Answering the mail

Hey! Sorry, I have heard from a few people who have missed my blogging, so I will try and catch you up on my life. If you are one of those people, it is probably because you aren't one of my 53 Facebook Friends. Come on over but I worn you, it is a slippery slope!

DAU

Part of the reason that I have not been blogging is that I am 10-days into a 5 week "resident" course at Defense Acquisition University. My first set of exams is this Friday, and I have averaged about 20/100 pages of nightly technical reading due to a HORRIBLE case of bronchitis and the fact that the girls are just a lot more fun then trying to fully understand all of the intricacies of this.

The awful truth is that of all the people I love, this class is effecting me the least. Tom is doing double time with the girls in the evenings. The girls are having to put up with a very nervous and short tempered mommy (which is REALLY unfair), and Jeff/Susie have been having to do more then any grandparent should have to. In addition to continuing to pick Ms. Bean up at the bus everyday and spend the afternoon doing homework/driving to swim lessons/NOT RELAXING, my Dad now takes Leah downtown and picks her up 5 days a week. The worst part is that in the evening when I get back from class, I am often too cranky/tired to even say "thanks". So, if you see them, can you please tell them that their daughter/son-in-law love them very much, and could NEVER do this parenting thing without them? It really does take a village.

THE DIET

About 2 1/2 weeks ago, I got on the scale and got confirmed for myself what I already know, I had become FAT again. In fact, I gained back all of the weight that I lost with Leah, plus 1. So, I made an immediate visit to http://www.weightwatchers.com/ and registered for 3-months. To date, I am down 9 pounds. I was feeling pretty good about it until this mornings visit to the Doctor:

Nurse: I see that you have gained a few pounds
Me: Actually, I have lost weight, are you sure that your chart is right?
Nurse: Yes, you were here in May, and you've gained 5 pounds
Me: Hmmmm, maybe I lost weight before my visit in May because I was sick
Nurse: No, you were here in January (2008) and you have gained 12 pounds since then. I hear weight watchers is a good program, you should ask Dr. Mitchell for some information.

Ugh.

THE GIRLS

The girls are wonderful.

Ms. Bean LOVES Kindergarten and has become a little adult. Every morning she gets up without an argument and puts on her uniform. Every afternoon she has a huge smile.

"My teachers name is Ms. Dwyer and I like to play with my friends, make block towers, P.E., and I just LOVE art class. Today I made a pumpkin and tomorrow we are going to put the Jack-o-lanterns face on. I love to learn science with Ms. Ritchauskis and I love to learn respect with Ms. Price. I love to draw pictures for my mom and dad. My friends are nice to me and we are so helpful to each other like Ms. Price taught us. Everybody can be respectful. Ms. Jackson is very proud of us. We had a tornado drill today and we ducked our heads and stood on our knees for a minute, and then we went into the classroom to learn some more."

Little Bee starts a new pre-school next week and is really looking forward to the change. She will be very close to home and gets to wear a uniform like her sister! We are desperately attacking potty training to get her into an age appropriate classroom, and I suspect that it will all come together once she is there a few days. I am feeling pretty sad about pulling her out of the CDC, as it has been such a huge part of our family base. But, if there is one thing that this year has taught me, its that all change is good. Little Bee will be fine!

VOTING

We went to market Square last weekend and voted absentee. The girls came with us, and we each took one into the booth with us and we let them push the button to cast our votes. Ms. Bean proudly cheered and announced that she "just voted for Barak Obama". Then we were "shushed" by the surly man who was enforcing the "don't talk about candidates is the polling place rule. Please, I am a middle class 40 year old woman in Old Town with 2 kids and I was wearing an Obama Button. Was there any doubt?

THE MARKET

Don't want to address. I hate working and now have to forever. Tom and Jeff are sad.

