Lagniappe: October 2009 Archives

This is in response to Beth Fish's post about handwriting.  Go, read her blog! 

http://www.sothefishsaid.com/2009/10/click_to_enlarge_1.html

I found myself in a minefield of them recently and strongly considered just removing myself from the situations that seem to be creating them. 

I love my life.  I can right now name about 5 people that would drop everything and come running in the middle of the night if I needed it.  I have 4 that put up with my shit and unconditionally love me on a daily basis.  2 more that are always ready with a smile or an ear or a car.  Yes, these groups overlap and some belong to more than one group. 

I want for nothing.  Sure, I have dreams and hopes that I am still working on fulfilling, but I am in a great position to make them all reality.  I'm not saying every day is a perfect specimen of the American Dream, but it's pretty darn close. 

I have a massive family that never ceases to amaze me.  A husband that makes me feel like a beautiful princess when we aren't too busy to stop & smell the roses.  For the love of all that is good & crunchy...I have a dog that may as well speak English for as well as we communicate. 

And in my spare time, I get to spend some time on the stage.  WITH my kids.  It's good for my soul, I tell you!

Life, my friends, is outstanding. 

As with anything, there are certain challenges that one is faced with.  Let me see what my current occupation would read as on a resume':

Army Spouse Raising Teenage Girl, Tween Boy & Aspie Boy - Has EMT Certification But Currently Sharpens Skills in Pediatric & Veterinary Avenues. 

• Extensive Knowledge of Computers, Various Electronics, Light Home Construction/Repair, Hedgehogs & Cooking Without Burning Down The Kitchen
• Dabbles in Photography & Photo Editing
• Volunteers in the Community, Holds Position in Local Family Readiness Group
• Enjoys Singing & Acting with the Local Community Theater
• Tutor, Social Advisor & Life Coach
  

Note: Sometimes Spreads Self Too Thin

Oh, and while I'm doing all that, I try to have some semblance of a social life with both my local friends & keeping up with my friends and family back in the States. 

I do not have time to tiptoe around anyone.  Furthermore, I don't like tiptoeing when I don't even know why or around whom I am tiptoeing.  I spent enough time near land mines in Afghanistan.  I will not dodge invisible ones while I'm fighting the good fight on the homefront. 

If there is some issue to be addressed, address it head-on.  Just jump right in.  If you've spent more than 5 minutes around me, you might know I speak my mind.  Sure, I can be subtle when I need to.  I can even be downright professional.  But I don't ever sneak up on ya.  Please do me the courtesy of extending that to me. 

I have no problem jumping right into these eggshells and leaving a wake of Ham & Cheese Omelets behind me.  I will blow up the mines and watch the bridges burn.  Because I've got enough on my plate.  I don't need or desire the silent drama bullshit. 

So, I think I'm starting to discover I might have a bit of an addiction or obsession with The Wizard of Oz. 

It started very young and you can probably blame someone in my family for it.  I don't know who gave it to me, but when I was 4, I was given a copy of the book.  It was the first "big girl" book I ever read.  Sure, it started out with my Dad reading it to me.  But I wanted to know more when he turned off the light and left the room. 

I loved that book.  I think it's still at my parents house with the rest of my "keepsakes". 

I think I was 5 or so when I saw the movie for the first time.  I used to want to dress up as Glinda ALL the time.  I was always fascinated with that movie and I've seen it thousands of times. 

About 10 years ago or so, I spent the night with my friends Jules and Barb.  I was browsing their bookshelves for something to read when I came across Wicked by Gregory Maguire. 

Of course I then became truly over the moon about Wicked the Musical.  I've seen it in Houston and London and am considering a trip to Stuttgart to see it there.  I think it is in German and I would love to have that experience. 

While I was deployed to Afghanistan, I bought a special edition of the DVD.  It came with all sorts of goodies. 

Wizard of Oz Three Disc Collector's Edition @ Amazon.com

A few weeks ago, I found this lovely gem at the Power Zone here in Bamberg.  I bought it.  I couldn't WAIT to wear the watch. 

Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Edition @ Amazon.com

Hoooo boy. 

So, yesterday, I realized I might have an issue when we went to take family portraits.  I didn't really realize it until I got home, but my hair was awfully "Dorothy-esque"!!!! 





I even dyed my eyes to match my....well, not really.  But I did have my contacts in.  :)

You tell me.  Am I obsessed?  Or just a really big fan of a great story. 

So, as I'm standing at my sink washing dishes today, I had a rather deep intrusion into my psyche that I found a little interesting. 

You see, I was irritated with myself because I'd left this plate with the crumbs from my cheese & crackers lunch yesterday.  Time slipped away from me and I was rallying the troops to get dressed for a dinner party. 

It's worth noting here that the temperature has dropped into the 30's & 40's and Max was pretty sure he was walking out of the house in board shorts, a t-shirt & a scarf.  That held me up for a little longer than usual.

So my own rule of "RINSE IT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!" got thrown right out the window and I find myself at my sink scrubbing at some dried baby swiss on the knife.  I'm a little bent out of shape with myself. 

As I get further into the dishes I also am quite happy to see that soaking the Cuisinart Sauce Pan with Marshmallowy Goodness inside worked like a charm.  I love my cookware!!! 

Another note: Yesterday I made Kris some Crunch Berries Marshmallow Treats.

It comes pretty suddenly to me that as much as I complain about Kris' need for perfection, I do find myself more and more with an urge to don an apron and flit about the house whilst I listen to music.  Occasionally taking a time out for some Rock Band or Guitar Hero. 

This is in such a stark contrast to almost 10 years ago when I had a friend come clean my house because I had had surgery.  I think we almost lost her in my laundry room.   Des, I will never forget that!!! 

I'm currently in some, hmm...negotiations...with Madison's teacher about some missing work.  She asked me to look here at home.  I wanted to invite her to my house.  There isn't anything that's not organized.  I mean, my husband would probably complain that my Tetris skills with my camera/computer drawer is lacking, but seriously, there is no chance that there is anywhere to misplace random homework.

I have one "junk" drawer.  It's quite neatly organized. 

I'm not sure what happened, but I guess if I'm holding myself to a higher standard, that's a good thing.  On that note, I really must be getting back to cleaning up.  I still need to fix the bathroom after the whirlwind of 5 people getting ready for family portraits blew through. 

I'll leave you with what I told my husband last night.  I think it sums up who I am these days perfectly. 

Or how about lack thereof? 

I was all tuned in and wrapped up in my Snuggie and ready for something spectacular!!!  Needless to say, I'm a little disappointed. 

I'm all for learning all we can about the moon and other planets, galaxies & solar systems. 

It does, however, interest me that my TV now says "AFN - Signal Loss due to Seasonal Sun Outtages" and my phone was rather scratchy. 

Today Morgan, Madison and myself auditioned for The King and I at the Stable Theater.  There were a ton of kiddos there and it's always a real joy to hear them sing their little hearts out!!!

We were taught the Venetian Waltz by the coreographer and it was an absolute blast. 

This weekend is the One Acts Festival in another lovely German town and we are greatly looking forward to it!!! 

I'm really enjoying this time with my kids.  I can't possibly convey how much fun I am having!!! 

Break a leg, Morgan!!!

When last we left our fluffy husky hero...He was on orders for a 10 day quarantine.  During which time, we were only able to catch glimpses of what we believed to be Loki in disguise. 

Keeping a low profile is difficult for such a beautiful creature, but he did quite well at laying low.