Remember the time I said Korea was so safe and friendly? Remember when I left my purse in a bar with lots of cash on a Saturday night and the bartender kept it and returned it - untouched? Remember when Keith left my wallet on the ride at Everland with lots of cash (I promise those are the only two times I've ever carried cash) and it was returned untouched? Those days are over.
Fridays are "popcorn fridays" at Cole's elementary school. I volunteer to help pop a bag of popcorn for every kid and teacher there. It's something the PTO does for fun and moral. Anyway, last Friday the ladies were talking about how bad theft has gotten around here. They were sharing stories of what's going on at the High School and people who have been caught trying to break into the houses on base... SHOCKING. I'm telling you, you can learn a lot at Popcorn Friday. I share this with Keith and he's in disbelief that Korea could be a place of locking doors and keeping your eye out. We go on with our weekend.
Sunday rolls around and Keith travels to Seouen to play soccer. He takes his camera bag with EVERYTHING in it: the camera and all his lenses, filters, and collection of garb that I have no idea of their names or purpose. He takes pictures and before the game starts he puts the bag in his trunk. Obviously someone was watching because when he got home, the camera bag was gone. They left the iphone, GPS, and his work backpack, but took the camera bag. He was/is devastated.
Oh, my heart dropped for him. Those near and dear to Keith quickly realize how well he takes care of his things - starting with family all the way down to his shoes. He's a believer in getting the best and taking care of it to last forever. Examples: me and Merlin, 'nough said ;-) Trust me. Try driving his car 3,001 miles between oil changes. It WILL become a top priority in life - and it better be done yourself to ensure it's changed properly. I know the kind of care he put into researching and picking out the best lenses. I witnessed the guy baby them and clean them with all different kinds of special cloths and brushes. I saw him excited over learning a new interest and quickly become a technical expert on all things Nikon. To know somebody took it away so quickly is hurtful. We both realize it's stuff, but it doesn't stop the immediate pain. I'm sorry honey. I know I've teased you about what's gone into your hobby, but if I could replace it all for you today I would.
Our silver lining is that all of the pieces were insured so we're just waiting till Monday morning in the States to call USAA. Ugh. Sucky. USAA has always treated us well so I'm sure I'll have a post singing their praises in the next few weeks. They have a tough job ahead of them because they might not realize how picky Keith can be when it comes to his electronics. Then again, they deal with military members. I'm pretty sure he's not the first "type A" they've worked with.
Totally unrelated, we have a handful of mink blankets that are so soft and fuzzy. I've washed a couple of them and they seem to have lost some their softness. We're down to a few of "original softness" blankets and Keith makes the comment "Boys, I hope you don't pee on these and make us wash them anytime soon" Wouldn't you know that they had an accident THAT very night? Poor hubby, he's not having a very good weekend.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Bag Lady
We spent almost all day outside today. The weather was so nice. I love spring when people are out in full force the first few days it's above 40*. I got a new purse today. I know I came here thinking that I won't buy ANY fake purses. I'll buy fake anything else, but I have too much respect for real purses. That was until I actually went inside Star Bag.
This lady has to be the most wealthy woman in Songtan. I bought a purse in December and the handle was cracking so I took it back today. She agreed to fix it (I can't wait to see how in the world a "fix" job will look). I left my purse there for a couple weeks, but I HAD to have a replacement for the time being, right?
I came home with another one. It's addicting! I have to be stopped. We've been here for 7 months and I have accumulated 5 purses. 2 Louis Vuitton, a Prada, Puma bag, and Jimmy Choo. Part of me feels like stepping it up for a nice average of 1 a month. These high quality goods should last me at least a year in the States. Yes, I get the irony that I took one back today for falling apart in less than 2 months.
We also went to watch Keith play soccer. Great weather, the boys were having fun outside, and I got to watch my boyfriend play just like the old days. It was As Good As It Gets.
This lady has to be the most wealthy woman in Songtan. I bought a purse in December and the handle was cracking so I took it back today. She agreed to fix it (I can't wait to see how in the world a "fix" job will look). I left my purse there for a couple weeks, but I HAD to have a replacement for the time being, right?
I came home with another one. It's addicting! I have to be stopped. We've been here for 7 months and I have accumulated 5 purses. 2 Louis Vuitton, a Prada, Puma bag, and Jimmy Choo. Part of me feels like stepping it up for a nice average of 1 a month. These high quality goods should last me at least a year in the States. Yes, I get the irony that I took one back today for falling apart in less than 2 months.
