You Think You Know But You Have No Idea

Someone made a comment to me not too long ago about my comfortable life. I think it came up in a conversation about things usually just falling into place for me. Anyway, the particular comment that caught my attention was one about my "cushy job" and how I seem to have everything handed to me on a silver platter.
I'll have you know that I have worked my ass off for everything that I have. I say this in a calm tone. I'm not irritated by it, I just feel the need to say this. I got to this point my life after a long struggle.

I know the person who made these comments has no idea that it took me over 8 years to get my degree. I did the first 2 years of my degree as a full time student. After that, I accepted a job with a different gov't department than where I am now. I worked full-time there. At the same time I worked Tuesday nights at a local pub from 8 pm until 3 am..only to get up for my day job 3.5 hrs later. I also worked Saturdays at the same pub. While working these 2 jobs, I finished my degree by taking 3 courses per semester as well as taking classes during intersession and summer session. Did I mention I hated that full-time job? It was wretched and I cried almost daily. Somewhere in between working 2 jobs and attending 3 hour classes 3 evenings a week, I had to find time to study and complete assignments. No to mention, see my husband, eat, and sleep. Oops, I forgot to add driving time to that too. Oh, and showering and household chores too.

All told, to get my degree etc it took me 9 years to get to my "cushy" job. Oh and for the record, I like my job but it's not cushy. So, how's that? I just handed it all to you on a silver platter. Should I feed it to you with a silver spoon too? ;)

Happy V-Day to Me!

Awhile back I wrote post about people might perceive me having only read this blog and never met me. Well, that has gone a step further today. It's all harmless but it made me laugh. I was walking down King St at lunch time and I was approached by two completely separate people. The first girl had a basket. She handed me something and said "Happy Valentine's Day". After I walked away I looked in my hand and it was condom. As you can see it is in an appropriate red wrapper. I chuckled about it...I'm sure it was a safe sex/HIV activist and it's no big deal to me. Next I go to Read's Newsstand to get a magazine. As I'm paying, one of the employees behind the counter (not the one waiting on me) hands me a package of mints and says "Happy Valentine's Day.". Now take a close look at the photo...enlarge it if you must. Look at the name of the mints - MAKEOUT MINTS!! Hot diggity!! A condom and makeout mints from complete stangers on Valentine's Day. What more could a girl ask for?!?!

As I'm giggling about my good fortune. I start thinking about my Princess charm and my Sarahdipity - all in good humour of course. I must ask, why me? Do I just look approacheable? Do I look like a hussy? Do I look like I need to get laid? Maybe it's because I look like Lorelai Gilmore...LOL . Hmm...maybe if I head outside and stand still for a minute someone will offer me a "good time". Hey, I'm just looking to round out my other 2 gifts.

I have people approach me all the time. Anyone who spends any amount of time with me with back me up on this. My mother said this even happened when I was a child. One day I was telling her that old men, puppies, and babies seem to be drawn to me. I was semi joking because it is actually somewhat true. She said that has always been the case and she wasn't kidding.

Oh well whatever the reason, it's shaping up to be a good night ;)

Crazy is Crazy

I work downtown and tend to meet up with the crazy folk on a semi-regular basis. In my mind, most of the people are harmless. They may seem a bit crazy at first glance but I'm relatively confident it is just an air...a defense against the harsh world if you will. I also think some probably need to be medicated for mental health issues but are again relatively harmeless. But every once in awhile, someone crosses by path that I am convinced is completely crackers! Nuts, alot of cards short of a deck, completely unhinged and crazy!

I was having coffee with a friend at Tim's today and just before leaving I noticed a man sitting close to the door. It would have been difficult not to notice, really. That fact that every time someone walked by him he put his arm straight out, made a gun with his fingers, made a firing noise and then said "I'm going to fucking kill you!" kinda made it hard for him to go unnoticed. I tried to look cool and told Paula about him. We decided to leave at that point. We headed to the exit furthest from him just has he got up and walked toward the same exit. We quickly changed direction and left through the other door.

Once outside, I told Paula I was walking with her as far as I could. I normally walk back to work through an alley. I thought it best not to take that route with Mr. CrazyPant roaming around. We were waiting at the corner for the walk light and he walks up behind us. I immediately move so my back is not to him and I can see him. Rule #1 about crazies - keep your eyes on them!! The whole time he is standing at the corner with us, he is talking to himself. I kept hearing say stuff about "the fucking goverment" and "gonna kill you". Paula crossed the street and I'm left alone with him until the light changes. Paula didn't took her eyes off of me until my light changed too. I walked back to work just as fast as my short stumpy legs could take me. I didn't even turn to see if he was behind me.

I was really afraid of this nutball. I don't scare easily when it comes to meeting people. The nature of my job has me knocking on stranger's doors day in and day out. But this guy was scary. I hope I don't ever knock on his door, or meet him in the alley, or on the street. Hell, I don't want to see him across the corner. Creepy.

The Mickey Mouse Watch

The kindergarten layout that Jay posted yesterday sparked a very vivid memory for me. We went to the same kindergarten but we went 3 years apart. Upon seeing Jay's class picture, my own kindergarten class picture filled my mind. I was then immediately transported back to my kindergarten graduation. I can remember it all so clearly. I know what I was wearing, I can see my parents in the audience and most of all I can remember the awful, sinking feeling in my stomach. I was so sad to be leaving Mrs. Coyle that I cried the whole way through. I'm sure most parents thought I was just upset because of the people. In reality, I was devastated to be leaving her. I can even remember Mrs Coyle whispering in my ear when she came over to give me a hug to make me feel better. I can remember Natalie and Amanda sitting beside me.

The thoughts of my kindergarten graduation and being so upset actually bring forth an even stronger and deeper memory for me. When I think of that day, I immediately picture the watch on my arm.

Before I go any further, there are two things you need to know about me 1) as a child I was obssessed with Mickey Mouse 2) I was extremely close with my grandparents and they were everything to me. I say were because they have since passed away - that's a story for another day.

Like I said, I loved Mickey Mouse as a child and I has always wanted a Mickey Mouse watch. I remember asking for one over and over again. Keep in mind this all take place when I was no more than 5 years old. I distinctly remember telling my grandfather how much I wanted a Mickey Mouse watch. One Saturday morning, he and my Nana came to town to visit. I was standing in the kitchen and Grampy said he had something for me. He handed me a watch and told me it was a Mickey Mouse watch. Looking back now, this watch was not pretty nor was it really a Mikey Mouse watch. It had a black strap, a white face with black numbers and a wide plastic rim around the face. But I was beside myself with glee. Grampy told me that it was a Mickey Mouse watch but that this kind didn't have a picture of Mickey on it. That was good enough for me. If my Grampy said it was a Mickey Mouse watch, I believed him whole- heartedly.

Fast forward to the morning of my kindergarten graduation, I remember begging my mom to wear the watch. It was huge on my wrist and certainly didn't match my blue dress. But I couldn't possibly go to my graduation without my Mickey Mouse watch. It was my most important possession I even remember fiddling with it during the ceremony and how heavy it was on my arm.

I no longer have the watch. I know it was thrown away when I was still small. The watch memory is one of my favourite memories. I called my mom earlier and asked her to take a look for one of my kindergarten photos so I can scrapbook this story. I wish I still had the watch.

Winterfest II

So I was a little negative about Winterfest yesterday. No one has said anything but I feel a bit guilty about my bitching. Let me clarify that my complaining about WF had nothing to do with the event and everything to do with me.
My brilliant idea of walking over there with my 3 year old didn't pan out. The fact that I'm lazy as hell and sooo not in shape didn't help matters at all. After a bit a reflection, I really didn't plan my attack on this event well or take my physical abilities, or lack of, into account.

Today I can't even touch my biceps let alone lift anything and my knees are killing me. What was I thinking??? Winterfest is great for older children. I'm just not sure I would drag my 3 year old along for the walk again. Taking a sled was not an option. As I mentioned yesterday, there was not alot of room for cars and pedestrians on the path to the site. Having JJ in a sled simply would not have been safe. The good news is that she loved the slides.
I drove past at 5:30 tonight and the heavy equipment was already tearing everything down. So long till next year....if I've recovered.

Winterfest - Ouch

JJ and I ventured over to Winterfest this afternoon. I was all gung-ho to go this afternoon and I was looking forward to going again with my cousin and her family tomorrow. We live very close to the Winterfest site. In fact the entrance is pretty much at the end of our street. Boy is that deceiving. Oye. It was a loooooooong, difficult walk from Sunset drive donw the the actual site. There wasn't alot of room for pedestrians so it wasn't very safe. The walk there wasn't fun but the walk home plain ole sucked. Sucked hard.

We had a great time on the slides and in the snow mazes. JJ thought it was great! There were alot of peoploe there so the lines were long. But the lines for the snow slide moved pretty quickly.

The walk home was all up hill. JJ was really tired by then so she wanted to be carried. I put her on my back for awhile and then on my shoulder. I just have to ask...Do any of you know how difficult it is to put a 43 lbs child all dressed in winter gear on your shoulders??? I'm sure the cars driving past me have a very good idea. By the time I got home, I had my mittens off, my coat unzipped, blisters on my feet, and I was sweaty.

We had fun while we were there but getting home kinda ruined it for me. To be honest, a few slides down the snow slide were not worth the effort to get there and home. But I won't tell JJ because she loved it.

Official Card Carrying Member

I'm now an offical card carrying, antannae wearing member of the Cricut Club thanks to Melanie. I just know the rest of you are soooooooo jealous.

Anna Nicole Smith is Dead!

If you watched any TV since late this afternoon you've heard the news. Anna Nicole Smith was found unconcious in her hotel room in Florida. She was pronounced dead at 2:49 pm (that's 3:49 our time). This information leads me to the next logical step...

