I can’t believe it is Monday already! This floors me…maybe because I spent so much of last week feeling miserable.
Friday night a friend and I watched a movie ON DEMAND that was incredible. It was called ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ and starred Topher Grace. And the movie was set in the 80’s. So of course the soundtrack was incredible. And I have to say the references to the 80’s had us laughing out loud for a solid 2 hours. Two thumbs up!
Saturday I didn’t get much accomplished during the day because I really wanted to relax and take it easy after the migranes of last week. But Saturday night we decided to take Rhiannon rollerskating at Skate West. In junior high I loved to roller skate. I had my own rollerskates and a metal skate case. (The case was covered in Lisa Frank stickers, if that means anything to you.) My husband was laughing out loud as I told him about my satin skate covers, and the pom poms I had for my skates. I had the cool laces and the glitter wheels as well. I told him that was the cool thing to do when we were growing up in small town South Dakota. (Couples skate people! It was the only chance to hold hands with a boy when you were 13!)
So Rhiannon got to skate. And she loved it! They adjusted her wheels so they didn’t turn as much, so she basically walked on skates. But she had so much fun. I figured out again how to skate backwards, without falling. But myhusband and I both complained that our arches hurt when we took our skates off. We are getting old. But it was great fun for a Saturday night and we will be going back.
Sunday afternoon I met up with a friend for a pedicure. And cocktails. It was much needed and a win win for all involved. I got some ‘ME’ time and according to Rhi I now have pretty feet.
Now Friday night I want to go to a movie and maybe have a date night with hubby. Need to find a sitter then it is on!
No doubt about it, the weather has been brutal this month. With the heat, I started getting little headaches when I would be outside. But they were fairly easy to get rid of. So I didn’t worry too much. Then Monday I woke up shortly after midnight in pain. I knew it was a migraine right away. I tried to go back to sleep, with little luck. I knew I was going to need to get a hold of my doctor as I was almost out of my migraine medicine.
I called work and let them know the situation and then reached my dr. They said my medicine was no longer being made so they would have to hook me up with a new prescription, but it sounded like things had gone too far and I would need a shot. Now I don’t know really the name of the shot, but I know it makes me feel great. Love it. I start professing my love for everything when I get the shot. Then it knocks me out and I sleep. So a friend drove me to the dr and the I’m sure I told them I love them the whole way home. This shot is like being really really drunk. You can’t walk straight. You drool on yourself. Loads of fun.
I should mention here that my hubby turned on the grill as we were going to have steak for supper. I didn’t know it was on high. I went to put the steaks on in my drugged state, leaving the grill on high. I looked out the window and black smoke was rolling out of the grill. Yup. I started a fire. No more cooking on this shot for me!
So Tuesday I returned to work, but wasn’t 100%. I could feel a migraine in the back of my head waiting to pop out. I was ok until I got in the sunlight. I picked up Rhi and had to take her to the dentist. Now while I have a migraine starting at this point, I have Rhi about to get her teeth polished for the first time. Oh joy. She didn’t like that little machine at all! But we got thru and she did great. So I said we would get her a cookie for a treat. I went to Dahl’s and my head is reeling at this point. And for the first time in my life I lost Rhi. She was right behind me, I turned around and she took off. I did not want to chase her down the aisles, but I had to. Needless to say it scared the crap out of me, and propelled my headache to epic porportions.
We got home and I took my new migraine medicine. Nothing happened. At all. So I followed the instructions and took another one after a few hours. Still nothing. And it all started again. Agony. Not being able to sleep. Just knocked down!
So called work on Wednesday morning and let them know what was happening. At this point I can’t drive, my vision is blurred etc. Anyone with migraines knows how awful it can be. I played phone tag with the dr for a couple of hours and then they decided I need to come in. So I headed in. My hubby came to get me and take me in, because at this point I’m wearing huge sunglasses with my eyes closed. And I get another shot. Double the strength of what I got on Monday. And you know how loopy that one made me? Oh was I fun last night. I couldn’t even walk to the bathroom! It really was funny. But it nicked my migraine. Now I just have a dull roar in my head. I am hoping it will go away shortly and I can be back to normal. Cuz migraines stink!
So I have just had a long weekend after taking a few days off for some family time. But lets rewind to the week.
