Walking

"It is very important for you to get up and moving around. Walking is the best thing you can do. Taking short, frequent walks around your house throughout the day will help you feel better and help you to not get stiff. You can being slowly and increase the distance and frequency you walk daily as tolerated. You should only be walking, being sure to rest in between. Resting is essential to restoring energy and promoting healing. You should not be doing ANY lifting, pushing, pulling or tugging over 5 pounds."

Those are the instructions from my post-surgery care packet. For the past 5 or 6 days, I have been walking around the block in my neighborhood. Darling daughter has been keeping me company, bringing our geriatric dog along for the fresh air (note: I said fresh air, not exercise. We amble, we don't walk - no one was increasing their heart rate.) Occasionally, we'd venture further, past the horse farm and through the neighborhood, but nothing much.

This is Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week in our schools. The 3rd and 4th graders have a pen pal from the high school and they visit this week. They end the week with a visit and a "Unity March" on the canal through the main street of the village.

Darling daughter has been pleading with me to join her, and I was wishy-washy, knowing that I'm not supposed to drive until I see my doctor on Friday. But we live along the canal, with a great walking path that connects the various parts of town - parks, etc and other suburban towns. It's really nice and we've biked and walked there numerous times for pleasure and as a means of transportation to various festivals, etc where parking would have been a problem. So I thought, "Great! I'll walk on the canal and meet her at the park." Well, I didn't have to, as Darling husband went in to work late and graciously dropped me off at the park.

So, on this crisp, cool sunny morning, I waited at the park as a gazillion school buses disembarked and discharged school kids of all shapes and sizes. I was armed with my cell phone, sunglasses, mp3 player, and and apple.

I found my daughter and her new buddy and off we went on the march. A slow pace along the canal to Main Street (.8 miles). From there we went across the canal bridge, the library, a coffee shop, Candy Nation, and turned onto church street. so named because we passed the Baptist church, the Lutheran Church and the Presbyterian Church). I said my good-byes as the group was headed for the jr high and I knew there was no walking path home from there; so I kept straight and headed back to the park to rejoin the canal path. (approx. 1 mile).

At this time, I had been walking about an hour (11:30 AM), but much of it was stopping and starting with the crowd to keep the parade together and certainly wasn't strenuous. I started along the canal path and started to get a little tired. So, I stopped on a bench to rest for a few minutes and continued on. Several people passed me, but I was walking a comfortable pace - more normal instead of the slow walk on the march. Then I started walking s-l-o-w-l-y, maybe even weaving a little. Damn, this was getting looooooong. I checked my watch 11:50, I *know the bridge is just ahead, so it won't be long before I get home and have some lunch.

12:10 PM. Where the %$^ are all the benches? I will not sit down where all the dogs pee and poop. Just a little farther. (Or is that further?)

12:20 PM. There's a little cute little map at the canal path where it meets the road that crosses over. It says that I just walked 1.7 miles from the park where I started. Hmm, that's not so bad, is it? I can almost see the next bridge (it's not far) that marks where I leave the canal path for my neighborhood.

12:30 PM. I reach another cute map. I've walked another 4 10ths of a mile. I have to go uphill to get to the road and into my neighborhood and it seems soooo far away. Instead, I walk past 4 more houses and exit the canal path through my friend's backyard and scare the bejeezus out of her knocking on her patio door. I need water and to sit down again for a minute.

Was I out of my mind?! Forget lunch, I just want a nap. I drag myself home around 1 PM and collapse on the couch with a glass of water. I fall asleep and didn't wake up until Number 1 son bursts through the door around 3:30.

Did you do the math with me?
.8 miles
1 mile
1.7 miles
.4 mile
I think I walked around 4 miles. ( I originally though 5.5 to 6, but I double counted one leg of the journey)

I don't think that's what they meant when they said "short, frequent walks". I am whipped. Holy crap.

And on that note, my boss and friend dropped off dinner, (looks delicious, and he even included dessert and wine!) :-) so I'm putting it in the oven and going back to sleep.

Next time, I'll watch Blood Diamond. Geesh, what was I thinking?

