Ken's Big Barn Adventure

http://www.muddlake.com/

Still just planning and organizing for the event. 

Meeting with Bob tomorrow to go over the marketing avenues and contacts and getting ready to blow this out of the water! 

This is going to be FUN!!! 

It's a great combo - Ken and Bob! Somewhat an unlikely one but nonetheless, a GOOD ONE! 

Working on a phenomenal one :-) Thanks Bob - you're the best! 

More info on the artists and the event to come. Gotta get back to that planning! It's all in the details people! Details! 

OMG! Where do I begin?!

I have been working on a "Ken event" for the last month. It has finally come to fruition and I couldn't be happier! 

The event is at Mudd Lake  at the end of May. 

May 30 & 31 to be exact. Thank you Bob for this opportunity!!!! 

Bob has let me hand pick TEN artists to be a part of the "Ken Event". 

My artists are: 

1. Westy Caswell Copeland:
2. Linda Thiltgen
3. Todd Waters: Link to come
4. Kathryn Capone Chermak: Link to come
5. Tanya Garvis: 
6. Susan Piazza: 
7. Sue Christiansen:
8. Doug Talalla: 
9. To Be Announced! 
10. To Be announced! 

Here is the event: 

Of course, MORE details are to follow!!!!!  As well as artist's updates and links!!!! 

This IS the LAST weekend in May and should be a great turn out!!! 

If YOU'RE NOT THERE.....well, I don't know .... YOU OUGHT TO BE!!!!! 

THIS is what I have been so excited for! This is our FIRST Bi-Annual event! There will be another come fall and THAT is going to be Spectacular....JUST as the first one is PROMISED to be!!!! 

Stay tuned - there is SO much more to be announced!!!! 

Hope to see everyone there! Stay tuned!!!! 

Ken (and Oliver of course!) 

P.S.

ENJOY! Sorry to have been away for so long! 

Who said: "Do you know how popular I am? I am so popular. Everybody loves me so much at this school."?

So, I guess there's no context as to why I posted what I posted regarding my experiences yesterday at Burnsville High - is some feedback. 

First: I was asked to come to Burnsville High to share my wealth of knowledge on clothing, the basics - such as "wardrobing" and closet organization all based off of the Startrib article that was run back in February. 

Yesterday, I went to Burnsville High to teach two classes. They were "Fashion Studies" classes and they were a riot! 

Who would've thought that "I" would be going BACK to High School???? to TEACH! 

The following is mental interpretation of how I saw the classes, how I saw myself and why it was such a trip. 

I hope this clarifies the context of my writings. 

My motto is: All 80's, All the Time! 

OMG! Going BACK to High School was a total trip today! 

I graduated in 1988....that would make it 22 years ago! (I graduated in 1988 as a member of that class but I left in 1987 to start college...vocational school at that but nonetheless - I was out of there a whole year early!) 

ANYWAY - I thought I had stepped through a time-warp in all seriousness. 

First, I was so nervous Tuesday night, preparing, picking out the "perfect" teacher outfit and thinking of witty ways that I could express what I was trying to get across to teenage girls and ........yes, there was actually a LITTLE ME in the class - I looked at that kid and thought - "Kenny, How brave of you to take a FASHION class in High School!" A kid after my own heart. AND THEN, when he asked me where to find these hole things that you used for lacing a shirt up - I was like - this kid IS ME! For some ODD reason I knew exactly what he was trying to ask me and I told him they were "grommets" and he could get them at JoAnne's or Michael's. You would've thought I pointed him the direction of Mecca! 

So back to B'ville High. 

My god it was like I was living a John Hughs film in REALITY! 

How can I put it visually??? 

This is how I felt! With my cool outfit and knowledge just waiting to pour out of me! 

My outfit was pretty damn cool AND I got to show them how three pairs of glasses can change an outfit along with a simple pocket square! And trying to convey MY themes to them? Glossed over! 

In scanning each class, all I could think of was: 

 +   +   +   +    = Ken's Day in a nut shell! 

I had the delinquents from "Take the Lead" :

Infax, a couple of these girls wanted to know what "my wife" thought of my spending and all of these clothes.... 

I sid: I'm single. I aint got no wife and that's the reason I kin afford my clothes. Umhmmmmm! Snap! 

"Stay in school and become sumthin!" 

Then I thought....for a brief moment that I had a couple gals from:   &    but then I remembered I was at B'ville High, NOT Edina. Times have certainly changed in ol B'ville. Not what it once was.... 

In my first class, I had this girl that as soon as I saw her, I thought: !!!!!!! 

Totally. She even put her head down and rested for a while but then something made her tune in...maybe it was my take on Michelle Obama or my character change with just THREE different pairs of glasses. Regardless, she was awake the rest of the class and I was afraid to keep looking at her because I was so transfixed that I was talking to Ally Sheedy from THe Breakfast Club!!!! I just wanted to be Clarie and teach her "not to put so much black shit on her eyes". 

 - You can't have ANY High School without THESE girls. And of course I loved them and picked them out immediately!!!! Ummhmmmm. Again, needed a little more work than I thought but I totally had these girls pegged in the second class.....irony in that last statement but true. See, I reverted BACK to High School today and I though I was NEVER going to go back!!!! 

 I had to throw this in because I swear this was the kid from the first group - How can escape your high school past? NEVER! 

Then while I was there, I couldn't help but think of these. My ego may have placed me in Ferris Bueller's Day Off but I also quoted it.....why? It just happened. After asking if there were anymore questions I fell into "Bueller, Bueller, anyone" totally went over THEIR heads but the teacher and I got the inside chuckle. So I hit it off with the teacher as well. :-) Always a plus. 

This dude came to mind too....when looking at the wall of teachers - THIS GUY STILL EXISTS!!!!!! Ieewwwwwww. 

Lastly, these are some of the other girls that were in both classes. Take a look at the covers and yup, all of them could be pin pointed out of my classes. It was such a hoot. Who needs to picture people in their underwear - not to mention that it's illegal with high school students - when you've got the entire decade called the 80's?!!!!!!! 



Did I mention that I get to go back???? That was the best part! A FREE CALL BACK!!!! Or would that be a Call back for FREE?! Regardless - it's an outlet to spread my knowledge and permeate the minds of the young and uncorrupted...still WRONG school! Sorry! 

Live! Laugh and have a cocktail! The hard part is over! 

checking in

So, it seems that I have fallen off the face of BlogSpot....one would think over to FaceBook, but sadly not. 

I have not had computer time for either, let alone Twitter. Dropped that the day AFTER I started it. There's just SO much to keep up with now a days. Not to sound like an old fart at the ripe old age of 39 but .......

We don't get FB time at work - nor do I blame my employer for that - hello??? We're they're to work, not socialize and reconnect with all of our "friends" and/or classmates from high school or college. Damn, isn't it fun though? 

After I put in a day's work, where's the TIME to do anything else let alone the computer!? There's always something to do afterwards - well for responsible adults anyway :-) So I've heard AND actually participated in: Childcare pick up, child after school/dinner activities, homework, homes, dogs, kids, chores, groceries, cleaning, play dates, running here, running there and being EVERYWHERE without computer time in mind. 

I don't really LIVE with all of those reasons but I know of them! 

My story? Time waster! Hence, the 12:am hr and I find myself doing my  blog usually around this time. 

Granted, I have Oliver. I drop him off in the morning and pick him up after work. We come home, throw the work bag on the table, grab a diet coke and plop down on the couch and turn on the tube. Oh, did I mention that I also grab my computer so I can check emails, check accounts, pay bills and still never get to my blog or FaceBook?? WHY? 

It's so much fun for me, I GET THAT! But when your day is running out of hours and you desperately need sleep, which wins out? It's obvious that Blogging an FaceBook do for me :-) at least tonight they do. Just not on a regular basis which I'm going to work on getting back to! 

It's my chance to reconnect with so many people - FaceBook has changed my life! It's not only networking, but reconnecting, communicating with and even ADDING new friends with the old. I LOVE IT! 

I also love my blog. It's lost a little of the "informative side" that I had initially intended but I'm getting back there - really. I want to share all of the tid bits that I've learned and continue to learn. 

I cant wait to do so with: "My favorite LOCAL artists", "My Home", "My Glasses", and so much more. 

I love talking/writing and whether anyone is out there and reads these rants and raves - thank you - but the thing I like the best about it is that it's a writing outlet for me - something I so enjoy. I'm writing!!!! That's the best part. That, and I truly think it's the excitement of THAT possibility and the fact that I just think (in my head) that I'm a version - I know this is a stretch-  a little Carrie Bradshaw - here is Mpls, looking out -of my WAY TOO SMALL condo bedroom window - at the city, typing nonsensical gibberish, and thinking (knowing) my life is just as cool as hers and I'm just as happy as she was on the show, if not more so knowing that I'm writing, believing in myself, and I too have some pretty frickin cool friends. I'm creative, I'm talented, I have a lot in me and I'm just beginning to scratch the surface of "knowing" who I am. From what I can see, it's going to be a pretty interesting year :-) It's an evolution and every time I write on my blog, it's an inspiration to me. I reread it and if I smile and get something back from it, I post it. If not, I delete, delete, delete and wait for something to come. Obviously, when I start typing, the words just keep coming. These posts have gotten longer and longer too. That's the A.D.D. of course :-) 

As Betty Davis once said: "Fasten your seatbelts. Its going to be a bumpy night!" 

