Wow, I've been a US citizen for 4 years today! That was such a weird 3 days 4 years ago: first I got sworn in as a US citizen on the 9th (9-9-'99, how can one forget?), then my 38th birthday on the 10th and my sister's wedding on the 11th (yes, she got married on 9/11 :(, it's annoying now, as it will forever be "the" date. For me my birthday will always be the day before. I turned 40 the day before 9/11/2001, how's that for a milestone.)
I'm tired tonight. I think the season is getting to me already, I always feel so much worse in fall and winter, it's annoying. Saskia is looking for Halloween costumes online and she just said she might want to be a devil, how appropriate :D.
We visited the orthodontist with Kai and Saskia today and it looks like both will need braces within a year. $$$!
Monday, September 08, 2003
Yesterday, we went canoeing on the Shenandoah river. I can't wait to do it again! And I can't believe we haven't tried it before. It was so much fun! And the weather was gorgeous, as was the scenery. It was remarkably simple: we paid, then got life jackets and they took us by van and dropped us off with our canoes 3 miles away from the boat house and then we canoed with the stream back.
We also quickly visited the Skyline Drive, but it was crowded, we saw no animals and we had to leave soon, because Katja needed more school supplies.
Today, I had our new housekeeper starting. I had a terrible night, as my medicine to help me sleep through ran out. I didn't think it would make a difference immediately, but it did! Though it might have been because I stayed up to finish the Da Vinci Code book, reading until midnight and then the premise kept me thinking. I recommend this book to everyone!
Morning came too soon and my sister called at 7am too. So I quickly got 20 minutes of exercise in, before the doorbell rang and there was Dina. I'm so grateful for her! Within a week of putting out feelers for a two day a week housekeeper, she came to introduce herself upon recommendation of the (wonderful) housekeeper of the neighbors.
She only needed a little guidance, though I stayed home all day to help if need be. She was very self sufficient and got a boat load of work done, cleaning and laundry. Yay! This was the right day to have her too, as I got a quick nap in too, even as Saskia had a friend over to play. It does make me feel somewhat like an invalid, but so be it.
Meanwhile, I made an appointment with the rheumatologist again, as I would like to hear her opinion again. The pain and fatigue do seem a lot worse, but then again, I know that happens in the fall every year. But who knows, new treatment may have surfaced.
Saskia started tap dancing today. She did enjoy it and yippeeeee, a parent suggested car pooling. I wish I could find a car pool for Thursdays, though as I'm running around like crazy then.
I fed my probably least healthy meal to the family: storebought quiches. At least I redeemed myself by also serving fresh spinach. But they all loved it. It's just that I just read a Self magazine article about the most healthy foods and the homemade stuff almost always won. This was not only not home made, but it had 50% of RDA of saturated fat per serving. Hmm, I think even a pizza from Pizza Hut has less.
Tonight I helped Kai with math, I love decimals. Two more days till my birthday. I feel like a little kid. Too bad it will now always be the day before September, 11th. Sigh!
We also quickly visited the Skyline Drive, but it was crowded, we saw no animals and we had to leave soon, because Katja needed more school supplies.
Today, I had our new housekeeper starting. I had a terrible night, as my medicine to help me sleep through ran out. I didn't think it would make a difference immediately, but it did! Though it might have been because I stayed up to finish the Da Vinci Code book, reading until midnight and then the premise kept me thinking. I recommend this book to everyone!
Morning came too soon and my sister called at 7am too. So I quickly got 20 minutes of exercise in, before the doorbell rang and there was Dina. I'm so grateful for her! Within a week of putting out feelers for a two day a week housekeeper, she came to introduce herself upon recommendation of the (wonderful) housekeeper of the neighbors.
She only needed a little guidance, though I stayed home all day to help if need be. She was very self sufficient and got a boat load of work done, cleaning and laundry. Yay! This was the right day to have her too, as I got a quick nap in too, even as Saskia had a friend over to play. It does make me feel somewhat like an invalid, but so be it.
Meanwhile, I made an appointment with the rheumatologist again, as I would like to hear her opinion again. The pain and fatigue do seem a lot worse, but then again, I know that happens in the fall every year. But who knows, new treatment may have surfaced.
Saskia started tap dancing today. She did enjoy it and yippeeeee, a parent suggested car pooling. I wish I could find a car pool for Thursdays, though as I'm running around like crazy then.
I fed my probably least healthy meal to the family: storebought quiches. At least I redeemed myself by also serving fresh spinach. But they all loved it. It's just that I just read a Self magazine article about the most healthy foods and the homemade stuff almost always won. This was not only not home made, but it had 50% of RDA of saturated fat per serving. Hmm, I think even a pizza from Pizza Hut has less.
Tonight I helped Kai with math, I love decimals. Two more days till my birthday. I feel like a little kid. Too bad it will now always be the day before September, 11th. Sigh!
Saturday, September 06, 2003
Gorgeous weather today and just like yesterday, Christine and I went for a long walk. We keep discovering new parks and are amazed at how many parks there are!!! I hope they won't all get torn down due to sprawl and crawl!
Speaking of parks, it's almost like a park in our backyard. We have our resident squirrel, a pair of American goldfinches, who love our sunflowers, numerous Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies, as well as Monarchs. It's finally nice enough to sit outside!
Christine and Chuck lent me a book "The Da Vinci Code" and it's great! I can barely tear myself away. The subject, with lots of mystery, history, art history and puzzles is right up my alley!
Just now I heard Rick panicky calling my name from the basement and that he was bleeding profusely. Scared the you know what out of me! Turned out he had cut his toe badly, which bled very heavily. But I had visions of blood spurting from an artery, the way he was calling! Phew!
And Saskia has been playing with her friend Mallory and is trying to convince me that she really wants an American Girl doll, sigh!
Speaking of parks, it's almost like a park in our backyard. We have our resident squirrel, a pair of American goldfinches, who love our sunflowers, numerous Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies, as well as Monarchs. It's finally nice enough to sit outside!
Christine and Chuck lent me a book "The Da Vinci Code" and it's great! I can barely tear myself away. The subject, with lots of mystery, history, art history and puzzles is right up my alley!
Just now I heard Rick panicky calling my name from the basement and that he was bleeding profusely. Scared the you know what out of me! Turned out he had cut his toe badly, which bled very heavily. But I had visions of blood spurting from an artery, the way he was calling! Phew!
And Saskia has been playing with her friend Mallory and is trying to convince me that she really wants an American Girl doll, sigh!
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
A quiet day today, I've decided I'm going to try to have way more of those than last schoolyear. I want to make it so I have energy left to spend quality time with the kids when they come out of school and not be so exhausted from volunteering and other stuff, that I'm not able to do things with them.
So, after a workout at the gym, Christine and I went to Whole Foods Market for lunch, their salad bar is delicious! Then we did some shopping for meals and went home. I had a delicious 45 minute nap. I've been feeling so achy and rundown, it really helped to refuel my body. It's a goal of mine to really give in to my exhaustion by napping more. Hopefully I'll feel well enough tonight to sit at the dinner table for a change!
This afternoon we signed Saskia up for jazz lessons, she's starting tomorrow and is so excited, she's wearing her leotard already. The poor child has been suffering a lot from headaches, though, she came out of school complaining of one. Her nose is also stuffed up, so it could well be her sinuses. It's so humid and wet here, I think we're all having trouble with the mold.
As always my house is a magnet for playing kids and as I'm writing there are 6 kids in the house, only 3 of them mine ;). I like that they love our house so much, but I do despair at the messes they make.
Tonight's dinner is barbecue chicken in the crockpot (yummy, Kai's request, he loves it), mashed potatoes and vegetables. I'm ashamed to admit it's the first home cooked dinner in a looooong time!
So, after a workout at the gym, Christine and I went to Whole Foods Market for lunch, their salad bar is delicious! Then we did some shopping for meals and went home. I had a delicious 45 minute nap. I've been feeling so achy and rundown, it really helped to refuel my body. It's a goal of mine to really give in to my exhaustion by napping more. Hopefully I'll feel well enough tonight to sit at the dinner table for a change!
This afternoon we signed Saskia up for jazz lessons, she's starting tomorrow and is so excited, she's wearing her leotard already. The poor child has been suffering a lot from headaches, though, she came out of school complaining of one. Her nose is also stuffed up, so it could well be her sinuses. It's so humid and wet here, I think we're all having trouble with the mold.
As always my house is a magnet for playing kids and as I'm writing there are 6 kids in the house, only 3 of them mine ;). I like that they love our house so much, but I do despair at the messes they make.
Tonight's dinner is barbecue chicken in the crockpot (yummy, Kai's request, he loves it), mashed potatoes and vegetables. I'm ashamed to admit it's the first home cooked dinner in a looooong time!
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Well, the first day of school is over. It started very early (6am), with Katja making her toilette in order to leave at 6:45. When one is an eighth grader, there are many necessary things. She's so cute, though (oops, don't let her read this, she doesn't like to be called "cute"). She came home with a huge smile and clearly had had a great day. And her smile lights up a room, that's not just a proud mom writing!
