It’s Gotta Go Wednesday

Complaining about the driving skills, or lack there of, of others… how original of a complaint, right?

Every driver out in America gets irritated with other drivers at some point, and I’m no different. Sure, there are people who drive slow in the fast/passing lane, don’t signal when they are turning, speed up to “butt” in front of everyone else when lanes are merging, so on and so forth. The list of  pet peeves where driving is concerned is a long one. But for today’s purposes, I’m going to focus on one.

This post is dedicated to the woman who found it necessary to pull out right in front of me, causing me to break hard to avoid hitting her. A woman who had 2 children (that I could see) in her car and publicized it with the always classy “Baby on Board” sign in her window. I guess she was in a BIG hurry, because she couldn’t wait for the 422837825 foot space between me and the car behind me to pull out. I guess it made more sense to her to almost cause an accident by pulling out in front of me in rainy/snowy weather.

Annoying, yes. But that’s only part of my gripe. OK, so you pull out in front of me, kind of cutting me off, but I see you in time, break, and we both survive. BUT, if you’re in such a *@#>$ hurry, then why are you accelerating at approximately 1 mile per hour. I think she may have hit a top speed of 25 mph, but I didn’t stick around long enough to collect the data.

Here it is… the KEY part of my “gotta go”…IF you’re going to pull out in front of someone when the distance allotted is questionable, then you damn well better step on it! Yeah, it sucks to have to wait your turn in traffic, but there are these things called laws, rules, and just plain common sense and courtesy, and these are designed to keep us safe.

What gets me is this mom, who cares enough about her kids to let the whole world knows she’s carrying precious cargo with a sign, was driving like a complete idiot. I was driving a borrowed (from my parents) truck carrying my 5 yr. old, who I would like to keep alive AND safe from bodily harm.

A rule of thumb while driving: If you question if you have time to “make it”, don’t. Because driving like an a-hole has GOT TO GO.

Blasts from the Past

Inspired by my friend Erica (yeah, she’s kinda inspirational), I created a “blog book” about a month ago. She told me about how she creates a yearly book that contains all of her blog posts from the previous year. Excellent idea! Using a pretty cool website, I took all of the posts from my blog in 2010 and created my own little book. Since I’ve never been much of a diary keeper, this is an excellent way for me to record the years events. I love that all of the pictures that I posted are included with each entry. This is better than any ole’ dumb diary.

I’ve had a few chances to pick up the book and look over what I’ve written. It’s fun to get a little refresher course of what happened in our lives last year. But even more than for myself, I made this book with my kids in mind. When they are older, I think it will be fun for them to look at these books and remember all of the fun times we had, as well as give them an opportunity to get to know their mom a little better and see me not only as their mom, but an actual person who has interests in addition to volunteering at school, housekeeping, being a warden as well as a playmate ;).

In the past there have been days when I’ve needed a break (aka… been a slacker), I’ve gone back to read my oldest posts. Wow! What a difference a few years make. My life has changed in so many ways, and like most people, time and experiences have caused me to evolve to a certain extent. Not everything I’ve written is a masterpiece (shocking, I know), and I’ve documented things that may not be representative of my best moments. But I’ve never claimed to be perfect, and I suppose the not-so-awesome aspects of me ARE a part of me and deserve their day in the sun as much as my more stellar moments.

Lastly, reading past excerpts helps me to put things into perspective. Problems today will seem like nothing in future, and to be able to go back and laugh at my former trials and tribulations reminds me of that. These blasts from the past help me to see the big(ger) picture and redirect me to focus on what is important as well as working on enjoying the here and now. No, the irony is not lost on me… reading about the past to remind me to live in the present :).

I’ve got a few previous years that need to be archived, and that’s something I’m working on. If you blog, take my amazingly creative friends advice and turn it into something tangible that you and your kids will have for years to come.

No Animals Were Harmed

Not posting for a while means that I have some catch-up to do, which isn’t my favorite thing. However, my lack of posting is evidence of the amazing, wonderful, and glorious week I had of doing nothing in particular.

We left for St. George Tuesday afternoon, were welcomed by glorious weather (a nice break from the crappy cold and rain that SLC had been experiencing for what seems like the 249023 days preceding our departure, as well as our entire absence), and enjoyed that lovely weather for our entire stay. YIPPY!

A few key and momentous things happened on this trip down South.

