Sunday, November 6, 2011
Hooliganting: Dinner Shennanigans: The Art of Being Random
Hooliganting: Dinner Shennanigans: The Art of Being Random: Accidents are sometimes the best thing. I could be totally bent out of shape, but instead, I had a wonderful funfilled evening of terrible B...
Dinner Shennanigans: The Art of Being Random
Accidents are sometimes the best thing. I could be totally bent out of shape, but instead, I had a wonderful funfilled evening of terrible British humor, Big Bang Theory, crazy children that actually behaved and a dinner that worked out well. The thing is that I had invited some friends for dinner. My friends have just moved back and don't really know everyone, but I thought it would be nice to have a traditional family Sunday Dinner.
Dinner consisted of ham, asparagus, potatoes, carrots, and my kids favorite beets. Beets are a favorite for all the wrong reasons but at least they eat them. I was pretty impressed with myself. There were no smoke alarms. Nothing was burnt, and the wine was very yummy. The house was cleaned and table set and prepared.
Now this is my world. You know by now that nothing is really this simple. During prep time, I had an additional child added to the repetoire. There was a queen who needed to assist the cleaning process (think Cinderella meets batman and you might get there). I witnessed dancing and singing. There were at least 5 costume changes. But then the not my kid my kid got concerned that she didn't seem to have her own adult. At that moment, the phone rang and I learned that one of her adults had been exploring the possibilities of having his back bumper rearranged. So, the not my kid my kid was informed that an adult would arrive asap, but in the meantime, she knew she would be loved and fed just like my own. Off she went for the next game (Zhu zhus meet tinkerbell).
So, 5:30 came and went and I started to wonder where the dinner guests were. Dinner was pretty much done and I was relieved to see my friends and entourage show up. Children were fed first, as there is only so much room at the table. However, that group of friends was not the original invitee. We laughed, drank cupcakes (see cupcakes, california 2009) and toasted friendship. Once the kids were fed and the not my kid my kids mommy showed up to rescue a concerned little mite, the adults sat down and ate.
The best part was after dinner. Everyone just chilled and relaxed. We watched random episodes of TV and made fun of each other until everyone was done with both food, laughter and children. After all, sooner or later the children decide that they are too tired to be nice anymore and they become "others," those nasty beasts from the nether world. So, they are off to bed and the guests are off home. I have had a good evening...but I wonder what happened to our original guests? I guess they forgot. Sometimes, random acts of friendship can be the most rewarding!
Dinner consisted of ham, asparagus, potatoes, carrots, and my kids favorite beets. Beets are a favorite for all the wrong reasons but at least they eat them. I was pretty impressed with myself. There were no smoke alarms. Nothing was burnt, and the wine was very yummy. The house was cleaned and table set and prepared.
Now this is my world. You know by now that nothing is really this simple. During prep time, I had an additional child added to the repetoire. There was a queen who needed to assist the cleaning process (think Cinderella meets batman and you might get there). I witnessed dancing and singing. There were at least 5 costume changes. But then the not my kid my kid got concerned that she didn't seem to have her own adult. At that moment, the phone rang and I learned that one of her adults had been exploring the possibilities of having his back bumper rearranged. So, the not my kid my kid was informed that an adult would arrive asap, but in the meantime, she knew she would be loved and fed just like my own. Off she went for the next game (Zhu zhus meet tinkerbell).
So, 5:30 came and went and I started to wonder where the dinner guests were. Dinner was pretty much done and I was relieved to see my friends and entourage show up. Children were fed first, as there is only so much room at the table. However, that group of friends was not the original invitee. We laughed, drank cupcakes (see cupcakes, california 2009) and toasted friendship. Once the kids were fed and the not my kid my kids mommy showed up to rescue a concerned little mite, the adults sat down and ate.
