The crappy weather followed me to Houston. It's true. I'm sorry. Today was windy and chilly, so I parked my behind inside my dad's house and caught up on the shows that my dvr in Dallas forgot to record. My dvr is really to blame. I had the timers set and everything. It's the box, I promise. They've offered to replace it at least 4 times, but I can't ever get caught up enough to just let them replace it.
That was entirely TMI about my dvr woes.
My dad, sister, and I hung out tonight. My Seester is feeling quite puny, and came to my dad's equipped with her own private arsenal of cold combatants. I felt so sad for her: sneezing and hand washing, only to sneeze again and have to restart the entire process. We went out to grab some pizza before the Tech game started, and I have to say...it was one of the best veggie pizzas I've had in a long time. I can't wait to try to "freethrow" tomorrow. It had meat on it, and looked super yummy, too.
We got back to my dad's just in time for the game. As I'm typing this, it hasn't ended yet...so I'm on the edge of my seat. It's been quite the game: penalties, bad sportsmanship on both sides, and has anyone else noticed that the Minnesota coach actually looks like he's a gopher when he gets pissed? It's pretty funny to watch.
And, while we're on the subject, what's up with McCoy and Hicks being stupid? I'm a little irritated that two individuals who are supposedly moral and decent are the subject of investigation and are no longer bowl eligible. It's too bad...but it just goes to show you that choices matter. They willingly made a collective poor choice, and they won't be the only ones who suffer the consequences. It's a shame.
Enough about football. Yeah, I really just typed that. I could go on and on about football, and how it will be SO much fun to watch Tech football next season. All I have to say is good choice on the head coach selection. He will make watching the sidelines MUCH more interesting, I believe. I also believe I'm not alone on this one.
My dad, Seester, and I did a mini-Christmas together tonight. I had already opened my presents from my sister at the beginning of December, but my dad hadn't. I also brought presents from my mom to my sister (TOUCHDOWN TECH!!!) and my dad. My dad got a Christmas puzzle from my mom (which my sister and I will more than likely complete at some point), a gel mat for his kitchen from my sister & brother-in-law, and original artwork (complete with frame and mat) from each of the boys. My sister got a bunch of good stuff: a cookbook she wanted, "It's a Wonderful Life" on dvd, a Christmas puzzle (do you see a trend here?), a collapsible colander, and a little bell (think hotel front desk "Ring Bell for Service") among other things. I got a bird weight for pie baking, that allows the steam to escape...and a Keurig from my dad! Oh, happy day!
I don't drink coffee everyday, so I find it somewhat silly to make coffee in my 12 cup coffee maker. Now, I don't have to! I'm so thrilled! I've wanted a Keurig practically forever, and when I moved into my apartment in June, I started lobbying for one. My dad told me to have patience, and I did...I just started going to Starbucks instead of making my own. I'm pretty sure that's not what he meant, but now I don't have to worry about it anymore.
And tomorrow, I can make (INTERCEPTION TECH IN FIELD GOAL RANGE!!!!!!!) each of us our own flavor of coffee if I so desire. And I might desire. Also, I'm compiling a list of things to do with my dad tomorrow. It mostly consists of running errands and getting stuff.
I might even shoot his pellet gun tomorrow. That's something that should strike a bit of fear in anyone who knows me at all. Aubrey with any sort of weapon? Scary stuff.
I intend to take my dad to get his own Starbucks syrup tomorrow. He used mine when I brought it down in November, and I can't get the lid off to use it. Sad. Also, I need a little basket thingy for my Keurig so I can use the rest of my coffee that I have open right now. It's Vanilla Coconut Macaroon or something like that, and it's super delicious. I haven't seen "Trouble with the Curve" yet, and so I think (FIELD GOAL TECH!!! WRECK 'EM!) we'll go buy that tomorrow so we can watch it. I redboxed it, but still haven't watched it. And I love a good baseball movie. And a good pair of baseball pants. And...it's almost time!
My sister mentioned (to my dad) that she and I should go see George Strait at the Houston Rodeo this year since it's his last tour...ever. I don't think my dad was impressed with our reasoning, but it has become our (my) goal in life to make this happen. We went to see him together when Texas Stadium was still "alive" and Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw had just been arrested for stealing a cop's horse in New York. Ahhh, the good ol' days. Seriously, though. How fun would that be?! It has to happen...it just HAS to!
I would argue that George Strait is the reason I started listening to country music...and one of the many reasons why I still absolutely love it. But, y'all? I really love Dustin Lynch right now, too. I was listening to him on my iPod this afternoon, and was practically crying. And speaking of crying...my sister and I were trying to make each other cry by watching super adorable lip sync proposals on youtube.
Creative points, for sure!
Aubs
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Chivalry is not dead...
it's just really hard to find.
Since I've been all by myself this week, I've been pretty bored. My house is clean, the laundry is done, presents are waiting to be opened when the boys come home on Sunday, and I'm left with nothing to do. Yesterday, I was pretty much stuck in my apartment because of the ice. Today, it partially melted, but required the help of the maintenance men and some de-icing stuff. My stairwell doesn't really get much time in the sun, so while most other stairwells were clear, mine was still mostly frozen.
