We're home! Pablo picked us up at the Max station, then I went to Paul and Nancy's and picked up Moose just as they were going to bed. And Paul fed me some of his chili for tomorrow's chili cook off. Great stuff.
It's been a long day since getting off the boat - 17 hours ago!
Good night! More later, with photos.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Sadness - We return to San Juan, then home.
They are forcing us off the boat. We like it here, and don't want to leave.
Tomorrow (actually later today, but after I sleep) we are out of our rooms by 8:00, and off the boat by 9:00. Then we head to the airport for our 12:30 flight.
Today was a pretty good day. I was up early and ran a mile on the track while we docked. Everyone was up a little later - though still early, because we had to go through immigration this morning. Then we all went to breakfast for the first time, and met some nice folks from Illinois.
We went into Charlotte Amalie to shop and hopefully find some stone turtles for Andrew to replace the ones I lost yesterday. We haggled over fake Coach purses - more expensive than in Curacao, so we weren't too excited by them. Everything (except liquor) has been more expensive than Curacao.
Susy and the kids weren't too thrilled with the town, mostly because we walked the 2.5 miles from the boat to get there. They headed back and I walked all over town and got a nice feel for the place, and found several very pleasant spots. I walked back to the boat and took a nap with the kids up on the pool deck. Susy got us for the trivia game, then we played Bingo and ALMOST won a huge amount of money - Susy did manage to win over $80. Then we went to the farewell show, and our last dinner with the Puerto Ricans.
THEN: we bought photos and had to pack up, and we leave early in the morning. So sad!
Tomorrow (actually later today, but after I sleep) we are out of our rooms by 8:00, and off the boat by 9:00. Then we head to the airport for our 12:30 flight.
Today was a pretty good day. I was up early and ran a mile on the track while we docked. Everyone was up a little later - though still early, because we had to go through immigration this morning. Then we all went to breakfast for the first time, and met some nice folks from Illinois.
We went into Charlotte Amalie to shop and hopefully find some stone turtles for Andrew to replace the ones I lost yesterday. We haggled over fake Coach purses - more expensive than in Curacao, so we weren't too excited by them. Everything (except liquor) has been more expensive than Curacao.
Susy and the kids weren't too thrilled with the town, mostly because we walked the 2.5 miles from the boat to get there. They headed back and I walked all over town and got a nice feel for the place, and found several very pleasant spots. I walked back to the boat and took a nap with the kids up on the pool deck. Susy got us for the trivia game, then we played Bingo and ALMOST won a huge amount of money - Susy did manage to win over $80. Then we went to the farewell show, and our last dinner with the Puerto Ricans.
THEN: we bought photos and had to pack up, and we leave early in the morning. So sad!
Heading into ?
some town in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands...
Very pretty here from the boat. Immigration, then breakfast already this morning. Now we're about to head into town, all properly sunscreened, shod, and hatted.
Very pretty here from the boat. Immigration, then breakfast already this morning. Now we're about to head into town, all properly sunscreened, shod, and hatted.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Dutch Antilles
Today we docked in Philipsburg St. Maarten.
I woke up early and tried out the track. It's very nice, and I managed to run two miles (WooHoo!)
The kids decided to join us in town today to search for gifts for their friends. We shopped for awhile, then ended up at a nice beach spot. Andrew found some stone turtles and T-shirts for his friends, and Mali found some odds and ends for the people on her list. I found a bunch of fake Nike shirts that were cheap and seemingly relatively well made. Susy found an Australian opal ring she liked, as we went into many, many jewelry stores.
Each store seemed to have a nice Indian guy that we met, and they were all from Bombay and knew each other. I found my watch for $40 cheaper, so I got it written on a business card so I could show it to the Indian guy from Bombay on the ship who sold it to us, so he could reduce the price still further.
The kids got some beach time and Susy camped out on a beach chair while I walked around the city some more. A waiter told Susy she had to pay $10 for the chair - instead she moved into the welcoming shelter of Bamboo Bernie's immediately behind her, and used her $10 on a frothy drink. I returned and joined her in a few more. The kids had their share too, but without the alcohol.
On the ship we had another great dinner with our friends from Puerto Rico, and the girls came by the room and took Andrew and Mali up to the Latin dance party outside at the pool so they could teach them the Merengue. I was hoping to go too, but exhaustion kicked in. The kids (apparently) made it to bed around 1:00.
I woke up early and tried out the track. It's very nice, and I managed to run two miles (WooHoo!)
The kids decided to join us in town today to search for gifts for their friends. We shopped for awhile, then ended up at a nice beach spot. Andrew found some stone turtles and T-shirts for his friends, and Mali found some odds and ends for the people on her list. I found a bunch of fake Nike shirts that were cheap and seemingly relatively well made. Susy found an Australian opal ring she liked, as we went into many, many jewelry stores.