The best part was after dinner. Everyone just chilled and relaxed. We watched random episodes of TV and made fun of each other until everyone was done with both food, laughter and children. After all, sooner or later the children decide that they are too tired to be nice anymore and they become "others," those nasty beasts from the nether world. So, they are off to bed and the guests are off home. I have had a good evening...but I wonder what happened to our original guests? I guess they forgot. Sometimes, random acts of friendship can be the most rewarding!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Hooliganting: Halloween: Follow Up From Last Year
Hooliganting: Halloween: Follow Up From Last Year: In black and white...there were those words "what will we do next year?" First, I should never have asked the question. Second, it was so mu...
Halloween: Follow Up From Last Year
In black and white...there were those words "what will we do next year?" First, I should never have asked the question. Second, it was so much fun! I really meant it when I suggested that this neighbourhood goes to the extremes in decorating, costuming and candy bagging. The detailed loot bags that would be acceptable at any birthday party now are stuffed into gargangtuan shopping bags (all houses here have these thanks to the Bring Your Own Bag law). There were pumpkins and spiders, witches and goblins and an adorable pink pony/ unicorn.
While this year, I enjoyed the prelude to Halloween. The houses were done up to the nines three weeks ago so I didn't feel bad about letting the girls go off without me. I just like looking at the decorations. They like to run as fast as possible to visit as many neighbours as possible. Because the weather cooperated and was the most glorious Halloween I think we have ever had, I was not surprised to see them last over an hour. I think the only reason that they came back was because the bags were getting to heavy to carry. Seriously. That is how much candy you can get by doing half of a block. I kid you not. This street had over 80 children racing around it. People actually drive over here. Crazy.
Of course, there was the obligatory chomping of candy. But really, what is Halloween without a movie? This year...Harry Potter won. Who doesn't love Harry? So...that was next. I still think it is wild and crazy. I can't find the time to decorate as well as the neighbours but you just wait. Christmas is around the corner and that is very much my season. I have sorted the decorations and have been eying up the tree. Since we weren't here last year...it's been two years since the house has seen some of the decorations. And of course...there will be the PARTY. The annual mayhem is about to hit...so stay tuned. The sugar buzz is wearing off and the gym...I'll see you tomorrow (scowly face here).
While this year, I enjoyed the prelude to Halloween. The houses were done up to the nines three weeks ago so I didn't feel bad about letting the girls go off without me. I just like looking at the decorations. They like to run as fast as possible to visit as many neighbours as possible. Because the weather cooperated and was the most glorious Halloween I think we have ever had, I was not surprised to see them last over an hour. I think the only reason that they came back was because the bags were getting to heavy to carry. Seriously. That is how much candy you can get by doing half of a block. I kid you not. This street had over 80 children racing around it. People actually drive over here. Crazy.
Of course, there was the obligatory chomping of candy. But really, what is Halloween without a movie? This year...Harry Potter won. Who doesn't love Harry? So...that was next. I still think it is wild and crazy. I can't find the time to decorate as well as the neighbours but you just wait. Christmas is around the corner and that is very much my season. I have sorted the decorations and have been eying up the tree. Since we weren't here last year...it's been two years since the house has seen some of the decorations. And of course...there will be the PARTY. The annual mayhem is about to hit...so stay tuned. The sugar buzz is wearing off and the gym...I'll see you tomorrow (scowly face here).
Friday, October 28, 2011
Hooliganting: Blustery Pooh Bear Days: Tangent
Hooliganting: Blustery Pooh Bear Days: Tangent: Tangent. Can we all say tangent? I know I was supposed to be doing some work today, cleaning the house and organizing. Oh yes, there was the...
Blustery Pooh Bear Days: Tangent
Tangent. Can we all say tangent? I know I was supposed to be doing some work today, cleaning the house and organizing. Oh yes, there was the to do list looming wide with bold black lettering over my head. It was there. . . but then I looked out the window. Whoops.
