There are some things that defy explanation. Some things are so strange or scary or sick, it's better to leave well alone and try something else -like laughing. That's what my poor kids are figuring out here in New Orleans. We've encountered plenty of situations that I choose not to explain or are beyond my (notice I didn't say their) comprehension.
Here are just a few:
1. At dinner last night there was a trio/duo??? playing music. It was seemingly a duo, with a hunky guitar player and an old gypsy dude playing accordion. However, there was some woman sitting with them who was playing the blackberry. She wasn't listening or contributing to the music, she was just sitting and texting. What was she doing? I couldn't think of a good explanation when the kids asked, so I just left it alone. She's the sitter, I guess.
2. On the way to the car, we passed a very strange dude sitting at a pop up table on the street doing some sort of something at a table. Why did he have a massive python beside him curled up on a chain? Why was he wearing a shirt that said "I Love My Penis"? Why was he there in the middle of the street doing nothing really? I dunno. I couldn't think of an explanation and was grateful my kids just laughed. Off the hook with that one...
3. You can't live in New Orleans and not travel down Bourbon Street. So, we traumatized/initiated our kids by walking down the infamous road one evening. Why was there a silver painted guy with his head sticking out of a silver painted baby car seat on a giant box? Why did he have weird silver baby hands/flippers? Try explaining that one!!! Just cause, is the best I could come up with.
4. Why is there a festival for any occasion? Take the shrimp and petroleum festival... any other year it would seem more strange but somehow in 2010 it works. Sad, isn't it? I love the strawberry festival, the creole tomato festival and the corn festival. Is there a gumbo festival? Yes. If there isn't one for your favorite food, make a suggestion! I'm sure this town would go for it. Why do they make up these festivals? I'm not sure but I know someone, somewhere has an explanation.
5. Why do New Orleanians keep battling the odds? How come hurricanes, floods, sky high crime rates, crooked politicians (current one not withstanding), backward laws and oil spills don't damper their spirits? That one most definitely defies any explanation other than "they are New Orleanians". You gotta live it to believe it.
What do you know that defies explanation? Tell me, please.
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
It's Never Enough
Ever notice there are some things you can never have enough of? Okay all you pervs...get your minds out of the gutter! I'm talking actual things/items/products/consumables. I swear, there are certain things I desperately try to stay on top of and no matter what I do, I run out of them. Anyone know what I mean?
Here are just a few things I never seem to have enough of:
1. Band aids. I don't know what my kids do with them. Do they peel them off to show off their wounds or is it for the sheer joy/pain of whipping them off? I can buy, say, three boxes and it seems that before long, there's never one left for me if I cut my finger on a knife or get a blister from a pair of shoes. I think if I ever get any extra cash, I'm totally investing in which ever company makes band aids.
2. Bar soap. I know it sounds weird, but our family totally goes through bar soap in massive quantities. Are we really that dirty? I don't even have any bar soap for hand washing!!! It's strictly for the shower. Back when I was single, I thought it ridiculous that bar soap was sold in packs of three or six. "Who the hell uses that much soap?" I used to wonder. Now I know.
3. Sales. I will probably never buy a vacuum from a vacuum store and I doubt I will ever buy an entire room of furniture from one of those giant Rooms to Go places but I read their sale flyers every frickin week, like my life depends on it. I just love reading about sales. It excites me, even if I know I'll never purchase anything from that particular store. Is it mass consumerism at its worse or is it just me?
4. Clean Undies. My kids informed me yesterday that there was absolutely no clean underwear in their undie drawers. I swear I just did their laundry!! How does that happen? Do they put a pair on and then throw them in the laundry a minute later just for fun? Do they change out of their undies every day when they change out of school uniforms and then change again at night when it's time for bed? I know they both have more than 7 pair each and I do the damn laundry every week. Must be one of those laundry mysteries, along with the Bermuda Triangle of lost socks.
5. Pencils. This one really gets me cause I think Keller might actually be eating them. Someone is. In the past six weeks or so that school has been in session, we have bought three, I repeat three, bags of pencils for the kids. Yes, they have a lot of homework; but I don't remember seeing that many pencil shavings around the house! And, here's the kicker; my son's teacher at school says he doesn't ever seem to have pencils in his desk. Maybe if I put more snacks in his lunch box?