Each store seemed to have a nice Indian guy that we met, and they were all from Bombay and knew each other. I found my watch for $40 cheaper, so I got it written on a business card so I could show it to the Indian guy from Bombay on the ship who sold it to us, so he could reduce the price still further.
The kids got some beach time and Susy camped out on a beach chair while I walked around the city some more. A waiter told Susy she had to pay $10 for the chair - instead she moved into the welcoming shelter of Bamboo Bernie's immediately behind her, and used her $10 on a frothy drink. I returned and joined her in a few more. The kids had their share too, but without the alcohol.
On the ship we had another great dinner with our friends from Puerto Rico, and the girls came by the room and took Andrew and Mali up to the Latin dance party outside at the pool so they could teach them the Merengue. I was hoping to go too, but exhaustion kicked in. The kids (apparently) made it to bed around 1:00.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Willemstad, Curacao
The kids wanted to stay on the boat, so Susy and I went in to Willemstad, Curacao, and had a great time! It is a beautiful city, and all the people we met were wonderful.
The kids had fun on the boat, but were really disappointed the pool is salt water! They got the walky-radios working and had fun playing sight-tag around the ship.
Our table-mates joined us for dinner tonight. A fun family from San Juan.
The kids had fun on the boat, but were really disappointed the pool is salt water! They got the walky-radios working and had fun playing sight-tag around the ship.
Our table-mates joined us for dinner tonight. A fun family from San Juan.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Aruba
Catamaran trip to snorkel today to a nice little reef with tons of colorful fish, then to the wreck of the Antilles to supposedly see larger fish. The wreck was in open water so was a little choppy and murky - spooky for us Jaws-influenced old-timers. Mali didn't try it at the wreck, and didn't like it at the reef as much as she'd hoped because she swallowed a couple mouthfuls of water. I did once too, which was more than enough.
The folks that took us out were really fun - the open bar on the boat (post-snorkelling) didn't hurt. They taught us the "Bacardi! Yellow! Limon! Coca-Cola..." song. The kids loved it!
The folks that took us out were really fun - the open bar on the boat (post-snorkelling) didn't hurt. They taught us the "Bacardi! Yellow! Limon! Coca-Cola..." song. The kids loved it!
Monday, March 24, 2008
From the middle of the Caribbean Sea:
We're heading to Aruba from San Juan today. It's all been fun so far. Andrew went a little wacky filling in the ship trivia form for a drawing, but he won a cup for free pop during the cruise, worth $28, so he was happy. Not that he drinks pop, but he likes the cup.
Tomorrow we snorkel in Aruba. Today there's family Bingo, so the kids play free, which made Andrew Very Happy: One that it's free and two that kids are recognized today. They must just be giving out prizes.
There's a Texas Hold'em tournament I might try. I played last night and lost, so we'll see what all is going on on the boat today.
Tomorrow we snorkel in Aruba. Today there's family Bingo, so the kids play free, which made Andrew Very Happy: One that it's free and two that kids are recognized today. They must just be giving out prizes.
There's a Texas Hold'em tournament I might try. I played last night and lost, so we'll see what all is going on on the boat today.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
In Puerto Rico!!!
Wow it's been a long day. Mine started yesterday morning - I never made it to bed last night. I packed and worked. The kids and Susy were up late too, packing and generally being excited for the trip.
We got in to Puerto Rico at 11:30. Andrew and I stepped out to look for food. We walked around awhile, and finally found a gas station and are now happily munching away on peanuts and pretzels. Of course we immediately found a restaurant after opening the peanuts.
The hotel is very funky. We're happy with it. I'm sure Mali is asleep by now, if not Susy too. So Andrew and I go to bed now too. Tomorrow we get on the boat!
We got in to Puerto Rico at 11:30. Andrew and I stepped out to look for food. We walked around awhile, and finally found a gas station and are now happily munching away on peanuts and pretzels. Of course we immediately found a restaurant after opening the peanuts.
The hotel is very funky. We're happy with it. I'm sure Mali is asleep by now, if not Susy too. So Andrew and I go to bed now too. Tomorrow we get on the boat!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Home from Canada. Insanely busy!
26 hours and counting until we fly away for our Spring Break cruise to the Caribbean!
(Aruba's prediction for Tuesday: 89 degrees)
I have yet to start packing and am instead frantically working away before deserting my friends and coworkers with a project theoretically going online next Friday. The only person packed here is Mali, our little planner.
Not so little anymore, the nurse measured her at 5'3" yesterday, so it's official: she is as tall as Susy now. Mali also got her eyes checked, and it was like a cartoon where the character reads the eye-chart's bottom line, which is the tiny little copyright notice at the bottom. Mali has extraordinary vision. She must have gotten that from her grandfather.