Happy Late Sunday early Monday! This week is going to FLY by! 

The best thing about today?

Is that it's OVER! OMG, I thought today was never going to end. 

After I blogged last eve, figured out today's outfit, and so forth, one would think I'd be exhausted from the recovery weekend and Nurse Oliver and on and on??? Me too! Nope, once I settled in, took my c's, advils, musinex and decongestant...yup, WIDE EYED staring at the ceiling! Until 5:AM!!!!! I thought I was going to die today! Thank god I had the legitimate excuse of being sick all weekend. Whew. 

So, came home took a small nap and dashed off to Michael's for a little of this and a little of that and PRESTO, GAY-O I have a NEW pair of "Irish Jeans" to wear tomorrow! I have actual "Irish genes" but I wanted JEANS to make the outfit for tomorrow. Just took an old pair of jeans that I dug out of the 100 and some pair, turned 'em over, threw the colors of the Irish flag on them, waiting for those to dry and I'll put the finishing touch on them in the morning - "Kiss me, I'm Irish" grosgrain ribbon down the sides. 

PULEASE! Over the Top? None sense - I'm Irish, I'm a fashionista and I'm GAY! Hello? Who else do you think would be able to pull this off as wearable art - aside from my inspirational Jodi Hills - I just didn't have anything other than "Go Irish" to write and I didn't want that across my butt.....so I just went very "Rothko" with the design. Actually, much more literal, who am I kidding? But still pretty cool for "St Patty's Day Attire" .... plus I have two outfits for the "top" that I can't decide between so I'll take both to work and change into the other at lunch so I can get a wearing out of each :-) 

I'm off to Toast after work. Scott (the owner) is going to make ME something very "Irish" for the occasion. So, I can't wait to report back what that was. He's an amazing cook so I'm sure it will be nothing less than. No green beer though. He said he likes the Irish (he has to - Erin, his wife, IS!) but he draws the line at artificial colorings. I can respect that. I guess I better leave my green food coloring at home that I thought I'd splash into my wine. Oh, fine. I get it. I'm not in Chicago. :-) 

So, with all of that said, fashion dilemmas averted, after work plans in place and transportation home lined up....I only live a half a block away...I bid you adieu this eve of St Patty's. 

Take Care! Be responsible tomorrow and live like you were Irish....I don't know what that means but it sounded profound and it will sound even more profound tomorrow eve. :-) 

See y'all Weds :am at O'Fords! 

Betty will muffins and aspirins for all, along with the usual admissions slips. 

I got it! 

I know what I can write on my jeans....like my mom always told me:  "if it weren't for bad luck, you'd have no luck at all."  Gotta love those words of wisdom that have shaped our lives into what they are today. 

Or my other favorite - but it's more of a Swedish saying - the other half of my genes....there's  a WHOLE new pair of jeans just waiting to be painted!!!!!  

"Out of the mouths of babes and drunkards comes the truth".....can I get an AMEN for that one? 

Ousta La Visa Baby! 

Do I dare say? Thank God it's Sunday???

Hell, I just did! Must be the cold medicine that I was forced to DRIVE ALL THE WAY TO TARGET FOR....yesterday..... and today! :-) Woohoo! Feelin much better! And I owe it all to Target AND Visa! Woohoo!!!!!!! 

Friday totally kicked my A**! Saturday wasn't much better but like I realized in talking to my parents, the only thing for me to do when I get sick is to sleep! I have since childhood and that's how my mom knew I was never faking it. I actually thought my mom was going to volunteer to fly up to take care of me...then Oliver woke me up to go outside! Or to see if I was breathing.... I forget which, but I guess it was all a dream! Or was it....mom coming was anyway :-( 

Feeling MUCH better today. Actually felt better once I got out and got to Target - yes, subconsciously or whatever you want to call it, just pulling into that big parking lot with the bulls eye high in the sky, I knew relief was just a cart and a few aisles away. 

Of course, then I needed this and that and one of these things and being that I was in such a hurry to get Advil and Tylenol, I of course forgot the heating pad so where did I find myself today? Yup, I know I'm on the mend when I'm taking cold medicine to make me coherent enough to get to Target and back!!!!!!! 

So that was the extent of my "weekend", two trips to Target, had to stop into Home Depot being that it's right next door and I needed some potting soil - like that couldn't wait.... does anyone think I got to those plants yesterday or today - I think not. But boy it sure felt good getting something accomplished....I mean stimulating that economy. 

Did we go there today or yesterday??? Who cares, like I said, "Thank God it's Sunday, and I'm not even religious." 

So much for my canine bedside nurse! 

Let me review with you Oliver's version of bedside care: 

1. Let's LAY on the patient's chest so it improves breathing! (not!) 

2. Let's lean in REALLY close and start licking patient's face IF breathing. Yup! He's breathing alright. Licky! Licky Licky! "Just checking patient. You're always asleep so how was I to know?"

3. To ensure that patient is not resting too much, let's push "rat" or "guinea" in his face. He should be up exercising, (aka playing with me!) not all of this sleeping! Please! Sleep is for the weak! (Thank you Nurse Oliver! Sleep is just what "I" had ordered!) 

4. In the midst of all of this "medicinal sleepage" Oliver decides that he now thinks he has to relieve himself and if patient doesn't want him to do so in condo - HE better get patient up....NOW! 

So, what better way to let him know than to walk all over patient's head! then jump down off of resting bed and shout to him! In the highest, most piercing emergency bark possible. 

Oh, good the patient gets up, gets dressed, takes Oliver outside thinking that Oliver really has to go....

at least he PIDDLED outside! Not peed, not tapped a kidney or experienced a laborious bowel movement..... nope, JUST PIDDLED! 

At least Oliver knows how to get patient out of bed next time! You never know when it's going to mean something and Oliver would HATE to ruin patient's hardwood floors with urine SO patient knows that he HAS to listen to Oliver's bathroom pleas......see, being a bedside care giving nurse isn't all that hard after all. If Oliver can do it, so can any of you pets :-) 

Let me know when you're ill, I'll gladly volunteer Oliver's services. 

Did I mention that Nurse Oliver 

5. doesn't allow phone usage in bed either? 

Nope, crawls right up in my face, stands, stretches on my chest, licks my face and as soon as I start to converse, tries to give me mouth to mouth. "Not in this care giving facility Mr Patient and Hell no, not on my dime! You don't want to exercise with "rat" or "guinea" when "I" offered, there will be NO phone then while you're sick either! Two can play this game!" 

Then there's 

6. computer time - not as bad as phone time but let me tell you, he know how to push all the wrong buttons and does. Just walks across the keyboard, or plops right down it, why not, it's warm? 

Luckily, for me, I'm felling somewhat better and I've relieved him of his duties as of this evening. 

He's now sleeping off the hard weekend's work on the pillow next to me. 

After I washed all of the sheets, aired this germ infested residence out and cleaned up...some. I was weak, sweating and in need of a diet coke! Did Oliver go get me one? I don't think so. But when I realized I HAD to go to Target to replenish, did I take Nurse Oliver with me? Hell no :-) I ran for it, and he knew it. 

It was a like a nine alarm when I got off of the elevator when I returned. 

You'd think someone was HURTING a dog in the condo or even worse....nope, just Oliver gathering up the neighbors outside of my condo, gettin' everyone wondering what was going on being that they all knew I was sick to begin with, all weekend and sure as crap, if little Nurse Oliver didn't rouse the troops! For what? just to make sure someone would hear him should SOMETHING happen, I'm sure! That and to let me know that I wont be making a run for it again without taking his canine butt with me and I know that NOW!! .....god love the little revenge artist!  

Did I mention, Thank God it's Sunday? I GET to go back to work tomorrow! 

Chew on that one  Nurse Oliver :-) 

P.S.

 There's still a lot brewin, just a little slower. Didn't get to any of that being that my mind couldn't go anywhere but to sleep. Stay tuned though. You'll see. :-) 

P.S.S.

We had the "Last Supper" for the Good Life on Saturday eve too. Talk about a wrist splitter. I mean, nothing against the gesture of the dinner and Anne's Dad and Stepmom picking up the tab for it - the whole staff....but Anne's dad started it with his "toast" and being that I had done nothing but lye in bed all - ooooohhhh wait, I made it to Target yesterday! That's right! I DID DO something productive! - day and think about the POSSIBILITY of preparing something eloquent to say of course. So after he spoke, everyone got to dry their eyes, I of course, as the BEST MAID/MAN of HONOR EVER and carry the certificate with me at all times! - just simply had to stand to say a few words, which made me cry and then everyone else cry and thank god dinner came right after that! Cry, cry, eat, let's do this one more time! Thank god my cold meds starting wearing off and I had to leave...honestly. I guess another round ensued and that's when Jodi and Deb couldn't take anymore and had to leave too. Really, it's ok. Anne is at a good place with this, we all are. It's not the END of something, well, technically yes it is but she's looking FORWARD to her new beginning and with that each of us have a new beginning ahead of us as well. So anyway, just had to throw that A.D.D. moment in there. It's not a "Ken Writing" without them. 

