NYC Mom

New Year

2009-01-22T08:00:00.006-05:00

I used to be on time or early for everything until I had children. Now I'm usually late. This is no exception. Happy New Year!
The holidays were lovely. Not a lot of sadness as I had anticipated. Then on Tuesday the 20th, it was a bittersweet day for me. It was the first anniversary of my father's death which was the bitter. I knew it was coming up so I was braced for it. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be but it wasn't easy either. The heart wrenching pain I feel in my chest when I think of him has subsided somewhat but there's still a dull throb.
The sweet was this:

and this:
We finally have an intelligent competent man leading our nation. He's coming into this job with the odds of success stacked so high against him that I fear he will be overwhelmed. But on the other hand..he can't fuck it up any more than Georgie did, can he?
I watched the inauguration on and off all day shedding both tears of joy and tears of sadness. Suffice it to say it was a soggy day. But a feeling of relief and renewal seems to have enveloped the nation. And a funny thing happened. I was watching this:

and then the enormity of it hit me. I never looked at him as a black man. I mean I KNOW he's black but I just looked at him as the best man for the job. But then the history and the real weight of it all just hit me and then I was off and running...crying and laughing at the same time. Yeah I know...certifiable. But happy! Glad for a new year, a new president and a renewed feeling of love for my country.

Christmas Season

2008-12-02T06:40:00.003-05:00

Sure does look pretty doesn't it? Don't let it fool you. See that empty sidewalk at the bottom of the photo? In reality the people are pressed together like sardines from the side of the building out into the street on any given night to see the tree at Rock Center. It really is fun and beautiful there but I wish everyone else would stay home so I can go with my friends and family and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season in New York City. Eh a girl can dream. I'm actually thinking of getting everyone up one morning at about 5 am and heading up there before sunrise because for sure we'll be the only lunatics up and out at that time of day. Except, of course, for the occasional drunken NYU frat boy who'll be there trying to walk on the ice wearing only a Santa hat and socks.

Between a Rock And A Mother In Law

2008-11-23T07:00:00.003-05:00

Ugh. I'm feeling quite torn right now. Glenn and I rarely disagree on things especially important things. This is a big one. I don't want to state the specifics because it's not my story to tell. I just want to write about the conflicted feelings I'm having.
It's hard when you have to make a choice about doing what's considered to be the "right" thing to do and doing what you feel is the best thing to do, for you. Sometimes we have to sacrifice our personal feelings and do something for someone else that we find to be distasteful. It's hard though when you try to teach your kids to be true to themselves then you have to put on a facade for the sake of someone else. I knew things would come to this eventually but not just yet. I hate the indifference that I feel when I know I should be feeling sad and upset. I'm not the only one with the indifferent feelings...we all feel it and it makes me sad that we were meant to feel this way about someone who should be very important and revered in our lives. I don't want a decision to be made that may be regretted later. We'll get through this but I'm afraid that it may leave a scar.

Thanksgiving - The Forgotten Holiday

2008-11-16T09:29:00.001-05:00

This has been my husband’s gripe for a long time now. How do we go from Halloween to Christmas? He gets angry that Thanksgiving is forgotten and we zip right along to Christmas at the beginning of November. It’s come to him not wanting Christmas music playing in our home till after Thanksgiving.

He loves Thanksgiving. It was a time where his whole family got together and truly gave thanks for everything that had occurred the previous year. His dad was a police officer for the NYPD so I’m sure that him even attending each Thanksgiving dinner was a blessing in and of itself.

Glenn also loves the food. We have to have Thanksgiving at home so he can have a leftover turkey, cranberry and stuffing sandwich on white bread with extra mayonnaise the day after Thanksgiving.

When my husband was in the service he was stationed up in Connecticut. His family was in Brooklyn, where he was raised, so he’d go home for weekends sometimes. Join the Navy and see the world, huh?

One weekend he came home in June with a friend. His mother decided to make a big Thanksgiving dinner that weekend. Turkey and all the trimmings! What a treat! They had a great dinner and his dad went down to the pub to have a beer with the guys. Before Glenn headed back up to Connecticut, he went to the pub to say goodbye to his dad. As he was leaving, his dad grabbed him in a hug, gave him a kiss and told him he loved him. Another guy in the bar teased him for kissing his grown son to which my father in law replied “He’ll always be my son and I’ll always kiss him and tell him I love him”

The next morning Glenn got a call from his CO. His father had passed away the night before in his sleep at age 50.

I guess that’s one of the reasons he holds Thanksgiving so dear. It brings his dad back for at least one day out of the year.

And he, as a father now, never forgets to kiss his boys and tell them every day how much he loves them. He even lets them listen to Christmas music on Thanksgiving.

Announcing

2008-11-06T09:50:00.003-05:00

The President Elect Of The United States Of America

My Election Day

2008-11-05T06:11:00.001-05:00

My Election Day

One of my sons had school on Election Day but I chose to keep him home so he could join me and his brother at the voting booth. I think a day long lesson in Current Events and a possible history making vote is more important than a day at school sometimes. We went to the polling place only to find a line. A long one. There were 5 districts voting here but a line for only one of the districts. Of course the line was for MY district. So we waited. There's playground nearby so the boys played. I chatted with a neighbor. We waited some more. Finally we were inside. I took Pat with me into the booth because Glenn didn't want to go. He's thirteen. That should be self explanatory. Pat got to turn the key to vote for the office of President of The United States of America. He and I both got chills and giggles.
Now the really long wait began. The day was long. Longer than any I can remember. Finally polls start closing. Obama took the early lead and he never lost it. I was on the phone with my best friend who couldn't contain herself. She was really cute. Laughing and elated. I couldn't do it. I couldn't dare to hope that we would have real change. Not after the last two elections.
Finally a little before eleven pm I did the math. He got it! He won! I could feel my heart in my throat and the tears started flowing. Then it was announced. Senator Barack Obama had won the race to become the 44th President of The United States..
Senator McCain came out with his wife and his running mate and her husband. He made a gracious concession speech asking us to now come together as a nation to support our new President. I can only hope that his constituents are as gracious about Senator McCain’s loss as this man himself was last night.
Then it came. The moment I have been waiting for for months. President Elect Barack Obama came out, with his beautiful family, to make his victory speech. As always, the man is flawless. Touching upon the concerns that we all have regarding foreign policy and the economy. The Presidential mantle sitting beautifully on his shoulders. He touches a place inside of me that makes me feel that we can be better than we have been. That we are on the precipice of greatness both his and ours as a nation. That we can, once again, be the greatest nation in the world. Under his leadership I truly believe that we can achieve the greatness that our forefathers fought so hard and long for us to attain.
I’ve never been more proud to be an American. I have never been more hopeful about the future of our country. I will probably shed more tears of joy over the next few days. But that's okay. Making history is always worth shedding tears over.

Today Is The Day!

2008-11-04T05:38:00.003-05:00

This is the day that will make history. Make sure you get out there and be a part of it!

Thanksgiving - The Forgotten Holiday

2008-11-02T16:55:00.001-05:00

This has been my husband’s gripe for a long time now. How do we go from Halloween to Christmas? He gets angry that Thanksgiving is forgotten and we zip right along to Christmas at the beginning of November. It’s come to him not wanting Christmas music playing in our home till after Thanksgiving.
He loves Thanksgiving. It was a time where his whole family got together and truly gave thanks for everything that had occurred the previous year. His dad was a police officer for the NYPD so I’m sure that him even attending each Thanksgiving dinner was a blessing in and of itself.
Glenn also loves the food. We have to have Thanksgiving at home so he can have a leftover turkey, cranberry and stuffing sandwich on white bread with extra mayonnaise the day after Thanksgiving.
When my husband was in the service he was stationed up in Connecticut. His family was in Brooklyn, where he was raised, so he’d go home for weekends sometimes. Join the Navy and see the world, huh?
One weekend he came home in June with a friend. His mother decided to make a big Thanksgiving dinner that weekend. Turkey and all the trimmings! What a treat! They had a great dinner and his dad went down to the pub to have a beer with the guys. Before he headed back up to Connecticut, he went to the pub to say goodbye to his dad. As he was leaving, his dad grabbed him in a hug, gave him a kiss and told him he loved him. Another guy in the bar teased him for kissing his grown son to which my father in law replied “He’ll always be my son and I’ll always kiss him and tell him I love him”
The next morning Glenn got a call from his CO. His father had passed away the night before in his sleep at age 50.
I guess that’s one of the reasons he holds Thanksgiving so dear. It brings his dad back for at least one day out of the year.
And he, as a father now, never forgets to kiss his boys and tell them every day how much he loves them. He even lets them listen to Christmas music on Thanksgiving.

South Street Seaport

2008-10-29T05:53:00.004-04:00

This weekend my sister and her family came in to the city. We all decided to go down to the South Street Seaport to enjoy the weather and have a look see at what's going on down there. It was a gorgeous day and we had a lovely time but I must admit this was the highlight of my day. Only 6 more days until history is made.
Don't forget to get out and Barack the vote, people!