We also went to watch Keith play soccer. Great weather, the boys were having fun outside, and I got to watch my boyfriend play just like the old days. It was As Good As It Gets.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Bullseye
The weather is warming up! In my expert opinion Spring is in full force on the ROK. Wednesday we picked Cole up from school and decided to go to Everland. Our passes are only good for the weekdays and we haven't been since November. We drove out and were puzzled as to why we were being directed to the overlfow parking lot. Let me tell you - the place was PACKED! I've never seen so many cars there. It was like being at a regular DisneyLand. Or worse, like Six Flags in the Summer, or like a family fun trip to Sea World 2009.
As it turns out, this is the Korean Spring/Summer break. School starts up again for them March 1st. Lines for the teacups were an hour. No thank you. We've become very accustomed to being the only people in the park, waiting was not on our to-do list. We basically just enjoyed walking around and seeing the sights. The only thing Cole wanted to do was play the dart game. You know the game you have to pay extra money to play like at the fair? For $2 you get 5 darts to try to pop all the balloons. What a deal!
I felt a little guilty. I wasn't going to stand in any lines and basically took them on a 3 miles hike while they got to listen to other kids laughing and screaming on all the rides. I forked over the money and little man stepped right up.
We gave him the darts and wouldn't you know - he hit FOUR in a row! Cole made it look so easy. He won a little stuffed doggie bone that he wants to give to Mickey. Sweet kid. Girlfriends are going to love him. They'll get to take home all the stuffed animals and it will only cost me $2.
As it turns out, this is the Korean Spring/Summer break. School starts up again for them March 1st. Lines for the teacups were an hour. No thank you. We've become very accustomed to being the only people in the park, waiting was not on our to-do list. We basically just enjoyed walking around and seeing the sights. The only thing Cole wanted to do was play the dart game. You know the game you have to pay extra money to play like at the fair? For $2 you get 5 darts to try to pop all the balloons. What a deal!
I felt a little guilty. I wasn't going to stand in any lines and basically took them on a 3 miles hike while they got to listen to other kids laughing and screaming on all the rides. I forked over the money and little man stepped right up.
We gave him the darts and wouldn't you know - he hit FOUR in a row! Cole made it look so easy. He won a little stuffed doggie bone that he wants to give to Mickey. Sweet kid. Girlfriends are going to love him. They'll get to take home all the stuffed animals and it will only cost me $2.
Bummer
Everyone in the entire world has their assignment and we don't.
My new fake TAG watch barely got wet and the whole face fogged up.
It made me more upset I lost my BVLGARI watch in Thailand that necessitated the TAG.
Today was laundry day. In the rain.
Brad had a bad day so screaming and whining are ringing in ours ears.
And we still don't have our assignment.
BUT, it's nothing a little Haagen Dazs and Grey's Anatomy can't fix. Goodnight.
My new fake TAG watch barely got wet and the whole face fogged up.
It made me more upset I lost my BVLGARI watch in Thailand that necessitated the TAG.
Today was laundry day. In the rain.
Brad had a bad day so screaming and whining are ringing in ours ears.
And we still don't have our assignment.
BUT, it's nothing a little Haagen Dazs and Grey's Anatomy can't fix. Goodnight.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Blue Skies Lookin At Me
Do you want to know what we did today? We went outside without jackets on. We didn't freeze. It was comfortable! It was As Good As It Gets. I'm officially declaring it - SPRING!!! Yippie Skippy Do! Tomorrow we're picking Cole up from school and heading to Everland. Something else worth noting, I made the perfect homemade pizza tonight. I mean it was GREAT. Sorry you missed it Keith.
You heard me, picking Cole up from school because he's cleared to go back! Their last Dr. appointment went well. Officially they had a staph infection a strand that started with a B and was 115 letters long. I honestly tried to remember it, but like the old "telephone" game I played by myself in my head it turned into bactroban. Which is also the name of the ointment they are on. Damn ;-)
They both had Cellulitis. Fun nasty stuff. I could do without it and thank Heavens it happened at the end of the trip. Things can go South quickly without antibiotics. The good news is that they did get treatment quickly and it was contained to their skin. I'm still on the lookout for other symptoms, but they should start scabbing over later this week. They could have picked it up anywhere so it's not just a Thailand thing. That means I still am in love with those thousands of little islands with the softest powder beaches. I can start telling you all the fun times and cool things we got to do. I can vividly recall jumping from rocking boat to rocking boat, the only way to access the resorts we stayed at! Ahh, Thailand. Thank you for the memories and the fake watch and sunglasses. Kob Koon Kaa!
