I hate being sick.
I've been sick since Kate's birthday back in mid November and it's been non-stop fun from there on.
The on set of a soar throat, the tiredness and fatigue, the dryness in your nose, then congestion, sinus pressure and pain, the coughing for no good reason, the sleepless nights tossing and turning to get one good breath in through your one open nostril....ah, the head cold.
Eventually my chest hurts from coughing so much - no one gets much sleep as they are forced to lay awake listening to me cough, than gag, then lose my breath, then do it all over again all night long.
In the past two days I've gone through 2 boxes of tissue - and that's just at work. Alex bought me another vaporizer so that I can give myself a steam treatment. It does wonders to loosen up congestion in your head and chest. I also plan to gargle with salt water tonight so that my throat doesn't get any worse. Right now it feels raw - I am eating ice cream as anything cool seems to help.
The worst thing about being sick is that I cannot play with Jack the way I'd like. I'm hoping to feel at least 70% better by Saturday for some gingerbread house making at Wany's. I do not want to feel miserable for that.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The 2007 List
Well, it was really tough putting 10 things for the list this year as the things I really want are not at all practical to put on a holiday wish list (e.g. a new house, car paid off, Jack to never catch another cold again, no day care cost, to see the Florida Maidys...etc). So below are the 10 items I came up with.....
This year's top ten things I'd like to receive for Christmas:
This year's top ten things I'd like to receive for Christmas:
- Pajama pants & long sleeve pajama shirts (lots and lots of X-LARGE pajama pants/shirts to get me through winter pregnancy) flannel or cotton only please.
- Coach purse
- Cash (what can I say, I'm Korean)
- Pedicure
- Digital photo frame
- Box of chocolates (but these have to be really really good chocolate - no Hershey's kind of stuff, please)
- Martha Stewart's Complete Guide/Book to Housekeeping
- Cleaning service
- Alex to get his nose fixed so he stops snoring
- Jack to say 'Mommy' to me on Christmas morning
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Update
We have a new car - a minivan. Oh Lord, help us. The purchase was made after Alex succeeded in ruining his Stratus beyond repair.
First of all, let me say that I am very very very thankful Alex was not hurt in the car accident that ruined his car and forced us to now be a household with two car payments. I am also thankful that he does not suffer any residual aches and pains from the accident (read his blog for complete detail of accident).
I am also very thankful that the accident taught him a good lesson - there is no reason why a happily married man with a beautiful son and sick wife (suffering from OCD and control issues) should be out driving at 3am for the sake of watching a dumb movie which he would have received through NetFlix ANYWAY.
Thanksgiving - we are gathering my my sister's house again this year. I hate living in a small house. Alex and I both enjoy entertaining when we can, but in a smaller home, entertaining tends to be difficult - especially with Jack's things all over the place and no play room like at the Lim's palace. Hopefully this will change next year.
Christmas decorations will be going up this weekend. We MAY even venture out for some shopping on Black Friday...shivers. I think if anything, we'll hit target. I'm hoping to purchase a new Christmas tree - one worth having around for the next 5 years or so. Our old tree broke due to Newt constantly sleeping on the branches. Sigh.
The colder weather creates many cravings....right now I am craving spicey seafood noodle soup (Jamp-pong). Mmmmmm. Pita Inn would be nice too. Mmmmmm.....drooling.
First of all, let me say that I am very very very thankful Alex was not hurt in the car accident that ruined his car and forced us to now be a household with two car payments. I am also thankful that he does not suffer any residual aches and pains from the accident (read his blog for complete detail of accident).
I am also very thankful that the accident taught him a good lesson - there is no reason why a happily married man with a beautiful son and sick wife (suffering from OCD and control issues) should be out driving at 3am for the sake of watching a dumb movie which he would have received through NetFlix ANYWAY.
Thanksgiving - we are gathering my my sister's house again this year. I hate living in a small house. Alex and I both enjoy entertaining when we can, but in a smaller home, entertaining tends to be difficult - especially with Jack's things all over the place and no play room like at the Lim's palace. Hopefully this will change next year.