Movies, movies, movies

When my favorite internet haunts are slow, and I'm tired of reading (I know, that's rare), and I can't (or at least shouldn't) drive, what to do?

Well, watch movies, of course.

Thanks to our new DirectTV system, I've been recording movies for the past week, along with some guilty-pleasure TV shows like What Not to Wear, The Real Housewives of NYC, reruns of The Real Housewives of Orange County, etc. Real scintillating tv viewing, huh?

So far, this week, I've watched:

• Babel (Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett)
  
• The Good Shepherd (Matt Damon)
  
• The Last Holiday (Queen Latifa)
  
• Syriana (George Clooney and Matt Damon)
  

Next up? Blood Diamond or Disturbia?
Which should it be?

No more whining

Okay, since I was just whining, I thought I'd post some things I'm really grateful/thankful for in the past few days before I go to bed.

We had the most AMAZING lasagna tonight. My friend Karen (THANK YOU!!!!) dropped it off over the weekend and I pulled it out of the freezer tonight. Some random comments from the assembled dining crowd (which included younger daughter's friend):

• Oh. my. gosh. this is the best!!!!
• Can I please have some more? (5 times)
• no offense, Mom, but this is better than yours.
• I *LOVE lasagna
• oooh, this is soooooo good.

Really. I'm not making this up. The entire pan is gone. Scraped clean. Eaten by 3 children and moi. DH didn't even have any - he opted for a turkey leg leftover from yesterday.

Which brings me to what else I'm thankful for.

My darling husband (DH) made the entire turkey dinner yesterday. Cooked, basted, and cleaned up. Yup. He cleaned up.

My children have been very helpful with trash, laundry, dishwasher, and litterboxes. And making my bed.

Beautiful flowers.

My friend (and neighbor) Paula bought a gallon of milk for me on her way home. And put it in the fridge because she knew it was heavier than I should lift.

Thank you. :-)

Be careful what you wish for

I've always wanted a guilt-free chance to be at home, free to read, surf the internet, and do whatever, while everyone else was at school or work.

On a normal day, I could easily lose an hour after the kids leave for school (when I'm supposed to be getting ready for work) by reading email or posting on message boards. And wish I had more time.

Well, I've got it.

I've been home for 4 days now, and today everyone was out of the house.
....tapping fingers......whistling.....twiddling thumbs....twirling hair......

Okay, I'm bored. I've walked around the block about a dozen times. I've read a few books, watched a few movies, plowed through a dozen or so gossip/fashion/decorating magazines. And read all of my favorite blogs. The message boards are slow and I've already googled a bazillion random things.

It's hard to remember to not reach/pull/push/lean/lift/stretch/bend over. Those are things you do several dozen times a day. Day? Heck. Several times in a hour.

At least.

Just try to brush your teeth/get a glass from the cupboard/pick up a dropped slip of paper/put in a hairclip/put a casserole in the oven/leash and unleash the dog/get something from your closet, or any of a dozen other mundane, simple tasks without raising your arms or pushing and pulling. It's. just.not.easy.

It's easy to remember to stay away from heavy stuff. It's the small gestures that are hard to curb. But important so as to not pull the stitches. ouch.

It's also hard to not be able to drive. It doesn't matter that I don't need anything or need to go anywhere. It's the fact that I *can't.

Grrrrr.

Catch you later. I might as well go to bed.

Home, sweet, home

Well, my surgery was Thursday, and I had to spend Thursday night in the hospital for recovery. hah. As if you could get any rest when they come in every hour to wake you up to check your vital signs.

G and the kids brought my Greek food for dinner, along with flowers and chocolate. :-). They also brought my laptop - so it was nice to have wireless access in my hospital room.

G and lovely daughter made french toast this morning - yum! Anyway, I'm a little stiff and sore, and it's hard not to be able to lift, bend or push. But I feel pretty good and I'm so glad to be home.

My friends and neighbors ((it's so great to have neighbors who are friends!) have been great - taking the kids for the day, bringing great reading material to keep me busy, delicious food, and treats for when I recover. If you read this - THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! I love you. Really.

cooking, cooking, and more cooking

So, Sunday was a marathon cooking day. I'm no Martha Stewart, but in preparation for being out of commission for a little while (minor surgery), I wanted to stock my freezer full of meals that were easy to heat up.
I wish I had taken pictures of my kitchen - it was quite a mess!