Let's take guesses on causes of death. Morbid? Yes. Inappropriate on my part? Most likely. A sure sign I need to find another hobby? Absolutely. Am I at all deterred? Nope.

Let the guessing begin! I'll go first.

Random Acts of Kindness

Alright, when I had this stroke of genius, see previous post, I really wasn't thinking ahead as to how I would explain this concept to my sweet, sweet daughter. I started by asking her if there was anyone who had been especially nice to her lately. She gaves names of the usual suspects - her buddies at daycare. I decided to go in another direction after that. Next, I asked her if she knows what kindess is. She does and I knew this and she replied yes. So, I told her that we were going to go the store and buy some treats. Then we would take them to someone's house, of her choice, and leave them as a surprise for them. She was really excited and thought this was a fabulous idea (her works exactly). In fact she wanted to do it right that minute. We couldn't because we were on our way to dance class.

So she's all geared up, we're both excited about the idea. It's time to make a list of people we will surprise. I asked her "Who do you want to leave treats for?" Her reponse? "I want to treat myself, Momma!" She 3 years old...of course she wants to treat herself! What was I thinking?!
I tried to get her to name people other than herself but she wasn't giving in (she gets that from me...LOL)

I'm thinking tomorrow night we will go get some treats and start ringing door bells. Now, if I could just figure out how to photograph our first hit, I mean act of kindess, I'd be all set!

Therapy

Okay, here I am by popular request. I wasn't in much of a mood to write anything these past few days. I've been in a bad mood up until now. However, one hug from my adorable daughter, one chocolate bar, and one hour of retail therapy later and I'm good to go. I've made a decision to be in a good mood starting 23 minutes ago.

I was in such a bad mood yesterday that I shovelled the driveway to blow of steam. The neighbours must think I've come unhinged because I was loudly talking to myself while I was shovelling. The fact that I shovelled the driveway should be an indication of how pissed I was. There are only 2 things I refuse to do around the house 1) shovel the driveway (I have no good excuse...I simply refuse) 2) mow the lawn (I'm very allergic and it could kill me). Oh wait, three things - I do NOT scoop dog poop.

In the car on the way back to work (not the source of my mood btw), I was talking to myself (see a pattern here?) trying to psych myself up for the mood change. I started to think about kindess and I've decided to start teaching JJ about random acts of kindness and paying it forward. Starting this week, on a warmer day, I will attempt to explain the concept to her. I will get her to pick someone and we will get a treat for them, leave it at their door, ring the bell, and run like hell. If nothing else it will be a good laugh. Especially for anyone who sees me trying to carry my 43 lbs kid while running.

So if your doorbell rings in the next little while it might be JJ and I leaving you a little something. Please give me a minute to make my get away. If you see me sprawled out at the end of your driveway just pretend not to see us and call 911. Oh, and if you live out in the boondocks I wouldn't bother waiting by the door.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

JJ and I are sitting here watching the new version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love the book and the original (?) with Gene Wilder. I could watch it over and over. However, this new version doesn't do much for me. It's too dark. The story has a dark undertone and even movie itself is visually dark. And Johnny Depp, who plays Willie Wonka? Well, he just looks plain creepy.

Does anyone who live in Nasis growing up, remember going to the Junior High school on Wednesday afternoon to watch the movie in the theatre? The cost was $1 and the place was usually packed. I lived for the times they showed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I remember sitting there and feeling so sad that the movie was going to end. I was in my own fantasy land while watching it.

Okay, I just noticed that Violet Beauregard is that the factory with the over-bearing, pushy, barbie-doll mother. What's with that? She's suposed to be with her schmuck saleman father. DOH! Stick to the story.
Oh, and the Oompa Loompas are supposed to be orange! I must find the original somewhere for JJ to watch. I must.

Hmmm...clearly Tim Burton directed this movie because dolls just caught on fire. This is a bit warped. Violet Beauregard had better turn into a blueberry, dammit :)

Explaining is Not Always Easy

Tell me, how do you explain to a 3 year old why it is not okay to be mean to people? Let's add to that. How do I explain to her that it is not okay to be mean when the other person was mean to her first? How do I explain this concept to a 3 year old when many adults don't get it? Oddly, I had planned to write about this today before I read KimMartha's most recent post. To quash any questions, she was not mean to me and our posts are completely unrelated.

JJ was mean to a little girl in her class this morning. JJ yelled right in the other girls little face "Don't talk to me!!" This time the little girl had done absolutely to provoke JJ. However, JJ also takes her turn being yelled at. I, of course, addressed JJ's behaviour and explained why it wasn't right or tried to explain. I guess JJ's day did not improve at all from that point. Her teacher said she was a bit rough and not very nice all day. We had a talk about it on the way home and we agreed that from now on we will treat others the way we want to be treated. In fact, it's our little secret.

As I'm trying to help my daughter understand that being kind to others will help others be kind to her, I'm having trouble convincing myself. Let's be honest, none of us are nice all the time. Even if we strive to do so, I'm sure we all slip from time to time. Like KimMartha, I try to be kind because I genuinely want to be that way. But I also joke around too often and inadvertantly end up hurting someone's feelings. It is never my intention to offend anyone but it happens. When I'm on the receiving end, I just try to remember that I've made the same mistake and just let the comments slide.

What I can't excuse is people who, for whatever reason, think it is perfectly acceptable to treat people poorly. Then I have to ask "Do they really think it's acceptable?" I have no idea but I just can't convince myself they would continue to treat others in that manner if they had any inclination that their behaviour was unacceptable. There is one person in particular that I can think of that is just plain old mean. There is simply no other way to say it. There no way to make it sound more sophisticated or intelligent. This person, Pat, is mean. Point blank. Pat is mean to people. Pat talks down to poeple. Pat belittles people. But the thing that gets my goat the most is the damn look that Pat gives people. It enrages me. It's a snarl and it clearly communicates that Pat thinks you are the lowest of the low and a complete waste of space. Just ask anyone who has received this stare. My favourite memory of the Pat look was when I was having a conversation with someone else and Pat chose to stand there and glare at me the whole time. Pat, nobody was holding a gun to your head. Move along!

Many people have a Pat in their life. In my world, most of us share the same damn Pat. You know what? Pat is a loser. You know what else? If Pat has been mean or rude to you, console yourself by thinking about what an awful existence Pat must lead. Do you think Pat has many friends? I suspect Pat's life is misery because I certainly don't see Pat winning any popularity contests.

Here's the bottom line folks - Take the high road. If you dislike something about someone, please, don't react by doing what it is you dislike about them. Take the high road and don't lower yourself. By "telling someone off" you are just adding fuel to the fire. Walk away. If you get into a yelling match chances are that people will overhear the yelling. Yet they don't know why you're yelling, they don't know that your Pat is a jerk. They just see both of you looking like morons, yelling at each other like cavemen. Walk away because Pat will look like a fool arguing alone. You might feel better for a few minutes after letting your Pat "have it" but the reality is that Pat won.

Take the high road. That's what I'm teaching my daughter. It may take a few years before we use those words. But she'll know which road to take long before she can spell the name.

FYI - Pat is not the individual's real name. Think Saturday Night Live.

Cricut!

Mr. Princess, out of the clear blue, asks me this morning "What time does the scrapbook store close today?" Of course, I asked why he wanted to know. He told me he was going to go buy me my Cricut. Yeah! I told him and my parents that instead of a b-day present I would prefer money (they were going to buy one anyone so I just made a suggestion). Well Mr. Princess was going to get it for me regardless. Isn't that sweet?
We decided to wait until later this week to go get it. I'm going to a crop today and it would kill me not to take it with me. When I told him that he said, "Oh we should go get it so you can take it!" While that was a nice suggestion, I want to have something to open on Friday so I decided to wait. I know a few of you are now try to recovery from a serious case of shock but I swear it's true.

Since the shock quotien is already high here comes another one for you. Jay you might want to sit because this will surprise you most. I cooked a turkey today. AND....it was very good! It turns out I have a hidden talent.

Why?

Why is the fact that Tyra Banks weigh 161 lbs front page news? I read People Magazine online every day. In fact, I read a number of celebrity gossip stuff online each and every day. Most of it is pretty damn shallow. I get a very "junior high schoolish" charge out of seeing Paris Hilton make an ass out of herself on a very regular basis. I know that if people like me stopped caring that good-for-nothing-blond-waste-of-oxygen would disappear from the headlines. But the reality is we won't.

Most of the gossip sites I frequent are all shallow...each site is shallow across the board. People is a somewhat reputable magazine when it comes to celebrity magazines. What bothers me about them is that they will do a story on eating disorders, thin models/celebrities and how it affects American women/girls. But that very same issue will have someone's weight splashed on the front of the magazine.

Now, I'm know the article with Tyra was meant to be a feel good, I'm secure with my weight story. BUT, by making a big deal out it, in my opinion, it has a negative effect. Am I making sense? If her weight isn't a big deal than don't mention it. Gotta go home. Maybe I'll finish this later.

Okay, a further attempt at explaining...my point is not what anyone's weight may be...Nicole Richie, Tyra or anyone else. My point is that I really think People (supposed to be a reputable celeb mag) is totally sending mixed messages. No, let me try this again. My issue is that weight, high or low, should not be news. Regardless of size, if the media continues to report on weight than it will continue to be an issue for women.

The article on Tyra, to me is a prime example. If she is a good weight and happy about it than leave it be. To me, by making her measly 161 lbs and 32 inch waist an issue they are saying "Oh look Tyra is chunky but still manages to be happy." Sorry but this story doesn't come across as a feel good, inspiring story to me. It's just another case of the media bring weight and size to the fore front....again.