Hard To Believe

2008-10-27T07:08:00.002-04:00

My sister went out to a bar this week with a cousin of ours. This bar is in New Jersey. She was talking to friends and one of them told her that she had friends that wouldn't be voting this year. They didn't think that McCain was the better candidate yet they refused to vote for Obama. Because he's black. I knew that this would be the case for some people, I don't have my head in the sand but I truly thought it would be older people or people who were brought up in certain communities. I never thought I'd hear of this from a 30 something year old person in New Jersey. I can understand if you don't agree with his policies or are a die hard Republican who will vote that way no matter what but solely not voting for the better candidate because of the color of his skin? Even now, writing this, I'm shaking my head in disbelief. Are people so prejudiced that they won't take advantage of their right to vote? They'd rather sit back and give the candidate they know isn't suited for the job a better chance to win this election by not voting for the better man for the job?
Will it ever end? Will people ever be able to see beyond their prejudices to do what they know is right? I hope I live to see that day.

Never Look Up With Your Mouth Open

2008-10-21T09:23:00.001-04:00

REAL Housewives My Ass

2008-10-20T06:35:00.003-04:00

I was watching Real Housewives of Atlanta the other day. Yes I know shame on me. But one of the women, I think her name is DeShawn, made me laugh. Apparently she's married to a basketball player. I don't follow basketball, or any sport for that matter, so I don't know who he is. So she's getting her children ready for school in the morning and the voice over is complaining about her husband being on the road six days a week and it's so hard for her to do this alone. Like a single parent. Yeah...with a cook, a housekeeper, a personal assistant who doubles as an "estate manager", a hair person and a make up person. Can you believe the BALLS on this woman? She should only have a hint of what it would be like to be a single parent, raising three children who has to hold down at least one job. I know she's very charitable but how dare she compare herself to a single parent! I sat here with my jaw in my lap when she ever said that. I mean she seems like a nice lady don't get me wrong but her perception of other people's reality is definitely skewed.
Also that show should not be called the real ANYTHING. None of those shows should have the word real in them. Most of those women are a real as their hair or their boobs. It should be called "The Rich, Pompous and Fake Housewives" of wherever.
And oh btw...Kim? Get a new hairdresser. That mess you have on your head in no way shape or form passes as hair. I looks like a hat. See picture above of Kim and NeNe.

Something I Decided

2008-10-19T08:58:00.002-04:00

After I watched last night's episode of Saturday Night Live, I decided that Sarah Palin has become the Paris Hilton of the political world. She's the joke and she thinks she's in on the joke but yeah, no. She seems so desperate to be a famous that she'll sink to any level even appearing on a show that ridicules her right to her face.

I Wish I Had A Granny Like This One

2008-10-17T15:39:00.002-04:00

I was perusing the internet and came across a link for a blog. It's called Margaret and Helen. Granted not a lot of imagination in that name but this is the true meaning of don't judge a book by it's cover. They're two women in their 80s who have been friends for almost 60 years. Helen is the writer who started this blog, with help from her grandson, so she could keep in touch with her friend Margaret who lives across the country. Well apparently McCain and Palin have pissed her off. This is a woman I would never want mad at me. She's hilarious, to the point of tears, no holds barred and well spoken. Here's an example:

Well, I thought it was a good debate. My hats off to Bob Shieffer… and my blouse too if he plays his cards right. (Just don’t tell my husband.) But who the hell is Joe the Plumber? Seriously. What the hell was that all about? Joe the Plumber? Joe Six Pack? The new McCain strategy seems to be banking on a lot of guys named Joe with a beer in one hand and a pipe wrench in the other. Is this a political campaign or a dating service for the Palin women?

And while I am talking about Governor Good Hair from the North I just want to say good for Sarah Palin that she has an interest in helping special needs children. They need all of our help and every child should come into this world being wanted and loved. Sarah you have my full support on this matter. It’s just too bad you also have to worry about a special needs Senator for a running mate.

That's just a small piece of her mind. You must go check her out. She's a trip.

This Scares Me

2008-10-16T09:10:00.002-04:00

I found this on a site and it really scared me. I agree with the reporter here. After watching these ignorant fanatics, I fear for Obama. I just cannot wait till November 5th.

I love Autumn

2008-10-13T19:38:00.004-04:00

Here's a picture I took on the car ride going upstate. It's one of the only ones that didn't come out blurry. Yeah I know..I lack photography skills but I more than make up for it elsewhere. Like being a smart ass.
We had a great weekend in the country with family and probably the last bbq of the year. We went to my sister's house on the lake and it was just breathtaking.
Thought I'd share a lovely picture.

A Day Late And A Dollar Short

2008-10-10T06:29:00.004-04:00

Ok I know I should have written about the VP debate before this but I've been busy with other things. Ok not really I just was lazy. That's better. Now my conscience is clear.
It was pretty much what I anticipated. No major gaffes (shucks!) and Palin was praised to the skies for not making an ass out of herself. I thought Biden did a great job and kept himself in check and went after McCain instead of the cute chick from up north. It behooves me, though, that people don't see how inept she is. How they can vote for McCain knowing that she may one day be president. That thought just sends an ucky chill up my spine.
The second presidential debate was, in my opinion, a repeat of the first one. Accusations flying, lies told...more bullshit. Supposedly McCain does extremely well in the town hall venue. Umm...what? To me he looked like an angry old man spewing and gnashing his teeth to keep inside the venomous words from within. Obama looked cool, calm and collected. He answered questions and was fluid. I kept thinking "Which one of these two guys would I want sitting at a table with other world leaders representing me and what I believe?" Hands down it was Obama.
And if my mind hadn't been made up before, it surely would have been after reading this:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain
It just confirmed so many things I felt about McCain. I wish that the Democrats would make these facts known. Oh that's right..they're taking the high road and sticking to the issues.
I have an idea for the third debate. They, the moderators from the past three debates, should pick 5 topics they want the candidates to speak on like the economy, the war, etc. The candidates have a half hour to talk on these subjects but with one rule. You cannot mention the name of the other candidate. I want them to sell themselves. Earn my vote. I know it's obvious who I'm going to vote for but I want these guys to get up there and tell the people why they should vote for them. Uninterruped information on what they plan on doing when they become president. But who am I to say?
Not much else going on. Just really into the election, as you can tell! I think the night of November 4th is going to be like Chirstmas Eve. I'm just hoping that, like all my Christmas mornings, I'm not disappointed.

Debate or Debacle?

2008-10-02T08:51:00.003-04:00

I'm looking forward to tonight's debate between the vice presidential appointees. It'll prove to be interesting but there's only one downside to it in my opinion. Sarah Palin cannot lose. The expectations for her are so low that no matter what, she'll look like a genius. Unless she does something just horrible which is still a slight possibility. Katie Couric interviews will be hard to beat.
I know Biden has a reputation for the occasional gaffe himself but if he doesn't prattle on and goes after McCain's inconsistancies he should do just fine.
Ok I'm off to get popcorn and Goobers for tonight. Enjoy!

Certain Movies

2008-09-28T18:15:00.003-04:00

I love movies. I've written about my bond with my father and movies. There are certain movies that I just can't pass up though. I'm sure we all have this happen. There's a movie that comes on and you have to watch it every single time it airs. No matter what point you've come upon it, you stop flicking the channels and stay and watch. I have several movies like that. The one that inspired this post is 50 First Dates. I know, I know...not a 4 star movie so shame on me! But it's sweet and cute and makes me laugh, and cry, every time I see it. Adam Sandler is just so sweet and endearing in this. Drew is just a pleasure as she is in every movie she's made. And Sean Astin. A side of Samwise Gamgee I could have lived without still enjoy in this movie. There are a lot of movies I feel like that about. The Quiet Man. Captains Courageous. How Green Was My Valley. I think it's the characters in these movies that draw me to them. Each one of these makes me laugh and cry. They just touch me. Most of them are too hard to watch right now because the memories of my father just overwhelm me. One day soon though, I'll be back to watching them again, thinking of him with a tear in my eye and much love in my heart.
Ok I'm going back to watch Lucy tell Henry he has to leave because she loves him too much. First I'm gonna get tissues.

Thank You Eve Ensler

2008-09-16T07:56:00.002-04:00

I am having Sarah Palin nightmares. I dreamt last night that she was a member of a club where they rode snowmobiles and wore the claws of drowned and starved polar bears around their necks. I have a particular thing for Polar Bears. Maybe it's their snowy whiteness or their bigness or the fact that they live in the arctic or that I have never seen one in person or touched one. Maybe it is the fact that they live so comfortably on ice. Whatever it is, I need the polar bears.

I don't like raging at women. I am a Feminist and have spent my life trying to build community, help empower women and stop violence against them. It is hard to write about Sarah Palin. This is why the Sarah Palin choice was all the more insidious and cynical. The people who made this choice count on the goodness and solidarity of Feminists.

But everything Sarah Palin believes in and practices is antithetical to Feminism which for me is part of one story -- connected to saving the earth, ending racism, empowering women, giving young girls options, opening our minds, deepening tolerance, and ending violence and war.

I believe that the McCain/Palin ticket is one of the most dangerous choices of my lifetime, and should this country chose those candidates the fall-out may be so great, the destruction so vast in so many areas that America may never recover. But what is equally disturbing is the impact that duo would have on the rest of the world. Unfortunately, this is not a joke. In my lifetime I have seen the clownish, the inept, the bizarre be elected to the presidency with regularity.

Sarah Palin does not believe in evolution. I take this as a metaphor. In her world and the world of Fundamentalists nothing changes or gets better or evolves. She does not believe in global warming. The melting of the arctic, the storms that are destroying our cities, the pollution and rise of cancers, are all part of God's plan. She is fighting to take the polar bears off the endangered species list. The earth, in Palin's view, is here to be taken and plundered. The wolves and the bears are here to be shot and plundered. The oil is here to be taken and plundered. Iraq is here to be taken and plundered. As she said herself of the Iraqi war, "It was a task from God."