Christmas decorations will be going up this weekend. We MAY even venture out for some shopping on Black Friday...shivers. I think if anything, we'll hit target. I'm hoping to purchase a new Christmas tree - one worth having around for the next 5 years or so. Our old tree broke due to Newt constantly sleeping on the branches. Sigh.
The colder weather creates many cravings....right now I am craving spicey seafood noodle soup (Jamp-pong). Mmmmmm. Pita Inn would be nice too. Mmmmmm.....drooling.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Deep Breath
I have to remember that I do not work for a company, division, business unit, department or even a manager.
I work because of Jack. He's my boss, my inspiration, my motivation, all my hopes and dreams all neatly and handsomely tied in one person.
I must remember....I work so that I can provide the best possible for Jack.
Some days I need to remember the above more than other days.....today was such day....a day I needed to remember it really hard. :-)
I must remember....to buy a lotto ticket, and win it!
I work because of Jack. He's my boss, my inspiration, my motivation, all my hopes and dreams all neatly and handsomely tied in one person.
I must remember....I work so that I can provide the best possible for Jack.
Some days I need to remember the above more than other days.....today was such day....a day I needed to remember it really hard. :-)
I must remember....to buy a lotto ticket, and win it!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Contact
I am hopeless!
After many years of debate and failing eye sight, I finally decided to take the plunge and get contact lenses.
I was very nervous about putting the contacts in my eye. I should have been more nervous about getting them out.
I've ripped a total of 3 lenses so far. I've had contacts less than a week. I ripped the right lense first - they were stepped on (I thought I'd put them in the case after removing them from my right eye, but I had not - I dropped them on the bathroom floor). Then I ripped the left lense (same thing - thought I put it in the case, didn't, fell to bathroom floor). The third incident was the new left lense. I took them out, put them in the case and leaned in close to make sure the lense was in the case and not stuck to my finger or hanging on the side of the case wall when I noticed something that I thought was white debris or air bubble. It wasn't either. It was a rip.
I'm upset. Ripping your contacts is a normal thing when you first try them but three in one week? That's just a sign from God that you shouldn't wear them, or in my case, handle them.
Alex told me these things happen when you first get contacts and that it took him a couple of weeks before he got the hang of it. But here's the thing....it took him a few weeks when he was a grade schooler, just a grammer school kid! So if we were to translate that time in 'working professional' world/age that would actually be about 2-3 days!
I think I will ask for a month's worth of contacts so that I can practice for the next two weeks.
After many years of debate and failing eye sight, I finally decided to take the plunge and get contact lenses.
I was very nervous about putting the contacts in my eye. I should have been more nervous about getting them out.
I've ripped a total of 3 lenses so far. I've had contacts less than a week. I ripped the right lense first - they were stepped on (I thought I'd put them in the case after removing them from my right eye, but I had not - I dropped them on the bathroom floor). Then I ripped the left lense (same thing - thought I put it in the case, didn't, fell to bathroom floor). The third incident was the new left lense. I took them out, put them in the case and leaned in close to make sure the lense was in the case and not stuck to my finger or hanging on the side of the case wall when I noticed something that I thought was white debris or air bubble. It wasn't either. It was a rip.
I'm upset. Ripping your contacts is a normal thing when you first try them but three in one week? That's just a sign from God that you shouldn't wear them, or in my case, handle them.
Alex told me these things happen when you first get contacts and that it took him a couple of weeks before he got the hang of it. But here's the thing....it took him a few weeks when he was a grade schooler, just a grammer school kid! So if we were to translate that time in 'working professional' world/age that would actually be about 2-3 days!
I think I will ask for a month's worth of contacts so that I can practice for the next two weeks.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
All Done!
Say/think what you will, but I love cleaning. It brings me a sense of control over my surroundings.
Today, I made great efforts after Jack was put down for the night. I also like making lists, so here is a list of cleaning that ensued after Jack went 'night-night':
Kitchen floor - dry and wet Swiffered
Kitchen counter - wiped down
Bathroom floor - dry and wet Swiffered
Bathroom counter - wiped down
Toilet - wiped down and scurbbed
Bathroom sinks - wiped down and scrubbed
Freezer - organized (bad food thrown away)
Fridge - wiped down (bad food thrown away)
Dining room table - wiped down and scrubbed
Dining room chairs - wiped down and scrubbed (Jack uses chairs to lean on when scaling through the house)
Tomorrow, all that is left is vacuuming! So we can enjoy the rest of our day going out for brunch, grocery shopping and a trip to Toys R Us (Jack needs a train) without having chores left to do.