Oh, and let's not start with comments on my size. Only a few years ago I was over 30 lbs heavier than I am now. I was also the largest of my friends. While I may not have been obese, I was still the "different" girl. And let's not forget my friend who was going to kill themselves if they were my weight.

Re-reading this, the paragraph above sounds nasty but I don't mean it to be. My point is that I haven't always been my current size.

Just Incase...

Just incase you weren't already convinced that I flirt on the edge of plum crazy, here are a few tidbits to push it over the edge.
I was sitting in the washroom at work and had the following thoughts:
* Argh, I hate public washrooms.
* At least it smells better than yesterday
* Who is that lady washing her hands? (I could see out the crack of the door)
* Cripes, I'm not using that toilet paper. Who knows where it's been and who has had the grimy hands all over it. Why bother leaving a roll just sitting loose (not on the dispenser)? Let it get all touched by everyone while/after they've wiped themselves...gross.
* I wonder if other people will use it.
* Hee hee hee..."I wouldn't put my bird on the floor so why would I bring the floor to my bird?" Remembering a wise friend commenting on toilet paper rolls being placed on the floor (Yup, that's you Lisa!)
* Poor Susan.

Now while washing my hands:
* whistle, whistle, whistle
* Someday I'd like to break out in a really loud song in here...just for kicks.
* Oops, I almost touched that tap.

Now I will describe my obsessive handwashing ritual:
I get my paper towel and stuff it in my arm pit. Then I wash my hands with copious amounts of soap like a "normal" person. I dry my hands and use my paper towel to turn of the taps. (Hello! I just used my dirty hands to turn it on...touching it would completely wipe out the point of washing my hands) The I use the paper towel to open the door to leave, I keep my paper towel to open every door until I reach my desk. Finally, I throw the paper towel in the trash can in front of the photocopier for absolutely no reason other than habit. I NEVER change this routine. I would only consider missing a step if the building was on fire.

Word for Word

I was sitting here blog surfing after I wrote my post and I stumbled across two blogs by, apparently, different people and you know what????? The had written the EXACT same thing, word for word, verbatim. It made me laugh. I don't want to say too much but it was a topic where it doesn't really make sense to use someone else's words. Too funny, that stuff cracks me up. Really folks, get an opinion and identity of your own. Geesh.

Sick Little Girl

I really have to learn to keep my mouth shut. Just last week I commented to my co-worker that JJ hadn't been sick in months. I knocked on wood but the gods are laughing now because I'm such a dumb ass. Rule #1 - Never comment on how well something is going because it will immediately go to pot.

That being said, I'm at home with JJ this afternoon. I had appointments at work this morning so the Mr. stayed home this a.m. and we traded off at noon. Last night around 9:30, JJ woke up crying and I noticed that her breathing was very raspy. She asked for a drink of water and went back to sleep. At 10:30 I'm laying in bed watching TV and I hear her cough a little bit, choke and than gasp for breath. Just ask me how fast I cleared that bed and landed in her doorway. Cripes, nothing scares be jebus out of me like a child who can't breath.

She cried for a little bit and her breathing was very raspy and sort of rumbled. It's hard to describe but I did not like it. You could tell that it was a hell of a lot of work for her to get a breath. I asked her if it was hard to breath and she said yes. By this time I have her on the kitchen counter and I 'm searching for an inhaler. She doesn't have asthma but the doctor prescribed it for a cough last year. The damn puffer was expired but I gave it to her anyway. I know, I know bad Momma but I just wanted to ease her breathing. I also rubbed some Vick's on her chest.

I didn't think she needed to go to the hospital but I got my bearings and stuff together just incase. Mr Princess was at basketball and I called him and ask him not to go for a beer afterwards incase she needed medical attention. Poor Mr Princess was banished to the spare room so JJ could sleep with me. For piece of mind, I needed to hear her breathing beside me all night. This morning I woke up to a little finger poking me saying "Momma, my throat is crusty."

We kept her home to keep an eye on her. Eric said there were times this morning that she even struggled to speak. Oddly enough, she has no cough. I tried to call the Dr but they aren't answering their phones today. I'll call first thing in the morning because this doesn't seem to be getting better. It totally disturbs me that my daughter sounds like a chainsaw when she breathes. Could be another long night....

To the Real Princesses

You all got me! My friends had a surprise party for me last night. I thought I was going out for dinner with Shelley and Angie. I was standing there looking at the hostess at Boston Pizza and jumped sky high when a table to my left thundered "SURPRISE!!". It took me a second to realize I knew everyone at the table and that they were yelling at me.

It's pretty tricky to have a surprise birthday party 2 weeks before the date! I had a great time!! I received tons of gifts which were all gift certificates in $30 denominations. The was one from Avalon Spa, Shoppers, mall dollars, CompuPro Scrapbooking, Stampin Up, Tim Horton's...I think I've missed a few. I apologize for that but it's not even 7 am yet. They had a tropical outfit for me to wear because they were trying to bring the tropics to me. Sweet huh? I'm sure pictures of my shell bra will hit the internet soon enough. I even received an letter from the Real Martha Sue Reporting Live from Manila!

Our waiter was hilarious!! After most of the wait staff in the restaurant sang happy birthday to me and announced to the whole place that it was my 30th birthday, he said I needed a shooter of some type. He wanted to bring me tequila but that would have killed me. A short while later he shows up with 2 shooters for me. Here is what he said "I said I would bring you something and since it's your 30th bithday, I thought you deserved a multiple orgasm." and then he sets to orgasm shooters on the table. I laughed so hard I could hardly drink them.

I also made a new friend lst night. His name was Nick. He just walked up and said hi. LOL.

I want to say thank you to everyone involved in making this party happen. I know it's not an easy feat to plan a surprise party for me. I can't help it...I just notice things. I know you all must have aged a few years during the planning over the past few weeks. In all honesty, I was truely surprised. I really had no idea. There was a slip on Friday but I really didn't think anything was going on with all of you.

Melanie told me there were 27 girlse invited - That's crazy! I didn't realize I had 27 friends. I guess the party was scheduled for Friday night but when it was postponed due to the weather not everyone could make it. But no matter, I still really appreciate that I even have 27 friends to be invited. Seriously, 27!! I was thinking about it last night when I couldn't sleep (not one single wise crack, not one!) and it boggles my mind that I know 27 people that I can honestly call good friends. I'm very, very fortunate. To all of you who were there last night - thank you so much, I had a ball. To those who couldn't make it - thank you so much, we missed you.

To the 27 real Princesses, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Where's my Mojo?

Does someone have my scrapping mojo? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller...Bueller...Bueller. Hehehe...not sure why my first 2 sentences make me think of that but hey I'll go with it. I was all primed to scrapbook tonight but, wow, am I ever turning out crap layouts. I'm mean u-g-l-y. I guess I noticed my mojo first missing at Jay's last Friday night (which was a great time I might add). The two layouts I did there were pretty craptacular too. Anyway, if anyone finds it could they please return it before Nic's crop next week? It is a simple mojo, not collagey at all, straight and linear, and often comes in a shade of pink, and will answer to the name of Princess' Mojo.

I thought I had it made to scrapbook well into the wee hours of the morning. Last night I went to bed at 7:30. That is not a typo. 7:30. I put JJ to bed and went into my own room because Mr. Princess was snoring on the couch in the living room. Incidentally, he told me he woke himself up twice due to the loud snoring...haha. I was laying in my nice warm, pillow top bed deep under my eye-searing yellow and orange duvet and I thought "Screw it, I'm staying right here until morning." and so I did. I got 11 sweet hours of uninterrupted slumber.

Unfortunately, I missed all the good Thursday night TV. The O.C (Ryan is my secret boyfriend...shhhh), Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and CSI. I had no clue what everyone was talking about today. Oh well, I'm very well rested. I wanted to use my alertness to scrapbook but I do not want to preserve the crap I'm creating. I think I'll go watch my other boyfriend on TV...Curtis the take home chef.

Choose an Identity

If you are already logged into blogger and you want to leave a comment on a post, it asks you to choose an identity. This makes me chuckle every time I read it. I know, I know...it doesn't take much to make me laugh.
I saw it again last night and I thought "Hmmm...which identity would I be today if I could choose?" I guess it all depends on the day. Today, I choose the identity of Social Super Woman. As Social Super Woman, I will save the world from a socio-economic stand point. I may only do it one person/family at a time but that is my goal.
This is going to sound a bit hoakie and cheesy but when someone really captures a spot in my heart, that spot belongs to them for life. I will pull out every trick, contact, idea, or resource I can possibly think of. Time makes no difference for me in these matters. I would like to help as fast as I can but I won't wear down easily. I can let things quiet down for a few months but when I see an opening and an opportunity to help again I'm like a rabid dog trying to to what I can. You can't get rid of me once I decide that I care.
Obviously something has sparked this in me again and I can't stop thinking about it. It consumes me and I just can't do enough. Just when I think I've exhausted all avenues, I come up with something else. Just for the record, this is not a work related, it's a personal relationship. I know a few of you out there know about this and I'd appreciate it if you maintained the confidentiality of this person.

Winter has Arrived

This a a photo that I took today looking off a little bridge on Rte 4 between Fredericton and St. Andrews. I must say I'm pretty impressed with this photo. I was driving along and saw this little spot. So I pulled over hopped out of the car and started snapping away. My fingers were tingling and starting to hurt after about 30 seconds. I wish I could have stayed a few more minutes but my fingers would have died and fallen off and I'm sorta partial to them and would like to keep them. I think I might get this photo printed and if it looks good in print I might get in blown up. We'll see.