Late last night, when I couldn't sleep and my brain started to think of creative things to do, I decided I didn't want to be at home anymore. So, as soon as I could, I escaped...and I drove to Houston.
I realize this doesn't come as a shock to most of you, because if you know me at all, you know I like being here in Houston more than I like being in Dallas. It was, however, a shock to my dad when his doorbell rang this evening.
He opened the door, and it took a second for it to register...then, "Aubrey?"
It was priceless! I hugged him tight and told him I missed him...and promptly turned around to go get goodies out of the trunk of my car. I brought down presents! Presents from the boys and me, presents from my mom, presents for him, and presents for my sister and brother-in-law.
Seester is coming over tomorrow to watch the Meineke Bowl game, because my brother-in-law is headed to San Antonio to go to the Alamo Bowl! I'm so excited to spend time with both my sister and my dad. I missed having them around this Christmas.
Chivalry. Okay, then.
I stopped in Madisonville to get gas, and pulled into the gas station at the same time as this really nice red 4-door GMC. I have a thing for guys and trucks, so I was totally hopeful that the person getting out would a) be a man, and b) be somewhat attractive. I know. I'm shallow.
Imagine my surprise when the man, who was pretty cute by the way, got out wearing a hoodie and a backwards baseball cap. These are a few of my favorite things! It had been raining for the majority of my drive so far, and I was wearing flip flops with my yoga pants, so I jumped out, swiped my card, and looked up as a voice said, "Hey, what kind of gas do you want?"
Startled, I looked up...way up, and said, "Regular?" He said, "I got this. You go get in the car so you don't get soaked." I thanked him, and jumped in my car, since my feet and calves were already completely wet.
He finished pumping my gas, and as I got out to thank him, he motioned for me to close the door and roll down the window instead. Um, duh...makes way more sense. So, I did, and thanked him again. He said it was his pleasure, and told me to have a safe trip, before going back to his truck to pump his own gas.
I sat there for a second, trying to think of when the last time was that someone had done that for me...and I was at a loss. It just goes to show you, though, there are pretty decent people out there...somewhere.
Since Christmas is over, I listened to country on my ipod for the majority of my trip. I absolutely love all types of music, but country is probably my favorite. As I was driving along, I was like, "Ooooh, that's a good line. Oh, I need to use that one. Hmmmm, that would be a great facebook post."
I think I have a problem. And all the while, knowing I'm going to Houston to see my family, I still feel hollow. I wish I knew why that was, or how I could fix it. It would definitely make things easier.
I talked to a friend for part of the drive about dating and putting yourself out there and trying to weed out the decent people from the ridiculous people. It's a really fine line sometimes..."and that's why I just don't do it." I told him.
At some point, though, I'm either going to have to put myself out there or make peace with being forever single. That's a toss-up where there isn't really a winner, no matter which way things go.
Aubs
Since I've been all by myself this week, I've been pretty bored. My house is clean, the laundry is done, presents are waiting to be opened when the boys come home on Sunday, and I'm left with nothing to do. Yesterday, I was pretty much stuck in my apartment because of the ice. Today, it partially melted, but required the help of the maintenance men and some de-icing stuff. My stairwell doesn't really get much time in the sun, so while most other stairwells were clear, mine was still mostly frozen.
Late last night, when I couldn't sleep and my brain started to think of creative things to do, I decided I didn't want to be at home anymore. So, as soon as I could, I escaped...and I drove to Houston.
I realize this doesn't come as a shock to most of you, because if you know me at all, you know I like being here in Houston more than I like being in Dallas. It was, however, a shock to my dad when his doorbell rang this evening.
He opened the door, and it took a second for it to register...then, "Aubrey?"
It was priceless! I hugged him tight and told him I missed him...and promptly turned around to go get goodies out of the trunk of my car. I brought down presents! Presents from the boys and me, presents from my mom, presents for him, and presents for my sister and brother-in-law.
Seester is coming over tomorrow to watch the Meineke Bowl game, because my brother-in-law is headed to San Antonio to go to the Alamo Bowl! I'm so excited to spend time with both my sister and my dad. I missed having them around this Christmas.
Chivalry. Okay, then.
I stopped in Madisonville to get gas, and pulled into the gas station at the same time as this really nice red 4-door GMC. I have a thing for guys and trucks, so I was totally hopeful that the person getting out would a) be a man, and b) be somewhat attractive. I know. I'm shallow.
Imagine my surprise when the man, who was pretty cute by the way, got out wearing a hoodie and a backwards baseball cap. These are a few of my favorite things! It had been raining for the majority of my drive so far, and I was wearing flip flops with my yoga pants, so I jumped out, swiped my card, and looked up as a voice said, "Hey, what kind of gas do you want?"
Startled, I looked up...way up, and said, "Regular?" He said, "I got this. You go get in the car so you don't get soaked." I thanked him, and jumped in my car, since my feet and calves were already completely wet.
He finished pumping my gas, and as I got out to thank him, he motioned for me to close the door and roll down the window instead. Um, duh...makes way more sense. So, I did, and thanked him again. He said it was his pleasure, and told me to have a safe trip, before going back to his truck to pump his own gas.
