In Which I Try to Accomplish Everything So I Can Go On Vacation...

I'd post my "to-do" list, but it might scare you away. So before I hunker down and tackle the thing, I thought I'd procrastinate just a bit more.

Tomorrow, SS#1 leaves on his Texas adventure. He is, unfortunately, flying an airline which shall not be named, but has, at some point in their advertising past, claimed to be "something special in the air." Not.

Just for the record, two other airlines, one of which rhymes with "Melta" and the other (sadly) associated with Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue", also charge exhorbitant fees for unaccompanied minors.

At any rate, he's headed to the Lone Star State tomorrow (and is very excited about it), then The Manimal and I are leaving (obscenely early) on Saturday on an 11 hour road trip to the Peachtree State to stay with my BFF, The Music Man, Firecracker Princess, CCM and The Look-Alike for a blissful week of no working.

Of course, bliss like this never comes without a price. So today, I have a ton of stuff to accomplish, and I'm not sure when we'll chat again. While I'm losing my mind, check out some of my favorite blogosphere friends.

Mrs. Fussypants

Rae & Chinua in India

Sarah

Rue

Ashley

Something Special In the Air?

Apparently not.

My SS#1 is flying as an unaccompanied minor this weekend. He's headed to visit family in the Lone Star State. My very generous brother and sis-in-law offered to pay for his ticket so he could spend a week with his cousins.

American Airlines had the least expensive flight, so she booked it. Most airlines require unaccompanied minors to be booked on an adult ticket (as opposed to taking advantage of a child discount). No biggie.

The biggie is American Airlines' unaccompanied minor policy. Or rather, their fee. In addition to paying regular price for a ticket, unaccompanied minor tickets are subject to a $100 surcharge for each leg of their trip. In our case, that is $200 extra.

Now, don't get me wrong. I understand that u.m.'s require a bit of extra attention. Make sure they get to a seat. Make sure they're delivered to the proper person upon arrival. Yeah, that's worth an extra $200.

Not.

What baffles me is that SS#1 just flew unaccompanied on my favorite airline, Southwest. Now, Southwest could not have been more pleasant and accommodating. No such u.m. surcharge exists. Not only that, but Southwest doesn't charge to check a bag either. American charges $15 EACH WAY for your FIRST bag.

But I digress.

Upon checking, I discovered that not only does American charge this exorbitant fee, but so do United and Delta. Apparently, only Southwest and Continental are happy to have those little monkeys aboard. Perhaps it is just my child who knows how to behave on a plane. Maybe everyone else's child is wreaking enough havoc to warrant a $100 per leg charge.

Probably not, though. Seriously people. Isn't it enough that we can't take advantage of a child's fare with unaccompanied minors? Do you really need to charge us $200 extra just to put our child on a flight to visit family?

I've already professed my "luv" for Southwest. They're already my go-to airline for business and leisure travel alike.

Seems I have one more reason to fly them.

The Simple Woman's Daybook--July 28th

For Today...

Outside my Window...beautiful, bright sunshine, birds singing, and the occasional swarm of gnats.

I am thinking...about my road trip south this weekend! :)

I am thankful for...the rapidly approaching end of the summer conference season.

From the kitchen...Last night I made my grandmother's pastie recipe, but used phyllo dough instead of pie crust. Not bad, and SS#1 loved it!

I am wearing...black trousers and blouse with some simple, pretty new earrings.

I am reading...some scripture, some other stuff.

I am hoping...that The Manimal travels well this weekend.

I am hearing...traffic buzzing by.

Around the house...all of the pre-trip prep...laundry, cleaning, cooking so the Diva Husband doesn't starve.

One of my favorite things...the feeling you get when you're all caught up with work and home. Not that I've had that feeling lately...

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...pre-trip prep, New Life for Haiti planning meeting on Wednesday. Drop SS#1 off at the airport on Friday (heading BY HIMSELF to visit family in Texas).

Now go see Peggy for more Daybooks!

I Can Totally Understand....

...why stress drives people to drink.