NOW, I'm done! For today. 

Really, 

THE END! (for Today) 

How do you win getting the last word in when it's just you writing? Who wins? Who gets the last word?! Dang it! 

The End! 

illin' today :-(

What's worse than being sick on a Friday? losing the weekend to recovery!!!! And I'm out Advil AND Tylenol!!!!

What a Friday.

At least nurse Oliver is here to keep me company.

ken

Oooooohhhhhhhhh!

Big things are a  brewin! Just you wait and see! 

I can hardly contain myself! If I were only permitted to say more but I can't let myself because the ideas aren't finessed enough at this point but boy, are they a swillin in my head! It's going to be a FUN spring and summer! 

God, I love the creative!!!! 

I'd mention them all but I don't think I have enough space or time to start with just one! 

I gotta get outta my own head for a while. I can't stop thinking long enough to keep track of the ideas. 

How am I EVER going to get any sleep tonight?  

kayla, anne, susan, westy, julie, amy, wendy, pat, kerry, linda, doug, lori, ben, laura, peter, nicho, sam, oliver, shelby, radar, arlo, elmo, erin, scott, martine, tahira, bob, linda, susie, ben, emily, betsy, rob, jen, melissa, liz, kelly, jen, pam, pamela, heather, heather, tom, mitch, and the list goes on and on and I still can't stop thinking! 

Whew, I better unplug just so I don't fry with the thoughts right now!!!!! 

I'll be back..........

Where did my weekend go?

Isn't it always the fact that weekends fly by? I don't care what you're doing, what you have to do and/or who's coming over.....weekends are never long enough, even if there's a Monday holiday tacked on. 

What bugged me about this weekend is actually a lot. Let's start with Daylight Savings?????? WTF is this??? Why do we have it to being with? Residents in AZ don't have it and they're just fine with productivity, getting up, getting to work and getting the "crops" in. Why is AZ the only state that doesn't have to comply? I'd say I'd like to boycott the change but I'd be late (even more so) for everything around me. 

So, that's my 2¢ worth and that's the big thing that "ruined" my weekend. I was UP an hour later on Saturday night, which I shouldn't have been. I got an hour less sleep on Sunday because Daylight Savings ROBBED me on it AND why is it so early this year??? 

Next on my shortened weekend - The List! Oh well. I'll just have to work on that in the evenings of this week - It's a good visual for what I should be doing :-)

I did get to do a few things on Sat. Picked up the "Essential John Denver" cd at Sam's Club  - I know, I know - you'd never think that I'd be sharing that I went to Sam's for my own and on my own. I saw it there earlier this week when I went for work and for some DUMB reason I found myself driving there to get it on Sat. I was hard up to "avoid" the list.

John Denver? Really Ken? That's so NOT gay but chalk it up to the Nascar fascination too. I haven't told you about MY NASCAR fascination? Yup, it's true. But I'll save that for another day. 

*Ok, I cannot retract it but I have to amend it.  The John Denver cd - yeah, could be misconstrued as "experimental" and very reminiscent of Puff the Magic Dragon....WOW! I don't think I'd leave that on my dash when I go to a Nascar Race........

Ran into the Great Estate and I THINK I found Oliver the best dog hut ever! Julie, I need you to look at it again! 

Think "The Last Emperor" - it's like a miniature Tibetan temple house thingy - roof, four corner columns and a floor. He fits in it perfectly! 

Did brunch at the Seward Cafe with my cuz. Met her bf, nice guy. I had A strawberry/banana pancake because I think it was the only item that didn't have mock this or tofu that. Needless to say, I had a nice time and would go back...but I'd wear my crocs and skip the shower.....not that I'm saying ANYTHING bad here. I'd go back, for real. 

For that kind of service, WHY NOT?! 

You write your OWN order, you bring it up to the register and pay for it when putting YOUR written order in, YOU pick up your own food when the slop chef calls your name AND you bus your table when you're done too. So why so many employees??? It was an experience that is for sure. The tea was really good, did I mention that? 

Then I just laid around all day. Watched some lame movies and didn't do jack all day. No one to blame but myself. 

And I'm resided to that fact and am not going to beat myself up anymore about it. It was an ok day in the end. What can you expect from a Sunday???

Woohoo, tomorrow is Monday! Work with me here! I'm trying to build it up. 

BTW - Happy Bday Miss Ruthie! xoxoxo 

Where did the week go?

I don't know about y'all out there, but this cowpoke is mighty glad tomorrow is Friday already! 

I thought this week was NEVER going to end but when I think back on it now, knowing that today is Thursday (and THAT'S almost over!) and tomorrow is FRIDAY, where DID my week go? Who cares? I'm just elated that it's over! 

I would like to say that I'm going to be a home body, stay in or around the condo, do laundry, clean up the kitchen, write my thank you notes, sit on FB for the majority of the weekend and watch movies, maybe even get up the energy to tackle the storage room.....WHO THE HELL AM I KIDDING?! That's not going to happen. I have A.D.D. to the enth degree and the attention span of a walnut! I live by lists but I'm constantly making new lists with things that I SHOULD be doing but as I'm writing the lists I find that I'm adding "Great Estate, Room & Board Outlet, Home Depot, Michael's and WHY am I going there? I'm avoiding the things that I SHOULD be doing but when I "run errands" on the weekend to these stores, I'm simply keeping the economy alive (and with what means I ask? I have NO idea!) and creating more "projects" to do when I finally arrive home, unload the car and go through the bags. No worries, because it's now late enough in the afternoon that I have to call Julie to see what she's up to and what she's done with her day. We will undoubtedly end up at Target (again! and this is trip what in 1 week for either of us???) or worse - The Galleria!!!! Then we'll have to go back to her place, peruse the week's new magazines, have a bottle of wine, make a little something to eat and starting "listing" all of the projects we both want to do. Then I'll ask for her computer and we'll both start "surfing" for this or that or inspiration and the lists will just keep going on and on. 

Now it's Sunday and I'm going to freak out about everything that I WANTED to get done and didn't. Panic Mode! 

Frick, I might as well get in my car and go to Home Depot or Target just to make sure that I didn't miss a plant or maybe lighting or something just so I don't have to deal with the ACTUAL list of HAVE TO DO at the condo. 

Who can I call? Who can I "drop in on?" Who's house can I take over and decorate so I don't have to go home and think of my own list?! 

Wow, when you put it writing it doesn't seem so difficult and the reasoning is right here IN FRONT OF ME! 

Oh well. At least I know myself well enough to know that I'm going to be disappointed with myself come Sunday night but tomorrow is Friday, after all. The end of the week! Woohoo!!!! It's going to be 5 o'clock somewhere for sure! 

Then there's the Home & Garden Show this weekend, I'm going to Susie's this weekend sometime too to help fluff an place a few things, let the dogs play and so forth. Then I have to find time to have Wyatt come over and hook up and program all of my Wii stuff so I can, get this one, start working out!!!!!, with my Wii Fit! Really, I am! 

Then I still have to "run errands" and stimulate the economy AND THEN to top the whole weekend off, it's DAY LIGHT SAVINGS!!! Frick! I'm going to LOSE an hour sometime either Saturday night or Sunday when I realize it IS Day Light Savings and I got even less done because now my weekend was shortened by that whole hour AHEAD!!!! 

Where'd that "to do" list go? Might as well read it so I can think to myself I at least did that :-) 

Happy WEEKEND!!!! I'll be back.... especially if it keeps me from my list :-) 

Blown away!!!!!!

Ok, here it is....

"Ken & Oliver" 

By: Doug Talalla

I just about peed when he gifted this to me earlier in the afternoon last Saturday! 

Doug has made mention of doing this for me over the PAST YEAR, I've been asking about it again and again and I never thought in my wildest dreams it would be this cool, this big and this unbelievable!!!!! I'm frickin FLOORED! 

I'm in disbelief that this is actually FOR ME, OF ME AND MY BOSOM BUDDY, and it's original Doug Talalla art!! 

Thank you Doug! Do you think I think you're talented? I dunno.....KIDDING!!!!!! 

This would be the lovely ad talented Doug Talalla next to me next to the FABULOUS painting!!!!! 

I was lucky enough to not only have my unbelievable painting at my party BUT Toast also allowed me to have four other pieces of Doug's as well.  It was like have my very own private collection gallery showing! 

Piece 2: "cowboy hat" (sold) 

Piece 3: "BIG PEN" - available...checking on price......

Piece 4: "Stud on Dock, Tanning" (that's not what Doug titled it, that's just what I'M calling it :-) 

Piece 5: "Bed in the middle of the woods" 

I am taking a new photo of this one - my original did not turn out :-( 

BUT this is a really cool piece. It's like a dream sequence or something....

