Daughter Journaling - Day 4

I started the day by preparing breakfast for my kids (sausage, eggs and cinnamon bagel halves with margarine). She took her pill directly after that. Then, I shampooed, conditioned, de-tangled and plaited Zee's hair. I then spent the next hour and one half tree braiding (crochet braiding) extensions in, using loose hair. She loves it! She can't keep her hands out of it, even though I tell her it will just make it look raggedy faster.

After her hair was finished, we cleaned house. She was very helpful (but she usually is) and I got no argument from her (more unusual). Then, we went to lunch with dad. After lunch, it was off to the store and not one outburst the entire time we were there (or odd remark or behavior). A nice change, indeed! We then came home and both girls laid down for naps.

When they awakened, we went to the grocery store. Nice! No issues at all, not even arguing with her sister. I was so pleased. I really hope it wasn't a fluke.

When we cam home, I made my mother's rotel dip and then went to a friend's house to see the MMA fight. It was a lot of fun. I couldn't eat much but, I did enjoy myself. Zaura was picture perfect. Then, my friend broke out the Wii dance games. All was fine and dandy, until around 9:30 or 10:00pm. That was about when Zee became really rambunctious and loud. The first thing I thought: "The medicine has worn off." It probably had, but she was probably tired too.

A few more games on the Wii, then we came home. She was, sadly, in the midst of an asthma attack. I determined that my friend's burning home candle set it off. Whenever we burn a candle these days, which is rare, we only burn it for an hour or so. My girlfriend's candle burned the entire time we were there and there's no way to know when she first lit it. Knowing what we know now, we stick to the Bath and Body Works "WallFlowers" line. No smoke or fumes to inhale and irritate her lungs.

So, my recap for the day is that Zee did very well. Tomorrow is a church day and we normally keep things fairly mellow. I don't suspect I'll notice much. We'll see.

A Long, Tiring Day Gets Better

This is my easy week for work (less calls), but the days are longer. I finished my last call after 6, then had to run to the grocery store for hubby's asparagus. While there, I picked up frozen meals for Indy's lunch this week. I'll be so happy to eat regular food again, soon. It was hard staring at all the pasta dishes she picked out. Oy!

Dance classes for adults. Where are they? I'm not talking about ballroom classes for those who are rhythmically challenged. I'm talking about a true, honest to God dance class for folks my age. I need one! What happen to all the Arthur Murray dance studios? Did they just leave Utah or have they completely gone defunct? I need a class and I need it now!

Swim season may get here, but I'm not sure. It just seems like winter just won't die around here. It's supposed to rain the rest of the week with temperatures in the 40's and 50's. What happen to our lovely 70 degree days? Rain is beautiful, but I'd like it much more if it were raining and 72 outside. At least then I could play in it.

Summer and Recitals

The first recital was last night and my eldest performed. Awesome job! Truly! I've watched this dance all spring and I think last night's performance was the best yet. I wasn't thrilled about the makeup job I did, but who cares. It's all about the talent (she did love her falsies, though...batted her eyes to anyone who would look at her).

Tonight is the last night and both of my girls will be on stage. The youngest is currently taking a nap. She needs her stamina for the long night (and boy was it ever long last night). We got to the high school at around 5:15 because that is what the instructors requested of all the dancers. The show didn't start until 6:30pm. My daughter's routine? Number 37 out of forty-two. Sweet! We didn't get home till close to nine. My youngest nearly passed out eating her dinner, so I just put her to bed. Hopefully, with the good nap, it won't be as hard on either of them.

They have been extraordinarily good with each other during the break, so far. I'm surprised but won't look a gift horse in the mouth. Can't say how long it will last, but I am happy that the eldest is trying to show a bit of responsibility. I want that to just blossom this summer and I'm praying she'll be a more mature child by the time fifth grade starts. I need that to alleviate a lot of my stress.