• I wore sunscreen. Everyday! This is nothing short of a miracle, and I have to believe that it being Easter and all… let’s just say there is some divine intervention involved here. I’m pretty sure that there has never been a time when I haven’t gotten sunburnt. Think lobster.
• My mom, Greg, niece and I visited Zions National Park on Wednesday. The entrance fee was waived for the week (yippy!), and it was really crowded (boo!), but it was a really nice excursion. I’ve only been to Zions once before, and it was when I was young, so my memory of it is very vague. Lame, seeing as I live in Utah. But it was perfect weather and the sights did not disappoint. It was beautiful!
• Let me preface this by saying that I did not feed the animals (because there were signs stating that it was forbidden, and doing so would result in a $100 fine). I did, however, pet a few squirrels. They had obviously become very familiar and comfortable with humans, and some were pretty friendly. Which is why I picked one of them up. I put him down because my mom is a spaz and was worried that I was going to get bit and subsequently get rabies. I know better (mostly because I am a self-proclaimed animal whisperer), but decided to give in to my mother’s wishes because I am an obedient child. Anyway, the squirrel loved me and even when I put it down, he stuck around and let me pet him some more. We are now forever friends and I think he might come for a weekend visit. At the very least I’m sure he’ll send a postcard or email. I also picked up a really cool looking, iridescent green and blue beetle, who decided it would be cool to excrete some stinky liquid on my hands. I needed no prompting to put that jerk down.
• Ebb and flow. Yin and yang. Marriage has its ups and downs. Now don’t get me wrong, there aren’t downs at home, but just like everyone else, we get into our routine, go with the flow, days run into each other, weeks feel the same as the previous and the next. But this little excursion sans children really gave us the time that we don’t normally get to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect. Greg golfed, I lounged, we swam, watched movies, ate, laughed, played games, swam some more, ate some more, etc. It was HEAVEN!
• Even though our reign in a certain card game ended, we still had fun playing games each night with my family (my parents, sister & her family).
• We ate out at least once per day, probably gained 10 lbs., and enjoyed every minute of it. I can testify that there IS good sushi in Southern Utah. Who knew!

We returned home last night to cooler weather, a weird smell in the kitchen, and car that is going on week 4 in the shop. We also came home to kids that missed us like crazy (it was really nice to have them in our arms again and under our care), my bdff (best dog forever friend) Jake, and getting back into the groove that I call my life.

I missed (sort of) not having the kids for Easter, doing all of our Easter traditions (although we did dye eggs with them the weekend before we left), and being without them for FIVE WHOLE DAYS. But I can honestly say that this was probably the best week I’ve ever had with just me and the hubby. Thanks for the good times :).

It’s Gotta Go Wednesday

I remember when my family got a cellphone, aka… the brick. It was probably about 20 years ago, and it was to be used in case of emergencies. I probably only used it 5 times in the 8 years we had it.

I held off on getting a phone of my own until my first was born. I felt vulnerable out there in the world with a newborn and without the ability to call (or conveniently call) if something happened. It felt like getting a phone was the responsible thing to do. It also made life a little easier.

At first I didn’t use it much. It took me over a year to realize what texting was and that I had it.

Fast forward to today.

I have an HTC Droid, which is one of Verizon’s version of the iPhone. It has pretty much every feature I could possibly think of, and a ton that I don’t. I have internet access, email, games, video, calendar, etc. It’s the phone that I use not only for my personal stuff, but also for business. I don’t even think anyone I know (except possibly my mom) even HAS our home number. I think of my phone as a wonderful thing.

ALL of that being said, in terms of cellphones, there can be too much of a good thing. I’ve heard the arguments and complaints about how people use (or misuse) their phones by talking loudly in restaurants, looking at their bright phone during a dark movie, etc. Yes, I agree that all of those things are rude. But my complaint is on a more personal level.

As a mom of 5, having a phone on my person at most times comes in handy. Over the years I’ve had numerous calls from the school regarding a sick or injured child, and if I didn’t have my cell phone, I wouldn’t have gotten that information for quite some time. If I’m working on a deal, I need to be able to be reached and reach clients or other agents at a moments notice, and my cellphone makes that possible. There have been times when I’ve been at lunch with a friend, or working, and have gotten such a call. So I understand when other people answer those types of calls. I do NOT, however, answer random, everyday calls when I am spending time with another person. If my mom called like 10 times in a row, yes, I would probably answer because that is abnormal and it would tell me that something was probably wrong. But for the most part, I let calls go to voicemail and deal with whatever it is later.

