88.5 fm is a public jazz station in Minneapolis. I thought of this as I glanced down at the spedometor when pulling into our driveway last night at 9:30pm. I had been in the car most of the day and had traveled 88.5 miles round trip.
The morning began quietly. 6:15, sitting with my coffee, a homemade waffle and my 12 year old son; yawning and waking up as he ate his breakfast. The conversaton was quiet as we both took in the other.
By 9:30, we were in full swing. The remaining family members (simon, lucy, sidney and me) piled into the car and headed off to TEACH for Simon's writing class. the class ended at 11:00. We were able to get into the car (it was pouring rain by this time) and feed and quiet down Sidney. We then made our way to the Arboretum, where we were to be participants in a Mother Earth class 12:00 - 2:00. During this time, Lucy began to feel a bit funky. I pulled her out and gave her some medicine. During the class, Sidney and I traversed the halls as well as escaped to the bathroom, for some oddly positioned nursing moments.
At 1:40, I pulled the kids out of class. We ran to the car in the rain and we were off to art class. This is a parent led art class that meets every Tuesday. One of these weeks, I will have to do my part and teach a lesson. We made a bee line to McDonalds for lunch. The last time we had McDonalds was when i was 4 or 5 months pregnant when I went through an odd craving for fast food. I ate a lot at Arbys during those months.... and hence, so did the kids.
Made it to class shortly after 2pm - dropped off the kids and went back to a close gas station to get Lucy some cough drops. Sidney was asleep by this time. Treated myself to a Caribou Latte.
Kids made "leaf' bowls out of cement and will paint them next week.
3:00 - told simon and lucy to clean up, as we were in need of picking up Perry.
3:20: met perry at his bus stop and took off for down town. Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers. This was the playoff game for Central Division Champs (Twins won by the way).
3:50: Text onto my Facebook status that we were STUCK in traffic downtown and would be missing the first pitch.
4:10: Pulled into Dome parking lot. Put Sidney in front pouch/sling thing and the kids and I took off to the game.
We arrived home at 9:30pm. our day was done. 88.5 miles.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Delete
so, i deleted my last post. too much complaining. never gets you anywhere. no need to have it on there.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Batter Up!!!!
All jobs are predicated upon ebb and flow of people's decisions; whether it be consumerism, health care, development, etc. Our life is solely dictated by a game of baseball. Many games of baseball for that matter. Who hits the ball, how the ball is hit, how many wins in a season, who is buying tickets, and lately, who is ahead in the Division.
John is the Vice President of Technology for the Minnesota Twins Baseball Team. He is now involved in his 16th season. Currently, the Twins are 2 games behind the Detroit Tigers for Division Champs. This has thrown our life into a whirlwind of question. Each night, our family plans are dictated upon 'the game,' even if the game is not played locally. Today, I will be watching the game (played in Detroit) and if the Twins win, I will know John will not be home this evening, as he will gear up for possible Post Season. If they lose, I can plan on him for dinner.
Each night, when the kids set the table, they know to ask, "Will Dad be joining us, tonight?"
We are not a 'baseball' family by any means. We enjoy going to see the games, but my children are not 'into' baseball like some kids. They can tell you some of the players names but that is about it. Stats are not attractive to them, standings are not part of their dialogue. Even John is not immersed in the All American Past Time as much as he could be. He does his job, he does it well, and that is how he supports his team (smile).
The Twins will play in a new ballpark next season. A new ballpark that is near completion - and just like Ty Pennington handing over the 'keys to the house,' the Twins front office will soon be able to move into their new home. John Avenson has his stamp all over the new ball park. It was he, who decided and conferenced about what technology was to be bought, created and applied for the entire park. I can't even begin to go into the enormous detail of what he has had to decide--- from the cabling system of the entire ballpark to the cellphone company that will place it's towers near the park. Many early mornings, getting up to feed our infant, John was already up, sitting at our table with blue prints spread out --- counting mundane things such as Cat 5 outlets and so many other 'things' that had to be thought of to complete the puzzle.
Our life works within the season of baseball. During the 'off season,' daddy is home more frequently. During the season (April - October), we see a flickering of his presence. this is what we have grown accustomed to and now as we near the season - our energy is ramped up. We are watching the games, we are marking off the days, we are waiting to see when Daddy gets to come home for dinner!
