Stargazer

Thursday tedium

Alison and one of her best friends, E. (blonde to her right) went to Tacoma Mall this morning; I gave her some money with the following rules: No make-up, no hats, no music, no inappropriate or ill-fitting clothing...She came back with two nice tops AND money left over. (She gets an A for that shopping trip.) We will need to do the school shopping extravaganza this month before everything gets picked over; she is a small size, hard to fit and her mother is difficult to please. (no belly tops or other sleazy looks) My younger daughter is learning wisdom though; she said to me the other day, "Mom, I have learned that I don't like to and won't spend a lot of time getting ready in the morning, so I'm going to look for jeans, tops and sweaters--nothing fancy that I won't wear." I had to find out from my mom that the local newspaper was going out today to interview people at their gym about the National Championship. (because I called them--PAT ME ON THE BACK!)  Alison "forgot" to tell me; I have been worried all day about what leo she wore. I certainly hope it was a newer one, and not one of those ratty old favorites of hers. As for the dreadlocks that I haven't been mentioning much, I still hate them with a passion, especially since Ashley can't wash them for two weeks. It's summer and although our state doesn't get very hot(high 70s), it is still NOT a pleasant thought. Otherwise, my day has been kind of uneventful and boring--just the way I like it!

Update: Alison has arrived home;the newspaper is coming tomorrow, not today, thank goodness because Alison was wearing a hideous lime green leo.

Brain(less)

I woke up this morning with a jolt; for some reason, it popped into my mind," I forgot to make my husband's lunch last night!" Unfortunately, he was already gone! I know it might seem very '50s, but it's like this: P. is self-employed with little time to hunt down "grub" and sometimes, there is nothing around where he is working. Yes, he could make his own lunch, but he won't. When he was single, he paid his friend's girlfriend a weekly wage to make him a sack lunch. He likes the surprise of the sandwich, raw veggies or salad, what kind of treat and fruit. It's kind of fun for me to put something unexpected in there---some homemade cookies or a special marinated chicken sandwich. (his favorite)  He never complains and is also very appreciative. So, what did he say to me today when he got home? He missed his lunch, but it was no big deal. If I'm too busy, he tells me not to worry about making him a lunch. I think I thought about making it, and then thought I did. Poor P--he had a maddening day with materials problems, and then his wife tried to starve him. In the meantime, I was rushing around trying to locate "heel pads" for Alison's gymnastics. She came home last night saying that Coach B. wants her to have them because of an advanced move she is working on on bars. (they tend to hit their heels on the low bar) So, I called around and made an utter fool of myself looking for the heel pads--when I picked her up at gym, I cornered Coach B. to ask him about them and where to find them. Well, they're NOT heel pads, they are actually the soft, puffy kind of SHIN guards that the gymnasts wear on their feet as protective gear. This whole fiasco/frustration brought back not very fun memories of hunting down school supplies for the girls in grade school. How many times did I rant and rave about the "LIST?" What in the world are felt tip markers?  I always ended up buying regular markers, but never knew what size, which brand, how many colors, etc... We would come back from the store utterly frazzled and I would just wait tensely for the girls to come home from the first day with yet another list of supplies they needed.(or complaints about incorrect ones that we had purchased) I am very thankful that I didn't give my name at any of the numerous stores I called looking for the non-existent "heel pads." Sheesh.

Healing

Progress is made. I am still sad about my older daughter's transformation, but I don't feel like crying when I look at her dreadlocks, and Alison wasn't upset tonight about gymnastics. It went way better than yesterday, which was after all, Monday. Last night was tough; when one's child does an extremely difficult sport at a high level, you can't get too engaged in it, or you can get sucked in. Every day is NOT a good day. The coach is not always in a great mood. You will have aches and pains. In a high level program, it is like Yoda (and Fat Blogger) would say, " do or not do there-is-no-try"  Today was also wonderful because I got to see my school friends. You would think that since I'm on summer break, I would NOT want anything to remind me of work. You would be wrong.  It would take me a whole blog to explain the relationships, history and friendships we share. We once all taught in the world language department at the same school. Now some are retired, one has moved to a different building, but we still get together for birthdays. If laughter and fun add years to our lives, we will all live to be 200! If only we had had Mr. Subarashi take our photo while he was there, you could have seen us giggling and snacking, and throwing ourselves on the floor over asinine administrative decisions. (well, OK, that was only me, but everyone else felt like it!) I leave you with some really cool photos of Alison, our gymnast, in action at YMCA Nationals. (click to get a larger view)

