Saturday, January 26, 2008

Lost Opportunities

A few weeks ago while driving home from work, I looked into the car stopped next to me during a red light. I saw two young children in the back seat of a mid-sized sedan being entertained by the tiny monitors attached to the headrest of the seat in front of them. Their mother in the driver seat was (presumably) entertaining herself by chatting on her cell phone. My mind wandered to the times I was driving around town with my boys when they were young. Cell phones and personal DVD players were not common then. Had they been, I'm sure I would have taken advantage of them also. However, as I watched the mother and her young children I was glad that they were not available to me. The reason is that my boys and I have many happy memories of times we were "stuck" in traffic. We played "I spy" and the "ABC" game. If you haven't played the ABC game this is how it goes. The challenge is to find every letter of the alphabet, in order, used in a word on a sign during the length of the car ride. It was great fun and a wonderful way to reinforce their 'ABC's' and new reading skills. We also had a cassette tape of Disney travel songs to which we sang out our little hearts! "I've got a brand new pair of roller skates...." We LOVED that one and "take me home, country roads, to the place I belong, West Virginia..." We told stories, and laughed and giggled. I treasure those memories. So, watching that family, I felt regret for them that they are missing out on those opportunities to make memories. Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not judging that mother for taking advantage of the technology available to her but I am grateful that it wasn't there for me. I wouldn't trade those memories for any cell phone conversation!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Family Days

Yesterday was a holiday here in Alaska, so none of us had work or school. We had a great weekend! Friday, Sgt Dad and I went to a concert. It wasn't very good but it was nice to get out together. Then on Saturday the family went bowling and played board games in the evening. Sunday night we went to the Bear's Tooth and saw 30 Days of Night. It was a slasher vampire movie and not what I expected. It was set in Barrow, AK though, so that was fun. Although, I don't think it was very accurate. From what I read, there is actually more like 2 months of night and it's not complete dark but kind of twilight for a couple hours a day. I'm not really sure though. I'll have to ask someone from there to tell me about it. At any rate, it's always fun to go to the Bear's Tooth. We had pizza and nachos! Finally on Monday, we went bowling again then shopping at the 5th Avenue Mall. It was nice to spend so much time together. I think all of us are realizing that our time together as a family of 5 is nearly past. Ranger has been very mature lately and treating his brothers well. I finally have a glimpse of a future where my boys actually like each other. I seriously had my doubts! I know that I'm already dreading Ranger's final escape because I keep dreaming about having a baby boy! I'm PENing- pre-empty nesting! Ha! and this is only my first born! How will I get through the next two? My hope is that they will be around for college and their departures will be more gradual.
Monday night Tater told me about a compliment given to our family. His friend told him that it seems like every time he calls we are doing something together as a family- skiing, bowling, movies, games, etc. His friend said he was jealous and wished his family did stuff too. It made me feel good to realize that a) our family really does spend a fair amount of time together b) my boys actually enjoy most of it and c) Tater has the kind of friends that want to spend time with their family.
So, we are in the midst of our January thaw. Overnight a wicked wind swept through, melted all the snow, and brought temperatures in the mid 40s! All the snow melted off the roof and I can see the dog piles in the back yard that need to be scooped before they are covered again! What fun! Ranger and I replaced my tattered windshield wipers today since all this thawing means ALOT of FILTHY road spray! I will probably visit the car wash for a rinse-off after things settle down.
Tater was home sick from school today with a mild stomach flu. I sure hope the rest of us don't catch it!
Well, Ranger is STARVING, as usual so I'm going to help him find a snack and head off for some much needed beauty sleep!
~till next time......

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Beautiful


Recently, I snapped this picture of the mountains at sunset. Alaska is so beautiful. I once read that a famous explorer said that Alaska was so beautiful that one should see all the world first and Alaska last because there is nothing else to compare to the beauty of Alaska and once having seen Alaska that your eyes would be ruined for the rest of the world. I wish I could find it to quote it exactly but that was the gist of the quote. I have not seen all the world but I can attest to the great and awesome beauty of this land!

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Avoid the Noid

Do you remember the Domino's Pizza commercials from the late 80's? During the time that I had started dating Sgt Dad, Domino's was in the midst of these commercials where the annoying Noid stomped on pizzas or created other mischief to ruin pizza. I thought the thing was really cute. While watching TV together one day, we saw a promotion that included a Noid doll giveaway with a pizza purchase. I happened to mention how cute I thought the thing was. The very next day Sgt Dad showed up to see me with 2 pizzas he had bought solely for the purpose of getting this Noid doll for me- which turned out to be this little, two inch tall, plastic figurine. He was a bit disappointed as he thought it would be a plush doll (so did I). At any rate I didn't care because this was the very first thing that Sgt Dad bought for me and the thought behind it has always meant to much to me. As you see from the picture it's not in the best shape. That is mainly because my little brother kept stealing it and chewing on it. I used to get so mad at him for doing that and begged my Mom to make him leave it alone! He was old enough to know better as he was 9 years old at the time. He finally left it be and I have managed to save it all this time. This was WAY back in 1987 and I still have the silly little doll! Such a simple little item yet for me it holds so much sentimental value!