WALK NOW FOR AUTISM

I registered for Walk Now for Autism again this year. As most of my readers know, I do a lot of walks/runs (of greater distances) annually, and this is the only one that I even suggest sponsorship for. It is my way of acknowledging how lucky Tom and I are. I have four close friends whose children are on the autism spectrum, and it is both heartbreaking and physically/emotionally/financially exhausting for their entire family unit. below is my pledge page if you are interested in sponsoring me. After all, if each of my readers contributes $5, I will only be $490 away from my $500 goal!

http://www.walknowforautism.org/dc/personal/devendorf

Peace for now! off to bed! XOXO D

Men, Men, Men

Saturday night is fan appreciation night at the Verizon Center. It might also be the last game of the year, though the Caps stand an excellent chance of making the Playoffs. I wonder which of my "men" will ask me to be his "date" that night.

THE FATHER


Jeff is the likely candidate. He seems to love me, doesn't appear to have a better date, and at this time has an extra ticket (and it is a bobble head give away night,someone must not have seen that on the schedule). Hopefully he will be willing to forgo the diet that evening and drink beer with me.

MIKE

While a long shot, Mike is the runner up. He has taken pity on me before, and might want to make up for having the flu the last time that I used his extra ticket. Of course, it is a weekend and he has his own daughter. Hillary will probably bump me.



Then there are the real long shots .......... Hockey John? Amanda from OIT? DAVE? Anybody? Anybody?

One things is for sure ....... this man will not be joining me. He will be on Kid Duty that night. Poor Tom. Maybe I'll let him play with my Bobble Head.

What's for Dinner?

Like most working Mom's, by crock pot is my favorite appliance, and in many ways is more valuable then the microwave (though I don't use it as often). Thanks to my friend Jeanne, I now have many more recipes to choose from. On my way to Giant now!

Catching up

Sorry for my noted absents. I have been sick, the kids were sick, and we spent a few nights at Jeff and Susie's house while mine was being painted. So there was little time for blogging. In addition, baby-bee has been testing all of our panic buttons as evidenced by a dislocated elbow and 4 burned finger tips in the same week. I am now completely grey and require monthly color treatments.

Catching up:

The Caps:

Fedorov is a Capital. This delighted Jeff, who is already planning his visit to their Arlington practice arena in his Russian Jersey to get it signed by the great one. I question the wisdom in picking up a 38 year old, unrestricted "legend"(albeit we got him for almost nothing). Tom suspects that GM is bringing Federov to DC to mentor Ovie and Semin. Regardless, he will sell tickets, and it is always good to see a crowd at the Verizon Center. I just hope this doesn't effect season ticket prices.

Kolzig is still in DC. Good! With all he has been through with the Caps, he deserves to retire on top. Additionally, Huet is a Cap. Johnson is under contract next year? 3 Goalies in DC? I don't think that will last.

Agitator Matt Cooke is playing for DC? Cool.

Bye Bye Pettinger. Can't say that I will miss you, but I wish you the best.

The Diet

Well, I have not gained from my original 7 pound loss, but I haven't lost anymore either. I have been feeling crummy and didn't want to deprive myself of chocolate. I need to get back on the wagon again, as evidenced by this mornings discussion with Ms. Bean:

Sarah "Mommy, your Tummy looks like it has another baby in it"
Me "Gasp. I'm sorry honey, but there isn't a baby in my tummy. Are you disappointed?"
Sarah "No, but Mommy your really Fat then".

I really need to get serious. I have to complete a 1/2 marathon in less then 8 weeks, and have not put my running shoes on since October. Anticipate about an 8 hour finish.

The Girls

Amazing as always. They switched bedrooms over the weekend and now reside in the "princess tower". They are so grown up!

Both of them chatter endlessly about the Plants and the stars, discussing the fact that Pluto is the smallest and Saturn has "wings". It is hard to believe that they are only 2 (almost 3) and 4. I think that my brother and I were 6 and 8 before we had those types of discussions. I quietly stalk their door because I cant wait to hear what they have to say.

Sarah is in love with the Janie B. Jones Books, and asks me to read them over and over again. She is loving ballet, and requested that I get her a tutu just like the girl on the cover of "Ballerinas are beautiful". Her favorite color is still purple, and her favorite person is still "her Susie". Some things will never change.