I'm trying to talk him into doing a pair of cowboy BOOTS for me....I have a pretty BIG fetish with cowboy boots! I'll show those tomorrow! 

Cool! Cool! Cool! And Talented!!!! Mr Talalla, YOU ROCK!!!!!! 

Interested in Doug's art? Check out Sunday's posting (the one before this) his You Tube and website are listed :-) 

Or you can just let me know and I'll get you in contact with HIM :-) 

I have to go look at the wall where it's going to go now......... 

:-) 

39 is OFFICIALLY HERE!

Ok, the birthday was Tuesday but the CELEBRATION was last night! 

Whew! What an evening. THank goodness for Sunday and NOTHING to interrupt the recovery process....I mean healing process :-) 

I can't express how blown away I am with my friends. That's why I do this, I throw my own birthday parties as a party for my friends. It's a thank you of sort because I am so grateful and appreciative of all said people in MY life that I get to call "friend". 

This year was a bit different for me. I usually have my soiree's at my house but this year, I wanted to change it up a little. 

I'm relatively new to the neighborhood - just over two years but never do much around here. That's all been changing and I couldn't be happier. 

There is this little restaurant just up the block, Toast. I just love it! I bring everyone there. It' become my little haunt if you will. It's nothing like a chain, it's owned, operated and run by the greatest couple, Scott and Erin. The staff is AMAZING!!! They're so personable. They know so many people by first name and it's so refreshing to just sit in there and OBSERVE them. They're all so genuine, welcoming and they're doing it right. They're doing it like a family and very old school, like you'd expect Uncle Sol to come out and greet you like he knew you.....you know what? Scott does that! He can be in the kitchen, waiting tables and he and Erin always stop what they're doing to GREET everyone that comes in. It's now wonder why I have taken such a liking to Toast and Family :-) They're so amazing! 

I love to take friends there. I've even taken a few dates...not that they've amounted to much but they've enjoyed it too and have gone back.... albeit without me but I can't help that and I'm not one to stand in their way, especially if it was me that turned them on....to Toast that is :-) 

I have a standing date with a friend on mine for Tuesdays @ Toast. We don't get to do every Tuesday but it's nice to know that she's my Tuesday date at Toast when time permits. 

I have friends call just to se if I'm going to Toast or if I want to meet them there....OF COURSE I DO! 

So, anyway, back to me, after all, isn't this blog ALWAYS about me? :-)

I was at Toast planning this year's birthday soiree. I always have a theme and I was thinking "Toast" would be the perfect theme. I can just set up a crostini table, a bunch of toppings, and let everyone make their own. Get some Two Buck Chuck, Prosecco, etc, etc. I even went so far as to run my idea and menu by Scott (1/2 of Erin & SCott that own Toast). 

This was starting to add up, fast! The run around time, the set up time, the CONDO cleaning time alone was freakin' me out and the sheer number of invitees. 64 of my friends were not going to fit in my condo! So, the bell went off in my head! Have it at Toast!!!! I ran it by my decision making team of course...Julie, Anne and Kerry & Pat. All three agreed.....yes, I know I listed four people but Kerry & Pat count as one....they know and so does everyone else. It's a big opinion but it's a joint opinion. 

That was that. I was going to have it at Toast. I started thinking about it, planning it, thinking some more, planning more and all of a sudden it was here! 

My friend Doug Talalla painted a portrait of me and Oliver! OMG is it cool! I would include it in today's blog but I think Char absconded with my digital camera....ok, absconded may not be the right word but at least she got it and I didn't forget it at Toast or lose it :-) 

Anyway, back to Doug's portrait! OMG!!! I screamed when he gave it to me yesterday afternoon. It's so frickin cool! I can't wait to show it off to everyone. He's one of my favs too! He knows it but I just like to fawn all over him just because it's so easy. Anyway, Doug was my artist dujour for my soiree last eve. Not only did he do the paint of me and Oliver, but he loaned out four more pieces to create a gallery-esque feel to the half of the restaurant  that I took up. It was amazing! 

Every single one of my friends that showed up, amaze me on a daily basis.... that they're MY friends!!!! :-) I love it! 

I have a lot of talented, VERY talented artist friends and I adore all of them. You'll get to learn more about each of them in the coming weeks as I profile them and their art and why I admire them so :-) 

So, it was a great evening. Erin and Martine took the best care of all of us. Making sure my night was going well and taking care of all of the attendees. Julie did my cupcakes with pics on them and I think, I'm actually pretty sure, EVERYONE had a good time. That's all I can ask, every year, each  year on my birthday. :-) 

*BTW - Toast does events and parties. Just contact Erin at: etomczyk@toastwinebarandcafe.com   She's the bomb and she can help you as little or as much as you want for your gathering/event.

As soon as I get my camera back, I'll be posting photos so everyone can see. 

What a birthday! Thank god I won't be here for next year! 40 is all mine! And I'm hoping to be traveling for it :-) 

Thank you! To all of my wonderful friends! You make me who I am and I am SO grateful to know and have each of you in my life! 

Blogger's Block

I wish I had something fun and witty to write but tuesday came and went, Wednesday was crazy hectic and today was a snow day and a waste for me. 

I'm trying to get everything picked up around here and ready for the weekend. One never knows what may transpire or who may stop by ........ 

Prepping for the soiree on Sat eve at Toast. Super excited for that! can't believe I'm 39 but whatever. It's just a number and I'm still as young as I feel....and act! 

I don't have Oliver right now, so he can't fill for me this time either. 

I have tons of ideas for future writings - I don't know if ANY OF THEM would or could ever beat the Manny Diaries! Wyatt was such a source of inspiration. How could I not write everyday? Everyday was a new experience. :-) 

Stay tuned. Lots of cool stuff just waiting to pop out of my brain! 

Thanks. 

Manny Diaries Day 10 (2/23) The end is near...

It's Monday already. I thought I'd be clamoring for this day to come and go. Instead, it came and went too fast and now the chapter ends tomorrow morning after I drop Wy at school and I head off to work. Not having to get home to get dinner out, run to study class, run to karate or check and double check that his homework is done and IN his backpack. To make sure that he HAS the purple gloves in there too, just in case it is that cold out :-) 

Wii is going to take on a whole new meaning....lonely. My house will seem tiny but at least I get to park inside again! I get my dog back AND I get full access to my closet and the clothing rations will be lifted!!!! Oh my god - this isn't as sad as I thought is was going to be! My glass is now HALF FULL instead of the other - Woohoo!!!!! I'm free to do whatever I want! I'm not responsible for anyone anymore!!!! 

Hmmmm, when you put it like that, it doesn't have the Umpff that I was building it up to have.

I can't believe that my "Manny" stint is over as of tomorrow :am after I drop Wy off at school. 

Yeh, we never bothered with the school bus. Why should we? He gets an extra twenty minutes to eat breakfast and watch the news and talk to ME! What could be better??? 

We've been busy this evening. I told him last night that I'm a huge list maker and I've been working on the "Last Day List" which is a list that we both have jobs to do before we can call it a night. 

Wyatt seemed a little indifferent about it until I called on my way home and asked him to start a few of the chores. 

1. Take out the kitchen garbage - which he was doing as I pulled into the driveway :-) Good kid! 

2. Poopy Duty - with three dogs, it being REALLY cold out ... after a little resistance, he did it and in his words: "it was easy! They were frozen and I could see all of them against the snow." 

3. No homework - I checked and double checked :-) Lucky!!!!!

After dinner he wanted to save the biggest job for last......

4. He Cleaned his room! 

I've been running around straightening the house. I'm the person that cleans before the cleaning lady comes! 

I don't want Julie to come home to a messy house. Wyatt has learned that already and is very good about hanging his coat over the back of the chair  and lines his shoes up under the credenza! Perfect little kid! You'd think we were related the way he takes to me and how I do things. Granted a little EXTRA effort and encouragement goes a long way! He's getting it. 

So, we played a little more Wii, I went out and got us some Dots (our favorites) and watched a little tv before he had to turn in. He asked if he could stay up til 10:00 because it was my last night and all and told him "nice try" but you don't like to get up in the :am as is and I can tell you're exhausted now. I'm not really going anywhere, just back to my house. 

It's been an amazing eleven days! 

I stay with Wyatt every time they go on vacation. Every time is different from the last though. I realized this time, it's because I can see that he's growing up. Conversations are different, interactions are different but the best part is, we're still the two 11 yr olds that talk, do homework together, have breakfast together, get excited to go to Target and I'm still that other 11 yr old that has the driver's license and the credit card. I hope that never changes and we'll be those two as long as he needs. 

Like I've said before, he's the closest person to an actual nephew for me as far as caring for him like family and being part of each other's families. On the flip side, I know and see he thinks the same of me. That's the greatest reward for doing all of this. This and the reality check that I'm not cut out for kids (of my own) on a full time basis - that's not a bad thing either - at least I know that and recognize it. And I like the return policy that comes with this one....I get to give him back but if I ever need him or he needs me, it's unconditional. 