Hubby and I are having a Saturday night away from the kids. We're so excited! I hope we can find something fun to do. I'm still on the strict part of my diet so, we were up one night looking at restaurants that offer items that I may be able to eat. I'll be so glad when this phase is over so that I can incorporate more goodies again. Broccoli sounds good at this point; however, my diminishing figure is great too.

I'm Married to Mister Utah 2010

I hate that I missed it! Hubby took his weight class and overall! I'm so proud of him! Thankfully, my sister and mother were there to cheer him on. Well, a slew of his friends were there to cheer. His sister came too, in fact, and brought along our niece and nephew. It's wonderful that he did so well, but haters prevail. He said he could hear people in the back talking about him, insisting that he must be on something. He was a light-weight contender and looked much heavier than he was because of his muscle mass. So what! Genetics rock! Besides, they make all the competitors take all sorts of tests before they can compete in a natural show to prove this very thing.

My daughters and I were down south in 80 degree weather just basking in all that gorgeous sunshine and red rock. I was so happy to be in shorts again. Unfortunately, the Babe became ill and I had to get creative with medications, so that she could compete in her show. She did so well, but the group after them (high schoolers, at least) were their competition. What the heck? Not again. You can't pit that kind of skill against 9 year-olds. No fair! We'll find out Wednesday how they ranked. This really makes me not want her to compete next year.

The snow has melted away and the rain is coming. When I drove home, yesterday, the sun disappeared and was replaced by overcasting clouds. The more north I drove, the cloudier it became. How sad. I was happy to see my hubby again. I missed him so much...even more so because I was without him during my anniversary. I really, really hated that. The plan is to get away together, once he's done with all this competing. It can't happen fast enough.

I'm very happy about reverting back to my old schedule, next week. Last month, I spent so much on gas and extra babysitting that I thought I would just break down and cry. Hubby insisted that I calm down about it because this is just what we had to do. Rational, my man. I calmed but I still wished for that money to magically reappear in my purse...especially with hospital bills arriving soon. Tax rebate? Do you hear me? Time to make an appearance.

Hoping to See Spring Again

We received over five inches of snow the night before last. As such, I decided to work from home, yesterday. No way was I going to risk my life in even more impending snow. It was slow, but a fairly good day. It's spring break and both my kids were home making me a little nutty. It's hard because they can't go outside and play, which would alleviate some of the extra energy they have. I'm praying the temps warm up enough over the next couple of days where they can get out and go to the park.

Friday, we're driving south for the Babe's dance competition. She's to compete with other groups across the state. I hope her expectations aren't too high. Last year, they placed platinum for their category. I think they look great when they perform but, of course, I'm incredibly bias.

The drive is approximately 4.5 hours (but a bit faster, since part of the drive allows for super speeds). The temperatures are usually 30 to 40 degrees warmer than they are here. So, even if the temps remain a little chilly, we're headed to nearly summer like weather. Bring on the swimming pools!

The sad part is that we will be traveling on my wedding anniversary. This is the first anniversary that my hubby and I will be apart. We are not happy about this in the least, but I'm sure we'll be rewarded with trophies from both ends (hubby and the Babe's). This weekend, hubby will be in an all natural show. I can't imagine that he won't place, after going up against "roided" up guys the past couple of shows. I'm so very, very proud of him.

Today is my mother's birthday and I asked her to tell me what she wants. In the past, I would have thought this tacky but, she's nearly at retirement age and pretty much buys whatever she wants. I felt it best to just ask. Know what she said? "Bananas. I want bananas." I told her to think about it a little more and call me back with a real answer. (P.S. I'll still get her the bananas, though).

The Things We Do for Our Kids

I was talking to one of the girls from the Babe's dance studio, last night. The Babe was finishing up her class and Indy was using the potty. This girl is maybe 13 or 14 and her dad is "gym" friends with hubby. I remember her dad telling us that she stuck with dance and tumbling because she wants to participate in cheer-leading at school. It seems it's time for try-outs and she's unsure if she'll do it. Costumes and uniforms are $900 dollars for the year and each year the costumes change, but the fees still apply. What?! Seriously?! Is there that much need to do a costume change for cheer-leading now? I can understand competition dancing but cheer-leading? It made me think of the line from the first Brin.g it On movie:

Sparky (the choreographer) = "Cheer leaders are dancers who have gone retarded. What you do is a tiny, pathetic subset of dancing."

