"Go, Dog, Go". A children's book written Dr Seuss style - only Dr. Seuss didn't write it. He may have illustrated it. I'm not sure why it's in the same format as the Dr. Seuss books, but it is one of those style of books.
Go, Dog, Go. Stop, Dog, Stop. I think I read this book for at LEAST three straight years every night with the boys. I still have the book memorized. Throughout the book, two dogs meet. The female dog asks the male dog "Do you like my hat?" He consistently replies the entire book: "I do not like your hat".
She tries, the entire book.
Granny got off the plane today in Kona. With her green hat on. She told me how my compliments she received her entire way to Kona. A friend of mine met Granny at LAX - there was a four hour lay-over. My friend tells me, "Granny, get offs the plane, the flight attendant gave her a bottle of wine. She has two new friends and everyone loves her hat. She's adorable. And you say, you have never met a stranger". I reply, "In case you were wondering where I got it from"......
Bless her. Mahalo to her.
Granny makes it to Kona and says "You should always wear a hat" "You get so much attention and people remember you". I'm sure everyone remembers Granny. I'm also sure everyone on the entire 180 degree circle within Granny knows the story of why she is traveling to see me in Kona.
We will let her keep thinking it's all about her hat. Maybe it is.
At the very end of "Go Dog Go", the female dog try's one more time: "Do you like my hat?" He replies, "Yes, yes, I do, I like your party hat". Of course he does. Whom wouldn't like the party hat? Maybe it's just another lesson.
Wear hats. You get lots of attention.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Deja Vu
This all seems so very familiar. Yet, I don't know if this is the dream or my life in Colorado is the dream.
Back in Kona for the summer! Back sleeping at the cutest house in the whole world. I'm not sure I really slept last night or not. In and out. Maybe I was time traveling.
I arrived last night with straight hair and dry skin. Directly to a house, that I didn't even get lost trying to get here. This morning when I woke up, the hair is curly and the skin feels so soft. AND my nose isn't dry from the smoke from the fires in Colorado.
The cats acted like they recognized me.
Yesterday at approximately, 12:35 mountain time, two very special people from Hawaii arrived in Denver. I received the text "just landed" - my eyes watered up. That was my queue to leave my lunch and get to the airport. I dropped my bags at the curb, got checked in. Drove the loop through the airport and went to passenger pick up.
There at passenger pick up, I handed the couple whom is going to live in my house for the summer the key to the car. They gave me the key to theirs.
As they drove off to "their" Denver home, I went to board my plane.
This morning I had to call to get the internet password. I asked about the cat. "Oh, he's following me around" I said, "He's probably, "oh where have you been???"" Yes, he said, it's like he never knew I was gone.
It's funny, I have had this dream for years - I'm living in Colorado, raising some boys. I'm living in Kona, raising some boys, only here there is a girl too. Hmmm, not sure which is the Deja Vu.....
Back in Kona for the summer! Back sleeping at the cutest house in the whole world. I'm not sure I really slept last night or not. In and out. Maybe I was time traveling.
I arrived last night with straight hair and dry skin. Directly to a house, that I didn't even get lost trying to get here. This morning when I woke up, the hair is curly and the skin feels so soft. AND my nose isn't dry from the smoke from the fires in Colorado.
The cats acted like they recognized me.
Yesterday at approximately, 12:35 mountain time, two very special people from Hawaii arrived in Denver. I received the text "just landed" - my eyes watered up. That was my queue to leave my lunch and get to the airport. I dropped my bags at the curb, got checked in. Drove the loop through the airport and went to passenger pick up.
There at passenger pick up, I handed the couple whom is going to live in my house for the summer the key to the car. They gave me the key to theirs.
As they drove off to "their" Denver home, I went to board my plane.
This morning I had to call to get the internet password. I asked about the cat. "Oh, he's following me around" I said, "He's probably, "oh where have you been???"" Yes, he said, it's like he never knew I was gone.
