A Ruff Cut

Day 15 - Two Weeks In

2011-11-15T07:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was day 15 of my year long journey to lose 80 pounds. I have been stepping on the scale almost every morning and noticing small changes in my clothes, my food choices and my exercise habits. Officially, though the scales did not tell me the numbers I wanted to hear and I admit it was a little disheartening. According to the official scale and BMI gadget at the gym, I have lost a net 3 lbs and my BMI has gone down by a whole percent. Translated into English for the PT (Personal Trainer) challenged, down 4lbs of fat and up 1 lb of muscle....... that sounds a little better. The scale at home is telling me a different story; as of this morning it says I am down 5 lbs.........I like what the home scale is telling me, but I do live with a bunch of story tellers!

As for the food choices, I am controlling my portions better, choosing the lower calorie and less fat items on the menu when we go out for dinner, but I still want the occasional sweet. It has been challenging since over the past two weeks, I have made cupcakes for Ben's soccer team four times. I really enjoy licking the bowl, but not this time. Did you know that a serving of peanut butter is 2 tbs and a serving of jelly is 1 tbs......... believe it or not that is enough to make a decent sandwich.

I have been to the gym every week, 3 times a week and worked with Gene the Trainer. He seems to be a nice guy and I am beginning to notice that during my Cardio workouts I can do more. The first week 10 minutes on the treadmill was difficult, but now it is getting easier......good thing the machine is smart enough to measure your heart rate and realize that it needs to adjust the incline to make the heart work harder. I have also been a little more conscience of where I park the car, rather thank park as close to the entrance of where ever I am going, I am not as concerned about that anymore. I am adding little steps here and there.

As for the other changes I am seeing, my feet are not as swollen, my body is liking the fact that I am putting more water in and it is reacting with taking more water out.....my skin is less dry, hopefully that will continue. I have been motivated to do other things that I have been putting off, such as refinance the house, clean up my desk, shampoo the carpets and clean up part of the garage. My jeans are fitting better and so are those tighter t-shirts.

Keep it up El! You are doing a great job!............Only 77 more lbs to go! Hey, stop that! You are doing great! You could have said 87 lbs to go, from your 80 lb goal, but you didn't! 77 lbs is less than 80 lbs. Go get 'em!

Day 4.....Second Day with Trainer & A Real Test

2011-11-03T19:30:00.000-04:00

Today was my second session with the trainer and I must say it did feel good to go back to the gym. I have already started to notice some changes. The scale at home seems to be working again, the numbers are beginning to go down instead of hovering at the same point. I will see on Monday morning if there really is a change.

The test was baking S'more Cupcakes and Red Velvet Cupcakes for Ben's Soccer Pasta Dinner. I baked and tasted the batter, but it was only a taste rather than a TASTE! And at the dinner, instead of serving myself a large portion of pasta and meatballs, I filled half of the plate with salad and added one meatball, a small portion of ziti and some cavatelle with broccoli. I skipped the dessert table completely.

I am very proud of myself. Way to go girl!

Day Three.....100 miles Travelled But Only Got To Edison

2011-11-03T19:05:00.002-04:00

Well day 3 was relatively uneventful. Between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday evening, I travelled 100 miles according to the odometer, but I didn't get any further from my home than 6.7 miles. I travelled to my one son's high school a total of five times, the other son's school 3 times, the supermarket once, the car service center twice, the Boy Scout meeting place twice, and saxophone lessons once. There was also a trip to the bank and dry cleaners in there as well.

With all of that moving I was still able to watch me food intake and get an extra walk in with the dog.

Day 2 ...1st Day with Trainer

2011-11-01T13:37:00.003-04:00

Well I broke the news to the family that Mom is now on a mission! They are all very encouraging, Rob said "You got only yourself a trainer? Why not us too!" Ben said, "That's great Mom." Sergio said "Wonderful, just don't go on the weekend.....that way you can still be with us on Saturday and Sunday!"

I might even start to train for a 5K......there is one on November 25th, but that may be a little too soon. Maybe in the spring.

I went to the gym and got on the treadmill for about 15 minutes at the 20 minutes per mile speed, not too fast and not too slow. And I felt good! Then it was time for "The Trainer"! Not too bad to look at, but I think right now he is a little timid with me.

The workout was good, I know that I need to work on my balance, but I was able to handle the weight well.

My measurements were taken, body fat measured.....YUCK..... and my weight was recorded....Double YUCK!

Then back on the treadmill for another 15 minutes..... Afterwards, I had to describe my overall feeling......EMPOWERED!

I can do this! I WILL DO THIS!

The Last Day of October --- First Day of the Rest of My Life

2011-10-31T12:58:00.003-04:00

I decided that today I was tired of the "Tricks" and gave myself a "Treat". I woke up this morning at the usual time, did the usual things.....get the boys up, walk the dog, give the boys lunch money, made the coffee and kissed the hubby good day. Then it was me time! I watch the show I had DVR'ed the night before, picked up the shoes I had left in the family room, and went off to the bedroom to pick out my clothes for the day and then headed for the shower.

As I turned on the water and waited for it to heat up, that little voice inside my head started to talk. However, today, it said....."You can do this, you can lose the weight, you will lose the weight! You can do it." It also said, "Six weeks from now you will be 10 pounds lighter. A year from now you will have lost 80 pounds! TODAY is the day you start!"

Everyother day it always said, "You need to lose weight, you need to lose weight."

Well, I was going to the supermarket to buy the necessities of life, milk, bread, juice and windex, but on the way there, the little voice took control of the car! All of a sudden, the voice had gotten enough gumption to turn on the left turn signal of the car and pull into the parking lot of Retro Fitness. Then the voice got legs! It took me right into the gym, spoke outloud to the receptionist and asked about personal trainers.

Well, I had to listen to the voice! I signed up for the gym, arranged for 3 sessions a week with the personal trainer and made the committment to myself and that little voice. I WILL lose the weight! My goal is to lose 10 pounds by December 12th and a total of 80 pounds by Halloween 2012! What a treat that will be!

I will be detailing my progress in my blog. My ups, my downs, my struggles and my achievements.

2010-05-02T12:08:00.002-04:00

Did you ever get so upset about how someone said something to you that it made you feel as though all of the good things in another relationship are not worth it?

I was having a conversation this morning with a group of adults and discussing the events of last night in Times Square. Many of the adults had no idea of the events and others were more informed. While discussing it, one of the adults, was incredibly rude to me. I have been friends with this person's spouse for years and consider the spouse a good friend. Now, after this event and other events relating to the children of this couple I am questioning whether or not this relationship is worth continuing.

I am extremely hurt by the whole situation.

The Changes Since 9/11

2010-04-09T16:32:00.002-04:00

We have all experienced many changes in our lives since 9/11. Today, I took my younger son, a few of his friends and their moms to Manhattan. The boys are working on their Coin Collecting Merit Badge for Boy Scouts. I decided to take them to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and to the Stock Exchange for a lesson on money. Well......., you now need a reservation to visit the Fed. and the Stock Exchange has suspended all tours indefinitely. A great big thank you to my husband and one of his clients, because without him our trip to NYC would have been for nothing. On Wednesday, my hubby said I should call the ANS and see if they could set up a tour for you. He sent an email and put me in contact with the Administrator of the ANS. The Administrator of the ANS arranged for a docent to show us around the exhibit at the Federal Reserve.

We arrived at the Fed at 10:00 AM and were met by 2 armed guards. "Reservations and IDs Please" was the greeting we received. We had no reservations, just the name of the docent and the name of the administrator of the ANS (and a copy of the email my hubby sent to his client and the request to the Director of the ANS). At that point, we were ushered into the Fed and given the grand tour!

Thank you so much............Now remember you need a reservation to go to many of the places we used to take for granted........before taking that impulsive road trip, do a little planning!

Changes In My Life

2010-04-08T14:55:00.002-04:00

During the last year, my life has changed in numerous ways. I am no longer the mother to an elementary school child and a middle schooler, but the mother of a high school freshman and a sixth grader. I became an aunt again in July to a beautiful little boy, the son of my brother. My mother told me of her latest battle with cancer this past October and she left us in the middle of December. My family and I hosted a young man from France in our home for two weeks. Found that my children have some amazing talents, Ben has excelled in his new school academically, socially and athletically and Rob has become a social butterfly, an accomplished musician and baseball player.

For the most part the changes have been good. The bad parts are part of life and I know that the changes are all part the changes we need to go through. Mom accepted her illness and her journey was the way she wanted it to be. Yes, I miss her and at times I fully expect her to walk through the door or call.

Mom, I love you and thank you for helping to make me the person I am today.

Missing In Action

2009-04-20T12:07:00.002-04:00

Yes, everyone, I was MIA! I have been enjoying the beauty, wonder and chaos of life.

