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Monday, September 13, 2010

OK, a few more posts, this one about cars

Jennifer wants a car, and she wants it now.

When I gently remind her that she will get a car, and probably grandma's car this month (we've agreed to buy her 1999 accord for $3500) she then sulked about the color. Yes, you'll get it painted, but only after we have a look at the breaks.

And frankly, once she gets a job...she can paint it any color she wants once she gets the money in the bank.

"What, you mean you're not paying for it," she said, truly amazed. Yes, darling, welcome to almost adulthood.














Sunday, September 5, 2010

J's 17th today

She's watching Dukes of Hazard of all things, while eating her favorite pancakes that dad made for this big day.

Tonight, it's off to dinner with friends and then bowling. Dad and I are chauffeurs I guess.

Where did all the 17 years go? I'll be posting the final post in this blog tomorrow, as my alien nation girl, isn't so alien anymore.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Mom,where are you right now?

J was up at the house with her b-friend (erstwhile) and wanted a ride down to Kent Station through the rain.

Mom and I had just sat down to lunch (and saw gov. gregoire sitting kitty corner from us). J asked for a snap, but I was afraid of getting tackled by  her security detail.

Anyway, we'd just sat down to lunch and I didn't want to get up (I'd been having work interrupt via my b-berry at 2 min. intervals), and dis my 82 year old mother, who was probably already ticked I'd been taking work calls in the first place.

So, Jennifer, use an umbrella or get wet. but I'm sitting here and eating my soup.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Grandma, step away from the eye candy!

It was one of those moments that I wish I was one of those people that packed a camera everywhere.

Mom (J's grandma) had decided the music was just too loud inside Gilly Hicks, so I walked her through the maze to the outside, where a 18-year-old with six pack abs that was the greeter outside GH today.

Later, mom told me (to the horrified look of her granddaughter, that she'd talked with the "nice young man" and asked him what his job involved (greeting folks, looking hot, was probably the answer), and if he planned to go on to college. (Not sure what he said to that.)

Jennifer was horrified she'd talked to Mr. Eye Candy at all. But what are you going to say to an 82-year-old woman?



Saturday, August 28, 2010

The perfect schwinn

The bike was absolutely perfect, red, and a Schwinn. Unfortunately, it was probably somebody else's.

I was starting at the bike, one that I'm sure my daughter would be delighted with, as it was stashed behind a shrub near the Kent Station. It was red, had good tires and was a girl's bike.

Was it dumped there, or had someone stashed it there, hoping someone like me wouldn't take it?

When I first spotted it on Wednesday, I told Jennifer about it. We decided to leave it be until today. Then we'd check back. If it's still there, it's likely it's dumped and we're going to do some picking.


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mom, I just got cut

That tearful message was on my voicemail at work today.
And again, when J called me back, telling me that she got the bad news that she was not only NOT on the varsity team for v-ball, she wasn't on JV either. That was a total shock, since the coach, just yesterday, lectured her on being a leader for the jv team.

I was speechless. I certainly didn't expect that she wouldn't get on any team. And the fact that the coaches said they would only respond to the kids via e-mail or phone 24 hours from now was a bit heartless I thought. I know, I know, they want to wait for the emotions to ebb. But really, many of these girls turned out for games this summer that they didn't have to turn out for, and showed up for conditioning in 100 degree heat.

At least those girls, and my daughter was one, deserve a face-to-face explanation on why they didn't get picked. Cowards.



Saturday, August 21, 2010

Our friends think it's strange, you and I

She actually said "you and me" but I wasn't going to correct her grammar when she was giving me a backward compliment.

Jennifer was talking about the fact that we talk, alot and she tells me just about everything, if sometimes a few beats after the fact.

Her friends think that is strange. Since they don't share secrets or thoughts with their moms, in general, at this age.

Think Gilmore Girls without the snappy banter. Although sometimes we do look at each other and just laugh.

"It's like you're my friend, even thought you're not trying to be my friend, I know that," Jennifer said as we headed off to our favorite b-fast spot today.

"yes, I can be a bitch," I laughed.

"yes, you can," she responds, quite seriously. (thanks dear)

"But I can talk to you."

And I guess in the end, that's the highest compliment at all. I'll have to remember that when I'm grousing at her that she hasn't done her chores, again.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Snarly teens, mad moms

There was a great article in NPR this week on raising teens, and when not to engage. "Experiencing Teen Overload? Blame Biology" made me realize, it's not just me when my daughter suddenly freaks out, slams doors and does everything but have her head start spinning around.

Read and enjoy.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Where are you?

That was I was texting to my daughter last night, after waiting for 20 to 30 minutes at Kent Station, and still no daughter picking me up from the train.

No apologies from her.

"Listen, I've been waiting for you for 10 years, at daycare, at the school at the coffee shop, it's your turn now."

Well, that's not much I can say to that. It's the truth.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Turning the other cheek

It's not easy for an adult. I know.

It's also not easy for a 16-year-old girl, whose has been told my her on-off boyfriend that his new foster family doesn't think we're a good influence because we helped Adam (bought him shoes because his old foster family was holding his clothes hostage) when he was declared a runaway.

Now I have no idea when we bought those clothes. Didn't keep the receipt. But I'm pretty sure it was when Adam was briefly in a fostser home before spending a few months in a group home. Regardless, the old fostser family is trying to make Adam's life as miserable as possible, including talking smack about us to his current caseworker.

So, I've told JEnnifer to just let him settle. Hang out with him when school starts. And let this current foster family take. They seem like good people, except for trusting the word of the nut case foster mom he used to live with. But regardless, just let it be.

She's having a hard time with this.


Saturday, August 14, 2010

Warned her about suncreen, warned her about strangers in armcasts,but not about falling asleep

In the sun today, at the lake, where she and her friends went after sleepover (which is a misnomer as far as I'm concerned), they usually get to bed between 2 am and 4 am. This morning no breakfast, she just started her period.