It's funny, I have had this dream for years - I'm living in Colorado, raising some boys. I'm living in Kona, raising some boys, only here there is a girl too. Hmmm, not sure which is the Deja Vu.....
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
I gave birth today
Deadline driven. It would describe my personality. Well, at least one of my personalities.
I work best when I can work with an end date in sight. You know, it has to happen on July 1. Not, if it doesn't happen on July 1 - you can extended it. I need a "you have no choice". Not, "oh, well, if you miss the test on Tuesday, there is a make-up test on Thursday. Cause? Guess what, I will take the Thursday test.
Waiting to the last minute? Not me. I'm a gatherer of sorts. Gather what you need. Take what you can - then just before the deadline - get your "ducks in a row" (your stuff together). Then, turn it in.
Both my sons were born two days before their "due" date. I had everything done. Everything was ready. Work was finished. Okay now, I can go have a baby.
Today, I gave birth again. And starting Thursday, I'm on maternity leave. Only this time my baby isn't a human. It's a company. Funding came through. Into the bank account through. As in, I've NEVER seen so many commas when it comes to cash.
I needed to throw up. When that feeling passed, my eyes wanted to water up. Alas, I was at work - no tears there.
We set a huge goal. We accomplished it in 9 months. I leave two days from today. AND today, I gave birth. Right on schedule. Right on track. All in duex time. This time, I got a text saying "you are a superstar. Couldn't have done it without you." Maybe I've finally learned something.
Maybe
"Maternity" leave starts Thursday.
I work best when I can work with an end date in sight. You know, it has to happen on July 1. Not, if it doesn't happen on July 1 - you can extended it. I need a "you have no choice". Not, "oh, well, if you miss the test on Tuesday, there is a make-up test on Thursday. Cause? Guess what, I will take the Thursday test.
Waiting to the last minute? Not me. I'm a gatherer of sorts. Gather what you need. Take what you can - then just before the deadline - get your "ducks in a row" (your stuff together). Then, turn it in.
Both my sons were born two days before their "due" date. I had everything done. Everything was ready. Work was finished. Okay now, I can go have a baby.
Today, I gave birth again. And starting Thursday, I'm on maternity leave. Only this time my baby isn't a human. It's a company. Funding came through. Into the bank account through. As in, I've NEVER seen so many commas when it comes to cash.
I needed to throw up. When that feeling passed, my eyes wanted to water up. Alas, I was at work - no tears there.
We set a huge goal. We accomplished it in 9 months. I leave two days from today. AND today, I gave birth. Right on schedule. Right on track. All in duex time. This time, I got a text saying "you are a superstar. Couldn't have done it without you." Maybe I've finally learned something.
Maybe
"Maternity" leave starts Thursday.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Caddyshack
The movie "Caddyshack" debuted in 1980. I was eleven. I didn't see the movie. I do remember watching bits and pieces of it at summer camp on a VCR.
Hmmm, now that I think about it, I don't think I've seen the movie all the way through, from beginning to end. I know many of the great lines and remember the "candy bar in the pool scene", but hmm, now I'm going to have to watch it.
My oldest son is a caddy now for the second summer at a local country club. Only this is the oldest country club in Denver - you can't just join. A member must extend an invitation - then there is a wait list. I hear the wait list is over two years before you can become a member. They have an incredible caddy program. You must be 14. They put you through a 3 Saturday training. The kids earn $14 per "Loop" (18 holes) then a tip on top of that. Tips range from $10 - $50 per loop. The older men (p70+) usually are bad tippers, but it's understandable. They remember when they were paid $4 per loop plus a dollar tip.
We aren't members at the club - the caddy program is open to the public. There is even a scholarship available for college.
The golfers treat the caddy's well - they buy them Gatorade. There are "Caddy Meals" available for three dollars. Not a bad gig for a first job. It's tax free. It's not a set schedule and they make pretty good money. They learn how to connect and network. Us parents also get good stories.