Spring has sprung in my neck of the woods, the birds have been visiting the bird feeders ---- all sorts of colors---- red (cardinals), blue (bluejays), yellow (gold finch), beige (mourning doves), brown (house wrens),red and brown (robins), black (red winged blackbirds), gray (nuthatches) and more gray (titmouse).

The rabbits have been hopping around too! And I don't mean the Easter Bunny. I saw an oppossum and even smelt the skunk! Soon the goslings will be following Mama and Papa Canada Goose.

Will post soon, but I might get busy again--- it's baseball and soccer season again.!

A First And A Last

2009-02-18T15:30:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow, I am taking my son Rocky on his very last Cub Scout outing, before his Blue & Gold Banquet, where he will cross over into Boy Scouts. We are going Ice Skating at the local outdoor rink.

This is kind of funny because last weekend, I was looking at some old photographs and I found a picture of him. It was from the very first Blue & Gold Banquet that he attended and he was proudly displaying a patch that he received, it read "Ice Skating". Rocky was only 2 and 1/2 years old at the time, but if you asked him what he wanted to be, he said "I want to be a Cub Scout and an Eagle Scout!"

He is now done with Cub Scouts and he has earned his "Arrow of Light" Award, 17 of 20 Activity Badges and can't wait until he is on his way to earning his Eagle Badge.

At that Blue & Gold Banquet, a dear friend's son earned his "Arrow of Light" Award, and our other sons received their Bear and Tiger Badges, we ate with our hands and were entertained by two handsome knights in shining armor. Since then, my friend's older son has earned his Eagle Badge, her other son became a Venture Scout, and my older son, Chip became a "Star" scout (last night) and Rocky is days short of becoming a Boy Scout like the rest of the boys.

Time has flown by since that little boy held that patch to his chest! I am very proud of him and all he has accomplished!

The Thirteenth Update!

2009-02-16T20:30:00.002-05:00

Well, here's the update on the thirteenth!

Chip did not go to the movies on Friday, the young lady he wanted to go with couldn't go. The adult at her home had enough sense to say no to the movie and because they hadn't meet all the kids that were going. I think I like the adults at that home!

Chip came home from the camping trip and he said it was the best trip ever!

The camp master "tried" to play a "Jason" trick on them at check out but all the boys were ready for it.

Friday, The Thirteenth

2009-02-13T11:10:00.002-05:00

Today, is Friday, the thirteenth! It is a very scary day! My son, Chip has asked to go see the movie that opens today, with some friends. Some of those friends are girls. He is also going camping this weekend at the camp the original movie was filmed at. Talk about scary!

I am not sure which is scarier; the girls, the movie or the camp!

More details to follow.

Gemmie Where Have You Been!

2009-02-10T09:13:00.002-05:00

I have been busy lately and no time for the computer. The ICE Carnival was this past weekend and it was a huge success. We had pizza, soda, cupcakes, pretzels, cotton candy, popcorn......and other food. We had games and rides........ We had band and dance performances....... We had kindergartners, sixth graders, high school seniors and everyone in between. Our youngest "participant" was only 12 days old and our oldest would not tell his age. The whole community came out! It was fantastic!!!!!!! Sorry, I didn't bring the camera ---- I was having too much fun!

The high school kids "volunteered" their time to help run the games. The high school marching band, dance troop, hip-hop team and chorus performed. The middle school principal and several other teachers got in the "dunk tank". The middle school principal challenged some of the eighth graders to a "boxing match" in the moon bounce. Chip and his friend were the two boys challenged. The principal came out of the ring with a 1-0-1 record. Chip had the tie!

The weekend was well worth the hard work that all put into it. Great Job to all! Bigger and better for next year!

Sue Interviewed Me ------

2009-01-28T19:28:00.002-05:00

1. Describe yourself as a child. What were you like, what were you interested in?
I was a precocious child. I am the first-born and quite unique. I grew up in a neighborhood where most kids were either blond and blue eyed or brunette and brown eyed, I was neither. I had red hair, blue eyes, freckles, and glasses and sucked my thumb until I was thirteen. I stood out in the crowd. I was the teacher’s pet, the smartest girl in the class, the tattletale and the victim in most of the pranks.

I was a Girl Scout and received the highest award in Girl Scouting, The Gold Award. I started dancing school at age 3 and continued until I was 22, then started again when I was 34. I made decisions about my own education at an early age, I was given the choice of middle schools and I chose the more difficult of the two. I bucked the trend again when it came to high school, instead of attending the local public school; I chose a private catholic school an hour away from home. I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up at a very early age.

My parents were always encouraging me to do what was right for me and not what everyone else was doing. I was always volunteering to help out at school or volunteering my mom to do something. Once, I volunteered my mom to make a costume for the school play the next day. I had to be Raggedy Anne, but I only told her the morning of the show and my sister was having tonsil surgery that morning. I went to school as Raggedy Anne and my sister had her surgery.

2. What is the most unique thing about your family?
My family is unique because my husband and I not only have family values, but we encourage them. My husband owns his business, he is not home a lot, but family time is important. We eat dinner together at least once a week and all meals are together on the weekends. We spend time together as a family, going to the kid’s games, scout functions and other things.

Communication between the four of us is important. We are generous to our children without spoiling them. They know the word “NO” and understand the reasons for our answers. As a family we have made the commitment to education, religion and morals and we have shaped our lives around that. That is why, Chip will be going to the private catholic boy’s high school in September, Rocky attends religious education classes near our mountain home and all four members of our family are “Charter Members” of the Boy Scouts of America.

We feel a kid should be a kid, but a kid needs responsibilities and should be accountable for his/her actions. You get the best out of life, if you give it your best.

3. If there were one thing that you would like to improve in your life, what would it be?
I can’t say that I would improve anything. Money, we would all want more, but it would not make me any happier. A bigger house, just more to clean. More time; yes, I would like more time to myself, but I can create the time I want by giving up one or more of my volunteer jobs. My volunteer jobs are what make me happy. I enjoy doing for others.

4. What is your favorite place in the world?
My 3 favorite places in the world are: my home in the suburbs, my home in the mountains and Hawaii. Both homes are warm and inviting, I love to have friends and family over and relax to get away from it all. Hawaii is a place of romance, beauty and relaxation. It is where Fred and I spent our Honeymoon, Tenth Anniversary and Twentieth Anniversary.

My favorite place in my suburban home is the backyard. In the spring, I like to go out into the backyard, lie in the chaise lounge with a blanket, a hot cup of tea and a good book and read for hours. The warm sun shining down, a crisp breeze, a warm tea in my belly and words to think about bring the world to a slow spin.

My favorite place at my mountain home is a large flat rock at the edge of the lake. There you can see the whole lake, listen to the mountain stream tumble into the lake, greet the white-tailed deer, hear the scampering of the chipmunks and fish from sun up to sun down.

My favorite place away from home is Hawaii. Each of the islands are different; from Oahu which is like a city and its suburbs, to Maui, where it is lush and green, to the Big Island, that looks like something from another planet, to Kauai, where time has not caught up. Everything about Hawaii is beautiful and I would love to live there, but I would miss the change of seasons.

5. What do you believe about the meaning of life and what happens after death?
I believe we are all put here on Earth to do something. We have not been given the reason or the rulebook. We will find the answer when we meet God at our death. I truly believe that all people are good and I try to find that good in all. I believe we all have guardian angels that watch over us and that some people are more in tune with their angels than others. I believe that one of my angels is my Great Grandmother Anna and the other is my Grandmother Elsie.

Anna was a wonderful woman; a strong minded, red headed matriarch of the family that no one messed with. At times, I feel as though she is pushing me to do right for my family.

Elsie, my maternal grandmother, was also a strong spirited woman than ran the home with an iron fist, but realized later in life that she didn’t need to be iron fisted, but open and loving. She tends to remind me that sometimes a hug and a kiss will go much further than a spanking. After death, we will meet our Creator and he will welcome all of us into Heaven. Sometimes, just sometimes, I feel as though, I might have already been admitted into Heaven.

My Favorite Recipe

2009-01-27T11:48:00.003-05:00

As a busy mom, I need to make dinner quick or real slow. One of my favorite (and family's favorite) is Six Can Casserole.

Items Needed:
A Crock Pot
A Wooden Spoon
& 4-10 Hours

Ingredients:
2 Large Cans of Diced Tomatoes -- Seasoned or Unseasoned (I prefer seasoned, less work)
1 Large Can of String beans drained
1 Large Can of Sliced Black Olives drained
1 Large Can of Mushroom Pieces drained
1 Large Can of Tomato Paste
1.5 Lbs of Chicken Breast (frozen or fresh is fine)
and season to taste (I use Megan's Pantry Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, you can get it at: https://www.meganspantry.com/CherylanneBrennan.aspx , a friend of mine is the consultant)

Add all the ingredients to the Crock Pot and mix with the wooden spoon
Turn on the Crock Pot for 4-10 hours.
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles...........