I sat there for a second, trying to think of when the last time was that someone had done that for me...and I was at a loss. It just goes to show you, though, there are pretty decent people out there...somewhere.
Since Christmas is over, I listened to country on my ipod for the majority of my trip. I absolutely love all types of music, but country is probably my favorite. As I was driving along, I was like, "Ooooh, that's a good line. Oh, I need to use that one. Hmmmm, that would be a great facebook post."
I think I have a problem. And all the while, knowing I'm going to Houston to see my family, I still feel hollow. I wish I knew why that was, or how I could fix it. It would definitely make things easier.
I talked to a friend for part of the drive about dating and putting yourself out there and trying to weed out the decent people from the ridiculous people. It's a really fine line sometimes..."and that's why I just don't do it." I told him.
At some point, though, I'm either going to have to put myself out there or make peace with being forever single. That's a toss-up where there isn't really a winner, no matter which way things go.
Aubs
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Determination to be mindless and relax seldom works as you want it to...
I think everyone is entitled to a day of mindless activity every once in a while...and I think the best day to take advantage of that is when it's below freezing outside. All day. In Dallas. So, I did. Except I didn't really go for completely mindless activity.
I slept in, and then made myself sleep a little more. I was in the middle of a very good dream when I woke up this morning, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get back to it. Don't you hate it when that happens? I'm forever hopeful that I'll find out what happens tonight or sometime in the near future. Then again, when you hope something happens, that's usually when it disappears permanently.
How's that for optimism? Ugh.
I made some macaroon coffee, complete with whipped cream and coconut on top...just because I felt like being fancy. I'm usually a "no-whip, non-fat" kind of girl, so it was quite the indulgence. As I sipped (okay gulped) my coffee, I caught up on some email and blog reading, and it was quite peaceful...
Until I decided I'd had enough "mindless" activity. Granted, none of that was mindless, but it was more mindless than I usually go for. SO, I decided that I would get back on the workout train. Remember when I decided to workout every single day for 60 days? Um, I do too...vaguely.
My jeans will be the first to tell you that never happened. So, I started back a week or so with minimal effort. I don't know if it was the cold weather or the fact that I creeped myself out when I looked in the mirror, but I hit it full force today, and I'm pretty sure that will continue for weeks to come. And after I got all sweaty, I opened the back door for approximately 10 minutes, or until my teeth were chattering, and then resolved to do it again tomorrow. After all, I don't go back to school until January 22...I have a full month at my disposal.
I needed to bust out of my apartment for a while. I was totally stir crazy, so I some clothes on and opened the front door. The "porch" of my second floor apartment was covered in a sheet of ice. Super. I maneuvered myself to the top of the stairs, and saw that the entire staircase was a solid sheet of ice. Did this stop me? No. I contemplated channeling Kevin McAlister from Home Alone and sledding down the stairs, but felt the rock wall and prickly bushes at the base of the staircase might cause some damage. I decided to attempt it anyway, so off I went.
I made it down without incident, but as I looked up, I wondered how I was going to get back up there. I got the mail and promptly threw it away. It's Wednesday...read: ad day. I went over to my car, to contemplate going somewhere, but my door handles were mostly frozen shut. Apparently, my apartment complex doesn't turn off the sprinklers when temperatures drop below freezing, resulting in a solid sheet of ice on 75% my car.
So, I walked back over to the stairs and stared at my task at hand:
I'm not sure how I managed it, but I got back up the stairs, unscathed. I congratulated myself with a bubble bath, flannel pjs, and a bottle of water.
Do I know how to live it up, or what?
And now, here I sit...ready to be mindless again, only now my brain is full of ideas and thoughts. Someone needs to tell it that 11:00 p.m. is not the time for it to fill with thoughts that need to be thunk.
Also, my brain is thinking my feet needs socks...but that would require getting up.
Want to take bets on that happening?
Aubs
I slept in, and then made myself sleep a little more. I was in the middle of a very good dream when I woke up this morning, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get back to it. Don't you hate it when that happens? I'm forever hopeful that I'll find out what happens tonight or sometime in the near future. Then again, when you hope something happens, that's usually when it disappears permanently.
How's that for optimism? Ugh.
I made some macaroon coffee, complete with whipped cream and coconut on top...just because I felt like being fancy. I'm usually a "no-whip, non-fat" kind of girl, so it was quite the indulgence. As I sipped (okay gulped) my coffee, I caught up on some email and blog reading, and it was quite peaceful...
Until I decided I'd had enough "mindless" activity. Granted, none of that was mindless, but it was more mindless than I usually go for. SO, I decided that I would get back on the workout train. Remember when I decided to workout every single day for 60 days? Um, I do too...vaguely.
My jeans will be the first to tell you that never happened. So, I started back a week or so with minimal effort. I don't know if it was the cold weather or the fact that I creeped myself out when I looked in the mirror, but I hit it full force today, and I'm pretty sure that will continue for weeks to come. And after I got all sweaty, I opened the back door for approximately 10 minutes, or until my teeth were chattering, and then resolved to do it again tomorrow. After all, I don't go back to school until January 22...I have a full month at my disposal.