Duncan gets in the car on Friday so excited he can't even stand himself. I'm on the phone. I pause and ask "how was your loop?" He replied, "It was GREAT - I have some stuff to tell you about it." I finish my call then ask "so, do tell". "Well, first, in my foursome, the younger guys were sons of the member - they had played Lacrosse and coached at Notre Dame. We got to talk sports and college playing stuff."
He goes on, "BUT, guess who was in the foursome in front of us???" "I have NO idea." Guess, just guess. "Michael Jackson??". "MOM!!! No, it was Peyton Manning!!!" "He's HUGE" He goes on and on about "Mr. Manning" for a bit. He didn't get to meet him, but he was definitely star struck for the day.
WELL, the next day, it turns out, one of his friends was caddying with the foursome in front of Duncan - yes, the Peyton Manning foursome.
They teach the boys to be polite, interact, have conversation, but also stay in the "shadows". Turns out Duncan's friend is walking with Peyton and they are talking about golf. Then Gus says to "Mr. Manning", so "Do you play any other sports?" Smile. They said he laughed all afternoon.
Hmmm, now that I think about it, I don't think I've seen the movie all the way through, from beginning to end. I know many of the great lines and remember the "candy bar in the pool scene", but hmm, now I'm going to have to watch it.
My oldest son is a caddy now for the second summer at a local country club. Only this is the oldest country club in Denver - you can't just join. A member must extend an invitation - then there is a wait list. I hear the wait list is over two years before you can become a member. They have an incredible caddy program. You must be 14. They put you through a 3 Saturday training. The kids earn $14 per "Loop" (18 holes) then a tip on top of that. Tips range from $10 - $50 per loop. The older men (p70+) usually are bad tippers, but it's understandable. They remember when they were paid $4 per loop plus a dollar tip.
We aren't members at the club - the caddy program is open to the public. There is even a scholarship available for college.
The golfers treat the caddy's well - they buy them Gatorade. There are "Caddy Meals" available for three dollars. Not a bad gig for a first job. It's tax free. It's not a set schedule and they make pretty good money. They learn how to connect and network. Us parents also get good stories.
Duncan gets in the car on Friday so excited he can't even stand himself. I'm on the phone. I pause and ask "how was your loop?" He replied, "It was GREAT - I have some stuff to tell you about it." I finish my call then ask "so, do tell". "Well, first, in my foursome, the younger guys were sons of the member - they had played Lacrosse and coached at Notre Dame. We got to talk sports and college playing stuff."
He goes on, "BUT, guess who was in the foursome in front of us???" "I have NO idea." Guess, just guess. "Michael Jackson??". "MOM!!! No, it was Peyton Manning!!!" "He's HUGE" He goes on and on about "Mr. Manning" for a bit. He didn't get to meet him, but he was definitely star struck for the day.
WELL, the next day, it turns out, one of his friends was caddying with the foursome in front of Duncan - yes, the Peyton Manning foursome.
They teach the boys to be polite, interact, have conversation, but also stay in the "shadows". Turns out Duncan's friend is walking with Peyton and they are talking about golf. Then Gus says to "Mr. Manning", so "Do you play any other sports?" Smile. They said he laughed all afternoon.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Here we go again
Today was packing/cleaning/organizing day. It happens once a year.
Sometimes I think we should do it a bit at a time - but the ONE day method works well around here. Works well, but is VERY tiring! VERY.
We leave on Thursday for Hawaii. Actually, I leave Thursday. Nolan to follow in 9 days, Duncan in 16 days. Our annual house swap. Yes, just like the movie "The Holiday". We trade lives for a summer. That is what the blog was originally about. Stories from our adventure.
Not that the house is super dirty or super cluttered - we just box up some things - move clothes around. Then wash the stuff that doesn't get washed on a regular basis. Like: The duvets on the beds, the shower curtains, the baseboards, the tops of the ceiling fans, and on and on and on......
At the end of "cleaning day" the first summer, the boys said "I'm not sure this is going to be worth it". They had been in Hawaii less than 12 hours when I heard "It was SO worth it".