She gets to the lake, plays falls asleep, in the sun, and promptly gets up, eats a hot dog and throws up. After make sure this isn't heat stroke, Gary drives over to get her. She's feeling better now. And I think learned a lesson.



Thursday, August 12, 2010

Off to kindergarten and a secret life

A "friend" on my Facebook page lamented the fact his daughter was headed off to kindergarten, and all the sudden, the darl'in girl had a life that he wasn't part of.

All the parents of older kids and teens chimed in: Welcome to our world.

The pulling away almost begins immediately, when the pop out of the womb and all the sudden, don't want to cuddle with you...just because.

It continues to kindergarten, getting close bbfs where they share their dreams; texting...all the time, and of course, you don't know who they are talking to or what they are saying (no more listening in on phone conversations...admit it, you did do that before texting.)

Then they start sleepovers, sports, long days at school, jobs and have a car. And suddenly, they are a blur which you think you see sometime between 9 pm and 11 pm. Or more accurately, you see evidence they exist by the dirty clothes on their room floor and the dirty dishes in the sink.


Monday, August 9, 2010

You've got to be kidding me

Jennifer and I didn't dare look at each other Sunday, as we skipped church (yes, we really did, so this is a confession) and tried out a 9:30 am yoga class at LA Fitness.

We were late, as usual, since hubby insisted on feeding us a pancake breakfast, which for the record is not the best thing to eat before yoga.

But off we went, arriving about 10 min. late, but they were still doing "down dog" warm ups, so we figured "no sweat." About 15 min. later we were sweating alot, as the instructor put us through a series of up dogs, down dogs and a few poses inbetween that I have no idea what they are called.

On a few of the poses, Jennifer and I just gave up and laughed. No way, unless we were in the Olympic training camp for gymnastics were we going to strike that pose.

We didn't dare look at each other or we'd burst out laughing. And the lady just to my right was VERY serious about this whole affair. I doubt she would have appreciated it.

At the end tho, when the instructor asked if the session pushed us enough, I couldn't hold it in (my stomach or my laughter). I laughed and said "ma'm, there is NO WAY I'm ever going to to get to any of those poses before I die. But I'm glad to know they exist."

There's another yoga class tonight. But Jennifer and I aren't attending. We'll try again Wednesday.











Sunday, August 8, 2010

Stand by that garbage can over there. And don't move.

Seriously.

We'd just climbed over the fence on the south end of the Renaissance Faire in Buckley, and lo, the gendarmes descended. En masse. We explained to the outraged "security detail" that we were looking for the front door into the faire, were willing to pay, but heck, we didn't want to  hike up the busy road to the front entrance (which we surmised was NOT were we were). So could you please escort us through and we'll gladly pay.

The guy who stopped us decided this was above his paygrade, told us to stand and stay by the garbage can in front of a juggler's stage, and not to move. (Where, exactly, did he think we would flee? Into the pumpkin patch?)

Finally, his boss showed up, and graciously escorted us through the grounds and to the front, where a $12 ticket and a $8 ticket awaited us (Jennifer had to sing "I"m a little tea cup" to get the student discount since she didn't have her ASB card with her.) She gave me the "do I have to?" look and I shot back, yes you have to. After all that rigmarole, I"m not leaving now.)

Friday, August 6, 2010

Car freedom

Jennifer had the car yesterday, and it reminded me vaguely of the Chase commercial about depositing checks through your i Phone.

"Mom, I'm from the QFC in Covington"

"Mom, I'm at the Starbucks in Kent"

"Mom, I'm taking Adam down to Kent Station"

"Mom, I'm back in Kent, at the Starbucks"

"Mom, I'm on my way to the bus station to pick you up."

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

If you really knew me.....

I just watched this MTV production with Jennifer last night, and I highly recommend it. For the uninitiated, it follows teens and their clicks in given high schools (and besides the name and the dress, not much as changed in 30 years, you still have the jocks, the cheerleaders, the outcasts (geeks) etc.)

Since this high school was in West Virginia, you had "creekers" who lived near a creek. The cool kids wore camouflage. Really. The homecoming queen liked to hunt.

But after a group came in to break down walls with about 50 to 100 key kids in the school, I found it amazing that that one of the kids hadn't gone in and shot up the school. Their stories were really painful. However, after they shared in a mixed group of clicks, the cheerleader saw that the emo outcast wasn't that much different than her.



Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Can we skip the gym?

At first J said no. And I sighed. AFter working out twice yesterday, once by a fitness Nazi at PLU and the other at an 8 pm yoga class, I was pooped today. However, she agreed to stay home for the day if I helped her plant flowers. I think that was a fair trade.


Sunday, August 1, 2010

Men's need to be right

Jennifer finally couldn't stand it any longer.

Jack, her grandmother's b-friend, was arguing which cut a flank steak came from. He was a butcher for decades. Gary, my hubby, the rancher, was arguing it came from another part of the cow. Neither  was willing to give ground.

Finally Jennifer - after listening to the back and forth as one titted for the other tat - "OK, let's just move on, I really don't want to hear this anymore."

Surprised, more than anything else, they did.

Good girl.



Friday, July 30, 2010

Mom can I have the car?

And so it starts. Jennifer wants the car to meet her friends today down at an South King County theater and then they are going to go to dinner after. Which puts her home around 10 pm.

When I told hubby of this plan, he promptly declared it a waste of time and gas, and we could just as well go and drop her off and pick her up. I told him that it doesn't take that much gas to go where she's going. We've allowed her to do this before AND I don't think gas is the first thing on his mind.

Try the fact he's having problems with the daughter going out, at night, at all with the car.

I might just suggest she go to a matinee and try again later for a soiree with her pals at night.


Thursday, July 29, 2010

Working with animals

Jennifer is deciding to maybe take a different track when looking for a summer job. Instead of working at fast food places, she's wondering if a zoo, aquarium or some other animal-related endeavor. I agree. Who wants to work at Abercrombie when you can work with a bald eagle, whales or cats/dogs that need a home.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

College hunt

The colleges keep trying to woo Jennifer. Dozens have sent e-mails, more e-mails "is this you, Jennifer?" e-mails, posters, fliers, postcards and gee gaws.

