Brussels

I am not a seasoned world traveler, but I do consider myself fortunate to have been to Europe twice. The first time I I traveled to England as part of an Honors exchange program through my college. Despite my youth, I knew that the experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I relished staying in the Oxford University dormitory and tried to absorb every experience in its entirety. 

The second time I traveled to Holland to celebrate the Millennium with my family. The trip was made more difficult by the fact that I was in pain and on crutches (post injury but pre-amputation), but I still tried to make the most of the trip. My Mom and I, feeling particularly adventurous one day, set out to take a train to Germany.

Not knowing the language, navigating the train station proved more difficult than we anticipated. Regardless, we felt quite sophisticated when we finally boarded the train and took advantage of the pastry and coffee cart. Our "we've got this" demeanor was quickly slashed when the Conductor handed us back our tickets.  Despite his broken English, he clearly stated that we were en route to Belgium, not Germany. 

We hadn't planned to go to Belgium, but we decided to roll with it. It turns out that walking through Brussels with my Mom was one of the best days of my life. I have never seen a more beautiful site than La Grand-Place. Just remembering the beauty of those buildings leaves me in awe.  Envisioning that my life would involve hosting dinner parties, I purchased an extremely expensive, albeit intricately crafted, lace tablecloth in one of the shops.  (Incidentally, I have used it once in the past 16 years.)

My Mom and I both became giddy when we discovered that Belgium waffles are sold on the street corners throughout Brussels. I'm sure that it wasn't difficult to surmise that we were American as we gleefully posed for photos with our street waffles. We became lost through the city numerous times, but each wrong turn led us to a new adventure and story.

This morning I woke up to the reports of the bombings throughout Brussels. As soon as I heard the reports my mind started to drift back to the wonderful day with my Mom. We still laugh about going to Germany and ending up in Belgium. Although it was a navigation and ticketing mistake, I'm glad that it happened.

The senseless destruction in a city of such beauty is incomprehensible. Sometimes it feels like this world is imploding while everybody is wringing their hands and drying their tears. I don't know the answer, but I do know that I worry about the future for my boys.

Adventures in Massage

For Valentine's Day, Scott surprised me with a gift card for a massage. I've been holding the card, waiting for the right time to use it. After an exceptionally long week, I was looking forward to relaxing and unwinding. I pulled out my gift card, scheduled an appointment and headed to the spa as soon as Timmy went to sleep.

Having a massage is a luxury to which I am not accustomed. I can count on one hand the number of times I have received a professional massage, but each experience has left me wanting more. I am always amazed with how relaxed and pain-free I feel afterwards. With my back aching from sitting and working long hours, I couldn't wait to lie down and let the masseuse work her magic.

After entering the heavily perfumed room, I was greeted by Teresa, my assigned massage therapist. She was professional as we reviewed the intake forms (seriously, there were almost as many questions as when I visit the GYN) and after the questions were complete, I was instructed to disrobe and climb onto the table.  When she reentered the room, her demeanor seemed to change from professional to giddy. 

Teresa proudly showed me her blue cup which was adorned with silver graffiti.  Without missing a beat, she explained that Jesus woke her up in the middle of the night and told her to create the uplifting cup of life. Hmm.. this is a bit unexpected. Maybe I'll just smile and she'll stop talking. Not really sure how to react and because my instinct to bolt was stymied by the fact that I was naked and without my leg, I opted to just smile and nod. She continued to tell me that the energy from the inspiring words written on the outside of the cup penetrate the water and provide strength. Um, okay. How about drinking some of that strength water and start working on my back?  Finally she put down her strength cup and dimmed the lights. I was hoping that this would end the chatter and that my evening of relaxation would begin.

As it turns out, Teresa had quite a story to share. As she was rubbing my neck and shoulders she revealed that she has lived through an out of body experience. "One night I was dog tired but woke up in the middle of the night to pee. I got halfway to the toilet when I realized that I had left my body in bed. I saw my soul, and it was a silvery shade of blue." Hmmm... I wonder if I could get dressed and get my leg on the next time she reaches into cabinet for another hot towel?