I love Sundays with Jack.
Today, I made great efforts after Jack was put down for the night. I also like making lists, so here is a list of cleaning that ensued after Jack went 'night-night':
Kitchen floor - dry and wet Swiffered
Kitchen counter - wiped down
Bathroom floor - dry and wet Swiffered
Bathroom counter - wiped down
Toilet - wiped down and scurbbed
Bathroom sinks - wiped down and scrubbed
Freezer - organized (bad food thrown away)
Fridge - wiped down (bad food thrown away)
Dining room table - wiped down and scrubbed
Dining room chairs - wiped down and scrubbed (Jack uses chairs to lean on when scaling through the house)
Tomorrow, all that is left is vacuuming! So we can enjoy the rest of our day going out for brunch, grocery shopping and a trip to Toys R Us (Jack needs a train) without having chores left to do.
I love Sundays with Jack.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Harry Potter Done
I've finished! And it only took me a little over a week or so? I cannot remember, time becomes a black hole when you have child.
Don't worry Alex, I will not give anything away!
But I will say that this is NOT one of my favorite out of the series. I'd put this as my second least favorite. I guess the logical person in me just can't buy into how things were resolved in the end.
I will say that I enjoyed the adventure of finding out anyway! Unlike my sister who bought the book (yes, she went to the midnight sale of the book) then promptly read the last 4 chapters as soon as she got home (yes, I know I know!) so that she did not have to live/read the adventure with her stomach in an anxious knot wondering what will happen next.
I am glad to have read all the books. I may even start all over again from the start just for the fun of it. I haven't felt this way about a book since readign 'The Selfish Gene' (yes, I know I know, I'm a geek!).
Don't worry Alex, I will not give anything away!
But I will say that this is NOT one of my favorite out of the series. I'd put this as my second least favorite. I guess the logical person in me just can't buy into how things were resolved in the end.
I will say that I enjoyed the adventure of finding out anyway! Unlike my sister who bought the book (yes, she went to the midnight sale of the book) then promptly read the last 4 chapters as soon as she got home (yes, I know I know!) so that she did not have to live/read the adventure with her stomach in an anxious knot wondering what will happen next.
I am glad to have read all the books. I may even start all over again from the start just for the fun of it. I haven't felt this way about a book since readign 'The Selfish Gene' (yes, I know I know, I'm a geek!).
Go East!
I got a chance to head East due to a death in the family (Alex's uncle passed away). It certainly wasn't the best of circumstances in which to head to my husband's home town, but I'm glad I got the chance to see his old stomping grounds nonetheless.
I was sitting all the way in the back of the mini-van with Jack so I could not see Alex's expression, but I could hear the excitement in his voice whenever he spotted a building, neighborhood, or street corner he recognized.
I saw the elementary school he attended, the grocery store he had his first job, the highschool he attended, the apartment complex they lived in (his mother and grandmother used to manage the building as well), China town and much more.
I began to imagine what it would be like and how I'd feel if I were to visit my childhood place....BOTH of them.....the one in Korea and the one in the south suburbs (La Grange Park).
One day, I would like to go FURTHER East and see my old house in Korea. That would be cool.
I was sitting all the way in the back of the mini-van with Jack so I could not see Alex's expression, but I could hear the excitement in his voice whenever he spotted a building, neighborhood, or street corner he recognized.
I saw the elementary school he attended, the grocery store he had his first job, the highschool he attended, the apartment complex they lived in (his mother and grandmother used to manage the building as well), China town and much more.
I began to imagine what it would be like and how I'd feel if I were to visit my childhood place....BOTH of them.....the one in Korea and the one in the south suburbs (La Grange Park).
One day, I would like to go FURTHER East and see my old house in Korea. That would be cool.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
The Rent, The Snobs, and the beautiful scenery
90% of people I met over the past week in California are transplants - meaning they were all born and raised elsewhere before coming to CA. I've always heard so many nice things about CA I wasn't surprised that people would naturally flock to the state for all it's sunny days and temperate climate.