Tuesday, January 15, 2008

It's Official

Well, Ranger passed his physical yesterday and swore in. He will be leaving for Basic Training near the end of May- assuming he passes his courses and graduates. Of course, we have no reason to think that he won't. He seems at peace about his choice and somehow older. We took him out to dinner for his favorite chicken wings to celebrate last night. (I'm always happy for an excuse not to cook!)
In other news, I confessed to Middle Son that I posted his poetry and amazingly he was not too upset. He did want me to be sure to realize that he wrote that in a rush- about 5 minutes. Which leads me to wonder- what is he capable of if he really puts an effort into it? He also would like a real nickname. I've been trying to think of something more original than Middle Son that would capture his essence. He would like me to use the nickname that his friends gave to him- Tater. Therefore, Middle Son will henceforth be known as Tater. (I'm still working on Youngest Son- he has such a big personality, I really want a name that will capture the wonder that is he!)
My big television is acting up. It's making some kind of noise from the back. It's hard to describe; it's kind of like a mix between static and the sound of running water. Of course it's out of warranty and now I have to decide whether to pay to fix this behemoth TV that I've never liked or *choke* buy a new one. Then there is always the option of going TV-less. Okay- those of you that know my family can now pick yourselves up off the floor and stop laughing before you get a stomach ache! I know, TV-less is not really an option. Apparently, Sgt Dad can barely hear the noise but it's enough that Army Kids and I cannot stand to use the TV. I'm not sure but I think my most favorite program, Lost, comes back on tonight! Ack! Also, something weird happened with our DVR and all our personal settings and saved shows are GONE! AND Sgt Dad's screen went out on his laptop. Maybe there's something weird going on with our wiring- or a "ghost in the machine". LOL. We have always had the worst luck with electronics.
I had a strange dream last night involving travelling through a desert, past a military base, and to my aunt's house all while riding a tricycle pulling my kids in a wagon. What is that about?? It was much more detailed than that but I know other people's dreams are boring. I guess my mind is in turmoil with all the recent goings on regarding Ranger. One recent dream would make a great horror. I'm thinking about actually trying to write it as a short story.
Remington seems to think he's a lap dog. He's finally starting to sit at my feet. He ignored me as he settled in and I was worried for a bit but he's come around. As I sit here writing, Lexi is right at my side as always and Remmy is sleeping under my feet. I love it! I really, really missed Blackie. I used to complain about tripping over him in the kitchen but a part of me really loved having him around. I will always miss him and Remmy is not a replacement which is why I didn't even consider another black lab. However, Remmy does fill that missing part of my life. I thought I didn't want the responsibility but I've gotten used to having a big dog and really like it.
Well, I have to leave for work in 30 minutes so I better quit rambling and go make myself presentable!
~till next time~

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Renaming Oldest Son

We've had quite a week with Oldest Son aka Eagle and now I'll rename him Ranger. Ranger has decided to enlist in the Army and his goal is to become a Ranger. It will be very difficult for me because I know what a dangerous profession that is. However, I believe he will be a very good soldier and I'm happy that he has direction in his life. I had hoped to steer him into architecture or something else safer but he has his own mind. I guess I knew all along that at least one of my boys would follow their father into the service. Ranger will leave for basic in May just as soon as his diploma is issued.

In other news, we have added to our family. We have a new dog named Remington. He is a 75 pound American Bulldog mix. He's a year and a half old and very sweet and well behaved. Whoever game him up had done a good job training him. I can't imagine why anyone would part with him. Ranger is of course disappointed that we didn't get him a Malamute. He'll just have to wait until he has his own family to get one of those dogs. Middle Son is very happy with Remmy. Youngest Son kind of wanted another smaller dog. Sgt Dad and I love the big baby with his dumb, happy smile.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Nature Poem

by Middle Son

As I looked down the hill with my board safe in the rut
I could tell something would happen in the bottom of my gut
When pushed down the hill with a feeling of doubt
I went faster and faster but only to wipe out

Picking my face up out of the snow
Feeling embarrassed I kept my head low
Now my only challenge was finishing this hill
Although it's not as easy as a Halo kill

Over and over I made the same mistake
But I would finish the hill no matter how many tries it would take

***************************************************************


Nature Journal
by Middle Son

The peacefulness of the woods around
Covered with snow and my friends in sight
Making the snow fall with a giant bound
Not only for mine but others delight

The snow twisted and swayed as it fell from the tree
While others ran under like teenagers do
As the teens emerged happy and free
Everyone else wanted to do it too

One tree after another the snow was falling
With a big smile on everyone you saw
Just when it got fun Ms. Farrell started calling
It was time to leave but we were missing a Dahl

