Emma switched tables at school today, and she told me about her new seat-mates.
Em: "I like everyone except Lucy. She's too nice."
Me: "What do you mean by 'too nice'? I don't understand."
Em: "You know, like she's high nice."
Me: "I'm still not following you."
Em: "Like, she is never mean and she always uses her manners and she's just too nice."
Me: "Is she annoying you? Do you think she's being fake?"
Em: "No, that's not what I said. I said she's HIGH UP nice, like TOO nice. Like...she is so graceful and careful and she talks really sweet in this high voice and says things like, 'Oh, thank you Emma.' 'Did you have a nice Thanksgiving, Emma?' 'Do you want to be best friends forever, Emma?'"
Me: "I still don't get what you mean by 'high up nice.' Do you mean because her voice is high?"
Em: "NO! It's like a pyramid. You know, like there's Really Really Bad at the bottom? And then Really Bad above that, and then Bad, and then Nice, and then high up of Nice is Too Nice. Lucy is TOO Nice."
Me: "Um...okay. I'm sorry that her kindness is so upsetting to you. That must be really frustrating."
Em: "Yeah. Well, I don't act rudely to her or anything. I just smile and say, 'Thank you, Lucy.' But inside I know she is too nice for me and we will never be friends."
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Four Years at Supersonic Speed
Four years ago today, I was super pumped to give birth. Being knocked up with my second child, it wasn't as if I didn't know what was coming. I knew my way around a delivery room, and I also knew that a lot of the crap that goes down in there is not pretty. Still...I was like - BRING. IT. ON.
After months of nausea (to all you first-trimester-only "morning" sickness sufferers, I simply say: AMATEURS) and increasingly stressful attempts to control my gestational diabetes that grew from a restricted diet and some finger pricks to a daily regimen of six insulin shots and calls to my endocrinologist every morning, noon and night (literally), I was really really really really really ready to not be pregnant anymore.
So I waddled into that hospital as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning. And after twelve hours of labor, four failed epidural attempts, one sweet-ASS epidural success, and a mercifully small number of pushes, Miss Sophie Patrice Mathews entered the world.
I can't believe that was four years ago. Our baby is not a baby any longer, and my heart sings and breaks simultaneously at the very thought of it. I wish sometimes that I could scrunch her into a little baby ball, like human Play-Doh, and cradle her infant self in my arms just one more time. But mostly, I relish seeing her develop into this independent, feisty, sweet, clever, fantastic little girl...and I'm eager to continue watching her change and grow.
Happy birthday to our beautiful four-year-old! They haven't invented a word yet that adequately expresses how much you are loved, darling Sophie.
After months of nausea (to all you first-trimester-only "morning" sickness sufferers, I simply say: AMATEURS) and increasingly stressful attempts to control my gestational diabetes that grew from a restricted diet and some finger pricks to a daily regimen of six insulin shots and calls to my endocrinologist every morning, noon and night (literally), I was really really really really really ready to not be pregnant anymore.
So I waddled into that hospital as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning. And after twelve hours of labor, four failed epidural attempts, one sweet-ASS epidural success, and a mercifully small number of pushes, Miss Sophie Patrice Mathews entered the world.
I can't believe that was four years ago. Our baby is not a baby any longer, and my heart sings and breaks simultaneously at the very thought of it. I wish sometimes that I could scrunch her into a little baby ball, like human Play-Doh, and cradle her infant self in my arms just one more time. But mostly, I relish seeing her develop into this independent, feisty, sweet, clever, fantastic little girl...and I'm eager to continue watching her change and grow.
Happy birthday to our beautiful four-year-old! They haven't invented a word yet that adequately expresses how much you are loved, darling Sophie.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Another Plea
Hello friends.
You may remember my post from last week about the Chase Community Giving contest that the wonderful non-profit at which I work, Erasing the Distance, is currently competing in. Well, here's an update: WE ARE SO CLOSE TO WINNING!