Mali was visiting the doctor to investigate a problem on her forehead. A small black spec that looks like a blackhead, but has taken up permanent residence and is actually under the skin, is really a small piece of rubberized turf field. My theory is that she must have had it driven into her forehead on a header during a game or practice. We will see a dermatologist after our vacation.
More new news below: Andrew's track meet! Mali's report card! Susy's review! My product delivery to Canada! It's all Good!!!!!
(Aruba's prediction for Tuesday: 89 degrees)
I have yet to start packing and am instead frantically working away before deserting my friends and coworkers with a project theoretically going online next Friday. The only person packed here is Mali, our little planner.
Not so little anymore, the nurse measured her at 5'3" yesterday, so it's official: she is as tall as Susy now. Mali also got her eyes checked, and it was like a cartoon where the character reads the eye-chart's bottom line, which is the tiny little copyright notice at the bottom. Mali has extraordinary vision. She must have gotten that from her grandfather.
Mali was visiting the doctor to investigate a problem on her forehead. A small black spec that looks like a blackhead, but has taken up permanent residence and is actually under the skin, is really a small piece of rubberized turf field. My theory is that she must have had it driven into her forehead on a header during a game or practice. We will see a dermatologist after our vacation.
More new news below: Andrew's track meet! Mali's report card! Susy's review! My product delivery to Canada! It's all Good!!!!!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Mali's report card!
Another VERY busy day, this my first day home. I took Mali to the doctor to investigate a problem on her forehead. A small black spec that looks like a blackhead, but has taken up permanent residence and is actually under the skin. It appears to be a small piece of rubberized turf field. This was Mali's guess, and I think she's correct. My theory is that she had it driven into her forehead on a header during a game or practice. We will see a dermatologist after our vacation.
Mali also got her eyes checked, and it was like a cartoon where the character reads the eye-chart's bottom line, which is the tiny little copyright notice at the bottom. Mali has extraordinary vision. She must have gotten that from her grandfather.
I love Mali's doctor - she spends a lot of time talking directly to Mali, asking her questions and getting her to relax. Relaxation was difficult to achieve after we all discussed the shots she should get (Tetanus, Hep A), especially before the cruise. Mali hesitated with her answer when the doctor asked her if she got good grades, finally admitting that they were "Okay..." in a very soft voice.
I said, "What do you mean!? You got straight As! Or is this your way of telling me those days are long gone?"
She laughed nervously at that.
Mali also replied to the favorite class question with "Math", which thrilled both me and the doctor.
In an amazing coincidence, Mali's report card came today in the mail. (Retrieved by Andrew, who was looking for his and forgot to take Moose on his favorite outing of the day!)
Mali was out getting treated to a pedicure by Alana, who was spoiling her as a surrogate for Olivia, who was out playing softball in the Dalles, two hours away. Since it was addressed to her parents, we had no qualms about opening it. I dramatically (to Andrew and Susy's annoyance) read the report card out loud to them.
Mali almost got straight As! She got a B+ in Team Time, which is a strange little class that is supposedly easy, though Andrew didn't like it, and Mali's teacher is rumored to be particularly difficult with her class.
Mali also got a lot of great comments. Especially from her math teacher, who is apparently very pleased with her. I think Mali's math fun is rubbing off from her friend Hannah R, who in 6th grade is taking an accelerated 8th grade math class. We're very happy about all of this, since she is doing her part to destroy yet another silly stereotype about girls. Oh, and also because math skills can lead to rewarding jobs - or at least higher paying ones. Sometimes.
Mali also got her eyes checked, and it was like a cartoon where the character reads the eye-chart's bottom line, which is the tiny little copyright notice at the bottom. Mali has extraordinary vision. She must have gotten that from her grandfather.
I love Mali's doctor - she spends a lot of time talking directly to Mali, asking her questions and getting her to relax. Relaxation was difficult to achieve after we all discussed the shots she should get (Tetanus, Hep A), especially before the cruise. Mali hesitated with her answer when the doctor asked her if she got good grades, finally admitting that they were "Okay..." in a very soft voice.
I said, "What do you mean!? You got straight As! Or is this your way of telling me those days are long gone?"
She laughed nervously at that.
Mali also replied to the favorite class question with "Math", which thrilled both me and the doctor.
In an amazing coincidence, Mali's report card came today in the mail. (Retrieved by Andrew, who was looking for his and forgot to take Moose on his favorite outing of the day!)
Mali was out getting treated to a pedicure by Alana, who was spoiling her as a surrogate for Olivia, who was out playing softball in the Dalles, two hours away. Since it was addressed to her parents, we had no qualms about opening it. I dramatically (to Andrew and Susy's annoyance) read the report card out loud to them.
Mali almost got straight As! She got a B+ in Team Time, which is a strange little class that is supposedly easy, though Andrew didn't like it, and Mali's teacher is rumored to be particularly difficult with her class.