The Simple Woman's Daybook--July 21st

For Today

Outside my Window...is a summer-stormy day, with lots of clouds.

I am thinking...about so many things. Yesterday's sermon, my exhaustion, my SS#1 away at Grandma & Grandpa's for the week, refinancing the house, work stress...maybe I should stop thinking so much!

I am thankful for...dear, sweet friends and family and good hair colorists.

From the kitchen...planning this and next week's menus.

I am creating...menu plans and budgets.

I am going...to be THIRTY-NINE this week, and am strangely ok with that.

I am wearing...black trousers, teal t-shirt and cross necklace.

I am reading..."The Idiot Girls' Action Adventure Club: True Tales from a Magnificent and Clumsy Life" by Laurie Notaro. Very funny book. Also reading Romans and Colossians.

I am hoping...that my husband's cataract surgery on Wednesday goes well.

I am hearing...the soft hum of the air conditioner and the occasional crack of thunder.

Around the house...laundry to do and a dining room to clean. Did you notice that my closet is no longer on the "to do" list? Yay!!

One of my favorite things...is when The Manimal hugs me, unsolicited.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...trying to wrap up five days of work in two, as I'll be off for two days w/my husband's surgery. Starting to plan my getaway trip to the Peachtree State, on which I embark in twelve days! Return my overdue library books so they don't do something like take away my borrowing privileges.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...I have a picture for you in my camera. It is of my SS#1's birthday cake from this past week. You have to see it to believe it, and you have to know my son to understand the humor, but I have three words for you. Field and Stream. I'll try to post the pic tonight.

Long ago and far away

Eight years ago today I was in the hospital. In labor. Actually, I had been in labor since 11 pm the night before, but Sweet Son #1 had decided to take his sweet time, and I didn't go to the hospital until about 5 am. They admitted me, and he chose late afternoon to make his grand entrance.

The fact that I absolutely hate needles kept me staunchly in the "No epidural, thanks." camp, a stand which I rescinded (regrettably) with The Manimal. With SS#1, I felt every contraction, every twinge, and every push. That could explain why, when they didn't immediately place him on my chest after delivery, I didn't completely freak. I simply didn't have the energy.

I didn't really have the energy to notice the new doctor coming in and the nurses huddled around my little bean. Diva Husband stood next to me the whole time, just as oblivious to the situation.

After he was cleaned up and checked and back in my arms, the new doctor came and introduced herself. Turns out my little guy's heart wasn't quite up to snuff when he first made his appearance, and he wasn't the pinkish color everyone expected to see. All was well, though, and his heart was beating normally again, so no worries.

Never a problem after that, and now, it's my heart that seems to stop periodically. Like when he straps on his bike helmet and rides off by himself. Or when he heads off to school (is my baby really old enough for that?). Or goes to soccer camp. Or spends a WHOLE WEEK with the Diva Grandparents (by himself-in another state!). Or prepares for his first solo airplane ride.

Sigh.

But I'm so proud of my baby boy. My eight-years-old-today baby boy.

I Hear, the Secrets That You Keep...

Come on now, all you children of the 80's, finish that song!

Yes, apparently like SS#1, The Manimal has inherited a trait from his mother. He talks in his sleep. I've had entire conversations with SS#1. Coherent, rational conversations that, in the morning, he has NO memory of, whatsoever.

The other night, The Manimal carried on the Diva tradition.

He was in our bed, sleeping peacefully, when suddenly, he kicked me and hollered "KUNG FU PANDA!"

Not only does he talk, he does kung fu.

A Little Piece of Quiet

So two nights ago, The Manimal decided to use me as his personal kickboxing dummy. Consquently, I was wide awake at oh-dawn-thirty. Because I couldn't get back to sleep, I decided to go downstairs.

It was quiet.

Very quiet.

It was amazing.

No little men running like banshees around the house. No talking rodents or sea sponges with snail pets on television.

I was able to check my e-mail, read a few blogs, spend some prayer time, and watch my favorite morning news station without interruption.