Sarah Palin does not believe in abortion. She does not believe women who are raped and incested and ripped open against their will should have a right to determine whether they have their rapist's baby or not.

She obviously does not believe in sex education or birth control. I imagine her daughter was practicing abstinence and we know how many babies that makes.

Sarah Palin does not much believe in thinking. From what I gather she has tried to ban books from the library, has a tendency to dispense with people who think independently. She cannot tolerate an environment of ambiguity and difference. This is a woman who could and might very well be the next president of the United States. She would govern one of the most diverse populations on the earth.

Sarah believes in guns. She has her own custom Austrian hunting rifle. She has been known to kill 40 caribou at a clip. She has shot hundreds of wolves from the air.

Sarah believes in God. That is of course her right, her private right. But when God and Guns come together in the public sector, when war is declared in God's name, when the rights of women are denied in his name, that is the end of separation of church and state and the undoing of everything America has ever tried to be.

I write to my sisters. I write because I believe we hold this election in our hands. This vote is a vote that will determine the future not just of the U.S., but of the planet. It will determine whether we create policies to save the earth or make it forever uninhabitable for humans. It will determine whether we move towards dialogue and diplomacy in the world or whether we escalate violence through invasion, undermining and attack. It will determine whether we go for oil, strip mining, coal burning or invest our money in alternatives that will free us from dependency and destruction. It will determine if money gets spent on education and healthcare or whether we build more and more methods of killing. It will determine whether America is a free open tolerant society or a closed place of fear, fundamentalism and aggression.

If the Polar Bears don't move you to go and do everything in your power to get Obama elected then consider the chant that filled the hall after Palin spoke at the RNC, "Drill Drill Drill." I think of teeth when I think of drills. I think of rape. I think of destruction. I think of domination. I think of military exercises that force mindless repetition, emptying the brain of analysis, doubt, ambiguity or dissent. I think of pain.

Do we want a future of drilling? More holes in the ozone, in the floor of the sea, more holes in our thinking, in the trust between nations and peoples, more holes in the fabric of this precious thing we call life?

Project Runway

2008-09-16T05:44:00.003-04:00

Ok I know I'm late to the party but I just discovered this show! I've been following this season closely and I've been catching up on past seasons via reruns on Bravo. I know the show is fabulous but I'm just nuts about someone on this show. Tim Gunn.
Ahhh Tim Gunn. I don't know why but every time I see him on the screen my heart just sings. He seems so sweet and kind and fatherly to the shows designers. He just seems to hit the perfect chord between friend and mentor. I have yet to see even a smidge of a bad thing written about him. I'd love to go out to lunch with him and just talk. He just exudes this sweetness that moves me.
I'm a New Yorker through and through so when I see celebrities on the street, I never say a word to them. I'll tell ya though, if I saw Tim Gunn on the street, I'd go up to him and tell him that there's something about him that's magic and that he truly does make it work.

Never Again

2008-09-10T20:00:00.003-04:00

Here is my favorite photo of the Twin Towers. I've seen many but this is how I like to remember them. Standing guard over NYC. Below is a page from my sister and brother in law's web site about how people are still dying as a result of the tragedy that occurred on 9/11/01.

They have a store which has been in existence for about 15 years now. You can visit it here: http://www.nyfirestore.com/index.html

Dear Friends,

Recently a retired NYPD detective, who has been a long time friend and customer, stopped into the shop. He proceeded to tell me that his 37 year old son (expecting his 4th child next week) nearly died a few weeks ago from sudden kidney failure, and was since diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Multiple Myeloma is a very rare blood and bone cancer, which almost never appears in people under the age of 70. The son, until his illness forced him off the job, was with the NYPD Bomb Squad, and the cancer, is almost certainly the result of his months working at the Fresh Kills landfill searching the Ground Zero debris.

It is currently estimated that 40,000 people worked Ground Zero and Fresh Kills, and the Federal Government acknowledges as many as 71,000 are considered "at risk" from their exposure to the toxic cocktail that enveloped lower Manhattan.

I believe that number may be much higher when you factor in everyone who had to clean the apartments, storefronts, offices and streets following the World Trade Center attack.

Mount Sinai Medical center reported 70% of the 10,000 Ground Zero workers they tested reported new or worsening respiratory problems since their exposure to these toxins. Now, the number of deaths attributed to Ground Zero exposure are starting to mount.

The official 9/11 death toll is 2,752....it could easily reach 20 times that number before the full impact has been felt.

While the news media is starting to report on these matters, and the politicians and agencies responsible for the lax safety conditions, and misinformation regarding air quality, are starting to answer for it, I feel the media is not putting all the pieces together yet. The public is still oblivious to the magnitude of the problem.

Thousands of Ground Zero rescue workers and volunteers have already retired, or been placed on light duty, due to post 9/11 illness. If only 1/2 of the 71,000 figure develop medical complications, the ensuing cumulative medical costs will easily reach the Billions...yes BILLIONS. Some of these people do not have insurance, and many others who think they are covered by their job's insurance, or Workman's Compensation, will discover that the "job" does not consider the illness a "line of duty" injury, and therefore will not cover treatment.

The dollar figures that the Federal Government is currently proposing as relief or aid, will not even scratch the surface.

We need to stay informed.
We must share that information with family, friends and co-workers.
We can not allow our government to abandon these Forgotten Heroes.
We can not forget, even for a moment, that 9/11 is Still Killing.

Thank you for taking a moment to read this. Please check back, I will post more information about this subject as it comes available. I will also post information about related charities, and web sites that are supporting our Forgotten Heroes.

Below we have provided some links that we hope will offer further light on the subject, and provide resources for those seeking treatment or information:

WTC Environmental Health Center: http://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/html/community/wtc-health-center.shtml
World Trade Center Health Registry: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wtc/index.html
FDNY Medical Screening: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/units/bhs/wtcmm/index.shtml
NYPD World Trade Center Resources: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/nypd_wtc_emerg.html
NY Times - July 18th 2007: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/18/nyregion/18treatment.html
TIME Magazine: http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/2006/first_responders/
WCBSTV: http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=96760@wcbs.dayport.com
New York City's Official 9/11 Health Site: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/wtc/html/home/home.shtml

Sincerely,

Noam D. Freedman

Blog Slacker Mom

2008-09-10T07:56:00.002-04:00

Should be the title of my blog now. I haven't written much lately. I could blame summertime with the kids being home so I didn't have enough time to blog but that's not the case. I just haven't felt much like writing. I started a new blog, a sort of knitting journal to track my progress. If I have any. I'm getting sick of scarves but a lil bit afraid of going forward. But go forward I will. Eventually. Slacker I tell you.
So needless to say the boyos have begun school once again. All is going really well but it's early. I'm just waiting for Glenny to hit the wall as he always does in the fall/winter. We may have one more good month before his funk sets in. We'll manage though. We always do. Sometimes better than others.
We have one of our nieces staying at the country house while she reevaluates her life and decides what she wants to do. I like the fact of having someone there all the time though. Makes me feel that the house is being used well, if that makes sense.
I was going to go on a rant about my in laws but I decided they're not worth it. They're not worth neither the time it would take to write it nor the emotions. So I'll just say BLECH about them and leave it be.
All else is good. Contemplating going to the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival next month. Looks like fun.
I'm going to make an effort to write more. And write more interesting than this post.

Is it August already?

2008-07-28T18:44:00.004-04:00

August is a busy month for us in general, this month even more so. It's my birthday on the 3rd (YIKES!), loads of other birthdays, wedding anniversary and the hottest damn month of the year in NYC. You can see the heat rising up off the tar in the streets.
And this August we'll be having a special guest for a long weekend. I met my friend Megan on a mommy websit and as soon as I read a little about her I had a girl crush on her. She's funny, smart, vegan, a mom of 3 children and she pretty much views the world the same way I do. She and I have been "online friends" for about a year and a half now and next week she's coming for a visit! I can't wait to see her!!! Her visit may well be the best birthday present EVER. We're gonna go all around NYC including Coney Island and especially Pommes Frittes. We'll do some touristy stuff and some shopping too. We're gonna have so much fun!
Also we'll be taking Glenn to NYU Children's Center to have him evaluated for Asperger's Syndrome. We've filled out a bunch of paperwork and now we have to go for an interview then he goes for one. They say if he doesn't have Asperger's they should be able to tell us what he does have...if anything. I just hope this isn't another dead end for us. We'll see.
Hope you're enjoying your summer!

Sum Sum Summertime

2008-07-14T07:09:00.003-04:00

Well it's been quite a while, hasn't it? I've been a busy bee the last month or so.
Both boys graduated! Unfortunately, they graduated on the same day so we had to divide and conquer. I went to Pat's ceremony while Glenn went to Glenny's up in Westchester. Pat's ceremony was so nice. It was only about an hour, THANK GOD, and it was fun and interesting. There's no a/c in the brand new auditorium (umm..what?) so it was a good thing it was short. I was so proud of him but managed to keep the tears at bay for a change.
The same day they graduated, we packed up the PT Cruiser and left for Florida. We spent three fun sun filled weeks at my sister's house with a three day trip to Universal Studios which was the boys graduation presents. I think we hit every ride in the park. Granted I didn't go on a lot of them but the guys did. I'm a big ole chicken. We had a great time and the boys are asking when we'll go back. It was great seeing my sister who I haven't seen in 2 years although we talk daily. We did other stuff but the boys were content to stay in the pool from sunrise till well after sunset. We just got home a couple of days ago and are still getting used to being home.
Glenny starts his summer program at school today which goes until August 12th. I will manage to keep Pat entertained with playdates and day trips around the city. He's got summer homework to do (read 8 books and do three reports) which he's almost done with already.
I think we're going to take a week or two at the end of the summer to go upstate then, before you know it, they'll be back at school. New beginnings.