6. Smiles. I love to disarm grumps and mudges with a smile. Lots of times I don't really feel like smiling at the person but I do it anyway just for the reaction. Example - there's a woman in the car pool line at school who has NEVER cracked a smile once. Not to any one, any car or any staff member. Believe me, I watch! This morning I gave her a huge smile and she was forced to sort of smirk back. Ha!
7. Donuts at staff meetings. It doesn't matter if you're on a diet, or already had breakfast or don't really like donuts; you'll still eat one at a staff meeting. And, it makes the meeting all that much better if there's a sweet wad of dough involved, doesn't it? There will always be that one holdout who will pass on a donut at the beginning of the meeting. But, if it runs past an hour and they are waning, you know they are going to reach out and grab whatever is left on the plate and shove it in their mouth cause it will stifle the yawn or scream of boredom. I know; I'm that person.
8. Bottles of wine. Don't like wine? Doesn't matter; it's still vital to have wine at home. Unexpected guests or girlfriends in crisis require a bottle of wine, so always have one at the ready. I like the look of un opened bottles of wine. They make me feel like a civilized human being and I know that if I'm totally over it or particularly stressed out by the end of the night, I can always open a bottle of wine and the world will be good again.
9. Paper towels. I'm guilty of polluting the world just a little by using lots of paper towels. I'm not down with wiping the counters with the same stinky cloth that just finished cleaning a load of dishes. Even if I rinse it in bleach somehow I still feel like I'm wiping left over egg all over the counter. So, I use paper towels to wipe stuff down. But, I'm learning with this one. I now buy them in bulk.
10. Blogs. I love reading them. I really like the ones with lots of pretty pictures too. I know you do too or you wouldn't have made it to #10. So, thanks.
Here are just a few things I never seem to have enough of:
1. Band aids. I don't know what my kids do with them. Do they peel them off to show off their wounds or is it for the sheer joy/pain of whipping them off? I can buy, say, three boxes and it seems that before long, there's never one left for me if I cut my finger on a knife or get a blister from a pair of shoes. I think if I ever get any extra cash, I'm totally investing in which ever company makes band aids.
2. Bar soap. I know it sounds weird, but our family totally goes through bar soap in massive quantities. Are we really that dirty? I don't even have any bar soap for hand washing!!! It's strictly for the shower. Back when I was single, I thought it ridiculous that bar soap was sold in packs of three or six. "Who the hell uses that much soap?" I used to wonder. Now I know.
3. Sales. I will probably never buy a vacuum from a vacuum store and I doubt I will ever buy an entire room of furniture from one of those giant Rooms to Go places but I read their sale flyers every frickin week, like my life depends on it. I just love reading about sales. It excites me, even if I know I'll never purchase anything from that particular store. Is it mass consumerism at its worse or is it just me?
4. Clean Undies. My kids informed me yesterday that there was absolutely no clean underwear in their undie drawers. I swear I just did their laundry!! How does that happen? Do they put a pair on and then throw them in the laundry a minute later just for fun? Do they change out of their undies every day when they change out of school uniforms and then change again at night when it's time for bed? I know they both have more than 7 pair each and I do the damn laundry every week. Must be one of those laundry mysteries, along with the Bermuda Triangle of lost socks.
5. Pencils. This one really gets me cause I think Keller might actually be eating them. Someone is. In the past six weeks or so that school has been in session, we have bought three, I repeat three, bags of pencils for the kids. Yes, they have a lot of homework; but I don't remember seeing that many pencil shavings around the house! And, here's the kicker; my son's teacher at school says he doesn't ever seem to have pencils in his desk. Maybe if I put more snacks in his lunch box?
6. Smiles. I love to disarm grumps and mudges with a smile. Lots of times I don't really feel like smiling at the person but I do it anyway just for the reaction. Example - there's a woman in the car pool line at school who has NEVER cracked a smile once. Not to any one, any car or any staff member. Believe me, I watch! This morning I gave her a huge smile and she was forced to sort of smirk back. Ha!