I needed to bust out of my apartment for a while. I was totally stir crazy, so I some clothes on and opened the front door. The "porch" of my second floor apartment was covered in a sheet of ice. Super. I maneuvered myself to the top of the stairs, and saw that the entire staircase was a solid sheet of ice. Did this stop me? No. I contemplated channeling Kevin McAlister from Home Alone and sledding down the stairs, but felt the rock wall and prickly bushes at the base of the staircase might cause some damage. I decided to attempt it anyway, so off I went.
I made it down without incident, but as I looked up, I wondered how I was going to get back up there. I got the mail and promptly threw it away. It's Wednesday...read: ad day. I went over to my car, to contemplate going somewhere, but my door handles were mostly frozen shut. Apparently, my apartment complex doesn't turn off the sprinklers when temperatures drop below freezing, resulting in a solid sheet of ice on 75% my car.
So, I walked back over to the stairs and stared at my task at hand:
Do I know how to live it up, or what?
And now, here I sit...ready to be mindless again, only now my brain is full of ideas and thoughts. Someone needs to tell it that 11:00 p.m. is not the time for it to fill with thoughts that need to be thunk.
Also, my brain is thinking my feet needs socks...but that would require getting up.
Want to take bets on that happening?
Aubs
Laidback Christmas
I woke up to post after post (after post) from parents
detailing their Christmas mornings with their children. Most were completed by 10:00 a.m., which is
approximately when I decided to roll out of bed. See, I’m flying solo this Christmas, so I had
a leisurely morning at my mom’s house.
We (she) made omelets, we drank coffee, we watched Home Alone, and
finished the puzzle she had started. It
was so nice and relaxing, but it was totally weird, too. To have such a low key Christmas, when I’m
used to the excitement and chaos of Christmas with children, left me feeling
completely hollow. I know I have to
share, and I’m okay with that, but it’s the first year that I haven’t at least
seen (let alone talked to) both boys. It’s
definitely been an adjustment. And then, I looked up and out the window and it was snowing!
 |
| When the snow first began...an hour later... |
 |
| Heading to my aunt & uncle's there was already a 2" drift on my windshield |
After we marveled at the snow and got ready, we drove (separately)
to my aunt & uncle’s house in Highland Village for some more Christmas
fun. They have three children ranging
from 5th grade through 8th grade.
By then, it looked like this outside:
.jpg) |
| Yay, snow! |
 |
| Just to prove I was actually wearing a coat... |
My grandmother was there, Clif & Colton
came to hang out with our family, and my aunt’s parents were there as
well. We played a monster game of Phase
10, where I came in at phase 1 when the rest of them were on phase 4-5, and
still ended up winning. There were rumors
of cheating, but they were false. Plus,
I’d like to see them prove it.
 |
| I just love these boys...so SO much. They're totally the brothers I never had...except they pretty much ARE my brothers. |
Time with Clif & Colton is something I rarely get, and I’m
so sad to see it end. While we were all
there, my sister called from St. Louis, where she’s spending the holidays with
her husband’s family, so I talked to her for a few minutes, and then my mom
talked to her for FOREVER. Once it was
dark, and the roads were all iced over, it made perfect sense to make the drive
home. Duh! My drive was a much easier drive than
everyone else’s since I can literally turn 5 times throughout a 15 minute drive
and be home. I didn’t realize I was that
close to them.
When I got home and applauded myself for not falling down
the stairs that were covered in ice and disguised by a layer of snow, I checked
my thermostat, and this is what I saw:
 |
| Uh, that says 64. Degrees. Fahrenheit. |
It was pretty chilly in here, folks! I turned on the heat, changed into some comfy pj pants, and FINALLY figured out my SKYPE password...just in time for a Skype date with my Seester! It was a great chat with my sister, whom I always miss and which I could see more often, and I had fun talking to my brother-in-law, who was lurking, with only his shoulder visible. We agreed to have Skype dates more often, and I think the boys will love them almost as much as I do.
Also, one of my closest friends, Amy, got engaged tonight! I'm so excited for her and her new little family. He's a lucky guy...and he's TOTALLY outnumbered. With his two girls and Amy and her daughter, PJ, he's completely outnumbered, but I'm pretty sure he loves every single minute of it. I can't wait to hear all about wedding plans!
Before my night was over, I called a friend to see how her holiday was, and we had a great chat about so many things. I started telling her one of the many stories of my life, and had to break it down into two parts so she could go to work tomorrow. I'm pretty sure I have her hooked enough for part two tomorrow...and maybe she'll be able to make more sense of it than I can. Maybe.
Until then, y'all...
Aubs
Monday, December 24, 2012
Elves don't always have pointy ears...
So, I have a confession to make...this tragedy in Connecticut has been almost incapacitating to me. My life revolves around 5th grade and 1st grade, and it's been entirely too easy (in the worst possible way) for my to transpose myself into the lives of the parents who lost their children. I don't know if that's healthy or not, but I am appreciative of the fact that I'm able to grasp even a tiny inkling of what they must be feeling...because I think it helps me to be a better person and a better parent. Or, at the very least, I hope I'll get there.