During my 2+ years of being single, I had a friend who I sort of dated (gag) who ignited this source of anger. We’d be at dinner, and there he’d be, looking at his stupid iPhone during half of the meal. He was pathetically attached to that gadget, and this behavior was around everyone, not just me. And while I appreciate the cool apps and accessibility that phones provide, I also think that it’s one more way that people have checked-out life happening around them.

It’s also just plain rude. To me, constantly checking your phone instead of engaging with the person you’re with sends a clear message that: 1) I’m bored by your presence and need to be entertained, or 2) I’m here, but I’m not really here, or 3) I’ve got better things to do than give you my undivided attention.

Just like everyone else, I’m a busy person. If I schedule a lunch date with you, it means I must really like you. Free time can be hard to come by, so if you are a person that I choose to spend that down time with, I must think that you’re awesome and you are an important part of my life. I make my best effort to be there with you in the moment. All I ask is that you be there with me. If it’s something important and time sensitive, go ahead and take care of things… I understand. I do the same thing. But checking up on your Facebook can and should wait.

To be honest, this isn’t really that big of an issue for me. It is something I’ve experienced before and often see happen out in public. I decided that this would be this weeks I.G.G.W. when the other night while waiting for a movie to start, I watched a young couple go 5 minutes without speaking to each other. The man stared blankly ahead while the woman was deeply engrossed in whatever fascinating things were on her phone. Whatever it was had absolutely nothing to do with the person she was with. I guess if it doesn’t bother him, fine. For me, looking at your phone constantly, especially when you’re with other people (and more specifically, ME)… it’s gotta go.

An Almost Easter Miracle

Months of a touchy wireless connection that sometimes worked, sometimes didn’t, as well as a dying battery.

1 trip to the Apple “Genius Bar” to diagnose and solve my battery problem.

$129 for the update package for my Mac, that should have cured all of my computer problems.

1 week of NO internet service on my computer after upgrading.

2 calls to Apple, 2 additional visits to the Genius Bar

A weekend of Greg messing with computer AND router.

A new router + a tech savvy husband = Megan has a working internet connection!

Thanks to Greg for solving my tech problems, taking care of the kids AND me during my recovery this weekend.

Sweet Nothings

I may be out of commission for a few days, but I’ll leave you with this little tidbit of vindication 🙂

Really neat article which I’m SURE you’ll read in its entirety.

Better Late Than Never

Since Christmas, it’s been tough getting caught up on my dates with the kids. One month gets missed and now I’ve been playing catch up.

Technically April was Emma’s date month. Which means March was Ian’s, but I did Cooper’s date night in March because I got behind, and, well, you get the idea. Last Thursday I took Ian out for this beloved event. First we hit an early movie (The Green Hornet, which was sort of lame, but he enjoyed it, so that’s all that matters). Thanks to a $5 off card for his birthday, TGIF was where we ate. I keep thinking of Ian as a little kid, and my gut reaction is to get the kids menu for him. But he’s 11 years old, and the mini meals just aren’t cutting it anymore. I ordered a yummy salad, and Ian got a cheeseburger. He barely finished it, which means I guess he’s not fully a man yet :).

I’m sure that these posts about my date nights are all starting to sound the same, but I can’t express how grateful I am for this little one-on-one time with the kids. These nights they are all so well-behaved, which makes it  definitely worth it and it’s always a pleasure for me. Soon enough my kiddos will want me to drop them off a block away so that other people won’t realize that they actually have a mother, so I’m enjoying the days that they adore me, want to spend time with me, fight to be the one who gets to sit next to me, and actually are happy when it’s my day to volunteer in their classrooms. Ah, motherhood… it’s a sweet thing.

It’s Gotta Go Wednesday

I haven’t run the numbers, but I’m guessing that at least 30% (if not more) of my “gotta go”s have to do with stores or shopping, which leads me into…

Costco. I love it. I hate it. It is the place that attracts some amazing products at excellent deals as well as the biggest idiots the world has to offer. That’s where the hate part comes in. I guess I don’t hate Costco per say, I simply hate many of the people who shop there.

Yes yes, I know, there are times which are less crowded and therefore cause me less desire to punch people directly in their baby-maker, but regardless of the day or time, there are always more than enough morons to be had.