Mali also got a lot of great comments. Especially from her math teacher, who is apparently very pleased with her. I think Mali's math fun is rubbing off from her friend Hannah R, who in 6th grade is taking an accelerated 8th grade math class. We're very happy about all of this, since she is doing her part to destroy yet another silly stereotype about girls. Oh, and also because math skills can lead to rewarding jobs - or at least higher paying ones. Sometimes.
Andrew's first HS track meet! My return from Canada.
I stayed an extra day in Canada (everything works!!!), and got home too late Wednesday to see Andrew's first high school track meet. This was in Gresham, with Southridge vs. Beaverton vs. Gresham. Southridge clobbered them both. Andrew ran with the JV and won the 800m (2:08) and took second in the 1500m (4:47), losing to an upperclass Southridge Varsity runner who was demoted for the day because of a missed practice.
Andrew texted me with the news just as I was getting on the plane in Vancouver. I forwarded it to Grandpa, but I never heard back. Also Susy, who had already heard from our happy boy. He hadn't run track for over a year, and was doubting he could match the times posted for last year's JV team. Instead, he beat them! Woohoo!
Andrew texted me with the news just as I was getting on the plane in Vancouver. I forwarded it to Grandpa, but I never heard back. Also Susy, who had already heard from our happy boy. He hadn't run track for over a year, and was doubting he could match the times posted for last year's JV team. Instead, he beat them! Woohoo!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Mali's First Babysitting Job
Mali babysat last night at the neighbor's house two doors down. It was a small test run, just for an hour while Karen went to her daughter's kindergarten conference. I don't know any details yet - other than it went fine. I'll post more later, along with the photos from Mali's birthday party.
I can't right now because I'm still in Canada.
I can't right now because I'm still in Canada.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Poker! First Bus trip! Fly to Canada!
Since we had leftover food and cake from the Mali's party, we invited Rian and her parents (Jason and Terry) over for a poker night. Andrew and Terry were the big winners. It was a great time. Mali played and is getting much better. She took lots of breaks to prepare food for everyone. She made us all cucumber sandwiches that were very tasty. Jason brought a great bottle of wine again: 2002 Sketchbook Cabernet.
Mali wanted to go to the mall with all of her new gift cards. Rian suggested they take the bus. I was all for this idea, since Rian had done it before and the kids had not. I love mass transportation. Andrew refused, and Susy caved into driving them, but they took the bus back from the mall. Without incident. Susy picked them up at the Safeway at the bottom of the hill, since it was raining pretty hard when they returned.
Mali didn't even use her gift cards! They had lunch at the food court, wandered around a bit, and came home.
Today I'm working madly. I get on a plane at 4:30 to go to Canada. I'm meeting Brian tonight near Vancouver, and tomorrow we're going in to BCTC's new control center to train folks on one of the products I work on.
Less than a week until we hit the sunny Caribbean! Woohoo!
Mali wanted to go to the mall with all of her new gift cards. Rian suggested they take the bus. I was all for this idea, since Rian had done it before and the kids had not. I love mass transportation. Andrew refused, and Susy caved into driving them, but they took the bus back from the mall. Without incident. Susy picked them up at the Safeway at the bottom of the hill, since it was raining pretty hard when they returned.
Mali didn't even use her gift cards! They had lunch at the food court, wandered around a bit, and came home.
Today I'm working madly. I get on a plane at 4:30 to go to Canada. I'm meeting Brian tonight near Vancouver, and tomorrow we're going in to BCTC's new control center to train folks on one of the products I work on.
Less than a week until we hit the sunny Caribbean! Woohoo!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Crazy Day is Over
Let's see...
8:40 -
Moose and I return from the school with the kids. They had fun running around in the dark. There was lots of mud from the downpour which ended just before they left the house. Shoes are now all on the porch, and Rachel is wearing a pair of Mali's pants.
8:45 -
Cake time! Moms (Michelle and Mari-Faye) have arrived and are watching with us. Andrew lights the candles while I take pictures, then we all sing Happy Birthday to Mali.
9:00 -
Presents are opened. Pixie sticks are brought out, and soon there is sugary pixie dust all over the place. This joins with the glitter from the make-up event to form an interesting new texture on the top of every surface.
9:15 -
Andrew breaks out the DDR upstairs. This placates the horde for awhile. People begin to leave, of course starting with Abbie (the sweetest one) who actually left with her mom from the school; followed now by Mali's co-conspirators Hannah and Rachel (the most useful - with their mothers) who both have to get up early, Hannah at 5:30! Hannah's mom Michelle is a saint, and helps clean up for twenty minutes before leaving. (Mari-Faye is great too, she was here for the beginning craziness.)
Most of the boys seem to be here for the long haul.