I've been MIA for the past few days. I'm so tired I can hardly keep myself awake. This afternoon was desperate struggle against the exhaustion. I couldn't seem to do anything properly and it took be a long time to complete any task. Just sitting upright at my desk meant my body and brain had to work at full capacity. I'm heading for bed in a few minutes.

But first I'll tell you why I'm so tired. My dear, dear Mr Princess is an avid basketball player. Avid, I tell you, avid. He decided to play in Oromocto on Monday night in all that snow. Of course, that was after I talked him out of driving to Harvey. So, he meets his buddies at the Y and they car pool to O-town. They usually go for a beer after they plan and typically get home after midnight. I was nervous about him being out. In my defence someone we know was in a very serious car accident last week so I was more nervous that I would normally be.

I remember last looking at the clock at 11:10 pm before falling asleep. The next thing I know the phone is ringing and my heart skips a few beats before settling in my throat. I flew across the room in the dark to pick up the phone and my knees literally got weak when I heard Mr Princess' voice. He had that tone in his voice where you know something is wrong. He then tells me that he has locked his keys in the car and everyone has already left. I simultaneously feel relief that he is alright but dread at having to fix this problem. We only have one car so I was very limited in my options. What did I do? I called my dad.

My dad is the best. I called him at 11:45 pm and he came to get my keys then took them to the Mr at the Y. When I asked him this favour he was already in bed and he still said "Sure, I'll be right there." He didn't sigh in annoyance, or complain, or even hesitate. He immediately got dressed and came over. I don't hesitate anytime my parents ask me to help out but this is just a reminder of why I never hesistate.

So Mr Princess gets home around 12:30. What the hell took so long??? I didn't bother to ask. I was tired. Unfortunately, I didn't get back to sleep until 3:30 am. The phone ringing scared me and I had a hard time calming myself enough to get to sleep. I really only had 30 minutes sleep at the most before he called. All together I got maybe 3 hours sleep Monday night. I was tired yesterday but I always find the second day worse. Now that I've told my story I'm headed off to Lalaland.

Sarahdipity

Have you ever heard of serendipity? This is the definition from the dictionary: the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.

We all know that Mel tells me she hates me on a regular basis because I have good luck. Things tend to go in my favour or I make things work out for me. Remember the incident where I closed the garage door on the car? Yesterday, my father was going to get his car, drive two blocks to pick me up at my mom's office, and drive me back the 2 blocks to my office. But, dammit, my mom told him I was joking. Today, I managed to have someone else offer to make my dish for tonight's potluck but I'll tell you about that tonight.

I was telling my co-worker about the potluck story. She rolls her eyes and says "You and your serendipity." Then she says "No, you've have it better. You have Sarahdipity!" I jumped out of me chair with glee. My eyes were shining with excitement and wonder. My voice rose an octave and a few decibels. All I could say is "I love it! My friends will love it!" In reality, I can already hear my friends groaning. Actually, I can clearly hear Mel saying "I hate you!" LOL..I can hear Jay saying "Good god." with a bit of disgust. The possibilities are endless! And you all know how much I *LOVE* new words.

Just when I didn't think today could get any better....it did. Let me leave you with just one thought....

I am a phenomenon, I am SARAHDIPITY!

Who's that Girl?

I walked into the washroom at work this morning and saw a girl I didn't know. I looked again and it was me! It was my reflection in the mirror and I have straight hair.

I had this brain-wave last night that I would straighten my hair just for the hell of it. What an ordeal. First I had to have a shower (not such a big deal), then I had to blow dry my hair and straighten it with a brush. Holy crap. It took 45 minutes and I really just looked like a pine tree with going through an identity crisis. My plan was to dry it last night and use the flat iron this morning to do the finishing touches. However, if I wanted to make it to work before noon that plan had to change. So, I plug in the flat iron and crank the heat in hopes it will speed up this process.

I would like to take this opportunity to say that I hate doing my hair. That should explain the state of my hair most days. In fact, one of my life mottos is "If I can't see it, then I don't care". How does this fit in with my hair most days? I can't see the back of my head so I don't care what it looks like. This motto also explains the ass shelf that is my posterior.

Have you ever hear hair scream? I think I have. I'm pretty sure my hair was screaming in agony as I mercilessly ran the super hot flat iron over it again and again. I pinned up my hair and fried small chunks at a time. All in all it took me 30 mins to complete the act of torture. I pulled it into a loose ponytail went to bed.

Fast forward to this morning. Obviously, I didn't shower this morning because of the hair straightening adventure. So my day is already "off" and I feel abnormal. Onto the hair! I plug in the flat iron to do some touch ups. My hair strands see me reach for the iron and recoil in horror...almost curling back up again from the shock, dammit. I spend another 20 mins straightening the hair doing touch ups.

Now, here I sit at my desk with straight hair. Was it worth it? Uh, no. All in all I spent over an hour and a half on my freaking hair. I absolutely cannot imagine why anyone would do that on a regular basis. I could do so much more with my time....like sleep. Oh well, I don't think it's going to be an issue again for a good long time anway. I'm pretty sure every strand of hair on my head would hop out and drop to the floor in protest if I ever try that stunt again.

I'm Kinda Dumb Sometimes

I was almost bitten by a dog a work today. It was really my fault because I'm a flake and the dog was being a dog.

When I knocked at the door the dog went snakey. The owner put the dog on the couch where it sat with it's ears back, obviously afraid, and barking it's face off. Mistake #1 - I should have asked the owner to restrain the dog or put it in another room. I thought about it but let it go.

Last year we had a session on dog safety for our line of work. The dog handler spoke about 2 types of angry dogs - the agressive dog that wants to bite you and stands it ground and the dog that bites because you are scaring it and it feels it has no choice. The dog handler also told us how to deal with each type of animal. This dog was a classic example of the scared dog. I kept looking at the dog just to know where it was. Each time I looked at the dog it barked, pinned it's ears back, and snarled. Mistake #2 - I should have asked the owner to restrain the dog or put it in another room (see a pattern here?).

Anyway, the dog calms down because I'm not looking at it and I forget about it. In case you're counting that is mistake #3 - I forgot about the scared snarling dog. I go about the task I'm there for, thank the owner, gather my things, and stand to leave. I didn't look for the dog before I stood up. I start for the door and the dog lunges for me. The owner grabs the dog but the dog was so close to me that she was touching both the dog and I. Oye.

Do you know the big thing the dog handler told us? NEVER turn your back on the dog. Turn my back? Hell, I forgot it was even there.

That was my first visit was the day and of 2007. It was a good wake up call for me. I felt bad for the dog. The dog was just going on instinct and the lady did say at the beginning that the dog had been abused by a previous owner. Mistake #4 - I should have asked the owner to restrain the abused dog or put it in another room. This incident was truely my fault. I wasn't paying attention and I went against by better judgement. I won't make that mistake again.

Office Annoyances

This is a short list of things that annoy me in the office:
* The sounds of someone clipping their nails at their desk..ewww. Hehehe...I wonder if they were clipping their finger nails or toe nails. Ewww again.
* People who refuse to use a tissue to remedy their runny nose and choose to sniffle it instead...that is beyond ewww...it makes me want to vomit on the floor.
* Super-loud phone talkers. So loud that I struggle hear myself think...it's not even one of our employees. I'm now very well versed on the goings on of the other dept that shares the floor with us.
* The "martyr" who comes to work sick because we all know that the workplace will cease to function if they are not here today. So, lucky us, they come to work and generously spread they stomach flu around so we all get a shot at it. Okay, that's actually last week AND today.

I'll be puking by the end of the day one way or antoher. :)

That's all. It's a short list but I think they are all valid annoyances. I'm not even having a bad day. These things just all happened to take place in a short span of time this morning.

Cookin' a Roast

I'm cooking a roast for the very first time. Seriously, it's the first time. I'm just not that into red meat so I've never bothered before. I'm definitely a meat eater, don't get me wrong but I've never eaten alot of red meat. I actually don't even like roast beef. I totally don't get it when people comment on how tender beef is and how you can just cut it with a fork. Meat of that consistency literally makes my stomach turn.
Growing up, my dad made roast beef on a regular basis and it was always that consistency. I call it the stringy consistency because that's what it reminds me of when it's that "tender". Everyone just raved about how tasty it was and I just ate it because there was no other alternative. My dad has started using a meat thermometer in recent years and it is much better but still not my cup of tea. Having said that, my dad also BBQs roast beef and I love it! I will fight for the crispy end piece.
All this dislike of roast beef has lead me to the decision to take a stab at it myself. I really don't think it's going to make a difference. But it's worth a try. I seared it first to seal in the juices and now I'm cooking it at 350 degrees until the meat thermometer says it done (med-rare). We'll see how it goes.
JJ has just informed me that she wants to paint. I told her after supper. She then said she has a plan. Her plan is that the 3 chocolate chip cookies she just ate were her supper and that she'll paint while Eric and I eat. She now sitting beside me yammering on about her plan again. I can't help but laugh. She thinks that if she tells me a plan that it is how things will be done. I can't wait to inform her, later in life, that things don't come to fruition just because you say it's a plan. Hell if that were the case I wouldn't be sitting her right now. Because plan is to be somewhere tropical. Shit she told me not to go into the kitchen. That is 3 year old code for you should really come in because I'm doing something I shouldn't be. Hitting publish not taking time to check spelling.

