Make Mine To Go

So there's this big hoopla over studying, reading, or doing your homework at Starbucks. In all my years and as one who loves Starbucks, you might find it hard to believe that I have never studied there before. I certainly wasn't waking up to be there at 5 a.m. (There's not really much that would make me get up at 5 a.m.)
So today, I did it. Word on the street is that Starbucks is the place to be when you want to catch up on your daily news or finish off those last chapters of your current read. I was fortunate enough that I have completed a lot of my nursing courses so, for me, I had a 2 ½ hour lunch break. Since I have a big commute, running home was not an option. I decided to put the Starbucks study ritual to test. I was very surprised at my disappointment.
Here I am, backpack on my shoulder and craving my favorite Grande White Chocolate Mocha.
This particular Starbucks had a cozy setting filled with over sized couches, lamps, and small tables lining the windows. As I stood waiting for my latte, I skimmed the room to notice there was not one empty seat. Well, let me make a correction, there were tables.......outside. There wasn’t many of those left either and the ones that were, had smokers surrounding them.
It’s 11am, don’t you people work????
So, here I stood…latte in one hand and backpack in the other wondering what to do. Wondering how long it would be before a table or huge comfy chair would become I thought I was going to have to leave when, I found an open table. Well, it was one chair by a very small table just big enough to hold my purse and book.
I was determined to have this Starbucks experience so, I took it. As I sat by the large over sized glass windows, I sipped my mocha latte and started reading my latest, The Lovely Bones book. Ahhh, perfect!
Who was I kidding….I couldn't’t concentrate.
There was an interview at the small table next to mine and I could hear every word. I felt sorry for the applicant; her voice was timid as she answered the questions regarding her experience with customer service and her previous work experience.
Not to mention the other college students who I could hear from across the way, they appeared to be quizzing each other for an upcoming test.
Oh, and don’t let me forget to tell you about the guy who had a larger table with four chairs all to himself (with his lap top) watching YouTube videos!!!! I wanted to ask him, if his volume button was broken or if he needed to borrow some earphones.
I just don't get it! Why is it that every time i am in line at Starbucks on my way to one of the kids soccer games or just running errands, I see people in total harmony with their Wall Street Journals or latest Nicholas Sparks book. It always looks so relaxing, I thought as, I packed up my book and took my mocha latte for a walk.
I haven’t given up, I will probably try it again soon.
Today was definitely a to-go day.

Looking Good

I remember getting my first pair of glasses at the age of 12.

I was in 6th grade and the chalkboard at school was never blurry to me. I couldn't sit in the back row and read the board but, I didn't think anything of it. I just figured no one could see from way back there.

I remember like it was yesterday when my mom told me she was taking me to get glasses. I had failed the vision test for my school physical and we were told that I had Myopia (near sightedness), I was mortified. I ate more carrots then I care to remember and even drank V8, hoping to improve my vision before my appointment. But no such luck! I still failed the eye exam.

Then it was time to choose my eye wear and this was 1989 so the choices were horrible!!!! I tried on ALL the frames and hated every single one of them. They all had thick plastic frames in solid colors and didn't have much to choose from regarding the shape. So I ended up with the ones I thought were the nicest. They were huge red plastic frames very similar to Sally Jessy Rafael. I hated them!!!
I found out last month that Naty might need glasses. She's only 8 years old and was eager to get glasses. I didn't get it, she WANTS to wear glasses?! At first I thought she might have failed the vision screening on purpose in order to get them but, as it turns out, she definately needs them. Thank goodness for technology these days, Naty had an array of choices from round shape to square, thick frames or thin, metal or plastic, and Disney or Gucci....it's crazy!!!! I am glad that they were all very stylish and cute because I dreaded my glasses.

So these are the glasses that she chose:

She looks great!

Just Another Manic Monday

I had everything ready for our first day back to school from winter break. The kids clothes was layed out and snacks were packed. The sound of coffee brewing was my morning sountrack. Everything went according to my plan, until it was time to head out the door. Ofcourse, at that time, I realize that someone hasn't brushed their teeth, someone could't find a shoe, and another someone couldn't find their library book.
So instead of being as organized as I so desperatley want to be, today turned out to be another normal chaotic morning.
Lately I feel like it is a crazy chaotic mess, offset by small clusters I have organized in an attempt to regain control. Like a pair of old shoes, it is scuffed. I find myself continually frustrated as I once again step on a Lego, and gather up stray shoes, cups, and make repeated pleas to the girls to pick up after themselves.
But..... it is home.
Finally I get the kids out the door being only a few minutes off schedule, and I sigh in relief.
Today was my busy, manic Monday. Yoga in the morning, followed by grocery shopping, lunch with a friend, and (hopefully) an afternoon nap. Running late was not ann option!
My life is an unpredictable series of comedies in error, incidents of unknown origin, and fly by the seat of my pants parenting.
I am slowly learning to embrace the chaos because it means I have a house full of life, love, and not to mention dirty laundry:)

A New Change

This year is not going to be easy.
After Christmas I start making a list of the things that I need to get done, things I need to change, and things I need to appreciate.

This is what 2010 will be like for us:
Sydney will be entering middle school and I am nervous for her. I am not ready for the middle school drama, hormones, and boys. She is still my little girl.
Naty will get glasses and braces. This year she will go through a dramatic transformation and I don't look forward to her changing smile.
Ethan is starting to lose teeth, this year he will also go through changing face, height, and weight. He will still play sports but, he will start hockey soon!
Mike will become a fireman. He will work long hours and we will miss having him home every night. I am proud of him for making the career change in order to support his family but, it also makes me scared.
This year I will become a nurse. The lives of many will rest in my hands and depend on my knowledge. I will have finally reached the goal I have worked so hard for.

I have realized that I have so much to get done, appreciate, and change.With every new year I set new goals, new dreams, leave the anger, hope for better, lose the drama, and cherish my loved ones but, I have made it my priority to make sure this BUSY year will bea great one!!!!
Happy New Year!