Anyway, the children and adults who lost their lives have been on my brain so often. At church on Sunday, our pastor read the poem that's been circulating the web. It goes like this:
"Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
I knew I wasn't alone in my sorrow, and I was relieved to see that I wasn't the only one who was a soggy mess as he read it to the congregation. In fact, the woman next to me passed me a kleenex from her husband as she took one for herself. It is so tragic, and so many people can relate, whether they have kids that age or they're teachers or any number of reasons. Sadly, the holidays are often a time of loss. It isn't ever planned or even anticipated, but it happens entirely too often.
Enough of the depressing...let's get to the elfing! Because of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, and the fact that I'm always thinking about these kids I won't ever meet until I get to heaven, I decided to jump on the Random Acts of Kindness train. I won't call it a bandwagon, because I pray that it's something that sticks. People need to be nicer to each other in this world.
I am actually doing 28 random acts of kindness in honor of everyone who lost their lives. I wavered on doing something in honor of the shooter, but decided that he probably needed the most help of all, and while I will never understand why he did what he did, I will do something to start the process of counteracting the evil by doing good. I began by taking 9 cards and writing quotes about kindness on them. Then, I added a little note wishing the recipients a happy holiday season, and ended it with "Random act of kindness in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary student ________, (age)."
I had a gift card in my wallet that had been there for a while, so that was the first card. I went to Old Navy to pick up some Christmas jammies for my mom, and walked around looking for the right person to give the card to. I saw a woman with her son, and her son was probably N's age. I walked up to her, handed her the card, and said, "Merry Christmas!" As I walked off, I heard the boy ask her what was in it. On each envelope, I had written "Random Act of Kindness #__" so she started explaining what that meant. To her her explain to her child how it was a good feeling to do for others, even when you don't know them, made me sure I'd given it to the right person.
As I waited to pay, I thought about what I would do next. I bought two $10 gift cards, and gave one to the lady behind me who looked completely stressed out. I gave another one to a woman who looked so sad walking through the parking lot. It's not much, but it's the unexpected gift that (I hope) will make peoples' days...not the amount. My next stop was Starbucks, where I bought a drink in the drive-thru. When I got to the window, I purchased a $5 gift card, and paid for the car behind me. I gave the gift card back to the cashier with a note, saying, "Enjoy a cup of coffee on me today, and another one sometime in the future. Merry Christmas!" The cashier was surprised and said he had only seen that happen a handful of times.
My favorite gift of the day, though, was back in the parking lot of Old Navy. I noticed the pants I'd gotten my mom were messed up, so I went to switch them out. As I was walking through the parking lot, I saw a woman walking around, showing people a piece of paper. I never got close enough to have her try to give it to me, but I'm sure it was a note saying something to the effect of, "I have children and no money. Please help me buy them presents."
I have a problem with that. If you're going to ask people for money, have the respect for them and the self-respect to actually verbalize your wishes. Handing them a note is not nearly as humbling as asking for help. I'm not trying to be hard-hearted or callous, but I'm much more open to helping someone if they have the courage to come up to me and tell me what they need. Language barrier or not, speaking goes so much further than passing around a note. She approached a woman who went to her trunk and handed her a clear plastic bag of toys. The lady said, "Are these for me? All of them?" The elf in disguise said she had been planning to donate them, but she was happy to give them to her because she needed them. In a flash, I was digging in my purse for my emergency $20. I stuck it in an envelope, and knocked on the woman's window. When she rolled down her window, I told her that I witnessed her kindness, and wished her a Merry Christmas. The look of surprise on her face made my afternoon.
I went home, sent up Coke & cookies for Santa, took a picture, and then took an "after" picture since I'm spending Christmas Eve at my mom's house. We've been working on a puzzle, watching movies, and making spinach artichoke dip. Her jammies were a big hit, and it's been such a relaxing evening.
I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful holiday, celebrating with your loved ones and just enjoying each other. May the Lord bless you and your families, today, tomorrow, and everyday.
Aubrey
Sidenote: I have given away 5 cards so far, and can't wait to commit more random acts of kindness as the year continues and 2013 begins. Will I stop at 28? I don't know...I kind of don't think so. The feeling you're brightening someone else's day, someone you don't even know, is really one of the best feelings ever.
Anyway, the children and adults who lost their lives have been on my brain so often. At church on Sunday, our pastor read the poem that's been circulating the web. It goes like this:
"Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
I knew I wasn't alone in my sorrow, and I was relieved to see that I wasn't the only one who was a soggy mess as he read it to the congregation. In fact, the woman next to me passed me a kleenex from her husband as she took one for herself. It is so tragic, and so many people can relate, whether they have kids that age or they're teachers or any number of reasons. Sadly, the holidays are often a time of loss. It isn't ever planned or even anticipated, but it happens entirely too often.
Enough of the depressing...let's get to the elfing! Because of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, and the fact that I'm always thinking about these kids I won't ever meet until I get to heaven, I decided to jump on the Random Acts of Kindness train. I won't call it a bandwagon, because I pray that it's something that sticks. People need to be nicer to each other in this world.