Saskia came skipping out of school and, with some loyalty to her old teacher, admitted that her new one was almost nicer than her first grade teacher. Good, as I had requested this lady, who keeps getting teacher of the year awards, so she must be doing something right. She is just known for genuinely enjoying the kids and making them enjoy school. Well, after one day, she's proven herself to Saskia so far, Saskia felt the schoolday was too short! Yes, you read it right.
Kai, on the other hand, seems to have a general boredom with school. He was not happy last year and I'm going to have to watch him. I requested Katja's old teacher for him and got her. Mainly because this lady is a grandma, who retired and then came back to teaching. She has a great sense of humor and her philosophy is that 6th grade should be fun, as it's the last year they can be children. Yet, she also managed to teach Katja quite a lot. So, I hope Kai will have an equally fun year with her.
Meanwhile, I'm in the process of finding someone to help me in the household. More than just the cleaning ladies I have now (who charge an arm and a leg for just basic vacuuming and dusting). My fibromyalgia is really getting worse and I want to use what little energy I have on my family and not on the household! I'm lucky that we can afford help, though. I was a little bummed to read that people with fibromyalgia get government subsidized help in the Netherlands. Not that I really need that, but it does mean the disease is taken seriously there. Here, I feel I constantly have to apologize and make up excuses, as "I'm in pain and exhausted" just doesn't seem enough. Even on Thursday, I was roped into volunteering, even after saying no and giving the reason. I was told this "would keep my mind off things". Little do they know that worming myself into a child sized school chair for hours on end to organize a gift wrap fund raiser is pure torture for me and certainly won't "take my mind off things".
Ok, done ranting. When the volunteering call comes, I'll just have to say "no", right? But that's one of the hardest words for me to utter! Help!
Oh well, we'll cross the bridge etc. I'm pretty pooped tonight, so I'll leave it at this and am going to cuddle with my little second grader :).
Saskia came skipping out of school and, with some loyalty to her old teacher, admitted that her new one was almost nicer than her first grade teacher. Good, as I had requested this lady, who keeps getting teacher of the year awards, so she must be doing something right. She is just known for genuinely enjoying the kids and making them enjoy school. Well, after one day, she's proven herself to Saskia so far, Saskia felt the schoolday was too short! Yes, you read it right.
Kai, on the other hand, seems to have a general boredom with school. He was not happy last year and I'm going to have to watch him. I requested Katja's old teacher for him and got her. Mainly because this lady is a grandma, who retired and then came back to teaching. She has a great sense of humor and her philosophy is that 6th grade should be fun, as it's the last year they can be children. Yet, she also managed to teach Katja quite a lot. So, I hope Kai will have an equally fun year with her.
Meanwhile, I'm in the process of finding someone to help me in the household. More than just the cleaning ladies I have now (who charge an arm and a leg for just basic vacuuming and dusting). My fibromyalgia is really getting worse and I want to use what little energy I have on my family and not on the household! I'm lucky that we can afford help, though. I was a little bummed to read that people with fibromyalgia get government subsidized help in the Netherlands. Not that I really need that, but it does mean the disease is taken seriously there. Here, I feel I constantly have to apologize and make up excuses, as "I'm in pain and exhausted" just doesn't seem enough. Even on Thursday, I was roped into volunteering, even after saying no and giving the reason. I was told this "would keep my mind off things". Little do they know that worming myself into a child sized school chair for hours on end to organize a gift wrap fund raiser is pure torture for me and certainly won't "take my mind off things".
Ok, done ranting. When the volunteering call comes, I'll just have to say "no", right? But that's one of the hardest words for me to utter! Help!
Oh well, we'll cross the bridge etc. I'm pretty pooped tonight, so I'll leave it at this and am going to cuddle with my little second grader :).
Monday, September 01, 2003
A new schoolyear, a new month and on with my blog! It's amazing how quickly the summer flew by. I loved it though and enjoyed every minute of it!
So, now, wah :(. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, getting up early, not seeing the kids all day and the routine of homework and all again. Yuck!
I'm up for homeschooling, but, with the exception of Kai, the kids are *not* interested. I probably couldn't swing it physically anyway, but I just so enjoyed having all this time with them!
Today, Kai and I went downtown to the Natural History Museum. We made a point of reading *everything* in the prehistoric section and the gems and minerals section. Needless to say, we didn't succeed in the 2.5 hours we had, but we did read more than we ever have. The most amazing fact I learned was that a ruby is red, because it's the only color the electrons inside it don't absorb! So, if you were in the total darkness and somehow still able to see, a ruby would be clear.
It's such a cool museum and you can just spend hours and hours learning!
Tonight we're celebrating the end of summer with a Mexican meal and some margaritas. I'm glad I usually really like fall here in the States, otherwise I'd be seriously depressed! Also looking forward to updating this blog way more frequently!
So, now, wah :(. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, getting up early, not seeing the kids all day and the routine of homework and all again. Yuck!
I'm up for homeschooling, but, with the exception of Kai, the kids are *not* interested. I probably couldn't swing it physically anyway, but I just so enjoyed having all this time with them!
Today, Kai and I went downtown to the Natural History Museum. We made a point of reading *everything* in the prehistoric section and the gems and minerals section. Needless to say, we didn't succeed in the 2.5 hours we had, but we did read more than we ever have. The most amazing fact I learned was that a ruby is red, because it's the only color the electrons inside it don't absorb! So, if you were in the total darkness and somehow still able to see, a ruby would be clear.
It's such a cool museum and you can just spend hours and hours learning!
Tonight we're celebrating the end of summer with a Mexican meal and some margaritas. I'm glad I usually really like fall here in the States, otherwise I'd be seriously depressed! Also looking forward to updating this blog way more frequently!
Saturday, July 26, 2003
I'm not getting a lot of computer time these days, but I want to post here, that I finished my Southwest trip blog and it can be read at http://southwest2003.blogspot.com . The summer is very busy and I don't think I'll get time again to update this regular blog until the middle of August. I hope everyone is having a great summer!
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Meanwhile, we're in New Orleans. Life is in a tailspin and I barely have computer time. We played tourist in Washington all of last week with Zack. We saw 2 museums: Natural History and Air and Space, did a DC Ducks tour, went to Skyline Caverns and to Busch Gardens. We were all sad to say goodbye on Sunday, but didn't have much time to be as we left this morning for New Orleans.
The flight here was nice, Rick left on another flight, as he has a conference here, but the kids and I had a nice non-stop. I sat next to Saskia and Kai and Katja wanted to sit together, so they could play their Gameboys. Everybody was angelic! Saskia and I practiced her Cat's Cradle moves and she figured out how to make a cup and saucer and the Eiffel Tower.
Rick was waiting at the exit at the airport and we checked into a suite at the Royal Sonesta hotel. It's a very nice room, huge, but quite humid, everything feels damp. They were going to give us a room facing Bourbon Street, but I thought that was a disaster waiting to happen with the noise. So I begged for an inside room. Which is when they upgraded us to this suite. We have a patio outside, where we'll eat breakfast tomorrow, very nice. It's a two level suite with a king size and pull out sofa and roll-away. Tonight, Rick is spending the night with us, but tomorrow he goes off to his own hotel and we don't know how often we'll see him this week.
Saskia was quite shocked by all the nudity displayed here, but the other two have eyes wide as saucers ;). Tomorrow we're going to do a swamp tour and are being picked up bright and early from the hotel for it.
Last time we were here, we stayed near the Convention Center and didn't spend that much time in the French Quarter, so this will be a different experience.
The flight here was nice, Rick left on another flight, as he has a conference here, but the kids and I had a nice non-stop. I sat next to Saskia and Kai and Katja wanted to sit together, so they could play their Gameboys. Everybody was angelic! Saskia and I practiced her Cat's Cradle moves and she figured out how to make a cup and saucer and the Eiffel Tower.
Rick was waiting at the exit at the airport and we checked into a suite at the Royal Sonesta hotel. It's a very nice room, huge, but quite humid, everything feels damp. They were going to give us a room facing Bourbon Street, but I thought that was a disaster waiting to happen with the noise. So I begged for an inside room. Which is when they upgraded us to this suite. We have a patio outside, where we'll eat breakfast tomorrow, very nice. It's a two level suite with a king size and pull out sofa and roll-away. Tonight, Rick is spending the night with us, but tomorrow he goes off to his own hotel and we don't know how often we'll see him this week.
Saskia was quite shocked by all the nudity displayed here, but the other two have eyes wide as saucers ;). Tomorrow we're going to do a swamp tour and are being picked up bright and early from the hotel for it.
Last time we were here, we stayed near the Convention Center and didn't spend that much time in the French Quarter, so this will be a different experience.
Monday, July 07, 2003
We're baaaack! We've been to the Southwest for 10 days and it was WONDERFUL! I will write a separate blog about it, though I'm not sure when I'll get to it, as my 12 year old nephew is staying here from Colorado and we're sightseeing in DC this week.