Enjoy!

With Every Sick Day Comes A.......

2009-01-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

With every sick day comes a day with pains all over the body.
With every sick day comes extra garbage that needs to be taken out.
With every sick day comes an even higher pile of dishes in the sink.
With every sick day comes mounds and mounds of laundry.
With every sick day comes double the mail that must be read.
With every sick day comes a surprise.

My surprise was a husband that decided that the refrigerator needed to be cleaned.
My surprise was a son that gave up his video games to sit with me and rub my throbbing head.
My surprise was my other son that brought me his favorite "Teddy Bear" to comfort me.
My surprise was a clean garage on Monday morning.
My surprise was a family that really does care and knows the importance of giving to others.
My surprise is I am doing the right thing for my family.

My family is loud.
My family is busy.
My family is strong minded.
My family is loving.
My family is mine.
My family is perfect and I wouldn't change them.

And I Thought The Great Equalizer Was Snow

2009-01-26T19:33:00.002-05:00

In my last post, I stated that snow was the great equalizer. Boy was I wrong! The Great Equalizer is the dreaded stomach virus.

The strain that went through my house was awful. Rocky brought it home almost two weeks ago. I had planned a day of getting the "minor" chores done --- dry cleaners, bank, replace Rocky's favorite sweatshirt because of the laundry accident, and post office. But the world was working against me. I went to the first bank, yes, in and out in five minutes. Post Office, down the street from the first bank, in and out. At the second bank, 3 miles away, I needed to replace the missing Passbooks for the boys and make a Federal Tax deposit. I replaced the passbooks, but couldn't make the tax deposit because I needed the forms from the accountant. The accountant had mailed it on Monday and I should have received it on Wednesday, but it hadn't arrived.

I needed to hunt for the mailman. Be careful on the beautiful snow, it is slippery! Stop at the house to use the bathroom, shovel the steps and the walkway. . OW! I cut my hand on the snow shovel! Bleed, bleed, bleed all over --- I don't go back in the house, because I have already locked the door and I need to find the mailman. I search the neighborhood, near and far. I get a call from school they need me to pick something up. I head over there, as I go down the main street, I pass the mailman. Damn! I make a U-Turn, follow the mailman, flag down the mailman, I explain my story and he gives me the mail. Thank you, thank you! The forms are in the mail!!! Back to the second bank, stand on line again. Thank you! Do you have the red lollipops anymore? No. Oh.

Now for the "replace Rocky's favorite sweatshirt because of a laundry accident". The snow is falling faster now and getting deeper. I hop on the "Turnpike" to go to the "second nearest" Kohl's, because the nearest Kohl's does not have the sweatshirt (I checked there the day before). I am five minutes away from the store and the cell phone rings! "Hello, this is Nurse Lois from school, Rocky just vomited in the hallway. Can you please pick him up?" AAAARRRRGGGHHHHH!! Five minutes from destination, and 35 minutes from school, decisions, decisions! I decided if I don't get Rocky's sweatshirt we both will be miserable. So I run into the store, get the sweatshirt and head back up the "Turnpike". I made it back to the school within a half hour of the nurse calling.

Rocky was happy about the sweatshirt, but the poor kid was in sad shape for the next forty eight hours. Life was wonderful by Saturday morning, Chip was going to the Boy Scout Klondike up at KMSR (it was too cold to camp, so it was just a day trip --- Negative 8 degrees, when the boys arrive at the camp) and needed to leave the house at 5:30 AM. Super Mom strikes again! I rise and make Chip a warm hearty meal of scrambled eggs. He arrives back at 7:30 PM and is pumped after a great day in the outdoors. We all hop in the car and head up to the mountain house, because Rocky has religious ed in the morning up there. There are flurries when we arrive and all is right with the world.

Three AM --- Lights are on! "MOM!" is being heard from the bathroom! Chip has the virus now! Like I said earlier, it is nasty! Poor Chip tossed his cookies and then some! He was out of commission for two days also, although he didn't miss any school because of the holiday (MLK Jr Day). No religious education that day either because of the eight new inches of snow.

Tuesday, January 20th, our 44th President was sworn in to office. Most Americans took time to watch all or parts of the pomp and circumstance. That evening, the boys and I had a full plate and I needed the assistance of Fred to complete the "activities" of the night. There was a basketball game, boy scout meeting, a visit to another boy scout troop by the WEBELOS and somewhere in there dinner. Fred was in charge of Rocky's basketball game. I was taking Chip to the boy scout meeting and then off to visit the other troop with the rest of the WEBELOS. The house phone rings at 5:00, "Hi Gemmie, I'm not feeling well, I've got what the kids had." Oh, no, poor Fred!

Then I think, "Oh, no poor Gemmie, how do I get everyone where they are supposed to be?" Then it hits me. It's time for "SUPER GRANDMA!" I pick up the phone and call my mom, "Mom could you please take Rocky to his basketball game?'' And of course "SUPER GRANDMA" does!

Fred makes the one hour drive home without soiling the car or leaving his mark on the highway, but he is out of the game until Thursday. Thursday comes and goes, still Gemmie is fine. On Friday, Fred takes the boys to Chip's basketball game and religious emblem meeting and I am off to a "meeting" for the Carnival that is going to be held at the Middle School. The meeting is just an excuse for the ladies to get together and have a little wine and snacks (and a little talk about the Carnival).

Well I was sucker punched! I was having a great time and then I went to excuse myself for the evening and the virus snuck up on me and hit me right in the gut! It was the worst night I had had in a long time. After the stomach retching, the pain in the muscles started and the worst headache you could imagine took over. It took me until this morning to feel somewhat human again.

Snow gives you a fresh look upon the world, but a nasty stomach virus humbles us all!

The Great Equalizer -- Snow

2009-01-21T10:12:00.003-05:00

A white canvass, is what an artist begins with. A white piece of paper, is what a writer begins with. What did God begin with? One wonders about that when you look out the window at freshly fallen snow.

My husband calls snow the "Great Equalizer", because when you look at your yard and then your neighbor's, there's no grass to see, to wonder if it is greener. The snow covered cars on the street all look alike; a Honda looks the same as a Mercedes. The landscape, whether it is bush or a pile of trash all look alike.

It is all the same until the first imprint of life falls upon it. Whether it is the footfall of a squirrel looking for the nuts he had hidden last week; the wind blowing snow off the roof onto the ground; a man's footprints as he goes off to work; or the snow angels made by one of the children.

The United States of America had a fresh blanket of snow cast upon it yesterday at noon in Washington D.C. Our country has the opportunity to change it's image, it's economy, it's government, it's policies and more. President Obama has laid down a challenge to all Americans to make the world a better place. The journey begins with each and every one of us. If all do just a little more to make our own mark in the snow better imagine what dreams can come true.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made a speech about a dream 45 years ago, that all men and women shall have equal opportunities. I believe there is a chance that dream can become a reality in my lifetime. We have not reached that point yet, because the people of the United States still see the color of each others skin. When we the people of the United States of America choose a President, a Governor, a Congressman or any elected official by the their merits alone can we say that Dr. King's dream has been fulfilled. We are one step closer.

Mr. Obama, I wish you well. Have fun making angels in the snow.

Loving Frank

2009-01-15T17:00:00.003-05:00

"Loving Frank" is the book I am reading, it is the second book on my list of books to read in 2009. I started it on January 1st and I am having a very hard time "Loving Frank". Maybe if the book was called "Loving Fred" it would be a lot easier!

Sorry, I haven't posted in a while, I have been busy in my non-computer life. I am hoping things get easier soon.

Busy Lives

2009-01-08T16:16:00.003-05:00

Where has the new year gone? I can't believe one week of 2009 has already past! Seems like yesterday my family and I sat and watched the ball in Times Square drop. On Monday, we all hit the ground running and haven't stopped since. Between scout meetings (total of 3), Huntington (total of 8 hours so far), basketball games (one cancelled), one music lesson, one track practice and other miscellaneous things. we have been on the go!

I believe the four of us might sit down together for a meal tomorrow evening, but things may change.

Some of my older friends tell me to enjoy these kinds of days, because you will miss them when the kids get older. I do enjoy these days, but I also enjoy sitting in my house for more than ten minutes at a time. There has got to be a happy medium!

Sad Words - With A Message

2009-01-06T14:34:00.002-05:00

I met with a man today that I was first introduced to about 8 years ago. He is an older man, much older, older than my father & almost as old as my grandfather would have been. He is a wonderful man but recent years have not been kind to him. It is sad to see what old age does to someone. Luckily he has a very loving family that cares for him and his wife when they are unable to do for themselves.

