Everyone comes down on me
When I throw it out at the world
Coming out trapped when I'm thinking I
Don't really wanna know what's going down
Everyone comes down on my head
Everyone will go away 'til the jokes to bed
Every lie I know, every line I speak
I can't convince you
I'm moving too fast and you're non-committal
I don't need a lot but I need a little
Maybe it's better you stay
We hurt each other
I'm moving too fast and you're non-committal
I don't need a lot but I need a little
Maybe it's better you stay
Or maybe you don't need another thing from me
And I don't know why I came here tonight
Listening to you tell me what I didn't do right
And I don't think that I can listen to this shit much longer
I don't know what I came up here to say
Say you'll never love me then I'll maybe go away
And I don't wanna leave but I can't stay much longer
Everyone comes down on me
When I struggle with my own defense
Get me think I'm on track
When I'm thinking I don't really wanna know
What I'm up against
Everyone comes down on my head
Everyone will go away 'til the jokes to bed
Every lie I know, every line I speak
I can't convince you
I'm moving too fast and you're non-committal
I don't need a lot but I need a little
Maybe it's better you stay
Or maybe you don't need another thing from me
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Just When I Think . . .
. . . I’m getting too old for this shit, someone does something that makes me feel ashamed of thinking that way.
Friend Allan is well on his way on his Worldrider adventure. I highly encourage anyone and everyone to read his travelogue. There simply isn’t anywhere else to read about the type of thing he’s doing and “experience it” along with him—firsthand. Fascinating travel info, and all the usual Allan-type humor, wisdom, zest for life—proud to know him and call him my friend.
I’m tired. That’s the bottom line. And when I said I was getting too old for this shit, it really meant, I’m burning the candle at both ends. Friday night we went to see Mark Knopfler (as I said), Saturday night was the Shammas going away party (as I said), Sunday we took the boys to the fair, and last night the Shammases came over for dinner (they’re leaving town today). I’m beat. Not to mention that I’ve had an alcoholic beverage (or two, or three) three nights out of four. Oops, make that four out of four, I had one at the fair too. My body feels it and it isn’t happy with me. Keep in mind when I say “two or three,” that’s true, I’m not a drinker. At all. So having even one drink four days in a row . . .
The “who’s working for us” saga continues to change almost daily. As of today, it’s CJ. He’s staying on. Janel, who knows what she’s doing? I hope it doesn’t come back to bite her in the butt. To say she’s treading on thin ice right now is a vast understatement. But it isn’t my problem, unless she decides she wants to work here again, but then doesn’t come to work, at which point it would be a big problem for me. There’s only so far my patience will stretch. I can’t imagine any other employer just sorta hangin’ out wondering who it’s going to be that will actually come to work for you, and letting the two employees decide for themselves. And then change their mind every other day. Kids.
I do have to say that the whole thing with Janel’s mother is starting to tick me off. I’ve met Janel’s mother once. Once. When I was pregnant. For five minutes. And she doesn’t like me. The mention of my name sends her off. Okay, so what the hell is that all about? The analogy would be if I were to resent Janel because she cares about my kids and my kids care about her. Yeah, that’s a pretty awful thing, because having too many people care about your children is a BAD thing. I’ve done my best to help CJ and Janel in every way I can, but it is likely we won’t go their wedding reception because it will upset her mother if I’m there. The extent of my anger about this is more than I can even write about. Or in other words, I’m pissed. Don’t ask me about it, it won’t be pretty.
This isn’t supposed to be an arena where I bitch, so I’m signing off now. Got it off my chest. Hope to focus on happy stuff again when I next write.
Friend Allan is well on his way on his Worldrider adventure. I highly encourage anyone and everyone to read his travelogue. There simply isn’t anywhere else to read about the type of thing he’s doing and “experience it” along with him—firsthand. Fascinating travel info, and all the usual Allan-type humor, wisdom, zest for life—proud to know him and call him my friend.
I’m tired. That’s the bottom line. And when I said I was getting too old for this shit, it really meant, I’m burning the candle at both ends. Friday night we went to see Mark Knopfler (as I said), Saturday night was the Shammas going away party (as I said), Sunday we took the boys to the fair, and last night the Shammases came over for dinner (they’re leaving town today). I’m beat. Not to mention that I’ve had an alcoholic beverage (or two, or three) three nights out of four. Oops, make that four out of four, I had one at the fair too. My body feels it and it isn’t happy with me. Keep in mind when I say “two or three,” that’s true, I’m not a drinker. At all. So having even one drink four days in a row . . .
The “who’s working for us” saga continues to change almost daily. As of today, it’s CJ. He’s staying on. Janel, who knows what she’s doing? I hope it doesn’t come back to bite her in the butt. To say she’s treading on thin ice right now is a vast understatement. But it isn’t my problem, unless she decides she wants to work here again, but then doesn’t come to work, at which point it would be a big problem for me. There’s only so far my patience will stretch. I can’t imagine any other employer just sorta hangin’ out wondering who it’s going to be that will actually come to work for you, and letting the two employees decide for themselves. And then change their mind every other day. Kids.
I do have to say that the whole thing with Janel’s mother is starting to tick me off. I’ve met Janel’s mother once. Once. When I was pregnant. For five minutes. And she doesn’t like me. The mention of my name sends her off. Okay, so what the hell is that all about? The analogy would be if I were to resent Janel because she cares about my kids and my kids care about her. Yeah, that’s a pretty awful thing, because having too many people care about your children is a BAD thing. I’ve done my best to help CJ and Janel in every way I can, but it is likely we won’t go their wedding reception because it will upset her mother if I’m there. The extent of my anger about this is more than I can even write about. Or in other words, I’m pissed. Don’t ask me about it, it won’t be pretty.
This isn’t supposed to be an arena where I bitch, so I’m signing off now. Got it off my chest. Hope to focus on happy stuff again when I next write.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
How Great is He?
Doug and I went to see Mark Knopfler last night. It was kind of a last minute thing. I wanted to see him a couple of years ago, but his tour was cancelled due to a motorcycle accident in which he broke his collarbone.
The level of his talent is staggering. Every song was amazing, for lack of a better word. Truly amazing. Doug and I were both a little disappointed that he played Money for Nothing, but it was Dire Straits biggest hit, so I guess there’s no way around it. I wish I knew the lineup of songs they did, but I will never forget Brothers in Arms, or this rendition of Telegraph Road. Telegraph Road is one of those songs that is easy to say is a favorite Dire Straits song, it’s simply so beautiful. Although it hasn’t been a particular favorite of mine, I’ve always liked it, just wouldn’t say it was a favorite. Last night’s performance of it was a staggering work of genius. As much as his live version of Private Investigation which segues into Your Latest Trick, gives me chills, the same was true last night for Telegraph Road.