Thanks for listening.
John is the Vice President of Technology for the Minnesota Twins Baseball Team. He is now involved in his 16th season. Currently, the Twins are 2 games behind the Detroit Tigers for Division Champs. This has thrown our life into a whirlwind of question. Each night, our family plans are dictated upon 'the game,' even if the game is not played locally. Today, I will be watching the game (played in Detroit) and if the Twins win, I will know John will not be home this evening, as he will gear up for possible Post Season. If they lose, I can plan on him for dinner.
Each night, when the kids set the table, they know to ask, "Will Dad be joining us, tonight?"
We are not a 'baseball' family by any means. We enjoy going to see the games, but my children are not 'into' baseball like some kids. They can tell you some of the players names but that is about it. Stats are not attractive to them, standings are not part of their dialogue. Even John is not immersed in the All American Past Time as much as he could be. He does his job, he does it well, and that is how he supports his team (smile).
The Twins will play in a new ballpark next season. A new ballpark that is near completion - and just like Ty Pennington handing over the 'keys to the house,' the Twins front office will soon be able to move into their new home. John Avenson has his stamp all over the new ball park. It was he, who decided and conferenced about what technology was to be bought, created and applied for the entire park. I can't even begin to go into the enormous detail of what he has had to decide--- from the cabling system of the entire ballpark to the cellphone company that will place it's towers near the park. Many early mornings, getting up to feed our infant, John was already up, sitting at our table with blue prints spread out --- counting mundane things such as Cat 5 outlets and so many other 'things' that had to be thought of to complete the puzzle.
Our life works within the season of baseball. During the 'off season,' daddy is home more frequently. During the season (April - October), we see a flickering of his presence. this is what we have grown accustomed to and now as we near the season - our energy is ramped up. We are watching the games, we are marking off the days, we are waiting to see when Daddy gets to come home for dinner!
Thanks for listening.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Never Thought I'd See the Day
Blogging is trivial; i stand corrected....MY blogging is trivial. I have mentioned this before and I am mentioning it again. It is mundane and it keynotes day to day dribble from mind to monitor. I am keenly (or like to think that I am) aware of my world; it's troubles, it's woes, it's dispairs, and ironically, it's triumphs.
However, with that said....
My son has a milk allergy.
What does that mean? Well, in essence, it means that he can not be exposed to any milk protein from a cow. What else does that mean??? NO MORE REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS for mom!!!!
Now, talk about significant times??? I say this within the jester of the moment ---i am a sarcastic being.
So, no more chocolate (milk chocolate), no more caramel rolls from the store, no more cream in my coffee - at least the cream that I like!, no more cheese (this will hurt), no more REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS!!!
However, with that said....
My son has a milk allergy.
What does that mean? Well, in essence, it means that he can not be exposed to any milk protein from a cow. What else does that mean??? NO MORE REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS for mom!!!!
Now, talk about significant times??? I say this within the jester of the moment ---i am a sarcastic being.
So, no more chocolate (milk chocolate), no more caramel rolls from the store, no more cream in my coffee - at least the cream that I like!, no more cheese (this will hurt), no more REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS!!!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
20 YEARS
I will someday remind myself to write a substantial entry in sweet reflection of 20 years together with the man I married. We met on this date in 1989. Last night, as we ran a couple of errands together (with the baby...quiet baby), we thought it apropos to grab a quick coffee and take a slow drive around the lakes. The moment seemed ideal. Our older kids were at home and in bed and the youngest of our offspring was quietly asleep.
We parked, I went in the storefront and grabbed our coffees. Upon approaching the car, I heard the evening's distraction. Of course, the cries increased in sound once the door was opened.
My 20 year mate and I decided to forge ahead and go on as planned with a minor stop to feed what seemed to be the hungry child. We stopped, I unbuckled and brought the infant to the front seat. it soon became clear that the baby with smiles was not hungry but only had intention of 'joining' us for our evening of 'Us.'
Legs set in jumping motion, voice set in squealing song, eyes alert with excited anticipation on what was to be shared next. My husband took in the scene with a sip of coffee and a question of , "Aren't you sleepy?" The squeaked response said enough. No.
