Lucky Mom
Aug. 15, 2012
Cancun
Probably one of THE best vacations I’ve had in my life. I had been to Cancun about 20+ years ago; when I was single and stayed up late. I went with a girlfriend and we had a great time!
This time, it was like watching me many years ago, but this time as the ‘older’ gal with a family. All the young hot things were well, looking hot and having a good time. Not surprisingly, they got up later than we did. A lot later which was kind of embarrassing. Showing up for breakfast before 7:30am. Shameful.
At our all-inclusive resort (Fiesta Americana Condesa), they really did provide everything. Service was impeccable. I can’t say enough. 24 hours a day, anything you want.
No additional cost and if you do happen to tip, they practically hand you their first born. I asked if they’d take my first born if I tipped more; however, they preferred not to, though regardless of first language spoken, they clearly don’t know how to say the word ‘no’. Everything was “of course” in English and well, something I can’t remember in Spanish.
Our accommodations were nice. It’s an older, Spanish style with a few needed upgrades. Very clean however and perfectly fine for our needs. Providing a complimentary stocked mini-bar certainly didn’t warrant any complaints from us.
May. 30, 2012
Tennis Anyone?
Like many teenagers in highschool, I played a sport or two. O.k. one sport and one 'sport-like' activity. Tennis and cheerleading. I loved them both though I was clearly better at cheerleading.
Fast forward 28 (good grief I'm getting old) years and I'm not cheerleading again but am playing tennis. A lot of tennis. I'm loving tennis so much, I'm playing about 4-5 times a week.
I'm lucky in that my 'neighborhood' has many leagues for literally ALL skill levels and ages. I'm playing on two leagues (USTA and WTTA) and interestingly am better than I was in highschool.
I have to recommend it to anyone with a little time on your hands. It's not expensive (unless you take drills), is great exercise and if you're like some of the women on the courts, you can play well into your 70's.
Feb. 14, 2012
Disney World
Wow! I'd been nervous about taking my kids to Disney Anything for a few years. I was sure I'd lose them to the overseas child porn trade or one would nose dive off a ride and die in front of my eyes.
Plus the long lines? And in the heat? No way! Sticking a lit matchstick into my eyeball sounded better.
Until, that is, we realized a little known (except to those in Austin) secret. There's an odd three day school 'holiday' if you will that occurs in February of each year.
No one really knows why. It's not Spring Break. It's not 'the' holidays as they kind of just ended. No, it's a three day shut down in the middle of Feb. when no one else in the entire world (apparently) has off.
Nov. 16, 2011
Men and Costco
I go to Costco about once a month. I'm sure I'm on their watch list as I'm always the mom desperately attempting to drive the vehicle-sized cart with an evil grin on my face. Sometimes I'm laughing outloud or even blurting out "Oh, cranky?".
I’m humored at the men (of all ages) who forget they’re not in their cars on the highway.
They speed around the corners, grumble at you when you’re not moving fast enough and have such a look of disdain on their faces. They really appear to be angry they are there.
They probably are.
I’m guessing they’re also a bit peeved that there aren’t any man carts. Smaller carts that can aid in getting them their 3 or 4 (and no more of course, that would require impulse buying) items they came for.
They should have stores for men only. No browsing allowed.
They can get their aggressions out with other men who can understand their pain.
Jun. 28, 2011
Summer "Camps”
Living in Steiner Ranch really can be ‘all inclusive’. As the community is quite large with many, many sub-communities, one doesn’t really have to leave, if so desired – ever.
We have three public elementary schools, a public middle school and two private preschools just within S.R.
Though we already have community centers with pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, we have the UT Golf club, a grocery, gas station, dermatologist, martial arts studios, several dentists, restaurants, gym, doctors, hair salons etc., we are soon to be indulged with a very large grocery chain, Starbucks, more shops, etc.
Steiner also boasts numerous year-round children’s activities, clubs, groups, teams, lessons, classes, troops, tutors, birthday party options and so on.
It’s a parent/child paradise.
May. 12, 2011
Wining/Dining/Dating – Senior Style
It’s been one year since my mother has caused me to shudder in horror re-entered the dating scene. She’s now 72.66 and apparently after one year of this, somewhat disturbing new hobby she’s quite proficient.
As noted in Senior Citizen Dating, my mother was a dating novice and tended to limit herself to old men with such strict requirements as ‘no moustaches or pets’ and to dining only at iHop. As much as I begged, pleaded, attempted to insult/embarrass her for what appeared to be a lack of finesse and/or refinement she kept reminding me this was her ‘gig’ and to back off. Humph.
Well, what a year it’s been. Not only do I have trouble keeping track of my mother’s men friends, with the exception of one emotionally challenged bozo who looked like an elderly mannequin due to excessive plastic surgery apparently from a third world country, she has them all pining for her.