So today, we cleaned. We organized. We did lots and lots of laundry. The last load is drying now. The repairs have been done around the house. The car still needs a tune up and an oil change. We still have to "un clutter" the kitchen" But today, there was not ONE complaint. Not one gripe. We had music playing. We worked as a team and are almost there. This time we all know, it will be SO worth it.
Aloha!
Sometimes I think we should do it a bit at a time - but the ONE day method works well around here. Works well, but is VERY tiring! VERY.
We leave on Thursday for Hawaii. Actually, I leave Thursday. Nolan to follow in 9 days, Duncan in 16 days. Our annual house swap. Yes, just like the movie "The Holiday". We trade lives for a summer. That is what the blog was originally about. Stories from our adventure.
Not that the house is super dirty or super cluttered - we just box up some things - move clothes around. Then wash the stuff that doesn't get washed on a regular basis. Like: The duvets on the beds, the shower curtains, the baseboards, the tops of the ceiling fans, and on and on and on......
At the end of "cleaning day" the first summer, the boys said "I'm not sure this is going to be worth it". They had been in Hawaii less than 12 hours when I heard "It was SO worth it".
So today, we cleaned. We organized. We did lots and lots of laundry. The last load is drying now. The repairs have been done around the house. The car still needs a tune up and an oil change. We still have to "un clutter" the kitchen" But today, there was not ONE complaint. Not one gripe. We had music playing. We worked as a team and are almost there. This time we all know, it will be SO worth it.
Aloha!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Wrong Numbers
This isn't my story. I have to share though, because it's good story.
My mom calls on Monday and says "you have to hear this story. It's a YOU story". A friend of hers for YEARS, at least 30 - her daughter is one of "mine" so, well, we've all known each other for a very long time.
The friend receives a text saying "You can have the Professional League Baseball tickets and the parking pass if you want them". It was from a number she didn't recognize. She texts back with the reply "You haven't reached the person you thought you were trying to reach, I just wanted to let you know. " She sends the text. The random phone number replies: "thanks for letting me know".
She then replies, "well, if he doesn't want them, well, I will take them." Smile now.
See, now isn't that 90% of life??? Taking ONE more step. What is the worst thing that could have happened? Random ticket person wouldn't have responded.
Yes, they met at a Starbucks and Random Ticket person gave her the tickets. My mom called from the game to tell me the story. They were sitting on the 25th row behind the dugout.
Take chances in life. There is no such thing as a wrong number.
My mom calls on Monday and says "you have to hear this story. It's a YOU story". A friend of hers for YEARS, at least 30 - her daughter is one of "mine" so, well, we've all known each other for a very long time.
The friend receives a text saying "You can have the Professional League Baseball tickets and the parking pass if you want them". It was from a number she didn't recognize. She texts back with the reply "You haven't reached the person you thought you were trying to reach, I just wanted to let you know. " She sends the text. The random phone number replies: "thanks for letting me know".
She then replies, "well, if he doesn't want them, well, I will take them." Smile now.
See, now isn't that 90% of life??? Taking ONE more step. What is the worst thing that could have happened? Random ticket person wouldn't have responded.
Yes, they met at a Starbucks and Random Ticket person gave her the tickets. My mom called from the game to tell me the story. They were sitting on the 25th row behind the dugout.
Take chances in life. There is no such thing as a wrong number.
Friday, June 7, 2013
I don't remember loving you
A funny thing happened on the way home from New York.
This trip was booked last minute. And guess what? The flights both ways were sold out. So, booking last minute, guess where I got to sit?? Yes, the middle seat. Both there and back. I can't even remember the last time I sat sin a middle seat? At LEAST 15 years. AT LEAST. The nice thing about traveling with kids, is, well, you get your own row. Guess what, I'm not sitting in the middle with my kids. I'm an aisle kind of girl. I have long legs. I do miss the view from the window. There are moments I wish I was in a window seat (now that has happened before), but I'm usually quite content in the aisle seat.