In order to win the $25,000 for our organization, we must gather enough votes to be in the Top 100 charities when the contest ends at exactly 11:59AM EST Nov. 22nd. (Chase ain't screwing around, people. They are nothing if not specific.) Currently, we are hovering right around the 100th spot. Sometimes we are higher, sometimes lower. Rankings change constantly as votes continue to come in. As you can imagine, this is a very nerve-wracking position in which to be. If we were, say, around 75th place or so, then maybe we could relax a little bit. Conversely, if we were around 130th, we might start resigning ourselves for the inevitable. But bouncing back and forth over the divider line that determines whether we receive $25,000 to help continue to shed light on mental health issues through theatre or whether we end up empty-handed is excruciating.
The support we have received has been tremendous. YOU, my lovely readers, have been tremendous. We've also received some exciting coverage about our contest participation on the web. Click on some of the links below to check it out:
Please continue to encourage everyone you know to vote. Send them this blog post. Point them towards our website, which has all the information you need on exactly how to vote. Explain that we are not asking for money; only a couple minutes of time. Reach out to co-workers, colleagues, and acquaintances with specific requests: Can I distribute information at work? Would you blog about this? Can you post info on your Facebook page/send info in an e-newsletter/email your own contacts? Reach out beyond your closest circle of friends and loved ones. Include people you normally wouldn't think to ask for a favor. I have been pleasantly surprised by some of the people who have been my strongest supporters through this. Give all the people in your life a chance to surprise YOU.
I believe that most people want to be of help - to their neighbors, their friends, and their community - and they simply don't always know how to go about it. Helping Erasing the Distance win this contest is an easy, quick and cost-free way to support a charitable organization and positively impact so many lives. I have personally seen the amazing work Erasing the Distance has done over the last six years, and a $25,000 grant will go a very, very long way toward helping us continue to use the power of performance to disarm stigma, spark dialogue, educate, and promote healing surrounding issues of mental health.
Thank you so very much for your help everybody! Together, we can do this!
You may remember my post from last week about the Chase Community Giving contest that the wonderful non-profit at which I work, Erasing the Distance, is currently competing in. Well, here's an update: WE ARE SO CLOSE TO WINNING!
In order to win the $25,000 for our organization, we must gather enough votes to be in the Top 100 charities when the contest ends at exactly 11:59AM EST Nov. 22nd. (Chase ain't screwing around, people. They are nothing if not specific.) Currently, we are hovering right around the 100th spot. Sometimes we are higher, sometimes lower. Rankings change constantly as votes continue to come in. As you can imagine, this is a very nerve-wracking position in which to be. If we were, say, around 75th place or so, then maybe we could relax a little bit. Conversely, if we were around 130th, we might start resigning ourselves for the inevitable. But bouncing back and forth over the divider line that determines whether we receive $25,000 to help continue to shed light on mental health issues through theatre or whether we end up empty-handed is excruciating.
The support we have received has been tremendous. YOU, my lovely readers, have been tremendous. We've also received some exciting coverage about our contest participation on the web. Click on some of the links below to check it out:
FitPerez.comBut our work is not done. We have to continue to spread the word. There are only a few days left in the contest, and I truly believe we can make this happen. But I need your help.
OakPark.com
MakeItBetter.net
TribuneLocal.com
WantADumpsterBaby.com
GenwithaG.com
Please continue to encourage everyone you know to vote. Send them this blog post. Point them towards our website, which has all the information you need on exactly how to vote. Explain that we are not asking for money; only a couple minutes of time. Reach out to co-workers, colleagues, and acquaintances with specific requests: Can I distribute information at work? Would you blog about this? Can you post info on your Facebook page/send info in an e-newsletter/email your own contacts? Reach out beyond your closest circle of friends and loved ones. Include people you normally wouldn't think to ask for a favor. I have been pleasantly surprised by some of the people who have been my strongest supporters through this. Give all the people in your life a chance to surprise YOU.