Now - Late -
I don't know when I've been this tired. I drove Rian and Jamie home. Jamie's parents didn't seem to be coming to get him. That's sort of understandable. He talks a lot. Susy says he's the only person she's ever seen successfully order Mali around. (Update - He also had Andrew doing his bidding, very surprising.)
Rian and Andrew were great. They saved us. Rachel and Hannah and Mali did a great job of planning everything out. There was plenty of activities, and it seemed like everyone had fun. I think this will be a party everyone will remember for a long time.
Good night.
8:40 -
Moose and I return from the school with the kids. They had fun running around in the dark. There was lots of mud from the downpour which ended just before they left the house. Shoes are now all on the porch, and Rachel is wearing a pair of Mali's pants.
8:45 -
Cake time! Moms (Michelle and Mari-Faye) have arrived and are watching with us. Andrew lights the candles while I take pictures, then we all sing Happy Birthday to Mali.
9:00 -
Presents are opened. Pixie sticks are brought out, and soon there is sugary pixie dust all over the place. This joins with the glitter from the make-up event to form an interesting new texture on the top of every surface.
9:15 -
Andrew breaks out the DDR upstairs. This placates the horde for awhile. People begin to leave, of course starting with Abbie (the sweetest one) who actually left with her mom from the school; followed now by Mali's co-conspirators Hannah and Rachel (the most useful - with their mothers) who both have to get up early, Hannah at 5:30! Hannah's mom Michelle is a saint, and helps clean up for twenty minutes before leaving. (Mari-Faye is great too, she was here for the beginning craziness.)
Most of the boys seem to be here for the long haul.
Now - Late -
I don't know when I've been this tired. I drove Rian and Jamie home. Jamie's parents didn't seem to be coming to get him. That's sort of understandable. He talks a lot. Susy says he's the only person she's ever seen successfully order Mali around. (Update - He also had Andrew doing his bidding, very surprising.)
Rian and Andrew were great. They saved us. Rachel and Hannah and Mali did a great job of planning everything out. There was plenty of activities, and it seemed like everyone had fun. I think this will be a party everyone will remember for a long time.
Good night.
Crazy Day, Part Four: Evening
5:00 -
The first birthday party guest arrives. The invitation said 6:00.
We were slightly forewarned, courtesy of Hannah, that there were 18 kids expected, counting Mali. We ended up with a total of 16. More than a critical mass.
5:20 -
Second and Third birthday guest arrive. Mali ducks out the back with Andrew and Rian.
5:30 -
I leave to pick up the pizza.
5:55 -
I return with pizza. All but one of the guests are now here, including Hannah who feared she would be late. Rachel and Mari-Faye have arrived with decorations, which are going up. The boys are already out-of-hand.
6:05 -
Mali shows up with Rian. The obligatory "Surprise" is called. Mali looks truly stunned.
6:20 -
Entire crowd disappears upstairs to play Truth or Dare. Andrew and Rian go with them to chaperon. Peace is felt in the kitchen. Susy has a glass of port. I open a bottle of wine. Pizza is checked. Pizzas are shuffled as one appears to catch on fire briefly. We haven't cooked three at a time before. I leave with Moose to give him a break and get the mail.
6:30 -
I return with Moose, there is pandemonium in the kitchen as they have descended en masse to have pizza and pop. Susy is dishing up pizza, a bit frazzled.
7:00 -
Andrew and Rian lead the crowd three at a time through Twister games. The best$20 $40 $50 I ever spent, having them help.
7:45 -
The scavenger hunt / task challenge (ice cream race, boys make-up, girls pushups, etc) begins. It is very loud. Andrew and Rian attempt to maintain order.
8:00 -
Still loud. I am hiding in my office. Very, very loud.
8:15 -
Kids depart for the school, Andrew and Rian attending. It is very quiet. I will leave soon to facilitate the round up.
The first birthday party guest arrives. The invitation said 6:00.
We were slightly forewarned, courtesy of Hannah, that there were 18 kids expected, counting Mali. We ended up with a total of 16. More than a critical mass.
5:20 -
Second and Third birthday guest arrive. Mali ducks out the back with Andrew and Rian.
5:30 -
I leave to pick up the pizza.
5:55 -
I return with pizza. All but one of the guests are now here, including Hannah who feared she would be late. Rachel and Mari-Faye have arrived with decorations, which are going up. The boys are already out-of-hand.
6:05 -
Mali shows up with Rian. The obligatory "Surprise" is called. Mali looks truly stunned.
6:20 -
Entire crowd disappears upstairs to play Truth or Dare. Andrew and Rian go with them to chaperon. Peace is felt in the kitchen. Susy has a glass of port. I open a bottle of wine. Pizza is checked. Pizzas are shuffled as one appears to catch on fire briefly. We haven't cooked three at a time before. I leave with Moose to give him a break and get the mail.