He played for a little over two hours, followed by two songs done in encore, and then the audience would not let them leave the stage. Much to our astonishment, and pleasure, they did three more songs. What a surprise and what a joy. Mark is getting pretty old looking, but so is audience, us included.
I knew I would be disappointed if I didn’t go, more than disappointed, mad at myself. With everything going on, and Doug’s intense dislike of driving to LA on Friday night, I hesitated. But in the end, CJ and Janel talked me into getting the tickets, and I am soooo glad they did. I’ll never forget the show last night. Fantastic too that it was just Doug and I. We needed a night for just the two of us.
I also saw Rachael Yamagata this week, last Monday night. Fitting that it’s an afterthought. Actually we (Janel and I) went to Amoeba Music first and saw her perform four songs, which was really fun. Then we went to the Wiltern to see her open for Ray Lamontagne. We didn’t stay for Ray’s show. Rachael was good, but having seen her as a headliner, it was really hard to see her as an opening act. She really pulled back, and also was on a meager time limit. I’m afraid the same will be true for Gavin DeGraw, and almost regret getting the tickets. We’ll see. After Rachael’s show, Janel and I had a quick dinner at Campanile. The salmon (which I had) was perfect, as was the halibut Janel had. Frankly I’ve never been disappointed with meal there.
Tonight we have the Shammas’ goodbye party. Very sad that they’re moving, but I’m already thinking of dates for Doug and I to go and see them. I guess we should probably do it before CJ and Janel move into their new place.
Oh! CJ proposed to Janel last night. They were down at the beach, watching the sunset. How sweet. He called last night at 11:30 to tell us, but we had the phone buried somewhere and I didn’t see the call until mid-day today. She’s very excited, which of course she should be, as is he. They’ve confirmed they’re getting married at Christ Lutheran. Pastor Strubbe is only about the nicest man you’ll ever meet, and he’s going to marry them. I was touched by the fact that the first words he said to CJ in CJ’s initial call to him were, “I hear you have a baby on the way—congratulations!” Nice work Pastor Strubbe. In a matter of seconds you had the sensitivity and caring to put CJ at ease about why they were getting married so quickly, and let him know it wasn’t something he should be embarrassed by, or shameful of, or fearful of your reaction to. I was proud of my affiliation with Christ Lutheran at that moment. Truly how a church and pastor should be. Warm, loving, welcoming, reassuring. I have to remember to thank Pastor Strubbe for that.
The level of his talent is staggering. Every song was amazing, for lack of a better word. Truly amazing. Doug and I were both a little disappointed that he played Money for Nothing, but it was Dire Straits biggest hit, so I guess there’s no way around it. I wish I knew the lineup of songs they did, but I will never forget Brothers in Arms, or this rendition of Telegraph Road. Telegraph Road is one of those songs that is easy to say is a favorite Dire Straits song, it’s simply so beautiful. Although it hasn’t been a particular favorite of mine, I’ve always liked it, just wouldn’t say it was a favorite. Last night’s performance of it was a staggering work of genius. As much as his live version of Private Investigation which segues into Your Latest Trick, gives me chills, the same was true last night for Telegraph Road.
He played for a little over two hours, followed by two songs done in encore, and then the audience would not let them leave the stage. Much to our astonishment, and pleasure, they did three more songs. What a surprise and what a joy. Mark is getting pretty old looking, but so is audience, us included.
I knew I would be disappointed if I didn’t go, more than disappointed, mad at myself. With everything going on, and Doug’s intense dislike of driving to LA on Friday night, I hesitated. But in the end, CJ and Janel talked me into getting the tickets, and I am soooo glad they did. I’ll never forget the show last night. Fantastic too that it was just Doug and I. We needed a night for just the two of us.
I also saw Rachael Yamagata this week, last Monday night. Fitting that it’s an afterthought. Actually we (Janel and I) went to Amoeba Music first and saw her perform four songs, which was really fun. Then we went to the Wiltern to see her open for Ray Lamontagne. We didn’t stay for Ray’s show. Rachael was good, but having seen her as a headliner, it was really hard to see her as an opening act. She really pulled back, and also was on a meager time limit. I’m afraid the same will be true for Gavin DeGraw, and almost regret getting the tickets. We’ll see. After Rachael’s show, Janel and I had a quick dinner at Campanile. The salmon (which I had) was perfect, as was the halibut Janel had. Frankly I’ve never been disappointed with meal there.
Tonight we have the Shammas’ goodbye party. Very sad that they’re moving, but I’m already thinking of dates for Doug and I to go and see them. I guess we should probably do it before CJ and Janel move into their new place.
Oh! CJ proposed to Janel last night. They were down at the beach, watching the sunset. How sweet. He called last night at 11:30 to tell us, but we had the phone buried somewhere and I didn’t see the call until mid-day today. She’s very excited, which of course she should be, as is he. They’ve confirmed they’re getting married at Christ Lutheran. Pastor Strubbe is only about the nicest man you’ll ever meet, and he’s going to marry them. I was touched by the fact that the first words he said to CJ in CJ’s initial call to him were, “I hear you have a baby on the way—congratulations!” Nice work Pastor Strubbe. In a matter of seconds you had the sensitivity and caring to put CJ at ease about why they were getting married so quickly, and let him know it wasn’t something he should be embarrassed by, or shameful of, or fearful of your reaction to. I was proud of my affiliation with Christ Lutheran at that moment. Truly how a church and pastor should be. Warm, loving, welcoming, reassuring. I have to remember to thank Pastor Strubbe for that.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
The Morning After
What is it they say about things always looking better in the morning? That was certainly true after my last post. Of course, with all the various worrying, I made a lot of quick assumptions that weren’t exactly what CJ and Janel were thinking, and actually, we’ve probably seen twice as much of them in the last five days than we usually do. And you know that’s a lot.
Anyway, they haven’t made any firm decisions. It’s relatively likely that one of them will continue to work for us, and it may very well be Janel. We’ll see; I’m hoping to not be so reactionary in the weeks and months to come, as I’m sure things will continuously change.
I’m not feeling sooo great today. We had our “group” to our house for dinner last night. We were missing one couple who’s gone for the month of July. But the rest of us had the usual good time. Honestly, and for obvious reasons, I have a better time when we’re at someone else’s house, but still enjoy the lively discussion and plain fun we have when we’re with these people. Doug has slowly but surely joined along and does show his funny, smart, clever side when we’re with these couples. It’s such a nice mix, probably couldn’t, or wouldn’t, put it together intentionally, but for whatever reason, it works.
CJ and Janel watched the boys during our dinner party, and then CJ stayed after the boys were asleep to help clean up. And then he and Janel ended up staying after our other guests left. I really lost track of time, and before I knew it, it was after 2am. Finally called it a night, but I’m operating on serious sleep-deficiency. (Not to mention, probably had a little bit more to drink last night than I should’ve, especially since I so rarely drink.) Fun anyway.