Setting him back in car seat, arming him with arsenal of toys, i buckled myself in the front seat. 50 feet into driving, 50 feet into beginning of adult conversation, 50 feet of one half sip of coffee, baby begins to sound off. His amplitude of sound increases with each raise of the radio volume (classical music of course). As intelligent beings, we assumed this would die off. We assumed he would tire himself out. In time, we realized, we assumed wrong.
We pulled over, i put my coffee cup in place and buckled up in the back seat. The baby smiled at my appearance but continued to show his disfavor of his placement. The decision was made to take the quickest route home -- turn right (off the lake pathway) and make all the green lights.
My coffee was 1/2 full and cold as we pulled into the driveway. Baby was taken out of his car seat, changed into pajamas, put in crib and less than 5 minutes, was quietly at rest.
This is the culmination of 20 years together.
We will try again tonight.
We parked, I went in the storefront and grabbed our coffees. Upon approaching the car, I heard the evening's distraction. Of course, the cries increased in sound once the door was opened.
My 20 year mate and I decided to forge ahead and go on as planned with a minor stop to feed what seemed to be the hungry child. We stopped, I unbuckled and brought the infant to the front seat. it soon became clear that the baby with smiles was not hungry but only had intention of 'joining' us for our evening of 'Us.'
Legs set in jumping motion, voice set in squealing song, eyes alert with excited anticipation on what was to be shared next. My husband took in the scene with a sip of coffee and a question of , "Aren't you sleepy?" The squeaked response said enough. No.
Setting him back in car seat, arming him with arsenal of toys, i buckled myself in the front seat. 50 feet into driving, 50 feet into beginning of adult conversation, 50 feet of one half sip of coffee, baby begins to sound off. His amplitude of sound increases with each raise of the radio volume (classical music of course). As intelligent beings, we assumed this would die off. We assumed he would tire himself out. In time, we realized, we assumed wrong.
We pulled over, i put my coffee cup in place and buckled up in the back seat. The baby smiled at my appearance but continued to show his disfavor of his placement. The decision was made to take the quickest route home -- turn right (off the lake pathway) and make all the green lights.
My coffee was 1/2 full and cold as we pulled into the driveway. Baby was taken out of his car seat, changed into pajamas, put in crib and less than 5 minutes, was quietly at rest.
This is the culmination of 20 years together.
We will try again tonight.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Time is Circuitous
I don't have much to say this morning; but the time is presenting itself and I must take advantage. Presently, Lucy is learning her state capitals, Simon is quizzing himself on a book, Sidney is asleep and Perry is in Science class.
I observe time; my time, time around, the wavering elements of it's beauty. In quiet contemplation, i reach back within it's continuum; and it's space within.
The markings of who we are and to whom we shall become, perform within this expression of time; each second marking it's permanence upon us within its fleeting moments.
One word, one suggestion, one body movement, etches with indelible marks; creating, masking, hurting, seeping, building upon the other.
I see this time affect on my children as they grow. As they grow and experience each step that leads to conclusion. I look to the past and reflect upon my own life, my own time as a young girl, a naive teen, a curious adult. I am a director of time. I am a conductor to it's orchestral ensemble and in reflection, begin to think of my children's time.
the 12 year old expands within his world and as he enters the teenage continuum, we see a repetition of time. The vocabulary is the same, the tears are the same, the confusion is the same. The time that 'once was' is now apart of a family's dialogue. How will Time ease it's presence into the 12 year old existence. What will this time bring within later journeys - strength? character? darkness? confusion? understanding? Only Time will tell.
Thanks for listening
I observe time; my time, time around, the wavering elements of it's beauty. In quiet contemplation, i reach back within it's continuum; and it's space within.
The markings of who we are and to whom we shall become, perform within this expression of time; each second marking it's permanence upon us within its fleeting moments.
One word, one suggestion, one body movement, etches with indelible marks; creating, masking, hurting, seeping, building upon the other.
I see this time affect on my children as they grow. As they grow and experience each step that leads to conclusion. I look to the past and reflect upon my own life, my own time as a young girl, a naive teen, a curious adult. I am a director of time. I am a conductor to it's orchestral ensemble and in reflection, begin to think of my children's time.
the 12 year old expands within his world and as he enters the teenage continuum, we see a repetition of time. The vocabulary is the same, the tears are the same, the confusion is the same. The time that 'once was' is now apart of a family's dialogue. How will Time ease it's presence into the 12 year old existence. What will this time bring within later journeys - strength? character? darkness? confusion? understanding? Only Time will tell.