6:30 -
I return with Moose, there is pandemonium in the kitchen as they have descended en masse to have pizza and pop. Susy is dishing up pizza, a bit frazzled.
7:00 -
Andrew and Rian lead the crowd three at a time through Twister games. The best
7:45 -
The scavenger hunt / task challenge (ice cream race, boys make-up, girls pushups, etc) begins. It is very loud. Andrew and Rian attempt to maintain order.
8:00 -
Still loud. I am hiding in my office. Very, very loud.
8:15 -
Kids depart for the school, Andrew and Rian attending. It is very quiet. I will leave soon to facilitate the round up.
Crazy Day, Part Three: Afternoon
1:00 -
Susy finds passport!!! It was in an envelope with her birth certificate - she had used it to renew her driver's license and left it in there.
2:00 -
Andrew and Susy leave for the allergist to get shots, and stop at Highland Park to pick up Rian from play practice (she's helping out the middle-schoolers). Mali leaves play practice with Sara to go see Horton Hears a Who.
3:00 -
Susy returns without Andrew, he stops at Rian's house.
3:30 -
Andrew and Rian show up, ready for the party.
Susy finds passport!!! It was in an envelope with her birth certificate - she had used it to renew her driver's license and left it in there.
2:00 -
Andrew and Susy leave for the allergist to get shots, and stop at Highland Park to pick up Rian from play practice (she's helping out the middle-schoolers). Mali leaves play practice with Sara to go see Horton Hears a Who.
3:00 -
Susy returns without Andrew, he stops at Rian's house.
3:30 -
Andrew and Rian show up, ready for the party.
Crazy Day, Part Two: Noon
10:30 -
I got a weird phone call from Andrew: the phone he was using kept breaking up so I couldn't understand him, I just got something about a lockdown and a dumb track spaghetti feed, so I thought he wanted me to come pick him up. I got there and his phone was off and I could not find him anywhere: He wasn't waiting outside and he wasn't at the spaghetti feed. There had been a lockdown but it had ended ten minutes earlier. I'm not worried about him, other than that he might be walking home while I'm there to pick him up. I'm driving around the school when finally he calls me again - his phone is off at home, he's using Isabelle's, he IS at the spaghetti feed we just missed each other, and he didn't need me to pick him up earlier, but he does now. Whee...
11:00 -
Susy calls from the bank, her passport is not in the safety deposit box as we hoped. We will be tearing the house apart this weekend looking for it.
I got a weird phone call from Andrew: the phone he was using kept breaking up so I couldn't understand him, I just got something about a lockdown and a dumb track spaghetti feed, so I thought he wanted me to come pick him up. I got there and his phone was off and I could not find him anywhere: He wasn't waiting outside and he wasn't at the spaghetti feed. There had been a lockdown but it had ended ten minutes earlier. I'm not worried about him, other than that he might be walking home while I'm there to pick him up. I'm driving around the school when finally he calls me again - his phone is off at home, he's using Isabelle's, he IS at the spaghetti feed we just missed each other, and he didn't need me to pick him up earlier, but he does now. Whee...
11:00 -
Susy calls from the bank, her passport is not in the safety deposit box as we hoped. We will be tearing the house apart this weekend looking for it.
Crazy Day, Part One: Morning
6:30 -
Susy got up to start on Mali's cupcake cake, and couldn't find the cake mixes we thought we bought a couple days ago. So I joined her on an early morning trip to the store for cake mix and items for tonight's party as per Mali's instructions and carefully plotted list. That girl loves her lists. Mali was up when we got home and the kitchen was a hectic place to be while Susy tried (and succeeded) to bake a cake while Mali and I prepared our breakfasts (cereal, oatmeal, and chai.)
9:00 -
Mali had to be at play practice and Moose at the vet's office for some shots. Susy took them while I worked and checked on the cake, which wasn't getting done. This, along with several phone calls from work, distracted me so that I didn't think to wake Andrew up (at 9:00 as I said I would) until two minutes to ten when Susy mentioned how he could have cake pieces for breakfast and I looked at the time. Track practice started at 10:00.
10:00 - late -
Susy drives an unhappily scrambling Andrew to track practice and the Jog-a-thon.
11:00 -
Susy, home for 20 minutes working on the cake, leaves for an 11:00 doctor's appointment and trip to the bank.
All this with about a dozen phone calls for me from work. only one (Hi Jim) about my trip to BC Sunday afternoon that I'm scrambling to prepare for.
Susy got up to start on Mali's cupcake cake, and couldn't find the cake mixes we thought we bought a couple days ago. So I joined her on an early morning trip to the store for cake mix and items for tonight's party as per Mali's instructions and carefully plotted list. That girl loves her lists. Mali was up when we got home and the kitchen was a hectic place to be while Susy tried (and succeeded) to bake a cake while Mali and I prepared our breakfasts (cereal, oatmeal, and chai.)
