Monday, January 31, 2011
A Little Light Reading
Last night when I went in to say goodnight to Ryan I found him reading a book that he had gotten from the library on the Holocaust. How is that for a little light reading at bedtime. The page he was on had the famous picture of the piles of shoes. Ryan does have a great interest in WWII (mostly from the Call of Duty video games, but whatever gets you to learn), but this Holocaust interest was new. When I asked him about it, he said that on Gene Simmons Family Jewels they went to the Anne Frank house because Gene's mother was a Holocaust survivor. Who knew you could learn from Family Jewels? Ryan and I discussed the Holocaust a little and he spoke with such intelligence and empathy that I was really impressed. Then he asked if we could take a cruise to Poland and visit a death camp on an excursion. I told him no, but there was a museum in Washington, DC that we might be able to visit one day.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Ramblings
Gee, it has been so long since I have updated that I don't know where to start, so I will just ramble some random thoughts:
First, I am typing this post on my new IPad. Yay, I GOT AN IPAD FOR CHRISTMAS!!! This is exciting for me because I am so technologically delayed it borders on embarrassing. This is made all too obvious by my circa 2005 Nextel two way radio flip phone - no camera, no Internet, no texting. The only person I know with a worse phone is my Dad. So needless to say I feel very cool.
I did have one strange experience with an app on the Ipad. The kids had gotten some itunes gift cards for Christmas so the itunes account recently had like a $12 credit. Sam went to download a song the other day and I had to come put in my password for him (we all share the account but they don't have the password to buy anything). The account showed a balance of $.38, so I checked to see where the $12 went, and the account records show an ipad app called the Lucky App purchased for $10. Now this app is not on my ipad or on the computer in the itunes library so I know we didn't purchase it. Like I said the kids don't have the password. Anyway, the point of this story is to describe the stupidity of the "Lucky" app. I had to research a little to find out what it was, because of course, I don't actually have the app, I just paid for it. For $10 you get an app to open when you need good luck and you can make a wish. That's the whole app! WTH!!! I am embarrased for myself that there is a record somewhere that I purchased that. My second point is that the only way to contact apple/itunes customer service is through e-mail. No phone contact. What I want to know is how do I get that deal. I think that my happiness level would skyrocket if my only contact with customers at work was through e-mail. Oh, and I have yet to get a response.
We have actually had two significant snows already this winter. And by significant I mean more than two inches. This is Charlotte, North Carolina, so we need to keep it in perspective. The first was on Christmas night, so that was really special. The second was in early January and that was snow that was good for some sledding. Speaking of technologically advanced, sleds have come a long way since I was a kid. I didn't see one single old school sled with runners and a steering handle. Perhaps that is a northern thing, or perhaps I'm just old, I don't know which but Sam is leaning towards the latter. Anyway, these "sleds" were all across the board from inner tubes, to flexible snowboards, to discs, and even the occasional pool float (eh hem, Darnell). I saw one poor child on her laminated thanksgiving placemat. I guess we make do with what we have and everyone was having fun. Midday it all turned to freezing rain, which left a good 1/4 inch coating of ice over the snow. When Sam and I went back that evening to sled some more I felt I was on a luge course in the winter olympics. Scary, but oh how fun it was.
My children and I did differ on a few critical areas of how to spend your time on a snow day. I tried to explain that perfect days have to have the elements of a nice nap, a long hot shower, and eating good food. The first two they were totally not on board with, they consider sleep and showers someting akin to punishment. They agreed on eating, but we differed on what qualifies as "good" food.
Sam is in the middle of his basketball season, which is going so-so. He really likes the kids on his team, but the games don't seem to be going their way. Last nights game prompted Ryan to declare the car a "whine free zone" after any sporting events.
Ryan is gearing up for the spring baseball season. He has been practicing hard and is ready to get back on the field after his championship season. Ryan also has been practicing long and hard on his guitar, as he is finally officially learning a KISS song, Lick It Up. I'll post a video when and if it actually starts to resemble the song in any way!
First, I am typing this post on my new IPad. Yay, I GOT AN IPAD FOR CHRISTMAS!!! This is exciting for me because I am so technologically delayed it borders on embarrassing. This is made all too obvious by my circa 2005 Nextel two way radio flip phone - no camera, no Internet, no texting. The only person I know with a worse phone is my Dad. So needless to say I feel very cool.
I did have one strange experience with an app on the Ipad. The kids had gotten some itunes gift cards for Christmas so the itunes account recently had like a $12 credit. Sam went to download a song the other day and I had to come put in my password for him (we all share the account but they don't have the password to buy anything). The account showed a balance of $.38, so I checked to see where the $12 went, and the account records show an ipad app called the Lucky App purchased for $10. Now this app is not on my ipad or on the computer in the itunes library so I know we didn't purchase it. Like I said the kids don't have the password. Anyway, the point of this story is to describe the stupidity of the "Lucky" app. I had to research a little to find out what it was, because of course, I don't actually have the app, I just paid for it. For $10 you get an app to open when you need good luck and you can make a wish. That's the whole app! WTH!!! I am embarrased for myself that there is a record somewhere that I purchased that. My second point is that the only way to contact apple/itunes customer service is through e-mail. No phone contact. What I want to know is how do I get that deal. I think that my happiness level would skyrocket if my only contact with customers at work was through e-mail. Oh, and I have yet to get a response.