The professional can get these shots that I can't. (not allowed to use flash or get too close) This is called a sheep jump and Olympic gymnasts do this. I didn't realize how far off the beam she was when she did the move--eek!

The photographer took lots of pictures of her on bars because she has such GREAT form; unfortunately, she makes funny faces while she does just about everything.

"I'm finished!" Doesn't she look relieved to be done? She had three clean bar routines at Nationals, and couldn't even do ONE decent one before we left. We need to go to Wisconsin for all our gymnastics!

In which Margaret admits to some bad hairstyles

I am admitting to it, but believe me, I am not yet in Ashley's league. Undoubtedly, dreadlocks improve over time, but I don't know if that will matter. You be the judge:

The Farrah Fawcett wannabe in the 80s. No one's hair naturally wants to curl this way. Note to self: Not a flattering shot of one's backside.

The poodle dog growing out. I don't have many photos from when I had my hair cut short, and then permed. It was hideous!

Margaret the Witch vacationing in Seaside, Oregon. There can be such a thing as too long. (especially with a long narrow face) I was on the swing with Alison, but I look like I just flew in on my broomstick.

The mushroom cap on the head look. I have very thick hair; I'm sure I was trying yet again for a bob, but I have to have some layers in my hair or THIS happens.

The Roman Emperor helmet style. When my bangs get cut too short before a family vacation, it is truly frustrating. However, I never let a bad haircut stop me from having a wonderful trip to Hawaii. (it's one of my favorite places in the world!) Looking at this photo, I get very nostalgic though--look at Ashley's beautiful HAIR. Alison is so small, instead of being almost my height. It's time to go have a good cry...

Photo post

I should title this "photo post with verbiage" because I find it utterly impossible to NOT comment on these shots. My husband would say, "No surprise there." Luckily, he doesn't do the internet or blogging so he doesn't realize how verbose I also am in WRITING. (Click on the photos to get a closer view)

Ashley's boyfriend's mom helped with the dreads. I wanted to cry when I saw them--but am trying to adjust.

I can love my daughter, but hate her hair, right? Does that make me shallow?

We visited my husband at work on this enormous house at Dash Point, overlooking the Puget Sound. Alison and her friend fell in love with it and said things like--"Could a doctor afford this house? I want to be a doctor." "This closet is as big as my bedroom!" "I can imagine my shampoo sitting on this soaking tub." " Do you think we could ever afford this house?" NO, only if we won the lottery. (it's a couple million dollar mansion)

Future Drs. Alison and C. posing at Dash Point State Park, on our way to frolic at the beach. They played while I craved my Minute Maid, book and chair from the far away car.

In spite of my cravings, I was not grumpy in the 80 degree weather, with the smell of salt water in my nose--as I looked at the sparkly water, blue skies and relaxed people. There's just something about a sandy beach on a sunny summer day...

Tomorrow, I may scan some photos  of me with BAD hair onto the blog, just to put life (and hairstyles) in perspective. Any other volunteers? It would sure make me feel better.