I’m starting to get really, really busy with work again. Summer vacation is going to have to come to an abrupt end, beginning tomorrow. Seriously. Very seriously.
Our friends the Shammases, who are moving out of town, gave us their son’s bunkbeds and Frank is in heaven. He thinks climbing up to the top bunk is serious adventure. Beckett, as usual, thinks nothing of it, climbs up, stands up, jumps up and down (well, we’re there with him, it isn’t really as bad as it sounds, however, if we weren’t with him, he’d do it anyway).
Speaking of the Shammases, we had dinner with them Friday night at Zipangu. Fantastic. All four of us had their five-course tasting menu. Really fantastic. Every course was good, without exception. Highly recommend a visit. Oh! I almost forgot this entirely, Dennis Rodman was there, or got there sometime after we did. It was surreal to look up and see him sitting down at the sushi bar which was in my line of vision. He’s so far out there, it’s almost like he’s not real. Back to David and Leslie, we had a great time with them as well. We’re really going to miss them, but have planned a visit. We’ll likely leave the kids with CJ and Janel and go up for a weekend. We’ll be able to see Doug’s brother Andy, and David and Leslie, and Leslie has offered to get us a discount at the Fairmont (her new employer).
Doug is working on a potential job in San Luis Obispo. We really want to get up there, and probably should’ve done it when we first got married. Hindsight. There were probably reasons why fate didn’t go that way. Now we’re so dialed in down here, we still want to go, but there are sure a lot of friends we’ve made that we’ll really miss in the event we actually do move.
Beck’s asleep and I probably should be too. Plus I feel like I’m rambling. Maybe I’ll be more coherent later.
Anyway, they haven’t made any firm decisions. It’s relatively likely that one of them will continue to work for us, and it may very well be Janel. We’ll see; I’m hoping to not be so reactionary in the weeks and months to come, as I’m sure things will continuously change.
I’m not feeling sooo great today. We had our “group” to our house for dinner last night. We were missing one couple who’s gone for the month of July. But the rest of us had the usual good time. Honestly, and for obvious reasons, I have a better time when we’re at someone else’s house, but still enjoy the lively discussion and plain fun we have when we’re with these people. Doug has slowly but surely joined along and does show his funny, smart, clever side when we’re with these couples. It’s such a nice mix, probably couldn’t, or wouldn’t, put it together intentionally, but for whatever reason, it works.
CJ and Janel watched the boys during our dinner party, and then CJ stayed after the boys were asleep to help clean up. And then he and Janel ended up staying after our other guests left. I really lost track of time, and before I knew it, it was after 2am. Finally called it a night, but I’m operating on serious sleep-deficiency. (Not to mention, probably had a little bit more to drink last night than I should’ve, especially since I so rarely drink.) Fun anyway.
I’m starting to get really, really busy with work again. Summer vacation is going to have to come to an abrupt end, beginning tomorrow. Seriously. Very seriously.
Our friends the Shammases, who are moving out of town, gave us their son’s bunkbeds and Frank is in heaven. He thinks climbing up to the top bunk is serious adventure. Beckett, as usual, thinks nothing of it, climbs up, stands up, jumps up and down (well, we’re there with him, it isn’t really as bad as it sounds, however, if we weren’t with him, he’d do it anyway).
Speaking of the Shammases, we had dinner with them Friday night at Zipangu. Fantastic. All four of us had their five-course tasting menu. Really fantastic. Every course was good, without exception. Highly recommend a visit. Oh! I almost forgot this entirely, Dennis Rodman was there, or got there sometime after we did. It was surreal to look up and see him sitting down at the sushi bar which was in my line of vision. He’s so far out there, it’s almost like he’s not real. Back to David and Leslie, we had a great time with them as well. We’re really going to miss them, but have planned a visit. We’ll likely leave the kids with CJ and Janel and go up for a weekend. We’ll be able to see Doug’s brother Andy, and David and Leslie, and Leslie has offered to get us a discount at the Fairmont (her new employer).
Doug is working on a potential job in San Luis Obispo. We really want to get up there, and probably should’ve done it when we first got married. Hindsight. There were probably reasons why fate didn’t go that way. Now we’re so dialed in down here, we still want to go, but there are sure a lot of friends we’ve made that we’ll really miss in the event we actually do move.
Beck’s asleep and I probably should be too. Plus I feel like I’m rambling. Maybe I’ll be more coherent later.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Damn, Damn, Damn
Due to circumstances which I’m not yet comfortable writing about here, it looks like CJ is going to have to leave us. I understand why, and I'm not upset with him, but I am awake now, at 2:30am, because I can’t sleep. I keep waking up with that feeling of absolute dread, like something awful has happened and nothing will ever be right in my universe again, or everything has irrevocably changed.
I am trying so hard not to make this about us, and be objective and straightforward, supportive and understanding, and not give any advice that reflects our desire to keep him as our “manny.” But it is not an easy thing to do, mainly because it’s breaking my heart. It is unlikely that we will ever have the good fortune again to find someone who cares for our children in the way that he and Janel do. They are a part of our family. And I know that while there will be every effort and good intention to stay a part of our lives, the reality is always so different.
I am so sad for my boys. We’ve been down the road of bad nannies before. We’ve gone through the seemingly never ending search to find someone who actually gives a damn about what they’re doing, does their job, doesn’t spend all day on the cell phone or text messaging, or parked in front of the tv, or criticizing and being mean to my kid, or showing up late every day, or calling in sick every other day, or expecting a nanny position to be a “great gig” where you just hang out with the kid and make “good money for what you have to do.” Ugh. The worst, worst, worst thing is what the inconsistency does to Frank. He’s older now and will be in school again in September, and probably less affected by the change as he was in the past. But Beckett is just starting out. The person who cares for him will have a significant impact on him, his security, his development. Fortunately again, I am here every day to at least monitor what’s happening, which makes it even harder to find someone, but while I’m here physically, I have to work, stay focused on my work, and not get involved constantly with what’s going on with the nanny and Beckett. My “staying home” with Beckett is not an option for us, we can’t afford for me not to work.
Today I will have to talk with CJ about when I will realistically have to start my search for someone to replace him. I don’t want to face it, I don’t want to do it, and above all, I don’t want him to know how I feel about it, because with what’s happening in his life, he doesn’t need added shit from me.
I’ve found that I’ve been “editing” what I write here, mainly because so many of you are reading it and I want to be considerate and polite and all that. So stop reading now if are particularly sensitive, or don’t want to read when I’m mad . . .