He told me of how he spends less time behind the desk at the Legion. Part of the reason is because of his health and the other is because in his words, "They just don't appreciate how much I do for them." Those are the saddest words I have ever heard him speak. I understand those words too. Too many people these days take for granted volunteer work that others do.

Instead of appreciating or lending a hand, many ask "why did you do it that way, you should have done it this way". Our society has gotten into a very bad rut, we don't appreciate what we have; our personal possessions, our families, our neighbors and friends and the people around us that do because they can, not because they are paid to.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank: our volunteer firefighters, our volunteer EMTs, our volunteer scout leaders, our volunteers at our schools, at our hospitals, civic organizations, and the volunteers all over our nation. If I have forgotten anyone, I'm sorry, it was not intentional, your work is appreciated and may you continue to bless us all with your spirit of giving.

Back To Work, School & Other Things

2009-01-05T14:28:00.002-05:00

Monday morning came and winter break is over. I was the first one up today, the alarm clock sounded at 6:45 AM, the sun didn't even want to get up today. Fred rolled over, hit the snooze button and then said "Hon, it's time to get up." and he rolled over again, snoring softly within 30 seconds. I head for the shower, I let the warm water run and as the steam builds up, I climb in. I probably spent way too long under the eye opening water. I reach for the fluffy towel, wrap myself up and day dream about climbing back in bed.

I hear the water running! Oh, no! What's going on!

Chip, the kid that never wants to get out of bed, is not only out of bed, but in the shower twenty minutes early! When he gets out I question him, "why are you up so early?"

"I couldn't sleep!" and this is coming from the kid that sleeps until noon if you let him. He was ready for school a half hour early and he even picked up his dirty clothes.

Next up was Fred, he showered and come out to the kitchen exclaiming "The dry cleaner shrunk my sweater!" This thing was so tight on him he looked like he was trying to stuff 3 pounds of stuffing into a one pound bag. I told him the sweater is not his, it was Chip's. "Oh", was the response, he walked away with relief upon his face.

Now for my early bird, Rocky, he is almost always the first one up, not today, Rocky did not want to see the light of day. "School, YUCK!" I had to practically pull him out of bed! Reluctantly, he got up, got dressed and went off to school.

I left the house five minutes later and was off and running. First, Rocky didn't want to take the bus, so he jumps in the car from the bus stop. I pick up my friend, drop Rocky at school and head for Dunkin' Donuts. Coffee for 3 please, and then off to the middle school. My friend and I had a meeting with the principal this morning about a community carnival. Then off to the Community Center for more carnival things and to a local pizzeria/restaurant for lunch and carnival business. Then I dropped my friend off at her home and then more carnival stuff at another friend's home. I finally got to the elementary school for yet more carnival stuff and a meeting with the principal of the elementary school.

It's a good thing my kids are "good" boys, because otherwise I would be in the Principal's office all the time.

I arrived at home at 2:10, just enough time to put one load of laundry in before the boys come home!

So much for a quiet day at home!

Are The Holidays Really Over?

2009-01-04T16:08:00.002-05:00

Winter break ends today, the kids go back to school in the morning. Christmas was over a week ago, New Year's Eve was four days ago, but I am not ready to put away the lights and sparkling ornaments. The cookies are stale and need to be thrown out.

Luckily, my mother has created a family tradition of not taking down the tree until after her mother's birthday on January 6th, Little Christmas. It has also helped to marry Fred. He is of Hispanic origin and Santa didn't come to his house when he was little. The "Three Kings" brought the toys to the children. So when it came time for us to have our kids, we need to blend cultures.

Our Christmas does not end until the morning of January 6th. The kids put their shoes by the front door (only one pair, Rocky has tried putting more than one pair a few years ago) the night of January 5th. The kings leave a toy on top of the shoes and are off. It has always been exciting to see their faces on that morning, just as it is exciting on Christmas morning.

I guess it is our way of keeping Christ in Christmas, remembering that Jesus received his gifts from the kings. The tree and decorations stay up until the 6th, so if you still need to extend the holidays, stop by Gemmie & Fred's, they will be up through the 7th.

Fred's Christmas Present

2009-01-03T20:19:00.002-05:00

Fred spent the afternoon using his Christmas present. He and Chip went for a long walk in the woods. They took over one hundred pictures of the neighborhood. Hopefully next year we will have a "Fred" original photo card. It is amazing how beautiful a photograph can be when you have the right equipment.

Two Hundred

2009-01-03T13:07:00.001-05:00

Two Hundred Hits Today!

The Noises of A Saturday Morning

2009-01-03T10:21:00.001-05:00

Today is not like any other Saturday Morning. Most Saturday mornings the boys have some sort of activity to go to, but since we are technically still in holiday mode, all are sleeping late. We are up in our mountain home, so the noises are really different.

I was the first one up this morning, nothing usual there. I came up stairs to a bright and sunny room. I walked into the kitchen and looked out the big picture window and noticed yet another inch or two of fresh snow. I filled the coffee maker with fresh water, ground the Starbucks coffee beans and placed them in the coffee maker and then pressed the brew button.

I shuffled over the couch, grabbed the laptop and started it up. The coffee maker was sputtering and the laptop was whirring. I listened for the the other sounds of silence. Ah, Fred was still asleep, his deep breathing and gentle snore could be heard from behind the closed door of the downstairs bedroom. Chip was still asleep, his deep breaths and occasional murmur was below me. Rocky, the soundest sleeper of the bunch, had just rolled over and bumped the wall with either an elbow or knee. The wind was blowing the freshly fallen snow around the yard, the naked trees were shaking in the wind. Creeks from the house could be heard, as the wind slows. The electric heat is coming up, the thermostat clicks on, then the blower clicks, then the heating element. As the metal expands from the electricity flowing, the air begins to warm. The warm air rises and then moves the valances of the window treatments slightly.

The coffee begins to drip into the carafe, and the smells begin to stir the rest of the family. Rocky bounds up the stairs. "Hi, Mommy, what are you doing he asks?" My response of "Nothing." confuses him, as he sees that I have the computer on and I turn it off as he asks. The coffee maker beeps, Fred plods his way to the bathroom. The toilet flushes and the water begins to refill the tank. Rocky attempts to wake Chip, but all he gets is a "Leave Me Alone!" Fred climbs the stairs and asks "What's for breakfast?"

The quiet of a Saturday morning has been spoiled!

Twilight

2009-01-02T11:26:00.002-05:00

I finished my first book of 2009. As I told you in a previous post, I am spending the first 4 days of 2009 reading. I finished Twilight last night at about 12:30 AM. My next book, Loving Frank will be started later today. The boys and I will be venturing out in the new snow. It is flurrying now and it looks like a lot of fun.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T13:04:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to my friends and family. So far the new year has been a pleasure. We are up in the mountains, a fire is in the fireplace, Rocky has made snow angels in the 3 inches of new snow, Chip is pleasant and Fred is relaxing. I, myself resolve to spend the rest of the weekend (Thursday- Sunday) reading the books "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer and "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan.

"Twilight" is the book all the teenage girls are reading and the recent movie with the actor that played Cedric Diggerty in the Harry Potter movie. "Loving Frank" is a book that Fred gave me for Christmas, it is a New York Times bestseller. I will keep you updated on the progress.

Why Must A Child Grow Up?

2008-12-30T18:42:00.002-05:00

Why must a child grow up? I sat thirteen years ago with a beautiful baby boy in my arms. As I nursed him and sang him lullabies, I dreamed for him. I dreamed of his first words (they were ball and bird). I dreamed of his first steps (they were on August 31, 1996). I dreamed of his first day of school (September 14, 1999, my birthday). I dreamed of a lot of his firsts. However, I know I did not dream of his first girlfriend or even his first crush.

Chip is getting to be a real teenager and I am not sure if I am ready for this. Yes, I knew I would have to let him go out into the world, but it is scary! The dawn of technology has not made it any easier either. Chip got his first cell phone recently and all he seems to do now it "text" his friends. He never spend any time on the telephone before.

He seems to think I live in the dark ages, well I don't, I have a small lamp in my corner of the world. The technology available to our children is both amazing and frightening. I have "googled" Fred and myself in the past and came up with a few hits, but I never got any hits on my son's names until.......I "googled" Chip earlier today and I was surprised to find his name out there. Kids don't seem to realize the impact of a few words to a friend, but then again most adults don't realize it either. I am not sure I am ready for this one, but I am in it! I guess I need to get with it real fast, because Rocky is up next...........

Countdown until Rocky becomes a teenager: 3 years, 5 months, 16 days, 10 hours, 29 minutes..

Part 3 - Christmas At Gem's

2008-12-30T18:27:00.002-05:00

The clean up! Ah, it really wasn't that bad. The boys took out all the garbage, Fred slept, Mom-in-law washed the pots and I put everything else away.

We have been having our long winter's nap since Christmas, that's why I haven't posted anything this week.