Thanks Wyatt for the inspiration for the "Manny Diaries" and thanks for everything that you've taught ME over the last eleven days. You're the best and I'm forever grateful for having someone like you in my life. 

Don't forget - Spelling test on Friday!!!!! 

Manny Diaries Day 9 (2/22) Whew! Easy, peasy Sunday!

Ok, after getting to sleep in this morning, it was just Wyatt and me today. 

We had the yummiest junk breakfast. Wyatt had those cinnamon toast waffle things AND a bowl of cereal. 

I decided I wanted those cinnamon toast waffle things too AND some of the YUMMY banana bread that we (M, P and me) decided to make around 12:am because P found the bananas in the refrigerator. Like I had anything to do with that or knew why!! I tried to explain that I don't cook, therefor I don't shop...AT A GROCERY STORE!  :-) 

Turned out amazing! Thanks god Julie keeps a stocked pantry - whatever that means. 

Wyatt was already up running between the floors of the house...watching cartoons on one tv, playing Wii in the tv room and coming up every 15 minutes to inquire when I was getting up. It was 10:am after all. If he only knew that I could go til noon on Sundays!!!!!! 

We decided that we were going to run to Ikea but never made it. 

We went to Target and Best Buy instead. I'm totally addicted to Wii now and I had to find a couple games that I remembered my brother had. Another bowling game - yes, now I have three different bowling games BUT THEY'RE DIFFERENT!!! Wyatt even agrees with me! 

And "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?". Ran between a couple different ones. 

Saw a few different ones at Target but then I was told to check out Best Buy because they were cheaper. They were on the bowling game...$9.99 but $10 MORE on AYSTA5G? So I had to run back to Target. Running back into Target I saw Annie Lennox: Greatest Hits Collection so I thought I needed that too. (BTW - VERY GOOD!) It's nice to have all of those great songs on one cd. 

Came home, cleaned up the house (again! - does it ever end?) Took another late afternoon nap. Got up, threw together some food for dinner. Checked the back pack for everything and double checked that homework was on schedule. 

The spelling list was evidently a little difficult because they have the same list this week. But a new worksheet. No worries on our end. We've already covered all of it anyway. Spelling the word, knowing the definition of said words and using them in a sentence. I should've been a teacher!!!! 

So, Wyatt thought he was good to go. I didn't think the same way. 

K: "I don't think so kiddo. you haven't gone through these words since last week and I know how you are....out of sight, out of mind."

W: (scrunched up face, turning his head sideways and ... "But Ken, they're not due until Friday! Promise." 

K: "Great! Then we have all week to practice! I'm going to take this list to work and make copies for every night this week. We'll start tomorrow." 

W: "That's not fair. And besides, my mom is home on Tuesday! (Like he's just found the "get out of home work card" with that statement. 

K: "You're right. And do you think that she won't pick up where I leave off? She's going to think this a great idea for you! You know she and I think more alike than you know." 

W: "ahhhhh, Ken!" But I'll just tell her that I know them. 

K: "That's great! But I'm going to tell her to have you SHOW her that you know them :-)" 

W: "Want to play that new Wii game from today?" 

K:  "Nice try Kid! Yes, but not until we get you situated for tomorrow and we're done with everything for the day and tomorrow :am." 

W: "Well, are we done then? Come on." 

So, we put AYSTA5G? in and had a blast! I was really surprised because it wasn't a game game to him. It was like a learning session to hi, After all he's 11 so he's in the prime of all of it! I didn't think we were going to be on that as long as we were and remembered that the Oscars were on!!!!! DOH!!!! 

Wii time was now over. Sorry Wyatt. 

We both sat and watched them. We both thought it was sheer robbery that "The Dark Knight" did not win for makeup and a few others. We were super excited the Heath won for Supporting Actor.

Then it was bedtime for Bonzo - I mean Wyatt - and he had no qualms going up tonight. He knew that is had been a long weekend and was tired. 

OH!!!!! I forgot!!!!! He lost a tooth last night!!!!!! What's the protocol for out of town mom's? Can I stand in? What's The whole believability  tooth fairy thing for an 11 yt old? What's the going rate for a tooth? Do I just hand it to him at this point? 

I'm finally heading to bed. 

Sweet Dreams 

Manny Diaries Day 8 (2/21) Best Day EVER!

WOW! What a weekend!!!!! 

The kids were only up until 2:am. Jumping around, playing swords (Nerf), Wii and "Bakugan". 

Up again at 8:am!!!! 

Wii, Wii, Wii and MORE Wii!!!! 

It's really quite humorous to watch though. As these two are armed with chucks and wands "dancing" and shaking at the tv, even acting out their karate kicks, punches and jumps. Spastic and unpredictable - simply amusing!!! 

Coming downstairs Sat :am, of course being awakened to their "Naruto" shouts and kicks, I was leery as to what I would walk into ..... only every piece of Wii accessories they own, every game they own, a few strewn soda & Gatorade bottles, and every pillow from the sofa on the floor. 

Hmmm, project into the future 7 yrs!!!! 

This is exactly what their dorm room is going to look like! 

Keep in mind, I still have not seen the bedroom - only heard the thuds, the dinning rm hutch dishes shaking and the intermittent breaks requesting snacks and libations. The energy that these two had! And were up BEFORE me!!!! 

Thank god for that energy. I pondered having them pick everything up before we got ready to leave but I had a BRILLIANT idea....

K: "Guys, how about if I clean up the kitchen and the tv room?" 

W: "Cool! We'll just keep playing then?" 

K: "Actually, I was thinking of something else. How'd you two like to make some cash?" (Like I really had to ask????) 

W & E: "SURE!!! YES!!!" "How?" 

K: "While I clean up in here, why don't you two go shovel the back yard, driveway, and do the front porch, stairs and main sidewalk"? 

W: "Nah, I think we'll just stay here and play Wii." 

K: (Thinking of me Favorite Meryl Streep line -"No, no, That wasn't a question" ) "uhhh, I don't think I'm not really proposing it as an offer. But I letting you know that I AM PAYING you to do so. K?" 

E: "Cool! I'll do it!" (Don't you just love eager friends?! They're the ones that were always the parent brown nosers! I should know, I was one! )

W: "But E, we're not done." 

E: "Yeah, but we get $5 bucks EACH!" 

W: "Ken, are you going to help us?"

K: "I don't think so. That's why I said I would clean up in her FOR YOU and that's why I'm PAYING you. 

(You gotta love the power of cash with kids!) 

Chop! Chop! We gotta get going!!! 

For the life of me, I don't get what it is about Wyatt (or most of his friends) but it takes FOREVER to get him moving. It's like talking a suicide victim off of the ledge when I ask him to shut the tv/Wii off. Really, it's still going to be there when we come back. 

Getting him to get showered, dressed (and deodorized) and downstairs is hair splitting - unless the word Target is in the sentence. 

So, I'm running around, trying to gather everyone and everything up. Dogs out, dogs in. All food remnants or anything edible OFF of the counters - Radar (the labor-doodle) is amazing at reaching new heights when there's something edible out! 

E can't find this, Wyatt can't find this and are getting frantic, so I run upstairs to inquire what the hold up is and I walk into Wy's room and NO WONDER THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING!!!! OMG!!!! I don't even know where to look first. I hear the tv on so I look over there....there are MORE games all over the room, more Wii controls (where'd those come from?) there are MORE soda and Gaterade bottles ( I can't believe one of them didn't pee their sleeping bags during the night!) Nerf guns (everything from small to gargantuan!) Nerf darts everywhere, Nerf swords, clothes, trading cards and I think every tow that Wyatt had in his room was out!!!! 

I'm stunned! I had Wyatt clean his room specifically because he was having company and he did! Perfectly! I saw it! I'm sure I did! 

But this was ...... I just said: "Make a list of what you're missing and Wyatt will have to find when we get back and HE CLEANS HIS ROOM! Let's go!" 

Turns out, Wyatt found seven trading cards, a Bakugan thingy, his sleeping bag, the $5 that I had aid him, AND his real SWORD!!!! Which I would not allow to be swung in the house or played with behind closed doors. That's all I'd need. Accidental impalement of one of them! That's the only thing I didn't care for. E's dad came in with him when he  dropped him off and was just as proud of it when he showed it me - As if it was a relic from "The Lord of The Rings Trilogy" (LOFTR , in their tongues) or something. I just looked at it, looked at them and smiled uh-huh.......... I always wondered if those Renaissance groupies reproduced - now have my confirmation! Yikes!  

I didn't realize I had so much to report, just for Saturday! Please bare with me, it's good! 

So we finally get out of the house. An hour and a half later than I though! 

Dropped E at home...what is the average age for KIDS that they SHOULD KNOW THEIR RIGHT FROM THEIR LEFT???? 

I am so glad that we purchased tickets on Monday for Saturday's events at The Science Museum! 

Note: If you have kids and don't have a  membership there, you should seriously look into it! 