Not So Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T20:21:00.003-04:00

The first is always the hardest especially when dealing with a loss. This is my first Father's Day without my father. Luckily we had a lovely day with friends and family at a barbecue so it gave me little time to think, but when I DID think, I cried. I really miss him. I guess this is a sorrow that just will not go away but will, hopefully, fade with time.

HE'S IN!

2008-06-10T07:45:00.002-04:00

Patch got his acceptance letter for the middle school of his choice. YAY! Only took what? Two months? Gotta love the NYCDOE! So tomorrow we have an introductory "tea" so we can meet some of the staff and he can get his summer homework. When did that start? Summer homework? Never heard of that before but this is middle school so I guess it's a whole new set of rules.
Turns out that a MAJOR percentage of the kids in his school got into their first choice schools. I like knowing that...that the kids, with the help of their parents and school advisers, made the right choices for themselves.
Less than 2 weeks and we'll be in Florida! YEAH BABY!

Florida!

2008-06-03T16:41:00.002-04:00

Both beasts have their graduation/promotion ceremonies on the same day, June 20th. Either that day or the day after, we're leaving for a three week vacation to visit my sister in Florida. YAY! I'm so excited about this trip. I haven't seen my sister, BIL and niece in two years so that's the first bit of excitement. The second is that we're going to Universal Studios for two days. That's the boys graduation present. It's gonna be so much fun! I think we're gonna be there for two weeks then a week upstate. Not sure yet. We'll see how things go.
I've been learning more about knitting. I finished my first project, a scarf (everyone's gonna have very warm necks this winter) and now I'm working on a bag for myself. I've fallen in love with yarn stores. I love all the textures and colors. I don't know if I like the shopping or the knitting better.
Patch has taken up the harmonica. Needless to say it's been an interesting few days. He's getting better but he's no Neil Young.
Oh and no middle school news. I guess we'll hear sometime in his third year at Harvard.

What To Do?

2008-05-31T05:58:00.002-04:00

If Glenn was mainstreamed he'd be graduating middle school this year and starting high school in the fall. His school only goes to 9th grade so he'll be "graduating" next year then going on to a new school. Turns out that his school does a promotion ceremony for each grade so he'll have a graduation this year too. Guess when it is? The exact same time and date as Patch's graduation from grammar school! Figures. Couldn't have been a few hours or days different...has to be the same time and date. I think we're going to divide and conquer...I'll go to one and my husband will go to the other. As Patch says "Some days chicken, other days eggs."

Happy Birthday Patch!

2008-05-29T14:19:00.003-04:00

Today is my littlest man's 11th birthday. Hard to believe my baby is eleven already! Every morning I have a cry on his birthday. See, he almost died at birth. I was in labor more than 17 hours and then the doctor said he was in distress and she had to do an emergency csection. I said let's go. Before I knew it, they had me almost cut in half and were carrying out my baby, who was gone so quickly that they couldn't tell me for sure if he was a boy or a girl. Turns out that my uterus had ruptured and the baby was in distress. I sent Glenn to go check on him while they stitched me back together. I cannot tell you all the thoughts that went through my mind at the time...cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, mental disability. Within a few moments a pediatrician came in and congratulated me on my big HEALTHY baby boy! By that time the tears had filled both my ears and spilled over. Then the tears of joy began. He was fine and healthy! Still is as a matter of fact...all 80 lbs and 4'10 of him.
Happy birthday my sweet boy. I love you to the moon and back a million gazillion times.

And So The Summer Begins

2008-05-29T06:06:00.004-04:00

Well the weekend went really well. We had a lot of company, fun, food and drinks. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for our party and about 40 people showed. Glenn did an amazing job of cooking...he truly is a grill master. Best pulled pork EVER! Was one of those weekends that you thoroughly enjoy but are glad to see come to an end. I needed a rest from my weekend! We told the boys what their graduation gift is...a two day trip to Universal Studios! We're leaving for Florida on June 21st to visit my sister for 3 weeks. YAY! Needless to say they were overjoyed.
Still no middle school news. Supposedly this week or next. We'll see. Nothing like waiting till the last minute huh?
I've begun knitting too. I'm almost done with my first project. A scarf. Of course. It's done in a box stitch with a mohair blend yarn in a rust color. I've been buying all kinds of yarn on Craigslist. It's been a great resource for me. Nice yarns, cheap price. I've been reading Knitting For Dummies, joining various knitting websites and watching knitting videos on YouTube. A friend of mine who's been knitting for a few years, was very impressed with my first project and said I'm doing a great job. I'm really enjoying it and am anxious to learn more and do more complex things. As soon as it's done, I'll post photos.

Memorial Day Party

2008-05-21T08:52:00.002-04:00

This is gonna be a busy weekend! We have an annual Memorial Day party celebrating Memorial Day, of course, birthdays and graduations. There will be a houseful of guests on Sunday for fun and barbeque. Loads of people are coming up from the city to our country house to join in the festivities. I'm really looking forward to it.
Still waiting to hear about middle school acceptance. UGH! Hopefully we'll be hearing by the end of next week. Here's hoping!

My First Project

2008-05-01T17:03:00.002-04:00

Ok this is something I crocheted yesterday. I used to crochet but haven't in about 10 years. I made this scarf for my younger son just to pass the time and get used to having yarn in my hands again. Hopefully by next week I'll be able to knit something instead of crocheting.

How clean is YOUR house?

2008-04-30T12:32:00.003-04:00

I've just discovered this show on the BBC. It's two women who go in and clean houses of people who are total and absolute pigs. I cannot believe that so many people live like this.
They're now at someone's house and just found dog hair in the oven. Yes THE OVEN! There is no piece of floor that is just floor without an article of clothing or garbage on it. But the bath and sink are clean. Odd. Ok well this family consists of a mother, father and 3 boys. The boys walk in and drop their stuff on the floor. HELLO??? Why does this happen? They're free labor...that house should be immaculate! I don't understand how people allow their homes to get like that and raise their children in such filth. I know that some people are mentally ill and hoard but that's not the case with these people. They're just PIGS! Don't get me wrong, I'm no Martha Stewart but my house is CLEAN if somewhat untidy. I'm watching this show and shaking my head in disbelief. Do a lot of people live like this? Watching this show sure convinces me that yes, they do!
I love the two women who run this show. They have lovely accents, they're very cheeky and they give great cleaning tips.
Ok this is giving me the heebie jeebies. I'm gonna go vacuum.

Now THAT'S a hat!

2008-04-29T05:50:00.002-04:00

You make my heart sing.

A New Hobby

2008-04-27T19:30:00.002-04:00

Today I decided I want to learn how to knit. I was Stumbling blogs and came upon a knitting blog. This woman said she and a friend decided if they learned how to knit and ballroom dance that their lives would be complete. Aside from being cute and funny, this intrigued me. I started looking at different sites about knitting and decided I wanted to learn. My mother used to knit. She made beautiful baby sets, sweaters and hats and booties. If SHE could do it, so can I. So I called my friend Chris who agreed to show me how. Tomorrow I'm gonna take a walk downtown and stop at at knitting shop, pick up some yarn and needles and give it a go. Oh and the yarns! What beautiful colors! A lot of people even make their own, dying it and spinning it too. I dunno bout THAT but I'll start slow. I love the socks and caps. I'll keep you posted and maybe even put up pics.

Cruisin

2008-04-17T05:23:00.002-04:00

The last few days I've been cruisin blogs here at Blogspot. I've come to realize that most blogs have a basis and aren't just ramblings like mine. Most are mildly entertaining but seem to be one long run on blog after a while. Most, that I've seen thus far, are 20 somethings, getting drunk, getting laid and bragging about it for strangers to read. They all talk snark fluently, and can be funny, but really have not much to say. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed them but they all seem the same after a while.
I had gone through a phase of, what I refer to as, "mommy blogs" only to find that everyone tries to out-mommy one another. I can get that shit at my kids' school so I don't need to go hunting for that one.
I guess I just want to find something that will entertain me and be a little different than what I'm seeing. I can keep up the hunt...or go pick up a book .

Spring is here!

2008-04-16T17:32:00.002-04:00

And I think it's here to stay this time. The last few weeks the weather has been going up and down from 40 to 70 and back again. Now I think we're on an upswing. Hopefully one that will last till fall.
As for the punim...tests came back negative for anything that counts. Doc thinks it's an allergy so I'm back on the prednisone. LOADS of fun. Gives me awful aggeda. I don't need pills for that though..I have kids! They're supposed to be the sole means of my indigestion at this point in my life!

My Punim

2008-04-09T06:50:00.003-04:00

About a year ago I noticed that a few of the freckles on my face decided to band together and create a blotch. I didn't think much of it till it started to become raised. I've been going to a dermatologist who has given me various things for it...first a small biopsy, then creams, prescriptions and then last week a larger biopsy that required 2 stitches in my face. It's odd looking...like a spider smooshed on my face. I named it Charlotte, like Charlotte's Web? Groan I know. But Pat has taken to talking to it as in "Good morning Mom. Good morning Charlotte" He cracks me up. I told him to say goodbye to Charlotte because today I get the stitches out and find out the results of the biopsy. Lil nervous needless to say. We'll see what happens. What will be will be.