Part 2 - Christmas At Gem's

2008-12-26T16:31:00.001-05:00

Well the cake was finished with no time to spare! My parents started the arrival of our dinner guests, followed by my brother, sister-in-law and nephew (they were early for a change) and last but not least my sister, brother-in-law and other nephew (they arrived after the time dinner was to be put on the table). Chip & Rocky enjoyed the company of their cousins, as much as a 13 and 10 year old can enjoy the company of a 5 and 2 year old.

Dinner was a success, the dinner was catered from the local "speciality" supermarket and it was great! Even someone with no experience in the kitchen could have made it. We opened presents and once again the paper was strewn around the living room. We picked up the paper and then headed back to the table for dessert.

My mom and sister brought homemade cookies that they had made. I purchased a Strawberry Shortcake and made the Chocolate Ganache Cake. My 2 year old nephew loved the chocolate cake so much he stuck his whole face in it and had chocolate all over himself.

The rest of the family recalled a Christmas dinner several years ago, before my Grandmother started showing the signs of dementia, by asking "What kind of cake is it?" "Chocolate." "What's inside of it?" "Chocolate." "No. what's it made of?" "CHOCOLATE!" That made my Grandmother very angry with all of us and she refused to speak with anyone the rest of the night. Grandma has not been able to share in the holidays or any other celebrations for a few years, she is missed from around the table, but she is always with us.

After coffee and dessert, all were full and exhausted. My sister and her family packed up the car and left. My brother spent time with Chip & Rocky discussing computers. My mom, sister-in-law and I were talking about how my sis-in-law was feeling, as she is expecting in August. And my mom-in-law, Dad and Fred sat and watched some TV for awhile. My 2 year old nephew climbed up on Fred's lap and laid down to watch too. Fred is the only family member he will do that with. Fred was almost the one to bring my sis-in-law to the hospital the day he was born, since Fred works around the corner from their home. I guess Fred and my nephew have a special bond now!

My brother and family then packed up their car and left. My parents decided to go home a few minutes later. As they are walking out, they told me to say "Good Night & Merry Christmas" to Fred --- he was sound asleep! All of this happened before 9:00PM.

Part 3 --The Clean Up to follow

Christmas At Gem's

2008-12-25T13:59:00.002-05:00

This morning Rocky was the first up, he was also the last to bed! He was very excited about the Fat Man coming. He left cookies and pop tarts for Santa, and he wanted to know which he preferred. Santa ate the pop tarts. This kid could not wait to open his presents and he knows the rules, no presents until dad gets up. And this morning it was a hard thing, since Fred took NyQuil before bed last night.

After all presents were unwrapped and the paper was picked up, we had a very nice surprise at our front door. Friends of ours dropped in to say Merry Christmas! They came with a very thoughtful gift, a small porcelain tea pot with a message to say that "the handle is like the arms you put around everyone" and the spout is like "the love you pour out to all" and they added a box of spiritual tea to the gift.

I am in the process of making a Chocolate Ganache Cake for dessert --- it is to die for! It is the Barefoot Contessa's Recipe. I will eat a piece for all.

Part Two of Christmas At Gem's will be published later. Bye for now!

Merry Christmas To All

2008-12-24T15:39:00.003-05:00

To my dear friends and family,

May all the blessings of Christmas arrive at your door.

May the true meaning of Christmas be in your heart.

May all of your loved ones be around your table;

and

May all of those that you may have angered or anger you forget why and remember that life is short and peace needs to begin within ourselves.

God Bless Us All.

Merry Christmas!

Love always,

Gemmie

Check List Update

2008-12-24T08:29:00.002-05:00

Tree Up - Check
All Gifts Purchased - Check
Dinner Menu Planned - Check
Dinner Menu Purchased - Dec 24th pick up at supermarket
Wines Purchased - Fred's Job not mine
Gifts Wrapped - All wrapped except for Santa Presents that will have to wait until Chip & Rocky are out or asleep
House Cleaned - Need to do a spot cleaning
Tablecloth Ironed & Table Set - Later today
Sheets Washed because Mom-in-Law staying over - Bought new sheets, no need to wash old ones today
Vacuum Playroom - one of the boys will vacuum
Make some cookies / teach Chip & Rocky to do it - 12:00 Noon
Go to Mass - 6:00 PM
Sleep Late - Dec 26th
Haircut, Manicure & Pedicure - 2009

My Checklist

2008-12-22T17:32:00.002-05:00

Tree Up - Check
Gifts for Chip - Check
Gifts for Rocky - Check
Gifts for Fred - Tomorrow
Gifts for my side of Family - all but Bro-in-Law
Gifts for Fred's side of Family - Check
Stocking Stuffers - Check
Dinner Menu Planned - Check
Dinner Menu Purchased - Dec 24th pick up at supermarket
Wines Purchased - Fred's Job not mine
Gifts Wrapped - 1/2 way done will do rest tonight & tomorrow
House Cleaned - Check
Tablecloth Ironed - Dec 24th
Sheets Washed because Mom-in-Law staying over - Dec 24th
Haircut, Manicure & Pedicure - with what time?

I have checked my list, I am sure I forgot something, but I hope I did not forget anyone!

Peace On Earth Or At Least In My Neck Of The World

2008-12-21T11:27:00.001-05:00

When struggles happen in my life I am reminded of the song "Let There Be Peace On Earth". Let was a song that was sung just about every week at the end of mass in the Church I grew up in. I don't know if effected everyone in the same way, but it helped me to get along with both of my siblings for at least long enough to get out of the parking lot.

I was reminded of the song last week, when my husband and his sister were battling over what started as "When are we going to see you for Thanksgiving" and it blew out of control when she said we should have consulted her about our family going away for the long weekend. They haven't spoken since, but the next holiday is only a few days away and I told Fred, "life is too short and we only have our siblings, why not offer the olive branch." He agreed and we will be spending Christmas Eve at his sister's house.

I decided to use the same approach with the person I have been having issues with and invited her to a small gathering on Monday evening. She stated that an close relative past away and that the services are on Monday morning that she would probably not be able to attend. I still offered the invitation, stating that a quick, no cook meal might be the thing her and her children need and she was welcome. Then I wished her and her family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I also wished for Peace On Earth or At Least In My Neck Of The World!

The Peace Maker Is Coming Tomorrow

2008-12-18T15:27:00.002-05:00

An acquaintance and I have been having issues with each other. It is a type of power struggle. Well, I received a call about 15 minutes ago, a concerned third party would like to sit a talk with me with about the situation. He is coming over tomorrow morning for a pleasant one on one. Hopefully, he will be able to ease some of the tensions.

I guess I need to have an open mind. I promise I will try. Gemmie will try extra, extra, extra hard; besides it is the season to be wishing for "Peace on Earth", I should try to let it begin with me.

Tea With A Friend

2008-12-17T21:51:00.002-05:00

To my dear friend Sue,

Thank you for having tea with me today. I have missed the conversations we used to have many years ago. I am glad our lives are beginning to meet at the same location.

Gem

For those of you that don't know, Sue and I became friends through a wonderful organization, Boy Scouts of America. We both have put more than our "required" one hour a week into the organization, but the rewards we both have gained are piled higher than the two of us.

Sue's boys are 18 & 16, mine 13 & 10..... two far apart in age for the boys to be close (for now), but the mommy's are. She is the one that started me on my new "bad" habit.......Blogging.

I hope that we can spend more time together soon.

2008-12-17T14:54:00.001-05:00

Payday Comes Twice In December

2008-12-17T14:41:00.002-05:00

I received another reality check today. This one was "Pay to the Order of Gemmie, The Mother of Rocky".

My younger son's teachers paid me a wonderful compliment on my son, Rocky. Over the past 5 days, my 10 year old has put in approximately 17 hours of community service. He has helped his brother's Boy Scout Troop with their Spaghetti Dinner and his teacher's son with his Eagle Project. Over the weekend, Rocky has helped create the baskets, bring them up from the basement, carry them to the car and into the catering hall, set up the room for the dinner and then served pasta for another 5 and a half hours. Yesterday, one of his teacher's son's was doing his Eagle Project, a Toys for Tots Toy Drive and Family Bingo night at Rocky's school. Rocky said, "he preferred to work on the project, rather than participate as a student." The Eagle candidate agreed and off Rocky went. Rocky performed all the duties asked of him, above and beyond the expectations of all scouts and adults at the project. The leaders of the Boy Scout Troop were more than impressed with the dedication of a 10 year -- not even a Boy Scout yet! Rocky isn't even going to that Troop in February!

I am extremely proud to be the Mother, Den Leader and Friend of my son Rocky! Good Job! Mommy Loves You!

It's All The Mayor's Fault

2008-12-16T12:42:00.002-05:00

Two years ago, the mayor of our town decided that it was time to clean house, both literally and figuratively. Our mayor has been making changes throughout the town, from the Sanitation, Recreation, and other departments. He has been streamlining as much as possible and has also asked the residents of the town to do the same.