Popularity

Ashley said to me today as she went off to get her dreadlocks, "Mom, I really NEED your support on this. I know you don't like it, but it's important that you will still be there for me." So, I replied," Well, of course I support you (not the dreadlocks) and when I couldn't sleep last night, I realized that, even as a baby, you had a beautifully shaped head. If you have to shave your head, there's always that consolation, and hair does grow." We exchanged a heartfelt hug, and she left...Both girls hungered for my attention last night; it was difficult, but wonderful at the same time. Ashley wanted to talk to me about her time in Portland, their trip to Powell's Bookstore, all the classics she wants to read, the Ben Harper Concert-- while Alison begged me to watch Shrek 2 with her. I managed to do both, but it was tricky at times. Do you think it's insane that I enjoyed it? Today I attended my friend J's daughter's wedding at Thornewood Castle ( from Rose Red for you Stephen King fans); I was incensed that I forgot my digital camera because there were numerous beautiful shots of the castle, garden and lake that would have really enhanced this post! Dear friends, please welcome my second convert to BlogWorld--first there was Brianna at Counting to Three, now there's her Auntie, one of my very dear friends from school at Subarashi.  I feel kind of contagious...

I hope so!

Your Blogging Type is Kind and Harmonious

You're an approachable blogger who tends to have many online friends. People new to your blogging circle know they can count on you for support. You tend to mediate fighting and drama. You set a cooperative tone. You have a great eye for design - and your blog tends to be the best looking on the block!

What's Your Blogging Personality?

As to the best looking on the block, NO WAY. A great eye for design(on my blog) goes to Tonya for Stargazer and Lisset for Christmas Stargazer. I have no blogger "fashion" sense; I must depend on my friends. Thank you, blogger buddies!

Waiting...

Don't you hate a day that you spend mostly waiting?

Waiting for Ashley to get home from Portland so I could talk to her about the shopping, the hotel and the concert. (She finally called about 5 to let me know that R. and she were seeing a movie there and would be home about 9)

Waiting for Alison to call from gym. She had a sore throat and ripped up hands from bars so I expected her to need to come home early. She wanted to go, but I thought she shouldn't. So, I told her that I would take her temperature, and if she had one, she was definitely staying home. Naturally, she didn't--and made it through gym,but is very, very sore. Taking a week off from strenuous exercise and then going back is TOUGH.

Waiting for the sun to come out so I could go out on the deck, lounge in the comfy deck chair and read my book. The clouds never left though; in fact, it started raining!

Waiting on the freeway to try to get to gym to pick up the three girls; at first I thought there MUST be an accident. We inched along for miles! (no accident, just horrendous traffic) I assumed that east bound Highway 512 would be backed up, but not WEST. I finally reached an exit, got off and made my way to the gym on side roads.

Waiting for my husband to get home from work. He puts in way too much time; does being self-employed require him to be a workaholic?

Random ramblings

No dreadlocks for Ashley last night because she didn't have enough time. (awww--what a shame!) The plan is now for Saturday since she and her girlfriend R. have gone to this concert in Portland; they left early for some shopping and are spending the night at this retro modern hotel. She called to let me know that they had arrived safely; it's a beautiful day and they're hitting the town. Violet is my color could undoubtedly give them some great shopping tips!

A note to Alison:Please don't go off to gym and leave an open tube of moisturizer on the carpet. I just happened to step on it; now it is all over the rug. She had already left by the time I discovered this so I have to hold in my pithy comments until she returns. That will combine with cluttering up the bathroom with all her make-up--after I bought her a make-up case where it was all supposed to "live." I also will need to remind her that MY shampoo is mine and she can't just transfer it into her bathroom, especially without asking!

A comment for the neighbors: The other day my car pool partner had to stop her car because there was a baby (under 2) standing in the road of the development. No parent was around, so she walked to the nearest house to inquire. This was the nonchalant response:" Oh, yes, she's mine. We're just making popcorn." PLEASE keep a look out on your babies and toddlers; it is a chronic problem in summer. There are 5 million children of varying ages wandering all over the ROAD and not moving for cars or ignoring us as we try to drive out of the development. (OK, maybe I am exaggerating on the number, but it sure feels like that sometimes!) Another day, I was walking to get the mail and a truck was trying to come down our road, as two 5ish year old boys sat in the middle of the street and did NOT move. I finally snapped, "Boys, you need to get out of the middle of the road so cars can get by." One of the boys gave me a look as if to say, "You're not my mom!"  As well as being frustrating, I worry about all the teenage drivers going through here who don't possibly realize how unpredictable and clueless these children are. Don't these little ones' parents tell them to WATCH out for cars?