And honestly, even though I was up at 4:30 am? I wasn't totally exhausted throughout the day.

So this morning, I actually INTENTIONALLY set my alarm for (gasp) 4:45. Now, in the interest of complete disclosure, I didn't actually get out of bed until 5, but I still had my quiet.

I watched the sun rise (Well, I watched it get lighter, anyway. We're having some wicked summer storms.). I watched the weather forecast. I surfed the net.

Best of all? The only interruption was a certain canine member of the family who, for one brief, shining moment thought that the absence of the small humans meant that she'd get my undivided attention.

Sorry, Princess. Mommy's enjoying her bliss for a few moments.

Of a Certain Age

I've become one of THOSE women. You know them. Not young anymore, but, well, you know the type.

Today I had a doctor's appointment and she was reviewing the potential risks of a particular medication. She told me what "women of my age" sometimes experienced with this med.

Excuse me? Women of "my" age? I cannot possibly be in that category. I mean, I just graduated from high school...well, maybe college. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Yes, I have two children and have been married for nine years. And, ok, I didn't marry until I was almost 30, but...

Yes, I suppose I am, sigh, aging.

Ah, well...40 is the new 30, right? :)

Age aside, apparently my references to roasted asparagus and roasted green beans made some mouths water. I didn't really follow any recipes, per se, but I managed to create a couple. Feel free to adjust them at will! They're both quite tasty!

Garlic-Lemon Roasted Green Beans

Approximately 2 lbs fresh green beans (I actually use the thin frozen green beans from Aldi--almost as good as fresh!)

5 good sized cloves of garlic, peeled

4 slices of fresh lemon

1-2 tablespoons olive oil (I prefer extra-virgin)

Heat oven to 300. Place green beans in oven-safe baking dish and mix with olive oil. Coat beans as much as possible. Place lemon slices and garlic cloves on top of beans. I usually grind some fresh sea salt on the top as well. Roast for twenty minutes or so, then use tongs to mix up the beans, garlic and lemon. Roast again until tips of beans are crispy and brown, and the garlic cloves are nice and soft.

Balsamic Sugar Roasted Asparagus

1-2 lbs of fresh asparagus, rough ends snapped

Balsamic Vinegar (or a balsamic vinegar/oil blend)

Approximately 1 tablespoon Raw Sugar

Heat oven to 300. Place asparagus in oven-safe dish. Generously drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle LIGHTLY with raw sugar. Note that you may not use the entire tablespoon. You just want a hint of sweetness, and the sugar will carmelize in the oven. Roast for approximately 20-30 minutes until the flowery tips of the asparagus are crispy.

I'm all about summer veggies. Hope you enjoy these! Would love to hear if you try them.

Closet Organization?

Is done.

Well Said

My blogging friend June shared an absolutely wonderful quote on her blog today. If only we could all have this attitude!

"Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, 'Oh no. She's awake.'" (anonymous)

The Simple Woman's Daybook--July 7th

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...Overcast skies, lots of clouds. Preparing for a big summer thunderstorm, no doubt!

I am thinking...of my busy week. Appointments today and tomorrow. Trying to balance work and home. Sigh.

I am thankful for...Sunday sermons that always seem to speak to me where I am; my children, whom I love dearly, even though I get frustrated easily.

From the kitchen...Yummy garlic lemon-roasted green beans and balsamic sugar-roasted asparagus. I love summer veggies!

I am creating...Not feeling very creative lately. :(

I am going...to clean my closet this week if it's the last thing I do!

I am wearing...Jeans, white tee shirt, brown sandals and my favorite silver bracelet and earrings.

I am reading...sadly, nothing at the moment, other than a few pages of whatever's next to the bed at night to get to sleep.

I am hoping...for peace in my head and heart.

I am hearing... An "old school" Michael W. Smith album, "Live the Life"

Around the house...SO did not get to my closet last week. Absolutely must do that this week.

One of my favorite things...the feeling of accomplishment after completing all tasks on a list. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened lately.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...How in the world am I going to survive a WHOLE WEEK at work?! :) SS#1 is on campus for soccer camp, which he totally loves. Goal for the week is to organize my closet, New Life for Haiti Banquet Planning Meeting on Wednesday, then home group on Friday.