Thanks for listening
Friday, September 11, 2009
Through Weary Eyes
I sit ---this is uncommon. Within interludes of reality, i tame the Hellion that chortles and churns within. With each extended breath, I am able to keep it's desires at bay; but with spontaneous momentum, it seeps out without warning; surprising the most innocent of us all.
I sit with a moment of quiet to my day. A moment, like this is all it takes: eyes through nature, sensuous smells of Fall, tickling wind around. An influential period to my day to capture a piece of the quiet me
I sit with a moment of quiet to my day. A moment, like this is all it takes: eyes through nature, sensuous smells of Fall, tickling wind around. An influential period to my day to capture a piece of the quiet me
Monday, September 7, 2009
Ordinary Days
The last couple of postings, i have documented my days; My days as a mother of 4. This morning, I am quietly observing a rare moment of ordinary focus.
Sitting on one of two leather chairs in our living room; lap top resting on my legs and checking email. Simon and Lucy sitting on their father's lap, who sits in the twin leather chair to my right; laughing and giggling over the silliness of their daddy. Sidney down below chewing on a fluffy toy, kicking his feet,rolling around and being laughed at as he rolls onto the wood floor and off of his green polka dotted blanket. Occasionally, he looks up to his siblings, gurgles out his dolcet song and once again, finds enticement with his 4 legged furry friend.
The oldest boy, recognizing it is Labor Day, has not made a sound. He is up, but enjoying the independent moments of solitude and quiet his downstairs room offers.
The clock is ticking just a little bit slower this morning, the sun has taken it's time in rising to it's day. My children revel in their father's presence and I take it all in with another sip of coffee.
Soon, I will be compelled to sit up a little straighter, close the lap top and in top drill Sergeant fashion, I will ask what the plans are of the day. By days end, things will need to be checked off the lists, materials will need to be in order and I will find rest with satisfied conclusion.
Time has shifted. Simon is at the bar eating breakfast. Lucy is still nestled within her daddy's arms, and the 6 month old is battling with the green polka dotted blanket -- reasoning out the blankets 'consumable factor.' Every now and again, his gurggles get louder as he gets lost wtihin the blanket that covers his head. There is still no sound from the depths of the pre-teen room.
I close my lap top, take in my surroundings. It is time for me to enjoy the quiet. Another cup of coffee, some solitude on my deck with quiet reflection. the day will be picking up speed and i will become lost within translastion.
Stop.
Sitting on one of two leather chairs in our living room; lap top resting on my legs and checking email. Simon and Lucy sitting on their father's lap, who sits in the twin leather chair to my right; laughing and giggling over the silliness of their daddy. Sidney down below chewing on a fluffy toy, kicking his feet,rolling around and being laughed at as he rolls onto the wood floor and off of his green polka dotted blanket. Occasionally, he looks up to his siblings, gurgles out his dolcet song and once again, finds enticement with his 4 legged furry friend.
The oldest boy, recognizing it is Labor Day, has not made a sound. He is up, but enjoying the independent moments of solitude and quiet his downstairs room offers.
The clock is ticking just a little bit slower this morning, the sun has taken it's time in rising to it's day. My children revel in their father's presence and I take it all in with another sip of coffee.
Soon, I will be compelled to sit up a little straighter, close the lap top and in top drill Sergeant fashion, I will ask what the plans are of the day. By days end, things will need to be checked off the lists, materials will need to be in order and I will find rest with satisfied conclusion.
Time has shifted. Simon is at the bar eating breakfast. Lucy is still nestled within her daddy's arms, and the 6 month old is battling with the green polka dotted blanket -- reasoning out the blankets 'consumable factor.' Every now and again, his gurggles get louder as he gets lost wtihin the blanket that covers his head. There is still no sound from the depths of the pre-teen room.
I close my lap top, take in my surroundings. It is time for me to enjoy the quiet. Another cup of coffee, some solitude on my deck with quiet reflection. the day will be picking up speed and i will become lost within translastion.
Stop.
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