One of the ways he has made it easier on the residents is to institute a "bulk garbage" day in the springtime to facilitate the "Spring Cleaning" process. Each section of town was designated a weekend for "free" yard sales and the following Wednesday would be the bulk pick up. My husband and I took advantage of that first bulk pick up by taking down the swing set in the backyard and removing a semi-permanent room divider.

We then had a custom "entertainment/room divider" designed and built and we began the redecorating of the living room, dining room, family room, kitchen and hall. Well today, 21 months later, the project is finished, except for a few accessories.

Mr. Mayor, I blame you for the 21 months of not having my home in order, but damn it looks good now! Thanks!

Adding To The Pot

2008-12-15T21:31:00.002-05:00

Did you ever wonder if you add to some one's pot or take from it?

As a child, I am sure I took quite a bit from my parents' pot. I know I definitely took from their wallet. I hope I added to it too, by getting good grades, doing what was expected of me and behaving most of the time.

As a teenager, I still took more than I added.

As a young adult, I was taking.......

As an adult, I am now giving back to them, I gave them a son (my husband), two grandsons and I moved out and stayed out! I also haven't asked them for money in a long time.

My sons are definitely in the taking mode right now!

But my question is not about giving or taking from family, it relates more toward the people that you meet in your day to day activities outside the family circle. I know a lady that tends to take from me more than most and most of the time it is OK. Lately though, she seems to take, and take and take. I am tired of her taking without giving. I know it sounds like I am being mean, but the relationship is extremely lopsided. She is a diabetic, with two grown children and a son the same age as my oldest. She lost her spouse in 1998. Her health has deteriorated since I met her in 2000. Her older children have little or no regard for her and she is in need of a friend.

I have helped her many times, by taking her to the Emergency Room and sitting with her until she was admitted and a family member came. Taken her son in when ever she asked, dropped everything to help her, yet she doesn't help herself. For example, when she asks "what can I do to help my son with school work?" I tell her call the guidance councilor, she doesn't and when her son's report card comes home with 2 F's and 4 D's, she asks me what to do about it. I gave her the answer three weeks before, three months before and three years before.

I enjoy giving and most of the time it really makes me feel good, but lately I have been analyzing the adding and subtracting that I do and others do to me. I have decided that the giving I will be doing must also add to me now. The adding can be as simple a smile or just that good feeling you get deep down inside, but I need a little something too!

Change The Letters & Add A Few

2008-12-14T21:04:00.004-05:00

Did you ever look at the word "being"?

Did you know if you change the letters around & add an "n" it becomes "benign"?

Or add a "n, h, o & r" you get a "neighbor"?

There are other words that if you change the letters around like "lift" becomes "flit".

Here are the definitions of the those five words.

Being: the fact of existing; Philosophically-that which has actuality either materially or in idea. or absolute existence in a complete or perfect state.

Benign: having a kindly disposition; gracious; healthful; pleasant or beneficial

Neighbor: a person who shows kindliness or helpfulness toward his or her fellow humans

Lift: assistance or aid; to raise or direct upward; to hold up or display on high

Flit: to move lightly and swiftly; fly, dart, or skim along; to pass quickly, as time

I hope to become a "Benign Being That Flits & Lifts All Of My Neighbors"

May God Bless Each & Everyone of My Neighbors here on Earth during this Holiday Season and Always!

Two Weeks To Christmas!

2008-12-10T13:52:00.002-05:00

Fourteen shopping days to Christmas. Thirteen days to get my Christmas cards out or they will be New Year's cards. Twelve days and the kids will be out of school. Eleven days to wrap all the gifts before the kids are out of school. Ten days until the CCD break. Nine days to a friend's Christmas Party. Eight days of Chanukah, anyone know when is starts this year. Seven days. put up the Christmas Tree. Six days until my new furniture comes. Five days hopefully the carpet will be in. Four days. Three days until the Spaghetti Dinner. Two days to have all the baskets upstairs. One day to rest---- did I say rest----- something must be wrong. Today, the moms make baskets for the Spaghetti Dinner.

Reality Check

2008-12-09T17:35:00.002-05:00

I got a nice big reality check today.

Pay to the order of: Gemmie, Mother of Chip.

One of my son's friend's mom paid me a genuine complement. She said I was raising a fine young man and that she is proud that her son counts my son as a friend. Both she and her husband, think my son is a good role model for her son.

Just wish I could go to the bank now and cash it!

LOL!

2008-12-09T17:34:00.001-05:00

I hit a mile stone today! 100 hits! Yeah Me!

Complements

2008-12-09T13:30:00.002-05:00

Today, I went to get my hair cut. I didn't get dressed up. I didn't put on any makeup. There was nothing special about anything I put on today, but I got lots of complements.

I guess just because my hair was down after the hair cut everyone noticed the small change in my appearance. Most men don't notice any change, but the women notice the slightest of changes. "Oh, Gemmie, what did you do to your hair? It looks great" was all I kept hearing. I guess I will have to complement my hair dresser now on the great job she did and give her a bigger tip next time!

Imagine How Much You Could Get Done

2008-12-08T17:07:00.003-05:00

I can only imagine how much stuff I could get done if I really put my heart and soul into it.

Yesterday, after Church, my sister called to tell me about the family of a child in the school that she teaches at. The family recently left a homeless shelter and have nothing. The family needs just about everything. My sister knew that I had just purchased new sheets and comforters for my son's second bedroom at our weekend home and asked if I still had them. Well, I did. This morning, I could have brought the items to my mother's house and left them for my sister, but I felt that no one should have to suffer in the cold if I could help them. I packed up 3 twin sized comforter sets, a queen size comforter set, 3 sheet sets and 6 bath towel sets and set off to my sister's school. It is not in the best of neighborhoods, but I went. I surprised not only my sister, but her class of 4th and 5th graders, and the principal of the school.

I even read the kids a story "The Polar Express" and they want me to come back to visit them in January. The feeling I had after the whole experience was AMAZING!

I was also able to complete some tasks that I have been putting off, shopping for supplies for Chip's Boy Scout Troop's Spaghetti Dinner this weekend at St. C's church ----3 PM - 8 PM on Saturday for all you locals.

I also created the invitation for my other son, Rocky's Blue & Gold Dinner, and worked on a letter for soliciting ad's and my final farewell letter for the ad booklet.

I also realized that I can not be in two places at once and I asked for help. One, I asked another parent to drive the boys to a OA Meeting and two, I asked other PTO parents to help with the refreshments for Rocky's teacher's son's Eagle Project.

Believe it or not, I even started to decorate my home for Christmas and I did at least one load of laundry.

Like I said IMAGINE!

Sleeping In

2008-12-06T10:06:00.002-05:00

This was the first Saturday in a very long time that my husband, the kids and I could sleep in and boy did we. It is now 10:00 AM, and my early bird Rocky, slept until 9:00. I slept until 9:15, my bladder woke me up and my hubby and Chip probably won't be up until after 11:00. It feels good! The only thing on the agenda that has a timetable today is a party at 6:00.

Therefore we have a day for lounging! The Christmas shopping can wait. Yes, I know I will be complaining in two weeks that I still have to get it finished, but right now rest is important.

2008-12-04T21:32:00.001-05:00

AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Why can't people be like goldfish? Just swim around in the fish tank and look cute!

Start of The Christmas Season

2008-11-30T17:43:00.003-05:00

Thursday was a BIG turkey dinner. Friday was turkey sandwiches. Saturday, needed pasta in the worst way. Sunday was leftover appetizers. Monday will be turkey salad sandwiches and then onto the big Christmas preparations. My first day of Christmas shopping is on Wednesday. Every year since before I was born, my mom and godmother have gone shopping on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving.

It has been a tradition for them. They would get up early and literally shop 'til they dropped. The day usually started for them at about 8:00AM and didn't end until well after midnight. Once Chip was born, I was invited to join them. It was not because they wanted to see me, but spend more time with Chip. The day now starts around 9:00 AM with breakfast with the ladies at the local IHOP for the senior citizen special --- (they are the seniors, not me!). Then we check out the newspaper ads to get the low down on all the deals. Need to cut those coupons!

Then it is across the street for the bargain hunt. The first thing that happens is you need to park the car near an exit, leave you coat in the car, find the nearest bathroom and then shop! My mom and aunt have been doing this so long they have a special call to each other: "Hellie, oh Hellie" and the other "Ellie, oh Ellie" you can hear this throughout the stores. It is quite funny!