We have actually had two significant snows already this winter. And by significant I mean more than two inches. This is Charlotte, North Carolina, so we need to keep it in perspective. The first was on Christmas night, so that was really special. The second was in early January and that was snow that was good for some sledding. Speaking of technologically advanced, sleds have come a long way since I was a kid. I didn't see one single old school sled with runners and a steering handle. Perhaps that is a northern thing, or perhaps I'm just old, I don't know which but Sam is leaning towards the latter. Anyway, these "sleds" were all across the board from inner tubes, to flexible snowboards, to discs, and even the occasional pool float (eh hem, Darnell). I saw one poor child on her laminated thanksgiving placemat. I guess we make do with what we have and everyone was having fun. Midday it all turned to freezing rain, which left a good 1/4 inch coating of ice over the snow. When Sam and I went back that evening to sled some more I felt I was on a luge course in the winter olympics. Scary, but oh how fun it was.
My children and I did differ on a few critical areas of how to spend your time on a snow day. I tried to explain that perfect days have to have the elements of a nice nap, a long hot shower, and eating good food. The first two they were totally not on board with, they consider sleep and showers someting akin to punishment. They agreed on eating, but we differed on what qualifies as "good" food.
Sam is in the middle of his basketball season, which is going so-so. He really likes the kids on his team, but the games don't seem to be going their way. Last nights game prompted Ryan to declare the car a "whine free zone" after any sporting events.
Ryan is gearing up for the spring baseball season. He has been practicing hard and is ready to get back on the field after his championship season. Ryan also has been practicing long and hard on his guitar, as he is finally officially learning a KISS song, Lick It Up. I'll post a video when and if it actually starts to resemble the song in any way!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Rockin' Out - Christmas Style
Our resident rockstar in training had not one, but two Christmas concerts over the past week. On the 18th Ryan had a "gig" on the big stage. It was the annual show put on by his guitar school. He played Away In A Manger with two other boys. I may be biased, but Ry totally stole the show. Scroll down and pause the music player at the bottom of the page or else you will hear Bon Jovi instead of Ryan. It can be quite easy to confuse the two!
On Christmas Night Ryan performed a private concert for the family. In this picture you can see the new amp that Santa brought.
He played some Christmas songs and then took requests, tips accepted, of course. He made a total of $13.00 at that performance. Not too shabby!
I have a feeling that this video and pictures may be seen on an episode of "Behind the Music" sometime in the future!
On Christmas Night Ryan performed a private concert for the family. In this picture you can see the new amp that Santa brought.
He played some Christmas songs and then took requests, tips accepted, of course. He made a total of $13.00 at that performance. Not too shabby!
I have a feeling that this video and pictures may be seen on an episode of "Behind the Music" sometime in the future!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Socks
I just walked through my house and picked up a sock in every single room, including the hallway and staircase. Why is this???? It's like Hansel & Gretel, except with balled up dirty socks, and if you follow the trail you get a tour of EVERY ROOM IN OUR HOUSE!!!
And yet every morning someone yells out "I have no clean socks!"
And yet every morning someone yells out "I have no clean socks!"
Thursday, September 9, 2010
KISS - The Hottest Show on Earth
"They try to tell us we don't belong
That's allright, we're a million strong
You are my people, You are my crowd
This is our music, We like it LOUD!"
from Crazy, Crazy Nights by KISS
Last Saturday I went to see KISS' "Hottest Show on Earth" tour and I got to go with the coolest kid on Earth. Ryan donned his Gene Simmons face paint (which was KISSterical) and we rock and rolled all night with about 18,000 additional members of the KISS Army! I even sprung for the high dollar tickets and we were in the 20th row, which was great for the eyes but not so much for the ears. My ears rang for two days after the show. Must be getting old! As you can tell from the lyrics that I quoted above Ryan found the place he belongs and the people he belongs with. Not sure what this says about him, but I sure do love my little rocker boy!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Amazing Race
Some of you might know that I love television, particularly reality shows. My all time favorite is "The Amazing Race". This is the one reality show that I would actually like to participate in. If you have never seen the show, just watch the clip below, it is awesome. It doesn't really give you the full idea of what the show is about or how great it can be, but it is good for a giggle. Scroll all the way to the end of the blog page to pause the music so you can hear. And if they are doing maintenace on the feed site the video may not appear, so try back another time.
Anyway, just watch:
"Right in the Kisser". It makes me laugh every time, which is sooo wrong, I know.
Anyway, just watch:
"Right in the Kisser". It makes me laugh every time, which is sooo wrong, I know.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Road Trip 2010: NC to NYC to DC
Right before school started back for the year, we took a five day road trip to NYC/NJ and Washington, DC. A big thanks to Aunt Betty and Jim for putting us up (and putting up with us). Since we try and find something to teach the boys in all of our adventures these are the top 20 things we learned on our journey:
1. I would prefer for Scott to check the car the weekend prior to our road trips, not at 10:30 the evening before we leave. This would avoid stopping for an hour somewhere to change out the battery.