You heard me, picking Cole up from school because he's cleared to go back! Their last Dr. appointment went well. Officially they had a staph infection a strand that started with a B and was 115 letters long. I honestly tried to remember it, but like the old "telephone" game I played by myself in my head it turned into bactroban. Which is also the name of the ointment they are on. Damn ;-)
They both had Cellulitis. Fun nasty stuff. I could do without it and thank Heavens it happened at the end of the trip. Things can go South quickly without antibiotics. The good news is that they did get treatment quickly and it was contained to their skin. I'm still on the lookout for other symptoms, but they should start scabbing over later this week. They could have picked it up anywhere so it's not just a Thailand thing. That means I still am in love with those thousands of little islands with the softest powder beaches. I can start telling you all the fun times and cool things we got to do. I can vividly recall jumping from rocking boat to rocking boat, the only way to access the resorts we stayed at! Ahh, Thailand. Thank you for the memories and the fake watch and sunglasses. Kob Koon Kaa!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Survivor Update
Ok, for the moment the boys are just fine. Their blistering skin is on hold and they are bouncing off the walls and furniture in their typical fashion. Their every need is met and we go for another check up in the morning. NOW....
Did you watch Survivor: Heros vs Villains? I'm hooked. Please let Boston Rob Align with Russell. Talk about a power team. I'm sure Russell has something different up his sleeve. I'm sadly disappointed in James's behavior, and what's up with Jeff Probst calling me out for naming my son Colby! Coach and Jerri - vomica.
Now, to prove my attention isn't SEVERELY misaligned, here's a picture of Cole's knee today. I just wish I knew how to rotate the picture before I save it... so just turn your head and compare. Since we're comparing boo boo's, I have a hangnail that hurts and I risk my open wound to treat my children's contagious funkiness. There, I feel better.
Did you watch Survivor: Heros vs Villains? I'm hooked. Please let Boston Rob Align with Russell. Talk about a power team. I'm sure Russell has something different up his sleeve. I'm sadly disappointed in James's behavior, and what's up with Jeff Probst calling me out for naming my son Colby! Coach and Jerri - vomica.
Now, to prove my attention isn't SEVERELY misaligned, here's a picture of Cole's knee today. I just wish I knew how to rotate the picture before I save it... so just turn your head and compare. Since we're comparing boo boo's, I have a hangnail that hurts and I risk my open wound to treat my children's contagious funkiness. There, I feel better.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Overloaded
Usually when you return from a vacation you feel relaxed and reset, ready to return to reality. I've been robbed! Do you like how this baby blog has turned into me? I feel a bit like Scarlet, but that's a whole other post.
We landed in Seoul, boarded a bus, and rushed home. Thew our bags down and ran immediately to the emergency room. Cole's blisters were growing in front of our eyes literally every hour they were bigger and bigger. The Dr. marked the boarders with a sharpie and told us to come back in 24 hours if they started to grow. We were back in 4 hours and this time Brad had a lesion too.
Here's what Cole's knee looked like after the first Dr. marked them:
At this point they have each had 5 doses of antibiotics. The blisters have stopped growing in size, but more spots/lesion sites have popped up on both boys. Sore count: Cole has 3 on his left knee, 3 on his right leg, and one on his ear. Brad has two on his legs and one on his ear. They don't look nearly as bad as the originals on Cole's knee, but nevertheless, WHY are they still getting them? We are in a wait and see hold to give the medicines a chance. Cole's ear still looks pretty nasty. There was a moment where I was ready to jump on a plane to the States (ok, honestly I was thinking Hawaii ONLY because it was closer!) The boys were acting fine, you would never know their skin was blistering and falling off!
Keith is feeling better. I blame his stomach issues on his diet. My husband ordered pad thai EVERY meal for 8 days straight. As Brad would say "his tummy hated him". Let that lesson be learned, the digestive system can only safely handle 7 consecutive days of pad thai. From the pictures it appears I drank my calories for 9 days straight and I feel great.
Thank you for the prayers. I'm holding my review of Thailand off till the boys are better and healed. Depending on how long we deal with funky skin blisters I might waiver in my love for the stunning, breathtaking, God made tropical islands and beaches.
We landed in Seoul, boarded a bus, and rushed home. Thew our bags down and ran immediately to the emergency room. Cole's blisters were growing in front of our eyes literally every hour they were bigger and bigger. The Dr. marked the boarders with a sharpie and told us to come back in 24 hours if they started to grow. We were back in 4 hours and this time Brad had a lesion too.
Here's what Cole's knee looked like after the first Dr. marked them:
At this point they have each had 5 doses of antibiotics. The blisters have stopped growing in size, but more spots/lesion sites have popped up on both boys. Sore count: Cole has 3 on his left knee, 3 on his right leg, and one on his ear. Brad has two on his legs and one on his ear. They don't look nearly as bad as the originals on Cole's knee, but nevertheless, WHY are they still getting them? We are in a wait and see hold to give the medicines a chance. Cole's ear still looks pretty nasty. There was a moment where I was ready to jump on a plane to the States (ok, honestly I was thinking Hawaii ONLY because it was closer!) The boys were acting fine, you would never know their skin was blistering and falling off!