Yesterday, we picked him up from the airport and ate dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. Today, I took Saskia to camp and the other 3 to DC to watch the Bugs! 3D Imax at the Natural History museum and see the dinosaur exhibit and the gems and minerals.
We were going to swim afterwards, but the weather threw in a wrench. It started raining and thundering just as we walked in the door. At least we didn't get soaked walking home from the Metro.
Tonight we ate at Chili's and went to the movies. The guys watched Terminator 3 and the girls Legally Blonde 2, which has some hilarious scenes.
I'm beat, so off to bed for me.
Yesterday, we picked him up from the airport and ate dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. Today, I took Saskia to camp and the other 3 to DC to watch the Bugs! 3D Imax at the Natural History museum and see the dinosaur exhibit and the gems and minerals.
We were going to swim afterwards, but the weather threw in a wrench. It started raining and thundering just as we walked in the door. At least we didn't get soaked walking home from the Metro.
Tonight we ate at Chili's and went to the movies. The guys watched Terminator 3 and the girls Legally Blonde 2, which has some hilarious scenes.
I'm beat, so off to bed for me.
Monday, June 16, 2003
We had a great weekend! On Friday, I biked out to Alexandria and loved it. I'm really getting into this! There's nothing like pedalling superfast and feeling the wind through your hair and seeing nature all around. This direction of the path is more crowded than going west, but after going through 2 towns, you get into beautiful parkland with creeks and flowers.
Saskia had invited 3 friends for a sleepover, for her half birthday and they had a blast. We ordered pizza and Rick got ice cream and a movie for them and by 11pm they were all sound asleep. Saskia was having the time of her life! She's such a socialite, that girl! In the morning, they woke up at 6:15 (yawn!), but then went to play in the basement, so Rick and I could sleep a little longer. Then Rick got them donuts (I know, I know, but it was the unanimous choice) and the parents picked them up.
Meanwhile, Christine had come over and we went for a long walk with Kai on his bike. Kai did really well and that got me thinking, that biking with the kids would be a good exercise this summer. Saskia is still too little for a big bike, though and the little bike she has would be way too exhausting for her to keep up with us. So I thought about renting a trail-a-bike, to see if she liked that.
In the evening, we had our first cookout of the year, it's been so rainy, we hadn't even used the grill yet. Rick made great hamburgers and hotdogs, since I eat hamburgers about once a year, I did enjoy having one again for a change.
Yesterday was of course Father's Day, so the kids and I brought Rick tea and fresh cherries in bed and gave him a new camera (digital, finally!) and a gift card he can use at different stores. Then we got dressed and I rode off to the bike store to rent a trail-a-bike for Saskia. Kai, Rick, Saskia and I rode out to the path and 6 miles west on it, so it worked well and we decided to purchase it. Saskia is thrilled!! She just wants to keep going on her new bike (that means I have to come along though :)).
We rode it to school this morning and to the pool (across the street) this afternoon. She wanted to go longer, as did Kai, but I'm feeling very run down and tired, so after the pool, I told them I really didn't have it in me to bike too (didn't swim either, too cold!). They were disappointed, which immediately activates my guilt feeling, but I honestly thought I might do something stupid, if I went, like run into a car or something.
Last night, my dad came over and we went to a Thai restaurant of Rick's choosing. It was very nice, but Thai is not the food of choice of our kids. Katja was the only one that enjoyed her food. Oh well, the fathers enjoyed it and that was important.
Saskia had invited 3 friends for a sleepover, for her half birthday and they had a blast. We ordered pizza and Rick got ice cream and a movie for them and by 11pm they were all sound asleep. Saskia was having the time of her life! She's such a socialite, that girl! In the morning, they woke up at 6:15 (yawn!), but then went to play in the basement, so Rick and I could sleep a little longer. Then Rick got them donuts (I know, I know, but it was the unanimous choice) and the parents picked them up.
Meanwhile, Christine had come over and we went for a long walk with Kai on his bike. Kai did really well and that got me thinking, that biking with the kids would be a good exercise this summer. Saskia is still too little for a big bike, though and the little bike she has would be way too exhausting for her to keep up with us. So I thought about renting a trail-a-bike, to see if she liked that.
In the evening, we had our first cookout of the year, it's been so rainy, we hadn't even used the grill yet. Rick made great hamburgers and hotdogs, since I eat hamburgers about once a year, I did enjoy having one again for a change.
Yesterday was of course Father's Day, so the kids and I brought Rick tea and fresh cherries in bed and gave him a new camera (digital, finally!) and a gift card he can use at different stores. Then we got dressed and I rode off to the bike store to rent a trail-a-bike for Saskia. Kai, Rick, Saskia and I rode out to the path and 6 miles west on it, so it worked well and we decided to purchase it. Saskia is thrilled!! She just wants to keep going on her new bike (that means I have to come along though :)).
We rode it to school this morning and to the pool (across the street) this afternoon. She wanted to go longer, as did Kai, but I'm feeling very run down and tired, so after the pool, I told them I really didn't have it in me to bike too (didn't swim either, too cold!). They were disappointed, which immediately activates my guilt feeling, but I honestly thought I might do something stupid, if I went, like run into a car or something.
Last night, my dad came over and we went to a Thai restaurant of Rick's choosing. It was very nice, but Thai is not the food of choice of our kids. Katja was the only one that enjoyed her food. Oh well, the fathers enjoyed it and that was important.
Thursday, June 12, 2003
Wow, it's Thursday already! Life always goes in a tailspin at the end of the schoolyear, what with parties, picnics, graduations etc.!
And the weather has been fine this week too, albeit quite humid, so the moment you step outside, sweat drips off of you, but at least it's not raining all day and the sun comes out at times. We did have some serious storms roll through last night though and are expecting more today.
Saskia wants to go to the pool, but the water is still too cold for me, so I've (successfully) dissuaded her. If there wasn't a thunderstorm only a half hour or so away, I would have let her go, heaven knows she needs the exercise. But I have a feeling it would be one of those sweating to get to the pool and just jumped in and then the first thunder is heard, deals. They close the pool for 15 minutes at the first sound of thunder and don't reopen it until no thunder is heard for 15 minutes. So, that effectively closes the pool for the afternoon if there are storms in the area as you can hear thunder for a loooooong time before and after a storm!
Recapping the week, on Monday Christine and I worked out on the fitness trail in the nearby park. It's really cool, a beautiful forest, with every few hundred feet an exercise to do, like push ups, pull ups, hopping over bars etc. There are 20 exercises that works all kinds of different muscles. You jog between stations and by the end have done quite a good workout.
Katja had a dentist appointment in the afternoon and Kai had his end of year concert that evening. They sounded a lot better than in the beginning of the year. Kai plays trumpet, he doesn't know yet if he wants to continue next year. I don't think our kids are very musically inclined, but if Kai would really get into the trumpet, it would be cool. In the fall we listened to the high school jazz band and that was lots of fun and the kids playing clearly enjoyed it too.
On Tuesday at 7am, my dad called to see if I'd gotten his messages (oops, no, didn't check the machine!) and asked if I wanted to go for a long bike ride. So we rode out to Herndon on the W&OD trail , about 10 miles out. He was a great biking companion keeping up my pace, until the last 3 miles, then he suddenly was really tired.
It was a beautiful ride, we saw 2 groundhogs, several chipmunks, colorful birds and a fox! The latter was sitting at the top of a bridge looking at us and didn't run away till I was very close to him. On the way back, he was there again. It's definitely the closest up I've ever seen a fox!
Talking about wildlife, apparently, a bear was tranquilized less than 2 miles from our house the other day! This is what the Washington Post wrote about it:
"Wandering Bear Captured in Fairfax
An adolescent bear seen wandering through yards in Fairfax County foraging for food was tranquilized and carried away on a litter after startled homeowners in Vienna contacted police yesterday.
The 80-pound black bear was spotted in the late morning lumbering through residential neighborhoods near Route 123, said Earl Hodnett, a wildlife biologist with the police department's animal control division. The bear was shot with a dart gun and eventually transferred to state animal control officers, who were to release it into woods far from the crowded suburbs, Hodnett said.
Bears and other wildlife -- including red foxes, coyotes and deer -- are becoming a common sight in the suburbs. "This isn't necessarily the only bear around," Hodnett said. "It's just the only one we tranquilized today.""
A little disconcerting to think we could see a bear in our backyard next! Our neighbor said he had recently seen a coyote in his yard and this really can't be called a rural area by any stretch of the imagination!
Back to the events at hand, after the bike ride, I went over to Saskia's class picnic and walked back home with her. We had about an hour before the school would let out, so I took her to the pool. This was a good move, as she got all my attention and could tell me a thousand times "Watch this, Mommy", without being interrupted by a sibling. I think she sometimes really needs that one on one total attention on her.
After Katja's tutoring, Lauren came to babysit and Rick and I went out to dinner to the Pacific Rim restaurant. It's a little bit of a drive from us, but they have the best vegetable roll appetizer: like a sushi hand roll, but then with crispy veggies. Really good!