If Only It Were True

2008-04-05T05:55:00.001-04:00

I was sitting in church. We were singing Silent Night. It was lovely. After the song ended, I felt a hand on my shoulder than a kiss on my head. Then I heard my dad say "God bless you, Sus." Then I woke up. Crying.

Overload

2008-03-20T10:22:00.002-04:00

You ever have those periods in your life when you have a brain overload? That's how it's been for me the last two days. Just too much going on. Easter coming, my friends mom is sick, found out a relative of mine is doing something so unethical and repulsive to me I can't talk to them now, middle school interview for P next week and today it's two months ago that my dad passed away. I'm really glad we're going away to our country house. Peace and quiet. Easter in the country. Wishing you a lovely Easter.

Bibliophile

2008-03-18T10:21:00.005-04:00

I love books. I always have. My dad taught me to read when I was about four years old. He told a story about taking me on the bus and I was reading all the signs on the bus while people looked on in awe of my reading abilities. I dunno how awed they were but my dad loved that he'd taught me to read.
I remember reading before even watching television. The first book I got out of the library was "The Cat in The Hat." Odd how I can remember that but I can't tell you where my glasses are right now.
Since getting my kindle, I've developed a curiosity about what other people are reading. I decided to join a few reading sites to check things out as I stated earlier in my Shelfari post. I've also realized that people sometimes have goals for their reading. I don't understand that. I usually pick up a book, have a quick look see and decide if I want to read it or not. I think setting goals makes it a chore and takes away a bit of love for the reading itself.
My niece, Bean, loves Chuck Palahniuk. I think he's her favorite author. I was checking out his books and accidentally purchased Choke. I IMed her asking how she liked this specific book and, as my luck would have it, it's not one of her favorites. Ugh! I'm reading it anyway...so far so good though. Makes me curious about his other writings.
I just finished a trio of books I really enjoyed. Water for Elephants, Secret Life of Bees and Middlesex. I like that I can purchase these books for under $10. My husband asked me how much I'd spent in books this month since purchasing my kindle. I told him about $50. He looked a lil surprised but I told him to think about what I DIDN'T spend because it would have been about double if I hadn't purchased them electronically.
I was going to try to do a blog critiquing books but I don't think I can. I seem to like ALL books to some extent. I always try to find what's good about them instead of what's bad. I guess that's not such a bad thing. I like being a "glass is half full" kinda gal anyway.
Ok I'm off to finish my book and peruse websites to see what others are reading.

Kiss Me I'm Irish

2008-03-17T06:32:00.004-04:00

Well sorta...kinda. Back a few generations and over from Scotland I am. A few years ago my brother in law was kind enough to delve into our genealogy and apparently we're Irish back a few generations so I figure, hey what the heck....if Mike Bloomberg can be Irish today, so can I.

Everyone knows the story of St. Patrick driving the snakes from Ireland, as seen above. But here in NYC it's a weekend long celebration of the drink. We went out to dinner on Saturday evening, about 5pm, and there were people, dressed in the green, pub crawling already. I'd forgotten how big a party it is here in the city since I don't party anymore. I guess any excuse will do for a party, huh?

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all, Irish or otherwise.

Lists

2008-03-16T07:54:00.005-04:00

Things that make me happy:
Snuggling with my boys in the morning.
Tuna fish
Getting ass grabbed by my husband
A great book
A fun video game
The sound of my boys laughing together
A perfect margarita
A steak grilled to perfection
A movie that makes me laugh AND cry
The kids doing their chores without being reminded
Gracie's tail wagging
A great report card
A trip to the country
Auctions
70 degree days
Our annual Memorial Day party
Talking to my sister
Hearing from my niece
When my husband "gets it" without me having to say a word
Like a Prayer by Madonna
Finding a funny new website
Katz's pastrami on rye with mustard
My boys faces on Christmas morning
Trips to Florida
Swimming
A belly laugh
A great blog

Things That Piss Me Off:
Crowds
Telling my kids to do their chores repeatedly
Busy signals (wtf? Call waiting?)
Assholes on message boards
People cutting in line
People who don't clean up after their dogs
Shitty teachers
Pompous people
Starting the news with the weather when it's snowing in January (Snow in August I can understand)
Citywide standardized tests
People with a sense of entitlement
People who scam to get things they're not supposed to
Liars (Everyone lies I know..it's the pathological ones that irk me)
Senseless deaths
Parents who think their way of parenting is the ONLY way to parent

Ok that's all I could think of on this early Sunday morning. I'm sure I'll think of something else that pisses me off but this will do for now.

This makes me laugh

2008-03-15T07:28:00.004-04:00

This is P. Incognito. He put this on walking home from the library one day. You should have seen the looks on peoople's faces. Hope it makes you smile.
OH! Speaking of laughter please go check out Elaine and Haley at http://icouldkillher.com You know that best friend you have who knows all your secrets and wouldn't tell any of them even at gunpoint? Well this ain't them. They love and laugh and spill the beans. Go have a look and a great laugh.

Shelfari

2008-03-15T07:23:00.002-04:00

I joined this site in hopes of finding new books to read via recommendations made by other members of this group. For the most part, I've seen some great books I've added to my wish list. On the other hand, I see some people have read upwards of 20,000 books! I thought I was an avid reader but some of these peeps put me to shame. Then I delve into their reading lists. Ok...Cat in the Hat? Wtf? Roget's Thesaurus? COME ON PEOPLE! I don't think baby books and reference books should count. Who the hell has read a thesaurus from cover to cover? Isn't this cheating? I've found the way of the world has become bigger, better, faster, farther. If you're lagging, you suck. So cheat instead so you can be in the lead. I hate people sometimes.

Mac and Cheese

2008-03-05T12:18:00.003-05:00

I know this isn't a cooking blog but this recipe is too good not to share. It's also easy. I have a rule for cooking...if it takes longer than an hour to cook, we're having pizza tonight.
It's a grown up mac and cheese made with swiss and cheddar cheeses. I got it from Ina Garten who's known as The Barefoot Contessa. I've made it several times and it's a HUGE hit with our friends and family. Enjoy!

Kosher salt
Vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 quart milk
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (4 small)
1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.

Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

Fine Aged Leather

2008-03-05T04:52:00.002-05:00

Ok I just read that Keith Richards is the new "face" of Louis Vuitton. Is this because he looks like an old piece of luggage or what? I'm just gonna keep reading about this till I get to the punch line.

Gadget Girl

2008-02-20T19:21:00.003-05:00

That's what everyone in my family calls me. I love gadgets! Something I think I got from my mother. She loved kitchen gadgets. We had a hot dog cooker, a hamburger cooker, a grilled cheese sandwich cooker, a hot air popcorn maker and those are just the things I can think of off the top of my head. I'm an electronics gadget girl. I LOVE any gadgets. Well almost any. I had no desire for an ipod. I dunno why but they never appealed to me.
Ok off the tangent. I have a crush. My crush is new and sleek, smart and slim. I had read about it a bit online but last week I fell and I fell hard. I had to have it. There was a long list but I couldn't wait. I went to my favorite "gotta have it now" site, Craigslist. I went to the New York, NY section and typed it in...kindle. Lo and behold there were a few for sale. One was only $470 and the guy lived in Queens. We gave him a call and went out that evening to meet him and, hopefully, purchase it. There it was in the trunk of his car. Still shrink wrapped. Commence drooling. We bought it. I couldn't wait to get it home and break that bad boy in.
I got home and plugged it in. Turn it on an the wireless on. Start reading the manual but of course didn't do that for long...had to go shopping! I was amazed that I didn't need wireless and could get right onto the Amazon site. Bought Water For Elephants, The New York Times and a couple of blogs to be delivered as new items appeared. I LOVE this thing! We went upstate and I was able to get a signal there too surprisingly! Ok granted, I had to go into a corner of the house and lay down a certain way but I GOT A SIGNAL!
When we got home I found out that there's a converter that will take pdf files and convert them to Mobi which the kindle can read. I have nothing bad to say about this gadget. It's fun, cool, gives me access to over 100,000 books, another drool, and it gets a signal in the furthest reaches of my world. I would recommend this to anyone who's an avid reader and a gadget girl. Just like me.

Goodbye Daddy

2008-02-13T05:33:00.003-05:00

My dad passed away on January 20th. It's been a rough time needless to say. He had his operation to remove his bladder and all went well. We were told that if he lived through the operation and 48 hours recovery, we were in the clear. Well...we weren't. Five days after the operation, after he was taken out of the step down unit, he got sick during the night and aspirated. Because of his COPD, a lung disorder, his lungs weren't able to take in enough oxygen to sustain him. My sister and I were with him all day as he lay dying. At about 4pm, within a half hour, my brother in law showed up, then my husband and then the priest to give him last rights. He died right after that at about 4:30pm.
We had a one day wake for him where a bunch of family and friends came. The American Legion came and the Color Guard to fold his flag. It was difficult for us all, especially my boys who will always miss their Papa.
He was a great father and a terrific grandfather. I will miss him forever.