9:00 -
Mali had to be at play practice and Moose at the vet's office for some shots. Susy took them while I worked and checked on the cake, which wasn't getting done. This, along with several phone calls from work, distracted me so that I didn't think to wake Andrew up (at 9:00 as I said I would) until two minutes to ten when Susy mentioned how he could have cake pieces for breakfast and I looked at the time. Track practice started at 10:00.
10:00 - late -
Susy drives an unhappily scrambling Andrew to track practice and the Jog-a-thon.
11:00 -
Susy, home for 20 minutes working on the cake, leaves for an 11:00 doctor's appointment and trip to the bank.
All this with about a dozen phone calls for me from work. only one (Hi Jim) about my trip to BC Sunday afternoon that I'm scrambling to prepare for.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Running in the rain, Dancing in the street
Andrew decided his ankle was better enough for track practice today, I'm sure only because they were doing 400m time trials. He hasn't run a 400m in over a year, and was very curious how he would run. His goal was to finally finish under a minute.
I went to pick him up early to see if I could watch, and I got there at the perfect time: just as the first heat of boys were starting. Andrew ran in the second heat, and got second to last place in his heat, but it looked like the other kids were all juniors and seniors. He was so happy with his time I think he forgot it was raining for awhile: 57 seconds!
Very close to 57 flat, so he's sure he can get a 56.something soon, especially since this was in the rain, which he hates, and he got stuck in lane 1 with all the puddles.
After track he decided to go to the dance with Rian, his friend girl - not girlfriend, and practically Mali's big sister. I dropped them off at Tiana's house, where they (Eric too) got all decked out in Emo attire. The Spring Fling was a come as your own theme, or something. I picked them up at 9:30 and there was a WIDE assortment of outfits wandering around the school. I'll post a photo of Andrew after I upload it off my camera.
I went to pick him up early to see if I could watch, and I got there at the perfect time: just as the first heat of boys were starting. Andrew ran in the second heat, and got second to last place in his heat, but it looked like the other kids were all juniors and seniors. He was so happy with his time I think he forgot it was raining for awhile: 57 seconds!
Very close to 57 flat, so he's sure he can get a 56.something soon, especially since this was in the rain, which he hates, and he got stuck in lane 1 with all the puddles.
After track he decided to go to the dance with Rian, his friend girl - not girlfriend, and practically Mali's big sister. I dropped them off at Tiana's house, where they (Eric too) got all decked out in Emo attire. The Spring Fling was a come as your own theme, or something. I picked them up at 9:30 and there was a WIDE assortment of outfits wandering around the school. I'll post a photo of Andrew after I upload it off my camera.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Photos!
Things have been very busy here this week, with Andrew's finals, Mali preparing for her surprise party (!?!), Susy changing back to her old job (still at Intel), and my trip to Vancouver, Canada for work on/off/on/postponed to Sunday night.
Southridge dismissal is before noon today and tomorrow because of finals, then both kids get Friday off school for a teacher workday. Andrew has Rian and Tiana over here now, eating whatever they can find in the kitchen and calling it lunch.
Andrew hasn't been running track because his ankle has been bothering him, but tomorrow is the time trials for the 400m so he's going to give it a try.
Go check out www.flickr.com/photos/oregondad/ to see lots of new photos, most from Mali's very small present opening ceremony the morning of her actual birthday last week.
Southridge dismissal is before noon today and tomorrow because of finals, then both kids get Friday off school for a teacher workday. Andrew has Rian and Tiana over here now, eating whatever they can find in the kitchen and calling it lunch.
Andrew hasn't been running track because his ankle has been bothering him, but tomorrow is the time trials for the 400m so he's going to give it a try.
Go check out www.flickr.com/photos/oregondad/ to see lots of new photos, most from Mali's very small present opening ceremony the morning of her actual birthday last week.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Soccer, and finally: Poker!
Mali's team scored their first goal! They lost 3-1, but they had a great game, especially considering they were without substitutes. Their goal was amazing, from a free kick, with a header and a general melee in front of the goal. Mali played ferociously -- It was the best I've ever seen her play. Hopefully she can do it again.
Tonight was our poker game at Eric's house. Sadly, Eric wasn't there, because the girls basketball team keeps winning, and he is in the jazz band that plays at the games. Rian and both her parents made it this time. Joan had a lot of great food, and Jason brought a great bottle of wine. I brought one of the remaining growlers of Dead Guy Ale. We had a lot of fun, and Andrew and I won the most money so won the prizes too: ColdStone gift certificates.
Tomorrow is a day off from everything. I may work a little, but there's no soccer or track or anything. Hopefully we'll all sleep in.