I am actually doing 28 random acts of kindness in honor of everyone who lost their lives. I wavered on doing something in honor of the shooter, but decided that he probably needed the most help of all, and while I will never understand why he did what he did, I will do something to start the process of counteracting the evil by doing good. I began by taking 9 cards and writing quotes about kindness on them. Then, I added a little note wishing the recipients a happy holiday season, and ended it with "Random act of kindness in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary student ________, (age)."
I had a gift card in my wallet that had been there for a while, so that was the first card. I went to Old Navy to pick up some Christmas jammies for my mom, and walked around looking for the right person to give the card to. I saw a woman with her son, and her son was probably N's age. I walked up to her, handed her the card, and said, "Merry Christmas!" As I walked off, I heard the boy ask her what was in it. On each envelope, I had written "Random Act of Kindness #__" so she started explaining what that meant. To her her explain to her child how it was a good feeling to do for others, even when you don't know them, made me sure I'd given it to the right person.
As I waited to pay, I thought about what I would do next. I bought two $10 gift cards, and gave one to the lady behind me who looked completely stressed out. I gave another one to a woman who looked so sad walking through the parking lot. It's not much, but it's the unexpected gift that (I hope) will make peoples' days...not the amount. My next stop was Starbucks, where I bought a drink in the drive-thru. When I got to the window, I purchased a $5 gift card, and paid for the car behind me. I gave the gift card back to the cashier with a note, saying, "Enjoy a cup of coffee on me today, and another one sometime in the future. Merry Christmas!" The cashier was surprised and said he had only seen that happen a handful of times.
My favorite gift of the day, though, was back in the parking lot of Old Navy. I noticed the pants I'd gotten my mom were messed up, so I went to switch them out. As I was walking through the parking lot, I saw a woman walking around, showing people a piece of paper. I never got close enough to have her try to give it to me, but I'm sure it was a note saying something to the effect of, "I have children and no money. Please help me buy them presents."
I have a problem with that. If you're going to ask people for money, have the respect for them and the self-respect to actually verbalize your wishes. Handing them a note is not nearly as humbling as asking for help. I'm not trying to be hard-hearted or callous, but I'm much more open to helping someone if they have the courage to come up to me and tell me what they need. Language barrier or not, speaking goes so much further than passing around a note. She approached a woman who went to her trunk and handed her a clear plastic bag of toys. The lady said, "Are these for me? All of them?" The elf in disguise said she had been planning to donate them, but she was happy to give them to her because she needed them. In a flash, I was digging in my purse for my emergency $20. I stuck it in an envelope, and knocked on the woman's window. When she rolled down her window, I told her that I witnessed her kindness, and wished her a Merry Christmas. The look of surprise on her face made my afternoon.
I went home, sent up Coke & cookies for Santa, took a picture, and then took an "after" picture since I'm spending Christmas Eve at my mom's house. We've been working on a puzzle, watching movies, and making spinach artichoke dip. Her jammies were a big hit, and it's been such a relaxing evening.
I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful holiday, celebrating with your loved ones and just enjoying each other. May the Lord bless you and your families, today, tomorrow, and everyday.
Aubrey
Sidenote: I have given away 5 cards so far, and can't wait to commit more random acts of kindness as the year continues and 2013 begins. Will I stop at 28? I don't know...I kind of don't think so. The feeling you're brightening someone else's day, someone you don't even know, is really one of the best feelings ever.
Instant gratification
N and I dropped B off at children's church this morning, and N opted to go to the service with me instead of going upstairs to the 5th grade experience. The theme this year was "InstaChristmas" kind of following along the lines of Instagram: how we are so into instant gratification and are often not willing to be patient and let things happen as they're supposed to. It was interesting and inspiring, reiterating what I've been attempting to do on my own...which is stop, take a step back, take a deep breath, and just be.
I'm constantly running, but I'm not really going anywhere. I'm the first to admit I'm all about instant gratification, but I also know that sometimes that really doesn't work the best for anyone. I want so badly to know what's going to happen next, that I'm constantly focusing on that instead of living in the moment. I'm so concerned with what could happen or what I want to happen, that I don't allow myself to see and enjoy what actually IS happening. And that's no way to live.
After church, the boys and I ran a couple of quick errands and then headed home to finish picking up around the house. I had reminded the boys first thing in the morning that they needed to keep their hands off of each other unless they were being kind and playing nicely. Not surprisingly, B chose to smack his brother, so I did what I promised and spanked him. I am SO tired of them being ugly to each other, and that was the last straw. Afterwards, our conversation went a little something like this:
B (tearful and defiant): Mom, you obviously didn't listen in church today.
Me: Why's that B?
B: Because God's spirit tells us to love one another.
Me: God also tells us to honor our father and our mother.
B: When did they say that?
Me: Everyday.
B: Oh...I must've missed that one.
Obviously. N left first, and B was supposed to leave at 3:00. At 4:00, his dad came to pick him up, telling him they had a surprise waiting for him at their apartment. As soon as B ran down the stairs to get in the car, his dad told me they had gotten him a puppy. Apparently, B's stepmom's dog is getting old and crazy(ish) so a new dog will help him to calm down? I don't know. To me, it sounds like a ploy to get people to get more animals. Maybe it works...but what if the dogs don't get along? Anyway, both boys have been asking me for a dog for months, but it's not in the cards for us right now. And now, B has one at his dad's. I couldn't wait to hear what B chose for a name.