Keith is feeling better. I blame his stomach issues on his diet. My husband ordered pad thai EVERY meal for 8 days straight. As Brad would say "his tummy hated him". Let that lesson be learned, the digestive system can only safely handle 7 consecutive days of pad thai. From the pictures it appears I drank my calories for 9 days straight and I feel great.
Thank you for the prayers. I'm holding my review of Thailand off till the boys are better and healed. Depending on how long we deal with funky skin blisters I might waiver in my love for the stunning, breathtaking, God made tropical islands and beaches.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Departing Gift
I was so worried about Keith being sick on the way home (which he wasn't - thank goodness!) that I was totally unprepared to worry about flesh eating skin infections the boys were carrying around!
Yep, Thailand sent us off with some crazy staph infection. Immediately after landing we went straight to the Emergency Room. Three trips to the ER in 16 hours and I **think** we are on the road to recovery. Details and memories to follow.
ps - if you spend 8 hours in the Bangkok Airport between the hours of 7pm and 3am can you officially say you've had "one night in Bangkok"?
Yep, Thailand sent us off with some crazy staph infection. Immediately after landing we went straight to the Emergency Room. Three trips to the ER in 16 hours and I **think** we are on the road to recovery. Details and memories to follow.
ps - if you spend 8 hours in the Bangkok Airport between the hours of 7pm and 3am can you officially say you've had "one night in Bangkok"?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Half a World Away
We are spending our last night in Thailand. I hope everyone is ready to ignore my boring blog posts for the next month while I try to recall all the details of this trip. Let me just say, I love my children. Then I will say, a vacation is more like extra work when traveling with them. THIS was the trip to bring grandparents on ;-)
Now I must get back to nursing my husband. It seems he's got the Traveler's Bug. I got online to look up his symptoms and here I am on the blog. I'm trying to distract my over the top head that it's not dysentery or cholera. He'll be fine in a few days, I'm sure.
We'll be back in Korea soon and I hope he doesn't visit every toilet between here and there. Poor guy.
Signing off to order some room service. I'm too chicken to go out to eat alone with the boys. I value them and my organs.
Now I must get back to nursing my husband. It seems he's got the Traveler's Bug. I got online to look up his symptoms and here I am on the blog. I'm trying to distract my over the top head that it's not dysentery or cholera. He'll be fine in a few days, I'm sure.
We'll be back in Korea soon and I hope he doesn't visit every toilet between here and there. Poor guy.
Signing off to order some room service. I'm too chicken to go out to eat alone with the boys. I value them and my organs.
Monday, February 8, 2010
My Heart Holder
Since we’ll be lounging on the beaches of Thailand on Valentine’s day, I thought I would post this early. Boys, let me tell you a little story of how I met your father. Keep in mind, this was WAY back in the 90’s and we were in High School. It’s filled with all the cheesiness that for some reason I can remember every detail of….. can’t find my keys, but you better believe I know the ridiculousness that makes up the non essensial details of our love story.
I was really close friends with Amy and Emily Chiles. Amy was a year older than me and Emily was a year younger than me. It turns out Emily started going to a new church group – and I mean it was new and tiny – Denton Bible. (look it up, it’s now a mega-church) Anyway, One day Emily says “Jennifer, you have got to meet this guy that goes to Denton Bible. His name is Keith McDaniel and he is C U T E ! Being slightly boy crazy I was hooked. Months later it was a Friday or Saturday night and I was going out with Amy. We made a pit stop by her house to get re-ready and as I walked past Emily’s room, I notice she had friends over. As it turns out, she invited Dan Shipman and Keith to come hang out with her and Meredith Shuck. Boys, you should keep these names in mind because almost everyone involved still lives in the Flower Mound area. If we ever live there in the future you could be friends with THEIR children. And I will have more input than you’ll ever want when it comes to whom you date ;-)
I quickly walk past her room and get an eye glimpse of your dad. She was right, he was CUTE, BUT he was also starting to date Meredith. This might have been over the summer because when school started back up guess who started going to Marcus???? Keith. His Dad (Grandpa Slothbear) moved and he was able to switch schools. I would see him around and we had lunch together. We never sat near each other – he with his friends and me with mine, but I would always delay getting up and throwing my trash away when the bell rang so I could walk near him. He also did the same to be near me. I noticed. Everyone together…. AAAAHHHHHHHHHH!