She's looking for a college that will offer a good biology course and one that is far away from us. I think, personally,the thought of living 3,000 miles away might be more attractive than the reality of 3,000 miles away.

At the rate the stock market is going, she'll either have to pick one college from the tuition exchange, or she'll have to win a scholarship. I just hope it isn't to a college 3,000 miles away. Yes, I admit it, I'd miss her. And her dad, don't even get me started. Our travel and phone bills would break us.


Monday, July 26, 2010

One year and counting

It seemed to dawn on both Gary and I this weekend.

A year from now, Jennifer will be 18. And technically at least, a grown up.

So in light of that rapidly approaching date, we're going to make some new house rules.

She starts helping me pay the bills and monitor the savings account. This way, she'll know when I say "We don't have any $$ for that." I'm not making it up.

She's going to shop for the household one time a month (for the week) and cook dinner one time a week. AND, she's going to start washing her own laundry.

I know, I know, you're asking why she isn't doing that now. Well, blame her dad on that one. He's a bit of a fanatic about doing laundry all the time. Just as I'm a bit of a fanatic on cleaning up the kitchen. So Jennifer knows if she waits, guess what will be done for her?

We'll have to stop doing that.




Saturday, July 24, 2010

Daughter off to the beach with friends

And I'm off the beach on the Beach Naturalist program. I just hope she slathers on the sunscreen, as thanks to her Irish, Norwegian heritage, she burns quickly.

And we nagged, asking her to stay away from one park where there seemed to be too many drownings this year.

"Mom, I can swim, you made sure of that."

"I know, I know, but the water is still too cold to be in it long, and there are stumps in the lake you wish to go to, and just humor us, OK?"

So she did. Grumbling all the way.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Daughter and I are cooking tonight

After our rather expensive foray into the int'l. food dept at Top Foods. Gary, my meat and potatoes hubby, at first said he was going out for burgers. But the promise of jerk chicken and a tiramisu cake drew him back into the fold.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Let's cook!

That's what Jennifer wanted to do when I got home at 6:30 pm tonight.

And she didn't mean dinner. She'd just flipped through a few of my Weight Watchers cook books and picked out about a dozen recipes she thought were cool. I told her after dinner, hoping she'd forget her HGTV dreams. She didn't. So to the store we drove, leaving $50 behind as we looked for scallions, rice noodles, garlic chili sauce and sesame seed oil ($7.99!) Ack.

But I figure she'll be leaving the house in a few years, so might as well encourage this cooking jag. If only she think about it at about 3 pm in the afternoon, so I could have dinner ready when we got home.




Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Don't even talk to me

Jennifer broke up with her b-friend, again and was in a foul mood. And it appears that this time, unlike the last 6, he isn't going to beg her to take him back.

I didn't know any of this until I was heading to the gym with her and only wanted to stay 25 min. She wanted to stay an hour or more to work off some frustration at the non-texting, non-calling Adam. I took her back around the block, grabbed the dog leash and was ready to let her go by herself, until Gary corralled me and told me to go with her, at least compromise on 45 min.

She and I road in stony silence to the gym, whereas she sat and cried in the car most of the time, rebuffing all my entries and so I ended up going to the gym for an hour to work out. But I was not in the mood to talk to her, nor she I and so we stalked into the house and went literally to our separate rooms. I don't think Gary knew what to do when the two women of the house weren't speaking to each other.








Monday, July 19, 2010

Mom, where are the gardening tools?

I guess this is a marker of just how bored my daughter is today. I'm back at work after two weeks (sigh) and she's home and supposed to be cleaning up her bathroom and the tv room.

And oh, she doesn't want to go to volleyball tonight. So, I told her fine on the v-ball, the clippers should be out on the deck and the leather gloves somewhere inside the house, so the dog won't eat them and cost us $500 in vet bills.

So, the weeds will get pulled. But as for the toilet scrubbed, probably not.



Sunday, July 18, 2010

You guys are loud!

That was the judgement we received from Adam, Jennifer's b-friend, as we came out of the bathroom at Border's yesterday.

We were talking about men, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each sex, and concluded women were stronger overall (I'm sure adam's ears perked up at this). But he said that people were stopping and listening to our chatter from a couple feet away. So, we'll have to tone it down next time.

Blueberry pies

We didn't get to baking one yesterday, but plan to today. Whether it be the weight watcher's version, or not, I don't know. Jennifer, obv. doesn't care about the calories, but I do, so we'll see.

Friday, July 16, 2010

The grinch has arrived home

It was sunny yesterday, but when Jennifer arrived home, the temperature dropped by about 10 degrees, at least.

She'd had a bad day at v-ball camp, where she'd gotten placed (unfairly she thought) with the newbies who thought they were all that. Not quite the group she was in the mood for after entertaining the thought she might get on varsity this next year at last. (on this point, one of the coaches told her she'd really improved over the last year, and the trainer for the camp poo-hooed the idea that to be a successful v-ball player, you need to be tall. Really glad I shut my mouth and never voiced my earlier opinions to my 5-foot, 4-inch daughter at this point).

So, Thursday was a bit of a letdown after that. No praises and stuck with a bunch of snotty incoming freshmen. Then her b-friend called and wanted to talk, long and hard, about his birth mom coming back into his life (he thought she was dead from an OD long ago), and Jennifer's advice wasn't really what he wanted to hear.

Then I knocked over her drink, and told her "no, we can't get your foundation today."

So she harrumphed back to her room.

"What the hell was that?" Gary mumbled.