Julie, if you're reading this....Wyatt and I really want to join. You can come too :-) 

So anyway, I have to tell you that this was the best four hours of my life with Wyatt! 

The Grand Canyon movie was amazing! 

* Suggestion though: Get in line early, the best seats are in the upper sections, center!

We both left thinking about how we could learn more about water conservation in our homes. 

Wyatt is such a deep thinker too. When we got out of the movie, it conveniently empties out in the cafeteria, so we sat and ate lunch - you'd have thought we were at a RESTUARANT vs the Science Museum Cafeteria! Holy $$$$$ for BURGERS!!!!! 

We talked about the movie and the future of the Colorado River and it's water resources and the severity of the possibility of it drying up! Wyatt actually told me he was scared for the future. Get this!!!!!

W:  "Because we're not paying attention now and it's really going to be too late, sooner than later." How insightful is that???? 

Then we went through the Water Exhibit, Dinosaur Exhibit, and a few others. We ended by going through the Goose Bumps Exhibit. TOTALLY COOL! I think we spent an hour just in this one! I don't want to give it away...just go! 

Being that we were having such a diverse day, I decided to take Wyatt to the World Market Midtown. 

He thought that was pretty cool. He liked all of the diversity of shops and eats in there. I picked up a few things but hey, I'm only trying to support our local economy :-)  

We'd had a pretty full day but it wasn't over yet.....

Got back home around 5:30 ish. Totally exhausted!!! We agreed that we each needed a nap before our friends (yup, adults included in this one!) came over to play Wii. Five of us! Three adults, an 11 yr and a 6 yr old! 

It was a hoot! I thought I was going to pee myself on several different occasions due to laughing so hard. The kids actually taught us more about the games and totally kicked all of our butts! 

After they went to bed or fell asleep, "Wii" the adults, (Sorry, that's just never going to get old for me!) bowled and tried to play the Redneck Game that I bought. Another attempt for that one later. 

It went well into the "Wii" hours of the early morning! 

Again, the bestest day ever!!!!!!!!  Thanks Wyatt!  (P, M and Little E too!) 

;-) 

Manny Diaries Day 7 (2/20) TGIF!!!!!

Woohoo! I woke up with a smile on my face this morning!!! 

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!! Why does that matter so much? 

*I'm only half way through my stint here with Wyatt.

*I have an additional kid coming over to stay the night (my first supervised sleepover)

*I'm on limited clothing rations - do you know how hard it is to PACK for something like this? 

Thanks god my condo is on the way TO work incase I have a clothing mishap or more common - change of mind OR the wrong glasses! 

*And I haven't seen my Oliver  in TWO whole days!!!!! I've talked to him on the phone and Anne assures me he needed the time away from the nut house. I think it's like taking him out of a Frat House and putting him in a retirement home. We both need to get back on track! 

Tuesday, oh Tuesday, wherefore art thou? 

"Why dwell on the have nots when we should be grateful for the HAVES!? " (another great momism - Thanks mom!) 

So, it was a little easier getting up today - knowing that it was Friday and all. Wyatt had even gotten up around the same time so it must be a Friday vibe thing. 

We met in the kitchen. Since we found his FAVORITE waffles last night at the grocery store - that's what he went for. Being that the roof of my mouth is now accustomed to the ripping and tearing that Apple Jack's does, I of course went for those. 

A little surprised that Wyatt was DRESSED and all PRIOR to breakfast, I just had to inquire.

K: "Did you shower?"

W: "Yup."

K: "Why isn't your hair wet?" 

W: "I don't like to wash it." 

*Didn't want to pursue this any further because I knew I was not going to win with the 11yr old's reasoning. 

K; "Ok. Did you put deodorant on?"  (Puberty is coming and he has the b.o. of a barn IF he doesn't put it on)

W: "No."

K: "Why not?" 

W: "I forgot." 

K: "Well the kids in your class aren't going to forget after a couple of hours!" 

W: "They don't care. Besides, it's going to come off during swimming" 

K; (The logic behind this kid is killing me!) "I'm sure they do and just don't tell you.You DON'T want to be known as the B.O. kid. Your friends will drop like flies!"

W: Oh, ok. 

(Do I really think he went up and put deodorant on? I don't know FOR SURE - but at least I got him to think about it -another one for KEN! :-) 

Finished up breakfast. Wyatt is doing a VERY good job on learning new things while I'm here. 

1. I'll set the counter, I'll get the food ready and serve it but....

2. he knows that if he gets up and leaves his dishes and stuff.....uh,uh! I don't think so little man. You can just bring your skinny little self back here, pick up those dishes with the two functioning hands that god gave you and bring them to the sink. You might as well rinse them since you're there too. (My mother is with me at all times) 

3. If you take Wii anything out, you put everything back. If you don't and I have to pick it up, you will be guessing for a LONG time as to where I put it.  That only took once.

3. Before his friend could come over, I laid down some basic house rules in prep for the friend to come over. 

Take out the garbages

Breakdown the food boxes and recycling and take that out. 

Make sure that the TV room looks as good as it did two days ago when Gloria was here, she only comes 2x a month so I personally want to enjoy the house the way she leaves it as long as possible. (Gloria is the cleaning lady that I

JUST ADORE!)  

He's like: "That's a lot for me to remember. You should write it down so I don't forget. Well I didn't write it down as we got wrapped up with what we needed to double check and triple check for before we leave for school. 

*He had everything done before I got home. No note, just a give and take scenario. Win/Win if you will. 

He's such a good kid!!!!!!!

Back to getting out of the house this morning..........

I ask if he's all set. Does he have everything? 

He says he does  - NEVER TRUST an 11yr old -they NEVER do. 

He actually asked me if "I" packed up his homework!! I was like, "Why would I pack it up for you? It's not MY homework!" (I'm getting the hang of this 11yr old logic. I'm no dummy!) 

So, I take the backpack, open it and can plainly see that he has NO CLUE as what today is! I read the notes every morning when I come down so I make it appear to HIM that I know all and I'm on top of everything (if he only knew) 

K: Wyatt, what day is it? 

W: Friday.

K: What do we do on Fridays? 

W: Have sleep overs! 

K: (dang he got another one in!) Ok, but what else? It's FRIDAY........

W: (looks at me like WTH, I'm not getting this. Just tell me!) I duh-know....

K: Swimming? At School???? 

W: (Like the light bulb just went on!) Oh yeah. Did you grab my stuff? 

K: Uh, no. That'd be your RESPONSIBILITY. Go up and get your suit and a FRESH towel. 

W: (comes down with them balled up in his hands and reaches for his backpack)

K: What are you doing? 

W: Putting them in my backpack. 

K: Not like that we're not. Here, fold the towel in thirds, take your suit and put it at the top of the towel like this and roll it up nice and tight. It takes up less room and it looks neater. 

W: Ken, I'm just going to unroll it anyway. Oh, I need a bag to put it in too.

(This is where HE GETS ME!)

K: Why? 

W: So it doesn't get my backpack and homework when after class. 

K: Good point! 

I had to go start my car because I have to "rough" it while I'm here. I have to park OUTSIDE! 

Not accustomed to that. I park inside at my house and I park inside for work. My car isn't used to this. 

Oh, did I forget to mention that we made arrangements for a friend to sleep over? That was like the Great Inquisition. 

I get it but it was like going through a whole job interview process. Not only did Wyatt have ME call to initiate the plans, I had to go through the mom first, wait three minutes and then see what the dad had to say. 

I get the whole we don't know who you are and the everything like that but really, I've known Wyatt since he was conceived. I know all of his friends and their parents. Wyatt wanted to take ME for show and tell one time. Even his teachers know who I am. Anyway, I guess I passed because he's here and they're both playing Wii and 12:00!!!!! 

I've been bored out of my mind. We're on a "time share" rotation with the family room tonight. The new 52" flat screen is a hot commodity. The Wii looks better and plays better too. I'm a fair guy, I'm a nice guy and I don't want to come off as a jerk with Wyatt and his friend. So I make the pizzas, get the sodas out and head upstairs. Parents are such a buzz kill. 

The VCR/tv combo in their room is a fraction of the size, at least 15' away from me and no "menu" on the remote so I have to surf EVERY channel to find out which is which. Technology - who woulda thought that I would be such a junky? Anyway, I also don't get the wireless all the way up there. No one's fault, just a bummer is all. 

Ok, it's 12:15 in the morning. These two are so riled up and into Wii. I'm actually going to head to bed now. 

Nice thing is, I get all three dogs tonight. 

I'm going to LOVE getting him up tomorrow morning. I told him that he can have the sleepover, stay up as late as he wants but he better not forget that we purchased tickets on Monday to go back to the Science Museum for the exhibits in the morning and the Grand Canyon Movie at 12:00. I'm sure hell be napping by 2! I LOVE PLANNING AHEAD! 

:-) 

g'night! 

Manny Diaries Day 6 (2/19) Half way there!

When did Thursday get here? 

It IS the HALF WAY mark to Julie's RETURN!!!!