The flight out was uneventful. Couldn't even tell you what the people looked like whom were sitting with me in my row. Take that back, the guy sitting next to me was Middle Eastern - young, and both of us kept falling asleep. You know how when you doze "in and out" your body sometimes "jerks"? That kept happening to both of us. Once, he hit me.
The flight home? The adorable 23 year old girl (born in 1990) sitting by the window proceeded to tell me her life story (imagine that!). Summary: She was adopted, living in a very wealthy part of New York (my knowing where that was - I have friends from there), flying to spend a week with the woman whom gave birth to her. This was her third trip (So, very glad it wasn't her first trip by herself - otherwise, I would be in Wyoming now, being the support she needed). I digress.
The guy to my right? Business guy. Sales guy. Lives in Denver. (And I know where you are all going now, but hang in there...) We start talking. "What do you do?" , I ask him. He goes on and on and I reply "now does your company do all of that or do you outsource the "extra" services? He replies " No, that's us". I say, "Oh, blah blah blah services, as in X company?" "How do you know X company" "I've recruited for them for the last two years." We continue our conversation and knew many common people (only I only know them via phone and e-mail). I did ask if he was someone I might have met. He wasn't. I didn't have the heart to ask if he needed help recruiting people to his team.
In fact, for the last two years, I've HATED recruiting for his company. I don't like them. We broke up.
We have more conversations and it turns out he's a nice guy, been with the company 15 years. I've never even heard his name. He's pretty high up there too. There offices are moving - we were talking NYC real estate. Oh yeah, their headquarters are in NYC.
I knew this once a upon a time. Once upon a time, I would have remembered that, and even though I was there on someone else's dime, I would have gone to see them.
This time, I didn't even remember ever loving them.
This trip was booked last minute. And guess what? The flights both ways were sold out. So, booking last minute, guess where I got to sit?? Yes, the middle seat. Both there and back. I can't even remember the last time I sat sin a middle seat? At LEAST 15 years. AT LEAST. The nice thing about traveling with kids, is, well, you get your own row. Guess what, I'm not sitting in the middle with my kids. I'm an aisle kind of girl. I have long legs. I do miss the view from the window. There are moments I wish I was in a window seat (now that has happened before), but I'm usually quite content in the aisle seat.
The flight out was uneventful. Couldn't even tell you what the people looked like whom were sitting with me in my row. Take that back, the guy sitting next to me was Middle Eastern - young, and both of us kept falling asleep. You know how when you doze "in and out" your body sometimes "jerks"? That kept happening to both of us. Once, he hit me.
The flight home? The adorable 23 year old girl (born in 1990) sitting by the window proceeded to tell me her life story (imagine that!). Summary: She was adopted, living in a very wealthy part of New York (my knowing where that was - I have friends from there), flying to spend a week with the woman whom gave birth to her. This was her third trip (So, very glad it wasn't her first trip by herself - otherwise, I would be in Wyoming now, being the support she needed). I digress.
The guy to my right? Business guy. Sales guy. Lives in Denver. (And I know where you are all going now, but hang in there...) We start talking. "What do you do?" , I ask him. He goes on and on and I reply "now does your company do all of that or do you outsource the "extra" services? He replies " No, that's us". I say, "Oh, blah blah blah services, as in X company?" "How do you know X company" "I've recruited for them for the last two years." We continue our conversation and knew many common people (only I only know them via phone and e-mail). I did ask if he was someone I might have met. He wasn't. I didn't have the heart to ask if he needed help recruiting people to his team.
In fact, for the last two years, I've HATED recruiting for his company. I don't like them. We broke up.
We have more conversations and it turns out he's a nice guy, been with the company 15 years. I've never even heard his name. He's pretty high up there too. There offices are moving - we were talking NYC real estate. Oh yeah, their headquarters are in NYC.
I knew this once a upon a time. Once upon a time, I would have remembered that, and even though I was there on someone else's dime, I would have gone to see them.
This time, I didn't even remember ever loving them.
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