Truly this is the case, considering the costs. Yikes! I know it's the Babe's wish to cheer-lead in school too but, damn! She better have a job or something by the time she's ready. The girl I was talking to said that she's going to try and help raise the money. We talked about her dance obligations. She's one of those that dances in everything. She told me her grandfather was fussing at her for being at the studio for five hours on Mondays and three on Wednesdays. Man, now I know where her mother's money is going. It's no wonder her sister stopped dancing altogether.

I should say that this child is a wonderful dancer and really is gifted in that respect. I asked her if it was worth it and she said that she's really going to have to consider what means more to her. I reiterated to her that I thought was was a great dancer (hoping that she will choose dance over cheer-leading, since it may even lead to a career in the future, I'm thinking). Of course, there are professional cheerleaders in the world. I dunno. My opinion is that dance is an art so, why not get paid for promoting the arts?

I'm all for giving kids an opportunity to express themselves and I'm also willing to pay for some of those endeavors. I just think you have to consider all the logistics, too. The economy sucks and budgeting is a necessity. Dance or electricity? Soccer or heat? Little League or groceries?

EbonyEnchantress Gets a Workout

I've been putting that site into over-drive, while neglecting this one. I really should take the first day of September (the month of change) to make a change and post here. Tah-dah! Here I am...posting!

Life has been busy, busy, busy. With my new weight-loss/workout regime, I've been burning off the fat and trying to look more like a woman and less like a walrus. There's been a lot of stress and the cankers are back with a vengeance. I also have to wonder if, through the course of eating a more cleanly diet, the virus is just shedding. I suppose that's possible, too. I just hate them with a passion, though. Ugh!

So, my department has grown by two people in a little over two weeks (the other person starts next Tuesday). That's insane to me, but completely necessary. We have the largest group of students starting today than we've ever had in the history of the University. That's exciting and intimidating. I hope we don't crack from the strain.

My girls will start dance next week. Both are so excited! My youngest will tell anybody who will listen (perfect strangers!) that she's "going to dance jazz" when she's a big girl (which just happens to be next week). Boy, we become a big girl quickly, don't we? The eldest started gymnastics last week and also has a class today. It's funny. Over the summer, she put on a bit of weight and height. Initially, I thought she was putting on puberty weight then I thought about it. She's been pretty sedentary and the activities are about to kick up in a big way again. I have a sneaking suspicion that my once petite chocolate-chip will be petite once again. How could she not with two hours of gymnastics and an hour of dance per week, not to mention all the running around at school.

Married life...is, well...strange right now. I've confessed my feelings of loneliness to my dear hubby and it has him all in a quandary. I don't want him to give up the things he loves for me, or he will be miserable but I also don't want to lose the time I have with him or I'm miserable. It's been very difficult these last few days. Trying to talk and feeling the strain of our thought processes behind the talking. I'm not sure what will happen, but we've both said we still love each other very deeply. That has never changed.

I stopped writing again. Surprise, surprise; however, I did churn out a children's story that I actually completed (based on recent events with our missing Chihuahua). It's actually pretty good and encourages children to adopt animals from the shelter. I have a friend whose hubby is an artist. I may work with him to bring the story to life. Wouldn't it be awesome if it were ever published? A girl can dream...

Breaking the House

The weekend was chock full of activities...so much so that I was ready to strangle kids, last night. Not so much for anything specific, but because I was in the midst of kid-overload! Hubby was good, as usual, and played interference, once he got home from work.

Friday, hubby found a sectional online that he liked. The lady was selling and had already had offers. Hubby headed over to see if it would work and then called me to tell me he'd put down a deposit. Later in the afternoon, he and his buddy went down to pick it up. An hour and a half later, they were back and incredibly winded. It seems the lady's double-wide doors wouldn't open to remove the furniture, so hubby and his friend had to do this. When they got the furniture here? Only a few pieces would fit. The problem was the doorway. There is now a sectional, section sitting on the deck covered in plastic. Oy!