"A teenager having a bad day. Don't try to engage, I'll just take her to the gym and let her hit a punching bag for a while (which we did, and she did) so we don't have to be the standins"

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

No yoga tonight

At least for Jennifer. After all day at v-ball camp, she's just fallen asleep on the couch. Oh well, time to go it alone. To the gym for me.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Don't talk to me

Gary is a morning person. Jennifer, def. not. That became apparent this am as we all hauled out of bed at 6:30 am so Jennifer could make it to volleyball camp. Gary was happily chattering away, while Jennifer was is moody silence, as she collected her stuff, straightened her hair (don't ask) and looked for her purse (we later found that in the trunk).

After she finally drove the car off to camp - yes I gave it to her for a day - Gary remarked how grumpy she was.

Yes, she is. Just interact as little as possible before 11 am, and you'll do fine.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Me time

Yes, I know, I'm a bad mother.

But I sent gary off to man the bleachers at Jennifer's v-ball game, while I stayed home and cleaned, while watching all my guilty pleasures. Including drawing, which I plan to get to now.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Car bickering again

Even tho I told Jennifer not to fall in love with a car, she did. A 2006 Ford Focus for $9000. Gary says we don't have enough $$ (the car budget has about half that in it now); and is unwilling to take on another car payment.

Can't blame him since we already have 2. But Jennifer of course, doesn't see it that way. So they bickered all morning while I was on my Beach Naturalist duty, and I received a barrage of tearful calls as she called about the "no"  and then about the "no" to going to see it. He then relented to her tears, but if there wasn't going to be any dickering going on, she wasn't interested.

They continued to bicker, and more calls to me. She was grounded and couldn't go over for a sleepover tonight or watch the World Cup. He later relented on both.

They'd reached a sort of detente by the time I got home, but gads.  I was about ready to order them to corners.


Saturday, July 10, 2010

Car shopping again

Gary and Jennifer are in a battle of wills over the car, but I think both are finally starting to see each other's point of view.

After getting our feet henna'd, (another post), we snuck off to Burien to check out a car she saw on a used car lot. Then we hopped across to a Ford dealership to check out Focuses. About five salesmen were lounging by the front door, which gave us pause.

"That's scary, do you want to skip this place," Jennifer asked.

But a guy named Matthew bounded forward, and started talking, almost nonstop about Focuses and how he just survived a rollover crash after he fell asleep at the wheel with his two kids in the back.

Okaaay.

But actually, we didn't think he could make something like that up, and he did show us a nice Focus for $9000 with 41,000 miles and nice perks. So for the first time J could see the difference between a $9,000 car (which we could probably get down to $7,500) and a $4,000 car. So at least we're now all on the same page on that.

As for Matthew, he's looking for us in our price range. I like him. I just wouldn't want to drive with him.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Car shopping

We gobbled down our dinner at The Ram tonight and rushed down to the Honda used car lot before it closed.

Once the salesman found out our price range $4000 to $7000, he handed us off to his manager, which I think means we weren't worth his while. And so it continues. J has been prowling the internet for cars, as has Gary.

Jennifer's been finding cars she likes; and Gary has been nixing 'em, one right after another. Saab-too high maintenance. Prelude-it's a coup and will cost more to insure. Saturn-the one she found was too high mileage. Jennifer is getting annoyed, even if the points are valid.

So I finally pulled Gary aside and advised, to keep the peace in the house, at LEAST look at his daughter's finds. That way she'll at least feel like she has a say (which she does to a point, we're just not picking a car by how "cool" looking it is or its color).

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

So much for sleeping in

The entire idea of taking some time off when J was off was to spend time with her. Which I've done this week. But next week, just discovered her v-ball camp is from 8 to 5:30 pm. Well, so much for M-D time.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Watching scary movies

We're watching Legion right now, and as I look over, Jennifer is hiding her hands behind her pillow.

OK, this was my pick. Tomorrow night it's Where the Wild Things are, a little bit more gentle that a cross between Bus Stop, Terminator and Tremors.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Not with my daughter you don't

Jennifer was curled up next to me in tears, telling me about her boyfriend's friends (now x-friends) who were texting her nasty things, saying she was dominating all his time (not true) and it was her fault that he was now living in a group home for foster kids (um, not true again).

When she told me that one of them called her the c-word, that was the last straw. I brought in the big guns, i.e. gary. Said hubby promptly texted back all the perpetrators (who live in the same foster home Adam lived in) and blocked their # to text Jennifer. And he said if they tried it again, through another phone #, he'd call the cops.

I dont' think it dawns on these kids, that mess with Jennifer, you mess with 2 angry bears. That hasn't been their experience in their lives,but I think they know it's part of Jennifer's reality. Mess with her, you mess with all of us.

And adam has crossed said "friends" off the bff list.

Seriously, she called a fire engine on our fireworks?

That was the first thought that came to mind, when I saw 3 police cars, a fire engine, and 2 aide cars pull up to what I thought, at first was our house. Just hours earlier, Jennifer and I were setting off tamer fireworks for a 17-month old kid across the street.

Wouldn't you know the moment we shot off a parachute thingy, one part falls on the neighbor's roof who hates us. We were waiting for them to come storming out of the house (they had just pulled up as the chutist fell on their roof), but didn't happen.

However, it was just getting dark, and J and I were across the street playing with the 17-month old, and eating a chocolate concoction, when in fact, all the lights show up. As it turns out, it was a medical problem at our across the street neighbor's (never quite figured out what, or why 3 cop cars were there).

But we had to wait for them to leave to start shooting off our unsafe and insane fireworks. The fact there were so many vehicles with red lights didn't deter the neighbors down the street, who shot off sky rockets to their hearts content. We didn't have the nerve.

So we finally shot off the last firework about 11 pm, and then went in to watch the tivo'd Seattle version.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Time to buy fireworks!

This, ironically, has fallen to Jennifer and I. Gary has decided he doesn't quite care for them anymore. And mom's disapproval practically dripped from the phone.

She's not a fan of them either.

But she never was. I inherited my love of FW from my dad, who used to tell me stories of saving up all summer to buy a big box directly from the fireworks companies (in the 30s). Yeah, well, I never did that, but it's ingrained in my memory that we went out to the fireworks stands, and shot them off every 4th, and then saved some for the 1st of the next year of course.