Shit, Damn, Fuck. I don’t want this to be happening. I don’t want to be nice and caring and selfless. I want to be selfish and think only of our family and be mad and hurt that he’s leaving and I want to be mad and hurt that Janel isn’t coming back either. I want to be pissed off about all the emotion we've invested in them and pissed off about how close they’ve become to our kids and pissed that they’re leaving. I want stomp my feet and have a tantrum and behave badly. But I can’t, or at least I can’t anywhere but here in my head. I simply care too much about them. And I guess I’ve just grown up enough to know that I can’t put us first. I could probably talk him into staying, or make it easy for him to stay and stay, and not move forward with finding something else and be complacent. But that isn’t what he needs right now. He needs to find a better job.
When I was growing up, I wasn’t allowed to use the word hate. Until I was a teenager, I thought the words hate and shutup were on par with shit, damn and fuck. But I really hate this. I really, really hate this.
I am trying so hard not to make this about us, and be objective and straightforward, supportive and understanding, and not give any advice that reflects our desire to keep him as our “manny.” But it is not an easy thing to do, mainly because it’s breaking my heart. It is unlikely that we will ever have the good fortune again to find someone who cares for our children in the way that he and Janel do. They are a part of our family. And I know that while there will be every effort and good intention to stay a part of our lives, the reality is always so different.
I am so sad for my boys. We’ve been down the road of bad nannies before. We’ve gone through the seemingly never ending search to find someone who actually gives a damn about what they’re doing, does their job, doesn’t spend all day on the cell phone or text messaging, or parked in front of the tv, or criticizing and being mean to my kid, or showing up late every day, or calling in sick every other day, or expecting a nanny position to be a “great gig” where you just hang out with the kid and make “good money for what you have to do.” Ugh. The worst, worst, worst thing is what the inconsistency does to Frank. He’s older now and will be in school again in September, and probably less affected by the change as he was in the past. But Beckett is just starting out. The person who cares for him will have a significant impact on him, his security, his development. Fortunately again, I am here every day to at least monitor what’s happening, which makes it even harder to find someone, but while I’m here physically, I have to work, stay focused on my work, and not get involved constantly with what’s going on with the nanny and Beckett. My “staying home” with Beckett is not an option for us, we can’t afford for me not to work.
Today I will have to talk with CJ about when I will realistically have to start my search for someone to replace him. I don’t want to face it, I don’t want to do it, and above all, I don’t want him to know how I feel about it, because with what’s happening in his life, he doesn’t need added shit from me.
I’ve found that I’ve been “editing” what I write here, mainly because so many of you are reading it and I want to be considerate and polite and all that. So stop reading now if are particularly sensitive, or don’t want to read when I’m mad . . .
Shit, Damn, Fuck. I don’t want this to be happening. I don’t want to be nice and caring and selfless. I want to be selfish and think only of our family and be mad and hurt that he’s leaving and I want to be mad and hurt that Janel isn’t coming back either. I want to be pissed off about all the emotion we've invested in them and pissed off about how close they’ve become to our kids and pissed that they’re leaving. I want stomp my feet and have a tantrum and behave badly. But I can’t, or at least I can’t anywhere but here in my head. I simply care too much about them. And I guess I’ve just grown up enough to know that I can’t put us first. I could probably talk him into staying, or make it easy for him to stay and stay, and not move forward with finding something else and be complacent. But that isn’t what he needs right now. He needs to find a better job.
When I was growing up, I wasn’t allowed to use the word hate. Until I was a teenager, I thought the words hate and shutup were on par with shit, damn and fuck. But I really hate this. I really, really hate this.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Thanks Doug!
We have great weekends, thanks to Doug. He always finds something new and exciting (or at least interesting) for us to do. Sometimes (most times), I don’t know where we’re going or what we’re doing, and I’ve found I have no trouble playing along with that. Every once in awhile I don’t have the stuff we need, but it’s usually not a problem.
This weekend was no exception. Saturday was a “kids” day. I picked up Andie, and she and Frank went to Joshua’s birthday party for a couple of hours. Then Andie came home with us and we went to the fair. Since Beckett isn’t old enough to ride any rides yet (although he thinks he is), it was great to have Andie along. It’s a drag for Frank to have to go on all the rides himself.
We made tentative plans with the Woodruffs to meet up at the fair, and shortly after we got there, Jill called to say they were walking in the gate. Surprisingly, the three older kids made it work ride-wise. All but one ride they could do “together” and Frank, exercising his gentlemanliness, offered to go alone on the one ride that was for “twos” only.
Sidetrack to gentlemanliness for a minute. I held on to Frank and Andie’s tickets and dispensed them as they were needed. Each of them would approach me, hand out, to get their required number of tickets. After the first couple of times, when Frank’s hand was out before Andie’s, I reminded him that ladies are always first. From then on, Andie was first for everything, not just tickets. He’d walk up to a ride and step to the side to let her go through the entrance first, get on a ride first, or have the first drink of something they were sharing. Exceedingly proud mom moments.
Back to the fair—the three kids had a great time. Every once in awhile they’d do something Lucas could join in on, but he seemed a little tired anyway, so it wasn’t an issue.
Once we’d gone through our tickets, we had dinner and then agreed to meet up with the Woodruffs in an hour at the line for the Demolition Derby! (Yep, you read that right.) We went to look for lizards and snakes. I went along, but I wasn’t looking for them. They didn’t have the exhibit this year (oh darn). We walked over to see the animals and found the derby line really long already, and Doug spotted John already in it. We joined them and then waited for the gates to open.
Beckett finally went to sleep while we were in line, and as we walked in, woke up. Perfect timing. We got great seats and settled in to wait for the show to start.
I was a little concerned about Frank. This kind of thing isn’t his kind of thing, but I figured with Andie and Jessie there, he’d brave up a bit. The show started, and out came these cars, mostly from the ’70s. The crowd was really into it (imagine scenes from Ben Hur, or some other biblical movie, or a movie with a hanging or guillotine scene in it—the crowd was wild with the excitement of something destroying something else). Doug would catch my eye every once in awhile, or ask, to make sure I was okay. This kind of thing isn’t my kind of thing either. And that was made more evident by the fact that Jill would also catch my eye, and ask if I was okay. I was okay, but a bit in shock at what came next. The cars demolished each other. Don’t know what else I expected, but that’s what they did. They rammed and rammed into each other, until each car, one by one, didn’t run anymore and took themselves “out” by putting a yellow flag down that was near the top of the driver’s window. There was one “event” and then the cars all went away, some by tow truck, to get ready for the next event. Some of the cars one wouldn’t think would run any longer, actually came back out for what was called the Main Event.
Here’s the other thing—this is a contest. They get scores and someone wins. Obviously the last car running would win. But at the end of the first event, there were several cars still running (I think, it’s a bit of a blur), yet there was a first through fifth place winner announced. I guess they get points for how many times they bash into another car.