And in between hooking up the hot tub and doing laundry, I made:

• Pastitsio ( a Greek lasagna- type casserole)
• Greek spaghetti sauce (cinnamon and nutmeg give it a distinct flavor)
• spanakopita ( spinach-feta pie)
• chicken pot pie
• chicken to use for chicken salad
  
• meatloaf

Along with frozen meatballs, pasta and quiche, I think we'll be okay for a while. Okay, so we certainly won't win any awards from Cooking Light. But everyone likes those favorites and I won't have to worry about it.

also bought a turkey for Sunday, since that's one of the few (only) things that dh cooks, and he's good at it. He promised to roast that and it'll also give us some good leftovers.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

(Although I think I read somewhere that the Pope moved it to last Saturday so as not to interfere with Holy Week. Is that right? WTH?)

Hairy moments

No, not that kind.
The tangled knot kind.

My daughter. She has wild hair. Nothing tames it, nothing keeps it in check. Brushing and combing it can be a night mare as she shrieks at even the slightest tug. And she really needs a lot more than just a tug, believe me.

We've tried leave-in conditioners. We've tried spray on detanglers, we've tried braiding it at night to avoid tangles.

Look at that result:
And here's another view:

Hooray! Yippee!

The hot tub is back where it belongs! With the help of number one son, we rolled it out the side door, around the back, and onto the deck. Hooking up the motor unit wasn't so difficult - one tiny leak and all I had to do was tighten the clamp a little bit more. We filled the tub with a garden hose, and now it will warm up 1-2 degrees per hour. At that rate it could be Tuesday before we're in it.

There's still snow on the ground, and I had to shovel the ice off the deck. I know Easter is early this year, but geez, shouldn't it be warmer by now?


The last photo is the laundry room/ mud room view without the hot tub. Yay!

Humor?

So where's the sense of humor? My profile says that I'm trying to avoid "middle-aged mediocrity with a sense of humor".

So, where is it? As I read through my posts, I get the sense that writing this is good to get things off my chest (hah, as of next week, that will be a literal statement, not a figurative one), but I'M NOT SEEING THE HUMOR! And if, by chance, you're reading, I don't think you are either.

So, what to do about it? What's the cure? I think I have a sense of humor. Sometimes it's a little warped, sometimes I hide it. But it's there. really. So much of life is so ridiculous that it's got to be funny. And if you don't see that, you might very well be in trouble. And not even know it.

The thing about funny things, to me, is that they often lose something in the translation. They're just not so funny when I tell them. It's not my gift. At least not in writing. Sometimes I can retell a good incident that's funny in the telling. But only in person.

But trust me. Much in my life is funny. Much around me is funny. And I'm chuckling to myself.

Have a happy day. If you observe something funny, feel free to share.

2 sides

...to every story.

But we knew that, right?

Turns out that the milk and name-calling incident wasn't in isolation (but you knew that right? I did.).

Turns out that number one son is showing up on the radar screen at school on a regular basis. Yes, he gets called names (and I'm still sympathetic), but he also has a mean streak with name calling himself. It goes back to my previous comments about his lack of self-control and not knowing his boundaries.

I stand by what I said before. He *is a good kid. But I've had my share of frustrations with him and I certainly understand what his teachers are saying. He's been making some bad choices. Not juvenile delinquent choices, but bad judgment choices about what's appropriate in certain situations. A lack of respect for boundaries, a lack of commitment to an effort to do his best, a lack of focus and attention in class. I could go on.

What to do? When does a situation go beyond parenting judgments and into the realm of talking to someone about it - a counselor, therapist, a doctor? I want to give him the tools he needs for success and happiness. I don't want him labeled, I don't want him to be frustrated, I don't want him to fail. I want him to be happy. Isn't that what any parent wants?

kids and pain

You know, as a parent, that when your kids hurt, you hurt.

Number one son is 12. That can be a tough age. But this post isn't about me. :-) This time it's about him.