However, I would NEVER live in Monterey/Salinas. If you're young, single and have no kids, you can afford to pay $2000 in rent every month and hang at the local bar (daily since there is nothing else to do there but drink). If you are retired and have a handsome retirement fund you can live there and sail, or open a local bar where all the single, young professionals can hang out all week night long.
The area we were in is all agriculture - lettuce, strawberries and the likes. California also breeds wine snobs! "Is there a note of chocolate in this bouquet?" one would hear at least once during dinner. Don't get me wrong, I like wine, but I don't presume to make a study of why I like the damn thing. I like what tastes good and if I like it enough, I might buy a bottle. I do not have the money nor the inclination to search out and join a wine tasting or wine tour purely for the sake of educating my nose to which fermented/rotten barrel of grapes could possibly house a 'note of chocolate'.
By golly if I wanted chocolate, I would have driven my butt to the nearest chocolatier, or the nearest supermarket!
Despite all sorts of issues related to travel and the wine snobs here and there, the view in Monterey is something to see. It was nice having the mountains as a back drop to your morning commute. It was interesting to see homes carved into the hillside. The last night I was there, we ate at a place called the FishHopper. The place literally stretched all the way out to the edge of the pier, and we sat surrounded by floor to celing window on three sides of us and watched an otter play in the evening fog that rolled onto the shore. We saw the sunset from Carmel beach. BEAUTIFUL.
I thought about my boys back home and wished they could have seen it with me.
However, I would NEVER live in Monterey/Salinas. If you're young, single and have no kids, you can afford to pay $2000 in rent every month and hang at the local bar (daily since there is nothing else to do there but drink). If you are retired and have a handsome retirement fund you can live there and sail, or open a local bar where all the single, young professionals can hang out all week night long.
The area we were in is all agriculture - lettuce, strawberries and the likes. California also breeds wine snobs! "Is there a note of chocolate in this bouquet?" one would hear at least once during dinner. Don't get me wrong, I like wine, but I don't presume to make a study of why I like the damn thing. I like what tastes good and if I like it enough, I might buy a bottle. I do not have the money nor the inclination to search out and join a wine tasting or wine tour purely for the sake of educating my nose to which fermented/rotten barrel of grapes could possibly house a 'note of chocolate'.
By golly if I wanted chocolate, I would have driven my butt to the nearest chocolatier, or the nearest supermarket!
Despite all sorts of issues related to travel and the wine snobs here and there, the view in Monterey is something to see. It was nice having the mountains as a back drop to your morning commute. It was interesting to see homes carved into the hillside. The last night I was there, we ate at a place called the FishHopper. The place literally stretched all the way out to the edge of the pier, and we sat surrounded by floor to celing window on three sides of us and watched an otter play in the evening fog that rolled onto the shore. We saw the sunset from Carmel beach. BEAUTIFUL.
I thought about my boys back home and wished they could have seen it with me.
Monterey Airport is a Joke!
I wish businesses had a way to pay you back for time lost with one's family. I wish businesses would not make a practice of making their employees fly about during the weekend. Weekends are for family and personal life after having been enslaved by work all week long.
I was supposed to return Saturday afternoon (2:30pm) but instead returned home at 3:30am Sunday. I will NEVER again fly US Airways, or fly out of regional airports such as Monterey, CA. Our ticket agent was also the baggage claim/tag person, and gate personnel. I would not have been surprised if she was also the pilot and mechanic on a regular basis. Regional airports suck. Because they are regional airports, they do NOT have direct flights ANYWHERE! They either fly out to Phoenix or Las Vegas in order for you to catch your connecting flight elsewhere. Gads.
I will not go into the details of my horrific flight back to Chicago that started out at 5am Pacific Standard Time, but I will say that my co-workers and I ended up driving 1.75 hours from Monterey, CA to San Fransisco, CA to catch a direct flight back to Chicago.
I poured into bed when I got home. Then around 6am, just like clock work, Jack woke up. Alex brought him into see me. Even in my sleep deprived world I managed to hug and kiss my Fudgy. But he did not recognize me.