So Jennifer and I went out to the Muckleshoot res. only to find about a gazillion people had beat us to it. The line up snaked up Highway 18 and onto 410 to the rez. Once there, it was like stepping in a combo of a war zone and a carnival, with hawkers at every stand.

"Geez," Jennifer said. "Some of those kids out out in the war zone (where the locals set off boxes of fireworks) are, what 5?"

Seems like. I was busy as the minute, trying to negotiate an intersection to turn into the firework plaza and make sure a paratrooper didn't land on the car. It didn't, it got caught up in a power line.

Once there, we did stick to our budget of $75, but it was a bit overwhelming to look at stand after stand, with mostly the same thing. We finally got our purchases, with a few freebies thrown in, and headed out.

The flaggers decided that the traffic wasn't working, so they routed us out the back, down what looked like an old logging trail that spit us out onto 410 again. Fortunately, the path worked, for those with faith that didn't bottom out, end up in the war zone (a spur of the road did snake off that direction) or get stuck in the mud or a pothole). And a caravan of cars started following me, so I just took a deep breath and plowed on.


Thursday, July 1, 2010

Go home with a headache

From my daughter's volleyball team, and of course she wins the rest of her matches.

This always happens. We call it the mom curse. If I'm there, she loses, if not, she wins.

Especially true, it seemed, when she was on the basketball team. I used to just go outside and look in through the stadium doors. That way my bad karma wouldn't affect the team.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Twilight mania

Jennifer isn't much of a fan of Twilight, the movies, but her friends are.

So that explains alot on why she's staying up until midnight tonight and going down to Kent Station, near our home, to watch the new part of the series - Eclipse - when it starts showing at 12:01 tomorrow.

At first I had planned to take her to a showing up at the Pacific Science Center tonight, but no dice, that was for adults only, with cocktails.

Then Kent offered a 3-movie package, with treats, and she was intrigued. Began calling her friends, but couldn't find a ride home. And her dad said "no way" to his daughter driving home at 3 am, alone, after the movie, even tho it was only a 2 minute hop to our home.

So what to do. Gary said no, but I figured out if Jennifer met her friends there, and then went home with them on an overnighter, it might just work. And it did. So one lucky mom (not me) gets to welcome home four tired teens at 4 am tomorrow and let 'em sleep it off and talk about whether they are Team Edward or Team Jacob.





Sunday, June 27, 2010

Back from Ocean Shores

A quick 24-hour trip, we plan to go longer later in the summer, but it was great walking with Jennifer on the beach. I could almost feel my dad, long dead now, walking along side us, admiring his granddaughter. My dad and I used to walk down the beach, all the time, when I was about 12 and he ran his fishing boat off the then Ocean Shores marina.

I could feel the whisper of time sort of shimmer in front of us.



Saturday, June 26, 2010

Watching the World Cup

And yes, frankly we wish the U.S. were doing better than they are at the half, but we're suddenly new loyal fans. Go USA!

Friday, June 25, 2010

What was that crunching sound?

Jennifer decided to go down to Jamba Juice tonight, and so decided to back out the car from the garage. She'd parked it with no problem the night before.

Unfortunately when I said yes to this jaunt, I'd forgotten my hubby parked it in the garage tonight, and he always parks it catywampus.

So a few heartbeats and crunch. Gary bursts out and yells, and Jennifer goes into her room in tears. They've struck up a peace now, but argh. It won't be the last scratch in the car either.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

What should I do about this opossum that's in the middle of the road?

That is what I called Jennifer about (hand free, mind you) yesterday as I went home from work.

I was going up Interstate 5, between Federal Way and Kent to pick her up at Kent Station, when I saw something swaying in the middle of the road. At first I thought it was a piece of paper, or whatnot, but as I came closer, at bumper to bumper 60mph, I realized it was a young opossum in the middle of the freeway - and I say that literally, on the white strip, with two lanes on one side and two lanes on the other.

HOW it got out there without getting hit was beyond me, tho it looked like something had nicked a leg. At any rate, the poor creature was swaying from side to side trying to figure out which way to jump (the smart answer would be neither a or b)

I drove on up the road, debating whether to pull over and back up. But then what? The traffic was thick and fast, so there was no way I was getting to it. And if I circled back and tried to pick it up, while what- driving 60mph with my door open I'd probably cause an accident myself or end up squashing it. Indiana Jones I am not.

So that's when I called Jennifer.

"What did you tell me this for!! Now I feel bad too!" she cried over the phone. But then she assured me that really, no there was nothing I probably could have done.

Later that night, when the family sent me out for ice cream at Dairy Queen, I sneaked over and swiped around again, and didn't even see a smear mark (again, I was asking myself what exactly I intended to do if I found it half dead in the middle of the road- run over it and put it out of its misery? Could I really do that?)

Just as I convinced myself a miracle had happened and the thing had actually escaped, I saw a huddle near the road, quite a bit north from where I remember the critter being, and curled up by the side of the road. So maybe it did make it the side, got hit and went flying? I didn't stop to check to see if this was the opossum I saw, since I probably couldn't figure it out anyway.

I called Jennifer again to tell her why I was late going home with the ice cream.

"You checked on it didn't you?"

Guilty.




Wednesday, June 23, 2010

I'm either going to have to start taking French again...

or hire Jennifer a tutor.

I was grilling her for her French final last night, and her vocab final. On the vocab, I was doing fine, and she, not so much, so it will be interesting to see how that test goes today. And the French final, I was asking her how her day was, where Martinique was, if she liked her Chemistry class, all in French mind you, but as she spit back the answers, I realized she was lapping me in my knowledge.

So back to class for me.









Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Hold that down dog pose!

Or something like that.


Jennifer and I have decided to start attending an 8 pm yoga class to


a. get in shape
b. avoid late night snacking
c. avoid vegging out in front of the TV all night.

