Stall Tactics

My son has gotten creative with his stall tactics lately. Or perhaps a better description would be deviously cute. To keep me from getting him dressed or leaving his preschool he has come up with a stall tactic. Usually, he grabs onto me and doesn't let go, saying "Mommy, I want to give you 'nuggles." Today, as I bent down to take him in my arms I said "Okay, one more snuggle before I have to go to work" He proceded to wrap his soft, chubby arms tightly around he and moved his body back and forth to imitate repetitive hugs all the while saying "nuggle nuggle nuggle nuggle" with the most mischevious look on his cherubic face. I just about fell over laughing right then...the little stinker!

Padres Game - Part II

I forgot to mention a couple things about the trip. When we arrived at the Padres game, we were about 1 1/2 hours early. We had seen an interview at the field the evening before about a green belt and play area they call The Park at the Park. It's a big grassy area with a small baseball diamond. The kids get to play a mini game of ball with light bats and wiffle balls. When it was Jake's turn at bat they pitched a few to him unsuccessfully and finally broke out the baseball T and let him hit one. I thought that was so nice of them to remember that for the little ones, who aren't quite ready for a full pitch. After he hit the ball, he was so nervous in front of all those people that instead of running to first base he ran straight for mommy! I'm so bad, I absolutely loved it. For those who aren't moms, you need to know that it's a sinful pleasure for every mother to know that you are the first person your little boy wants to run to when he's scared. Other parents around the field were smiling and giggling at my son's antics as my hubby did his best to show my son how to run to first and my son turned back halfway and ran right into my arms. *grins*
We found out later that you can buy tickets for $5 a person to watch the game from this area. It's such a great idea. They have a set of bleachers right at field level, a sandpit for the small children and the big grassy area...all open for running around while the game is being played. What a great way to have a picnic and enjoy a sporting event at the same time.

Sea World, San Diego and the Padres

This past weekend, my wonderful hubby took Jake and I down to San Diego for a very relaxing weekend. We took the train, because Jake loves trains and we knew he would love the experience. He had so much fun on the train, working the seats and footrests, flirting with 2+year old girl and watching the ocean roll by. He was so interested in the button to adjust the seat that Shawn finally let him push the button. He was so light that the seat, which had been slightly reclined, jumped to attention and just about knocked him to the floor! The look on his surprised little face was priceless. *smiles*
The hotel was convenient and after the 3-hour-tour which was the train/bus/rental car event, we decided to have lunch at the hotel restaurant and enjoy the room.
Saturday we went to SeaWorld. Jake loved Shamu, which we saw as soon as we got there, though I think he was more taken by the big moving screens and the possibility of being splashed than by the whales, lol. He was quieter than I expected, he was so busy taking in every detail and watching all the goings-on.
Shawn orchestrated our way through all of the attractions at SeaWorld beautifully, I so enjoyed it. Jake got to feed the dolphins and Shawn fed the bat rays. Jake loved feeding them but we couldn't get him to touch them, just a little too young yet I suppose.
Our day at SeaWorld ended abruptly at the beginning of the Walrus and Sea Otter show. This is by far the cutest show at SeaWorld, I always look forward to it. Shawn and I were both excited for Jake to see it. As soon as the show started however, Jake saw that the lead actor carried a sword. He got it into his nap-deprivated mind that pirates were about and suddenly he burst into tears. He was so scared that pirates were going to get us we couldn't calm him down. So, that was the end of SeaWorld, lol.
Shawn bought Jake a SeaWorld Sings DVD that Jake watched avidly for the rest of the trip. I think this DVD will end up giving Jake more of a lasting impression of SeaWorld than the actual visit, lol. At 3 years old, I'm not really sure how many of his memories will be permanent ones yet. I'm sure Jake's next trip to SeaWorld will be even more fun, now that the way has been paved, so to speak.
The next day we had a very peppery breakfast at 222 Cafe in the gaslight district and went to the Padres/Pirates game. More pirates! All the noise at the beginning of the game and the name Pirates and Jake was ready to leave before the game started. It took a while of both Shawn and I talking to him and then Daddy had to pull out all the stops and firmly talk to Jake before he finally settled down to enjoy the game. After that we had a fun time. Jake and I talked to a woman named Annie, who was an avid Padres fan and a long time San Diegan. Her father had been an archeologist at the Museum of Man in Balboa Park, a very interesting lady. Shawn bought peanuts and Annie shared her Cracker Jacks, so Jake had a full experience at the game. Trevor Hoffman broke the all-time saves record at the end of the game, making it quite interesting.
After that we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. Jake finally took a three hour nap, catching up from two days without one. We thought we would explore old town but I wasn't up to leaving the hotel by the time Jake woke up, so we just relaxed for the rest of the evening. I don't think I've ever had such a relaxing trip, one I very much needed.
Monday, we got up and made our way back home. It is so nice to be away and always so nice to finally be home