He sat there, on my side of the bed and just stared at me the way he stares at someone in the grocery store. I went back to bed for another hour or so before getting up for the rest of the day. Thankfully, this time, Jack recognized me and gave me one of his 'super' smiles.
The house was still in one piece, no one had to take a trip to the ER, and the cat was still alive, so all was well. Alex did a great job but hopefully, I will NEVER have to be out of town for that long ever again OR fly out of Monterey.
I was supposed to return Saturday afternoon (2:30pm) but instead returned home at 3:30am Sunday. I will NEVER again fly US Airways, or fly out of regional airports such as Monterey, CA. Our ticket agent was also the baggage claim/tag person, and gate personnel. I would not have been surprised if she was also the pilot and mechanic on a regular basis. Regional airports suck. Because they are regional airports, they do NOT have direct flights ANYWHERE! They either fly out to Phoenix or Las Vegas in order for you to catch your connecting flight elsewhere. Gads.
I will not go into the details of my horrific flight back to Chicago that started out at 5am Pacific Standard Time, but I will say that my co-workers and I ended up driving 1.75 hours from Monterey, CA to San Fransisco, CA to catch a direct flight back to Chicago.
I poured into bed when I got home. Then around 6am, just like clock work, Jack woke up. Alex brought him into see me. Even in my sleep deprived world I managed to hug and kiss my Fudgy. But he did not recognize me.
He sat there, on my side of the bed and just stared at me the way he stares at someone in the grocery store. I went back to bed for another hour or so before getting up for the rest of the day. Thankfully, this time, Jack recognized me and gave me one of his 'super' smiles.
The house was still in one piece, no one had to take a trip to the ER, and the cat was still alive, so all was well. Alex did a great job but hopefully, I will NEVER have to be out of town for that long ever again OR fly out of Monterey.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Going West
I am leaving for Salinas CA today. I will not be returning home till Saturday. This means I will be without the Fudge for 5.5 days. I miss him already.
I took Jack to daycare this morning around 8am. Talked to the teachers in the infant room and let them know I would be out all week. My last image of him today - he was sitting on the floor with a ring toy of some sort watching his classmates. He did not even look my way when I said good-by to him. In a way, this is a good thing - Jack is a social child, but on the other hand, I was saddened a bit that he didn't respond to me. But then again, Jack doesn't mind me leaving as much as he minds Alex leaving.
Jack is a daddy's boy. Sigh. The two of them are thick as thieves. :-)
I don't think Jack will notice I'm not around till about day 3...."Hey, where's the other big kid around here?"
I wonder how long it will be before I break down in tears. I've been on a business trip before, but that was a one nighter - left on Wednesday, came back Thursday.
Wish me luck.
I took Jack to daycare this morning around 8am. Talked to the teachers in the infant room and let them know I would be out all week. My last image of him today - he was sitting on the floor with a ring toy of some sort watching his classmates. He did not even look my way when I said good-by to him. In a way, this is a good thing - Jack is a social child, but on the other hand, I was saddened a bit that he didn't respond to me. But then again, Jack doesn't mind me leaving as much as he minds Alex leaving.
Jack is a daddy's boy. Sigh. The two of them are thick as thieves. :-)
I don't think Jack will notice I'm not around till about day 3...."Hey, where's the other big kid around here?"
I wonder how long it will be before I break down in tears. I've been on a business trip before, but that was a one nighter - left on Wednesday, came back Thursday.
Wish me luck.
Monday, July 02, 2007
7-2-07
I have not posted since 6/18. Dang...that's a long time.
Hair status - hair has grown, but not long enough to undue the nasty mom 'do' just yet. I figure by Jack's 1st birthday, things should be right with the world again. Sigh.
Job - got a new one. Just got system access today. I'm not complaining though....I kind of like having a few slower days before things get really busy at work.
4th of July - first one I'll be spending without taking any other day off. It's weird this year...on a Wednesday. Will not be attending any fire works as they will take place after Jack's bedtime. We are in the process of maybe attending a parade during the day time hours.
Sun burned my arms during the drive home from work today. Good grief.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Mom vs. Dad
Mother's Day and Father's Day are quite different.
On Mother's Day, mother's spend as much time possible relaxing and trying not to lift a finger. On Father's Day, the 3 Chicago Maidys spent time being out and about - shopping, bookstore, going to visit Grandpa Park, going through the car wash (Jack's first), etc.
