Fat Biscuit

Puffy

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Originally uploaded by Alert Elf Toy

Bronze Blitz

Mum and I have spent the last two days searching like mad for a pair of bronze-coloured strappy shoes to go with the dress I plan on wearing to not one but two weddings this month.  Potomac Mills is a very large indoor mall and walking the length of it twice, briskly, takes it out of a gal. We kept our spirits up, however, with some frozen yogurt and a brief reprieve at the Lego store, where Mum gathered a few goodies for Owen's Christmas stocking. In the end, PM let me down, so this morning Mum and I drove to a nearby DSW for one last attempt. Well, we hit jackpot and now I can finally relax a bit. This is all to say, Don't worry . . . I have shoes now. I'll be ok.

So, Mum's left for home and I've got a few hours of editing time before Owen returns from school. 

Raspberry Scone Day

School is back on and so is my more tranquil schedule. Unfortunately, Owen doesn't find his going to first grade every day as tranquil as I do, but he is managing. This morning, for instance, after a few minutes of yet again trying to convince me that watching television before school is not only more fun but also fair and just, because other kids get to, he settled down and listened to a Hank Zipzer audiobook. Then he ate two pieces of french toast and drank some orange juice. This counts as a good morning. He wasn't thrilled to be going to school but once he was at the bus stop, he perked up. 

First grade, after all, is a bit more challenging. Owen has a math worksheet to do every day, and soon we'll start getting reading homework as well. Every day, his behaviour chart comes home, which I then have to sign. If he forgets to get his chart signed, he gets demoted to a green day (purple is perfect) the following day. Twice a week, the kids get a visit from the Spanish teacher, who tosses a little Espanol their way, and in the next week or so Owen should start back with his speech teacher twice a week. Wednesday after school we drive straight to the recreation center for Owen's private swim lesson. Starting next Monday, Owen will go to an after-school sports class for an hour. In our household, this counts as a busy schedule, though it is NOTHING compared to the crazy weeks some of his peers have. (Note judgmental tone.)

This year I've started to volunteer regularly at Owen's school library in addition to my mini-stint at the regional branch. (Book dork!) The school "media assistant" (as she is formerly known) wants me to be able to sub for her if she needs to miss work. That means learning how to do circulation. More importantly, it means interacting with kids in a friendly yet firm manner. That's harder for me. 

This week also marks my third back at a decent running schedule. I'm motivated by races, so I've registered for the Run Like a Girl 8K in Richmond in mid-October. This is also a great excuse to spend time with K and A in Richmond.

Now I'm off to the farmers' market, where I can buy my favourite raspberry scone and, if I'm feeling virtuous, a vegetable or two . . . 

And Then They Were Showered With Gifts, Like a Toothbrush and an Orthodontist Referral

Yesterday I took Owen to the dentist for a cleaning. I was dreading it, frankly, because our last trip there was disastrous, with tears and terror and very little cleaning taking place. Owen was better this time, though he still resisted keeping his mouth open and on numerous occasions told the hygienist that he didn't like the taste of the toothpaste (too minty; kid is used to the very mild flavoured Tom's of Maine's variety). The hygienist, a young woman, was very patient, which I thanked her for. The dentist . . . less so. He breezed in cheerily enough to give Owen's teeth a once over, but as soon as Owen's nervousness threatened to slow him down, he became impatient, telling Owen, "That didn't hurt." The dentist pointed out Owen's underbite, which is quite obvious, and then recommended that we take him to an orthodontist, "to get a baseline and an evaluation." We will NOT be doing that. He's too young to have any corrective interventions, so I'm not willing to spend money just for an "evaluation." I think the dentist is just trying to send his buddy some clients (read: money). 

Taylor did suggest that instead of harboring all of this anger and resentment, we could just take Owen to a different dentist. The man is so sensible.

This afternoon I'll be counting down the minutes until glorious Nana arrives. When I invited her up for this weekend, I was quite prepared to beg if she expressed any hesitation. I need her calming presence and her bedtime-story-reading capabilities. Taylor and I always put off going out alone together, and I think it's starting to get to us. So, if Owen doesn't wear Nana out during the day, Tay and I might try and go out for coffee or something at night. We are so pathetic. I need my mummy!

So, while we count down the minutes today, Owen and I will run some errands and do some tidying. Well, I'll be doing the tidying. We will also hit the water park for a couple of hours. The last few times I've suggested this, Owen has refused. But summer is running out, and we did purchase the season pass. Besides, I need to work on my micro-tan.

Now Slightly Tanned

I have so not been getting my $8.95's worth these past few months. What time I spend on the computer is devoted to work, keeping up with e-mail, and the quick Facebook status update. 

I miss those 6-hour school days.

Strangely, the summer break is going by quickly, which is OK with me. I'm not much for strict schedules and jam-packed days (no comment, please, Rachael) but every week being different makes me uncomfortable. But a lot of things make me uncomfortable, like the curtains not being drawn evenly, bread crumbs on the counter, the heat, gusts of wind, Owen leaning back in his chair, . . . anything loud. Can you tell it's getting to me?

O and I have had fun visits to grandparents and many a free movie at the local movie theatre. I even have an ever so subtle tan on my legs to prove that I've taken my son, dutifully, to the pool and water park. 

And this week, we're having a tree removed from our front yard and others trimmed back. That should be entertaining for everyone, including the cat.

Every Saturday morning I get up early to go running with a couple friends. I look forward to it each week. 

four days till ocean city!

Fourth of July With the Coppola-Barrys

Kelley took this great photo yesterday during the celebrations at her house. Owen had a blast with his "little brother." 

Spotting Hummers at the Farmers' Market

We're two weeks into summer break, and I'm already exhausted. It's tiring staying busy and entertained with a 6-year-old boy. That said, I wouldn't trade it for the 9-5 for anything.

It's funny how you can try something once, and it will not work out; then you try it a second time, under different conditions or a new mindset, and suddenly it all falls into place. That's been my recent experience with running. I started running outside a couple of months ago and have been loving it. Don't know if it's the fully healed back sprain, the new, fancy sneaks, or the great outdoors, but it is so much more gratifying than the treadmill ever was. In the last two months, I've run two short races and hope to run another one in the fall. I feel healthier and obsess less about all the squishy parts of my body. 

The last race we did had a 1-mile race for kids with parents, so I cajoled Tay and Owen into participating. We were so proud of Owen for participating in a RACE, or COMPETITION, because these things usually terrify him. He ran the entire mile and wore his race shirt and medal for the next two days straight.

This summer Owen and I are staying busier than usual, thanks to Owen's increased maturity and my decreased anxiety. Here's a list of the typical activities:

• swim lessons (where we spotted a Mitt Romney for President tee shirt)
• farmers' market (where we often spot the aforementioned hummers) 
• library time (I still need to do my weekly volunteer stint)
• free movies  
• Pirates' Cove (Pohick Bay)
• Great Waves Water Park (Cameron Run) 

We've also got visits planned with Nana and Am and Baba, as well as our traditional beach week at Ocean City. We also HAVE to see Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees at Fridays After Five on August 28 in C'ville. Owen will love that. 

  

Mum Calls This Cheating