Flashing - Take II

The dark side of Flash...

~ The Voice ~ (under 500 words)

Bill kept swatting at the voice dancing around his head. He forgot how this behavior scared people away.

"Bill, clean up that mess, I've told you a thousand times not to leave your socks and dirty underwear on the floor of the bathroom!" Swat, went Bill's hand.

"Bill, eat your vegetables, they're good for you. I didn't cook them to entertain myself, now did I?" Swat, again hitting at the empty air. He could still hear the resounding twang of the shovel as it bashed in the side of his mother's head. But damn it all if her voice still wouldn't go away!

"Bill, I've told you more times than I can count...if you start a job, finish it!" Swat, went his hand again as he filled a glass with water and set it on the tray next to the sandwich. He could hear her moans before he opened the basement door.

"Bill? Bill?"

Flashing

Okay, minds out of the gutter, lol, I'm talking about Flash Fiction. I thought I'd post my first successful flash fiction tale here. I hope you enjoy it.
~ Cliche ~ (under 100 words)
"Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" Wally said with an imperious wave of his hand. "You know how maddening it is that you always answer in cliches. Damn it Wally, I just want a straight answer....do you want dinner or not?" Exasperated, June turned back to the stove. "Bang Zoom Alice! Straight to the moon!" Wally strode from to kitchen, back to his usual place in front of the tube.

Acting and Parental Manipulation

So, I'm dropping Jake at school today and he's doing is usual best to keep me there as long as possible. Playing shy, telling me he wants nuggles and showing all the teachers his new lunchbox...while sitting in my lap. Miz Kim, a sweet and savvy pre-K teacher, starts to tell me about my son's act yesterday morning. When the kids are doing the attachment thing and not letting their poor overworked, sleep-deprived, guilt-ridden parents leave them at the school, the teachers have a great ploy. They open the front window and make a big production of letting the kids wave goodbye to their parents, who by then have safely retreated to their cars. Well, apparently Jake was doing his best impression of sorrowful...head down, glancing up from under his eyebrows to make sure someone was noticing his sad, sad situation. *chuckles* Jake is a consummate actor at the grand age of 3. So, he sees me finally and gives me big sorrowful waves...and as soon as I leave he's off and running with his buddies. The little stinker was trying to play me like a Stradivarius, lol.