Only minutes later she returned, we followed the paths
And only a little while later we returned to class.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

100th Post

In honor of my 100th post:

100 Random things about me!


  1. I think I'm pretty boring.
  2. I sometimes sing in the shower.
  3. I almost always wear socks to bed.
  4. I only have 4 close, long-term friends.
  5. I like to read celebrity gossip.
  6. I don't like romance novels.
  7. I don't like sappy movies.
  8. Milk upsets my stomach.
  9. Extreme makeover home edition always makes me cry, therefore, I try not to watch it.
  10. Strong perfumes give me a headache.
  11. I like to open my car windows while the heat is on full blast.
  12. I always have a fan on at night, even if it's cold.
  13. I like to vacuum.
  14. I don't like to cook (no surprise there).
  15. I like to organize but
  16. I don't like to clean.
  17. When my house smells like bleach - I feel like it's clean.
  18. I want to earn a baccalaureate degree before Sgt Dad retires.
  19. I want to graduate with a 4.0 average.
  20. I sometimes don't try things because I'm afraid of failure.
  21. I would have 10 kids by now if Sgt Dad and I had kept up our rate of reproduction.
  22. I don't like any one's feet.
  23. Eyes are the first feature I notice on people.
  24. I think oral hygiene is the first step towards beauty.
  25. I would like to be Loralie Gilmore- she's smart, beautiful, witty, kind and a good mother and completely fictional unfortunately.
  26. I would chose pizza over cake.
  27. I have a secret desire to become an author.
  28. I don't think I'm creative.
  29. I think a mastery of the English language is key to professional advancement.
  30. Politics make my eyes glaze over.
  31. I still think my husband is a "hottie"
  32. I like fishing.
  33. I like camping.
  34. Sometimes I have a short fuse.
  35. I adore my brother and sisters.
  36. I think my Mom is a rock star!
  37. I admire my Dad for working such a difficult job for so many years to give us so much.
  38. I like to play poker- and I'm kinda good at it!
  39. I like to play childish online games
  40. When I read- the rest of the world disappears.
  41. I've cried at the end of books because I want to "live" with the characters longer.
  42. Fictional man I'm in love with: Jamie Frasier
  43. I want to travel the world.
  44. A Knight's Tale is one of my all time favorite movies.
  45. So is Happy Gilmore.
  46. I would have a house full of pets if I had room.
  47. I love my hometown but don't want to live there.
  48. I love wild hair colors but am too shy to try them out anymore!
  49. I've never swept dirt under a rug.
  50. I never cheat on my taxes.
  51. I always had a fear of not being a good enough mother.
  52. I LOVE snow!
  53. I think my feet are really ugly.
  54. I like my eyes.
  55. I hate my moles.
  56. I love really hot showers!
  57. My dream house would have a huge bathtub.
  58. Too many kids give me a headache.
  59. I don't watch soap operas.
  60. I enjoy sci-fi (books and tv)
  61. I would love to learn to fly.
  62. The older I get, the less I enjoy amusement parks
  63. Peeling potatoes makes me sneeze!
  64. I play piano when I'm sad or mad.
  65. I love music.
  66. My Ipod is my all-time favorite Christmas present.
  67. I don't like to go to the gym but I'm SO happy when I've gone.
  68. I wish Santa was really real.
  69. I like to turn the radio up, sing loud and drive fast on sunny summer days!
  70. I wear sunglasses to avoid wrinkles!
  71. I once spent a week working out of a storage facility.
  72. McDonald's is my favorite fast food restaurant.
  73. I could eat pizza every day!
  74. I LOVE coffee but I only recently started drinking it every morning.
  75. I drink Diet Dr. Pepper like it's water.
  76. Cinnamon Crest is the only toothpaste I use.
  77. I still love dolls.
  78. I love Christmas snow globes.
  79. I spend more time on my computer than I do watching TV.
  80. I once found directions online to repair my own dryer- and was successful!
  81. I once broke down on the side of the road and took a ride from a stranger.
  82. I never hitchhiked.
  83. I collect unusual Japanese Sake Sets.
  84. I love online shopping!
  85. I cry every time the news shows soldiers coming home from war.
  86. I don't like to wear flowery patterned clothes.
  87. I only recently began to wear pink.
  88. I love high heels!
  89. I've learned to be tom-boyish because of my boys!
  90. I genuinely enjoy each of my boys.
  91. I really love when Sgt Dad and I share a laugh together :-)
  92. I love when my family does an activity together!
  93. I hate to change light bulbs!
  94. I love crisp, clean bedsheets.
  95. I love to paint.
  96. I don't have a mirror in my purse.
  97. I pick at my hangnails with my tweezers.
  98. I am very forgetful about taking medicines.
  99. I rarely get sick.
  100. I enjoy blogging and reading other's blogs!

There! That was A LOT harder than it seems. I just thought it would be fun to make a list of 100 strange things about myself to honor my 100th post. It's also fitting that it's the first post of the year.