On Thursday morning as I pulled into work I smelled something burning in my car, and my air went out. I thought to myself, ‘well that can’t be good’. I had a coworker look at it who claims to be ‘a manly man who can fix broken things’ and he couldn’t get it working either. So I made an appointment at the place I always take my car. I did a little internet research in the mean time to get an idea of what it was. We came to the conclusion that it was the Blower Motor and maybe the resister for the air conditioner. We took it in and they did a diagnosis. The same thing. Hello $80 for the diagnosis and another $440 to fix. We opted not to fix at this point as my hubby and his friend they could fix it and just get the parts for around $120. So they order the part and go to pick it up.
Now Saturday was hot. Very very hot. Miserably hot. And my hubby and his friend where in the garage attempting to fix my air conditioner. But once they got in there, they realized there was nothing wrong with my blower motor or the resister. ($80 for a wrong diagnosis anyone?) So we do more internet research. We do a little trial and error as to what it could be. And the decided they needed to pull out the dash. I didn’t want to witness this part. But they brought a little part in the house and had me smell it. ‘Is this what you smelled?’ I shouted yes!
Turns out there was a fan switch that had melted. The plastic bubbled and completely melted. We then tried to find the part online. To find NO PLACE HAS IT. This is a dealer only sorta thing. And you can’t just get the simple piece we needed. No! You would have to buy the whole front panel for the air conditioner. So then we moved to junkyards. As of right now it sounds like we have the piece and they will try to fix things before this extreme heat wave hits us. So once we took the parts back that actually work, and get this new piece from the junkyard, we are probably under $100. If it works. And belive me, I have my fingers crossed!!
So my husband took time off with me and we wanted to take Rhi to Adventureland. None of us had ever been there. We thought a week day would be best, and when we planned this I said we need to take 2 days off in case one day is rainy. I am so smart. Monday’s rain kept us home. And I’m not gonna lie, we rested on Monday and took Rhi to school/daycare. I did some work from home and hubby played some video games. Tuesday was going to be our day at Adventureland. We knew there could be rain but we also wanted to avoid extreme heat. I talked to a coworker who was also heading out there and we followed his plan of getting there early.
Rhi was in heaven. She wanted to go on everything. Our first stop was the Carousel. I stood next to her, and as we went round I thought to myself, ‘hmmm this is making me quite dizzy.’ But I shook it off. Next stop the Ferris Wheel, where we discovered my husband still hates heights. We did the tea cups which was great. I’ll put up a video tomorrow of Rhiannon on the tea cups. She loved it. And I did ok on it. Then I made a mistake. We walked past something called Der Flinger. Rhi wanted to go on it. You sit in a basic seat for two that goes round and round, and up and down. Rhi loved it! I was afraid to look away from Rhi as I would vomit. I am serious about how bad this could have been! I was not doing well.
We get off and I declare I can’t do rides. Nope. I will watch. So Rhi does the Ladybugs, and some other little things, and we find ourselves at the Balloon ride. Which I though was just an easy concept that you sat in the basket and it went round and round. So I said ok, I can do this. I should have watched first. Round and round….then up and down. I was staring at a bolt in the floor, yelling at my husband not to talk to me because I was going to throw up. And why is it that when a ride makes you sick or queasy, that ride lasts 10 times longer than normal ones do? I couldn’t get out of that basket quick enough.
So I was done going on rides. I was now an official spectator. Rhi did the Frogger Hopper and at first I thought she would lose her mind with fear, but nope…she saw everyone else loving it and she started to scream from fun. She was go go go the whole time. Now it did start to rain, and we thought it would be a good time to grab some food. So we sat and had corndogs. Rhiannon, age 3, ate 2 corndogs and 2 bags of chips. You would think she never eats!!
The rain kept coming and going, and we decided it might be good to leave for the day. For one, I was beyond dizzy still. Rhi was needing a nap. And with the rain, it wasn’t a good day to do the water park area. So we did end up leaving, but we promised Rhi we would go back this summer. She loved it! And I still need funnel cake.
And now I know…I’m too old for rides that a 3 yr old can handle just fine!
I’m going to start today with the show The Voice. I am so bummed that it is over. I loved the top 4 finalists, but really was rooting for Dia. I did however just love the performance with Stevie Nicks..that was over the top amazing for me. And Ryan Tedder with Beverly? Forget it! That was cool!
I know Ken and Colleen had a thread going on Facebook about how many people who are not fans of American Idol, have become avid fans of The Voice…and I fall in that category. I do think the show is more mature. I like that it isn’t based on looks, but rather talent. And I do like the chemistry between the judges. Which lead to a discussion with a coworker when it was all over. Do you keep the same judges or try something different by bringing in 4 new judges? I don’t think you mess with it at all. What do you think?
And for me, the best part was being introduced to the fabulous Blake Shelton! I wasn’t a fan, but I am now. He is a cool drink of water baby!