Yesterday, I worked out at home, boring! Then went to Kai's picnic and helped out with pizza and games. I took Kai home with me as well, but his was over later, so we didn't have much time together.
Saskia had gymnastics and Katja her second tutoring session of the week, so I felt like a total chauffeur.
Oh yes, and it was Saskia's half birthday yesterday. She's going to be an actress that one, I've determined. The drama she can create! You would think she was the saddest little girl, because her birthday is so close to Christmas and she gets *all* her presents all at once and then nothing for a *whole* year (all brought with much flair). So, I decided to let her have some fun for her half birthday. We went to Zany Brainy, where she picked out some Scratchmagic (stipulation for the gift was that it had to be something she could make). And tomorrow night she's having a sleepover with 3 of her friends, with pizza, ice cream and a movie. She's happy :).
Today, I got my nails done, especially my toenails were highly necessary. Rick jokes with me, that I never used to get nails done and now I have to of course keep it up (I have silk wraps). And I like to get my toenails done, so I can get a cool design on my big toe with a little diamond. Ok, so, that's my one little indulgence and I like looking well groomed.
And the weather has been fine this week too, albeit quite humid, so the moment you step outside, sweat drips off of you, but at least it's not raining all day and the sun comes out at times. We did have some serious storms roll through last night though and are expecting more today.
Saskia wants to go to the pool, but the water is still too cold for me, so I've (successfully) dissuaded her. If there wasn't a thunderstorm only a half hour or so away, I would have let her go, heaven knows she needs the exercise. But I have a feeling it would be one of those sweating to get to the pool and just jumped in and then the first thunder is heard, deals. They close the pool for 15 minutes at the first sound of thunder and don't reopen it until no thunder is heard for 15 minutes. So, that effectively closes the pool for the afternoon if there are storms in the area as you can hear thunder for a loooooong time before and after a storm!
Recapping the week, on Monday Christine and I worked out on the fitness trail in the nearby park. It's really cool, a beautiful forest, with every few hundred feet an exercise to do, like push ups, pull ups, hopping over bars etc. There are 20 exercises that works all kinds of different muscles. You jog between stations and by the end have done quite a good workout.
Katja had a dentist appointment in the afternoon and Kai had his end of year concert that evening. They sounded a lot better than in the beginning of the year. Kai plays trumpet, he doesn't know yet if he wants to continue next year. I don't think our kids are very musically inclined, but if Kai would really get into the trumpet, it would be cool. In the fall we listened to the high school jazz band and that was lots of fun and the kids playing clearly enjoyed it too.
On Tuesday at 7am, my dad called to see if I'd gotten his messages (oops, no, didn't check the machine!) and asked if I wanted to go for a long bike ride. So we rode out to Herndon on the W&OD trail , about 10 miles out. He was a great biking companion keeping up my pace, until the last 3 miles, then he suddenly was really tired.
It was a beautiful ride, we saw 2 groundhogs, several chipmunks, colorful birds and a fox! The latter was sitting at the top of a bridge looking at us and didn't run away till I was very close to him. On the way back, he was there again. It's definitely the closest up I've ever seen a fox!
Talking about wildlife, apparently, a bear was tranquilized less than 2 miles from our house the other day! This is what the Washington Post wrote about it:
"Wandering Bear Captured in Fairfax
An adolescent bear seen wandering through yards in Fairfax County foraging for food was tranquilized and carried away on a litter after startled homeowners in Vienna contacted police yesterday.
The 80-pound black bear was spotted in the late morning lumbering through residential neighborhoods near Route 123, said Earl Hodnett, a wildlife biologist with the police department's animal control division. The bear was shot with a dart gun and eventually transferred to state animal control officers, who were to release it into woods far from the crowded suburbs, Hodnett said.
Bears and other wildlife -- including red foxes, coyotes and deer -- are becoming a common sight in the suburbs. "This isn't necessarily the only bear around," Hodnett said. "It's just the only one we tranquilized today.""
A little disconcerting to think we could see a bear in our backyard next! Our neighbor said he had recently seen a coyote in his yard and this really can't be called a rural area by any stretch of the imagination!
Back to the events at hand, after the bike ride, I went over to Saskia's class picnic and walked back home with her. We had about an hour before the school would let out, so I took her to the pool. This was a good move, as she got all my attention and could tell me a thousand times "Watch this, Mommy", without being interrupted by a sibling. I think she sometimes really needs that one on one total attention on her.
After Katja's tutoring, Lauren came to babysit and Rick and I went out to dinner to the Pacific Rim restaurant. It's a little bit of a drive from us, but they have the best vegetable roll appetizer: like a sushi hand roll, but then with crispy veggies. Really good!
Yesterday, I worked out at home, boring! Then went to Kai's picnic and helped out with pizza and games. I took Kai home with me as well, but his was over later, so we didn't have much time together.
Saskia had gymnastics and Katja her second tutoring session of the week, so I felt like a total chauffeur.
Oh yes, and it was Saskia's half birthday yesterday. She's going to be an actress that one, I've determined. The drama she can create! You would think she was the saddest little girl, because her birthday is so close to Christmas and she gets *all* her presents all at once and then nothing for a *whole* year (all brought with much flair). So, I decided to let her have some fun for her half birthday. We went to Zany Brainy, where she picked out some Scratchmagic (stipulation for the gift was that it had to be something she could make). And tomorrow night she's having a sleepover with 3 of her friends, with pizza, ice cream and a movie. She's happy :).
Today, I got my nails done, especially my toenails were highly necessary. Rick jokes with me, that I never used to get nails done and now I have to of course keep it up (I have silk wraps). And I like to get my toenails done, so I can get a cool design on my big toe with a little diamond. Ok, so, that's my one little indulgence and I like looking well groomed.
Sunday, June 08, 2003
Yes, after rain comes sunshine is an old Dutch saying and thank goodness it's always true! It was pouring down rain all day yesterday, but today it's dry and we've seen some rays of sunshine. We went to the Great Falls park again, as they opened some floodgates upstream which turned the river into a raging rapid, very impressive! We walked about 2 hours through the mud, so we were gross when we came home, but oh was it gorgeous! I'll upload a picture here too.
On Friday night we had a great party for Chuck's 50th birthday. It had a southwest theme, so we brought stuffed jalapenos from Tequila Grande, they're so good, they're stuffed with spinach and cheese.
Yesterday we just kind of hung out, Katja had to babysit and after she left, Rick and I and the other 2 kids went to Renaissance Cafe, our favorite restaurant. The kids were so much fun! While waiting for the meals, I gave them each coins to check out from what year they were and we made an "oldest", "middle" and "newest" pile. The oldest was 1962, so not extremely old.
I'm working on editing my pictures now, so I'm keeping this short.
On Friday night we had a great party for Chuck's 50th birthday. It had a southwest theme, so we brought stuffed jalapenos from Tequila Grande, they're so good, they're stuffed with spinach and cheese.
Yesterday we just kind of hung out, Katja had to babysit and after she left, Rick and I and the other 2 kids went to Renaissance Cafe, our favorite restaurant. The kids were so much fun! While waiting for the meals, I gave them each coins to check out from what year they were and we made an "oldest", "middle" and "newest" pile. The oldest was 1962, so not extremely old.
I'm working on editing my pictures now, so I'm keeping this short.
Tuesday, June 03, 2003
Well, I guess I'll first start with today, as I'm sooooo mad at myself! I know it's because when I'm tired and too busy, I start doing stupid things, but still... Ok, here goes, I ran out this afternoon to get Kai and Saskia from school, because it was raining. I wanted to get there early, so I could be as close as possible so they wouldn't get too wet. I backed out of the driveway and how I did it I'll never know, but I managed to get so close to the mailbox, that a rusty nail on the mailbox scratched the car badly :(.
Rick just left to go to Seattle this afternoon, so I couldn't call him, I called Christine instead, who of course told me it's just a scratch, it can be fixed etc. But still, I went to Maaco and the estimate is over $300 :(. Just because the stupid nail had to scratch both the side and part of the liftgate. Grrr!!!
This on yet another dreary rainy afternoon and I'm feeling sooo tired! Wah!
Tonight we had Chinese for dinner as we always eat that, when Rick is out of town. After dinner Saskia was doing cartwheels and hit her toes on the coffee table, poor kid. It looks ok, no bruising or anything, but she's limping around the room.
Ok, so on to more fun stuff: this weekend. We had a fun dinner here with Chuck, Christine and Mallory on Saturday, nice Greek food. Katja and I went shopping for her shoes in the afternoon, after she had been cleaning her room at my request. She did quite a good job on her room, I have to say! It had become quite a mess and several garbage bags came out.
On Sunday, we went to Finding Nemo, a really fun animated movie. We saw our old neighbors the Ojjeh's there, after not seeing them for 5 years. The kids had all changed so tremendously in that time!