During the day, they stop for a drink, lunch, bathroom breaks......... not much shopping ever gets done. Then around 2:45PM, I leave because I have to go to get Chip and Rocky from school. Grandma and Auntie Hellie can't wait for this part. We have used this day as the day the grandchildren go to see the Fat Man. My sister was invited to join us when her son was born and then my sister-in-law was invited when my brother's son was born. Now, Chip, Rocky and their two cousins all go see Santa Claus together! I don't know how much longer Chip or Rocky will sit on the big guy's lap, but we will see!

After the Santa pictures, the kids want to do a little shopping and then we all go for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. So all in all, not much shopping gets done, but a lot of eating and seeing the relatives without any cleaning the house or cooking happens.

That's the beginning of the holiday season at Gemmie's House.

The Holidays Are Approaching

2008-11-26T08:38:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and four weeks from today is Christmas Eve. I haven't done any of the preparations for any of the holidays yet. The Halloween decorations never even came out of storage this year. The time has flown by way to quickly for me. We have to do the shopping, baking and cooking all in one night. Good thing Fred likes to cook!

Happy Thanksgiving To All!

Meet My Family

2008-11-25T09:40:00.002-05:00

I have stated in my profile I am the mother of two great boys and the wife of a fantastic man, well it is time you meet them. My husband is Fred, and he is a stone worker of sorts, he is an architect and he helps his clients decide how and where the stones should be placed to create the wonderful monuments we call buildings. Fred and I have been married since the Stone Age (almost 22 years now). We met through a mutual friend the day after I graduated from high school and we have been together ever since.

We have two wonderful sons, Chip who is thirteen and very handsome, and Rocky who is ten going on twenty-one and he puts the sparkle in all of us. Chip is off to high school in September, a Boy Scout, and avid soccer player. Rocky is a Cub Scout, a saxophone player, great student and a sports nut! Rocky loves his favorite baseball team so much that he wears a NY Mets shirt EVERY Friday, no matter what! He knows all the stats and could negotiate a $5 million contract for anyone including Babe Ruth. He has also been cursed with the Community Service gene. Rocky do anything for anyone! He is kind and considerate and will get you the shirt off his back if asked, and at times to his own determent.

Chip on the other hand is a little more under the radar, although the thing that his radar is honing in on is the girls. Luckily he knows that Gemmie and Fred won't put up with girls interfering with Chip's education! Chip is an excellent student when he applies himself. Chip is up for his next rank in Boy Scouts tonight! Good Luck Chip!

More on them later!

Gem

A Story About Chip

2008-11-22T16:06:00.004-05:00

My teenage son went to his first "formal" event today. He was dressed in his suit and tie and went off. The young ladies that met him there, were very excited to see him all dressed up. I must say he looked fine! They were surprised at how good he looks when he is all polished, but he is a 3 carat gem just like his mom!

I asked the young ladies, who looked very nice too, what time the affair was going to be over and their response was 11:00 PM, but my dad is picking us up at 10:30. I told my little chip off the Gemmie, the pumpkin will pick you up at 10:30 too. He had the "what in the %$#@ is she talking about" expression on his face and the girls had to tell him. The girls said "Cinderella Chip!", then he rolled his eyes and said "Oh, Momma Gemmie"...........thinking "MOTHERS ARE SOOOO ANNOYING".

He was given the instructions --- don't talk with your mouth full, a firm handshake and be a gentleman. I am sure that I probably didn't need to give the instructions, but it felt like the motherly thing to do. I didn't embarrass him by giving him a kiss and I am sure he will make me a very proud momma.

Round Hole Square Peg

2008-11-21T15:37:00.002-05:00

Did you ever try to do something that you know was supposed to work? But it just wouldn't! A construction project at my home is just that thing that is supposed to work. According to all the drawings, plans and pictures it should have fit. But someone just didn't think it all through. It will be alright, it will just take a little more time and then it will be perfect.

Felix and a Troop of Oscars

2008-11-20T18:13:00.003-05:00

One person's idea of a perfect way is definitely not another's! I am stuck between a rock and a hard place on this one. I have two friends, one a "Felix Unger" character and the other a not so "Felix, but definitely not Oscar Mason". "Felix" was the adult equipment manager for the Boy Scout Troop, but being a "Felix", he doesn't go camping....... "Not so Oscar" goes camping, but doesn't want the job. "Oscar" told me that "Felix" was going about things the wrong way and "Felix" told me that the "Oscars" are not cooperating........... ARRRGGGHHHHH (Oh, that's Charlie Brown)

I just need to sit back and listen........ because my boy, "Oscar Jr." is the Quartermaster of the troop and he kept telling me that "Felix" is driving him crazy!

Well, "Felix" just resigned and I don't know it I should be happy, sad or grateful!

Wow!

2008-11-19T15:47:00.002-05:00

I got hits! I was so excited today when I saw how many hits my blog received today! I want to do the happy dance!

Get yours at Webfetti.com

2008-11-18T15:24:00.000-05:00

Get yours at Webfetti.com

Thanksgiving Is 9 Days Away!

Counting My Blessings

2008-11-18T15:06:00.002-05:00

The other day I was invited to attend a fashion show for the March of Dimes. It was a fundraiser for them, the "models" were children who were born weeks or months prematurely. My niece, was in the show and both she and her brother were born 9 weeks before their due date. To both their and the family's good fortune, the two of them are now healthy and happy 4 1/2 year olds.

During the show, children ranging from 6 months to 7 years paraded their fashions for all. The children were absolutely adorable and to see how far each of them have come was amazing. As a parent, I sometimes forget that the struggles I have with my boys are tiny, as both of them were born full-term, are extremely talented in academics & sports, and they are fine young men.

It is an eye opening experience to see the hurdles these families must conquer just to bring their child home. I pray that I never have to experience the illness of one of my sons or hold the hand of a friend whose child is sick, but I will be there to comfort and support any and all of them. May God bless all the children and their families.

Leaves Have Fallen

2008-11-17T10:35:00.002-05:00

The leaves in my neighborhood have all fallen, except for one tree in my backyard. This tree has refused to turn colors and let the leaves go. That is how I feel about the coming of the holiday season. I seem to have missed the last half of September and all of October. Is it really the 17th of November? The businesses have done away with all the Thanksgiving decorations and it is still 10 days away! Santa arrived at the local mall on Thursday evening, tree sellers have already set up their stands and the grocery stores have candy canes on sale.

My poor little tree is trying to make a statement and say "Wait stop and enjoy the fall...... it is just as wonderful as winter and we still have lots of fun to be had. Rake the leaves into a pile and jump and roll among them, there will be time for snow and snowball fights in the weeks and months to come."

In late spring, we hear the saying "Don't forget to stop and smell the roses, let's stop and watch the leaves turn and fall to the ground" It is a peaceful sound, with all the leaf blowers and lawn mowers we don't seem to hear what our environment is saying to us. The falling leaves tell us almost silently to slow down. I intend to take a brief moment today to listen to the leaves.................... "Gem, enjoy life, enjoy your family, enjoy nature............."

Helping Others, Helping Yourself

2008-11-16T09:30:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I assisted my son with a scout project, "Scouting for Food". It has always been a project I have been involved with but yesterday I really saw the hard work that goes into it. My son and three others in his troop were give a thousand bags each, a map and a group of scouts ranging in age from 6-17. They were each asked to coordinate the scouts, drop off the bags and a week later pick up the food and deliver it to the food pantry. They are also responsible for the recording of service hours for each of the boys involved and reporting back to the scout master.

It is very difficult as a parent not to help, I had to step back and let him be in charge and in control. For a young man, he has done an incredible job. There was an overwhelming response to the food drive, my son's group collected approximately 1300 pieces of food. The other 3 groups collected anywhere from 900 pieces to 1250 pieces. Another scout troop was conducting a drive as well and the boys all met at the food pantry and worked together to get the items out of the cars and trucks and into the building. It was a wonderful feeling to see that the community and the scouts are working together for a common goal.

My son's eyes were opened to the many blessings he has and is grateful for the food that his family can provide him and his brother. Compassion was one of the many lessons learned yesterday. Many families in our community will be fed for Thanksgiving and in the weeks to come.

Things are Brighter!

2008-11-14T16:39:00.001-05:00

Things have gotten brighter! One of the reasons why I had the blah's was because I misplaced my glasses. I found them, I found them! La, la, la, la, la!

The Friday Blah's

2008-11-14T10:59:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know you are not supposed to have the Friday Blah's, but the weather hasn't been helping. It has been drizzling for the past two days and it is expected to continue until Sunday. The gray and wet weather can make even the happiest person sad.

There was a bright spot though yesterday, my 10 year old son came home from school barely walking, and I asked him "what happened?" Here I am ready to call the police to have the gym teacher arrested for abusing my child, his response was "MOM, I DID 45 lLAPS AT SCHOOLl!!!!", I was still having the teacher arrested at this point and then he handed me a certificate that said "Second Place in the School for Pacer Test". He was second only to a 10 year old girl with 3 inches more legs than my son. So, he was 1st Place for the boys!

