished a couple of seasons of baseball. Learned to read. Made the transition from 1/2 day Kindergarten to full-day 1st grade and did amazingly well - got blessed with a great teacher through an interesting series of events. Became even more of an expert Lego builder and doesn't want help even with the most complicated directions. Said bye to his buddy Bryce who had to move away.
Dominic - Began talking in actual sentences, most pretty comprehendable. Started spending a couple days a week with his good buddy Linnea when we started shared-babysitting. Got a few molars. Called out "mommy," "mama," or "mommy wook (look)" somewhere around 587 times per day. Just before year's end, learned to use the potty (praise the Lord).
Rich - Completed what he called his "hardest year teaching so far." Coached a few rounds of 5-6 year-old baseball. Has his major debut as Elvis at Kristi's grandparents anniversary party and an encore performance at his school's beginning-of-the-year teacher orientation. Began playing basketball again and did some running on his fully-recuperated knee. Got "found out" on a few of his magic tricks, but quickly came up with a few more. Played countless rounds of indoor football with the kids, only minor injuries to report.
Kristi - Kept up with and coordinated all of the above, then took a nap :) Joined some neighborhood girls in running a few times per week, and completed two 5K runs. Went to a mother-son dance at school where my charming 5-year old spun me around with pride, and a very serious face. Visited my dad's grave site on the one-year anniversary of his passing. Missed my dad. Sewed a sundress for Michelle. Made some birthday cakes in the varying shapes of: an airplane, Super Mario Brothers, and a purse.
As a Family - Took a trip to Sea World and Knott's Berry Farm, took another family trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (which is awesome by the way) and to say goodbye to my childhood home as my mom decided to sell the house and move out here. Dressed in a Star Wars theme for Halloween as Anikan Skywalker, Queen Amidala, Princess Leia, Jengo Fett, and Yoda. Enjoyed a myriad of God's blessings on our family life in general!
Michelle - Performed in her gymnastics recital - got really good at one-handed cartwheels. Began going to an orthodontist (ugh) but picked out a really cool mouthpiece/retainer, which is rainbow with butterflies (they really know how to cater to an 8-year old). Played a season of soccer with her friends-out on the field sometimes played soccer...and other times turned cartwheels instead.
Jacob - Finished a couple of seasons of baseball. Learned to read. Made the transition from 1/2 day Kindergarten to full-day 1st grade and did amazingly well - got blessed with a great teacher through an interesting series of events. Became even more of an expert Lego builder and doesn't want help even with the most complicated directions. Said bye to his buddy Bryce who had to move away.
Dominic - Began talking in actual sentences, most pretty comprehendable. Started spending a couple days a week with his good buddy Linnea when we started shared-babysitting. Got a few molars. Called out "mommy," "mama," or "mommy wook (look)" somewhere around 587 times per day. Just before year's end, learned to use the potty (praise the Lord).
Rich - Completed what he called his "hardest year teaching so far." Coached a few rounds of 5-6 year-old baseball. Has his major debut as Elvis at Kristi's grandparents anniversary party and an encore performance at his school's beginning-of-the-year teacher orientation. Began playing basketball again and did some running on his fully-recuperated knee. Got "found out" on a few of his magic tricks, but quickly came up with a few more. Played countless rounds of indoor football with the kids, only minor injuries to report.
Kristi - Kept up with and coordinated all of the above, then took a nap :) Joined some neighborhood girls in running a few times per week, and completed two 5K runs. Went to a mother-son dance at school where my charming 5-year old spun me around with pride, and a very serious face. Visited my dad's grave site on the one-year anniversary of his passing. Missed my dad. Sewed a sundress for Michelle. Made some birthday cakes in the varying shapes of: an airplane, Super Mario Brothers, and a purse.
As a Family - Took a trip to Sea World and Knott's Berry Farm, took another family trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (which is awesome by the way) and to say goodbye to my childhood home as my mom decided to sell the house and move out here. Dressed in a Star Wars theme for Halloween as Anikan Skywalker, Queen Amidala, Princess Leia, Jengo Fett, and Yoda. Enjoyed a myriad of God's blessings on our family life in general!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I Deserve A Badge
Somebody come award me an Excellent Mom Badge. Hot dog, I did something right. I seems like after many-a-time of stumbling through motherhood and the whole "running a household" thing, it feels nice to have something go my way! So celebrate with me these small achievements:
- I cooked two new recipes last week, which were delicious and everyone liked them. They were Sausage/Zucchini Quiche and Parmesan Crusted Talapia. I feel like a professional already.
- I dusted off a pot shelf including Windexing three crystal frames that sat on that shelf, it was nice to see the community of dust bunnies get sucked up by my vacuum...finally - how long has it been?
- I succeeded in having a very frank and reasonable discussion with my 2 1/2 year old about being rewarded a chocolate Santa treat (yes, we have those leftover still) if he would just go poop on the potty, as opposed to in his pants. Apparently I chose the appropriate treat of choice, because within a few hours, much to my surprise, he really did do it! Go him, and go me! It was so celebratory, all the kids partook in a Santa treat (that'll get rid of 'em).
Friday, January 14, 2011
Garage Options
Just think of all the possibilities of what you can do with your garage...
1 - park your cars in it (had to throw that idea out there for those of you who haven't thought of it yet...you know who you are)
2 - pile all of your junk in it (it's the American way!)
3 - have a home gym
4 - convert it to another bedroom for your ever-growing family
5 - have it act as a storage unit for the next garage sale...and the next...and the next...
6 - store racks of belts and purses for your ebay business - I saw it in my sister's neighborhood.
7 - or...when you kids have the wiggles from being couped up in the house all winter (that being about a month for us), create a 4-square court!