I believe that most people want to be of help - to their neighbors, their friends, and their community - and they simply don't always know how to go about it. Helping Erasing the Distance win this contest is an easy, quick and cost-free way to support a charitable organization and positively impact so many lives. I have personally seen the amazing work Erasing the Distance has done over the last six years, and a $25,000 grant will go a very, very long way toward helping us continue to use the power of performance to disarm stigma, spark dialogue, educate, and promote healing surrounding issues of mental health.
Thank you so very much for your help everybody! Together, we can do this!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Fallen Leaves = FUN
It's like a little mini-movie, if you look at them one right after the other. Don't be fooled by the last pic...there are actually a couple of kids in there!
Monday, November 14, 2011
(Almost) Middle-Aged Besties
I have a best friend.
That sentence feels sort of silly to write at 37 years old. I mean, I'm not, like, in junior high or something, right dude? Well...screw that ageism crap. I am kinda middle-aged (yikes!), I have a best friend, and I still call people "Dude" occasionally. (Although not nearly as much as my best friend.) Take that, stereotypes!
So, my bestie has this awesome blog called GenwithaG.com. Check it out, if you haven't. It rocks. Today, she wrote a blog post that touched me greatly. It may not be obvious to everyone else, but to me, the post reads like a gesture of love to little ole me from one of the most amazing women I know. So I thought I'd share it with you (just click here), because today I'm feeling especially grateful for all the wonderful friends I have in my life, and they don't get any better than Genevieve. I feel so proud and lucky to be her friend, and I want everyone to know it.
That sentence feels sort of silly to write at 37 years old. I mean, I'm not, like, in junior high or something, right dude? Well...screw that ageism crap. I am kinda middle-aged (yikes!), I have a best friend, and I still call people "Dude" occasionally. (Although not nearly as much as my best friend.) Take that, stereotypes!
So, my bestie has this awesome blog called GenwithaG.com. Check it out, if you haven't. It rocks. Today, she wrote a blog post that touched me greatly. It may not be obvious to everyone else, but to me, the post reads like a gesture of love to little ole me from one of the most amazing women I know. So I thought I'd share it with you (just click here), because today I'm feeling especially grateful for all the wonderful friends I have in my life, and they don't get any better than Genevieve. I feel so proud and lucky to be her friend, and I want everyone to know it.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The Chalkboard of Feelings
I sent the girls to their own rooms for some much-needed alone time after an afternoon of seemingly endless arguing between the two. Emma didn't get a chance to grab her doll Molly beforehand, and I wouldn't let her go back out and get her. (In all honesty, mostly because I was feeling too pissy/petty/annoyed to answer anything other than "No" in the moment.)
A few minutes later, she told me to come read what she'd written to me on her chalkboard. "If something is underlined," Em explained, "that means I REALLY mean it." Here's what the chalkboard said:
I told her that she had expressed her feelings very clearly, and I was proud of her for putting her anger into words instead of screaming or throwing a fit. However, I admitted that when I heard she'd written something especially for me, I had hoped it might be something nice.
A few minutes later, she called me back in to read this:
Good gravy, do I love this girl.
A few minutes later, she told me to come read what she'd written to me on her chalkboard. "If something is underlined," Em explained, "that means I REALLY mean it." Here's what the chalkboard said:
I told her that she had expressed her feelings very clearly, and I was proud of her for putting her anger into words instead of screaming or throwing a fit. However, I admitted that when I heard she'd written something especially for me, I had hoped it might be something nice.
A few minutes later, she called me back in to read this:
Good gravy, do I love this girl.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Queen Merlia in da house
Emma: "Mommy, this is Merlia. She is a queen."
Me: "Well hello, Merlia. It is an honor to meet you."
Emma: "Merlia is my friend, and I am her loyal subject."
Me: "Really? Well Merlia, could you please ask your loyal subject to clear her plate from lunch please?"
Emma leans down to hear Merlia's command.
Emma: "Merlia says that's RIDICULOUS! And by the way, it's Queen Merlia to you, commoner!"
Me: "Well hello, Merlia. It is an honor to meet you."
Emma: "Merlia is my friend, and I am her loyal subject."
Me: "Really? Well Merlia, could you please ask your loyal subject to clear her plate from lunch please?"