She continued to tell me about Jesus breathing on her face each night when she prays. "His breath is warm and smells like a combination of peppermint and chocolate."  Well, Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies are quite yummy.  Makes sense that Jesus would like them as well. I don't really need my clothes. If I could just get my leg on, I could run out of here naked. I have a close parking spot.

Teresa continued the massage and our odd therapy session. I learned all about her evil deeds and the "dirty things" she used to do with her body when she was young. She mentioned several times that massage was the perfect calling for her because it was one of the few professions where she was still "safe to believe, if you know what I mean."  I don't need my leg. I'll hop out naked and Scott can pick up my leg later. Shoot. My keys are in my jeans. I'm stuck.

To be honest at this point I really had no idea what she was talking about, but I found myself just agreeing out of fear that my questions would prompt more discussion. Besides, I learned early in the hour that she continued to massage when she was talking, but her hands stopped moving if I spoke. I finally just stopped trying to make sense out of what she was saying and acquiesced that my silent and relaxing massage was not going to materialize. Instead, I was treated to a soliloquy from an enthusiastic, albeit unusual, massage therapist.

Spring Break

Happy Spring Break! 

Needless to say, the boys in my house are excited beyond words.  Scott is looking forward to lounging around the house for the week.  I'm going to try my best to encourage him to work through our to do list, but I'm not overly optimistic that much will be accomplished. He tends to take his school vacations seriously.

Robby is eager to spend the week bouncing and playing with his friends. Between the zipline, the tree house, the swing set and the trampoline, our yard has become the place to meet up and play.  I absolutely love hearing the squeals of giggling and laughter echoing outside as the kids explore and play.  Stocked up on cookies and cupcake ingredients, I don't expect them to wander far.

Timmy, I'm sure, will do his very best to keep up with his big "brober." I'm sure that he will spend a fair amount of time hopping and desperately trying to run after the big kids. Thankfully the neighborhood friends are really good with Timmy and often take breaks to include my little guy.

With my report being submitted at noon today (fingers crossed), I will be able to relax (at least a little) next week. I'll still be working, but I won't be operating under any time sensitive deadlines. I'm sure it is going to take me a few days to unwind from the report, but I'll do my best!

Avalanche of Frustration

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Hopefully some of the Irish luck will rub off on me. While Robby and Timmy have been having the time of their lives jumping on our new trampoline, I have definitely had better days. I can't point to any one thing as the culprit, rather a slew of small inconveniences causing an avalanche of aggravation.

Thinking about them in isolation and none seem frustrating. In fact, I would feel petty letting the singular events impact my mood. Little things add up, and soon I began to feel overwhelmed by the cumulative effect of frustrations throughout the day. I know that everybody has "one of those days," and yesterday was mine.
 
I'm trying to remain optimistic that things will turn. Today is a new day and I'm going to (try to) leave the aggravations of yesterday in the past. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, which inevitably translates to hours of playing outside with the boys. With a looming report almost wrapped up (which, in all honesty has been the source of much of my anxiety and frustration), many of my professional obligations have been met. I'm looking forward to just relaxing and playing with the boys.

Have a great day!

Gift from Nana

Growing up I always wanted a trampoline.  I, along with my siblings, pleaded our case on several occasions. Each time we were met with the same verdict, being summarily denied. My mom simply responded by saying no and adding that they were unsafe. She vowed to never purchase a trampoline, and instructed us all to put our desires somewhere else.

Fast forward 35 years. Monday two large boxes arrived in our driveway, a gift to Robby and Timmy from my mom. And what did their Nana send them? You guessed it: a 15 foot trampoline. (I've learned that hypocrisy is a moot point when grandparents are involved. What wasn't appropriate for me is always the perfect gift for the grandbabies.)

Robby was over the moon with his gift, and immediately began to plan assembly. He watched YouTube videos on trampoline assembly and was delighted that it only took 18 minutes. Of course he failed to realize, or chose to ignore, that the video was stopped on several occasions so that each step could be completed. He began to nag his Dad about putting up the trampoline as soon as he opened the front door. 

Monday Robby graciously offered his Daddy a pass on assembly due to the heavy rain. Yesterday Scott was not nearly as lucky. Robby and his friend Jack met Scott as he drove home from work, chomping at the bit to get to work. After all, they insisted that they were only 18 minutes away from jumping!