I asked him to have B call me so he could tell me his news, and I got a picture a little while later of B with the new puppy...the puppy named Chino. I'm pretty sure B has never heard of that word before, but the criteria his dad gave him was that the name had to be Spanish. Who tells a kid they can name a dog, and then dictates what the name should be? I don't understand...but it's not up to me. And that's a hard pill to swallow sometimes.
In the meantime, my cousins came over for some beef stew and hilarity. Man, they really are so much fun! It's so great to be able to spend time with both of them at the same time. We even looked up when we could plan a trip to Garner, but it's so hard to do with Clif's Navy schedule. There just aren't any guarantees on his leave time. Still, it was so much fun...and I can't wait to hang out with them again on Christmas afternoon!
The house is quiet, emptyish, and cold. I'm good with at least one or two of those, but all three? It's just weird. I'm happy to have the downtime, but at the same time, this is the part of being all by myself that sucks the most. The holidays are a time you spend with those you care about, those who matter, and even though I'm just by myself for a few days, it just doesn't feel right.
I'd rather it not feel right than feel like I'm losing my mind, though, so I'm doing my best to embrace the weird and just do nothing.
I'll let you know how that goes...
Aubs
I'm constantly running, but I'm not really going anywhere. I'm the first to admit I'm all about instant gratification, but I also know that sometimes that really doesn't work the best for anyone. I want so badly to know what's going to happen next, that I'm constantly focusing on that instead of living in the moment. I'm so concerned with what could happen or what I want to happen, that I don't allow myself to see and enjoy what actually IS happening. And that's no way to live.
After church, the boys and I ran a couple of quick errands and then headed home to finish picking up around the house. I had reminded the boys first thing in the morning that they needed to keep their hands off of each other unless they were being kind and playing nicely. Not surprisingly, B chose to smack his brother, so I did what I promised and spanked him. I am SO tired of them being ugly to each other, and that was the last straw. Afterwards, our conversation went a little something like this:
B (tearful and defiant): Mom, you obviously didn't listen in church today.
Me: Why's that B?
B: Because God's spirit tells us to love one another.
Me: God also tells us to honor our father and our mother.
B: When did they say that?
Me: Everyday.
B: Oh...I must've missed that one.
Obviously. N left first, and B was supposed to leave at 3:00. At 4:00, his dad came to pick him up, telling him they had a surprise waiting for him at their apartment. As soon as B ran down the stairs to get in the car, his dad told me they had gotten him a puppy. Apparently, B's stepmom's dog is getting old and crazy(ish) so a new dog will help him to calm down? I don't know. To me, it sounds like a ploy to get people to get more animals. Maybe it works...but what if the dogs don't get along? Anyway, both boys have been asking me for a dog for months, but it's not in the cards for us right now. And now, B has one at his dad's. I couldn't wait to hear what B chose for a name.
I asked him to have B call me so he could tell me his news, and I got a picture a little while later of B with the new puppy...the puppy named Chino. I'm pretty sure B has never heard of that word before, but the criteria his dad gave him was that the name had to be Spanish. Who tells a kid they can name a dog, and then dictates what the name should be? I don't understand...but it's not up to me. And that's a hard pill to swallow sometimes.
In the meantime, my cousins came over for some beef stew and hilarity. Man, they really are so much fun! It's so great to be able to spend time with both of them at the same time. We even looked up when we could plan a trip to Garner, but it's so hard to do with Clif's Navy schedule. There just aren't any guarantees on his leave time. Still, it was so much fun...and I can't wait to hang out with them again on Christmas afternoon!
The house is quiet, emptyish, and cold. I'm good with at least one or two of those, but all three? It's just weird. I'm happy to have the downtime, but at the same time, this is the part of being all by myself that sucks the most. The holidays are a time you spend with those you care about, those who matter, and even though I'm just by myself for a few days, it just doesn't feel right.
I'd rather it not feel right than feel like I'm losing my mind, though, so I'm doing my best to embrace the weird and just do nothing.
I'll let you know how that goes...
Aubs
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Too many people in the kitchen means...
my left foot was stomped on no less than 7 times this afternoon. The boys and I decided to make some cookies this afternoon, and after talking to my mom, she convinced me to make Spritz cookies instead of sugar cookies. I appreciated this for a couple of reasons:
1. Spritz cookies are (supposedly) much easier.
2. Sugar cookies require rolling out dough.
3. I'd probably whack someone with the rolling pin instead.
Okay, so that was three reasons, but the last one is pretty accurate. During one of my trips to Houston, I discovered that my dad had our family collection of assorted cookie cutters, so I took them with me. I'm the only one who bakes (although my mom has been known to bake from time to time), and the only one with young children, so it just made sense. I dusted the box off this afternoon, and the boys were totally ready to make cookies.