Although the dog gives us a longing look as we walk out the door, as his little doggy brain processes, no walk tonight.

So, off we go, a little nervous, because we're novices and we don't want any hot shots showing us up. We really shouldn't have worried. Although there were some super yoga buffs in there, including a few men, who held that down dog pose as long as there the instructor, since the lights were turned off, no one was really eyeballing the other, as they tried to hold onto the warrior or goddess pose. Or just gave up as I did a few times and did the novice movement she showed us.

Jennifer did pretty well tho, and I'm proud of her. Back at it on Wed., and this time I'll have to take Kodi out for a run beforehand.






Sunday, June 20, 2010

Father's Day at a Rainy Strawberry Fest

We woke up late, at 10:30 am or so, and were still working in breakfast at 11:30 am. We cleaned house a bit, and then drove up to the Burien Stawberry Festival, in the pouring rain.

But Gary loves to look at vintage cars,and Burien is cute. Adam met us there and gave Gary a Father's Day card, which I think was touching, and touched Gary too.

Then onto lunch at a faux Irish pub off the street,and then off to Trader Joes to buy orchids and then home for a nap. Perfect day for Gary, who is now watching Pawn Stars reruns.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Up to Nordie's cafe

We made a beeline for the Nordstrom Cafe on Friday to order gnocchi, one of our favorite foods, with her boyfriend, Adam, in tow.

Unfortunately, Jennifer were doing our usual sing-song back and forth, really fast. Think Gilmore Girls on steriods, and so Adam was feeling left out, Jennifer informed me after he went to seek a bathroom in Nordstrom's.

So, we decided to include him, ask about school, wrestling, and whatnot. And slowed the conversation down. It seemed to help.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Attack of the killer crabs


And no, I don't mean those type of crabs. I mean the type of that pinch.

This weekend, Jennifer decided to join me down on the Des Moines Beach for my first Beach Naturalist shift of the year. It was also the lowest tide of the year. And while there was the usual crowd of moon snails about, we we're seeing much else unusual until I saw what I thought was a detached red rock crab shell buried in the mud.

So we squatted down by the shell and carefully tried to extract it from the sand. The crab attached to the shell was not amused. It exploded out of the sand, pinchers drawn and Jennifer and I both almost fell backwards with the yelp.

As an aside, red rock crabs have powerful pinchers and are very aggressive in you get in their face. This guy def. felt we were in his face. And so did his buddies.

IN the red rock crab world, the boys like to hang the the boys and the gals with the gals, until mating season of course. And so when we disturbed this guy, all his buddies erupted out of the sand too. It was a bit like a 1950s horror movie. And Jennifer, who was wearing only flip flops, did little yelps as she tried to dodge miffed crabs who were making a run for the water.

So we provided entertainment for both my fellow naturalists and the crowd that gathered to see what all the shouting was about.

#twittermoms, #wildlife

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Off to the gym again

I guess you could call this mother daughter bonding.

We're off to the gym tonight to do 8 pm, in-the-dark yoga at LA Fitness. My husband thinks we're nuts, but it is sort of fun. And it's nice that Jennifer will show me how to use the machines.

I think tho, from the looks I'm catching, most of the guys wish Jennifer was alone, at LAFitness.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

American Pickers and Pawn Stars

Yes, I know, we watch too much TV, but these have become our new fav's - American Pickers and Pawn Stars - along with Cold Case.

We need something to get us through the doldrums until the summer season picks up. Yes, Burn Notice and Royal Pains are on USA, but that's only one day a week. We're in a bit of a drought for the other six.

#television #twittermoms

Monday, June 14, 2010

Yoga in the dark

Jennifer and I were working out tonight, although I noticed all the guys in the gym trailing her aruond, and then they saw me, and quickly looked away.

OK, it's not like I'm going to punch you for admiring the eye candy that I know is my daughter. Her dad might, but I won't.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Adam and a new home

Well Gary finally got ahold of Adam's case worker and it comes down to this.

He's going to be in juvi for a bit, and he's going to have to write a 5-page essay on how to get his life back on track, and he's going to have to stay put where the court puts him for awhile. There seem to be many adults that want to help Adam, us included. But he's a. going to have to stop spinning things and keep focused on staying at AHS and graduating.

To much into tech

I read this NYT article with some dismay - basically the bottom line is that our kids want us off the computer, phone or bluetooth and focusing on them when they are around.

I recently just skipped trying to post on this blog, for example or updating my Facebook or Twitter account, because frankly, I could feel my family frowning at my back when I did.

Now never mind that my hubby watches TV and is glued to his blackberry, or that my daughter is doing the same thing, except texting. But if I do it, it's another matter. Here is another disturbing NYT article about being too plugged in.

#twittermoms #technology

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Get out of the car...now

We were late for J's first period Chem class, again. And really, we didn't have any excuse because it was late start anyway.

But she was jonesing for Jamba Juice, oatmeal with blueberries to be specific, and she wanted what she wanted. Unfortunately, a train came on the tracks, a long one, just as we pulled up to Meeker and 4th. And we waited. And waited. Penned in now, we couldn't turn around, so we resigned ourselves to be late, and get the oatmeal anyway.

So 15 minutes late, imagine our surprise when we pull up to the school, and at least half the student body is out front waiting for us. A fire drill, or some such, and it was pouring. We sit in the car a minute, but now I'm going to be late for my director's meeting, so she has to get out...now.

And of course she's lost the umbrella I gave her, and she leaves the oatmeal in the car, where it quickly gets cold.

"Jennifer, sorry for the downpour, and the fact the whole school now knows you're late, but get out."

"Mommy!"

"Now."

"Beezee"

Fine, but you still need to get out of the car.

So she calls to Adam, who seems to magically appear wherever she is, makes him carry her stuff so she can use her coat as a shield.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Stay away from the remote

I have saved Glee, the season finale, on Tivo tonight and Jennifer and I plan on watching all of it.