Well, Robby's 18 minute promise stretched into three hours. But by the time the sun was setting, Robby was living one of my childhood dreams. He was jumping on his very own trampoline. All of his neighborhood friends converged in our back yard and bounced well into the night. The trampoline is a hit, and I have no doubt that it will be well used and loved.  Well played Nana, well played!

Misadventures in Babysitting

Early last week, after going through due diligence, I made a call which made me nervous but which I knew was necessary. I reached out and scheduled a babysitter for Timmy. I have never felt comfortable leaving my kids with anybody but family and a tight circle of friends, but sometimes situations arise where it becomes necessary to hire a professional. Scott and I both felt comfortable with our selection and took solace in the recommendations from friends.

I was scheduled to speak at an event yesterday morning and having Hamlet tag along would not have been appropriate. As it turns out, my engagement was rescheduled and I was planning to use the sitter so that I could get some much needed "Peggy time."  I felt guilty cancelling the sitter at the last minute and wanted to keep my promise of employment. It turns out that this decision was ironic at its core.

 

The sitter was scheduled to arrive at my house at 8:30 to allow time for both her and Timmy to become acquainted before I needed to scoot. As the minutes ticked away on the clock, my anxiety began to rise. At first I was nervous about leaving Timmy and saying goodbye. Then the source of my anxiety shifted as I realized that it was past 8:30 and that she had not yet arrived.

My calls were not answered, and by 9:00 I was left with no choice but to pack up Timmy and head out. I was furious that the babysitter, whom we had hired and vetted, had seemingly dismissed her commitment. Although I never wish an accident or illness on anybody, part of me was hopeful that something organic had interfered with her honoring her obligations.

After making my morning rounds, I returned home and found the note that I left on my door undisturbed letting me know that she had never made it to our house. I began to worry that perhaps something bad had happened to her. At 11:00 my doorbell rang, and I was relieved to see her standing on the other side.

I became furious when I opened the door and smelled the alcohol wreaking from her body and breath. She stumbled and slurred her words, laughing about it being a "rough night." She apologized for being late, explaining that she was hungover and had overslept. Had she been observant, I'm sure she would have seen the steam coming out of my ears.

Proud of the composure I mustered, I politely explained that I no longer needed a sitter. Before closing the door, she asked for my telephone number because she had lost it. I told her that I would call her, and proceeded to close the door.  (I didn't slam it, but I really wanted to!)

I feel as if we dodged a daycare bullet. I can't believe that I almost left Timmy with somebody so irresponsible. Now we are back to square one, but I'm fairly sure it is going to be a long time before Scott and I trust anybody else with our little guy.

 

 

 

On a side note, it has been brought to my attention that I failed to reveal the remainder of Scott's birthday surprises.  Here is a review:

1. Cleaning his mancave

 

2. Favorite cake

 

3. All-Inclusive tickets to the Caps v. Penguins game (including all-you-can eat and drink buffet before and during the game).  I also brought Robby and Timmy to his school to deliver cupcakes for his students to celebrate his birthday.

4. Favorite lunch secured and delivered from his preferred bar b q restaurant

 

5. Donuts for him and his students.

 

6. Photo of me and the boys (professionally taken and framed)

7. Favorite bean dip and a 12 pack of Corona

Holed Up

With a huge project looming, I was left with little choice but to hole up over the weekend to work. Unfortunately, my boys (Scott, Robby and Timmy) have discovered all of my hiding places and frequently try to flush me out with requests for food, assistance, a playmate or an audience. I knew that I wouldn't be able to finish my report if I were to stay home, so I packed up Timmy and headed to visit my Mom, who graciously agreed to wrangle and entertain Hamlet so that I could work uninterrupted.

My Mom is simply amazing, offering to help without hesitation when she sensed I was becoming overwhelmed. I know that Timmy thoroughly enjoyed being the sole recipient of his Nana's doting and attention. He basked in entertaining her with his silly antics. I heard squeals of giggles as the two played and invented new games. 

With Robby and Scott two states away and Timmy entertaining his Nana, I was able to accomplish an astounding amount of work. It is amazing how much I can do when I'm not pulled in four different directions! While the report isn't yet finished, I now feel that it is manageable and I am no longer up all night fretting about it.