7. Donuts at staff meetings. It doesn't matter if you're on a diet, or already had breakfast or don't really like donuts; you'll still eat one at a staff meeting. And, it makes the meeting all that much better if there's a sweet wad of dough involved, doesn't it? There will always be that one holdout who will pass on a donut at the beginning of the meeting. But, if it runs past an hour and they are waning, you know they are going to reach out and grab whatever is left on the plate and shove it in their mouth cause it will stifle the yawn or scream of boredom. I know; I'm that person.
8. Bottles of wine. Don't like wine? Doesn't matter; it's still vital to have wine at home. Unexpected guests or girlfriends in crisis require a bottle of wine, so always have one at the ready. I like the look of un opened bottles of wine. They make me feel like a civilized human being and I know that if I'm totally over it or particularly stressed out by the end of the night, I can always open a bottle of wine and the world will be good again.
9. Paper towels. I'm guilty of polluting the world just a little by using lots of paper towels. I'm not down with wiping the counters with the same stinky cloth that just finished cleaning a load of dishes. Even if I rinse it in bleach somehow I still feel like I'm wiping left over egg all over the counter. So, I use paper towels to wipe stuff down. But, I'm learning with this one. I now buy them in bulk.
10. Blogs. I love reading them. I really like the ones with lots of pretty pictures too. I know you do too or you wouldn't have made it to #10. So, thanks.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Fast Friends
Disclaimer: by no means does this blog imply that my friends are "fast" or "loose". Well, maybe some of ya'll...
It's week two in NOLA and we are busy making new friends. Cyre has an adoring fan/friend next door, Keller has several boys to call buds, Kev has reconnected with many former hang daddies, and I've met a wonderful group of women too. It feels so good to have my own group of friends, despite already knowing and loving several musicians in town. As one gets older, making friends can seem more of a task than just an experience and I'm thankful it's been such a positive experience for all of us.
Out walking the dog one day last week, the kids and I met a new neighbor also out walking her dog. It turns out she has an adorable granddaughter named Lilly who was ready to make new friends. The very next day, a beautiful, precocious, chatty southern belle turned up at our door ready to play. We've had the pleasure of Lilly's presence every day since and she's made fast friends with Cyre. Though she is friends with Keller, it's Cyre who she longs to play dolls with, discuss fashion, make phone calls and chase after. I'm sure once kids at school meet the new girl, the tiny Canadian and the funny one, Cyre will have a pack of new friends. I use the term pack loosely. Tween girls in a group sound and sometimes act like a pack of hyenas. I know; I was one.
One of my biggest fears in moving to New Orleans was that Keller would have a hard time making friends. Lots of kids don't always get him and his encyclopedic knowledge of wars, weapons and mummies. After six days of pestering his sister and his parents, we desperately called a friend of Kevin's with a son Keller's age and begged them to come over. Keller and Ray hit it off and ended their play date shooting a still video of a Lego war. The only thing I remember shooting at age nine was my mouth off, resulting in me not being able to play with Jennifer Renne for a full year. Yeah. Not a good one...
Just like Keller, our new neighbor Zeke has probably never met a stranger he didn't like. On Monday morning of this week he showed up at my door with an invitation to a red beans n' rice party that evening. His enthusiasm was infectious! I just had to come meet the family that produced such a happy, friendly kid. Since that day, the boys have been inseparable and totally unhappy when family commitments, meals and sleep interfere in their games. I am grateful and relieved.
Kev has reconnected with his former hang daddies and is up to no good already. The smart ass jokes and comments are free flowing and his sense of humor is once more in tact. What's different this time, is that he's more humble and appreciative of full time work. He's working hard at making his band the best it can be and the former Disney employee is in full force. Dress code, stage rules and rehearsals are now part of his weekly routine. What a change from disgruntled posties, threatening dogs and proper dismounts!
To my surprise, I've made friends within my first week here, something I absolutely did not plan on. My first move to New Orleans was rather lonely and it took me several months to make any real friends. This round, it's happened much quicker and I'm thrilled. Am I more open? Yes. Did I have the help of my dear friend Maria? Yes. But, I've made friends with neighbors too and on my own. It takes some chutzpah to walk into a stranger's home full of people and sit down at their table and talk. Thank god for the many years of sales and cold calls; I got me some chutzpah!