Margaret is petty. You will not be proud of me. My husband's nephew turns 21 tomorrow, and I have not sent a card. For the past 5 years or so, our two daughters have not received birthday cards from this family; every year I send my brother-in-law and his significant other a Christmas card, not to mention birthday cards to the nephew--to get nothing in return. Last month, Ashley sent out her graduation announcements; she got no card or anything from them. I have decided I no longer have to be the "better" person in this non-existent relationship. I have done my best and my duty...I'm done trying.

D-Day and meme

Today is D-day, as in the day that our older daughter gets her hair done in dreadlocks. I am always so proud of how unique and HERSELF she is, but it's at times like this that I shake my parental head. You know how what you find wonderful in others can sometimes turn around and bite you in the you-know-where? I was attracted to my husband because he was so laid back, but now when I really want a reaction from him, all I get is, "That's good." or "That's too bad." You probably already know that my middle name could be OVERREACTION, thus his calm attitude can be deflating. However, let's not forget that he is the one with high blood pressure, and I am (as of yesterday) at 110 over 67, not bad with two hypertensive parents! So, although I can celebrate all Ashley's outstanding talents and qualities, I DO NOT like the idea of dreadlocks. It doesn't suit my picture of my child. (do you hear me stomping my feet?) Anyway, on to the meme--I've been meaning to do this for Tonya and now Chuck has tagged me also. I admit that I am not a good "linker" and usually lose the post when I go looking for links...The five things I miss most from my childhood is the title of this meme. Passing on the instructions from Chuck via several others, take the top blog off the list, put yours in at the #5 spot, post your response and pick three bloggers to carry on. Other people can nominate themselves. I would love to hear from Brianna (Count to Three), VJ( Gentle Breezes) and Pops (Soylent Content.) If you don't do memes or don't have time, just ignore me. What else is new? Nothing horrible will happen to you!

Ellen's Nest
The Farmette Report
A Flying Leap
FatBlogger 

Stargazer misses:

1. People who are gone from my life now and the memories that are tied to them. My grandparents lived in Cle Elum and Roslyn, very small towns where we grandchildren could walk down to the dime store for a comic book or watch the trains by my grandpa's dental office. My two younger brothers have also died, thus taking with them all our shared memories of vacations, growing up and childhood in general.

2. The excitement of television--the magic box. I remember not having a TV and getting our first black and white in a console. I don't watch TV much now, but then it was NEW and fun. I loved all the sitcoms like Bewitched and the Addams Family. I have always been eclectic, so I also watched Rat Patrol and The Invaders incessantly. Now that magic box seems like more of a nuisance to me.

3. Friends who are no longer friends. Once again, it is all the memories of playing imagination games, spending the night, having pool parties, playing in the snow...I ran into one of my very best childhood friends at the airport in April. When younger, we made up stories and acted them out, ran along the beach in Gig Harbor where she lived, read plays--she was going to be Mrs. Paul McCartney while I would be Mrs. George Harrison. She never married nor had children; she was leaving for Los Angeles for a fun weekend with a gentleman friend. I was off to the Region 2 Gymnastics Championships with Alison. It felt awkward; we had very little to say to each other. Afterwards, I felt kind of sad and nostalgic..

4. Being taken care of. Now I am the one who is depended on. I am an ADULT with responsibilities. My job and my family are not burdens, but they do make me feel less carefree and spontaneous at times.

5. Playing in the woods, which seems to be a theme in many of these memes. The world seemed more open to me and less dangerous. I explored the woods by myself; I would never let my daughters do this. I remember the feeling of solitude and marveled at the interesting plants and creatures in the forest. Now where I live, the forests have mainly been turned into housing developments.