He received an in-school suspension for something that happened yesterday. It seems that a girl poured milk on him at lunch. So why does he have a suspension? Because he called her a name.

:::sigh:::

I went to talk to him about it, fully prepared to lecture him about name-calling, and lunchroom behavior, etc. But I could see it in his eyes. Something was different. He didn't try to talk his way out of it. He just started to cry.

Ouch. His pain is my pain. Linked from birth. 9 months of sharing space and a body and growing pains. Yup, his pain is my pain.

Turns out that some kids have been calling him names.

Fat.
and stupid.

Neither of which describes him. I know it sounds silly, but are there any more hurtful words when you are 12 and on the cusp of finding out who you are, on the cusp of manhood ( I know, that might be a touch dramatic), trying to fit in?

He's a tall boy - my height and I'm 5' 8". Bigger feet than I have (and I'm a 10). Yes, he's soft at the middle, even with a paunch. But definitely not fat. He could go either way at this point - it could turn to hard, strong muscle, or all to flab. I know that.

And yes, I'm sure that the name-calling and milk-throwing wasn't totally without provocation on his part. He's a kid that sometimes doesn't know when to stop, sometimes invades personal space, sometimes can be too much of a wise-guy. But he's a good kid. Really.

So we had a good, long talk. We talked about how his behavior can influence others, we talked about how he is not defined by labels that others might give him, and we talked about how he can make decisions to make his body stronger if that's what he wants.

We talked about more, sure; but mostly we cried and hugged.

Being 12 can be a land mine.

Oh, wow

How do you far off folks find boring blogs like this?

Check out the visitor location map sites:

Comandante L. Piedrabuena, Argentina
Pittsford, NY, United States
Norfolk, NE, United States
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Cantalupo, Italy
Beaumont, CA, United States
Toronto, ON, Canada
Ripe, United Kingdom
Conshohocken, PA, United States
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Wallingford, CT, United States
Rochester, NY, United States
Gastonia, NC, United States
Orlando, FL, United States
Philadelphia, PA, United States

What brings you here? Where else do you go?
I'm still amazed at the far-reaching tentacles of the web.
You can be anonymous, but I'd love it if you comment.

About the hot tub

<------this is where the hot tub is (sorry it's sideways)








This is where it's supposed to be:

Why it's in my laundry room.

A month ago, dh discovered that the light on the GFCI was out - yikes! It was, like, 14 degrees and that wasn't good. We'll, we had some friends look at it and talked with the store that sold it to us, and decided that I had to drain the tub. DH was going out of town, so it was up to me. I drained the tub, had some help tipping it over, and disconnected the hoses that led to the motor. The diagnosis was that I bring the motor in to have it looked at. Luckily, it was covered under warranty - it's SoftTub and it's great for our purposes. But now it's in my laundry room. It wasn't so bad at first, we went on vacation. Then when we got back I picked up the motor unit. But it's been too darned cold to hook up those hoses and fill it. But I need to, dammit. Not only do we miss using it, but I can't stand having it where it it - it's right in the way of the coat closet.

And I can't have it there when company comes. I may just have to suck it up, shovel the ice and snow off the deck, and freeze my fingers off to connect it. Yes, I said me. Dh is Mr's Fix-it of all things related to the boat. But he really doesn't jump into those projects around the house. Part of it is an issue of motivation, part of it is skill and part of it is a lack of time. He works crazy hours in the winter and usually gets home after dark. So, yup, it's me.

Hmmm

This is getting more and more sporadic. I'll have to do something about that.

It's not that there's nothing to write about, there certainly is. But sometimes, the words just don't come. And sometimes, what's in my head gets complicated and I'm not sure that it's best to put it in writing. Especially out here.

Frankly, there have been some troubling times around here. Everyone has them, I'm sure. And I'm also reasonably sure that this too, shall pass. Part of it is behavioral and attitudinal issues with number one son. And part of it is stuff that's just better left unwritten.

I'm tired. I don't think I've caught up with the time change, although I'm thrilled that it's lighter, later - that's always a shot in the arm and I feel like I have more afternoon and evening energy when that happens.

The sun has been glorious a few days this week, and yet, the snow still comes. When will it end? Enough already.