I have pictures for you. In my camera. What do you mean you can't see them?! :)

Go see Peggy for some more Daybooks!

Knowledge is Power

The Manimal knows his body parts. ALL of his body parts. As two year-old boys are wont to do, he expressed curiosity about his...uhm...male parts.

The following conversation took place while changing his diaper one day:

Manimal: "Mom, whas dis?"
Mom: "That's your penis."
Manimal: "My peanuts?"
Mom: "No, pee-niss."
Manimal: "Oh, my pee-nuss."

The next diaper change went like this:

Manimal: "Mom, dis my pee-nuss."
Mom: "Yes, it is."
Manimal: "Papa have pee-nuss?"
Mom: "Yes he does."
Manimal: "Nana have pee-nuss?"
Mom: "No. Nana doesn't. Only boys have a penis."
Manimal: "Oh, only boys. Mommy, you have a pee-nuss?"
Mom: "No, Mommy's a girl."
Manimal: "Oh, girl no have pee-nuss."

Since then, EVERY subsequent diaper change goes something like this:

Manimal: "Dis my pee-nuss. Papa have pee-nuss. Nana no have pee-nuss. Daddy have pee-nuss. Girl no have pee-nuss. Only boy have pee-nuss."

At least he hasn't asked about the dog. I'm not really prepared for inter-species body part discussions.

Green Smoothie Love

Well, it seems as though my Daybook comment about Green Smoothies has piqued some interest. I seriously thought I was the last person in the world who had not tried them. Basically, a green smoothie is made by taking a bunch of fresh greens (spinach, in my case) and a bunch of fresh fruit, and blend the heck out of it. There are variations all over the place. One good site to check out is Green Smoothie Girl. While I don't embrace a raw food diet, I am attempting to use whole, organic food whenever possible.

I was introduced to the green goodness by Heather. My initial response was "I don't think I could eat anything THAT color." Because, my friends, when I say "green smoothie", I mean GREEN. But seriously, it is SO tasty, and SO healthy, once you start, you can't stop.

Go green!

Because It's Fun

Lately, when I ask The Manimal why he did something naughty (e.g. bouncing on Princess Poopy Puppy like a riding toy or giving one of SS#1's Webkinz a bath in the new wading pool or pinching Diva Husband with his tiny little razor-sharp fingernails), his answer has been "Because is fun, Mommy!"

It is not, perhaps, the best use of my energy to ask a not-quite-two-and-a-half year old to think critically about his behavior.

Why am I telling you this? I've created a second blog.

Why, you ask?

Ask The Manimal.

The Simple Woman's Daybook--July 1st (Better Late Than Never!)

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...An absolutely gorgeous summer day, blue skies and comfortable temperature (79!) with low humidity. Unusual for the Windy City in July!

I am thinking...of how I can break down my enormous list of household tasks into a more manageable list.

I am thankful for...The never-wavering love of God in my life.

From the kitchen...A vow to reinstate my green smoothie morning routine!

I am creating...My last-minute creation for the "I Remember Laura" Art Swap. Gotta get it in the mail tomorrow! :)

I am going...to pick up some screws and washers at the hardware store after work.

I am wearing...chocolate brown trousers and a lime/chocolate summer blouse.

I am reading...finishing "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert.

I am hoping...to complete my aforementioned art project and finish cleaning the bathroom tonight.

I am hearing..."Breathe" by Michael W. Smith

Around the house...so much to do and so little time! I REALLY want to organize my closet this week.

One of my favorite things...A tall glass of ice-cold milk.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Change the sheets in the guest room as Grandma and Grandpa Diva are coming to spend the Fourth. We're headed into the city for the Taste of Chicago! The last time I was there, I ate goat and alligator...

No pics this week. My goal for this month is to have my camera always at the ready. Hopefully a pic from the Taste next week!

Go see Peggy for some more Daybooks!