8 Things about Me

This is "8 things you don't know about me." For some, you may know these things, others may not know any of them about me, so here goes.
1. I was in gymnastics as a child and dreamed of being the next Dorothy or whoever the best was that Olympics season. I loved it the two years I was involved and always regretted not going back. I look forward to the Summer Olympics each season, just for the gymnastics.
2. I love to paint, but never seem to find the time. People who see my work say I have talent, but it is pretty raw. I get frustrated that I don't practice and the ideas I have never quite gel into the mental image I have of the piece. Though, recently I was talking with a friend about a painting I did for her and I have a thought for a new way to create. The painting I did for her was somewhat in the genre of pop culture. It was an ocean landscape but very comic-like, very stylized. I'm wanting to try my hand at art in this way for a while...see what happens. It would be a way of forming my own style, rather than continuing to copy others. Still, I would like to go back to school and hone my skills. In my next lifetime perhaps. *smiles*
3. I enjoy writing and recently joined an online writers group. It is a group dedicated to Flash Fiction...which are very short, short stories. So far I just lurk, watching the other writers submit pieces, listen to the critiques offered. I offer critiques but have yet to really jump in and write much. Stay tuned.
4. I would love to finish my degree in art and become an art restorationist. Though I keep being pulled back to the idea of finishing my accounting degree, which is a much shorter journey and would pay off immediately, since I'm already an accountant. Both have to wait until Jake's a little older, but I still need to decide a direction.
5. I have three best friends. That is incredible to have three, I'm so very fortunate. Does it sound weird to call someone your 'best' friend in front of another one of your best friends? Doesn't the 'best' signify one is rated higher than any others? Well, I give up on trying to decide that word play...they are all three my best friends and I love them tons!
6. I love long hair. I cut mine off a year ago to look more professional and I miss it. My hair grows fast, so it'll be back soon enough. When you're pushing the envelope of pleasingly plump and live in So Cal...with the beautiful, cosmetically engineered Cali women...it's nice to have at least one vanity, one thing about your image of which you can be proud. Mine is my thick, long hair.
7. I would love to have a dozen kids. Not very practical, I know, but being a mom is so amazing...and I actually think I'm pretty good at it. *smiles*
8. I would love to ride horses well and plan to take lessons with my son when he's old enough. Is it possible to be a horse person and not like country music? lol
So, that's 8. If you feel like playing too, please let me know where to find your list...I'd love to read all about you. *smiles*

Separation Anxiety

Usually I can drop Jake at school and he'll play his shy boy routine for about a minute and a half, then give me big hugs and I can pull myself away once Nicholas or another friend gets his attention. This morning I had a few more minutes to spare and sat in one of the tiny preschool chairs and gave Jake a good, long _nuggle (those s's strike again). I think it had an adverse effect, though. After getting a long snuggle he didn't want me to leave and just held on to me even tighter. *sighs* It's so hard to leave him at school on the mornings where all I want to do is snuggle up on the couch with him and give him all the love he wants.

Our Deepest Fear

The following is a quote from a book by a metaphysical writer by the name of Marianne Williamson, it is often misquoted as part of the inaugural speech of Nelson Mandela. It speaks to all of us, no matter the author.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Jakaroo and the Amazing Three's

It's amazing how it seems to come out of nowhere...the next level of change in your growing baby's development. His favorite show is "Bob, the Builder" and so he has, for months, been 'fixing' things with his imaginary screwdriver or hammer. However, in the last few weeks it has changed. Suddenly, he wants to fight with swords, vanquish dragons, shoot the boogie man, etc. Every stick is now a weapon of some sort. The new stage seems to have come from his little band of followers at preschool...because he still is rapt with Bob the Builder at home.
So, I'm driving Jake to preschool this morning and he's in his seat, pointing his little forefinger at me saying "Mommy I'm burning you with fire....shhhh shhhh (fire sound effects) shhhh" I turn to him in mock shock "Honey, don't burn me, that would really hurt me" full of the 'mommy' need to explain the reality of fire to my son. He looks at me like I'm daft and says "It's just pretend fire, Mommy," and pulls out his pretend hose to water me down.
He is way too smart for my own good, lol