Fast forward almost the entire school year! May 21, 1993 and I’m in 4th period Study Hall with Michael Dougan. We’re sitting around chatting and the question comes up “if you could go out with anyone in the entire school, who would you go out with?” My answer was Keith McDaniel. To my surprise Michael says “HOLD ON!” He gets up and leaves the room. Turns out he went to the class next door and finds your dad. Michael comes back and says, Keith will pick you up from work when you get off tonight and you’re going on a date. Umm, what just happened? I kinda didn’t care because I was very excited.
I worked at the Vista Ridge Mall in a candy store (Tropik Sun Fruit & Nut) and frantically had Melissa bring me up her best outfit to borrow. I think it was cream Bongo pants from The Wet Seal and a cream flowery silk tank top with brown flats and brown belt. Ask your father if he remembers what I was wearing… he won’t. That's ok, it might also have to do with the fact that I had a clothes journal. I wrote down what I wore every single day so I wouldn't repeat an outfit more than once every 2 weeks. Can you imagine the horror!? (ps - thank you for being boys) So she brings the clothes up to me and I close up the store possibly a little early to make sure I’m ready at 9:00pm. Guess who walks down the stairs… Keith AND Matt Garrison. Let me pause right there and remind myself that the writing was on the wall. This guy brought his BFF on our first date. I don’t even know if you can classify it as a date (again… writing on the wall) because we went back to his house where a party was already in full swing. See, Grandpa Greg worked and your dad’s friends always went over there to hang out. Yes, our date consisted of not spending ANY money. Man, so many bells are going off now that I’m recalling all these details.
We were standing in the back of Grant Kelly’s truck when your Daddy gave me our first kiss. From that moment on, it wasn’t “maybe we’ll see each other again”, it was as natural as “what are we doing tomorrow… for as long as we both shall live?” There was not any awkwardness or guessing, we knew that we liked to be together and were almost inseparable for the rest of the week (and years to follow). On May 26, 1993 your Dad asked me to “go” with him. Thirteen years later on that exact date your brother was born. BUT FIRST you have to have a wedding. I’ve got 8 ½ years of stories between first date and that!!
There’s so much more because young love in High School comes with DRAMA. But true love conquers all! Happy Valentine’s Day Keith. I love you so so much. Thank you for almost 17 years of memories. We’ve officially been together longer than we ever were apart!
Moving On
Wild West night is officially over and I must say it was so much fun. We all had a good time. The OSC here went ALL out. It was a well ran, huge fund-raising evening. I've never seen such a total transformation of an O-Club. Impressive.
The boys were equally excited. The plan was for all of us to spend the night at Heather's and share a babysitter. I didn't go into ALL the details with Cole because when I picked him up from school on Friday this is what he said:
Cole "Mom, am I really spending the night at Jacob's house?"
Me "yes, on Saturday while we go to the Wild West night"
Cole "but what if I have an accident and pee?"
Oh, my heart. He's scared to death. I assured him that he and Brad will be in their own room and I will make sure to pack the pull ups. The babysitter will help you and Jake will never know that you're wearing one and I'll be there before you even wake up. Then he told me "you better pack 10 pull ups just in case"
Later that night and following morning: "I'm so excited and nervous for my sleep over" He wants to go but is so worried about another accident. It's all we talk about. I wish I could just wipe the slate clean for him. We did talk to the teacher, but it kinda went nowhere. :-/ Keith and I approached him and said "is there something that happened or we're missing? Why does he hate going to school? Why do I have to fight him to come? Why the accidents? How come there's only been 3 in the class this whole year and my son is two of them? Why is he afraid of his teacher?" Guess what.... his teacher was totally shocked. I can't even type it without my eyes rolling. How do you spend 7 hours a day with my child and not know if anything could have possibly happened? He thinks maybe he might have got in a fight with one of his friends. Yep, that was his only answer. That's the answer he gave me instead of wanting to dig into the deeper issues of these accidents.
Parenting failure. He's six and potty training once again is an issue. I've been working on wiping his own hiney, and the importance of not holding it. I don't think he's used the bidet in WEEKS! Small victories. Now, I'm having to remind him if he ever feels scared to just go empty his bladder whether he feels like he has to "go" or not. Keith and I have also set an alarm in the middle of the night to wake up and take him to the bathroom. So far he's dry at 1am, but still wet again at 6:30am. I feel like I can't limit his liquid intake at night because they don't get enough to drink during the day.
I'm counting down the days. If things don't improve after this vacation, decisions will be made.