2. Tolls along the East Coast are no longer paid with coins. They are paid with dollars, and lots of them. I brought a bunch of change with me, apparently I thought we were driving to 1976.
3. One day Sam would like to count all of the tiles in the tunnel in Baltimore.
4. It is physically impossible for Sam to ride in a car without creating a ring of crap and garbage around him. It just seems to magically appear.
5. Ryan would like to live a few blocks from Times Square, but in our house and neighborhood. The idea of a McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts on every corner was very enticing to him.
6. Ryan found his heaven in the form of a room full of WWE stuff at the world's largest Toys-R-Us.
7. If the boys never hear a Bon Jovi reference from me again it will be too soon. I pointed out his hometown, a shore bar he played at, and of course The Meadowlands, which when they asked me who played there the answer was The Jets, The Giants, and Bon Jovi.
8. NJ tends to have a variety of smells.
9. Scott learned he will never again complain about traffic on I77 again.
10 The bleachers in Yankee Stadium are damn hot in August, but the lemonade is awesome.
11. A new chant for when Ryan plays catcher this season: Hip Hip Jorge!!
12. Although I am way familiar with the concept, the boys learned what a Guido and a Snookie are.
13. Those slingshot rides are awesome.
14. Ryan loves Zeppoles, and is insisting that I learn how to make them.
15. You can slap the name NY Style in front of a pizza in NC but it just isn't the same as the real thing.
16. Ryan loves Jewish bagels.
17. DC has a lot of homeless people
18. The Korean War Memorial is my favorite, and Ry loved Iwo Jima.
19. Sam is too lazy to climb the steps at the Lincoln Memorial.
20 According to Ryan the Air & Space Museum (the one out at Dulles) is the most boring place on Earth, but Scott and Sam could have stayed there all day.
And the last thing that we learned on our road trip was if you have been putting air in a tire once a week for six months, you might want to get a new tire before you drive 1800 miles. You'll only make it 1700!
Here are the highlights of our trip in photos. I would like to add one explanation of why I am standing in the middle of Times Square looking like I just went to the gym. My sister pointed this out and now I am self conscious about it. These were the comfortable clothes that I wore on the 10 hour trip up. I didn't know that we would be going into the city right away and I didn't plan to get out of the car. Soooo many people tell me I look like Miranda from Sex In the City, but clearly that was not the case here.
1. I would prefer for Scott to check the car the weekend prior to our road trips, not at 10:30 the evening before we leave. This would avoid stopping for an hour somewhere to change out the battery.
2. Tolls along the East Coast are no longer paid with coins. They are paid with dollars, and lots of them. I brought a bunch of change with me, apparently I thought we were driving to 1976.
3. One day Sam would like to count all of the tiles in the tunnel in Baltimore.
4. It is physically impossible for Sam to ride in a car without creating a ring of crap and garbage around him. It just seems to magically appear.
5. Ryan would like to live a few blocks from Times Square, but in our house and neighborhood. The idea of a McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts on every corner was very enticing to him.
6. Ryan found his heaven in the form of a room full of WWE stuff at the world's largest Toys-R-Us.
7. If the boys never hear a Bon Jovi reference from me again it will be too soon. I pointed out his hometown, a shore bar he played at, and of course The Meadowlands, which when they asked me who played there the answer was The Jets, The Giants, and Bon Jovi.
8. NJ tends to have a variety of smells.
9. Scott learned he will never again complain about traffic on I77 again.
10 The bleachers in Yankee Stadium are damn hot in August, but the lemonade is awesome.
11. A new chant for when Ryan plays catcher this season: Hip Hip Jorge!!
12. Although I am way familiar with the concept, the boys learned what a Guido and a Snookie are.
13. Those slingshot rides are awesome.
14. Ryan loves Zeppoles, and is insisting that I learn how to make them.
15. You can slap the name NY Style in front of a pizza in NC but it just isn't the same as the real thing.
16. Ryan loves Jewish bagels.
17. DC has a lot of homeless people
18. The Korean War Memorial is my favorite, and Ry loved Iwo Jima.
19. Sam is too lazy to climb the steps at the Lincoln Memorial.
20 According to Ryan the Air & Space Museum (the one out at Dulles) is the most boring place on Earth, but Scott and Sam could have stayed there all day.
And the last thing that we learned on our road trip was if you have been putting air in a tire once a week for six months, you might want to get a new tire before you drive 1800 miles. You'll only make it 1700!
Here are the highlights of our trip in photos. I would like to add one explanation of why I am standing in the middle of Times Square looking like I just went to the gym. My sister pointed this out and now I am self conscious about it. These were the comfortable clothes that I wore on the 10 hour trip up. I didn't know that we would be going into the city right away and I didn't plan to get out of the car. Soooo many people tell me I look like Miranda from Sex In the City, but clearly that was not the case here.
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