Saturday was the second competition. The time in was an hour before performance. The Babes' showtime was 3:00pm, so we got there at 2:00pm (not before I realized I'd forgotten the video camera, then had to go back home to get it. I was halfway to my destination when I realized my error). Anyway, we got there and I applied makeup in the changing room. I will not do this again. The lighting was terrible, there were too many distractions and the Babe kept eating all the snacks her grandmother had brought. You can't apply lip gloss if you have granola crumbs everywhere.

So, makeup applied, we went into the gymnasium to watch the performances. I asked my mother where they were in the line up? Oh, they were running an hour and a half behind. Terrific! Two hours later, the Babe performed. Indy was too put out, having had to sit for so long in one place (even if there were big girls dancing that she could watch). I took the kids to get dinner afterward, then headed home. We got home, changed out of our clothes, ate and watched t.v. The Babe was extra giddy, so she talked incessantly (not my idea of relaxation).

Sunday, we went to church then fled afterward (due to a snow storm that hit). Craziness! High winds, rain, snow, sleet and then hail later on. We got home, ate and took naps. After this, I decided I really couldn't wait to purchase Easter shoes, so off to the store we went. I always seem to miss out on the girls sizes, so I got a jump start this year and found matching shoes in their respective sizes. They were both pleased. I also found discount bras on clearance (which is always nice and, no wire. I despise wire). The Babe, again, was asking for stuff. We'd had the, "Don't ask for anything," conversation, but it didn't seem to matter. Oh, well. By Sunday night, I was "over" the kids.

So what's up with the "Breaking the House" title? Hubby and friends are going to break the doorway, bring in the furniture, then build it back up. A carpenter will be in the mix, but I'm still nervous. I guess we'll see what happens.

My Pain and Other Ramblings

I've been struggling with an upper back pain for nearly a week. It gets better, then it bothers me again, then better again. It's just below my right clavicle (but I think the source is in my lats). I was doing bent over rows last week, trying to get back into my weight training in a more regular way. I was sore, but it was manageable. I noticed things got bad after the night I spent hunched over doing my daughter's hair.

What is it with this aging crap? Ten years ago, I would have rebounded with no trouble. Now, it's taking days and pain meds to make me feel better. And, why does it start so early? I guess I was delusional in thinking that aging wouldn't be noticeable in my thirties. So much for that. It's noticeable and has been for a while. Ugh!

I found out last that the Babe placed third in her competition category. She didn't seem to care, she just kept talking about how fun it was (my girl). The teacher was miffed and I was trying to understand, along with her, how the other group placed ahead of them. The other group was cute, but they didn't look like they were having as much fun nor were they as energetic. I guess, like other competitions, it could be who you know. I noticed at last night's practice, one of the mother's was being very critical of their dance routine. I don't do well with psycho-competition (or pageant) mommies. She turned me off really quickly with that stuff.

This Saturday, I hope she still has a good time. I now have details. They are the last group to perform from their studio. Luckily, it's at 3:oopm, which is earlier than last Saturday's dance time. The location is also closer. Cool.

My coworker is still gone and boy, am I feeling it. You really need two (maybe three) people working in this position. She's having a good time and I'm so happy for her (really, I am), but I miss her and her help. She'll be back on Friday. I'm hopeful that she'll just jump right in and not take two or three days to get back into the rhythm of things. Sometimes, that can happen.

Dancing Daughters and Competitions

So, Saturday went really well. I was happy that we only had the one performance because we could be there for her performance only, then leave right afterward. Nice. So many other parents were there from sun up to sun down. I can't even imagine. I suppose when it gets to that point, the Babe will be old enough to drive and pay for her own classes. I can't wait for the day!