What do these people do that qualify them for I.G.G.W.? First, there seems to be a general lack of general perception of people’s surroundings, and what is happening around them. People walk super slow, essentially blocking the way while they stare blankly down each aisle, work tirelessly trying to get their Costco ID back into their wallet, or check out the deal on toilet paper directly in front of the entrance. If you want to take it slow, by all means, but get the hell out of my way!

Some days you might mistake Costco for a class reunion, or possibly Relief Society meeting :). It’s so fun when I’m trying to navigate through the 193208 yards of wrapping paper located next to a gigantic orchid which is across the aisle from the home pap smear kit, directly left of 200 lbs. of almonds, only to get blocked by a lovely group of people who are chatting about hardwood floors, their babies, and jello. As far as annoyance goes, it’s on the same level as when people stop directly at the bottom of an escalator and begin a heart to heart conversation. MOVE TO THE SIDE, or somewhere out-of-the-way. As interesting as I’m sure your conversation is, I got me some shopping to do!

Is it really that much to ask of others to have some level of self-awareness as well knowing what is happening directly around you. Because for those “get in, get out” sort of people, such as myself, you are increasing the chances that we will beat you over the head with an economy sized can of refried bean.

People shoppers at Costco… you’ve really gotta go.

Ballet, Babies, and Rouge Computers

I would have posted sooner, but I’ve been busy with, oh, life. That, and my computer is plotting against me. I’m pretty sure it’s a Communist.

This past weekend was über delightful :). Friday night we got together with our friends, Sarah & Dave. We met up at our house, headed out for some dinner, and then the sexes divided and conquered. Sarah treated me with a wonderful trip to the ballet. It was made up of 3 “acts”, each different from the next. Each was beautiful and inspiring, and I cannot get over how the dancers bodies are both amazingly graceful and powerful.

We then headed back home where we joined forces with our spouses. We played a few games, laughed, eye-rolled, and had an excellent time, as always. Sarah and I spent a few minutes looking a book I bought her, Let’s Panic About Babies, which I had just happened upon one day while cruising the internet. It was even better than I had anticipated. Even if you’re not expecting (or “with child”, and I like to say about Sarah), it’s still a hilarious and entertaining read.

Monday we all woke up late (OK, I didn’t, but I’m not lazy like those dorks 😉 ), visited, looked at a vacant house, and went to breakfast. YUMMM! After that we parted ways with the Kelly’s, and decided to hit the theater. Hanna was the lucky pick, and while it wasn’t exactly as expected, it was still good (I’m giving it a 3 out of a 4). The rest of the night we relaxing enjoyed each other’s company. Pretty much the same story on Sunday.

We’ve had some great things happen this month, and also a few “snags” here and there. Think car(s) and computer (my stupid computer, hence little posting). I’m hoping that the old adage about bad things happening in threes is true. But when the stress level rises, I remind myself that everything ALWAYS gets worked out and whatever problems or issues arise, we’ll handle them and they’ll be resolved.

It’s a crazy sort of week, and I’m trying to get ready for a lovely minor surgical procedure I’m having the Friday. YUCK! I’ll be out of it for a few days, but I have the next week to look forward to. SPRING BREAK/EASTER! It will be our first without the kids :(, but we also have some fun things planned :). I have a feeling if I can just survive the week without someone going to the ER or the house blowing up, everything will work out just fine.

 

A Quickie

I’m not going into a whole “movie review” thing, because I just did that. I will tell you that I watched a show that my dad highly recommended, Mary & Max. It is an Australian clay-animated feature film, and was absolutely wonderful. It was funny, incredibly witty, heartbreaking, and a handful of other mixed emotions. It is rated PG, and is appropriate enough for kids, although they might be bored as it is more adult in subject as well as humor. Anyway, if you get a chance, WATCH IT.

When I saw previews for Sucker Punch months before its release, I was excited about. It looked like a movie right up my ally. I was pretty disappointed when I heard the awful reviews it got. I’ve yet to see it, and don’t know if I will. So when I saw the preview for Hanna, I was cautiously optimistic. While a different type of film, it looked like a movie I’d love. Today while in the shower and listening to my favorite morning show, I was thrilled when the movie review guy said it was the “must see” of the week, and gave it 3.5 out of 4 stars. Woo hoo! I love me a good movie :).