But I think Alex quite enjoyed himself because we were doing one of his favorite things - hanging out with Jack! As Jack gets older and bigger, it is easier to take him places and it's more fun! Jack loves riding in the shopping cart and deciding which things he should grab off the shelf and put directly into his mouth.
And that was just in the morning hours!
In the afternoon, we came back home, grilled up some lunch/dinner (Alex grilled as I am afraid of any kinds of open fire) and hung out with the Lims and my mother.
Yes, you may think it's funny that Alex grilled/cooked some of his own Father's Day meal, but just so everyone knows, I took care of all the preparation (marinade for the chicken, the rice salad, potatoes, dessert).
Afterwards, I fell asleep on the couch while Alex finished up some laundry! :-)
Father's Day was 'invented' to celebrate great dads everywhere, and Alex is definitely one of the greatest.
On Mother's Day, mother's spend as much time possible relaxing and trying not to lift a finger. On Father's Day, the 3 Chicago Maidys spent time being out and about - shopping, bookstore, going to visit Grandpa Park, going through the car wash (Jack's first), etc.
But I think Alex quite enjoyed himself because we were doing one of his favorite things - hanging out with Jack! As Jack gets older and bigger, it is easier to take him places and it's more fun! Jack loves riding in the shopping cart and deciding which things he should grab off the shelf and put directly into his mouth.
And that was just in the morning hours!
In the afternoon, we came back home, grilled up some lunch/dinner (Alex grilled as I am afraid of any kinds of open fire) and hung out with the Lims and my mother.
Yes, you may think it's funny that Alex grilled/cooked some of his own Father's Day meal, but just so everyone knows, I took care of all the preparation (marinade for the chicken, the rice salad, potatoes, dessert).
Afterwards, I fell asleep on the couch while Alex finished up some laundry! :-)
Father's Day was 'invented' to celebrate great dads everywhere, and Alex is definitely one of the greatest.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Broke Down In Boca
Alex is a typical guy - he loves gadgets, he loves sports, he types with three fingers, and he needs help dressing every now and then (e.g. wrinkled pants and shirt to work is NOT an option). But during our vacation to Boca Raton, FL, I realized not only is he a typical guy, but he is a 12 year old guy who has never packed a suitcase in his life.
He has been using a suitcase my father-in-law purchased decades ago for work travel. I must say, the damn thing has stood up against time pretty well. However, the trip to Florida was to be it's last voyage anywhere no thanks to Alex's INability to pack efficiently. I don't think this guy could play Tetris to save his life.
Nothing is folded neatly, nothing is placed geometrically, and everything is everywhere. Despite the fact Alex only packed 4 outfits (for a guy this consists of 3 T-shirts, and two shorts - I'm not sure how the math works out, but he manages somehow), when we were packing to come back to Chicago his suitcase was busting at the seams - literally!
The zipper ripped off from the suitcase itself (this was probably caused by Alex's 'caveman' way of trying to use force over mental consideration when the damn thing wouldn't close). But instead of seeing that the life of this suitcase was over, Alex continued to 'fight' his luggage to get the zipper closed, and then somehow miraculously get the zipper to adhere back to the suitcase. Sigh, sigh and double sigh.
I had to intervene. I could not watch the wrestling match any longer. I asked him to stop fighting, wipe the beads of sweat from his caveman brows, open the suitcase and step back. He of course did none of the above. I had to intervene with a little more force. I began walking over to his suitcase and open the darn thing myself. Alex broke out in a sheepish grin and tried to stop me, "No, I've got this, you don't need to do anything!"
How could T-shirts and shorts do this? I demanded he let me see the contents of his suitcase. NOTHING was folded. EVERYTHING was just crammed inside - sandals, camcorder, one flip flop, books, and toiletries all haphazardly 'placed' inside. It looked like a gorilla had tried to pack his bag 32 times before giving up in search of food.
"This suitcase is done for, Alexander. You cannot use this, it'll fall apart when it's being handled by baggage claims." I said.
"No, it'll be fine."
"No, it won't. You need a new suitcase."