Projects

Oh, I am the project queen!! Give me a hearty dose of inspiration and I'm off to the races planning my next 18 projects, lol. The murals in my son's room....unfinished for a year or more...the new mural for the sandbox...I was planning a beautiful sand/beach/ocean scene until Jake said with vigor and firmness....no, no mommy "_piderman sandbox" (still working on those s's)...three piles of work from clients untouched for a month...and various other painting, cleaning, etc, ad infinitum stuffs-to-do. So, where to begin? A little me time....yes!! Not a familiar notion, taking time out for myself but that was the standing order from one who knows best. Mmm, so back to my scrumptious Terry Goodkind book....9 out of 10 in the series...oh agony until the next one in 2008, but I still can't stop reading until my eyes won't stay open each night, lol. There's no stretching it out when it's this good! Then a little inspirational study. Yes, that's the ticket. I can address the multitudinous projects tomorrow.
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow.......*sings off key on the way to her book*

Inspiration

Ahhhh, take in a deep purifying breath of inspiration! There is absolutely nothing like it in the world. All it takes is a couple precious hours with my sister-in-law and I'm fully charged and ready to take on the world. You can't beat in-laws like mine...doesn't that make me sound like the most fortunate person on the planet? *grins*

Labor Day

It was a grand weekend, full of anything but labor...and I needed it! Jake and I spent Saturday with Grandma and Papa Ed, Uncle Mike, Uncle Gary and Aunt Penny at the pier in San Clemente. It's such a great place. We had lunch at the bar side of the pier, the most excellent clam chowder in So Cal, with a beautiful view of the sparkling ocean and great service. Then we took a leisurely stroll down the 1/4 mile pier, looking in every fisherman's bucket to see what they caught and listen to the fish tales.
Sunday, we took off for the high desert to visit Papa and Grandma Suzie and the rest of the clan for the B Boys Birthday Bash. We had a great time swimming in the pool, snacking all day and celebrating the September birthdays. At one point in the evening, Shawn looked around noticing my brother and my dad on their laptops, my other brother and my sister on the x-box...and said, "Babe, you should have brought your laptop". If I had, we could have all been in the same room, IM'ing each other and would have had no need to talk at all, lol. Is it possible my family is entirely too techy...or is this the new age??
Monday, we got up and went right back in the pool. Jake had a great time squirting everyone with a super squirter...though he needed help aiming it and playing in the kiddie pool dad had set up on the grass, right next to the big pool. At one point, dad threw a huge yoga ball into the pool. We all had great fun trying to balance atop the precariously tall ball. Shawn was the winner, lasting a good 10 seconds on top. As I watched us all balancing on top of the ball, looking like beached walrus', I thought to myself that it's a good thing we're all on the road to better diets and trying our hands at being health conscious in one way or another.
I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend as well.

Nicknames

My name has always been shortened, mispronounced, misunderstood, etc. Though, I love my name and would never trade it for another...I was happy that we gave Jake a good solid, easily understood name. I thought Jake was such a good, short, masculine name...already shortened from Jacob and no need to change it. Well, silly me for thinking that, lol. He's only 3 and the nicknames continue to morph. He's Jakester from grammy, Jakaroo by me and his dad, the Jake man, little man, sweetie pie, etc. etc....and I'm the worst culprit, lol. It seems that long names get shortened and short names get lengthened no matter what you do. Everyone loves to personalize...even other people, lol.

The Jakester Files - #2

My little man turned three and started school today in the big three-year-old class. *sighs* He's getting so big...and he's such a little character! I found out last week that all the kids at school call him by his full name, lol. And he's the only Jake in the school. He must have told them his full name, such a little leader he is...and so outgoing. His teacher snickered when she saw him shyly hiding behind my leg. "Yeah", she says, "There's Jake, the shy one" and rolls her eyes, lol.

The Jakester Files - 1st Edition

This morning we all slept in, seems the whole house needed a good, long night's sleep. Usually, Jake's footsteps are heard across the bare floor and I pull him in bed between us for morning snuggles. This morning, I had to get up and open his door, peak my head in and say "Come into mommy's bed" He got up and followed me in. After Shawn got up to take a shower, Jake rolled over and snuggled into his dad's pillow. His first words of the morning were "This is the best pillow ever in the Whole World!" *smiles*