Emma leans down to hear Merlia's command.
Emma: "Merlia says that's RIDICULOUS! And by the way, it's Queen Merlia to you, commoner!"
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Please...help a lady out, would ya?
Hello, my lovely blog readers! Don't you all look gorgeous today? Okay, you guessed it...I'm buttering you up.
I'm gonna say right up front that I'm pushing an agenda with this post. I try to rarely do that on my blog, but this is just too important to me. I'm not asking for much, I promise. In fact, my little ole request requires no money and very little time from you. (I know, I sound like a used car commercial, but I swear - it's true!)
As many of you know, one of the fabulous arts organizations for which I work is Erasing the Distance. (Click the link to find out more about us. Go ahead...I know you want to.) Chase Community Giving has a program on Facebook where they give away $3 million dollars to 100 small charities...not charities that Chase chooses, but charities that we the people get to choose. (Wow, I gotta say...using the phrase "we the people" in a sentence is kind of cool. I might start doing it every day.) The winners are determined strictly by which organizations get the most votes. Erasing the Distance is in the running for one of these grants, and I ask you to please please please consider voting for us.
The contest ends Nov. 22nd, so time is of the essence. All you have to do is click the button below and vote for Erasing the Distance. (Make sure you "Like" Chase Community Giving first, or they won't let you vote.) Seriously...it's that easy.
Once you've voted, PLEASE spread the word to family and friends! This a nationwide contest with thousands of charities in the running, so every vote really counts.
I cannot emphasize enough how much a grant of this size would mean to our little organization. Your vote will positively impact so many lives. At the very least, it will impact mine...and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
I'm gonna say right up front that I'm pushing an agenda with this post. I try to rarely do that on my blog, but this is just too important to me. I'm not asking for much, I promise. In fact, my little ole request requires no money and very little time from you. (I know, I sound like a used car commercial, but I swear - it's true!)
As many of you know, one of the fabulous arts organizations for which I work is Erasing the Distance. (Click the link to find out more about us. Go ahead...I know you want to.) Chase Community Giving has a program on Facebook where they give away $3 million dollars to 100 small charities...not charities that Chase chooses, but charities that we the people get to choose. (Wow, I gotta say...using the phrase "we the people" in a sentence is kind of cool. I might start doing it every day.) The winners are determined strictly by which organizations get the most votes. Erasing the Distance is in the running for one of these grants, and I ask you to please please please consider voting for us.
The contest ends Nov. 22nd, so time is of the essence. All you have to do is click the button below and vote for Erasing the Distance. (Make sure you "Like" Chase Community Giving first, or they won't let you vote.) Seriously...it's that easy.
Once you've voted, PLEASE spread the word to family and friends! This a nationwide contest with thousands of charities in the running, so every vote really counts.
I cannot emphasize enough how much a grant of this size would mean to our little organization. Your vote will positively impact so many lives. At the very least, it will impact mine...and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Beware: imagination can maim your ponies and prostitute your mothers
Emma was playing with her ponies when they got into a terrible accident involving a city bus. It sounded quite traumatic, at least judging from all the gruesome sound effects coming out of Emma's mouth. However, she quickly stitched them up, and now broken wing, leg and snout are all healing nicely.
(Sidebar: yes, that is a bra hanging out in the upper right corner of this photo. I can't stand wearing a bra and tend to fling mine off the moment I enter my home, letting it land where it may. I do not now, nor will I ever, apologize for this.)
Sophie drew a picture of me this morning. Considering she's only 3, I'm pretty impressed that she did this all by herself. (Well, except for her signature. She points, I write.) Pretty good likeness, don't you think? I particularly like the beard.
I am mildly disturbed that she inexplicably wrote "Ho" on a drawing of me, but then again - a mother that can't keep her bra on really shouldn't be surprised, I guess.
(Sidebar: yes, that is a bra hanging out in the upper right corner of this photo. I can't stand wearing a bra and tend to fling mine off the moment I enter my home, letting it land where it may. I do not now, nor will I ever, apologize for this.)