Princess Power

Something is wrong with me...seriously wrong with me. Twice in the last few months my Princess Powers have failed me! Horrific but true. My Princess Powers never fail...until recently.
Today at lunch I had a shot at being Employee of the Universe, Employee of the Millenium, and all around Bad Ass all wrapped into one. But I blew it. Sadly, I'm not even sure where I went wrong.
I was leaving the Regent Mall and when I walked by Toys R Us, there was an employee standing there with a much sought after Wii. I turned around so fast I'm sure I'll have whiplash in the morning. I said "How many of those do you have?" He answered 2 and I almost ran to the payphone. I called my boss, in a meeting I might add, and said "Paul! Toys R Us has 2 Wiis. Do you want me to buy one?" He said no he wouldn't feel right about that but we worked out a plan and I went back.
In the store I go and I sashay (you all know I like to sashay) up to James the World Sales Leader - that's really what his name tag said, I swear on JJ's head. I say to James "My boss would really like to have a Wii and could I give you a $*** deposit and he'll come up and pay the rest at 3pm?" James hums and haws for a minute and says they really can't do it. I say "Are you really the World Sales Leader?" He says no that just call the sections of their store "worlds". Whatever. Then I ask him if Paul can call in with his credit card number and just pick it up later. No dice. So as a last and pitiful effort, I say "But its for my boss and I would be the best employee ever." He laughs but won't give in. I leave confused by the universe and not understanding why my Princess Power is not working. I came back to the office and called him again. I offered once more to go buy it for him but he wouldn't hear of it.

I saw Melanie on the way out of the mall and got her to call Nic. I would have called but my cell phone was dead. Hopefully, she manages to get there to get one. Good luck. I'd offer my Princess Powers to help you out but they seem to be on the blink.

Live From Manila

Susan aka the real MarthaSue has landed in Manila, Phillipnes. Can you imagine what it would be like? I love to travel but I'm a bit of a chicken. Small caribbean countries great! Big foreign non-english speaking countries...scary. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to go but having to be responsible for myself as opposed to just jumping on a bus with a tour guide scares the bejezuz out of me.
Susan, I really think it's great that you have taken this opportunity. I know you must be feeling realms outside of your comfort zone. But you should be so proud have done this. You have travelled over 24 hours to get there, nagivated the Hong Kong airport, survived the car ride there, said "see you later" to your family, accepted the challenge of teaching, LEFT BEHIND TIM HORTONS, and all of this in a non-english speaking country! This will be a once in a life time opportunity and you should be proud that you are rising to the challenge.

We're all looking forward to reading about your adventres. We are all sorta living this adventure with you. Now, go have an adventure for us. Oh, are you going to try eating weird and wonderful things while you're there? An appetizer of snake soup perhaps??

I Love Rock and Roll

Once the littlest princess regained her composure last evening and exorcised her demons within, we sat on the floor on a towel and ate a pomegranate. She loves pomegranates. Anyway, the child sings pretty well constantly. I love it most of the time but sometimes she almost shrieks in a high falsetto voice and still considers that singing...those times drive me to drink. But instead I tell her it's beautiful singing and it makes my ears smile.

Last night out of the blue she starts singing "I Love Rock and Roll". She sings quite well when she wants too. The parts of the song she knew, she sang very well. She sang the right words, she sang the right notes in the right order, and her pitch was quite good too. I loved it. It caught me off guard so I didn't get it on video. That will be my goal for tonight.

Bingo Shutters!

That is actually the name of JJ's stuffed dog. But to me it sounds similar to "Jinkies" like Velma says on Scooby-Doo. Just imagine her saying "Bingo Shutters, it's the witch's ghost! Run!" Okay on to bigger and better things.

JJ just had her first major freak out, meltdown whatever you want to call it. The kid was nekked and out of control. I was washing her hair and we were being silly and trying to get it done really fast. In my hast, I made the critical error of changing the routine. I forgot to let her smell the shampoo and dip her nose in it before I put it in her hair. She was pissed. I quickly put some in my hand and let her smell it but she was already well on her way to a category 5 meltdown. I quickly rinsed her hair and tried to calm her down but it was useless. So I drained the tub and walked out her her while she through a fit. I let her go for about 5 minutes and went back into talk to her.

This time I tried the whole use your big girl words, what can we (she and I) do to make her feel better, I'm sorry your upset but this is not acceptable thing. She heard "Blah, Blah, Blah..." Her response to me was to bend down and scream in my face with all her might. Fun. So I lifted out out of the tub and took her to her room. I took her out of the tub for fear she might split her head open when it started to rotate on her shoulders and vomit started to spew from her mouth. I tend to fall down when that happens.

Now in her room, she is beyond pissed...she if flippin' livid. I mean livid. So she hits me. I pull out a chair and calmly tell her she is in time out for hitting. What does she do? Shoved me with 2 hands as hard as she can. As little patience as I may have sometimes I have to say I keep my cool with her. I set her back in the seat. I put herback in the chair a few more times before she has had enough of that crap. She launches a full on assault. She is kicking, punching and hitting me with everything she has in her. I'm still calm telling her she cannot hit and that she is having a time out for hitting me. At this point she hears nothing. She has lost all sense of control. She has snot running down her face and is screaming like I'm sitting on her and ramming baboo shutes under her fingernails. Oh, while I'm telling her she is is time out she is screaming "Tubby, I want back in the tubby!" I swear she sounded only partially human. She got away twice and threw herself in the tub. Like any good parent, I locked the bathroom door. At this point, I was seriously concerned she would hurt herself in the wet, slippery tub.

I left her in the hallway and walked away form her. Clearly even the sight of me was completley infuriating the child. I walked away from her to give he a minute but she followed and decided to kick the shit out of me again. I felt I had no choice but to take something away form her. Enter Bingo Shutters. I took Bingo Shutters. The child is no longer acting human after I did that. In hindsight, I'm not sure that was wise choice on my part because it just made her angrier. But really, I was at a loss at that point and she was kicking my ass. She child is over 40 lbs and 42 inches tall. FYI - Eric is not home. She went completely ballistic. Five minutes earlier I would have thought it impossible for her to be any angrier - I was wrong, very, very wrong. I tried to deal with her for another few minutes and then called my mom. I was still calm but the child needed someone and I was clearly not that someone. By this time it was going on 45 minutes.

My mom arrived and calmed her down a bit. In the end, she just wanted her Momma. She and my mom talked about the incident when I was out of the room. When I came back in JJ says "Momma, if you are angry you should just say I need to go to my room to calm down." LOL...it was cute. Hopefully, she'll remember her own advice. I explained to her that I was not angry with her at all. Her answer? "Oh"....it as if she thought "Well, shit you should have told me lady."

Anyway, we are buds again and everything is fine. She is sleeping. I weathered my first real out of control episode. I'd love to think this was the one and only but somehow I doubt it. Although my mom did say I never did anything like that...so there is hope.

Happy New Year

Okay first thing is an explanation. D - a cricut is an superduper scrapbooking tool. It looks like a printer and you feed paper into but instead of just printing on the paper it cuts out shapes adn letters for you. It may not sound like much but in real life even our hubbies are impressed by the machine.

I'm sitting here in my bedroom thinking about the past year and all it has held for me. I'm really sitting in here because Mr P and JJ and eating chips. I really can't stand to listen to other people eat chips. Psychotic but true...I accept it.
I guess when I think back at the last year I notice that everything seems to revlove around the week I spent in the hospital. Oddly, I used that week to determine timelines, when events took place and stuff like that. I was only in there for a week and it's not like my life has been altered since but I've never had closure. My stomach still gives me alot of trouble and I don't think I can get passed the fact that they don't know what is wrong with me. I'm thankful they ruled out cancer, colitis and crohns disease. That leads me to think of some close friends who have had loved one be close to death this year. Luckily, they pulled through but none of them seem to be 100% yet. Hopefully, this year will bring them better health.
This past year had brought me stronger friendships. People who were perhaps acquaintances in the past are now close, cherished friends. They've enabled me to weed some people out of my life who just weren't healthy. Au revoir Homer!! You sometimes you find really good friends that you never expected and other friends who just aren't what you thought. My theory is that you should just jump on for the ride and take it for what it is. Otherwise, you may miss out on something really good. I guess that's my theory for life in general and a good part of the reason many of you consider me your guinea pig for everything.
My ups have definitely outweighed my downs this year. Most of my downs seem to have been indirect. Meaning it's been difficult to watch family members or close friends go through rough times. But they are all tough cookies and have or will make it through.
My most fond memories this year took place in Shediac. We rented a cottage for a week as usual. We spent our days walking to the beach, building castles, throwing the ball for the dog, swimming, cuddling and having fun. At night we had campfires, sparklers, movies, walks at the beach and ice cream. I love watching Eric and JJ playing in the surf together. Most of the week it was just our family of 3 and the dog. We had a great time and I can't wait to do it again. I'm sure this coming summer will be even better than last. I can't help but think of the night we were at this little park on Main St in Shediac. JJ had to pee and there was no place for her to go. I took her in a little corner and taught her to squat to pee. Since then I've been trying to convince her that squatting outside to pee is not really appropriate.
Save the best for last - my baby girl. She has changed so much over the last year. She's a preschooler now instead of a toddler. She still has a lisp but she says macaroni instead of pacaroni. She is pigheaded, independant, stubborn, persistent, loveable, sweet, affectionate, carefree, artistic, and fun-loving all wrapped into a 42 inch tall package. I think my highlight was about 6 months ago when she was sitting on the flush and she looked at me and said "Momma, you're my best friend."
So there you have it. A few thoughts that popped into my head. You won't find any New Year's resolutions from me. I'm not against them, I just have never bothered to make them. I thought about it while reading everyone else's resolutions. But, realistically, they would only be the same things I tell myself every other day anyway...be more patient and get off your lazy ass. I'm going to break the mold and this will be the one day a year I WON'T tell myself to be a better person. :)

Big Day

I have a big day coming up in just over 30 days. Yup, a birthday and it's a big one. I'm not bothered by it. In fact, I'm looking forward to it. Mr Princess and I were supposed to go south for the big day but due to circumstances beyond my control we cannot go. Thank you CCRA. I was very clear that I did not want to be in Canada for my birthday. I really wanted to be somewhere warm and tropical. The only downfall with that was being away from JJ on my big day. At least I'll get to spend the day with her.
I have decided that my big day this year will consist of a brand spanking new Cricut for me. Happy B-day to me. I'm going to wait for a bit but I plan to tell the Mister and my parents that I would prefer to have money for my birthday. I already have a bit saved up and it shouldn't take me too long to get to my goal.
You know, I find it more fun to save for something big. I could go to Nic's today and order a Cricut but this gives me something to look forward to. You all should know me well enough by now to know that I like to have something to be excited about down the road.