I thought today was Wednesday. Damn Monday holidays. As much as I like them for the beginning of the week, I never know what day I'm on by Thursday! 

Woke up REALLY early today, thought I'd let the dogs out and lay back down....DUMB! I should know better. I'm like, "what's ten more minutes?" Yeah, but those ten minutes turned into an HOUR! I shot up, adrenaline pumping, freaking out that we REALLY over slept - the whole time not realizing that I'm not THAT far behind.....rush to get Wyatt up. He goes down to get breakfast, turns on the tv (of course) is eating here and there, when he can tear himself away from the tv that is, and I'm flinging dog food into bowls and trying to remain calm that we're on a TIGHT time frame this morning! Chop, Chop Pork chop!!!!! 

Today IS Thursday so I'm frantically trying to go through all of the notes from Julie to see what I need to do or know. Ok, it's gym day...I get that. What does that mean though? 

I'm like, "Wyatt, what do you need for Gym Day?" 

He's like, "Tennis shoes"

And I'm like, "Where are they?" 

and he says, "On my feet!" 

And I ask: "You can wear street shoes for gym shoes?"

 He answers: "Yeh, they're tennis shoes aren't they?" No time to argue - works for me. 

I'm starting to REASON with 11 yr old logic!!!!!! 

Run down the list:

Do you have your home work? Y

Do you have your keys? Y

Do you have gloves? 

W: "Why?"  

K:" Ummmm, because it's 23º outside!" 

W: "yeh, so? We wont be going out for recess." 

I ponder this, as if there is SOME LOGIC to it and finally realize,  NOT! 

K: "You need gloves."  

W: "I don't have any."  

K: "Well take these purple ones." (They're regular androgynous ski gloves!!!!)  

W: "They're my moms!"  

K: "Too Bad, they'll keep your hands warm! " 

Wyatt begrudgingly took them and put them in his backpack. 

1 for Ken! 

Why the debate? It's friggin cold out there! Why try to create a case for NOT  wearing the damn gloves? 

OMG! I'm sounding like MY mother. Mom, I'm sorry for all of those times. I get it! 

No, he's not my kid but I'm learning everything in bits and pieces and dang, if you weren't RIGHT! 

There I said it! All of you should say it too! If you haven't already realized it....MOTHER'S KNOW BEST! Even when we don't think we're absorbing their invaluable lessons and tid bits as children, they're THERE! 

Albeit subconcieously, she's made her mark and SHE is EVERY mother out there. Daughters or sons - they've INGRAINED themselves  in our psyches! 

Thank you mom.  After all that, at least I'm a good babysitter :-) 

So, back to Wyatt and me... 

There's that dang ADD again. If I could just stick to one thought without digressing - that wouldn't be much fun now would it? I'd never be able to share how I got to the MAIN point of my ramblings without all of the little side stories. Much like my commute to work...it takes a lot of side streets to get you to the highway (of life) and to work! :-) 

I actually MADE dinner tonight. 

Not just opening the freezer and putting something in the microwave or going somewhere to buy PREPARED foods...I made ORANGE CHICKEN. 

Granted, all I had to do was take the box out  (of the freezer), open it, put the sauce (without opening it) in a bowl of warm water to defrost - done. 

Take a "skillet" - what the h is a skillet? Why not just say "frying pan"? 

Anyway, threw some oil in there...which I could not find. Looked high and low and in every cupboard in the kitchen....I found a new bottle in the pantry and thought, Oh well, I guess I'm the first to open the new bottle. 

By the way, when I went into the pan cupboard again, what did I find? not one but THREE different bottles and types of OIL!!!!!!  DOH!!!!

Turned on the burner, waited for that to warm up and it said to put the chicken pieces in when warm.

Ok, oil doesn't bubble like water or change or give you a "sign" when it's warm.........so, when I put the chicken in....splishhhhhhhh sploooshhhhhh, crackle.....crishhhhhhhhhhh, SPRAY all over....The dogs ran for cover, I'm thinking that the oil overspray is going to ruin my sweater and jeans AND now I have to RE-CLEAN the entire kitchen because there is so much oil overspray! The cleaning lady was just here YESTERDAY! Dang it! 

Anyway, I get the chicken pieces in, cover and let them cook for a few minutes.....come back to stir it up and they're all stuck to the "skillet" - which I'm going to call a damn frying pan! Argghhhhh, and people wonder why I don't cook anything but pizzas? Stir 'em up and they looked just fine :-)

God GIFTED me with the ability to decorate, accessorize and throw great parties...not dinner parties by any means - appetizer parties! Did y'all see Mermaids? W/ Cher! Well that's me, but up it a couple notches. 

I'm rambling, I know. 

So dinner actually turned out pretty good. Nothing burnt and Wyatt was content with it. He even complimented me that it tasted like "chicken"  - so, to Target's Market Pantry,  good job in the R&D dept and fooling the 11yr old! 

It looked like chicken, it "tasted" like chicken but was it REALLY chicken????? 

Homework went well too. Wy has a spelling test tomorrow and we've been studying for TWO nights - and studying my way. He doesn't like that. It's too hard. We'll see. I'm hoping for 90% or better, or he better not come home! Kidding! 

O! O! I forgot to mention....We're having a sleep over tomorrow night! I have no idea what that entails but we went to the grocery store tonight to stock up on munchies and bevies... AND I bought a new Wii game...... 

"Calvin Tucker's Redneck Jamboree - 12 Redneck Inspired Events!"  Now THAT sounds like fun!!!!!!! 

We're Urban, I know. Maybe even a little "Inner City" if you will. "Bring it" is on the movie docket too! I'll explain everything the only way "Ken" can........ Rural  doesn't necessarily mean "redneck" ........  and Edina doesn't count rural Suburban? Hell yeah! Watertown on the other hand..... need I say more? 

Woohoo! Tomorrow's FRIDAY! 

Manny Diaries Day 5 (2/18) Rough start

So today.....I guess I should start with how last night ended AFTER posting. 

Started with a lot of hyper play, four dogs, one toy and Wyatt. 

Culminated with Radar biting Oliver. 

Ended with me a nervous wreck and upset (go figure - no drama there!), Wyatt crying, Oliver scared poopless and all of us not talking until snacks before bed. 

After talking about it, we realized that we probably shouldn't get all four dogs so riled up with one toy, we shouldn't act in haste and we should probably try to act calmly and rationally, after all, ONE of us is actually an adult! 

We both learned a lot from this incident. Oliver will most likely not be coming back anytime soon. We have all decided that it's in the dogs' best interests that if they can't play together nicely, they're not going to play together at all. 

Oliver will be staying at Anne's for the rest of the Manny Days. It's all good, we feel good about the mutual decision. 

So, this morning was a still a little rough. 

Oliver and Elmo slept with me. I made Wyatt shut his door with Vampire VonRadar and Arlo (who still doesn't have a clue to what's going on) IN his room. 

At 6:20 this morning, Oliver, Elmo and I were all snuggled down in our bed, sleeping soundly when we heard the back door open. Good for Wyatt, he got up (had to - those two are relentless in the :am) and let them out. At 6:45 we heard the door again....he didn't realize that they didn't need to go out again but they wanted breakfast. Oh well, it was time to get up anyway. 

The first thing Wyatt said to me was how early he had to get up...I turned to him and said: "welcome to being a responsible pet owner. They're probably really hungry right about now too." He gave me a look like - "yeah, I'm sure they are", went and sat on his stool and said: "Me too. What's for breakfast?" 

I couldn't do anything but laugh at that one. I knew we were back on! 

He cant watch cartoons in the morning so what did we get sucked into? The moving story of the woman in NJ who's chimp ripped the face off of her best friend and had to stab "her only child" to try to help her friend....if THAT didn't open a floodgate of questions!!!! Wyatt did a pretty good job answering all of them too - kidding. But we googled about "exotic pet laws" which I had to break down into something we could both understand, then the video footage sealed the deal with the emotional part of our brains and her plea...aren't you glad there's nothing more important going on in the world???? 

So that got us behind a smidge, missed the bus, drove him to school again - because I forgot about the bus yesterday and I like seeing that he makes it to school on MY clock and I get to say "Have a good day!" - and sped off to Wayzata. 

Ok, there's NO speeding to Wayzata because there are NO fast routes from Wyatt's school to Wayzata. It's side streets upon side streets to Hiawatha - which is the "busy" street to the nearest freeway(s) AND has stop lights every four blocks AND runs along side - the equivalent of the TGV, NOT! - Mpls's very own Light Rail. There's money well spent! Especially If you work half days. 

So, I had to get on one freeway to a second freeway split to the main freeway to work. Had to drop Oliver off at Day Care without explaining boo about what happened the night before and why he was still a nervous wreck. 

Got to work a little late, a little frustrated and a little anxious. Thank god for the existing prescription! 

Why? Because I don't get how parents manage all of this stuff on a daily basis and I'm left feeling simply overwhelmed. I know I can do this! I'm just grateful that I'm doing it on short term. I adore Wyatt but I can't wait to be a free adult, have a glass of wine with friends at Toast, talk on the phone and SWEAR! 