Ok, next topic is where I need some advice. Rhiannon is not sleeping well. It is almost like she doesn’t fall into a deep restful sleep at any point in the night. So she frequently has dreams that have her talking in her sleep. She wakes up several times in the night, which of course means I AM NOT GETTING RESTFUL SLEEP. I am at my wit’s end here. I’ve tired altering her bedtime to no effect. She rarely drinks soda or juice. She has a sugary treat an hour before dinner, but nothing before bed. Her bedroom is kept cool with a ceiling fan as well. I’ve tried different temps to see if she sleeps better with the air off, or her room warmer. Nothing is working. She will fall asleep ok, but never a really deep sleep that will keep her down for the night. Any suggestions?
What a great weekend to live in Des Moines! There is so much going on…so I wanted to lay out a few of the plans I have, and invite you to leave comments with things I might have missed!
First up is Nitefall On The River…with THE NADAS! It will be a beautiful night for it, and just amazing music at Simon Estes. This is a must!
Of course Downtown is chaos with the Des Moines Arts Festival going on. I can see people already walking about today, and I’m looking forward to a corn dog. But this event is going on thru Sunday and you really should check it out. Details are HERE. Please stop and look at the Emerging Iowa Artists…that is a great way to pick up some affordable art!
Now there is another art show in town, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This is the Artsfest Midwest. Get details HERE on that one. I know this is a favorite with many of my friends who don’t like the crowds that will be downtown.
Now I still have not made it to the Downtown Farmers Market this year, but I plan to do it tomorrow. This may be a crazy plan, but I will only go at 7am when the crowds are not so bad. Not sure what produce is out now, but look forward to buying fresh veggies!
Since it is the end of the month, you also can check out Market Day tomorrow! Yeah!! This is ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO! I have found some incredible vendors at this, and they have moved the location this year. But I will be there regardless. I suggest you check it out as well. Get info HERE.
Is that enough for you? I know there is so much more going on, but those are the big ones that I have planned for. But in the comment section, let me know what else you suggest we check out!!
Ok, let’s start off with some Rhi stories. Sunday I woke up and was ready to start the day with my usual latte. I have a latte maker that is about 20 years old, and it has a scoop that I use to measure out my espresso beans before I grind them. (Two scoops is perfect) Now my scoop appears to have disappeared. And I know the culprit. Rhi has learned how to move a stool to get what she wants from anywhere in the house. So I assume she has taken my scoop. I look in the usual places, her toybox, her toy shopping cart, in her bed, under her bed…but no luck. I try to use a regular measuring scoop but it doesn’t work as well because you need to stamp down the beans once they are ground up. So I get on ebay and order one. At this point I don’t care that it will be $5, I just know I use it every day and need it.
As I am relaying this story to a friend a few hours later, I can hear Rhi playing in her room, and she is tapping something on the floor that is making a hollow sound. To my friend I say ‘I swear that sounds like my bean scooper’. I get up and go in her room, and no kidding, she is playing with my scoop.
For Father’s Day Rhi and I hit up Krispy Kreme to surprise hubby with donuts. Of course hours after breakfast there are still donuts left. Rhi uses her new found skills at moving her stool to ’steal’ donuts from the kitchen and smuggle them into her bedroom. I figure this out when she has been quiet for too long and I ask what she is doing. She comes out, hiding something behind her back, face covered in frosting. She tells me she is playing. Really?
Today I drop her off at preschool/daycare and a little boy immediately comes up and gives her a hug. Another little 3 yr old swaggers up to her and said ‘How you doing baby girl?’ I nearly died. Nearly peed myself laughing.
This kid cracks me up.
So I have not been to the Farmers Market yet this year on Saturdays Downtown. Anyone else? I just haven’t made it! I’m going to try this weekend. But I think it has just gotten so big that the crowds are too much for me. I am going to try to get to the Arts Festival this weekend too, but not sure how that will pan out. Again…the crowds get too me.
I ranted about this earlier in the week, but I’m still in my funk and thought, ‘hey, sounds like a blog!’
I am in a funk. Have you ever been there? Where you got the blues? The blahs? Or as one of my best friends calls it, ‘the come aparts’. You can’t pinpoint why you are down, but are struggling. Now don’t misunderstand me and think this is so severe that I need to see someone or get medication…that isn’t the point here. (And if you are at that point, you need to get help) I’m just in a funk.
I’m feeling my age. I’m looking in the mirror and seeing more gray hair. I’m tired and run down. I’m trying to channel Stuart Smalley from SNL but it isn’t working yet. “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and dog-gone it, people like me.”