We spent the bulk of Saturday resting and hanging out. I had her lay down at noon, but she couldn't sleep (of course not!). By one, she was up showering and prepping herself for the event. Three layers of lotion, thank you very much. That child is ashy (lol)! Costume, tights and oil layers on, I put her in the make-up chair, using the new haul I'd acquired for her. I put all the practicing I'd done in the past month on myself to the test. She was fierce! Here's what I did:

1. Applied base to her skin with a make-up wedge using Revlon Colorstay base in Mahogany.

2. To give a satin finish, I dusted her face with Black Radiance loose powder (in dark tone)

3. I colored in her eyebrows with eyebrow pencil, then brushed them out for a natural look (Chol.a eyes are not cute, despite what some people think).

4. To prepare her lid, I covered her whole eyelid in MAC Shadestick (sharkskin). I used the dark color to bring out the red I planned on using.

5. The lower lid was covered in red matte eyeshadow (from the Wales set I bought her). The upper lid, I used a bronzey orange and highlighted her brow with a shimmery coral.

6. Next, I went over her eye with barrier spray (lightly with a Q-tip) then covered the lower lid with red eye glitter pigment. I covered the upper lid, except for the brow highlight, with a pearlescent orange glitter pigment. She sparkled!

7. Black eyeliner was applied to the lower lid and water line, finishing off her eyes with a light coat of mascara.

8. An orange blush from the apple of her check to the temple (blended well), then a light coat of Revlon lustrous lipgloss. She was ready for the stage!

When we got to the location, everyone went gaga over her eyes. Hubby was like, "Keep it up and they'll be asking you to do a workshop." (you think?) The other girls weren't too shabby themselves. We only waited about an hour then on with my girl! She was working it and all of her group looked like they were having a blast. I was so proud. I videoed then, subsequently posted my child on you.tube. Why? Because I can. ;)

She has another competition this Saturday and, again, I have no details. Again, I'm hoping for more information tonight at dance class. Again, I'm hoping it's an "in and out" situation like last Saturday. We'll see how it goes!

Protective Style

Last night, I was sitting in the salon chair getting new crochet braids. Here is the hair I used (F1b/350, not the color shown here). Anyway, my hair-dresser is a trooper. I was in and out in two hours flat! I love her! Gone are the days when you're stuck at the salon from sun-up to sun-down, listening to all of the dredge and gossip of the neighborhood. My lady doesn't put up with that crap. We talk about the news, our families and other topics. No gossiping there. Can you imagine? It's terrific!

OMG! I have hair! Even before the extensions were put in, my TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) was rocking a really close look. My hair-dresser confessed later that she wasn't sure I'd have enough to even braid up when she saw me (she laughed and said, "I thought I'd have to send you home and say, try again later."). When I sat in the chair, she began to pull it out a bit to see the length (if any) and let me tell you, there was plenty. Two years of rocking it natural and I've got about five or six inches of growth since going almost bald in May of 2007. It's so healthy, too. I'm very pleased. With this protective style, it should really gain a lot of length in the next couple of months.

Tonight, I take down the Babe's hair. Ugh! If I have half a foot of hair, she's got at least a foot. That girl has so much hair, we could make a rug. The hardest part is "clearing" it after I wash it. Inevitably, there are tears and I don't ever mean to hurt her but damn! The hair is thick, thick, thick! Tomorrow, I'll be braiding it all up and making it "fly" for competition on Saturday.

Speaking of which, I got all of my questions answered. Why did I only find out Tuesday night? They really need additional help. Using the family members and hording the money is not working anymore. You gotta spend sometimes to save. Friday, I'll also be throwing down $30 for more dance shoes. Yeesh! She's gonna be cute, though. The girls each represent a country. The Babe, of course, is representing the Mother Land. Oranges, reds and browns (earth tones look so good on her). When I talked to the other little girls about their costumes, only one seemed happy about hers. The others looked like they were unimpressed. I'm anxious to see how they all look together. I am not anxious to be at this competition from 3 in the afternoon to ten at night. I'm not sure if we'll make it to church on Sunday or not. At least Indy will be hanging with her grandmother. I don't know how I would be able to do this with both girls vying for my attention.