Yesterday, the weather was gorgeous. So I took my bike and rode out...11 miles! For a 22 mile roundtrip! It was so much fun! I saw all kinds of beautiful birds, red winged blackbirds, bluebirds, cardinals, a goldfinch and a blue jay. And I saw at least 10 chipmunks (did you know there are 14 types of chipmunks?? Wow! They're so cute though!) and almost rode over 2 of them :-o! The trip took me through our county to the next. It was cool!
After the kids got home from school, Kai and Saskia and I went to Great Falls National Park with Brynna. Saskia initially created quite a drama, but then ended up loving it there and climbing rocks and skipping on the path. She had to laugh at herself afterwards. The falls were even more swollen than the last time, what with all the rain we have been having.
Then the girls got a haircut and Lauren came to babysit. Rick and I ate Vietnamese and then saw the movie "Bruce Almighty". I like Jim Carrey, but this was not the best movie I've seen, though it was entertaining.
Tomorrow I'm sure will be just as fun of a day as yesterday was, right? We'll just forget about today.
Rick just left to go to Seattle this afternoon, so I couldn't call him, I called Christine instead, who of course told me it's just a scratch, it can be fixed etc. But still, I went to Maaco and the estimate is over $300 :(. Just because the stupid nail had to scratch both the side and part of the liftgate. Grrr!!!
This on yet another dreary rainy afternoon and I'm feeling sooo tired! Wah!
Tonight we had Chinese for dinner as we always eat that, when Rick is out of town. After dinner Saskia was doing cartwheels and hit her toes on the coffee table, poor kid. It looks ok, no bruising or anything, but she's limping around the room.
Ok, so on to more fun stuff: this weekend. We had a fun dinner here with Chuck, Christine and Mallory on Saturday, nice Greek food. Katja and I went shopping for her shoes in the afternoon, after she had been cleaning her room at my request. She did quite a good job on her room, I have to say! It had become quite a mess and several garbage bags came out.
On Sunday, we went to Finding Nemo, a really fun animated movie. We saw our old neighbors the Ojjeh's there, after not seeing them for 5 years. The kids had all changed so tremendously in that time!
Yesterday, the weather was gorgeous. So I took my bike and rode out...11 miles! For a 22 mile roundtrip! It was so much fun! I saw all kinds of beautiful birds, red winged blackbirds, bluebirds, cardinals, a goldfinch and a blue jay. And I saw at least 10 chipmunks (did you know there are 14 types of chipmunks?? Wow! They're so cute though!) and almost rode over 2 of them :-o! The trip took me through our county to the next. It was cool!
After the kids got home from school, Kai and Saskia and I went to Great Falls National Park with Brynna. Saskia initially created quite a drama, but then ended up loving it there and climbing rocks and skipping on the path. She had to laugh at herself afterwards. The falls were even more swollen than the last time, what with all the rain we have been having.
Then the girls got a haircut and Lauren came to babysit. Rick and I ate Vietnamese and then saw the movie "Bruce Almighty". I like Jim Carrey, but this was not the best movie I've seen, though it was entertaining.
Tomorrow I'm sure will be just as fun of a day as yesterday was, right? We'll just forget about today.
Friday, May 30, 2003
Well, it's been quite a week. I feel I've been recuperating from the weekend trip all week long!
Our trip to Ottawa was very stressful and exhausting, we had to drive through the pouring rain both ways. At times there was so much fog and roadspray it felt like the end of the world! But it was very nice to my brother, sister in law and niece and nephew again. That's the only reason we'll keep making these crazy trips, so we can see each other at least once or twice a year.
The rain let up a little on Sunday in Ottawa and we went to the Canada Museum of Science and Technology. The kids loved it! My brother, who's not a museum lover, had enough after about an hour, but the kids could have easily gone on. There was so much hands on stuff! And to Katja's delight, PC's hooked up to the internet.
After the museum, we had lunch at their house and then the older kids, Rick, my brother and I went shopping. After a visit to Chapter's, where Rick found some new Asterixes and I got my sister in law "Diary of an American Au Pair", because she had liked the "Nanny Diaries" so much, my brother got a good taste of what it's like to have a teen girl :D. Katja went through several clothing stores and finally settled at the Gap, of all places, because they had a big sale. It did seem like the clothes were different than in the U.S., but I may have imagined that.
We arrived back home on Monday evening and everyone started back to school and work on Tuesday. It rained almost non-stop Tuesday through yesterday, so I haven't been feeling well at all. Though part of that is because of a persistent itchy cough I've had, blegh!
This morning, we were up at 5am, actually too late, as Katja needed to be at school at 5:15 to go to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. The bands of the middle schools in this area are competing there and after the competition they get about 4 hours to enjoy the park. They'll be back home (hopefully!) around 11pm tonight! She'll be so exhausted!
I took advantage of the beautiful weather this morning by going on a 15 mile bike ride. I love having the bike path so close by! I can go all the way to DC if I want to. Or out west, all the way to the Blue Ridge mountains. I don't really dare to go that far by myself, but still I went a good distance and it felt great. There were beautiful birds all around, this year there seem to be many more cardinals than usual. And I saw robins and blue jays as well.
Then I had lunch with Christine and Carol and now I'm just resting behind the pc, as I'm exhausted! I'm sure Saskia is going to want to swim this afternoon. She tried during a brief dry spell on Wednesday, but the water was just way too cold!
Five things that make me happy today:
1. The singing of the birds I hear right now, because I have the patio doors open
2. The peacefully sleeping cats around me, all four are within a few feet of me. I told Rick the other day I will never be without pets, they provide such companionship!
3. The SUN!
4. The impending weekend, I always love Friday afternoons for that reason. It seems like a sea of free time is ahead of us, even if it is only 3 nights.
5. Finally being able to wear a short sleeved t-shirt
Our trip to Ottawa was very stressful and exhausting, we had to drive through the pouring rain both ways. At times there was so much fog and roadspray it felt like the end of the world! But it was very nice to my brother, sister in law and niece and nephew again. That's the only reason we'll keep making these crazy trips, so we can see each other at least once or twice a year.
The rain let up a little on Sunday in Ottawa and we went to the Canada Museum of Science and Technology. The kids loved it! My brother, who's not a museum lover, had enough after about an hour, but the kids could have easily gone on. There was so much hands on stuff! And to Katja's delight, PC's hooked up to the internet.
After the museum, we had lunch at their house and then the older kids, Rick, my brother and I went shopping. After a visit to Chapter's, where Rick found some new Asterixes and I got my sister in law "Diary of an American Au Pair", because she had liked the "Nanny Diaries" so much, my brother got a good taste of what it's like to have a teen girl :D. Katja went through several clothing stores and finally settled at the Gap, of all places, because they had a big sale. It did seem like the clothes were different than in the U.S., but I may have imagined that.
We arrived back home on Monday evening and everyone started back to school and work on Tuesday. It rained almost non-stop Tuesday through yesterday, so I haven't been feeling well at all. Though part of that is because of a persistent itchy cough I've had, blegh!
This morning, we were up at 5am, actually too late, as Katja needed to be at school at 5:15 to go to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. The bands of the middle schools in this area are competing there and after the competition they get about 4 hours to enjoy the park. They'll be back home (hopefully!) around 11pm tonight! She'll be so exhausted!
I took advantage of the beautiful weather this morning by going on a 15 mile bike ride. I love having the bike path so close by! I can go all the way to DC if I want to. Or out west, all the way to the Blue Ridge mountains. I don't really dare to go that far by myself, but still I went a good distance and it felt great. There were beautiful birds all around, this year there seem to be many more cardinals than usual. And I saw robins and blue jays as well.
Then I had lunch with Christine and Carol and now I'm just resting behind the pc, as I'm exhausted! I'm sure Saskia is going to want to swim this afternoon. She tried during a brief dry spell on Wednesday, but the water was just way too cold!
Five things that make me happy today:
1. The singing of the birds I hear right now, because I have the patio doors open
2. The peacefully sleeping cats around me, all four are within a few feet of me. I told Rick the other day I will never be without pets, they provide such companionship!
3. The SUN!
4. The impending weekend, I always love Friday afternoons for that reason. It seems like a sea of free time is ahead of us, even if it is only 3 nights.
5. Finally being able to wear a short sleeved t-shirt
Thursday, May 22, 2003
Ok, I hate to keep griping about the weather, but we woke up to another gray, gloomy day, yuck! At least it didn't rain.
Saskia was supposed to have a field trip to a park today and I was supposed to come along. But, with this weather, it would have been too much for me: no workout and sitting stiffly. So, I have to admit to having sinned :D. I started asking Saskia yesterday, if she would like to go to the field trip or if she'd rather go shopping with me (she really needed summer clothes, hey, two birds with one stone there!). Of course, being my daughter :), she chose the shopping (phew!).
This morning the weather was exactly as predicted, so I called the school, that we wouldn't be going on the fieldtrip. This message didn't go through, as the administrator called later to make sure Saskia was ok. Oh well.
Anyway, Christine came over to work out here, we have a treadmill and an elliptical machine, so we switch off, a half hour on each. Saskia was a little angel, playing with her new "boredom" basket.