I’d look over at Frank occasionally, who during the first event was completely still. Andie, Jessie and Luke were cheering the drivers on, along with the rest of the crowd, but Frank—completely still. He got excited between the two events, because one of the car’s tires flew off, which reminded him of when our tire flew off (it didn’t really fly off, it exploded, but it was close enough for Frank to identify with). He was a little more kinetic during the second event, but not by a lot.
Beckett on the other hand, is a Demolition Derby superfan. He watched every single thing happening, stood the entire time, cheered, threw his hands up in the air, clapped, squealed, screamed, laughed, jumped up and down, and completely entertained the couple sitting in front of us, who I thought were going to offer to take him home with them. I remind Doug every once in awhile that he wished for a more adventurous kid. He got one. Be careful what you wish for.
I may have said this before, often, with the differences in age and temperament, we anticipate Beckett teaching Frank how to do a lot of things. He’ll probably be the first to go rock climbing, or skydiving, or motocross racing—and then he’ll teach his five-years-older brother how to do it all.
When the derby ended we all said goodnight and we took Andie home. On the way, I eavesdropped on Frank and Andie. Throughout the day, they’d go into this pattern of play where they would go back and forth with “what ifs.” Andie would say,“What if we could fly, and then we could just fly onto each of the rides, and we wouldn’t have to wait in line.” And Frank would say, “Yeah, that’d be cool—and what if we were really dragons that could fly, and we scared everyone away so we were the only people (dragons) on the rides.” I was amazed at each of their imaginations, and frankly think they could’ve just played this way all day and been perfectly happy, it wouldn’t have mattered where they were. So on the way home, I guess Frank was concerned about Doug’s ability to maneuver his way out of the parking lot, and said, “What if parents didn’t know how to do anything, and kids knew how to do everything, and we could drive and stuff, and they couldn’t.” Andie answered with something affirmative, and Frank mumbled wistfully and with a little resignation, “Too bad we don’t know how to do anything.”
Chris invited us in to see the baby and we stayed for a little while. Doug and John never seem to have a chance to hang out anymore, which is because Chris and I have been too busy to schedule anything social for the four of us. We’ll need to do that once the baby is a little older and can be away from mom for more than an hour. (Although Doug and John could schedule their own thing. Yeah, sure.)
We got home around 11pm (!) and I predicted both boys would sleep until 10:00 the next day. I wasn’t far off. Beckett was up around 9:00, but Frank did sleep until the predicted hour.
By 10:45, we were headed off on another adventure. (And this is the part where I don’t know where we’re going or what we’re doing.) We wound up in Dana Point Harbor at the Ocean Institute, which is a remarkable and wonderful place. The institute itself is full of fascinating and fun things for kids and adults alike to do. There’s hands-on and interactive stuff everywhere. We watched a presentation on how waves form and the differences between surface waves and tsunamis, and Frank participated with zeal.
Lunch time, Doug asked what my favorite restaurant was down there (I used to live in both San Clemente and Dana Point), and while I have many favorites, one of the best for lunch is Sonny’s. We weren’t disappointed. Beckett was way past due for a nap, so lunch ended a little before we would’ve liked it to, but I drove home so Doug could eat his meatball sandwich, since he took Beckett outside allowing Frank and I to eat. I went up the coast and we stopped at the Date Shake Shack for our favorite shakes. Frank is in an experimental phase, so wanted to see how many different flavors he could combine and then predict what it would taste like. More of the “what if” stuff, and it was very amusing. I think he ended up with chocolate, orange, pineapple and vanilla (but Doug didn’t actually order the vanilla). He wanted watermelon, but they didn’t have it. Yuck.
We were home by 4:00, exhausted but relatively happy. It was an early bedtime for everyone but me. I worked until 1:00am, started again at 6:00am and worked straight through until 5:00. I’m in workmode again, which is a very good thing. CJ’s back from vacation today (thank goodness), and I hope to keep my stride going rather than get distracted with play again.
This weekend was no exception. Saturday was a “kids” day. I picked up Andie, and she and Frank went to Joshua’s birthday party for a couple of hours. Then Andie came home with us and we went to the fair. Since Beckett isn’t old enough to ride any rides yet (although he thinks he is), it was great to have Andie along. It’s a drag for Frank to have to go on all the rides himself.
We made tentative plans with the Woodruffs to meet up at the fair, and shortly after we got there, Jill called to say they were walking in the gate. Surprisingly, the three older kids made it work ride-wise. All but one ride they could do “together” and Frank, exercising his gentlemanliness, offered to go alone on the one ride that was for “twos” only.Sidetrack to gentlemanliness for a minute. I held on to Frank and Andie’s tickets and dispensed them as they were needed. Each of them would approach me, hand out, to get their required number of tickets. After the first couple of times, when Frank’s hand was out before Andie’s, I reminded him that ladies are always first. From then on, Andie was first for everything, not just tickets. He’d walk up to a ride and step to the side to let her go through the entrance first, get on a ride first, or have the first drink of something they were sharing. Exceedingly proud mom moments.
Back to the fair—the three kids had a great time. Every once in awhile they’d do something Lucas could join in on, but he seemed a little tired anyway, so it wasn’t an issue.
Once we’d gone through our tickets, we had dinner and then agreed to meet up with the Woodruffs in an hour at the line for the Demolition Derby! (Yep, you read that right.) We went to look for lizards and snakes. I went along, but I wasn’t looking for them. They didn’t have the exhibit this year (oh darn). We walked over to see the animals and found the derby line really long already, and Doug spotted John already in it. We joined them and then waited for the gates to open.
Beckett finally went to sleep while we were in line, and as we walked in, woke up. Perfect timing. We got great seats and settled in to wait for the show to start.
I was a little concerned about Frank. This kind of thing isn’t his kind of thing, but I figured with Andie and Jessie there, he’d brave up a bit. The show started, and out came these cars, mostly from the ’70s. The crowd was really into it (imagine scenes from Ben Hur, or some other biblical movie, or a movie with a hanging or guillotine scene in it—the crowd was wild with the excitement of something destroying something else). Doug would catch my eye every once in awhile, or ask, to make sure I was okay. This kind of thing isn’t my kind of thing either. And that was made more evident by the fact that Jill would also catch my eye, and ask if I was okay. I was okay, but a bit in shock at what came next. The cars demolished each other. Don’t know what else I expected, but that’s what they did. They rammed and rammed into each other, until each car, one by one, didn’t run anymore and took themselves “out” by putting a yellow flag down that was near the top of the driver’s window. There was one “event” and then the cars all went away, some by tow truck, to get ready for the next event. Some of the cars one wouldn’t think would run any longer, actually came back out for what was called the Main Event.
Here’s the other thing—this is a contest. They get scores and someone wins. Obviously the last car running would win. But at the end of the first event, there were several cars still running (I think, it’s a bit of a blur), yet there was a first through fifth place winner announced. I guess they get points for how many times they bash into another car.