There is nothing wrong with a funk. Acknowledge and work thru it. If you have to listen to Barry Manilow cds for the next 2 days, do it! For me, I like to read. At the moment I am reading Rob Lowe’s memoir ‘Stories I Only Tell My Friends’. Very good read so far.
So in honor of THE FUNK…shall we do a playlist? Songs that make me smile thru the funk.
Ok, I mentioned that I had news about a STAR artist who teamed up with a Youtube sensation to lip sync his big hit. The artist is Andy Grammer! I came across this video and thought it was so cool! There is a young kid who lipsyncs a ton of songs on Youtube. And I have to give props to Andy for showing up and appearing in Beener’s video! He has his own website called Keener’s room. Check this out!
I had friends over for dinner last night and all the kids were playing in the backyard. When one of the kids noticed a baby bird hopping around Rhi’s little playhouse. It looked like it had an injured leg, and obviously couldn’t fly yet. Now I am hopeless when it comes to animals. I just want to be that nurturer and take care of it. (This is also why my husband doesn’t allow me to go to pet stores)
So I immediately was convinced we needed to take this baby bird to the vet. I was laughed at by my husband and the adults in our company. One of the adults try to explain to me that this is how nature works, not all babies survive. It was suggested that I take the kids in the house and the baby bird would be ‘taken care of’. The kids asked what was going to happen, and with a look at me, they told the kids they would take the baby bird to the vet. I knew what was really going to happen and my heart just ached. I wasn’t taking it well so I took the kids in and I cuddled Gizmo so I wouldn’t cry. (I know, you can stop laughing at me).
Well in just a few minutes our company came in the house and said ‘well the bird is still there.’ I asked what happened…and here is where you can laugh. Adult birds started dive bombing his head as he tried to deal with the injured bird. So the mission was aborted. Last we saw the little bird was hopping into the backyard, with adult birds circling protectively overhead. I hope he is safe.
A close and dear friend lost a parent last week. So I drove to Minneapolis yesterday to be there for the funeral. I debated if I should go or not. I would be going quite a distance, for just the service, then turning right back around and heading to Des Moines. A lot of road time by myself. I spoke to another friend about the situation, and he told me that he will never forget the people who were there at his Grandfather’s funeral. And that was what I needed to hear, that it would mean something to someone that I went. And in my younger days, I loved a road trip. I loved singing aloud to my cds, or the radio. Or, even talking to myself. (D0n’t judge me!)
So I loaded up the car with cds and headed up to Minneapolis. And I have now realized, that songs from my past can take on entirely different meanings to me as I age. One cd I threw in was a greatest hits from Tesla. I forgot about the song ‘What You Give’.
“Who’s the one that makes you happy?
Or maybe, who’s the one always on your mind?
And who is the reason you’re livin’ for?
Who’s the reason for your smile?”
“It’s not whatcha got, it’s a-what you give.
It ain’t the life you choose, it’s the life you live.
It’s only what you give, only what you give, only what you give,
It’s not whatcha got, a-but the life you live.
It’s the life you live.
[Spoken:] Play it pretty for the world.”
Those lyrics were magic to me. I played them over and over, singing like I was at a concert. And I was really glad I made the drive. It meant a lot to my friend that I was there for him. And I needed to be there for him. There is something about a road trip by yourself that is cathartic. You can be reflective. You can disect your life. Talk to yourself. I miss that time alone.
I have also had a time to really reflect on people in my life. You come to an age where you no longer want to put up the crap of some relationships. And you value relationships that are rewarding. It needs to be a give and take. It needs to be respectful and honest. A few weeks ago I had to sever ties with someone in my life that was toxic. It can be tough, but in the end it’s best for everyone. And at the same time, I realize how much I am getting from friendships I have now. I value the honesty. The level of comfort. And the fun of being yourself. And remember, you can’t be with anyone until you can be with yourself. Sometimes we forget to ‘like’ who we are or spend time working on ourselves.
I need my ‘ME’ time. And that is something I really value and love about my husband. He knows this about me. We agreed when we met that we weren’t the type of people to spend 24/7 with each other. I have my hobbies and so does he. He plays music in a band so he gets his time a couple of days a week. For me, sometimes it is as simple as getting a few hours to read a book with the door shut as he keeps Rhiannon busy. Sometimes it is just letting me go to bed early and he will put Rhi to bed. Or now that I’ve rediscovered the joy of a road trip, it might be just me heading out for a drive.