Speaking of vacations.... it's almost time!!! We might have had one suitcase packed for the past 4 days. I had to pull out all the shorts tonight to see what fits the boys. Brad wears a 4T. He is wearing the same brand new shorts Cole wore this past summer when we got here. Good thing because I bought some sale stuff this winter for next summer - Cole is wearing it now. I'm hoping they will still fit in 4 months. I've been over treating eczema spots so the sunscreen and bug spray won't burn Brad's skin. We've packed life jackets the boys will be wearing 24/7 because I'm a bit loco when it comes to them around large bodies of water. What a great idea: island hoping in the Indian Ocean! I need to pack some Valium for myself. We have sand toys, straws (it's known they "recycle" drinking straws over there and we can't drink the water), towels, snorkel gear, our flippy floppies. Oh... and this:
This is about the only New Year's Resolution I've put any effort into so far. Since I have never read nor seen the movie Gone With The Wind (and I miss my friend Erin) I have some beach reading material! The thickness of the book is slightly daunting, but I will prevail. I just hope it's as exciting as the Twilight series. Margaret Mitchell might be rolling over in her grave. Sorry! Expect a full book report to follow!
The boys were equally excited. The plan was for all of us to spend the night at Heather's and share a babysitter. I didn't go into ALL the details with Cole because when I picked him up from school on Friday this is what he said:
Cole "Mom, am I really spending the night at Jacob's house?"
Me "yes, on Saturday while we go to the Wild West night"
Cole "but what if I have an accident and pee?"
Oh, my heart. He's scared to death. I assured him that he and Brad will be in their own room and I will make sure to pack the pull ups. The babysitter will help you and Jake will never know that you're wearing one and I'll be there before you even wake up. Then he told me "you better pack 10 pull ups just in case"
Later that night and following morning: "I'm so excited and nervous for my sleep over" He wants to go but is so worried about another accident. It's all we talk about. I wish I could just wipe the slate clean for him. We did talk to the teacher, but it kinda went nowhere. :-/ Keith and I approached him and said "is there something that happened or we're missing? Why does he hate going to school? Why do I have to fight him to come? Why the accidents? How come there's only been 3 in the class this whole year and my son is two of them? Why is he afraid of his teacher?" Guess what.... his teacher was totally shocked. I can't even type it without my eyes rolling. How do you spend 7 hours a day with my child and not know if anything could have possibly happened? He thinks maybe he might have got in a fight with one of his friends. Yep, that was his only answer. That's the answer he gave me instead of wanting to dig into the deeper issues of these accidents.
Parenting failure. He's six and potty training once again is an issue. I've been working on wiping his own hiney, and the importance of not holding it. I don't think he's used the bidet in WEEKS! Small victories. Now, I'm having to remind him if he ever feels scared to just go empty his bladder whether he feels like he has to "go" or not. Keith and I have also set an alarm in the middle of the night to wake up and take him to the bathroom. So far he's dry at 1am, but still wet again at 6:30am. I feel like I can't limit his liquid intake at night because they don't get enough to drink during the day.
I'm counting down the days. If things don't improve after this vacation, decisions will be made.
Speaking of vacations.... it's almost time!!! We might have had one suitcase packed for the past 4 days. I had to pull out all the shorts tonight to see what fits the boys. Brad wears a 4T. He is wearing the same brand new shorts Cole wore this past summer when we got here. Good thing because I bought some sale stuff this winter for next summer - Cole is wearing it now. I'm hoping they will still fit in 4 months. I've been over treating eczema spots so the sunscreen and bug spray won't burn Brad's skin. We've packed life jackets the boys will be wearing 24/7 because I'm a bit loco when it comes to them around large bodies of water. What a great idea: island hoping in the Indian Ocean! I need to pack some Valium for myself. We have sand toys, straws (it's known they "recycle" drinking straws over there and we can't drink the water), towels, snorkel gear, our flippy floppies. Oh... and this:
This is about the only New Year's Resolution I've put any effort into so far. Since I have never read nor seen the movie Gone With The Wind (and I miss my friend Erin) I have some beach reading material! The thickness of the book is slightly daunting, but I will prevail. I just hope it's as exciting as the Twilight series. Margaret Mitchell might be rolling over in her grave. Sorry! Expect a full book report to follow!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
DISCOVER Me
I found out the Airman and Family Readiness Center offers some pretty neat stuff. In my search for a hidden talent the AFRC announced a new service. You can DISCOVER yourself. It says:
This program is designed to provide one stop shopping and seeks to match an individual's likes, dislikes, skills, abilities, and values with occupations and school majors.
An online quiz to figure out what I'm good at! Perfect! I took the four areas of the test and this is what it showed me.