Tonight was our poker game at Eric's house. Sadly, Eric wasn't there, because the girls basketball team keeps winning, and he is in the jazz band that plays at the games. Rian and both her parents made it this time. Joan had a lot of great food, and Jason brought a great bottle of wine. I brought one of the remaining growlers of Dead Guy Ale. We had a lot of fun, and Andrew and I won the most money so won the prizes too: ColdStone gift certificates.
Tomorrow is a day off from everything. I may work a little, but there's no soccer or track or anything. Hopefully we'll all sleep in.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Mali's Birthday
Mali's birthday is today. We began celebrating last night with the traditional birthday donut. This morning I thought she should open our presents to her, since tonight will be hectic. Tonight includes:
Mali's rehearsal for The Music Man until 5:00,
Andrew's track practice until ~ 5:30, and
restaurant dining with the Washington grandparents,
who are on there migration North after their month in the South in their RV. They are in Oregon today especially for Mali's birthday.
I made this early-morning-present-opening decision just as Susy got out of bed and Andrew only had four minutes before leaving for school. Still, it worked out wonderfully, and Mali loved her presents!
Andrew gave her two of the movies on her list: Sydney White (a modern Snow White remake with Mali's favorite actress: Amanda Bynes), and The Devil Wears Prada with favorite actress #2: Anne Hathaway.
Mali's big present was a Fuji Finepix digital camera - Orange: her favorite color.
Yesterday I had a brilliant idea regarding Mali's recently developed love for chewing gum. Andrew and I went to Safeway and bought every kind of sugarless gum they had, about thirty of them. Then we replaced the crisps from two bags of Snow Pea Crisps (which Mali likes) with the gum. She was weirdly surprised, and thrilled at the cavalcade of gum packages. We forgot to give her one present, so we'll do that tonight after dinner to cap off her day. (I'll tell you about it later.)
Mali's rehearsal for The Music Man until 5:00,
Andrew's track practice until ~ 5:30, and
restaurant dining with the Washington grandparents,
who are on there migration North after their month in the South in their RV. They are in Oregon today especially for Mali's birthday.
I made this early-morning-present-opening decision just as Susy got out of bed and Andrew only had four minutes before leaving for school. Still, it worked out wonderfully, and Mali loved her presents!
Andrew gave her two of the movies on her list: Sydney White (a modern Snow White remake with Mali's favorite actress: Amanda Bynes), and The Devil Wears Prada with favorite actress #2: Anne Hathaway.
Mali's big present was a Fuji Finepix digital camera - Orange: her favorite color.
Yesterday I had a brilliant idea regarding Mali's recently developed love for chewing gum. Andrew and I went to Safeway and bought every kind of sugarless gum they had, about thirty of them. Then we replaced the crisps from two bags of Snow Pea Crisps (which Mali likes) with the gum. She was weirdly surprised, and thrilled at the cavalcade of gum packages. We forgot to give her one present, so we'll do that tonight after dinner to cap off her day. (I'll tell you about it later.)
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Southridge H.S. Track
Andrew keeps falling at track. He fell again today. His knees are a complete mess.
On the plus side, he is liking it and doing well. There are several of his friends doing it also - including Eric and Cat.
Here's the track meet schedule.
On the plus side, he is liking it and doing well. There are several of his friends doing it also - including Eric and Cat.
Here's the track meet schedule.
Skiing
Paul and I went skiing Sunday after discovering there was new snow and sunshine predicted. We got there early and were the fist skiers on several runs. It was a great day. I fell many times, but had a great time, and I'm ignoring the bruises. The worst fall was on a double black diamond run, where I slid about 60 feet down on my head. The second picture below is of that run, taken just moments before my fall. First here's a photo of me Paul took. Both with my cell phone.
Soccer, And Divorce/Farewell Party
Mali's game Saturday was a chilly disaster. The other team was really good. I think they won the state tournament. Mali's team tried to hold on, but they were overmatched all the way, and lost 5 - 0.
Saturday night was the big event: Alana's celebration for divorcing her mean and nasty and now very EX-husband, and the farewell party for Maiara and Samira, who are on they're way home to Brazil now. Around 50 people showed up to the Murray Hill rec center to congratulate Alana, wish the girls well, eat great Mexican food provided by Cookie, drink, dance, and be merry. We will miss Maiara and Samira very much. We will not miss crazy ex-husband one bit.
Saturday night was the big event: Alana's celebration for divorcing her mean and nasty and now very EX-husband, and the farewell party for Maiara and Samira, who are on they're way home to Brazil now. Around 50 people showed up to the Murray Hill rec center to congratulate Alana, wish the girls well, eat great Mexican food provided by Cookie, drink, dance, and be merry. We will miss Maiara and Samira very much. We will not miss crazy ex-husband one bit.
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