Baby Bee is a sensitive, inquisitive, and outgoing little person with an amazing sense of humor and a contagious smile. She loves to play the piano, look at rocks, dig in dirt, sing about sunshines, and climb on Papa. She is also completely in love with her sister, and she looks out for her 24/7.
"Mommy. Sarah's calling you."
"Sarah, here is your kitty".
"Sarah, I brought you your music box".
"Sarah, hold my hand. "
"Sarah, please play with me".

Ms. Bean appears to take it pretty well, and I hope that Baby Bee adores her sister forever.

Monday!

First and most importantly, happy birthday to "my Susie". You are, without a doubt, the worlds best Mom, Grandma, and friend. Every year on your birthday I am reminded of how special you are!

See you for Chocolate Cake this evening.

Speaking of Chocolate Cake .................... it will need to be a small peice. I am UP 1.5 pounds! I suspect it is due to superbowl eating, staff meeting chocolate, and the big jar of pretzles on my desk.

I will do better .............

Trader Joe is Middle Aged, and Happy!

My friend Trader Joe is in love, and judging from his overall demeanor and attitude, I suspect that he might have gotten this one right. He rekindled a high school romance (and, first kiss, no less) at their 30th high school reunion.

I have known Trader Joe for more then 15 years. When we met he was married to his 2nd wife, who was a high maintenance flight attendant. Since that time, I have seen him struggle through a number of desperate/crazy/immature ladies on his was to true love.

I think that he might have gotten this one right (though I don't get to meet her till March). And, judging from the rings he is looking at .............. she must be special!

Happy New Year!

Hi Everyone and Happy New Year -

We are in the process of taking down holiday cards, putting away our new socks, stocking up on wrapping paper for next year and removing old toys to make room for the new. By the end of the weekend we will have put the tree away and moved the living room chair back to its original location. Chrishanukkamas will officially be over. The saddest part is not the end of the Holidays, but the return to work and end of our long and delightful visits with family and friends. I am truly blessed to have the people that I do in my life, which I was reminded regularly over the past couple of weeks. I had several amazing meals and laughed a lot. It was a good month.

This years resolution is to try and recognize/appreciate what I have EVERY DAY. I will let you know how that is going. Tom describes the month of January as a "Month of Sundays". Summer is too far away and the Holidays are behind us. Work is tomorrow and will (seemingly) go on forever. This year I will make the most of my weekends with the girls, continue to have "days-o-fun", and take more pictures.

And ................. there are a few REALLY cool things on the horizon:

1) Restaurant Week is January 14-20 (get out your charge cards Trader Joe!)

2) The Country Music Marathon is in April (which means I HAVE to get into shape ..... Diet starts 7 January)

3) LOST returns January 31

4) Baby Bee turns 3 on 14 March 2008

5) My friends and I are going to have a Mom's night out ............ SOON!

THANKSGIVING

Just a short note to wish my readers (I think that we are up to 6) a Happy Thanksgiving. Tom and I are very lucky and blessed to have such good and supportive Friends and Family in our lives.

I have many things to be thankful for this year;

Bean and Bee are strong, healthy, and smart. They are both growing up so quickly I feel like I am missing their childhoods, even though I am with them everyday. Over the past year they have become kind, funny, and articulate people. I like them.

Tom and I started dating 12 years ago today. Meeting him was a blessing. Marrying him was the smartest thing I ever did. He makes me laugh at least 5 days a week. That's really cool.

My parents are amazing and I get to see them every day. I have had several good friends for well over 25 years. My list could keep going ................. but I will spare the casual reader my sappy commentary. So, on a lite note ............

THE CAPS FINALLY FIRED HANLON. That makes me grateful. I just hope that they didn't throw this season by not doing it earlier. The associated press said that "Hanlon was told of the decision a day after loud boos and chants of "Fire Hanlon!" echoed through the arena." I am proud to have been one of those chanters. Bye Bye Bye.

2 things to be REALLY excited about .....................

1) Although there was a LOT of competation for the spot, my father choose ME to be his date to last nights WASINGTON CAPITALS Season Opener!