After our workouts, Christine went home and I quickly took a shower. Then we went off to the mall. At Saskia's request, we first shopped for her clothes. Everything was on sale, so she made out like a bandit! Very cute capri's and skorts and, her favorites, shirts with long flowing sleeves. She's so funny, as she has a great fashion sense and was very aware of what would match and was sure to not get anything that wouldn't.
Another way she's funny, is that initially, it seems as if she could shop forever, but then, after trying a bunch of stuff on, she's done. And I mean done *now*. No more, nothing, nope, I'm hungry, let's pay, let's go. Right up my alley! No whining, no let's just try one more thing, nope, done!
So, pay we did (amazingly low price for all she got as there was a coupon too) and then took off for the Rainforest Cafe, her place of choice for lunch. We sat at the bar, Saskia on a duck and I on a frog (their stools are animal shaped), she because she likes sitting on those chairs, me because I mistakenly believed that might speed up the delivery of the food. No such luck! We instantly knew our order: kid's pizza for her and their lettuce wraps for me. They're really good, those lettuce wraps, with veggie salad, chicken, peanuts and more, which you wrap in, you guessed it, lettuce. But it took almost 30 mins to get the food out!!! Still, we enjoyed it and chatted (I love hearing her renditions of what happens in her little life, all told with the utmost sincerity :)).
For dessert, she decided we should have some Dippin' Dots. We both had fat free yogurt strawberry cheesecake. Delicious! Those little really cold balls of ice cream are really good!
After a stop at CVS for new toothbrushes, toothpastes and air fresheners (ok, you know, the mundane stuff needs to be taken care of too!), Saskia convinced me to go back to Hecht's as she'd seen Mrs. Hagan's (her teacher) sandals there for kids.
Turned out to be old fashioned, as I was wearing them 30 years ago, Dr. Scholl's sandals. "Kleppers" is what we called them. It's so funny to see my own daughter in them now! She of course got a pair of white ones.
Then it was time to go to Blockbuster's, as we're going out of town to Canada tomorrow (no blog until Tuesday at the earliest). Saskia has a great sense of humor and picked out some wonderful comedies to watch on the way there. And, yes, we love having a tv in the car. We've driven the route many times and we all enjoy watching (or listening to, as in Rick and my case) the videos together. I cherish long drives with the family, we have to stay together and sleep together in the same room and I'm always a little sad when trips end. So, I wish everyone a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. I hope the weather will be better in most places than it's predicted to be here in the Mid-Atlantic. I guess the big first summer weekend is not going to be that sunny (if at all) this time, here.
Saskia was supposed to have a field trip to a park today and I was supposed to come along. But, with this weather, it would have been too much for me: no workout and sitting stiffly. So, I have to admit to having sinned :D. I started asking Saskia yesterday, if she would like to go to the field trip or if she'd rather go shopping with me (she really needed summer clothes, hey, two birds with one stone there!). Of course, being my daughter :), she chose the shopping (phew!).
This morning the weather was exactly as predicted, so I called the school, that we wouldn't be going on the fieldtrip. This message didn't go through, as the administrator called later to make sure Saskia was ok. Oh well.
Anyway, Christine came over to work out here, we have a treadmill and an elliptical machine, so we switch off, a half hour on each. Saskia was a little angel, playing with her new "boredom" basket.
After our workouts, Christine went home and I quickly took a shower. Then we went off to the mall. At Saskia's request, we first shopped for her clothes. Everything was on sale, so she made out like a bandit! Very cute capri's and skorts and, her favorites, shirts with long flowing sleeves. She's so funny, as she has a great fashion sense and was very aware of what would match and was sure to not get anything that wouldn't.
Another way she's funny, is that initially, it seems as if she could shop forever, but then, after trying a bunch of stuff on, she's done. And I mean done *now*. No more, nothing, nope, I'm hungry, let's pay, let's go. Right up my alley! No whining, no let's just try one more thing, nope, done!
So, pay we did (amazingly low price for all she got as there was a coupon too) and then took off for the Rainforest Cafe, her place of choice for lunch. We sat at the bar, Saskia on a duck and I on a frog (their stools are animal shaped), she because she likes sitting on those chairs, me because I mistakenly believed that might speed up the delivery of the food. No such luck! We instantly knew our order: kid's pizza for her and their lettuce wraps for me. They're really good, those lettuce wraps, with veggie salad, chicken, peanuts and more, which you wrap in, you guessed it, lettuce. But it took almost 30 mins to get the food out!!! Still, we enjoyed it and chatted (I love hearing her renditions of what happens in her little life, all told with the utmost sincerity :)).
For dessert, she decided we should have some Dippin' Dots. We both had fat free yogurt strawberry cheesecake. Delicious! Those little really cold balls of ice cream are really good!
After a stop at CVS for new toothbrushes, toothpastes and air fresheners (ok, you know, the mundane stuff needs to be taken care of too!), Saskia convinced me to go back to Hecht's as she'd seen Mrs. Hagan's (her teacher) sandals there for kids.
Turned out to be old fashioned, as I was wearing them 30 years ago, Dr. Scholl's sandals. "Kleppers" is what we called them. It's so funny to see my own daughter in them now! She of course got a pair of white ones.
Then it was time to go to Blockbuster's, as we're going out of town to Canada tomorrow (no blog until Tuesday at the earliest). Saskia has a great sense of humor and picked out some wonderful comedies to watch on the way there. And, yes, we love having a tv in the car. We've driven the route many times and we all enjoy watching (or listening to, as in Rick and my case) the videos together. I cherish long drives with the family, we have to stay together and sleep together in the same room and I'm always a little sad when trips end. So, I wish everyone a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. I hope the weather will be better in most places than it's predicted to be here in the Mid-Atlantic. I guess the big first summer weekend is not going to be that sunny (if at all) this time, here.
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Well, I'm going to try and update this blog, fearing all will be lost. Unfortunately, I upgrade to a paid version of the Blogger software and it wiped out my travel blogs, sniff! Luckily, they're still readable where they were published, with the exception of one. Certainly teaches me to make backups! Which of course I did for all but the one I completely lost. Oh well, the memories are still there, of course.
We had 2 nice days, weatherwise and so on Monday, Christine and I went for a 2 hour and 15 minute walk, both carrying 10 pound weights in each hand, plus a water bottle. We hadn't meant to go for so long, but we walked out and then took a long time to get back. That was quite the workout!
In the afternoon, I watched my friend's kids, who are the same age as Kai and Saskia, because she was out of town. And then their other friends came too, unbeknownst to me (I was upstairs). I need to vent just a little a bit about that situation. These 2 kids, girl Saskia's age, boy Kai's age, call almost every afternoon to play. And they're great kids, don't get me wrong, and my kids' best friends. *However* they have a stay at home dad, who gets a nice few hours to himself every time, because the kids always want to play here. Still, ok, I guess, most afternoons I don't mind having everyone play here at all. But, those few times that I can't have the kids over and suggest my kids go play over there, it is never possible! They simply do not reciprocate. And really, I'm not looking for tit for tat, just an occasional switching off.
Another irritation was, that I had to take Kai to the dentist at 3:45 and my friend's oldest would be home by then, so she knew her kids would be dropped off.
Well, I had told Kai to tell his other friend, that his dad would need to pick him up by 3:30, as he had that appointment. No one came at that time and I was trying hard to not show my annoyance to the kids and piled everyone in the van and dropped them all off. Well, dad had not even left the house yet at 3:40! Needless to say, we were late for the dentist, sigh. Oh well, it feels good to vent once in a while, I can't change the guy and I don't want to create a situation either, being that the kids are all such good friends.
Yesterday, I first ran with Brynna in the morning. It's really hilarious to do that. She comes along all excitedly and runs way ahead of me and then about 20 minutes or so later, she's dragging behind me with her tongue on the ground just about!
Then the weekly bible study. This time about experiencing joy in the small things in life and giving joy to others. Food for thought. Today, I'm finding it a little challenging to see joy, as the rain has been streaming down and the forecast is the same for the next week!!! I hope we don't get a climate change here, as I will have to move, it wreaks too much havoc on my health. But I do find joy, still :). Thankfully!
After I got home from the bible study, I had a strong urge to go for a bike ride. I knew it was going to be crappy weather and I'd only used my new bike once. I had about an hour before the kids got out of school. So, I happily stepped on my bike and was going at a good clip, about 2 miles from home, when I heard a tell tale "pffffff" sound coming from the rear tire! In less than 10 seconds, the tire was completely flat. Thank goodness I wasn't too far from home and I just about jogged home, making it back just in time for the kids.
Katja had Score yesterday (math tutoring) and after I dropped her off there, I went by the bike store and got the tire fixed. Not that it matters for a while, as the weather is just too gross to go biking. I swore off biking in the rain after I left Holland :D.