Sophie drew a picture of me this morning. Considering she's only 3, I'm pretty impressed that she did this all by herself. (Well, except for her signature. She points, I write.) Pretty good likeness, don't you think? I particularly like the beard.
I am mildly disturbed that she inexplicably wrote "Ho" on a drawing of me, but then again - a mother that can't keep her bra on really shouldn't be surprised, I guess.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Emma on a Wednesday
The other day, Emma caught me worrying over my to-do list and barraged me with questions about it. Today, she made one for herself. Here is Em's to-do list, exactly as she wrote it in her notebook:
She completed #s 1-5 and 11-15. She gave herself the grade of 91 D+, which is apparently a very good score because in to-do list grading you want to get as close to an F as possible. (I have no idea why, and my brain started to bleed when she explained it to me, so I am unable to replicate her reasoning here.)
Then she asked me what grade I got on MY to-do list today. I told her I had no idea, but that it really doesn't matter because tomorrow is another day.
"What do you mean?" Emma asked.
"Well," I sighed, "I just mean that I'll get another crack at it tomorrow. My to-do list never really ends. My whole life is basically one long to-do list."
"Really?!" Emma shrieked. "That is SO COOL!"
Wendsday to do list!
1. Get ready for school
2. Read a book or watch T.V
3. Do my homework
4. Read more books/if I want
5. play on my ds./if I want
6. play with my ponys
7. Play dress up!
8. Sing!
9. Dance!
10. Fashoin show!
11. Make a to do list for thirsday
12. Take a shower
13. Get into pagamaes
14. pick out my clothes
15. Go to bed
She completed #s 1-5 and 11-15. She gave herself the grade of 91 D+, which is apparently a very good score because in to-do list grading you want to get as close to an F as possible. (I have no idea why, and my brain started to bleed when she explained it to me, so I am unable to replicate her reasoning here.)
Then she asked me what grade I got on MY to-do list today. I told her I had no idea, but that it really doesn't matter because tomorrow is another day.
"What do you mean?" Emma asked.
"Well," I sighed, "I just mean that I'll get another crack at it tomorrow. My to-do list never really ends. My whole life is basically one long to-do list."
"Really?!" Emma shrieked. "That is SO COOL!"
Sophie on a Wednesday
Sophie: "I like it when Emma hits my arm when she is being naughty and throwing fits."
Me: "Really? Why would you like that?"
Soph: [shrug] "I love my sister."
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Soph: "When dinner is ready and Daddy comes over to visit our house, can I show him my boo-boo?"
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Soph: "Mommy, I'm hungry. Can I have square cheese?"
Soph: "Mommy, I'm bored. Can you put in a movie?"
Soph: "Mommy, I'm cold. Can I have a blanket?"
Me: "Here you go. Anything else you need? My blood? My soul?"
Soph: "Hmm. Your soul? What is that? Can I play with it?"
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Soph: "Mommy, I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?"
Me: "How about the bad news?"
Soph: "Ok. Halloween is OVER!"
Me: "Yes, I know. That is sad. But what's the good news?"
Soph: [long, long pause] "Um...speaking of...can I have a toaster strudel?"
Me: "Really? Why would you like that?"
Soph: [shrug] "I love my sister."
----------------------------------------------
Soph: "When dinner is ready and Daddy comes over to visit our house, can I show him my boo-boo?"
----------------------------------------------
Soph: "Mommy, I'm hungry. Can I have square cheese?"
Soph: "Mommy, I'm bored. Can you put in a movie?"
Soph: "Mommy, I'm cold. Can I have a blanket?"
Me: "Here you go. Anything else you need? My blood? My soul?"
Soph: "Hmm. Your soul? What is that? Can I play with it?"
----------------------------------------------
Soph: "Mommy, I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?"
Me: "How about the bad news?"
Soph: "Ok. Halloween is OVER!"
Me: "Yes, I know. That is sad. But what's the good news?"
Soph: [long, long pause] "Um...speaking of...can I have a toaster strudel?"
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