Oh! This is completely off topic but did anyone else hear the rumour that the Dixie Chicks are calling it quits? Nic, surely you've read about this. What do you all think? True or false? WhenI read it on the front page of the Enquirer, I'll believe it. :)

Merry Christmas To Me

Oye. Giving is more important that receiving, right? RIGHT?!?!?!

Two More Sleeps

I'm sitting here by myself just waiting for the time to pass. JJ stayed overnight and my parent's house last night so the Mister and I could attend a party. It was alot of fun. Mr. Princess slept in the spare room because the pint of rum he drank made his night time breathing somewhat loud. I only had one drink because I volunteered to be the DD. We arrived home around midnight. I climbed into bed right way and did wake up until 10:15 this morning. I haven't slept that late in years. I know have massive headache. I assume it's because I was 2 hours late getting my morning caffeine fix.
Mr Princess it out starting his Christmas shopping. He didn't realize he had to do a stocking for me until Thursday night. He asked me before he left what should go in my stocking. I listed off a few things and mentioned I have a wishlist at Nic's. Sorry Nic, but I also told him to ask if he needed other ideas.
The Littlest Princess is currently having a nap. She didn't go to bed last night until 9:30 and had Nana up at 5:30 am. She has been up around 5:15 - 5:30 every morning for the last 2 weeks. Hearing "Momma is it Christmas today?" at that ungodly hour is not my preferred method to wake up. But hearing those words at 7 am would be darn cute.
We're having family over for Christmas Eve meat pie and goodies tonight. We're doing it a day early because people have other plans tomorrow. It should be fun.
I'm going to go lie down for a bit before JJ gets up. I need to shake this headache soon.

I Want A Hippo for Christmas

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas/Only a hippopotamus will do.... In case you've been living under a rock, you can hear the song here -

I've heard this song on the radio pretty much every day for the last few weeks. Mainly on my way to work in the morning. Which also means has my cute little daughter has heard it as well. She also danced to it at dance class and now loves the song.
For the past few weeks she has asked my almost every day for a hippopotamus for Christmas. Each time she asks, I turn the question around and ask her where we would keep it. She always says on the roof and I tell her it would make our house fall down. Then she says in her bed and I say but you tell me I will break your bed and that hippo will be bigger than me! Then she says in the garage and I say he'll be bigger than our car. I always end the conversation by asking her where one would get a hippo and she tells me the ocean. My response is that it is too cold to go to the ocean this time of year.
Well yesterday our routine changed. Yesterday when I started with my normal questions she responds "I only want a toy hippo, Mama." I think "Oh crap!!" I really would have preferred to stay on the normal course of conversation. I explained to her that it is very close to Christmas and the elves are pretty much done making the toys. We've always told her that you don't get everything on your Christmas list so I thought this would end the conversation. Nope. She says "Oh, Momma, you can just go shopping and get one for me." Cripes, I knew taking that child shopping at 5 days old was a mistake. She's a shopping pro at 3 years old.
Being the crazy mother that I am, I went to Toys' R Us at lunch time yesterday. The reality is that I didn't have anything better to do. Anway, I walked in and found a cute plush hippo in under a minute. It is blue with a flower on her head. I'm going to tie a note from Santa around her neck saying he couldn't fit a real hippo in his sleigh. I hope this is the item that makes Christmas for her. I think I'll leave it in middle of the livinig room floor separate from her other gifts.

Beth

There is a lady I work with, I'll call her Beth, who has really had an impact on me. I've been meaning to write this post for quite sometime but the words always seem to escape me. So why today? I received a Christmas card from Beth today that made me cry. The message was only a few lines long but it touched me. I thought to myself that I've met someone who gets it.
Our work lives are not easy. We deal with the part of society that is down & out and often has nowhere else to turn. I often feel a real sense of helplessness at not being able to do more to help our clients. I love my job but I want, no I need to make more of a difference. I'm confident that my time will come. Where does Beth fit into all of this? She inpires me.
I'm relatively young and I often get eye rolls because of my idealistic thoughts. The message that I derive is that they think I'll get a reality check sooner or later. Beth has many life experiences, years of work experience, a wealth of knowledge and she still has a deep desire to make a difference.
Beth has had a rough go at work in the past little while. Yet when I speak to her or read her writing it always inspires me. No matter how defeated she seems to feel, no matter how many brick walls she comes up against, no matter how futile things may seem she always has hope. She always comes back to work the next day ready to help our clients, ready to look at things from another angle, take a different approach, and do it all with a renewed positivity.
I often battle a suffocating negativity at work. Sometimes I leave at the end of the day dreading the morning to come. Sometimes that next day I arrive already in a bad mood. But I can always go read Beth's writing and feel inspired to keep going and try to make a difference. If she can continue to be positive and contribute her valuable ideas and knowledge than I can continue to do my part.
Beth is incredibly intelligent, she's funny, witty, appropriately sarcastic, a caring soul, a talented writer, an active member in her community, and a proud mother. She makes a difference in the lives of those who need it the most...myself included.
So do you want to know the simple message that made me cry? She told me not to stop caring...exactly what I needed to hear the most.

Merry Christmas

Secret Santa

Our secret santa party was last night and the buggers tried to overthrow me. They said they thought I would be upset if they didn't plan something. In all honesty, I thought you were all just switching names to throw off my guessing. But your gag was well done and fun. Shame on you all for using Jay's mom to distract me.
The girls all had white name tags with their Princess names. For example, Nic was Princess of Minto. Then they all put on tiaras! I dove for my princess santa hat but the Real MarthaSue had hidden it on me. I had a name tag too but it only said my real name AND it was on a clear name tag so I was invisible. It was all in good fun. The girls also gave me a wonderful bag of goodies that are all "must-haves" for a real princess. There was a magic hair brush, a makeup kit complete with fake finger tips and nails, princess lip gloss, and last but certainly not least, bedazzled princess panties. I'm sure if you look around you'll find photos of said panties. But I'm not giving any directions to find them.
There were other specials gifts going around too...Nic will not have to buy pot holders for a long, long, time. Mel, unfortunately, will probably still need to buy Scope soon even with the amount she received last night. Hopefully, she has enough to get her through Christmas Day. The Real MarthaSue received an orginal copy of Susie's Creative Companion - I waited in long a long time and fought off muggers to get my hands on that puppy.
I was the last to open my secret santa gift, because I'm so patient of course. It was totally worth the wait. Tina did an awesome job and it was perfect for me. I'm a bit sleepy so forgive me if I forget a few items - there was eggnog coffee (YUM!!), rub ons, playing card embellishments, vanilla Bath and Body works shower gel, terrifically tacky tape (Love this stuff). There was other stuff to but it escapes me. Anyway, like I said it was absolutely perfect.
Nic and Jay also has gifts for each of us. I won't list it incase others haven't opened it yet. But again thet were perfect for me. It's obvious each gift was specifically tailored for the recipient.
It was a great time as usual. Yesterday I was thinking to myself "Anita must be feeling a bit sad reading all the blogs about the party tonight". Of course Anita always participated in the past but is in Victoria, BC this year. WRONG! She's home for Christmas and surprised us all by being at the party. I'm sad it's over for another year it's all over for another year.
Love you all. Each and everyone of you is completely worthy of a Princess title. Thanks for being such great friends!

The Plot

There has been alot of talk on these blog lately about our Secret Santa for this year. I know there are definitely going to be some twists and good laughs tonight. Some bloggers have mentioned a bit of paranoia going around. I admit I'm freaking paranoid. You don't plot and pull as many stunts as I do and not expect to get taken down some day.
I've thought for awhile that my "friends" have something on the go. Who knows maybe that is their plan...just to get me going and not do anything at all. Then again, maybe it's a plot to OVERTHROW the Princess.
Now, the word "overthrow" is not a word that normally just gets tossed into a conversation. So imagine my suspicion when someone participating in SS used that particular word this morning. Yup, I trusted her, confided my plot fears in her and then she uses that word!?!? They're planning a coup.
Speaking of planning, I suspect the person who planned this secret santa maybe LYING! There, I said it...she might be lying. I know her game, she pretends to be so sweet, innocent, and caring but I know how damn SMART she is. I bet she's the mastermind behind the coup.
Then there is the entrepreneur who is privy to all the purchases being made by the participants. Yeah, she pretends she has no idea what is going on and who's name everyone has. Again, she plays dumb about all of this but I also know how intelligent she is. Dummies don't sleep with the news turned on.
I've just hit the highlights here. I've got my eye on the rest of you too. Now, picture me pointing to my eyes with 2 fingers (on the same hand) and then point at each of you. That's right, the Princess has you in her sights. One wrong step and I'll know.

I'm Baaaaccckkk

Hmmm...I'm able to log in to blogger from work again...great!!