My father-in-law does quite a bit of traveling for work, so he was able to lend us a bigger suitcase. "Thank goodness!" I thought. Maybe the bigger bag will be conducive to Alex's packing strateegery. I was wrong.
Alex dumped the broken suitcase with it's contents inside the bigger suitcase. Alex is a typical guy.
(I repacked his suitcase anyway)
He has been using a suitcase my father-in-law purchased decades ago for work travel. I must say, the damn thing has stood up against time pretty well. However, the trip to Florida was to be it's last voyage anywhere no thanks to Alex's INability to pack efficiently. I don't think this guy could play Tetris to save his life.
Nothing is folded neatly, nothing is placed geometrically, and everything is everywhere. Despite the fact Alex only packed 4 outfits (for a guy this consists of 3 T-shirts, and two shorts - I'm not sure how the math works out, but he manages somehow), when we were packing to come back to Chicago his suitcase was busting at the seams - literally!
The zipper ripped off from the suitcase itself (this was probably caused by Alex's 'caveman' way of trying to use force over mental consideration when the damn thing wouldn't close). But instead of seeing that the life of this suitcase was over, Alex continued to 'fight' his luggage to get the zipper closed, and then somehow miraculously get the zipper to adhere back to the suitcase. Sigh, sigh and double sigh.
I had to intervene. I could not watch the wrestling match any longer. I asked him to stop fighting, wipe the beads of sweat from his caveman brows, open the suitcase and step back. He of course did none of the above. I had to intervene with a little more force. I began walking over to his suitcase and open the darn thing myself. Alex broke out in a sheepish grin and tried to stop me, "No, I've got this, you don't need to do anything!"
How could T-shirts and shorts do this? I demanded he let me see the contents of his suitcase. NOTHING was folded. EVERYTHING was just crammed inside - sandals, camcorder, one flip flop, books, and toiletries all haphazardly 'placed' inside. It looked like a gorilla had tried to pack his bag 32 times before giving up in search of food.
"This suitcase is done for, Alexander. You cannot use this, it'll fall apart when it's being handled by baggage claims." I said.
"No, it'll be fine."
"No, it won't. You need a new suitcase."
My father-in-law does quite a bit of traveling for work, so he was able to lend us a bigger suitcase. "Thank goodness!" I thought. Maybe the bigger bag will be conducive to Alex's packing strateegery. I was wrong.
Alex dumped the broken suitcase with it's contents inside the bigger suitcase. Alex is a typical guy.
(I repacked his suitcase anyway)
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Support
Alex is entered in a radio contest....public radio host....kind of like American Idol for radio. I think it's pretty cool he does these kinds of things....keeps life interesting.
My brother-in-law posted about him being the worst husband of the year because he went golfing while leaving his sick wife and two kids home on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I think I will win the worst wife of year as I have NOT voted for my own husband yet. Sigh. So much for support, huh?
The contest ends in about a week or so....I believe I will be voting tonight. Tehehehe.
I would like to add however that being a supportive wife has very little to do with voting and EVERYTHING to do with making Alex's red bean paste for dipping cucumber slices and grilling dried squid and file fish outside on sideburner on the grill (as not to offend said husband's nose or mental state).
My brother-in-law posted about him being the worst husband of the year because he went golfing while leaving his sick wife and two kids home on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I think I will win the worst wife of year as I have NOT voted for my own husband yet. Sigh. So much for support, huh?
The contest ends in about a week or so....I believe I will be voting tonight. Tehehehe.
I would like to add however that being a supportive wife has very little to do with voting and EVERYTHING to do with making Alex's red bean paste for dipping cucumber slices and grilling dried squid and file fish outside on sideburner on the grill (as not to offend said husband's nose or mental state).
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Mother's Day
I had originally started this post as a 'wish' list for Mother's Day seeing how it will be my first. However, Jack gave me an early gift tonight right before bed time.
I read him a book called Sleepy Time Kisses. The last page of this book has a squeaker embedded inside so when Jack taps/hits the page, the squeaker goes off. He did it on his own first, then I hit the squeaker. Jack put on one of his famous smiles and then looked up at me as if to say, "I really LIKE this book, Mom." And for those of you who have never witnessed a 'Jack smile', just think about the best day you've ever had and multiply it by a 100.