You see, there was this really beautiful golden sunbeam. It stretched across the sky and was definately scooting those grey clouds to the side. The wind was dancing through the leaves with gleeful abandon. The leaves were orange and red and brown and the leaf piles were starting to dissipate. I glanced over the kitchen and thought, to heck with it. I bundled three kids up into their coats and mittens with an offer of going to the park.
From rumbling a wagon down the road, to munching on contraband muffins. I forgot to mention that the muffins we baked earlier had mysterious vanished from the stove. (I haven't found the evidence yet, but I know it will be in the house somewhere.) They can't have eaten 24 muffins...right? The girls and I wandered down the back alley, through the leaf piles and scuffed our way to the park. Oh and yes, of course I am having a day with not my kids my kids...just two today though I think.
Anyway, there were trees down, dogs barking and cars that refused to see their way clear to acknowledging crosswalks. All the while, the wind whipped the hair, the princesses invented a castle with a moat that served ice cream. There were dragons and aliens. Some princes must have gone into hiding as there was too much drama to cope with. I laughed so hard my sides hurt and my nose grew red with waiting to see which tower belonged to which princess. The Ailish commandeered the slide and meandered through an adventure of ethereal slides. Have you ever seen a dragon fall off a swing? Seen a frog pull a wagon? Seen the upsidedown puffer fish hang from the monkeybars? You have treats in store.
After two hours, I was numb and cold. I had talked to my brother who made fun of me for a bit and walked laps around the playground. It was so worth it. We got back and I know they were exhausted as the whine came out to play and the cooperation was suddenly out the window. It is a small price to pay for an afternoon of entertainment and dress up play. They are now in ballerina outfits. The first not my kid my kid has vanished in a wake of pink sass, so she was tired out...and we are awaiting a vision of dracula to arrive (her mother's comment based on a halloween party).
Such a pooh bear day. Oh dear...look at that kitchen...anyone else want to play?
You see, there was this really beautiful golden sunbeam. It stretched across the sky and was definately scooting those grey clouds to the side. The wind was dancing through the leaves with gleeful abandon. The leaves were orange and red and brown and the leaf piles were starting to dissipate. I glanced over the kitchen and thought, to heck with it. I bundled three kids up into their coats and mittens with an offer of going to the park.
From rumbling a wagon down the road, to munching on contraband muffins. I forgot to mention that the muffins we baked earlier had mysterious vanished from the stove. (I haven't found the evidence yet, but I know it will be in the house somewhere.) They can't have eaten 24 muffins...right? The girls and I wandered down the back alley, through the leaf piles and scuffed our way to the park. Oh and yes, of course I am having a day with not my kids my kids...just two today though I think.
Anyway, there were trees down, dogs barking and cars that refused to see their way clear to acknowledging crosswalks. All the while, the wind whipped the hair, the princesses invented a castle with a moat that served ice cream. There were dragons and aliens. Some princes must have gone into hiding as there was too much drama to cope with. I laughed so hard my sides hurt and my nose grew red with waiting to see which tower belonged to which princess. The Ailish commandeered the slide and meandered through an adventure of ethereal slides. Have you ever seen a dragon fall off a swing? Seen a frog pull a wagon? Seen the upsidedown puffer fish hang from the monkeybars? You have treats in store.
After two hours, I was numb and cold. I had talked to my brother who made fun of me for a bit and walked laps around the playground. It was so worth it. We got back and I know they were exhausted as the whine came out to play and the cooperation was suddenly out the window. It is a small price to pay for an afternoon of entertainment and dress up play. They are now in ballerina outfits. The first not my kid my kid has vanished in a wake of pink sass, so she was tired out...and we are awaiting a vision of dracula to arrive (her mother's comment based on a halloween party).
Such a pooh bear day. Oh dear...look at that kitchen...anyone else want to play?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Hooliganting: Sometimes You Need A Shoulder
Hooliganting: Sometimes You Need A Shoulder: I guess not everyone can have a fabulous week all the time. Sometimes, there are those little things that get in the way. Reality can hit ha...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)