Last night, our friend Lauren, who's been babysitting for us for years and is home from college for the summer, came to babysit. She is super fond of the kids and the kids of her. So, Rick and I had a fun date, we went to check out a new restaurant . This restaurant had received some glowing reviews and it certainly lived up to them! We both had wonderful meals, very original food and my dessert was to die for. The owner came around and gave us a tour of the kitchen, very nice.
This morning, we woke up to soaking rains, yuck, yuck! I made it to the gym late, as I was procrastinating at home, but as always, the workout helped lift my mood. I went to Zany Brainy afterwards and bought things like Brainquest and Math games for Saskia and filled up a "Boredom" basket. She keeps saying she is bored after her friends leave, so I thought this would engage her, hopefully it'll work.
After Zany Brainy I ran home to eat lunch and then went off to Michael's all in the pouring rain, of course! I still had the Easter stuff lying around and now that Memorial Day is upon us, I figured I should decorate more summery. I bought silk sunflowers for the vases, a yellow floating candle and cute little watering cans with sunflowers painted on them. Now I just need to find some bright, cheery pillows, it seems I always only see dark colored ones.
Tonight we have Katja's spring concert with a stop at Dairy Queen afterwards. All I can think of is my bed, though, this weather is so exhausting!
And because it's such a gloomy day, it's imperative I write 5 reasons why I do find joy in my life (well, 4 very precious ones of them are always present, but you know what I mean ;)):
1. Katja's huge blinding smile that just got flashed at me seconds ago.
2. Saskia's singing of a silly rendition of "Mary had a Little Lamb" and her giggle every time she finishes (and Katja's patience in listening to her little sister singing it to her, even though she wanted to leave ;))
3. The glowing drops of rain on the bright green leaves of the plants in the yard. I want to take a picture of them when it's less wet, as they provide beauty in an otherwise dreary environment.
4. The two beautiful cardinals I saw playing in the yard this afternoon, the red birds in the green grass made a great sight!
5. Our home, it's such a beautiful, cozy safe haven from the outside world!
We had 2 nice days, weatherwise and so on Monday, Christine and I went for a 2 hour and 15 minute walk, both carrying 10 pound weights in each hand, plus a water bottle. We hadn't meant to go for so long, but we walked out and then took a long time to get back. That was quite the workout!
In the afternoon, I watched my friend's kids, who are the same age as Kai and Saskia, because she was out of town. And then their other friends came too, unbeknownst to me (I was upstairs). I need to vent just a little a bit about that situation. These 2 kids, girl Saskia's age, boy Kai's age, call almost every afternoon to play. And they're great kids, don't get me wrong, and my kids' best friends. *However* they have a stay at home dad, who gets a nice few hours to himself every time, because the kids always want to play here. Still, ok, I guess, most afternoons I don't mind having everyone play here at all. But, those few times that I can't have the kids over and suggest my kids go play over there, it is never possible! They simply do not reciprocate. And really, I'm not looking for tit for tat, just an occasional switching off.
Another irritation was, that I had to take Kai to the dentist at 3:45 and my friend's oldest would be home by then, so she knew her kids would be dropped off.
Well, I had told Kai to tell his other friend, that his dad would need to pick him up by 3:30, as he had that appointment. No one came at that time and I was trying hard to not show my annoyance to the kids and piled everyone in the van and dropped them all off. Well, dad had not even left the house yet at 3:40! Needless to say, we were late for the dentist, sigh. Oh well, it feels good to vent once in a while, I can't change the guy and I don't want to create a situation either, being that the kids are all such good friends.
Yesterday, I first ran with Brynna in the morning. It's really hilarious to do that. She comes along all excitedly and runs way ahead of me and then about 20 minutes or so later, she's dragging behind me with her tongue on the ground just about!
Then the weekly bible study. This time about experiencing joy in the small things in life and giving joy to others. Food for thought. Today, I'm finding it a little challenging to see joy, as the rain has been streaming down and the forecast is the same for the next week!!! I hope we don't get a climate change here, as I will have to move, it wreaks too much havoc on my health. But I do find joy, still :). Thankfully!
After I got home from the bible study, I had a strong urge to go for a bike ride. I knew it was going to be crappy weather and I'd only used my new bike once. I had about an hour before the kids got out of school. So, I happily stepped on my bike and was going at a good clip, about 2 miles from home, when I heard a tell tale "pffffff" sound coming from the rear tire! In less than 10 seconds, the tire was completely flat. Thank goodness I wasn't too far from home and I just about jogged home, making it back just in time for the kids.
Katja had Score yesterday (math tutoring) and after I dropped her off there, I went by the bike store and got the tire fixed. Not that it matters for a while, as the weather is just too gross to go biking. I swore off biking in the rain after I left Holland :D.
Last night, our friend Lauren, who's been babysitting for us for years and is home from college for the summer, came to babysit. She is super fond of the kids and the kids of her. So, Rick and I had a fun date, we went to check out a new restaurant . This restaurant had received some glowing reviews and it certainly lived up to them! We both had wonderful meals, very original food and my dessert was to die for. The owner came around and gave us a tour of the kitchen, very nice.
This morning, we woke up to soaking rains, yuck, yuck! I made it to the gym late, as I was procrastinating at home, but as always, the workout helped lift my mood. I went to Zany Brainy afterwards and bought things like Brainquest and Math games for Saskia and filled up a "Boredom" basket. She keeps saying she is bored after her friends leave, so I thought this would engage her, hopefully it'll work.
After Zany Brainy I ran home to eat lunch and then went off to Michael's all in the pouring rain, of course! I still had the Easter stuff lying around and now that Memorial Day is upon us, I figured I should decorate more summery. I bought silk sunflowers for the vases, a yellow floating candle and cute little watering cans with sunflowers painted on them. Now I just need to find some bright, cheery pillows, it seems I always only see dark colored ones.
Tonight we have Katja's spring concert with a stop at Dairy Queen afterwards. All I can think of is my bed, though, this weather is so exhausting!
And because it's such a gloomy day, it's imperative I write 5 reasons why I do find joy in my life (well, 4 very precious ones of them are always present, but you know what I mean ;)):
1. Katja's huge blinding smile that just got flashed at me seconds ago.
2. Saskia's singing of a silly rendition of "Mary had a Little Lamb" and her giggle every time she finishes (and Katja's patience in listening to her little sister singing it to her, even though she wanted to leave ;))
3. The glowing drops of rain on the bright green leaves of the plants in the yard. I want to take a picture of them when it's less wet, as they provide beauty in an otherwise dreary environment.
4. The two beautiful cardinals I saw playing in the yard this afternoon, the red birds in the green grass made a great sight!
5. Our home, it's such a beautiful, cozy safe haven from the outside world!
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Yesterday, we did indeed go for a bike ride. We rode out to the Reston Town Center on the W&OD trail, about 7 miles each way. Christine took Rick's bike. I kind of had to chuckle, as the saddle was bothering her and, well, I certainly heard about it ;). My saddle was equally uncomfortable, but I figure it's because we were not used to riding at all and some saddle pain is always par for the course.
It was so gorgeous! The trail is completely green, with the exception of the road crossings. It was very empty, the occasional older couple or mom with baby notwithstanding. We saw numerous cardinals, beautiful! I even almost ran one over that landed right in front of me to catch an insect. We heard woodpeckers peck the wood. But the highlight for me was seeing a bunch of bluebirds. I'd never seen real bluebirds.
The bike ride invigorated me, so when we got back, I quickly ate lunch and then went off to the nursery. I bought a bunch of perennials for the front yard, as I'm trying to fill that patch up, so we don't need to worry about it much anymore and Impatience for the backyard. We have very shady areas there and there is not much that will grow there, especially not flowering plants. Impatience seems to be it. It's expensive though, as it's just an annual and we need a lot of it to fill the spaces.
I also planted some Gladioli bulbs and this afternoon, just before the torrential rains hit, Saskia and I seeded Morning Glory, Peas, several herbs and Nasturtium.
Today I kept feeling like I was running ahead of the rains. It actually turned out to be dry most of the day (until just after Saskia and I planted those seeds). I had a hair appointment and my hair is darker than it was, which I like a lot. Next time I'm going to have some red put in. I talked about biking with my hair stylist (who is my age and I get along with very well, she's from the Lebanon) and she mentioned she didn't have a bike. I told her she could have my old one and she was very happy with that thought. So, in return for some hair products, I rode my old bike over there and then she gave me a ride home. She mentioned going biking with her son and little nieces, so I'm sure my old, reliable bike came to a good home.
When I got home, Katja called that she had missed the late schoolbus and could I give some of her classmates a ride too. Sure, I say. Turns out they live all over town! Would have been ok, except I left Saskia, with an earache and afraid of thunderstorms, with Kai, as I expected to not be long and she dislikes going with me. It of course took longer than expected, but thankfully, Rick got home early.
Wah, and now we have 2 more days of rain, this spring has been so unusual!!
I've been wanting to revive an old habit: recounting 5 things that made me happy, so here goes:
1. Believe it or not, but hearing Christine's complaining of her saddle pain made me happy, not because she was hurting, of course, but because she literally took the pain to ride out with me and enjoy the outside. That was a gift!