It was enough to bring me to tears. I realized at that moment I will NEVER be able to say 'NO' to Jack's smile.
I read him a book called Sleepy Time Kisses. The last page of this book has a squeaker embedded inside so when Jack taps/hits the page, the squeaker goes off. He did it on his own first, then I hit the squeaker. Jack put on one of his famous smiles and then looked up at me as if to say, "I really LIKE this book, Mom." And for those of you who have never witnessed a 'Jack smile', just think about the best day you've ever had and multiply it by a 100.
It was enough to bring me to tears. I realized at that moment I will NEVER be able to say 'NO' to Jack's smile.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Let's Play Name That Puke!
Which would NOT be fun to throw up?
- Tuna?
- Gyros?
- Shrimp?
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I Hate My Hair!
I got the worst hair cut known to mankind last night at the salon.
I did my due diligence in selecting the colorist and stylist (who did such an awesome job on my hair three months ago) and even showed up 10 minutes early for my appointment.
As far as color goes, I no longer worry about a 'mistake' - too bright, not enough, too brassy....these are all things that can be corrected, and color fades with time anyway.
But the haircut is forever! You can't fix hair that is cut wrong, or too short! We are not Play-Dough people where we can grow new blue hair in a matter of minutes.
I loved what my stylist did with my hair the last time. It was a rounded cut, kind of like a bob, but with more layers, long layers. She also used a razor instead of scissors which I loved. The effect is very modern and sophisticated.
Last night, my stylist asked what I wanted done. I said the same as last time. I don't think she remembered what she gave me last time and so she asked, "what did I give you last time?" I began telling her and her memory started coming back.
However, this time, she suggested maybe going a little shorter, about an inch. I immediately asked, "how short? You're not gonna make me look like a boy, are you?"
She laughed. She promised it would not make me look like a boy. I agreed to go shorter.
Well, I DO NOT look like a boy.....I LOOK LIKE A MOM! Argh!!!!!!!
When styled, it's poofy up top and narrows/tapers towards the bottom - basically, I looked like a light bulb! She cut SO short that I now have bangs! BANGS people! I haven't had bangs since the 4th grade! I HATE bangs!
Despite my internal horror, I feigned gratitude, thanked her, paid and left. OMG!
It was all Alex could do to keep from kicking me out of the house -I was walking around the house, constantly saying, "I hate my hair!"
I know hair eventually grows out, and I'm hoping that by the time Florida comes around, I will NOT HAVE BANGS, but in the meantime, I have to live with 'MOM' hair.
I did my due diligence in selecting the colorist and stylist (who did such an awesome job on my hair three months ago) and even showed up 10 minutes early for my appointment.
As far as color goes, I no longer worry about a 'mistake' - too bright, not enough, too brassy....these are all things that can be corrected, and color fades with time anyway.
But the haircut is forever! You can't fix hair that is cut wrong, or too short! We are not Play-Dough people where we can grow new blue hair in a matter of minutes.
I loved what my stylist did with my hair the last time. It was a rounded cut, kind of like a bob, but with more layers, long layers. She also used a razor instead of scissors which I loved. The effect is very modern and sophisticated.
Last night, my stylist asked what I wanted done. I said the same as last time. I don't think she remembered what she gave me last time and so she asked, "what did I give you last time?" I began telling her and her memory started coming back.
However, this time, she suggested maybe going a little shorter, about an inch. I immediately asked, "how short? You're not gonna make me look like a boy, are you?"
She laughed. She promised it would not make me look like a boy. I agreed to go shorter.
Well, I DO NOT look like a boy.....I LOOK LIKE A MOM! Argh!!!!!!!
When styled, it's poofy up top and narrows/tapers towards the bottom - basically, I looked like a light bulb! She cut SO short that I now have bangs! BANGS people! I haven't had bangs since the 4th grade! I HATE bangs!
Despite my internal horror, I feigned gratitude, thanked her, paid and left. OMG!
It was all Alex could do to keep from kicking me out of the house -I was walking around the house, constantly saying, "I hate my hair!"
I know hair eventually grows out, and I'm hoping that by the time Florida comes around, I will NOT HAVE BANGS, but in the meantime, I have to live with 'MOM' hair.
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