So Mr. Princess and I took JJ to see Happy Feet this weekend. Ummm...I'm not sure I would use the word Happy in the same sentence as that movie. It was just plain weird and not the happy, uplifting, dancing penguin movie I was anticipating. The beginning was very dark and I don't just mean visually dark. There were weird chanting penguins and it was not at all the scene I would use for the opening of a children's movie.
Fast forward to the demonic seal in the movie. This seal is chasing the main character and the looked like a creature straight from the bowels of hell...complete with red eyes and sharp, pointed, flesh shredding teeth. JJ does not scare easily but she was glued to my arm likely fearing that Lucifer's pet seal was going to jump from the screen and tear her limbs from her body.
Fast forward again to the main character waking up in an exhibit in a zoo. The narrator talks about the penguin's adjustment to the zoo. And at one point says "...after 3 months Mumbles had lost his mind." At this point, the penguin starts seeing apparitions of his friends and family at home and is yelling to them. The apparitions disappear and the penguin starts hurling dead fish against the wall. At this point, alot of children in the theatre are saying "Where is his mommy? Where is his family?" I looked at my watch and just about died thinking this was the end of the movie. I'm thinking they CANNOT end a kids movie like this. What is the moral here? Don't dance or you'll be locked up and go crazy??
Thankfully that wasn't the end but the ending didn't impress me much anyway. I would not rate this movie highly has a kids movie. JJ seems fine after having watched the movie. Me...I'm pretty sure I now have a phobia of seals.

Mean Ole Big Brother

I confess I have been known to blog while at work. More often, I check my friend's blogs at work and leave comments. As of yesterday, that is no more. Big brother has blocked access to blogger and beta blogger. I can still read blogs, I just can't leave comments or write my own blogs. Oh well, C'est la vie! I think Mel has found a work around. But I'll have to wait until Monday to test it because I'M ON VACATION TODAY!

I just dropped JJ and Mr Princess off at daycare and work. I'm now drinking EGGNOG COFFEE and cooking ribs for the family for supper. It's only 8:38 and I am a domestic goddess.

I took the day off to finish my Christmas shopping. Up until this point, I have done all of my shopping on my lunch hour. I tell the truth when I say my legs sometimes hurt after lunch because of the power walking I use to get as much done as I can in 1 hour. I have it all down to a science now. Today, I'm looking forward to just taking my time, looking at things, getting a Gingerbread Latte, maybe looking at some clothes for myself. Ahhhh...it will be nice. I'm also going to stop in a Nic's and I can stay all day if I want. She might kick me out but the point is I have the freedom. I need to stop in and see Shelley for a few minutes too. But before any of that, I'm going skating with JJ and her daycare. Parents are free to go to skating with them on Fridays. I didn't go last week and JJ told me a whole bunch of parents were there. Then she looks up at me with those expressive green eyes and sadly says "Momma, will go skating next week?" Of course I'll be there. Come hell or high water I will drag my lifeless body across the parking lot, into the coliseum, on the ice, and beat anyone who gets in my way with my own amputated arm if I have to. But I'll be there Babe, I'll be there.

Enough

Enough of my ugly mug as the first thing you see. I had to post, if nothing else, just to move that picture down.

My stomach is still not feeling good today. But I will persevere. I can't go down now. Last time I was really ill I was at the DECH for a week. That won't happening this time of year. After all the effort and mishaps trying to keep Santa alive for JJ...I'm not missing Christmas morning. Not that I would any way. She's been asking me every day if today is Christmas. Poor little pumpkin, it's going to be a long 2 weeks for her.

I think I might take Friday off to finish my shopping. I went to Walmart at lunch and it was pretty crazy. But I always go in with the mindset that I'm going to smile, be happy, and say excuse my when I walk in front of someone no matter what. I'm also prepared for the traffic I will encounter when I leave the mall. I'm just going to sit back, crank the music and let it happen. Getting upset won't change anything...it's just the way it is this time of year.

I think I'm all done shopping for my secret santa. She was not easy to buy for. FYI girls, I think the more info you put on the wishlist the better. I won't think you're greedy. I'll just be thankful for ideas.

Newsflash!!

The Princess goes digital! I'd like to introduce my new friend. Her name is Canon Powershot S3 IS but I'm going to call her Mini Me! Merry Christmas to me. I'm not looking so perky in this photo because I came home sick this afternoon. My stupid stomach hurt so badly that I was sweating from the pain. The cute Mr. Princess gave me the camera when I got in the car when he came to take me homme.

Keep Your Eye on the Blog

I'm not saying much except you should keep your eye on my blog later this evening. I might have a surprise announcement later on. Not sure yet. Melanie, don't even bother calling me because I won't tell.

Oh! Did y'all know the yanks make pumpkin eggnog?!?!?!?! Thanks to Melanie and Nicole for thinking of me on their trip. Secretly, I think they might be in love with me. However, I really appreciate the eggnog Melanie brought me. I shall enjoy some this evening after JJ's dance class.

The Tree is Done

Our Christmas tree is now up and decorated. I'll post a picture of it in awhile. Oh wait, I don't have a digital camera...silly me. As per usual we had a small gathering to help up decorate the tree. This year we kept it really small. My parents, my sister and her family, and The Coreys. It was a good group of people. The kids all played well together and the adults enjoyed a few drinks. It's nice when you don't have to worry that anyone is sitting all by themselves and that type of thing.
The tree turned out really well. The kids did a great job. They were all very well-mannered, they shared and were all pretty laid back. There will definitely NOT be any recorating this year. I usually put bows on the tree and I might later but I'm still on the fence at this point.
JJ is in the bathtub...by her own request. She actually told me she's ready for her nap but then asked for a bath when I was shocked by her first request. It's not even 5 pm yet.
Mr. Princess had himself a few double rum and cokes and it's currently asleep in the bedroom. He was sawing logs on the couch until I asked him to go sleep behind closed doors. I have to listen to him snore like a freight train all night long. I'm not going to listen to it now if I don't have to.
Right now I really feel like scrapbooking. I've been so busy making Christmas gifts that I haven't done anything just for fun lately. I hope I'm still feeling creative when I finally have the chance to do something for fun.
I have to go finish cleaning up from this afternoon. We cooked and cleaned most of yesterday and today. I was looking around after everyone left and I couldn't help but think it's alot of work for just a few hours of fun. Maybe from now on I won't bother cleaning. When anyone comes over I'll just say "Really, this is how it would look after the party so I didn't bother to clean. You understand, right?" Here I go to clean up. Yup, look at me go.

Sleepy

I had a unit meeting today at my supervisor's house. We finished up early so I had a few hours to myself before the fam gets home. What wild, crazy and wonderful things did I do, you ask? Well, I was going to make cheesecake brownies but didn't have any eggs (see post from earlier in the week). The brownie mix is still in the bowl on the counter as we speak. I was going to make my altered letters but didn't. I was going to scrapbook but didn't. What did I do you ask??
I layed down on the couch to watch some TV. I'm not sure how much time passed but the phone rang and woke me up. I awoke with my head stuck between the pillow that is the back of the couch and the throw pillow. I'm sure my own snoring would have woken me eventually. After that, I put supper in the oven...Coca-Cola Chicken which is a recipe I got from Anita years ago.
As I type this I'm sitting here watching Ellen. I love Ellen but I don't get to watch often because it's only on while I'm at work. Every time I watch it I find myself smiling and either clapping my hands or chair dancing while she dances. She just cracks me up. Good thing I'm home alone or someone might think I was crazy.

Oh, JJ received some mail today. It is a response to the letter she wrote to Santa and I mailed for her. I CAN'T wait for her to get home and open it!!

Kids Say the Funniest Things

Here are two conversations between JJ and I from this week. All because I *know* how much everyone loves reading about my child.

Monday

I told JJ we could make and decorate gingerbread men. We get home and I discover we don't have any eggs. And this conversation ensues:
Me: I'm sorry JJ we can't make gingerbread men because we don't have any eggs.
JJ: But Mommy I want to.
Me: I know I'm sorry. (Mr Princess walks into the kitchen) Who do suppose ate all the eggs?
JJ pointing a Mr Princess: The big guy.
Me: Hey! We have a ready mix box of Nanaimo bars, let's make those!
JJ: Good idea, Mommy!
Me: Oh, JJ I'm sorry we don't have enough butter.
JJ as she slams the box of Nanaimo bars on the counter: Oh shit!
I exit the kitchen never looking back.

This morning in the car

JJ takes forever to get her coat on boots on because she has to do 10 million things first. So when we finally get out the door I often say "Okay, we're off like a herd of turtles".
Me in the car: Okay, JJ we're off....(I stop to let her finish the sentence)
JJ: ...like a herd of turds!

Alrighty then.

Dear Santa

Santa Claus
North Pole, Earth


Dear Santa,

I have been a good girl.
It really wasn't my fault what happened at Shelley's Office party. It was Nicole who spiked the punch with too much Fuzzy Duck. I can't help it if I drank 5 glasses. It was so good---smelled and tasted just like Pumpkin.

I thought it was funny when I put Holly's Socks on my head and danced the Jitterbug on the couch while singing `I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause'. I didn't mean to break Shelley's MP3 Player and don't know why Shelley would accuse me of Embezzlement.

I don't remember calling Joey's wife a broken Duck---even though she looked like one with red eye shadow and orange lipstick!

And when I threw up on Robin's husband's toes, it was only because I ate too much of that Falafel.

After all that fun, I admit I was a little tired. So I fell asleep on my way home and drove my Jeep through my neighbor's Attic. I don't think that was any reason for my neighbor to call me a old dog and have me arrested for Blackmail!

So, Santa...here I sit in my jail cell on Christmas Eve, all beatuiful and young. And I'm really not to blame for any of this old stuff. Please bring me what I want the most---bail money!

Sincerely and where yours,
Sarah (Really a nice girl!)