What a great evening ..... The Washington Capitals raised their record to 2-0 for the first time since 2002 with victory over the Carolina Hurricanes and Ovechkin collected his 200th NHL point (which he deserved after loosing a tooth to the Thrashers the night before). It is important to note that the last time that the Caps had a 2-0 start was in 2002, which, is also the last time that they made the playoffs. I don't want to jinx things but what do you think?

I will say this .............. if they make it to 10-0 ............ I will march down to the Verizon Center and get myself one of those ugly red Jerseys that they were wearing last night, no questions asked.

And,

2) Starbucks is giving away free ITunes. Everyday between 2 October and 7 November they are giving away a new song from a featured artist. I plan to go everyday and get a free 50-cent song just for purchasing a $5 cup of coffee.

Yes, I am well aware of the fact that if I make my coffee at home and buy a song that I want for myself I will come out way ahead. BUT, I like the game, and, will have a "cooler and Hipper" Ipod on the metro in case anyone is looking over my shoulder to see what I am listening to.

How is your weekend going?

Fair Winds and Following Seas ..............

My apologies for not blogging this week, Jeff and Susie returned from their latest European adventure and the girls have been soaking up all of their time. For some reason, watching TV at Papa and Susie's house is just better.

Yesterday I ceased my employment at the Coast Guard after over 15 years.

I will never forget my first day there, driving into what was an absolute slum where I knew no one but a man named John Hess (to whom I still adore). I quickly became well versed in bridge engineering principles, navigation rules, inter modal transportation issues, boating safety, performance measures and large scale acquisition program management. I watched technology change in unimaginable ways! When I got to HQ, we were using Document Designer ........ yesterday I turned in my Treo. The travel was decent, sometimes I was gone for longer then I wanted to be, but I picked up over 2/3 of the country for the scorecard of life.

I also was married, divorced, met Tom, finished an M.P.A, remarried, and had my 2 biggest reasons for living. I made some good friends who I will always treasure (and yes, they are blog readers) and lost some people too early.

All and all, it was a good ride. I am looking forward to my next DHS adventure, and to taking the good parts with me!

XOXOXO D

Answering the Mail

My friend Paul was complaining to me today that since I broke my finger, my blog has been in desperate need of attention.

So, not wanting to loose one of my three readers, I figured I should write about something. And, like magic, my friend Erica sent just the thing! Forbes.com put together an article about the Best and Worst School Districts for the Buck. It is basically a balanced scorecard where winners in the rating system are counties whose schools deliver high performance at low cost. Losers, in turn, spend a lot of money and have little to show for it. Well guess what! ALEXANDRIA VA came in dead last! Yep! We are number 97 out of 97. Alexandria's Per Pupil Spending is $11,404 (high) while our College Entrance Exam Participation Rate is only 65.00 and Graduation Rate is only 73.00!

I am feeling better about our public school decision everyday! After all, who doesn't love a challenge?

Updates

Hello all! Well, we are about to start a 5 day weekend, and I am delighted. Even better, Tom is taking those days off with us. That means that with the exception of the 2 hours we need to spend at the pediatrician for Ms. Bean's 4-year old checkup (and associated shots), it should be a great time. I know that tomorrow starts with the Zoo, not sure where we are going to go after that. No doubt that my loyal readers will find out shortly.

Who are my readers anyway? I know that there is Jeff, Susie, Patty, Trader Joe (a.k.a. Paul's Pups), and occasionally Carolyn. I have heard rumors of Others, but they have not identified themselves. Where are my 1798 hits coming from? Comment please. Show yourselves.

Thank you for asking. I am, in fact, off the wagon. I know that you are thinking that shows I have no self control. But, who didn't already know that? I am now practicing "moderation" which suits me better, and makes those around me happy. A nice compromise. Should also make me less "cranky" since I am about to embark on a 5-day weekend.

I love you Robert. Sorry life is sucking right now. Will call this weekend!

XOXO

P.S. I just overheard Ms. Bean give Tom a lecture on the dangers of Plaque and the importance of brushing. The kid continues to floor me!