I’d look over at Frank occasionally, who during the first event was completely still. Andie, Jessie and Luke were cheering the drivers on, along with the rest of the crowd, but Frank—completely still. He got excited between the two events, because one of the car’s tires flew off, which reminded him of when our tire flew off (it didn’t really fly off, it exploded, but it was close enough for Frank to identify with). He was a little more kinetic during the second event, but not by a lot.
Beckett on the other hand, is a Demolition Derby superfan. He watched every single thing happening, stood the entire time, cheered, threw his hands up in the air, clapped, squealed, screamed, laughed, jumped up and down, and completely entertained the couple sitting in front of us, who I thought were going to offer to take him home with them. I remind Doug every once in awhile that he wished for a more adventurous kid. He got one. Be careful what you wish for.
I may have said this before, often, with the differences in age and temperament, we anticipate Beckett teaching Frank how to do a lot of things. He’ll probably be the first to go rock climbing, or skydiving, or motocross racing—and then he’ll teach his five-years-older brother how to do it all.
When the derby ended we all said goodnight and we took Andie home. On the way, I eavesdropped on Frank and Andie. Throughout the day, they’d go into this pattern of play where they would go back and forth with “what ifs.” Andie would say,“What if we could fly, and then we could just fly onto each of the rides, and we wouldn’t have to wait in line.” And Frank would say, “Yeah, that’d be cool—and what if we were really dragons that could fly, and we scared everyone away so we were the only people (dragons) on the rides.” I was amazed at each of their imaginations, and frankly think they could’ve just played this way all day and been perfectly happy, it wouldn’t have mattered where they were. So on the way home, I guess Frank was concerned about Doug’s ability to maneuver his way out of the parking lot, and said, “What if parents didn’t know how to do anything, and kids knew how to do everything, and we could drive and stuff, and they couldn’t.” Andie answered with something affirmative, and Frank mumbled wistfully and with a little resignation, “Too bad we don’t know how to do anything.”
Chris invited us in to see the baby and we stayed for a little while. Doug and John never seem to have a chance to hang out anymore, which is because Chris and I have been too busy to schedule anything social for the four of us. We’ll need to do that once the baby is a little older and can be away from mom for more than an hour. (Although Doug and John could schedule their own thing. Yeah, sure.)We got home around 11pm (!) and I predicted both boys would sleep until 10:00 the next day. I wasn’t far off. Beckett was up around 9:00, but Frank did sleep until the predicted hour.
By 10:45, we were headed off on another adventure. (And this is the part where I don’t know where we’re going or what we’re doing.) We wound up in Dana Point Harbor at the Ocean Institute, which is a remarkable and wonderful place. The institute itself is full of fascinating and fun things for kids and adults alike to do. There’s hands-on and interactive stuff everywhere. We watched a presentation on how waves form and the differences between surface waves and tsunamis, and Frank participated with zeal.
Lunch time, Doug asked what my favorite restaurant was down there (I used to live in both San Clemente and Dana Point), and while I have many favorites, one of the best for lunch is Sonny’s. We weren’t disappointed. Beckett was way past due for a nap, so lunch ended a little before we would’ve liked it to, but I drove home so Doug could eat his meatball sandwich, since he took Beckett outside allowing Frank and I to eat. I went up the coast and we stopped at the Date Shake Shack for our favorite shakes. Frank is in an experimental phase, so wanted to see how many different flavors he could combine and then predict what it would taste like. More of the “what if” stuff, and it was very amusing. I think he ended up with chocolate, orange, pineapple and vanilla (but Doug didn’t actually order the vanilla). He wanted watermelon, but they didn’t have it. Yuck.
We were home by 4:00, exhausted but relatively happy. It was an early bedtime for everyone but me. I worked until 1:00am, started again at 6:00am and worked straight through until 5:00. I’m in workmode again, which is a very good thing. CJ’s back from vacation today (thank goodness), and I hope to keep my stride going rather than get distracted with play again.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Thursday, July 07, 2005
CJ
There's another CJ on the block. Our friends Chris and John had a baby boy today, Casey John. Everyone is healthy and happy. Congratulations John, Chris, Andie and Shane! And welcome CJ!
Nina Montee
Our morning at the spa was more than wonderful. Janel loved it, of course, who wouldn’t? I read that Coast magazine reviewed them as one of the top spas in Orange County, and I concur. Highly recommend them. After our escape, we had a lovely lunch at the Green Parrot Cafe, which I can also highly recommend.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Summer’s Here
I seem to be taking full advantage of the summer break, I’m not supposed to be on a summer break, but I’m taking advantage of Frank’s break regardless. I can’t seem to get my work schedule back on track with the various interruptions I’ve had of fun things to do.
The holiday weekend was relaxing and familial. Saturday, the boys swam and swam in their little pool out front. There is a fantastic ocean breeze that sweeps directly down our driveway which makes being out front so much more enjoyable than being in the backyard. Sunday we went for a bike ride along the back bay and then visited the Newport Aquatic Center which we are considering joining.
Monday was Rockwellian. We went to our friends’, the Woodruff’s, to celebrate July 4th. Jessica, who is Frank’s age, and I share a birthday, and she has always been one of my favorite of Frank’s buddies. Not to mention that her mother, Jill, is one of my very favorite people and also one of my closest friends. I haven’t been a good friend to her in the last six months (probably longer), but she remains steadfast and always a good friend to me. (I have made a commitment to make more time to spend with her and our kids and I intend to honor that commitment.)
Jill lives in a neighborhood that really celebrates the holiday. There are several cul-de-sacs, and each seems to have their own block party. Jill’s neighbors across the street got a bounce house and Jill and John hosted a barbeque. She also mentioned there was a kid’s bike parade down the street that they were going to try to participate in this year, so we decorated Frank’s bike and joined them. The Woodruff’s, in Jill’s usual fashion, were completely decked out and ready for this parade. Jessie and Luke’s bikes were in full-holiday regalia, as was their tandem bike and Honda 50. John Woodruff, who is well over six feet tall, maybe 6'4" or more, rode the Honda. The number of children who participated in this “parade” was staggering. Frank even saw a buddy from his kindergarten class who we didn’t even know lived in that neighborhood. Jill wound up walking their dog, Lucky, and I walked Beckett in the stroller. That left the tandem riderless, so Doug hopped on and rode that alone.
There were kids and adults on all sorts of bikes, mini-bikes, go carts, electric-powered fire engines, wagons, harleys . . . you name it! All were led by a pickup truck with gigantic stereo speakers rigged on the back, patriotic music playing as they made their way in and out of the various cul-de-sacs. A dad with a bull-horn and stop sign made sure the main drag was clear before a mom carrying an American flag led the riders out . . . clearly not the first or even second time they’ve held this parade, this is the stuff of many “annuals.” I applaud whoever organizes this event, and thank them . . . for the kids and for the adults. At six, Frank will retain much of this and I’m thankful this may be one of his memories.