After a trip to the store for butter and eggs, we were set. My mom came over to show me how to use the cookie press (aka the cookie gun) to shoot the cookies out, and it promptly broke. It was probably the original cookie press of all time, so it stands to reason that it would be fairly fragile. I just sounded that out a'la A Christmas Story, saying "FRA-GEE_LAY" and you know you did too. We didn't want to disappoint the boys, who (let's face it) really just wanted to play with the different colors of sprinkles and sugar crystals, so I found a new cookie press at Bed, Bath, & Beyond, and picked it up for $15. Score!
They actually helped with about 4 or 5 pans of cookies before they lost interest and took off to play in their room. I was impressed. They asked to make sugar cookies too, so they could frost and dump more sugar on the cookies, but I was feeling grinch-ish and said the kitchen was closed...then promptly had to re-open it to make dinner. Kids...It's always somethin!
We watched Santa Clause 2, and then I sent them into their room where B promptly fell asleep, and I just made N turn off Star Wars. I told him he could help fold laundry, but he declined. Since we were cookie baking this afternoon, we're headed to Christmas Eve service in the morning, and then they're gone until next Sunday. I'm sad about that part; not seeing their little faces on Christmas morning...
BUT!
My cousins are in town, and I'm so excited! It makes me miss my sister though. She and her hubs are in St. Louis for Christmas, as they are every year, and I know they have a great time. My cousins, Clif & Colton, are younger than my sister and I are by a few years, so we spent most of our summers together when we were kids. I used to babysit them, and my sister would help. We went camping together, and hung out during the holidays when they were visiting their dad (my mom's brother). Their dad lives on the east coast now, as does their mom, but they have family from each side of the family that live in Dallas, so I get to see them a little more frequently than most.
The last time my sister, Clif, Colton, and I were together though, was February of 2005. We are long overdue for a reunion, and I hope we can make that happen next summer. Clif's in the Navy, and we are so proud of him, but it does make scheduling reunions and Garner trips a little more difficult. Colton's at Caltech, again super proud of him, so his life is pretty busy, too. Add my sister's crazy busy life, and my big dose of crazy, and you can see why I get so excited when they come to town. It's been that long since they've been here at the same time anyway, so I'm so glad that I'll have those two, my "brothers" of sorts, to keep me company for at least part of the time that my boys are away.
It really is just the most wonderful time of the year! Know what's not so wonderful? When it's 70 one day and drops 40 degrees for the next day. Because that happens a lot.
1. Spritz cookies are (supposedly) much easier.
2. Sugar cookies require rolling out dough.
3. I'd probably whack someone with the rolling pin instead.
Okay, so that was three reasons, but the last one is pretty accurate. During one of my trips to Houston, I discovered that my dad had our family collection of assorted cookie cutters, so I took them with me. I'm the only one who bakes (although my mom has been known to bake from time to time), and the only one with young children, so it just made sense. I dusted the box off this afternoon, and the boys were totally ready to make cookies.
After a trip to the store for butter and eggs, we were set. My mom came over to show me how to use the cookie press (aka the cookie gun) to shoot the cookies out, and it promptly broke. It was probably the original cookie press of all time, so it stands to reason that it would be fairly fragile. I just sounded that out a'la A Christmas Story, saying "FRA-GEE_LAY" and you know you did too. We didn't want to disappoint the boys, who (let's face it) really just wanted to play with the different colors of sprinkles and sugar crystals, so I found a new cookie press at Bed, Bath, & Beyond, and picked it up for $15. Score!
They actually helped with about 4 or 5 pans of cookies before they lost interest and took off to play in their room. I was impressed. They asked to make sugar cookies too, so they could frost and dump more sugar on the cookies, but I was feeling grinch-ish and said the kitchen was closed...then promptly had to re-open it to make dinner. Kids...It's always somethin!
We watched Santa Clause 2, and then I sent them into their room where B promptly fell asleep, and I just made N turn off Star Wars. I told him he could help fold laundry, but he declined. Since we were cookie baking this afternoon, we're headed to Christmas Eve service in the morning, and then they're gone until next Sunday. I'm sad about that part; not seeing their little faces on Christmas morning...
BUT!
My cousins are in town, and I'm so excited! It makes me miss my sister though. She and her hubs are in St. Louis for Christmas, as they are every year, and I know they have a great time. My cousins, Clif & Colton, are younger than my sister and I are by a few years, so we spent most of our summers together when we were kids. I used to babysit them, and my sister would help. We went camping together, and hung out during the holidays when they were visiting their dad (my mom's brother). Their dad lives on the east coast now, as does their mom, but they have family from each side of the family that live in Dallas, so I get to see them a little more frequently than most.
The last time my sister, Clif, Colton, and I were together though, was February of 2005. We are long overdue for a reunion, and I hope we can make that happen next summer. Clif's in the Navy, and we are so proud of him, but it does make scheduling reunions and Garner trips a little more difficult. Colton's at Caltech, again super proud of him, so his life is pretty busy, too. Add my sister's crazy busy life, and my big dose of crazy, and you can see why I get so excited when they come to town. It's been that long since they've been here at the same time anyway, so I'm so glad that I'll have those two, my "brothers" of sorts, to keep me company for at least part of the time that my boys are away.
It really is just the most wonderful time of the year! Know what's not so wonderful? When it's 70 one day and drops 40 degrees for the next day. Because that happens a lot.
Aubs
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