Arthur Avenue

2008-01-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

We're off to go shopping. We're going to Da Bronx...Arthur Avenue to be exact. It's about 3 or 4 blocks of gastronomic pleasure. It's very old world. The shops are small specialty shops. There are butchers, cheese shops, pork stores, bread stores, bakeries, pasta stores, fish markets and restaurants. Everyone speaks Italian in the shops. Walking into one of these places is incredible. The smells and tastes of Italy surround you. You can get freshly made mozzarella, olives, stuffed pastas, clams on the half shell. We go up there, load up on stuff especially Italian cold cuts (calling prosciutto a cold cut really is a sin), meat, breads and cheeses for the week. There's nothing better than a hunk of four and a half year old parmesan on a friselle with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. Ok I gotta go. I'm getting hungry.

Ass Burger

2008-01-10T18:16:00.001-05:00

That's what I thought I'd heard the first time someone said Asperger's Syndrome. I laughed in my head at the name, but not aloud knowing it wasn't something to laugh at. Ass Burger.
I got a call yesterday from Glenn's social worker in school. That's what he's diagnosed with...Asperger's Syndrome. I knew it was a form of autism but I wasn't sure about the specifics so I Googled it. Did a lil reading. Didn't want to overwhelm myself so I just read enough to confirm that indeed this is what he has. After 9 years, countless doctors, psychologists, social workers, teachers and tests we finally have a dianosis and, more importantly, a plan.
Here are some of the symptoms of AS:

* Not pick up on social cues and lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.
* Dislike any changes in routines.
* Appear to lack empathy.
* Be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others’ speech. Thus, your child may not understand a joke or may take a sarcastic comment literally. Likewise, his or her speech may be flat and difficult to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent.
* Be preoccupied with only one or few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger's syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as doing intricate jigsaw puzzles, designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or astronomy.2
* Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.
* Have heightened sensitivity and become overstimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures. For more information about these symptoms, see sensory integration dysfunction.

I didn't list them all but I did list the ones I see in my son. I've been walking around since yesterday saying it over and over again, getting the feel for this, up to now, unnamed thing that my son has. It's nice to give it a name if a bit shocking and scary. At least now we can work on a plan for making his life as normal as it can be with behavioral therapy. But then again I wonder how his life will be. Will he be lonely? Will he find someone who can love him, Ass Burger and all? Will he be happy? Those are the thoughts I can't get out of my mind.
But there is a bright side almost..or really a tagline that goes with Ass Burgers. Know how has Asperger's? Bill Gates. There's hope for my boy yet.

Movies

2007-12-11T12:27:00.001-05:00

My love of movies comes from my dad. He's always been a huge movie buff and instilled that in me. I remember when we were little we had a black and white television. My dad took us to see The Wizard of Oz in a revival movie theater. It was the first time we saw it in color. When Dorothy opens the door to Munchkinland and there's all that color I remember gasping in delight. I was about 7 years old at the time I can still remember it clear as day. Ask me where my glasses are and I have no clue even though I was wearing them this morning. But I digress.
When I was a kid he'd tell me the plotlines of movies then take me to see them when he'd find them. Dad would take us to little theaters in Manhattan to see almost any old movie. I remember a slew of Judy Garland movies in particular. This was before cable being so accessible. We had no AMC or TCM then. Not only old movies but good movies. He'd take us to all the kid movies, he took us to see Rocky when it first came out and I remember how much he liked it, even if it was in color.
I remember him telling me the plot of the French movie Diabolique. I was enthralled by it. Once when I was in my early 20s he called me. "Hey Sus...what are you doing tonight? Wanna go see Diabolique?" He'd found it was playing in some tiny, obscure theater in the West Village. I couldn't get there fast enough. It was even better than I'd imagined. I don't know if it was because it was a great movie or because I was seeing it with my father. Another time he asked me if I'd seen The King and I and I hadn't. He was astounded. How could I have lived to 25 and NOT seen this movie? Oddly enough, within a few months, they rereleased it in a huge theater in the city for limited release. I got another "Hey Sus...what are you doing tonight?" call and you can bet your bottom dollar I was there to see it with him.
We talk about movies all the time. It's always common ground for us and we can talk for hours. He's like a walking encyclopedia of great movies. Here Comes Mr. Jordan, Gunga Din and The Quiet Man are amongst his all time favorites. I have to admit, they're some of my favorites too. And they're movies I've shared with my kids. I'd tell them "Come on...I have a GREAT movie for us to watch!" Their reply? "MOM! Is it black and white?" And when I'd reply yes, I'd hear a groan. Now? Not so much. They, too, are learning to appreciate Papa's taste in movies. Thanks Dad!

A Thank You For My Sister

2007-11-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Pat,
You're always in the periphery of my first memories. There but off to the side. Ever present, though, when others had come and gone.
You were the one who picked me up from kindergarten every day. I remember when I had started reading and we were crossing the street, my hand firmly in yours. I stopped and wouldn't cross. You tugged me. I said "Sign says STOP so we can't cross" You laughed and explained that the sign was for cars not people. We went home and had milk and cookies. You always allowed me four when Mama only let me have 3.
There was a time when we didn't see you much. We'd only see each other on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I remember the void but didn't know why it was there. I'd been so young when you were there that I hardly remembered.
When I got older and Mama and I didn't get along I'd call you. You always answered the call. I'd call to complain or ask if I could come visit. The door was always open for me. I'd go to school in Harlem then come up to Throgs Neck for the weekend. I used to joke and say it was my weekend home. Not so much a joke. At that point in my life, your home was more my home than my own.
Then along came your precious daughter, my Bean. She was so cute and sweet. I loved her from the first time I saw her. Little did I know, history was repeating itself. She and I have, over the years, developed the same relationship you and I had. This time I got to be the big sister of sorts. I'd come more frequently on the weekends so I could be around her. And away from Mama.
Then Mama got sick and right after that I got married and moved away. You took her, dementia and all, into your home to care for her along with the rest of your family. I know it wasn't easy but you never bowed under the pressure. She was no pleasure when she was healthy, and sick she was worse still. You bore it without complaint. When it was time for her to go into a long term facility, to wait to die basically, you did everything that needed to be done to get her in. I remember the last time we went to see her. She recognized you and thought I was a nurse. Typical...she never did see me for who I was. She died within the month.
When there were problems in the beginning of my marriage who did I turn to? You of course...open arms, open door. When we reconciled again you welcomed us...both of us..to stay with you till we got our acts together.
Christmas was always at your house. We loved coming there. Glenny's first Christmas, he wasn't a month old, he was sleeping under your Christmas tree. Your husband is his godfather and you've both loved my children as your own. I remember thinking that my children wouldn't have their grandmother but they always had you. Our age difference puts you more at the Granny age than auntie but they've been fortunate enough to have you as both. Even 1500 miles away now, they get their monthly packages from you, which you know they love. They never know what to expect. Gingerbread cookies for decorating at the holidays, money for ice cream at Carvel, clothes, games. You never disappoint. You never have.
When you got sick I was paralyzed with fear. I couldn't come to you as I had two babies to care for. It's probably the biggest regret of my life, not being able to do for you when you'd done so much for me.
There was always a special bond between us and I didn't know why. Until I asked you about where you were when JFK was killed. You thought for a moment and told me you were with me. I was an infant and you were watching me because Mama was working. It was then that you told me that you were my "mother" for the first 5 years of my life. I was in shock. The bond was formed in my infancy and lasts to this day.
How can I thank you for all this? How to put into words the love I have for you? You are my best friend, my mother, my sister and my strength. You're the one I look to in times of trouble, heartache and absolute joy. The words "thank you" do not do it justice but I hope this letter somewhat conveys the message of the love, admiration and respect I have for you.

Ready Aim Fire!

2007-11-05T10:36:00.001-05:00

UGH I hate kid’s parties. Especially BOY kids parties. They’re so…so…MASCULINE. Pat has a laser tag party today which I’m NOT looking forward to attending. Slap on a vest, give them a gun and let them chase each other in the dark. Weeeeee! Loads of fun, huh? And a recipe for SOMEONE getting hurt. Inevitable. And usually it’s my kid. I do love my mini-me with all my heart but I’ve faced the fact long ago that this child is a klutz. Like momma, like son. Our dog, Grace, is named after him. As in “Ok, Grace, get up off the floor. HOW did you trip over your own foot?” His second grade teacher, Ms. Sheiner, put it best “He’s such a klutz! He can fall while sitting on the FLOOR!” Yeah..that’s my boy.

It’s times like these I wish I had girls. Tea parties. Dressing up. Barbies. Shopping for pink frilly things. I come from a family of four sisters. I was looking forward to sharing these things with my daughter. I was even resigned to not speaking to her all through puberty only for us to come together and be best friends when she got married and had kids of her own. These were the dreams of my pre-mommy days. Then nature threw me a curve ball. Boys. BOYS??? What do I do with boys? It really caught me off guard. It’s something I learn to deal with every day. It really is on the job training especially now when puberty is beginning. Now I know how my dad felt, having two daughters. I remember asking him when I was a little girl “Daddy? Did you want boys?” He looked at me, puzzled at first. “Well yes. At first I did want boys. Then I had you. And that was just fine. Great in fact. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Yeah Dad…me too.

So, resigned I am. No frills. No pink. No Barbies or tea parties. And…laser tag.

Eh…I can hope for granddaughters, right?

It Takes an Idiot

2007-11-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

Ok some shows on cable television are just not for the over 40 crowd. You know that show on The Discovery Channel, It Takes A Thief? I’m a BIG fan of this show. First off it takes place in and around New York City so that’s always fun..watching my idiot neighbors get ripped off. Second..these guys are cute..no doubt about it. I like how they finagle their way into a home, rob them, totally destroy the house then clean up and show these people how to LOCK A DAMN DOOR.