After the parade, the kids played on the slip-and-slide—Beckett right in there with them, slipping more than sliding. After we ate, the kids wanted to go over and bounce in the jump house. A little while later, it dawned on Jill and I that there weren’t any kids in the bounce house. She went over to investigate, and found them all in line at the garden hose preparing water balloons. Thus ensued one of the largest scale water fights I have ever witnessed. Water pistols, balloons, water bottles, hoses, buckets full of water and sometimes ice, served as ammunition. Frank tends to be a little on the timid side, so we weren’t quite sure how he’d do, but to our joy and amazement, he was right in there, giving and getting with the best of them. Most everyone was soaked, with the exception of a few adults who served as the audience, Doug and I among them. It started to get dark, and we wanted to be home for fireworks, so we had to drag Frank away from the fun.
On our way out, a police car drove up and stopped at the house. The policewoman asked if anyone had been having a water balloon fight. Unbelievable. Even though it was on a GRAND scale, this water fight had been back and forth between Jill's house and the house across the street ONLY. The neighbors on either side of Jill were at her house for the party. Who knows which neighbor called the police, or why—just wild that they did. And sad.
Our street is full of excitement on the fourth. One of the houses in the middle of the block usually has an enormous party complete with a band that played all day and into the night. The entire block was provided with entertainment and most of the neighbors had sub-parties. As it gets dark, there are fireworks everywhere you look. Across from the “band house” there is a guy who really gets into it, rocket launchers and full-scale fireworks that light up the sky. There wasn’t a party this year, but the fireworks were as bountiful as ever. We got a $49 pack and some add-ons, and had our own little show in front of the house, at the same time watching the more spectacular explosions down the street. Somehow Beckett slept through all of it! Around 9:30 we went inside to see what we could see from our second story. We watched the show from the country club out the front bedroom window, and then made our way to the back of the house to catch the shows from cities to the south of us. As one of the few two story houses in our neighborhood, we have a great view. Frank, very tired at this point, kept repeating how much he loved me, how much he loved Doug, and how we had given him, “the best Fourth of July he ever had.” It was after ten before he was asleep and I knew we were in for it with what we had planned for the fifth.
Janel stopped by the next morning and we gave her our birthday gifts. I made a book for her starting with the month she began working for us, through to next month when we’ll be going to see Gavin DeGraw at the Greek. The tickets to the show were her other gift. She and I had been talking about going to Disneyland with the boys, and she mentioned something about going on July 5th. I asked why we would go to Disneyland on July 5th considering it was the day after July 4th, or in other words, did she realize how crowded it was going to be? She finally got it through my thick skull that she wanted to go to celebrate her birthday with the boys. Uh, duh. So we went. The plan was to go later in the day, and stay through the fireworks—which seemed almost impossible considering the time Frank had gone to bed the night before.
I decided it might be a good idea to have a place for Frank and Beck to rest if they needed to . . . which led to, if we get a hotel room, the boys can rest, and then CJ and Janel can spend the night in the room when we go home . . . which led to, what a great gift for Janel, she and CJ can have some alone time and she can wake up the morning of her birthday whenever she wanted . . . which led to Frank wanting to spend the night too. Fortunately I thought of cheaptickets.com and got two rooms at a third of the price the reservation line had quoted me.
Doug works right around the corner from Disneyland, which made his joining us that much easier. CJ and I packed bags for the boys, and Doug and I, and Janel packed for her and CJ, and we met at the hotel.
Because I made the reservations through cheaptickets.com less than twenty-four hours in advance, the reservations weren’t in the system when we arrived. The woman helping me at the front desk was absolutely wonderful about handling it, while giving us the special “online” price. She finagled and finagled and finally, after more than a half an hour, she was almost finished when our original reservations popped up. And, of course, she had to start all over. The result was an upgraded room and many fast passes for rides in either of the parks, and goody bags for both boys and Janel, for her birthday.
We survived check-in and got into California Adventure less than an hour before Doug was scheduled to join us. With the fast passes, we were able to go on Grizzly River Run and Soarin Over California, and watch a show before he got there. We hit A Bug’s Land and then had dinner. CJ and I are roller coaster riders, so we on California Screamin’ while Frank and Doug played at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and Janel took Beck back to the room to get warmer clothes.
Next stop was A Small World. Janel held Beckett as he oohed and awed, pointed and laughed. Amazingly, it was almost time for the fireworks. We found a table at the Plaza Pavilion, got some dessert and had a perfect view of the show which, in honor of the Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, is spectacular. Afterward, CJ, Janel and I went on the Indiana Jones Adventure, and then shopped, and went back to the hotel around 11pm. CJ and Janel planned to go back to Downtown Disney at midnight so she could “toast” her birthday legally and then sleep until checkout before heading over to the Angel’s game.
Doug and Frank slept, Beck and I didn’t much. He was officially up at 5:30 and we filled our time until 7:30 when Doug got up to get ready for work. Frank was awake next and I decided to treat him to breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. Then we packed up, sent the bags downstairs with the bellman, and went off to pool. Frank spent the next two hours on the waterslide I hadn’t thought he’d go near, while I tried to keep up with Beck who was in and out of all three pools, and trying to get on the waterslide himself.
Came home at noon. Beck slept from then until 4:45, and I snuck in an hour nap myself.
We didn’t hear from CJ and Janel, but didn’t really expect to, and hope she had a marvelous birthday. Tomorrow she and I will visit the Nina Montee Spa for a “Half Day Escape,” which was one of CJ’s gifts to her. I hope she feels up to it!
The holiday weekend was relaxing and familial. Saturday, the boys swam and swam in their little pool out front. There is a fantastic ocean breeze that sweeps directly down our driveway which makes being out front so much more enjoyable than being in the backyard. Sunday we went for a bike ride along the back bay and then visited the Newport Aquatic Center which we are considering joining.
Monday was Rockwellian. We went to our friends’, the Woodruff’s, to celebrate July 4th. Jessica, who is Frank’s age, and I share a birthday, and she has always been one of my favorite of Frank’s buddies. Not to mention that her mother, Jill, is one of my very favorite people and also one of my closest friends. I haven’t been a good friend to her in the last six months (probably longer), but she remains steadfast and always a good friend to me. (I have made a commitment to make more time to spend with her and our kids and I intend to honor that commitment.)