2. When Kai looked at me yesterday and told me he loves going to the park with his friends. It came from the bottom of his heart. There's another nature lover for me to enjoy!
3. Saskia's little voice on the phone when I called tonight and how big she is, that she can write a phone number down now.
4. Katja's obvious pride in having me (little old me) for a mom, when I picked her and her friends up. She clearly thought it was cool her mom helped them all out :). Much better than the shame I expected her to feel for me by now (though I sometimes do manage to inadvertently be a very embarrassing person to be around, oops!).
5. Rick's coming home early on Tuesday afternoon because I was in so much pain. I don't think he'll ever know just how much that means to me, his unfaltering support of me, no matter how sick I am.
As always, I'm blessed :).
It was so gorgeous! The trail is completely green, with the exception of the road crossings. It was very empty, the occasional older couple or mom with baby notwithstanding. We saw numerous cardinals, beautiful! I even almost ran one over that landed right in front of me to catch an insect. We heard woodpeckers peck the wood. But the highlight for me was seeing a bunch of bluebirds. I'd never seen real bluebirds.
The bike ride invigorated me, so when we got back, I quickly ate lunch and then went off to the nursery. I bought a bunch of perennials for the front yard, as I'm trying to fill that patch up, so we don't need to worry about it much anymore and Impatience for the backyard. We have very shady areas there and there is not much that will grow there, especially not flowering plants. Impatience seems to be it. It's expensive though, as it's just an annual and we need a lot of it to fill the spaces.
I also planted some Gladioli bulbs and this afternoon, just before the torrential rains hit, Saskia and I seeded Morning Glory, Peas, several herbs and Nasturtium.
Today I kept feeling like I was running ahead of the rains. It actually turned out to be dry most of the day (until just after Saskia and I planted those seeds). I had a hair appointment and my hair is darker than it was, which I like a lot. Next time I'm going to have some red put in. I talked about biking with my hair stylist (who is my age and I get along with very well, she's from the Lebanon) and she mentioned she didn't have a bike. I told her she could have my old one and she was very happy with that thought. So, in return for some hair products, I rode my old bike over there and then she gave me a ride home. She mentioned going biking with her son and little nieces, so I'm sure my old, reliable bike came to a good home.
When I got home, Katja called that she had missed the late schoolbus and could I give some of her classmates a ride too. Sure, I say. Turns out they live all over town! Would have been ok, except I left Saskia, with an earache and afraid of thunderstorms, with Kai, as I expected to not be long and she dislikes going with me. It of course took longer than expected, but thankfully, Rick got home early.
Wah, and now we have 2 more days of rain, this spring has been so unusual!!
I've been wanting to revive an old habit: recounting 5 things that made me happy, so here goes:
1. Believe it or not, but hearing Christine's complaining of her saddle pain made me happy, not because she was hurting, of course, but because she literally took the pain to ride out with me and enjoy the outside. That was a gift!
2. When Kai looked at me yesterday and told me he loves going to the park with his friends. It came from the bottom of his heart. There's another nature lover for me to enjoy!
3. Saskia's little voice on the phone when I called tonight and how big she is, that she can write a phone number down now.
4. Katja's obvious pride in having me (little old me
5. Rick's coming home early on Tuesday afternoon because I was in so much pain. I don't think he'll ever know just how much that means to me, his unfaltering support of me, no matter how sick I am.
As always, I'm blessed :).
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Pfff, finally! A beautiful, blue sky day. I can't believe this spring! It's so unlike other years, much more gloomy and cool. Normally, we're in the 80's by now, and this week we're lucky if the thermometer reaches 70.
Anyway, I got a bike on Mother's Day and I'm going to ride it today. Christine and I are going to the W&OD trail (if she doesn't lose courage, that is) and ride to Reston.
Yesterday was a tough day, pain wise. My massage therapist's hot water heater exploded in her house on Monday and so she had to cancel the massage Monday and again yesterday. I'm really hoping she'll come today, as my whole right side is locked up. Rick came home early yesterday to take Katja to tutoring and help out, as I wasn't worth anything.
A lot has to do with the weather, as it was cold and overcast yesterday. Today I do feel better, though I feel the tight muscles just waiting to start really tightening up again. Christine mentioned she had read an article in Newsweek about Fibromyalgia and new drugs they're manufacturing for it. I've kind of given up hope that there'll ever be a true cure, but I do think it's great it's now recognized so much and so much research is done on it. Twenty years ago, when I was diagnosed, no one knew what it was.
Well, I'm off to get the litter boxes clean, a most pleasant chore, not!
Anyway, I got a bike on Mother's Day and I'm going to ride it today. Christine and I are going to the W&OD trail (if she doesn't lose courage, that is) and ride to Reston.
Yesterday was a tough day, pain wise. My massage therapist's hot water heater exploded in her house on Monday and so she had to cancel the massage Monday and again yesterday. I'm really hoping she'll come today, as my whole right side is locked up. Rick came home early yesterday to take Katja to tutoring and help out, as I wasn't worth anything.
A lot has to do with the weather, as it was cold and overcast yesterday. Today I do feel better, though I feel the tight muscles just waiting to start really tightening up again. Christine mentioned she had read an article in Newsweek about Fibromyalgia and new drugs they're manufacturing for it. I've kind of given up hope that there'll ever be a true cure, but I do think it's great it's now recognized so much and so much research is done on it. Twenty years ago, when I was diagnosed, no one knew what it was.
Well, I'm off to get the litter boxes clean, a most pleasant chore, not!
Sunday, May 11, 2003
Mother's Day! Yeah, yeah, I know, commercial nonsense, blah, blah. But I love the day! Call me selfish, but I actually like it even better than my birthday.
This morning, Rick, Kai and Saskia (Katja was too tired after babysitting till after midnight last night) sat on the bed and gave me my gifts: Saskia a cute ladybug card she'd made at school, that told me she loves me because I help her with words she doesn't know :). Every year I'm intrigued to read why she loves me, as it's never a reason I could have possibly thought of myself. Kai gave me one of his very complicated and neat Science Fiction drawings, he draws them simply in pencil, but he has a lot of talent. Rick gave me what I'm writing on now: a new laptop! My old one's hard disk was getting full with all my pictures and the programs I use to edit them. This is so cool! And so fast!
Once Katja woke up, she gave me her gifts, two things she made in Shop at school: a keychain and duckbillholder (I collect ducks).
After a short workout and a long conversation with my sister in law in Canada, we went off to brunch at the Ritz Carlton. Now that is truly pampering! They have the best food, the most delicious salads and desserts. What a treat!
Then, we went to Borders and looked for books. I can always spend hours there! And the kids take after Rick and me in that regard, the whole family is quite happy in a bookstore and we never leave empty handed. Borders loves us ;).
At home, we worked on getting this computer set up and most programs installed. Then (I hardly dare write this, as I really do get spoiled by my wonderful husband) Rick suggested going to the bike store. I've been riding on his mountain bike and he'd decided it was time I got my own. So, in the garage, stands my brand spanking new bright blue Giant mountain bike. I can't wait to go on a ride!!! Rick is liking it, as I'm planning on riding out to his office to join him for lunch soon.
My heart is just full of love for my family, not just today of course, but they've once again shown just how much they love me, though more by their actions than their gifts. I hope every mom who reads this had a wonderful Mother's Day herself!
This morning, Rick, Kai and Saskia (Katja was too tired after babysitting till after midnight last night) sat on the bed and gave me my gifts: Saskia a cute ladybug card she'd made at school, that told me she loves me because I help her with words she doesn't know :). Every year I'm intrigued to read why she loves me, as it's never a reason I could have possibly thought of myself. Kai gave me one of his very complicated and neat Science Fiction drawings, he draws them simply in pencil, but he has a lot of talent. Rick gave me what I'm writing on now: a new laptop! My old one's hard disk was getting full with all my pictures and the programs I use to edit them. This is so cool! And so fast!
Once Katja woke up, she gave me her gifts, two things she made in Shop at school: a keychain and duckbillholder (I collect ducks).
After a short workout and a long conversation with my sister in law in Canada, we went off to brunch at the Ritz Carlton. Now that is truly pampering! They have the best food, the most delicious salads and desserts. What a treat!
Then, we went to Borders and looked for books. I can always spend hours there! And the kids take after Rick and me in that regard, the whole family is quite happy in a bookstore and we never leave empty handed. Borders loves us ;).
At home, we worked on getting this computer set up and most programs installed. Then (I hardly dare write this, as I really do get spoiled by my wonderful husband) Rick suggested going to the bike store. I've been riding on his mountain bike and he'd decided it was time I got my own. So, in the garage, stands my brand spanking new bright blue Giant mountain bike. I can't wait to go on a ride!!! Rick is liking it, as I'm planning on riding out to his office to join him for lunch soon.
My heart is just full of love for my family, not just today of course, but they've once again shown just how much they love me, though more by their actions than their gifts. I hope every mom who reads this had a wonderful Mother's Day herself!