And keeping my husband away from the remote. As technically savvy as GAry is, that remote seems to hate him, and start misbehaving every time he tries to save something, play something, or restart.

Often, he ends up deleting a show that we've saved, as what happened about 3 Glee's ago. We haven't forgiven him, and have threatened to mass delete all his NCIS' if he does this again.

But as a precaution, we're just watching the finale live tonight (and record it too). And we're keeping dad away from the TV all together.

Playing hooky

Is harder than it looks.

Jennifer and I were going to take the day off (her with my permission, and me taking a vacation day) but alas, she has tests and I had work to do. And she has to give a student- led progress report today at 4:30 pm.

Not showing up for school, but showing up for that would raise a few eyebrows with her teachers, I think, unless it was obvious she had pneumonia, or some such.

So we're going to try again on Friday. I'll call her in sick; and I'll just take a vacation day.

And we'll shop, and sleep in. And probably not tell dad this time.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Cooking at last

We sort of took it over the top today, as we made a blueberry reduction (who knew that boiling water could be fun?) and drizzled it over salmon. Aside from turning the salmon blue on the outside it tasted pretty good. Fresh bread, asaparagus - grilled - and b-berry milkshakes.

Jennifer and I were in culinary heaven.

Bad choices

We've declared an Adam free zone in the house.

It's the only way for Jennifer not to end up in tears of late. She's broken up with him,but still obv. cares about him. As we all do.

He was arrested a runaway last night, but is out of jail (or juvi) now. But we, and I'm not sure, he, has any idea where he is going to end up.

He probably should have gone back to Celeste's house in Kent,but I can see from talking to Celeste today , and via my daughter (through what she knows of Adam's side) that probably wasn't going to work out. She wants him to follow the rules (a reasonable demand) while I'm not sure she really got Adam's sense of humor, or attempts to connect.

So, as to where he ends up now, who knows. I know that GAry did chew on him on Friday, saying we weren't going to let him draw Jennifer off the straight and narrow, AND for him to get his act together if he wanted to see her at all, ever.

Not that we can really make good on that as long as he's at Auburn Senior High or in the area, but I think it was a wake up call that even our patience is not unlimited.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

High maintenance b-friend, part 2

OK, J broke up with Adam yesterday (although as of 4.17 pm PST, I don't know the status) and he promptly didn't come home (to his foster home) last night.

So worried foster mom calls me up at work, apologetic, asking if I've seen or heard from Adam.

Unfortunately no.

Though I do know he's been madly texting my daughter, trying to get back together with her. I'm privately hoping she's resisting his pleas. I think she'd better help him as a friend, than girl friend. But trying explaining that to a 16-year-old.

Anyway, I also know that Adam gave J back the cell phone Gary bought him, and the shoes (and no, I don't know if he walked away from the breakup in his sox).

But he did spend a night at a friend's and was hanging around school today (and texting Jennifer from someone's phone) trying to get back together with her.

I'm not surprised, but a bit angry at his not even telling Celeste (worried foster mom) about his whereabouts or where he was today. Jennifer's trying to get him to call her (I slooowly texted her Celeste's phone #, but who knows if he'll call her).

Anyway, off to pick Jennifer up now. And I hope she's still broken up with Adam.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Working out with the daughter

I want to get in shape, and fortunately, my daughter, all 112 lbs of her, thinks she needs to too.

So I took out a membership for us both at LA fitness in Kent, to finally, with no excuses, start working out. And I think it will work. I did sign up for a personal trainer, but alas, the contract had a buyout clause I just couldn't stomach (read that fine print!) so I had to pass.

But by 50, I want to be in better shape than I am now. And as for Jennifer, well, she'll probably still by 112, and most of it muscle.

It also helps that her boyfriend, is a wrestler and is all about working out. And flirting in the gym is fine with me. Keeps 'em out of the house.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Joys of SNL

Right now, Gary's introducing Jennifer, because there is absolutely nothing to watch on TV, to the joys of SNL. I think she loves it (I remember that Gary told me he watched the show on Saturday nights, because he couldn't afford to go out on a producer's salary in North Dakota).

I think tho that some of the skits go flying over her head still, fortunately.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Praying that he stays put

It's been tumultuous week, as Adam kept going back and forth over the latest foster home he landed in.

He was saying he wasn't welcome. I finally talked to the foster mom, who says he is, and she's happy to have him there as long as possible. Which I hope will be until he graduates in two years. Both Gary and I stressed to him, and to Jennifer, that he MUST keep his eye on the ball, which in this case is finishing high school, at Auburn High and keeping with his wrestling, which he's passionate about.

I think it's just dawned on him that IF he becomes an emancipated teen, he'll probably have to work for a living, and probably won't finish school. One can hope that has finally sunk in.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Cooking for a growing boy is a different experience

Especially when it's been the three of us, and one of us being a 112 lb girl who wants to keep in shape. In other words, sometimes she doesn't eat very much.

But since Adam has been taking most of his meals at our house of late, I've noticed the fridge gets cleaned out pretty quickly. there are no leftovers for lunch.

Today, Adam will find out when he can move into his new foster home, but until then, I think I'm going to have to think in bigger batches.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Lost hangover

OK, both Jennifer and I watch too much TV.

And sometimes that bites us in the butt, as it did this am, when we both dragged ourselves out of bed after watching Lost until early this am.

But unlike other times, when we just watch too much TV and should read a book instead, this time, we planned for it. She at first was going to have me call in sick for her, but changed her mind when she realized that she would have a chance to drive the car to school.

But as we watched first the Lost wrap up, and then the actual Lost (not counting the pilot this weekend, that's coming on 8 hours of Lost) we were glad for the commitment. I think that they ending is good (not as good as MASH) but good nevertheless. I was crying, she was looking sad, a and we'll miss our weird Lost fix every week.

This blog, and it's comments in the NYT, has a pretty good wrap up.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Me time

One way to get it, is to have Jennifer and hubby go shopping together, as they are doing right now.