Then both boys had basketball rankings last night, the older one was first, he is one of the youngest in the age group, but one of the tallest. He did fine, especially since he never played on an organized team before, but the younger one was dribbling, passing and shooting like a pro. In fact, one of the coach's keep pulling him out ---- I didn't know why. Well, by the end of the session, the coach comes up to me and says "Mrs. Gem?"

"Yes???"

"I would like to have your son on my travel team. I coach the 11 year olds and I think your son is good enough to play with them."

My response was, "He is only 10!", and silently I am thinking -----"OH, no travel."

"Yes, but I want him!" explained the coach.

Hopefully, yesterday's bright spot will begin to spill over into today........ but so far it hasn't!

A Beautiful Bunch

2008-11-13T09:08:00.000-05:00

I have a beautiful bunch of friends! Yesterday, while I was having lunch with 3 friends, all from different areas of my life I realized how lucky I am. My friends range from casual acquaintances to "tell me your deep dark secrets". I jokingly compared them to a lovely bunch of flowers.

As a lover of flowers, I see the beauty in all. The obvious are roses, lilies, and orchids, but even the flowers others see as weeds are beautiful such as goldenrod and dandelions. Without dandelions, a five year old couldn't give his mom a bouquet of flowers. Without goldenrod, we wouldn't appreciate our health and the good things we enjoy. Roses are beautiful and sweet smelling, but very thorny. Lilies are fragrant and the pollen gets everywhere. Orchids are rare and very delicate.

My friends are roses, lilies, orchids, daisies, tulips, asters, dandelions and yes, even goldenrod. I guess I am just not allergic to goldenrod! To all my friends that I didn't mention a flower for, you are all in my bouquet and you mean more to me than you will ever know. Thank you for making my world more beautiful.

Nothing Much To Say!

2008-11-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

I don't have much to say today.............

See ya tomorrow!

Happiness is .....

2008-11-11T14:48:00.000-05:00

Happiness is spending time with my son
Happiness is interacting with him
Happiness is knowing he is a good person
Happiness is realizing he is becoming the man I always knew he would be!

Monday Morning Time

2008-11-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

Time is 6:45 AM, Mom's up, shower time,
Time is 7:05 AM, Son Number One is up, got money for lunch time,
Time is 7:40 AM, Hubby's up, make the coffee time,
Time is 7:50 AM, Number one son's off, make the lunch time,
Time is 8:00 AM, Number two son's up, do you have your homework time,
Time is 8:30 AM, Number two son's off, did you make the bus time,
Time is 8:35 AM, Hubby's off, I'll drive him time.
Time is 8:55 AM, Mom's washing dishes, clean up time,
Time is 9:15 AM, Mom's picking up clothes, laundry time,
Time is 10:00 AM, Mom's paying the bills, bank time,
Time is 10:45 AM, Mom's arranging car pools, scheduleing time,
Time is 11:00 AM, Mom's on the computer, PTO time,
Time is 11:45 AM, Mom's stomach is rumbling, BREAKFAST TIME!

Honey, Come Sit With Me

2008-11-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

"Honey, come sit with me" used to mean let's cuddle.......... Today, it meant "Let me have the computer for a while. I want to show you what I want for Christmas." Well, he didn't want to show me a shirt, tie or even a new coat. He is dreaming the BIG CHRISTMAS GIFT DREAM!

He better be VERY, VERY good during the next few weeks, if he thinks Santa is going to spend that kind of cash! Boys toys get very expensive and the older they get the more expensive the toys are! My big boy (hubby) is looking at a "semi-professional" digital camera with additional lenses, carrying case and extra bells and whistles.

What happened to the days when a homemade Christmas card and a thoughtful piece of clothing that matched his blue eyes was more than enough?

Since, he "showed" me his list. I gave him mine............ 1. A diamond fleur de lis necklace 2. A new laptop computer to be used exclusively by me 3. A new desk and updated computer room 4. A new wardrobe and that was just off the top of my head. If I had to make a list for Santa, I bet I could come up with a list as long as my arm.

Now I know what "Honey, come sit with me" means..............

Boys Stink!

2008-11-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

I remember when I was about 6-10 years old and thought "Boys Stink!". Well I am a lot older now and they do! This afternoon my sons had two friends over and they were playing a video game .........Guitar Hero World Tour. Yes, they were in their own space, but four 10-14 year olds stink when they get sweaty!

My childhood and adulthood ideas of "Boys Stink" are completely different but so true! Luckily, I changed my mind at about twelve and a half and I am very happy being the "Queen Bee" at my house. I love my boys and all their stinky friends and wouldn't trade them in for a houseful of girls!

Tea for Three

2008-11-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

This morning had some very pleasant twists. My sons had a friend stay over last night and they didn't stay up until 3:00 AM. My husband is working from home today and watched a "Chick Flick" on the boob tube this morning with me. And a meeting I really didn't want to have turned into a very enjoyable brunch.

A friend and I were supposed to visit a catering hall to arrange a party, but the gentleman we needed to speak with was not available. So we decided to "have a mom's morning out", the kids were in very capable hands and "safe", so out for a meal and adult conversation.

We were escorted to our seats by the host, greeted by the waiter and ordered our tea. Then the cell phone rang! Usually it is any one of our 5 sons, "When are you coming home?", but we were surprised when a friend of ours was on the other end. We didn't even give her a chance to say no, "meet us at Perkin's!", and to our surprise, she accepted!

Well, there was "Three for Tea!" The three of us meet through our children, 7 boys in all! That range in age from 8 to 18. We didn't meet because each one of us have a son in the same grade or even the same school. That would have happened for only two of us. We met through a wonderful organization that helps mold high energy boys into fine young men, the Boy Scouts of America. We are well on our way to be mothers of men that will make a significant contribution to our society.

Ladies, I am always available for tea!

Homecation

2008-11-06T13:15:00.000-05:00

My homecation is all about not doing my job! As a stay at home mom, I am responsible for the caring, clothing, feeding and the general well being of my family. The laundry has to be done, but I didn't do it in the regular way. The mountain was just too big to tackle one load at a time, so I took it to the laundromat. Yes, it cost a few dollars, but it only took two and a half hours to wash, dry & fold six huge loads.

My mornings have been completely dedicated to the satisfaction of me this week. Get up, lounge in my nightgown, make myself a cup of coffee, sit on the couch, watch mindless television and shower before noon. Too bad it can only happen when the kids are home from school......because ideally a house all to myself would make things perfect.

I had a date last night with the man of my dreams--- yes, it was my husband. We went out just the two of us, to an adult restaurant where they change the silverware with every course. I didn't even have to say "leave your brother alone" once. There was adult conversation and no talk about why a cell phone is a necessary accessory for a kid that doesn't even use the regular phone.

I might even bake a decedent chocolate cake this afternoon --- definitely not good for the family or even myself! The bills will not be paid this week, because I am on homecation! They can wait until Monday.

Reality starts again on Monday, but for now, homecation is wonderful. So when anyone asks me next week, "what did you do with the week off?" My answer will be "CERTAINLY NOT MY JOB!"

Our Founding Fathers Are Happy

2008-11-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

Back in the 1770's, 1870's or even the 1970's, the people of our great nation probably thought that a black man born on a small group of islands in the Pacific would never be president of such a great nation. During the 1770's, our founding fathers were trying to decide whether or not slavery was a right, they chose to keep the status quo. In the 1870's, the people of the United States were recovering from a terrible war where the main issue was slavery and black men and women were freed from that bondage. In the 1970's, black men and women were stepping into a world where they could begin to stand side by side with white men and women. In 2008, all men and women are created equal and we can show this to all of the people of the world.

I am proud to be an American this morning; not that I am not proud everyday, but I am especially proud today. Yes, we have a new president-elect; yes, he is a black man; yes, he is a change; yes, he has awaken the young people of this country; yes, we will have hard times; yes, things will be different; but that is good. Good for all the people.

Taken from our Declaration of Independence:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. "

Thank you, founding fathers for the foundation on which "We the people" have built our nation, and may our nation stand strong for many generations to come and may the next generation of leaders be blessed with the foresight that our founding fathers had.

God Bless Our United States of America!

Gem's First Cut

2008-11-04T13:14:00.000-05:00

They always say the first step is the hardest, boy is it true. That first breath we take at birth. The first step when we are trying to walk. The first day of kindergarten. The first day you realize that the ones you have been nurturing and helping along can do things on their own. And the first day you start writing your own blog.

I have been reading a friends blog for about a year and a half now and each time I read one of her entries, I say to myself you should write one too. Something has always gotten in the way, a child who needs help with homework, a phone call from someone else, a meeting to go to or just plain laziness. Well, I took the step!

My first blog entry is done! I think I will try it again! See ya soon!

GEM