Does it make sense to you? Me neither. However, after each quiz it would suggest career options I might be interested in. I so wish I knew how to capture the screen shot because you'll never believe this. Keith was sitting right next to me so he can attest to the results.
First it told me that I should consider being a flight attendant or animal trainer. Then it told me that should look into the medical field such as occupational therapists, allergist, nurse anesthetist, registered nursing, and dental hygienist. It suggested being a dancer, and to Keith's absolute delight, a photographer,. The final directional push was teaching. Now isn't that something? I took a test to tell me exactly what I was and already thought of doing. So much food for thought.
I should think about it after I catch up on years of missed sleep. Starting right now. Goodnight.
This program is designed to provide one stop shopping and seeks to match an individual's likes, dislikes, skills, abilities, and values with occupations and school majors.
An online quiz to figure out what I'm good at! Perfect! I took the four areas of the test and this is what it showed me.
Does it make sense to you? Me neither. However, after each quiz it would suggest career options I might be interested in. I so wish I knew how to capture the screen shot because you'll never believe this. Keith was sitting right next to me so he can attest to the results.
First it told me that I should consider being a flight attendant or animal trainer. Then it told me that should look into the medical field such as occupational therapists, allergist, nurse anesthetist, registered nursing, and dental hygienist. It suggested being a dancer, and to Keith's absolute delight, a photographer,. The final directional push was teaching. Now isn't that something? I took a test to tell me exactly what I was and already thought of doing. So much food for thought.
I should think about it after I catch up on years of missed sleep. Starting right now. Goodnight.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
World Worst Mom
Do you want to know what Brad's favorite song is? Sexy B*tch by David Guetta featuring Akon. Nice huh? It's kinda catchy if you get past the name. I actually had to look the song up and am totally embarrassed that is what it's called. I blame the AFN. I feel bad this one little radio station has to play music to fit EVERYONE's tastes. You can be listening to heavy metal in the morning, rap by lunch, pop mid afternoon, with a easy 80's/90's relaxing remix by 5:00pm. And did I mention the DJ's were just about the world's worst? Here's a little sample of the song for those acting like they've never heard it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqYHPEUUcHg
Today on the way to base Brad heard this song and said "Turn it up, I like this song. It makes my tummy, my head, and my toes dance." Dance on brother, you know this mommy won't discourage it.
Oh my gravy - I'm writing this post and listening to the song. I don't think I've ever listened to all the words. I'm a HORRIBLE mother. I blame the clunker car and it's 20 year old speakers. Do I deny dancing tummy and toes? I'm so torn.
Better news is that Grandpa Greg might have found a new BFF. With as many times as we've watched The Princess and The Frog, Brad's love of jazz music is growing. I'll have to get video but the little toot just can keep still when he hears those horns start to blow. It's the most endearing thing I've ever seen. For that reason alone the movie is literally on repeat. If he uses this love of jazz excuse when he's a teenager begging to go to Mardi Gras, please help me keep my head on straight. I will totally fall for it. Especially if Grandpa Greg promises to chaperone ;-) Happy Birthday SlothBear!!!
Oh, Yesterday we had to wake up early for a parent/teacher conference. Keith had to go into work later that afternoon and work late so a nap was needed. At 9:30am we turned off the lights, closed the thick hotel type curtains, and all crawled back into bed (Keith, Brad, and I) and took at two hour nap. It was As Good As It Gets. I love his schedule. I have no idea how I will adapt to a regular work week 12 hour day routine. Never be afraid of the Korea remote!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqYHPEUUcHg
Today on the way to base Brad heard this song and said "Turn it up, I like this song. It makes my tummy, my head, and my toes dance." Dance on brother, you know this mommy won't discourage it.
Oh my gravy - I'm writing this post and listening to the song. I don't think I've ever listened to all the words. I'm a HORRIBLE mother. I blame the clunker car and it's 20 year old speakers. Do I deny dancing tummy and toes? I'm so torn.
Better news is that Grandpa Greg might have found a new BFF. With as many times as we've watched The Princess and The Frog, Brad's love of jazz music is growing. I'll have to get video but the little toot just can keep still when he hears those horns start to blow. It's the most endearing thing I've ever seen. For that reason alone the movie is literally on repeat. If he uses this love of jazz excuse when he's a teenager begging to go to Mardi Gras, please help me keep my head on straight. I will totally fall for it. Especially if Grandpa Greg promises to chaperone ;-) Happy Birthday SlothBear!!!