Did I mention that it COSTS ME 50¢ each time he catches me! I'm only at $2 THIS TIME! 

Also, can anyone explain: Why are boys so fascinated with the bodily function of farting and announcing it with such Pride??? 

Manny Diaries Day 4 (2/17) REALITY CHECK!

Reality check! 

OMG - NOT the same as days when I don't have to get up, get Wyatt up, get the dogs OUT, get the dogs in, feed the dogs, make sure Wyatt is on track, make sure Wyatt eats, News only in the :am (that's boring even for me) but rules are rules. Get Wyatt rounded up - back pack, homework, keys, gym&swim attire, gloves.....don't forget, I have to grab my computer, my phone, my Itouch, my keys (all of them) and my dog....THAT is overwhelming for anyone,  I can't imagine doing it on a regular basis. I was exhausted just getting him to school in time so he could report for his Crossing Guard shift - which after ALL of this confirming and reconfirming, he didn't bring his gloves - he left them on the table by the door while putting his shoes on. 

Luckily, I informed my boss that I'd be in later this week due to my new responsibilities - how do parents do it on a daily basis? What if there was only one to do it? I'd go crazy! Hats off to you parent people and WANTING to do it! 

This afternoon: called to make sure he got home. He did. He was watching tv (cartoons - I could here it in the background). I asked him if he'd taken care of any of his chores - especially since it was still day light - nope, he hadn't. I asked him if he would..he said it was too wet and mushy outside to pick up dog poop. I get that. I'd gag all around the yard and he'd have to follow with saw dust :-O .... so I thought that was fare, best wait til it freezes. Well, it's snowing now and I don't think it's going to get picked up before J&G get home - but at least I have it documented HERE that I asked him on Tuesday :-) 

Dinner: What can I say? All I had to do was ask what he wanted and I had it in the pan already :-) OUR favorite dinner is Mac & Cheese with chopped up hot dog bites....does it get any better than that? So, he's kind of new at cleaning up after himself because when I ask, he looks at me like I'm speaking a foreign language! Now I get why my mom gave me the "You better figure out what language I'm speaking, translate it and get those dishes in the damn dishwasher before I have to ask you again" look. TOTALLY! I just explained that he's 11 yrs old, I'm not his mom and I'm not his maid. He knows where they go and how. We're working TOGETHER on this I'm happy to report. He also knows how to feed two of the three dogs and mine. I get that too. I'm responsible for my own and I told him I'd take care of Elmo - the food is enough to make anyone gag and he opted for the two dry food dogs, I HAVE to take Elmo....he's 15, almost blind, almost totally deaf and trips on the door threshold every time coming in from the outside. It's so sad. I just hope he makes it through the rest of the week .... I don't know how I'd begin to deal with that one...... 

Homework: OMG!!!!!! I haven't done home work in.....let's just say a LONG time. 

The last time I stayed with him, I had to GOOGLE  WHAT his homework WAS so I could help him with it. DOH!!!!! 

So tonight, we had math - which he sails through (thank god!) and then we had to write a story. Wy picked "My best day ever" - turned out to be a really cute story! He didn't like writing so I thought we'd write it on the computer....that's where the BLIND LEADING THE BLIND COMES IN....... I couldn't pull anything up on Julie's computer except email...DOH! So I had him type it there and print it out for him. 

We'll see what teacher thinks.....

Until tomorrow.

Manny Diaries day 3 (2/16)

Ahhhh, what a way to start the week - with a day off and that day is Monday! 

Wyatt and I both slept in. I was until 9:00 and Wyatt was until 9:30. 

Breakfast - which I never do but how can I turn Apple Jacks down? Wyatt had mini waffles so it was a good morning all around. 

Fed the dogs, got dressed and we headed out. 

We were going to go to the Science Museum but the movie part didn't run until 3:00 so we decided we'd go to "Hotel For Dogs" - actually a very cute movie. I think there were a total of seven of us in the whole theater :-) 

After that, we thought we'd head over to St Paul to the Science Museum. Ummmm, yeah, when there is no school and/or it's a "Day Off" holiday - where do you think all the parents go? DUH! So we waited in line, discussed the pros and cons of staying and just doing the exhibits and not the movie but we decided that we'd do everything on Saturday! Thinking ahead, I stayed in line and bought the tickets for everything AHEAD of time :-) I'm catching on, slowly but surely. 

What to do now? Well, we went home, let the dogs out and picked up where we left off with the "Wii Off". That didn't last long before I suggested going to Target....I needed to buy something that I could play....Bowling!!!!!! 

Plus, Wyatt loves Target as much as I do. 

Picked up bowling and then another one with multiple games like horseshoes, yard darts, skill ball and so on. Had a blast! BUT it was a school night and we had to prepare for Tuesday. At 9:00, we called it a day, Wyatt got ready for bed and I got on the computer/facebook. 

The week is off to a good start. Hope yours is too.

Manny Diaries Day 1 (2/14) & Day 2 (2/15)

Pretty easy start today. J &G didn't leave until this evening so I went to Anne's for Paninis with Lola & Pedro and their dog Carlos. Totally impromptu but definitely a fun time! 

Wyatt was staying at a friend's house so not a hard start at all. 

Sunday, again not a hard day. Woke up to a FOUR dog blanket - the biggest, Radar - (a HUGE labor-doodle) thinking it was his bed. What a way to wake up :-) Once they realized I was up, there was NO sleeping in. Breakfast for four, timed just so, so all eat and then run them out for potty duty.  

Wyatt's play date ended at 7:00. BTW -when a play date ends at a certain time, show up AT THAT time. I was a little anxious being that 35W was closed at Hwy 62...so I just thought....better early than late.....ummmm, that's not how play dates end....so I have learned.  Once a time is determined, the play date timer is set. How was I to know? I lost a cool factor point :-( Working on getting that back! 

So we ran around getting this and that. Stopped at Subway for dinner - who knew Subway was SO expensive???? Or is it the appetite of a growing 11 yr old? Regardless, it was worth it, he ate all of it. 

Being that we didn't have school or work today, we thought we'd have a Wii Off. The only thing was....the Wii fit board wasn't working for me like it was for Wyatt. Evidentially, that's because I'VE GAINED a pound or two since I was played last! So, Wyatt had to redo my Wii Fit Test - I should've known not to. Not only did "I" gain a pound or two...but after it was complete, MY character got pudgier too! NICE! Wyatt couldn't stop laughing! To comfort me, he did remind me that he made my glasses orange 8-) 

That was it! The Wii Off was ON! That wasn't the best idea I've ever had....Wyatt kicked my butt at everything! I told him we weren't quitting until I beat him at something....he "offered" to ski jump for me just to get me on the board. What a kid! :-) 

So....... 

Humbled, embarrassed and knowing that I had the "Wii" age of  45, the balance of a senior citizen and now overweight according to Wii - I conceded and we retired at 1:00 :am. Wyatt the winner! 

After all, we didn't have to get up for anything so it was a lot like a second Saturday :-) 

Just wait! We're going to Target tomorrow and I'm picking out a couple Wii games that I can play! There's got to be a LITTLE kid's section, no? 

Sunday, lovely Sunday!

Ok, I'm in RARE form today! I don't know what it is either. I'm jonsing on this Facebook stuff like crazy! I haven't even thought ....I take that back - I went yesterday....to Target. 

So anyway, I am finding out so much on Facebook.

 I've found friends in Duluth that I haven't seen since I left Duluth twenty years ago....ouch that one hurt....where does time go? I thought I was fine with turning 39......I am. 

I am improving my typing skills and proficiency! 

I think I learn something new everyday. I'm still looking for the thumb thingies that I see on people's postings. Shouldn't be that hard to find....then again, I've been on there a week and still takes me a day to go from wall to wall to photos to postings to friends....it's exhausting. And to think I could be spending the time at a gym or something REALLY productive. I'm conserving my energies - yeah, that's what I'm doing. 

I have actually "logged out" of Facebook for the afternoon. I'm going out to the Good LIfe to help load up everyone's vehicles of all of the fixtures and furnitures that they've purchased. It's going t be EMPTY in there. I'm going to do the manual labor for Anne as well as keep her spirits up - the store is coming to an end and it's a reality that I don't think has hit us until after today when a lot of stuff is picked up and moved out :-( 

Then I get Wyatt! You guys are going to have stay tuned for this one! Me...Ken....who got a dog to practice responsibility -  is getting my best friend's 11 yr old for TEN DAYS! Do you know what that is going to be like? Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

ALL THE TIME! Actually, we get a long like best friends - two eleven yr olds - I just happen to have a driver's license and a credit card!!!!! Should be fun! Wyatt, his three dogs (Elmo, Arlo, and Radar - also pictured in Oliver's posting), Oliver and ME! The whole house! All the macaroni and cheese we can eat - 

Julie asked me what I wanted her to stock for groceries...I told to ask Wyatt. We're on the same diet :-) 

Happy Sunday! Don't forget to smile today.....at least I am. I don't have to work!!!!!!!!