I've had a hot tub living in my laundry room for several weeks now. I need to hook it back up on the deck, but it's been too darn cold to fiddle with the hoses and connections. But I'm having surgery (minor) next week, and if I don't hook it up in the next few days, it won't get done for a loooong while.

And I can't have that. I have company coming on April 6th for young daughter's first communion. Yay! I'll be very happy to see her godparents, and my brother and sister-in-law, and my wonderful in-laws (really! I've only ever had one set, but these are the best), but I'd really like to have a presentable house when they come and I won't be getting much done myself after the 20th.

Since they've visited, I have a new couch and rug in the living room (haven't painted yet - that won't happen for a while), and some new lighting fixtures. I bought a ceiling fan/light to replace the tacky chandelier in the dining room and I'd like to have that installed before they get here and a new bathroom faucet - I bought both of those in December and they're still not installed. :-(

I wonder if I can paint the bathroom this next week? It's old wallpaper that I've lived with for 14 years. I know the painting isn't a big job, but I've been intimidated by the thought of stripping the wallpaper.

More snow today. beautiful, but enough already.

Time to shower, I'll be late for work.

::::sigh::::

Yeah, I know. I said I would post a pic of the new mailbox, but I'm a slacker.

It's a snowy, icy, gray day here (Spring is NOT coming here this year, apparently) and so, I made a huge breakfast (well, it wasn't until 11:00 AM, so I guess it's brunch, huh?) of eggs, sausage, english muffins, roast beef hash (Only number one son and I like it, so more for us!) and tater tots. Yes, it was a cholesterol and fat nightmare, but exactly what was called for on a day like today. Especially since G got home last night after being in Albany all week.

I didn't even take a shower and get dressed until 1 PM! And then I left the house house for only one reason. My massage appointment at the Y. ....hmmmm..... definitely a good reason, even though we encountered sleet as we ran for shelter at the Y. I took E and a friend as I usually do. They swim while I relax. :-) I offered to take number one son, but he opted to invite a friend over and veg in the basement instead of working out.

G and I have to go to a muckety-muck political fundraiser tonight. I do not want to trade sweats for sequins, but I have to do *something to be presentable. But I will not wear a dress with this nasty weather. No how. No way.

Stay warm and dry!

My old mailbox

so this is my old mailbox. The one that was vandalized. I'll post a pic of the new mailbox tomorrow.

One more thing

Last year I didn't go to Winter Weekend for 2 reasons. My son had a broken leg and it would have been difficult (although not impossible) for him to get around.

And my Dad wanted to visit (from Bethlehem, PA) My Mom died 3 years ago so when he would say he wants to visit, I always thought that was important. For him and for us.

We had a great visit with Dad. He even stayed an extra day so G and I could travel to Massachusetts's for G's aunt's funeral.

My Dad took the kids to the library, took them out to dinner, got them off to school on Monday, and then got them settled at their after school activities since he had to leave for PA and I wouldn't be home until about 9 PM. By train. That was my mini-adventure since G had to go to Albany for a conference that week.

My Dad died a year ago. He was on his way home and had a heart attack.

I treasure that last weekend with him and I am so glad that I didn't push off his visit because we were busy.

I almost did.

Number one son went to Winter Weekend this year. He had a good time. So did I. Some things are meant to be.

And some things you wish weren't.

MIA

Yeah, I know, those of you who show up on that maploco thing....there's been nothing new. Sorry.

Well, I spent the weekend as a chaperone for a church youth retreat. No internet access - ack! Even chaperones had to abide by the no cell phone, no laptop rules. Torture, I know, but I survived.

What a great weekend! The kids were great, the devotions and music were great and I hope the kids were inspired to explore their faith a little more.

But I am exhausted. :-) These kids don't stop. And the organizers knew of their limitless energy and planned activities that went until midnight. That meant that vigilant chaperones had to be awake and alert as well. Ugh. I like to cozy in my jammies sometime after nine.

It was a hoot listening to 8th and 9th grade girls in the cabin, though. All the talk of fashion and boys and drama.

So, when I got home, I was exhausted. Really. And I'm still catching up.

Good night for now.