The ladies of the Algiers Book Club are a loud and opinionated bunch (their words) and just my cup of tea. I fancy myself both a dame and a broad and these women fit both of these descriptions. Though we'd just met, by the end of the night several of the ladies had asked for my resume, suggested places to take my kids and shared more than a couple of cocktails. We even danced together! I absolutely cannot wait for the next gathering and hope to see many of them sooner.
It's week two in NOLA and we are busy making new friends. Cyre has an adoring fan/friend next door, Keller has several boys to call buds, Kev has reconnected with many former hang daddies, and I've met a wonderful group of women too. It feels so good to have my own group of friends, despite already knowing and loving several musicians in town. As one gets older, making friends can seem more of a task than just an experience and I'm thankful it's been such a positive experience for all of us.
Out walking the dog one day last week, the kids and I met a new neighbor also out walking her dog. It turns out she has an adorable granddaughter named Lilly who was ready to make new friends. The very next day, a beautiful, precocious, chatty southern belle turned up at our door ready to play. We've had the pleasure of Lilly's presence every day since and she's made fast friends with Cyre. Though she is friends with Keller, it's Cyre who she longs to play dolls with, discuss fashion, make phone calls and chase after. I'm sure once kids at school meet the new girl, the tiny Canadian and the funny one, Cyre will have a pack of new friends. I use the term pack loosely. Tween girls in a group sound and sometimes act like a pack of hyenas. I know; I was one.
One of my biggest fears in moving to New Orleans was that Keller would have a hard time making friends. Lots of kids don't always get him and his encyclopedic knowledge of wars, weapons and mummies. After six days of pestering his sister and his parents, we desperately called a friend of Kevin's with a son Keller's age and begged them to come over. Keller and Ray hit it off and ended their play date shooting a still video of a Lego war. The only thing I remember shooting at age nine was my mouth off, resulting in me not being able to play with Jennifer Renne for a full year. Yeah. Not a good one...
Just like Keller, our new neighbor Zeke has probably never met a stranger he didn't like. On Monday morning of this week he showed up at my door with an invitation to a red beans n' rice party that evening. His enthusiasm was infectious! I just had to come meet the family that produced such a happy, friendly kid. Since that day, the boys have been inseparable and totally unhappy when family commitments, meals and sleep interfere in their games. I am grateful and relieved.
Kev has reconnected with his former hang daddies and is up to no good already. The smart ass jokes and comments are free flowing and his sense of humor is once more in tact. What's different this time, is that he's more humble and appreciative of full time work. He's working hard at making his band the best it can be and the former Disney employee is in full force. Dress code, stage rules and rehearsals are now part of his weekly routine. What a change from disgruntled posties, threatening dogs and proper dismounts!
To my surprise, I've made friends within my first week here, something I absolutely did not plan on. My first move to New Orleans was rather lonely and it took me several months to make any real friends. This round, it's happened much quicker and I'm thrilled. Am I more open? Yes. Did I have the help of my dear friend Maria? Yes. But, I've made friends with neighbors too and on my own. It takes some chutzpah to walk into a stranger's home full of people and sit down at their table and talk. Thank god for the many years of sales and cold calls; I got me some chutzpah!
The ladies of the Algiers Book Club are a loud and opinionated bunch (their words) and just my cup of tea. I fancy myself both a dame and a broad and these women fit both of these descriptions. Though we'd just met, by the end of the night several of the ladies had asked for my resume, suggested places to take my kids and shared more than a couple of cocktails. We even danced together! I absolutely cannot wait for the next gathering and hope to see many of them sooner.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
It's Eatin Time!
The fast is over.
We're back in NOLA, in the land of food and a glutton of amazing restaurants. I don't know why, but we just didn't eat out much in Charlotte and we've done just that every single day in the one week we've been back in New Orleans. Yes, there are a gazillion great restaurants here, but it's not like Charlotte was a complete wasteland. It just didn't seem quite as meaningful there.