Oh, Yesterday we had to wake up early for a parent/teacher conference. Keith had to go into work later that afternoon and work late so a nap was needed. At 9:30am we turned off the lights, closed the thick hotel type curtains, and all crawled back into bed (Keith, Brad, and I) and took at two hour nap. It was As Good As It Gets. I love his schedule. I have no idea how I will adapt to a regular work week 12 hour day routine. Never be afraid of the Korea remote!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Frog Movie
My "Korean Blockbuster" movie store has become a favorite pit stop in our downtown shopping trips. 3 movies for 10,000 won! (although it's a rip off because in Seoul you can get 5 for 10,000) That calculates to less than $10 for 3 hot off the presses movies. I do mean HOT.
Our last trip included the movie The Princess and The Frog. It's Disney's latest and since I'm on a Disney kick with the boys I got it. Brad has requested everyday to watch this movie over and over. I put it in but I'm always cooking, cleaning or "working"... I mean surfing the web. Today I sat down to watch it with him. I LOVE IT! No wonder he has it on repeat all day everyday. It is a cute movie. I might even say better than The Little Mermaid and pretty darn close to The Lion King. Totally adorable and I can't get the songs out of my head.
Since Brad is into little creatures and this movie is about frogs (kinda), his new obsession is the squishy frogs. He's carried one around the past few days and I'm going to bet good money that he has one in bed with him right now. Now I have to go google to read the cast and credits - it is cut off on our movie. Go watch it if you can - very cute!
**edited to add**
I went to check on the boys before I headed to bed and sure enough Brad had a squishy frog right on his chest. I wish I took a picture.
Our last trip included the movie The Princess and The Frog. It's Disney's latest and since I'm on a Disney kick with the boys I got it. Brad has requested everyday to watch this movie over and over. I put it in but I'm always cooking, cleaning or "working"... I mean surfing the web. Today I sat down to watch it with him. I LOVE IT! No wonder he has it on repeat all day everyday. It is a cute movie. I might even say better than The Little Mermaid and pretty darn close to The Lion King. Totally adorable and I can't get the songs out of my head.
Since Brad is into little creatures and this movie is about frogs (kinda), his new obsession is the squishy frogs. He's carried one around the past few days and I'm going to bet good money that he has one in bed with him right now. Now I have to go google to read the cast and credits - it is cut off on our movie. Go watch it if you can - very cute!
**edited to add**
I went to check on the boys before I headed to bed and sure enough Brad had a squishy frog right on his chest. I wish I took a picture.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ugg!
Remember the time Ashley and I decided to drive across the country with 2 kids, 3 dogs, and a cat? Remember when we stopped for lunch at Taco Bell and it immediately gave me a migraine? Remember when Ashely was driving and I was sick in a clear Ziploc bag while my children were screaming because the DVD player was broken with Marty Cat meowing like we were killing her in a slow painful death and the van reeked of puke and dog breath. Yea... that was fun.
Ever since that trip I swore off Taco Bell. I just can't take it. I once had a deep deep love for their Taco Pizzas at 3am. I think we ate there at least once a week growing up. During my broke college years I would scrape together coins to grab a 49 cent taco because it was a stone's throw from my apartment. It was time to part ways and we did. Till I moved here.
It seems as if Taco Bell has an undercover deal to infest every military base I've ever been to. Korea is no exception. After months and months of the smell of kimchie, I caved and went back to my Taco Pizza. It was nice and just as yummy as I remembered.
However, I am officially stating on record that we are broken up again. This time forever. I can't handle the fake food and cheese. It hurts my tummy, it makes me feel gross for 48 hours. The number one reason we're breaking up: It makes Brad poop 5 times a day. I'm done wiping hinnie 5 times in an afternoon - unless it was on a tinie tiny newborn hinnie then I would reconsider. Goodbye Taco Bell. I know we'll cross paths but I can no longer enjoy your cheap lard filled food. No Quierro Mas.
Ever since that trip I swore off Taco Bell. I just can't take it. I once had a deep deep love for their Taco Pizzas at 3am. I think we ate there at least once a week growing up. During my broke college years I would scrape together coins to grab a 49 cent taco because it was a stone's throw from my apartment. It was time to part ways and we did. Till I moved here.
It seems as if Taco Bell has an undercover deal to infest every military base I've ever been to. Korea is no exception. After months and months of the smell of kimchie, I caved and went back to my Taco Pizza. It was nice and just as yummy as I remembered.
However, I am officially stating on record that we are broken up again. This time forever. I can't handle the fake food and cheese. It hurts my tummy, it makes me feel gross for 48 hours. The number one reason we're breaking up: It makes Brad poop 5 times a day. I'm done wiping hinnie 5 times in an afternoon - unless it was on a tinie tiny newborn hinnie then I would reconsider. Goodbye Taco Bell. I know we'll cross paths but I can no longer enjoy your cheap lard filled food. No Quierro Mas.
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