P.S. It's only 8 bucks!


Now do your own letter - http://members.aol.com/frogiearno/dearsanta.htm

This is not my story

**Seriously, this is not my story. I read it somewhere else and laughed so hard I cried. It's very long so I took out the first of the story because its a bit boring**

I know Victoria's secret!!!!

Shortly after our first anniversary, while getting my hair cut, I was reading one of those slutty magazines. (You know the ones....They have all the secrets to bigger boobs, smaller hips, and how to satisfy your man with common items found in the refrigerator!) There was an article that describe how men are more prone to have an affair in the first 7 years of marriage. This article went on to describe countless ways to "keep your man satisfied". In an effort to save my marriage I continued reading this article. I became determined to save my marriage!!!! As I read the list I started to worry. Many of the things on the list were out of the question for me! I mean, honestly, like I would be able to install a swing from the ceiling of our bedroom. I considered the suggestion of going to a get together where I nonchalantly whispered into my husband's ear, "I'm not wearing underwear". You were supposed to follow this up with a quick "sneak-peak". I'm sure this works well in the movies but let me tell you the reality of the situation. If you have big thighs like mine, it loses something to have to pry your sweaty thighs apart for the "sneak-peak". Not to mention, 15 minutes of my thighs rubbing together would leave them looking like a bad case of teenager acne. I finally found a suggestion that would work for me. I would leave the house for a routine reason and come home wearing something sexy underneath. When I came home and started changing my husband would be overcome with desire and love for me, his wonderful wife.

Part one of my plan consisted of me going to the store to buy lingerie. Now, when my sister got married she received about 30 different lingerie outfits. When I had my bridal shower I was given cookware. I'm sure there is a message in there somewhere. I decided to go to the very best for my plan. I drove to the mall and entered a Victoria's Secret. I must admit I was a little overwhelmed when 5 girls "came at me" with measuring tapes. Since I knew I hadn't been "Sweating to the Oldies" with Richard Simmons, I started to quickly retreat. This was when I discovered Victoria's secret! She doesn't make anything in that store that would fit me!!!!!! I found the biggest employee (size 4 1/2 I think) and told her my situation. She said she would help me find the perfect number. She brought me some things to peruse. I started to get into the spirit of things when I noticed a pirate patch among the outfits. I love pirates and besides this patch had a fancy bow on the back of it!!! I put it on my right eye and started hopping around the store yelling "aaaarrrgggghhh". Boy was my husband going to be excited! When the girl came back with more ideas for me she had this look of utter horror on her face. I must admit I wasn't very happy when she told me to take my patch off. I told her she would have to make me or walk the plank!!! This was when she whispered into my ear that I had a pair of panties on my head. She calmly showed me how the elastic was supposed to "tuck neatly" up my butt crack out of the way leaving only the bow showing in the back. The front part (remember, it was only big enough to cover my right eye) was supposed to cover the front of my delicate maidenhood!!!!!! WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY WAS SHE THINKING??????? Horrible thoughts started racing through my head! If these were panties then were was that piece of parchment paper that has to cover the crotch until the consumer purchases it? Can you get a yeast infection in your eye??? Would you even see the small triangle of black fabric under the roll of fat that would fall over it????? I couldn't help but ask these questions. At this point I was humiliated. I quickly bought the undies (what choice did I have now) and a top to match and ran for my car!!!!!!!

Part two of my plan was about as successful as the first. I rarely went anywhere in the first years of marriage with the exception of water aerobics. Now, after the lingerie experience I was starting to doubt the wisdom of this carefully planned seduction. As I was leaving for my class I decided to up the ante, so to speak. I left my underthings at home and only brought my "pirate number" with me. I managed to make it through another night of water aerobics without drowning myself. When class ended I made my way to the locker room. I must be a shy person by nature because I have never been able to strip totally naked in a locker room in front of complete strangers. While my fellow classmates where butt naked hosing each other off, I carefully tried to get as much chlorine off my body while keeping my swimsuit on!! At the Provo Recreation Center there is a big room where people can change. They also have bathroom stalls and 3 rooms to change in that have curtains. I was able to secure a room with a curtain to change in. At last, I thought, a sign from heaven above!!!! This quickly proved to be a mistake. As I took my swimsuit off and turned to get my "pirate patch" my wet butt stuck to the curtain yanking it open. There I was exposed for all to see. OH, THE HORROR!!! I can't quite remember now but I am sure there were gasps. I like to equate it to the feeling you have when you are at the zoo watching a gorilla eat his own poop! I tried turning the other way but the curtain was still stuck to my butt. At this point I grabbed my clothes and ran to a bathroom stall. I took the handicapped stall because 1: it is bigger then the other stalls and 2: how many wheelchair bound people do water aerobics????

Have you ever gone to the bathroom in a swimming facility??? Well, the floor is completely covered in water. This wouldn't be so bad if it was fresh water but it is chlorinated brown water. Why is it brown you ask??? Because people who haven't entered the pool yet have walked barefoot through the bathroom to the pool. All of the dirt, fungus, and grim from there feet mingles and mixes with the wet floor to create a sludgy substance. Added to this is clumps of toliet paper. Now, I've never been able to understand how the toilet paper ends up on the floor and after this experience I stopped trying to figure it out. Well, I was finally at the moment of truth. I pulled out the "pirate patch" and started putting it on. As I lifted my foot to place it into the panties, my other foot slipped on the above mentioned sludge floor. I went down faster then a quart of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Unfortunately for me, my head broke the fall by hitting the, yes this is a true story, Tampon receptacle!!!! As I cut my eye open on the sharp corner of the menstruation contraption it threw me backwards where I struck my head on the toilet paper holder and the toilet seat. (If only I had thought to wrap one of the seat protectors around my head before I began). At this point, I was propelled underneath 3 stalls.

When I came to.....Several things registered in my brain at once. The first was I was bleeding from at least two open wounds. The second was my head was resting in the crotch of some stranger's underwear. The third was this stranger wasn't going "number one". Trying to save what little dignity I had left, I attempted to get up and out of this stall as quickly as possible. I was very dizzy and had to literally crawl my way up this poor woman. If only I had successfully gotten the panties on before the fall! Then the woman could look at the bow on my butt as I tried to leave. Upon leaving the stall I fell to my knees with weakness. This attracted some attention. Several people came over to assist me. I tried to tell them I would be alright but I guess they didn't believe me since someone called 911. As I was trying to find the pieces of my lingerie (yes, I broke the elastic in the fall), the paramedic arrived. They tried to clean me up but suggested I come with them to the hospital for stitches. I resisted until one of them reminded me I should probably have a tetanus shot due to the possible feces that entered my body. It looked like a trip to the hospital was in my near future.

At this point I tried to find my clothes for my next adventure. I found my shirt in the toilet and my pants were behind it soaking wet. Since the lingerie was ripped, someone suggested I put my swimsuit back on. Have you ever tried to put a wet bathing suit back on? It wasn't very successful. I couldn't even get it untangled. So yep, you guessed it, I went to the hospital in a towel. After watching the emergency room team laugh hysterically, they stitched me up. I had a grand total of 34 stitches, one antibiotic shot, and one tetanus shot. After 4 hours I drove home (I refused to let them call my husband). As I opened the front door my husband quickly ran to the door. He said he had been frantic with worry and where had I been. Then he looked at me with concern in his eyes and demanded to know where I had been and what had happened. I took the broken elastic from the panties and used it as a sling shot. After hitting my husband with the bow I started sobbing. I told him to go ahead and have an affair! I then ran up the stairs and locked myself in my room for 2 days.

So there you have it. My sad story of why I am anti-lingerie. Do you understand why I cannot wear the Princess Leia costume? I mean, what's a girl supposed to do???? If you have any ideas let me know! Help me Obi Wan Kenobe.....You're my only hope!

The Big Concert

JJ had her Christmas concert at daycare last night. She's been practicing for a few weeks now. She loves to sing so she had the songs down pat in one evening.
My mom made her a very cute little dress to wear. I picked out a pattern but I couldn't find fabric I liked. As a last resort, I took JJ to Fabricville one Sunday afternoon and let her pick her own fabric. She picked fabric with snowmen all over it. I must say she picked a great print and the dress was super cute.
JJ's class took the stage and they are all wearing cardboard bells and a little hat thing that was supposed to look like the part of the bell that you hold on to. Well her bell top (headband) fell down. So she spend a good portion of the first song trying to get that back on her head. All the parents were laughing while this was going on. One of the songs was a little narrative where the kids took turns speaking in groups of 2 or 3. When it was her turn she and her buddy marched up the mike and said their part like pros. During the last song, Jingle Bells, the were ring bells. At first JJ was dancing along (parents laughing) and then she started ring her bell with such gusto that she knocked the headband of the kid next to her. Luckily he was completely unfazed about it. JJ didn't even notice...she was too busy performing. She did a great job and was certainly entertaining.
She was sitting in front of the stage watching another class after she was done singing and decided to stage another performance on her own. She kept lifting her dress over her head. No comments from the peanut gallery about parental likeness. Melanie was having a bird in the front row telling me what was going on. But it would have been more distracting for me to walk to the front and stop her. I found out after the fact that another parent tried to pull her dress down but JJ fought against her to pull it back up. I took her away from the stage as soon as the song was over.
After the concert numerous parents came up and said JJ is quite the performer. One parent said "Hollywood, that's all I have to say. Hollywood!" Another parent commented that they really hoped I got her performance (not the dress performance, the singing performance) on tape. I gently explained that the Princess household has not yet joined the 21st century. I'm sure that these parents were being nice. But when people keep commenting I have to wonder what they were really thinking. JJ wasn't acting out, she was just really into singing. Seriously.