It's weird to be back. I've titled this new blog full circle, cause that's how it feels. New Orleans is where I met my husband and where my life completely changed. (no need to cue any sort of Air Supply song; it's cliche all right, but 100% true.) I am mostly happy to be here, but somewhat apprehensive too. Starting over is tough anywhere, but somehow it feels like it might be harder here than in Charlotte. I was lucky in the Queen City, and very successful as a writer. I had a fresh start and could be anything I wanted. I don't quite have that luxury here. I'm somewhat remembered, but not as a writer. That just might confuse folks.
The kids are adjusting, but it's harder for them too. They had friends in Toronto, but not BFFs. Plus, they see them at least once a year since we travel to TO frequently. I'm not sure how often we'll get back to Charlotte and that's makes the sting of leaving that much more painful. Poor Cyre is sad, sad, sad about leaving her friends, her school and her Meredith. Truth is, I miss Meredith and the McVadons too. I can only imagine how she feels. Remember 12? Your friends were your whole world (I'm not far from that at 42!) and giving them up is like having an organ ripped out. Okay, a little dramatic; but, I swear all the moping is affecting me.
Keller is happy to be here, but missing his buds too. He is enjoying all the weirdness, the food, the music and le bon temps roulez here. However, I think he is mostly confused and a little bored. He doesn't have the freedom to wander the neighborhood, killing the Dutch. He can't run over to the neighbors houses at 7 am on a Sunday and bombard them with WWI weaponry facts. (don't you want to live next door?) Once the kids start school and he has a routine and regular people to talk to, I'm sure he'll settle down.
The best part though, is how happy my husband is. He's smiling all the time and no longer looks ashen. His walk has a bounce once more. He's grateful, thankful and humble too. It's a lovely combo, though I'm sure it will eventually get old. Playing music every day knowing he can take care of his family has turned his world around. It's the way it's supposed to be. I'm looking forward to that kind of experience myself.
So, off we go to eat more food. More later.
Meg
We're back in NOLA, in the land of food and a glutton of amazing restaurants. I don't know why, but we just didn't eat out much in Charlotte and we've done just that every single day in the one week we've been back in New Orleans. Yes, there are a gazillion great restaurants here, but it's not like Charlotte was a complete wasteland. It just didn't seem quite as meaningful there.
It's weird to be back. I've titled this new blog full circle, cause that's how it feels. New Orleans is where I met my husband and where my life completely changed. (no need to cue any sort of Air Supply song; it's cliche all right, but 100% true.) I am mostly happy to be here, but somewhat apprehensive too. Starting over is tough anywhere, but somehow it feels like it might be harder here than in Charlotte. I was lucky in the Queen City, and very successful as a writer. I had a fresh start and could be anything I wanted. I don't quite have that luxury here. I'm somewhat remembered, but not as a writer. That just might confuse folks.
The kids are adjusting, but it's harder for them too. They had friends in Toronto, but not BFFs. Plus, they see them at least once a year since we travel to TO frequently. I'm not sure how often we'll get back to Charlotte and that's makes the sting of leaving that much more painful. Poor Cyre is sad, sad, sad about leaving her friends, her school and her Meredith. Truth is, I miss Meredith and the McVadons too. I can only imagine how she feels. Remember 12? Your friends were your whole world (I'm not far from that at 42!) and giving them up is like having an organ ripped out. Okay, a little dramatic; but, I swear all the moping is affecting me.
Keller is happy to be here, but missing his buds too. He is enjoying all the weirdness, the food, the music and le bon temps roulez here. However, I think he is mostly confused and a little bored. He doesn't have the freedom to wander the neighborhood, killing the Dutch. He can't run over to the neighbors houses at 7 am on a Sunday and bombard them with WWI weaponry facts. (don't you want to live next door?) Once the kids start school and he has a routine and regular people to talk to, I'm sure he'll settle down.
The best part though, is how happy my husband is. He's smiling all the time and no longer looks ashen. His walk has a bounce once more. He's grateful, thankful and humble too. It's a lovely combo, though I'm sure it will eventually get old. Playing music every day knowing he can take care of his family has turned his world around. It's the way it's supposed to be. I'm looking forward to that kind of experience myself.
So, off we go to eat more food. More later.
Meg
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