Her phone rings off the hook; she has now dined at more restaurants in Austin then me, can now correctly pronounce many wine varietals, is getting her nails and hair done professionally, is well-known by the local florist and can’t seem to drop a dime no matter how hard she tries.
Mar. 4, 2011
Julia'isms
Apparently my 4.42 year old daughter doesn’t have a thought/speaking filter.
She must get this from me though my filter tends to crumble in direct correlation to how much wine I’ve drank. No, she doesn’t drink (yet) and I’m afraid if she has no filter now, what degree of restraint will SHE have in the future?
As early as two years ago, I realized the trouble I may be in due to her debating strategies as noted in Discussions and Debates.
Anyway, here’s a few Julia'isms of late:
Jan. 4, 2011
Resolution for 2011
Every year I make my New Years resolution to be healthier, eat and drink less, exercise more and; therefore, hopefully lose weight.
What happens - nothing. Zip. Nothing changes.
This past year, oddly enough, I realized that pretty much doing the opposite worked well. I actually exercised less, ate differently, drank about the same and lost weight. Weird I know, but you do what works.
So, this leaves me with something new to resolve.
Nov. 20, 2010
The Anti-Hoarder
I’ve been getting rather anxious lately as the holidays are upon us and I know what that means.
No, not eating too much, more STUFF will be coming into my house.
I’m constantly cleaning OUT my house. I’m a regular at the various local charity drop-off locations. I really LOVE it when they call me (pretty much weekly at this point as I think I'm on their speed dial) and say a truck will be in my area….I start to feel giddy with ideas of what I can dispose of. I also love consignment shops and selling stuff on Craigslist.
I think I have a real anxiety condition as I feel claustrophobic and very uneasy when there’s ‘too much’ stuff in my house. That's why I have an eight piece child toy maximum.
I know it’s not normal as everyone who comes over to my house asks ‘where’s all your stuff?’ like we haven’t really fully moved in.
Oct. 8, 2010
Brad and Brad
Cr*p. They’ve sucked me in again with this whole Brad Repeat Womack Bachelor performance.
Why they would choose Snoremack again is really a mystery. Or is it?
Since he awkwardly declined to choose a gal in his first spin in The Bachelor dating ring, doesn’t he pretty much have to pick a girl this time around?
According to People magazine last week, he says he’s pretty sure he will find a wife this round.
In fact, he apparently has had ‘years of therapy and introspection’ so I guess that means, he’s ready for a wifey. Hmmmm...
Sep. 18, 2010
Shopping Woes
I really don’t get it. Really.
I went to buy some shorts and other hot weather duds as I have an upcoming trip to Hawaii.
I figured since its still 90+ degrees in Austin, I wouldn’t have a problem finding some.
Wrong.
Why can I only find sweaters, corduroy pants, wool scarves and hats? I get that it MIGHT get cold for a few weeks in say, FEBRUARY, but for crying out loud!
Sep. 1, 2010
R.I.P. Fish
My daughter Julia doesn’t believe it was an accident. It was. I swear.
Though I bitched and whined when my husband brought home the fish and tank, I slowly grew attached to them.
When he gave up caring for them and suggested they be taken to the local pond, I said no, I would feed them, clean their tank to a sparkly shine, ensure they were talked to etc.
I simply added the fish and tank responsibility to my endless list of tasks.
Aug. 24, 2010
Gorgeous Website for Party Favors
I’ve reviewed more websites than I can count; one for my own curiosity and two for my husband who is always asking me to ‘rate’ a website as a ‘layman’.
One website that currently advertises on my site, is Party Favor Boxes. I reviewed this site very closely as I’m always looking for baby or bridal shower favors or even unique, elegant birthday items that don’t break the (ie. my) bank.
Aug. 12, 2010
6 Year Old Boy Attempts Gold Medal Heist
Well, not exactly but it did cause quite the stir. Fortunately it wasn’t premeditated.
Crime scene: Swim meet
Item: Olympic gold medal
Victim: Brendan Hansen
Target Item: Cookies
After my son Alec completed his swim meet today, he was fortunate enough to get to wear Olympic Gold Medalist Brendan Hansen’s very own gold medal while having his picture taken.
Great. Everyone is in line for their turn, Alec gets up for his, I’m all set with the camera and begin to fire off a few shots.
Jul. 21, 2010
Book Review: The Road
Yes, this is a book of fiction. Why I picked it up in the first place is a mystery.
O.k. not really such a mystery as I got it for my husband who wanted it last Christmas.
Though I was traumatized by the Twilight series and thought even good fiction would never again touch my fingers, I gave in and read this book by Cormac McCarthy.