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Proof is in the Turkey
It's official - I can cook a turkey! This is really old news, but I just ran across the pictures and I am so darn proud of it, I had to share. It wasn't raw, it wasn't burnt - SUCCESS. And I did it myself since my mom was home sick that day - although it did take about 8 phone calls to get through it. So, after 33 years of life, and 11 years of marriage, and 8 years of mommyhood, I finally cooked a turkey! Go me! (And Go Rich for carving it!) p.s. Only in certain parts of the country can you wear shorts on Thanksgiving Day, as Rich is sporting, and I am so happy to be a desert-dweller.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Funniest Guy Ever
Dave Barry is officially the funniest guy ever. Feel free to argue with me, but first read his 2010 Year in Review. It's his spin on world news, headlines, celebrities, etc. Here's a few quotes to prove my point:
"Every poll shows that the major concerns of the American people are federal spending, the exploding deficit, and - above all - jobs. Jobs, jobs, jobs...So the Obama administration, displaying the keen awareness that has become its trademark, decides to focus like a laser on: heath-care reform."
"GM...is hoping to score big with the new "Volt," a revolutionary vehicle capable of traveling nearly six miles before its 19,500 triple-A batteries must be replaced."
"BP tries a series of increasingly desperate measures to plug the [oil] leak, including, at one point, a 167,000 pound wad of pre-chewed Juicy Fruit. President Obama, eager to show that he is on top of the situation, develops sever forehead cramps from standing on the shore and frowning with concern at the water."
"...the US economy suffers another blow as the Federal Bureau of Never Expecting Unemployment To Be As High As It Actually Is reports that for the 37th consecutive month, unemployment is unexpectedly high. 'Darned if we didn't get fooled again!' exclaims a bureau spokesperson..."
Hopefully that is enough fuel for you to join me in voting him funniest guy (or at least writer) ever. View the full article at http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/01/01/1992746/dave-barrys-2010-year-in-review.html
Got my hubby to read it. He told me it sounded like my kind of humor - does that mean it's not his?? Enjoy!
"Every poll shows that the major concerns of the American people are federal spending, the exploding deficit, and - above all - jobs. Jobs, jobs, jobs...So the Obama administration, displaying the keen awareness that has become its trademark, decides to focus like a laser on: heath-care reform."
"GM...is hoping to score big with the new "Volt," a revolutionary vehicle capable of traveling nearly six miles before its 19,500 triple-A batteries must be replaced."
"BP tries a series of increasingly desperate measures to plug the [oil] leak, including, at one point, a 167,000 pound wad of pre-chewed Juicy Fruit. President Obama, eager to show that he is on top of the situation, develops sever forehead cramps from standing on the shore and frowning with concern at the water."
"...the US economy suffers another blow as the Federal Bureau of Never Expecting Unemployment To Be As High As It Actually Is reports that for the 37th consecutive month, unemployment is unexpectedly high. 'Darned if we didn't get fooled again!' exclaims a bureau spokesperson..."
Hopefully that is enough fuel for you to join me in voting him funniest guy (or at least writer) ever. View the full article at http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/01/01/1992746/dave-barrys-2010-year-in-review.html
Got my hubby to read it. He told me it sounded like my kind of humor - does that mean it's not his?? Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Promises of 2011
Things I'd like to do in 2011 (isn't that called a New Year's Resolution? - sounds like too much of a commitment, I'll stick with things I'd "like" to do.)
1 - Catch up with the technology of today - or at least come within a few miles of it.
For instance:
a. Buy a new phone that isn't embarrassing to carry around (check.)
b. Get and use text messaging (check.)
c. Don't get addicted to texting (no promises here.)
d. Log in to my blog (check.)
e. Post more on my blog than past years (3 in 2009, 2 in 2010 - think I can do it?)
f. Figure out how to add pictures to my blog (do I have time for all this?)
g. Plug in/hook up my new printer/scanner/copier/fax machine that's been sitting in a box for a month.
h. Buy something to backup my computer/photos other than a slew of flash drives.
j. Join (drumroll please...) Facebook (aarrgg), thus finding some old friends and keeping up with old and new ones alike.
2 - Paint my walls.
3 - Pay off my car, er um, minivan - do I really have one of those, good grief.
4 - Figure out if I'm healthy enough, brave enough, patient enough to try and have another baby. Or pray about growing our family another way.
5 - Exercise regularly. Gain strength.
6 - Go parasailing. Anyone want to join me? Sign ups begin tomorrow.
Does anyone have any good blogs suggestions I should follow?
1 - Catch up with the technology of today - or at least come within a few miles of it.
For instance:
a. Buy a new phone that isn't embarrassing to carry around (check.)
b. Get and use text messaging (check.)
c. Don't get addicted to texting (no promises here.)
d. Log in to my blog (check.)
e. Post more on my blog than past years (3 in 2009, 2 in 2010 - think I can do it?)
f. Figure out how to add pictures to my blog (do I have time for all this?)
g. Plug in/hook up my new printer/scanner/copier/fax machine that's been sitting in a box for a month.
h. Buy something to backup my computer/photos other than a slew of flash drives.
j. Join (drumroll please...) Facebook (aarrgg), thus finding some old friends and keeping up with old and new ones alike.
2 - Paint my walls.
3 - Pay off my car, er um, minivan - do I really have one of those, good grief.
4 - Figure out if I'm healthy enough, brave enough, patient enough to try and have another baby. Or pray about growing our family another way.
5 - Exercise regularly. Gain strength.
6 - Go parasailing. Anyone want to join me? Sign ups begin tomorrow.
Does anyone have any good blogs suggestions I should follow?
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