Jill lives in a neighborhood that really celebrates the holiday. There are several cul-de-sacs, and each seems to have their own block party. Jill’s neighbors across the street got a bounce house and Jill and John hosted a barbeque. She also mentioned there was a kid’s bike parade down the street that they were going to try to participate in this year, so we decorated Frank’s bike and joined them. The Woodruff’s, in Jill’s usual fashion, were completely decked out and ready for this parade. Jessie and Luke’s bikes were in full-holiday regalia, as was their tandem bike and Honda 50. John Woodruff, who is well over six feet tall, maybe 6'4" or more, rode the Honda. The number of children who participated in this “parade” was staggering. Frank even saw a buddy from his kindergarten class who we didn’t even know lived in that neighborhood. Jill wound up walking their dog, Lucky, and I walked Beckett in the stroller. That left the tandem riderless, so Doug hopped on and rode that alone.
There were kids and adults on all sorts of bikes, mini-bikes, go carts, electric-powered fire engines, wagons, harleys . . . you name it! All were led by a pickup truck with gigantic stereo speakers rigged on the back, patriotic music playing as they made their way in and out of the various cul-de-sacs. A dad with a bull-horn and stop sign made sure the main drag was clear before a mom carrying an American flag led the riders out . . . clearly not the first or even second time they’ve held this parade, this is the stuff of many “annuals.” I applaud whoever organizes this event, and thank them . . . for the kids and for the adults. At six, Frank will retain much of this and I’m thankful this may be one of his memories.
After the parade, the kids played on the slip-and-slide—Beckett right in there with them, slipping more than sliding. After we ate, the kids wanted to go over and bounce in the jump house. A little while later, it dawned on Jill and I that there weren’t any kids in the bounce house. She went over to investigate, and found them all in line at the garden hose preparing water balloons. Thus ensued one of the largest scale water fights I have ever witnessed. Water pistols, balloons, water bottles, hoses, buckets full of water and sometimes ice, served as ammunition. Frank tends to be a little on the timid side, so we weren’t quite sure how he’d do, but to our joy and amazement, he was right in there, giving and getting with the best of them. Most everyone was soaked, with the exception of a few adults who served as the audience, Doug and I among them. It started to get dark, and we wanted to be home for fireworks, so we had to drag Frank away from the fun.
On our way out, a police car drove up and stopped at the house. The policewoman asked if anyone had been having a water balloon fight. Unbelievable. Even though it was on a GRAND scale, this water fight had been back and forth between Jill's house and the house across the street ONLY. The neighbors on either side of Jill were at her house for the party. Who knows which neighbor called the police, or why—just wild that they did. And sad.
Our street is full of excitement on the fourth. One of the houses in the middle of the block usually has an enormous party complete with a band that played all day and into the night. The entire block was provided with entertainment and most of the neighbors had sub-parties. As it gets dark, there are fireworks everywhere you look. Across from the “band house” there is a guy who really gets into it, rocket launchers and full-scale fireworks that light up the sky. There wasn’t a party this year, but the fireworks were as bountiful as ever. We got a $49 pack and some add-ons, and had our own little show in front of the house, at the same time watching the more spectacular explosions down the street. Somehow Beckett slept through all of it! Around 9:30 we went inside to see what we could see from our second story. We watched the show from the country club out the front bedroom window, and then made our way to the back of the house to catch the shows from cities to the south of us. As one of the few two story houses in our neighborhood, we have a great view. Frank, very tired at this point, kept repeating how much he loved me, how much he loved Doug, and how we had given him, “the best Fourth of July he ever had.” It was after ten before he was asleep and I knew we were in for it with what we had planned for the fifth.
Janel stopped by the next morning and we gave her our birthday gifts. I made a book for her starting with the month she began working for us, through to next month when we’ll be going to see Gavin DeGraw at the Greek. The tickets to the show were her other gift. She and I had been talking about going to Disneyland with the boys, and she mentioned something about going on July 5th. I asked why we would go to Disneyland on July 5th considering it was the day after July 4th, or in other words, did she realize how crowded it was going to be? She finally got it through my thick skull that she wanted to go to celebrate her birthday with the boys. Uh, duh. So we went. The plan was to go later in the day, and stay through the fireworks—which seemed almost impossible considering the time Frank had gone to bed the night before.
I decided it might be a good idea to have a place for Frank and Beck to rest if they needed to . . . which led to, if we get a hotel room, the boys can rest, and then CJ and Janel can spend the night in the room when we go home . . . which led to, what a great gift for Janel, she and CJ can have some alone time and she can wake up the morning of her birthday whenever she wanted . . . which led to Frank wanting to spend the night too. Fortunately I thought of cheaptickets.com and got two rooms at a third of the price the reservation line had quoted me.
Doug works right around the corner from Disneyland, which made his joining us that much easier. CJ and I packed bags for the boys, and Doug and I, and Janel packed for her and CJ, and we met at the hotel.
Because I made the reservations through cheaptickets.com less than twenty-four hours in advance, the reservations weren’t in the system when we arrived. The woman helping me at the front desk was absolutely wonderful about handling it, while giving us the special “online” price. She finagled and finagled and finally, after more than a half an hour, she was almost finished when our original reservations popped up. And, of course, she had to start all over. The result was an upgraded room and many fast passes for rides in either of the parks, and goody bags for both boys and Janel, for her birthday.
We survived check-in and got into California Adventure less than an hour before Doug was scheduled to join us. With the fast passes, we were able to go on Grizzly River Run and Soarin Over California, and watch a show before he got there. We hit A Bug’s Land and then had dinner. CJ and I are roller coaster riders, so we on California Screamin’ while Frank and Doug played at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and Janel took Beck back to the room to get warmer clothes.
Next stop was A Small World. Janel held Beckett as he oohed and awed, pointed and laughed. Amazingly, it was almost time for the fireworks. We found a table at the Plaza Pavilion, got some dessert and had a perfect view of the show which, in honor of the Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, is spectacular. Afterward, CJ, Janel and I went on the Indiana Jones Adventure, and then shopped, and went back to the hotel around 11pm. CJ and Janel planned to go back to Downtown Disney at midnight so she could “toast” her birthday legally and then sleep until checkout before heading over to the Angel’s game.
Doug and Frank slept, Beck and I didn’t much. He was officially up at 5:30 and we filled our time until 7:30 when Doug got up to get ready for work. Frank was awake next and I decided to treat him to breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. Then we packed up, sent the bags downstairs with the bellman, and went off to pool. Frank spent the next two hours on the waterslide I hadn’t thought he’d go near, while I tried to keep up with Beck who was in and out of all three pools, and trying to get on the waterslide himself.
Came home at noon. Beck slept from then until 4:45, and I snuck in an hour nap myself.
We didn’t hear from CJ and Janel, but didn’t really expect to, and hope she had a marvelous birthday. Tomorrow she and I will visit the Nina Montee Spa for a “Half Day Escape,” which was one of CJ’s gifts to her. I hope she feels up to it!
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