On every show people leave their checkbooks and important papers in an easily accessible drawer. The guys come in and put a safe in the victim’s house. That’s a great idea but living in an apartment in Manhattan doesn’t afford me the luxury of closet space for a damn safe. So I did the next best thing. I hid the brand new box of checks. Now my point about being over 40 and not watching some shows.

I CAN’T FIND THE GODDAMN CHECKS!

Screw this. I’m gonna go watch Dirty Jobs. That Mike Rowe is really cute.

And So The Hunt Begins

2007-10-29T08:42:00.000-04:00

The hunt for a middle school that is. New Yorkers understand this but nobody else in the world probably has to deal with this problem. The middle schools here in NYC are extremely varied so you really have to know your child’s strengths when you look for a middle school. It’s really like looking for a college. With a million school age children in NYC, it’s not an easy task. First you have to find the schools you like, which can be about 10 or so, and start narrowing them down.

First, specialty schools. There are the schools that are strong in math and science, the schools that are strong in English, the schools that are known for art and the schools that push sports. Then you have to call them and arrange a tour. Yes, a tour. You go and tour the school. You then make a list of about 6 schools that you like in the order which you like them. Because your child will be placed into the first school that accepts him the order of this list is VERY important. Then, if you like it, the child either takes a test, has an interview or both. Then you wait. You wait to hear who “accepts” him. If nobody does, he goes to your zone school. This is the norm for most of America but of course not NYC! Just the thought of living in a small town and having the security of knowing where your kid will be in school until college makes me envious. That would be so easy and stress free! Then again, who said life was going to be easy.

We’re just now at the calling for appointments for tours stage and I’m already starting to freak out a bit. Then I tell myself…he’ll be where he should be. I want him challenged without being overwhelmed. I want him to strive for more and better. I want him to be well rounded. But most of all I want him happy. So whether it’s a school that’s strong in academics, art, sports or the school around the corner, I know my little boy will make the best of it.

Forgotten Heroes

2007-10-29T08:41:00.001-04:00

Forgotten Heroes

This is taken from my brother in law’s website which you can find here http://www.nyfirestore.com/index.html

Dear Friends,

Recently a retired NYPD detective, who has been a long time friend and customer, stopped into the shop. He proceeded to tell me that his 37 year old son (expecting his 4th child next week) nearly died a few weeks ago from sudden kidney failure, and was since diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Multiple Myeloma is a very rare blood and bone cancer, which almost never appears in people under the age of 70. The son, until his illness forced him off the job, was with the NYPD Bomb Squad, and the cancer, is almost certainly the result of his months working at the Fresh Kills landfill searching the Ground Zero debris.

It is currently estimated that 40,000 people worked Ground Zero and Fresh Kills, and the Federal Government acknowledges as many as 71,000 are considered “at risk” from their exposure to the toxic cocktail that enveloped lower Manhattan.

I believe that number may be much higher when you factor in everyone who had to clean the apartments, storefronts, offices and streets following the World Trade Center attack.

Mount Sinai Medical center reported 70% of the 10,000 Ground Zero workers they tested reported new or worsening respiratory problems since their exposure to these toxins. Now, the number of deaths attributed to Ground Zero exposure are starting to mount.

The official 9/11 death toll is 2,752….it could easily reach 20 times that number before the full impact has been felt.

While the news media is starting to report on these matters, and the politicians and agencies responsible for the lax safety conditions, and misinformation regarding air quality, are starting to answer for it, I feel the media is not putting all the pieces together yet. The public is still oblivious to the magnitude of the problem.

Thousands of Ground Zero rescue workers and volunteers have already retired, or been placed on light duty, due to post 9/11 illness. If only 1/2 of the 71,000 figure develop medical complications, the ensuing cumulative medical costs will easily reach the Billions…yes BILLIONS. Some of these people do not have insurance, and many others who think they are covered by their job’s insurance, or Workman’s Compensation, will discover that the “job” does not consider the illness a “line of duty” injury, and therefore will not cover treatment.

The dollar figures that the Federal Government is currently proposing as relief or aid, will not even scratch the surface.

* We need to stay informed.
* We must share that information with family, friends and co-workers.
* We can not allow our government to abandon these Forgotten Heroes.
* We can not forget, even for a moment, that 9/11 is Still Killing.

Below we have provided some links that we hope will offer further light on the subject, and provide resources for those seeking treatment or information:

WTC Environmental Health Center: http://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/html/community/wtc-health-center.shtml
World Trade Center Health Registry: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wtc/index.html
FDNY Medical Screening: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/units/bhs/wtcmm/index.shtml
NYPD World Trade Center Resources: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/nypd_wtc_emerg.html
NY Times - July 18th 2007: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/18/nyregion/18treatment.html
TIME Magazine: http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/2006/first_responders/
WCBSTV: http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=96760@wcbs.dayport.com
Sierra Club: http://www.sierraclub.org/tv/episode-911.asp

Sincerely,

Noam D. Freedman

Summer's Coming

2007-05-03T08:27:00.000-04:00

Just sitting in bed thinking about the coming months. Just found out my oldest has ANOTHER week off in May then it'll be summer before you know it.
Memorial weekend is a big one for us. It's the birthday weekend for my husband and my youngest son so we usually have a big party up in the country. We're trying to get our free pool up and running by then. Thank God for Craigslist.com! We got a free, YES FREE, swimming pool that measures 12x20 so this is the project for the next few weeks - leveling the land, putting up the pool, figuring out what we need to get it in shape, filling it and then enjoying it!
After that, one more month of school then school's out for summer in the immortal words of Alice Cooper. We're going to Florida in August. I know I know..Florida in August is suicide but it's my sister's 60th *gulp* birthday and we want to be there to share it. I'm looking forward to being there but not the trip itself. We drive there because I DO NOT fly. So 20+ hours in the car with 2 tweenagers, my husband and our dog. Fun fun fun!
I really am so lucky that I stay at home and have this time with the boys though. I think about that all the time. I may piss and moan about them but they truly are the lights of my life and this summer should be a lot of fun with them.

Liar Liar Pants on Fire!

2007-04-27T09:48:00.000-04:00

We all know someone like this. Or we know someone who knows someone like this. A liar. Not just a regular liar. An astronomical liar. One who tells these outrageous lies but ones that can't really be proven to be false. I know someone like this. Here are just a few of the lies she's told and how/why I know they're not true.
1. She was in the towers on 9/11 when the collapsed with her 2 month old baby, who she almost left there with friends to run out for an errand but at the last moment decided to take with her. - Ok..why would anyone be at an office for a social visit before 9 am? IF you were there...why would you be running out to the store at 8:30 in the morning. Where was her other child? Now her almost 6 year old is traumatized by something she should have little or no knowledge of because she was 2 months old at the time. This was the first whopper she told that made me go hmmmmm.
2. She had a twin that died in childhood, her mother never loved her but loved the twin better, bad childhood because of this etc. - On a trip to the tenement museum, she said she could have taken her daughter to her sisters house instead. HOLD UP! I thought your sister was dead? Whoopsie!
3. She was a model and backup dancer for 2 prominent singers from the 1980s and was a frequent visitor to Studio 54 in it's hey day. - Ok first off she's not even 5' tall so the dancer model thing is just ridiculous. Studio 54? They let a 12 year old in? That's about how old she must have been when Studio was popular.
4. This is the whopper...the one that really put me over the edge. She tells me she's got cystitis and is going to have tests done. Then she tells me she has breast cancer. Now I've had several members of my family die from or survive cancer. I know what cancer looks like. She told us she's getting radiation treatment through a specific hospital. I happen to have a friend there who looks up her records, unethical I know, and tells me she's never been treated for cancer there. Her kids never miss a day of school, she's never sick nor showing signs of sickness from radiation. She does the Avon Cancer Walk, she tells us that Make a Wish Foundation bought her kids stuff (just an FYI..make a wish is for terminally ill CHILDREN not adults). And now she's commiserating with a mother in our school telling her about when she lost her hair she wore a pink wig and asks her kid to verify it. She NEVER lost her hair and her kid knows it. So she's having her kid lie for her now also.
These are just a few of the lies she's told. I stopped talking to her months ago because I cannot look a liar like that in the eye. Hey we all lie...does my ass look big in this? No honey you look gorgeous kind of lies. These that she tells are out of a desperate need for attention and to be able to reap the benefits of the foundations who give to people with these issues. She's milking the systems to the best of her ability and teaching her kids to do the same. If you tell anyone who hasn't experienced it about her, they look at you like you're nuts. HOW dare you say something like this about a woman who has survived cancer?
I'll wait though. Inevitably someone will say or do something to show her that she's not as slick as she thinks she is. You have to be REALLY smart to be a good liar so you don't mess it all up. She's not that smart...karma will get her. I just hope I'm around to see it.

Mommy Matter

2007-03-30T06:11:00.000-04:00

So I found a website via MySpace. It's called..well nevermind what it's called. It's a website for moms. Was great initially. Lots of love and support for mothers. Well you know what happens when you get thousands of women in on a website and no moderation. The proverbial shit hit the fan. Racism, ignorance, drama etc. Well according to the TOS of the site a lot of this stuff isn't allowed...or is it? I was really on the side of the people who run the site. Maybe they just can't keep up with the sudden influx of women. They're trying their best. But then I realized that they were allowing the drama. I mean come on...who doesn't like drama? It's good for business! Some people were banned but they got back on because only their user names were banned. So they came back. Were banned, back, banned. Till finally they did what they should have done initially..they banned the ip addresses of the banned folks.
Amidst all the bullshit and drama there was a source of light. One woman who was brilliant, well spoken/written, and fought the good fight. She tried time and again to show the powers that be the problems but they didn't listen. So she did what any person of high moral standards would do..she walked. Can't say I blame her. I stayed but my participation is minimal.
Then she emails me. Hey..wanna start a site? I'm like OH HELL YEAH! So here we are, she and I, my new cyberbuddy starting a venture. Mommymatter.com Because motherhood is so much more than diapers and spit up. Hope to see you there.

Do they GET IT???

2007-03-22T10:08:00.000-04:00

Last night my kids were fighting about money. They'd made a trade, a book for some card deck, and Pat said he wasn't happy with the trade. Glenn said that he and Patrick had a fair and square trade of cards for a book. Pat says he had to pay Glenn $10 PLUS give him a book to get the cards. After a long talk, some tears and back and forth, Glenn admitted that he lied and Patrick HAD given him money. He wanted to get a toolbox, like his dad's, so he'd lied because he didn't want to give back the money. He was angry and hit the wall, which was a first and I think now a last. This is a kid with emotional problems so we have to handle things a little differently than we would with another child.

This morning Patrick received this letter:

Patrick,

I am so sorry for trying to take your money. I guess the power of wealth overwhelmed me. So, to prove I am not money crazy, please accept this generous amount of money. Thank you!!!

PS I wrote this with my bad hand.

PSS I love you

Enclosed in the envelope was all the money Glenn had, $30.

There are times when I feel like "OMG will they ever GET IT?" and times like this when I realize that yeah...maybe they will.

Rose colored glasses perhaps???

2007-03-22T06:01:00.000-04:00

Just want to vent a little frustration. I posted on a site and got a big response to what I posted. For the most part, people agreed with me. One person didn't. No matter how many times I reiterate what I said she STILL DOESN'T GET IT! I finally realized that she's looking at my post thru different eyes because it's something she feels personal about. I just wish that when having a conversation about something people could leave their personal feelings at the door and have a grown up discussion. I refuse to get into an argument online because I have a husband and two kids for that. The person I was speaking to asked that it be dropped so I won't respond to her but have to get it out here.
What I said wasn't opinion, it was fact.
Racial slurs are WRONG whether they be used against someone or just posted on a journal.
Deleting responses from people because their opinion is different than yours or because of the color of their skin IS WRONG AND RACIST.
If you don't like the heat GET THE FUCK OUTTA THE KITCHEN! Don't post things, then delete them when you don't like the response. THINK before you post!
Getting a #1 post on a website is not my goal in life so no congratulations are necessary. When I'm a Broadway star you can congratulate me since THAT'S my goal in life.
I try to take the hight road and look at the brighter things in a situation. Fine..call me a Pollyanna. After all the things I've seen over my fortyodd years this I know...there's only one time around in this life...make the best of it, look for the good, try not to hurt others and eat as much chocolate as you possible can. Godivas if possible.

It's March already?if

2007-03-19T13:05:00.000-04:00

Holy Cow! Where did the first quarter of the year go? I can't believe it's March already. Well..what's new. Let's see...not much actually. Joined a forum site called CafeMom.com which I found on MySpace. It really is what you make of it. If you like to get advice, there's plenty there. If you want to piss and moan, that's there too. If you wanna fight, OH MAN can you! Different strokes for different folks I say. I go, I write sometimes, I read A LOT and I laugh...with and at others. What amazes me is the stupidity of some women and I laugh because I think Hmm...we need a license to drive a car but just any old person can have a baby. A lot of it I write off to youth but some of it is just inexplicable. Women in their 30s and 40s arguing with 17 year old mothers who spel lik this becuz skool suks. I mean COME ON LADIES! Call a spade a spade...realize that no matter what you will not make a difference in the lives of some of these people. And if you're calling them names that DEFINITELY will not help! Well as I said..I laugh...A LOT.

New Year's Eve

2006-12-31T10:20:00.000-05:00

Here we are...the last day of 2006. A time to look back on both the good and bad. Once again I'm grateful that the good far outweighs the bad. My kids are happy, healthy, loving and kind. My husband is the best...I couldn't ask for more. Other people in my life are a pain in the ass but I'm coming to the realization that I can't change how they act...only how I react.
Today we're going to go down to Chinatown and have a New Years Eve lunch and do some shopping and pick up lobster for dinner to cook at home. We haven't gone out for NYE in ages and we have a nice homey one with the kids.
It's a time to look back at the good and bad but also a time to look forward. We're going to Florida this year for vacation. Two of my favorite things are there...my sister and Disney. The boys will be hitting milestones...one will be a teenager and the other will be hitting double digits. I'll be in my "mid" forties and my husband will still be a year younger than me, which he never lets me forget lol.
As for resolutions...I have 2. One is to lose weight...which has been my NY resolution for ages. The other is not to be so judgmental about others...or to try not to be. Live and let live so to speak. I hope I achieve some sort of success on both.
Well...time to run. Happy New Year!

Christmas Shopping

2006-12-07T07:54:00.000-05:00

Christmas shopping in Manhattan is a nightmare. I'm not looking forward to it at all. I'm wary of online shopping for some things because I like to be hands on so I really have no choice but to brave the tourists and get my shop on. Gonna have to hit the ginormous Toys R Us in Times Square and do a power shop one day next week. Gonna take me till then to get my head into it. Gonna have to hit an Old Navy for nieces and nephews. They boys are really into electronics, MP3 players, video games etc so that makes shopping relatively easy...but expensive.
Went upstate to the country house the last few weekends...was nice and quaint. Got pie eyed with my sister and did some drunken therapy. Was great fun but the next day I was hungover like a sumbitch. Pat's holiday concert is tomorrow night and I'm hoping it's the last time I'll ever have to hear the song Hot Cross Buns ever again in my lifetime. Glenn has a sleepover on Saturday...his first ever. She's a brave mom taking on a bunch of kids with emotional problems for an overnight! Glad it's not that far from us in case there's a problem. Well it's time for school so I'm outtie.

TGIF!

2006-11-10T05:56:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah I'm feeling the TGIF vibe today. Been a long week for some reason. Had my friends 3 kids after school all week. They were great but I forgot a meeting for my older son at his school...not a bad one just a general parent/teacher conference. They were cool though..said we could do a phone meeting next week. Even though his school is only in Queens, it has taken us up to 2 hours to get there from Manhattan. It stinks that they have the meetings only after school because that runs into rush hour here and that's NUTS!
Not a lot planned for the weekend. Just relaxing. Next weekend we go up to the country house to get ready for Thanksgiving! I'm so excited about Christmas already! I have to keep it under control or I'll drive everyone nuts. I had on Christmas music last week and got yelled at LOL. I'm not allowed to play it until AFTER Thanksgiving although I always play some on Thanksgiving Day. This year we'll be in the city so we'll go to Brooklyn to get our trees. Yeah I know...whodathunkit? Brooklyn..the home of great Christmas trees. Well I'll tell ya something..it's better going to Brooklyn and paying $60 for a tree than staying in Manhattan and paying AT LEAST $150! You'd think there was gold in the trunks of the Christmas trees geeeez!
It'll be nice to have the extra cheddah from doing Cha Cha this Christmas season. I think we're gonna get the kids a Wii if we can find one! Well I'm off to wake the troops and send them on their merry ways.

Waiting....

2006-11-09T07:16:00.000-05:00

DH ordered a laptop for me for Christmas this past weekend. I CANNOT wait for it to get here..forget about waiting till Christmas! He got it from HSN and I'm constantly checking to see if it's been shipped. Patience is not a virtue I've got an abundance of.
Did some Cha Cha this morning...helped a few people find things they couldn't find on their own. It's a good feeling to be able to help somone.
Boyos are getting ready for school and I'll do some more Cha Cha later in between housework.
Have a nephew going into the Army...leaving on the 20th of this month. He's under the impression that he'll be home for Christmas...I sent him the info on recruiters lying to get kids to join. I'm worried and hope he's going to be safe. I wish he'd finished school and gone on to college. He's got an incredible artistic talent. Just hope he can find a way to use it. I love him and am gonna miss him.

Long day!

2006-11-08T17:44:00.000-05:00

Long day. Did a bit of Cha Cha but it went down mid-day so I hung around the house and did some stuff. Got my kids and my friends kids and am now in the process of making dinner for 7. YIKES! Now I know why I only had 2 kids.

First Blog!

2006-11-07T06:54:00.000-05:00

Hi there! My name is Susie. I'm a married mother of two born and raised in NYC. I've been married..hmmm...let's see...FOREVER, happily I might add, and we have 2 boys aged 9 and 12. I've recently become a Cha Cha guide and am having a great time with it. I've never done a blog before so this should prove to be interesting...if not for you definitely for me.
I'm an early riser..usually up before 5 doing Cha Cha for a bit before waking the troops and getting them ready for school and work. Today's election day and my youngest, Patrick, is off from school because voting is done there. The elder, Glenn, is getting ready to go get on the bus, not happily and a lil jealous because his brother's still sleeping. I'm going to go investigate and see how I can make this page more interesting.