This was borne of the fight mentioned previously, and who knows if it will work. As they left ,they were arguing over which mall to go to, but hey, at least they are together arguing.

Meanwhile, I'm cleaning house, with Lady Antebellum crooning in the background. Ah bliss.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

An argument that needed to happen

It all started over Gary and I griping at Jennifer for being on her cell phone 24-7, and ended up with - at one point Gary and Jennifer nose to nose yelling at each other, with Jennifer threatening to leave, and Gary snapping back saying "fine go ahead."

Fortunately, neither meant it, and at least Gary apologized. But this fight has been a long time coming. They both are so alike, bull headed and both get their feelings hurt easily. And Jennifer truly hangs on every compliment Gary says (like I did with my dad), and Gary finds it hard to brush off his 16-year-old's rudeness (sort of comes with the territory, but still it hurts).

And then we also started arguing about Adam, and if he didn't get back in school and into a stable abode, she wasn't going to be able to hang out with him any more. That went over well.

In the end, Jennifer and Gary are still under one roof. Jennifer is still allowed to see Adam, at least through this week. And I don't think Jennifer is grounded, tho at one point in the argument, she was.

But I have promised to set her up with a counselor to talk to, who might give her the same advice as mom and dad. But maybe it will seem different NOT coming from one of us.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Looking in from the outside

I think Adam, Jennifer's b-friend would love to adopt us.

To him, her life probably seems idyllic -almost Ozzie and Harriet, tho, of course, we're not.

He's finally found a place to stay, and should be back in school next week, finally, and emancipated in a month or two. But still, I know he looks at our rather stable, boring life, and wishes for something else.

And no, Jennifer, we're not adopting your b-friend.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Did you know your daughter was dating a runaway?

The Auburn police officer called me up on the phone Tuesday and at first, I almost brushed him off, figuring he was making a pitch for the police guild or some football game.

But no,the first words out of his mouth were the just this question.

I was stunned, so much so that I don't even recall his last name. Now, for the record, I did know that Adam was officially classified as a runaway after walking out on his foster mom after a tiff, but I figured he'd go back, once he cooled off and they'd patch it up. Apparently not this time.

After living a decade with this family, apparently things are at an end, and Adam doesn't want to live there anymore, but with a coach that's agreed to take him in for 2 months while becomes a legally emancipated teen.

Meanwhile, Jennifer, and for that matter, Gary and myself, feel trapped in the middle as Adam continues to war with foster mom, who is evil incarnate if you listen to Adam. Gary and I aren't quite believing it, and are wondering just how much of this is typical rebellious teen angst, and how much is what Adam claims it to be.

Of course my daughter believes every...word...he says, and has concurred that foster mom is a total bitch.

I'm not so sure. But regardless of the real truth, I told the officer, yes, I know and is there any reason that my daughter shouldn't hang out with the guy? Are you going to haul her in too if she does? The answer was no to both.

But I'm hoping that in the end, Adam will end up with adults he trusts. I'm wondering if being an emancipated teen will really be that...freeing to him.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

R U Your teen's friend?

And I don't mean on Facebook. And the answer to the FB question is probably "no." However, the Washington Post had a great story and commentary on whether parents are getting cooler, and trying to be their teens friends.

Generally, the comments from the writers and the comments on their posts say, "nope, not meant to be their friends. If you go down that slippery slope you're not doing your job."

Totally agree. And as you see by my post just prior to this, Jennifer and I are close. But I'm not her bff. She has one of those and it's a young girl her own age, whom I'm sure hears about what a horrible mother Jennifer has from time to time, from Jennifer herself.

It's not my job to be her friend. Tho it is nice to actually have her want to be around me once and awhile.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

I love you mom, and yeah, my friends are jealous

My mom's day card was sweet, and Jennifer said that her friend was specifically jealous of how close we were. Close that is,until I tell her no. It was great to get the card anyway. I'll keep it as a reminder the next time I have to play bad cop.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Jennifer against the ducks

Jennifer called as I was travelling home Friday to say, could I please get her some new jeans and shoes.

She and her boyfriend Adam were down at Mill Creek Park off Scenic Hill, watching two batches of mallard chicks mix and mingle. Until the daddy duck of one batch started trying to drown one of the younger ducks from the other. And the older chicks (probably about a week or two older) followed suit.

So Jennifer, defender of the underdog (or duck) jumped in the pond to help the younger ducks (which still had slashes of yellow on them). They fled in terror from their huge benefactor into a drainage culvert. The mom of of the younger ducks decided to take offense and attack Jennifer. But at least her babies weren't getting picked on anymore. But Jennifer was covered with mud. Adam was trying to keep an eye on the angry mother duck.

Ah, a daughter after my own heart.

Friday, May 7, 2010

I don't mean to hurt your feelings...but

I really want to be left alone on Mother's Day. My boss said this was rude. But he's a guy and just doesn't get it. And I really don't expect my husband to either.

But leave all the Macy's sales where they are. Don't both with Nordies. Just give me an afternoon, to myself, with a nice latte and also my paints if the muse strikes, and just leave me be. For an entire uninterrupted day.

My daughter gets this. But even she won't suggest it to her father.

"That would definitely hurt his feelings," she said.

So I'm just going to have to sneak off and celebrate my own Mother's Day at my own choosing.

Since Gary hadn't made a reservation yet for brunch, I figured we'd be eating at i Hop if I left to him, so I called down to my favorite greasy spoon in Kent, and sure enough they are open on Sunday. Done, we're going there, and then to the track (horse lover, rather than betting lover).

Happy Mother's Day everyone.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Watch your back

Not exactly the greeting or goodbye I usually send my daughter off to school with, as she hops out of the car, checks her makeup one last time and makes sure she has her cell phone on her.

This odd farewell for the day came after she got into yet another "she texted, and she texted" fight with another girl. And then a third girl jumped in (who was not close friends with either my daughter or my daughter's friend) to add her two cents. Don't ask me to explain the entire story, because frankly, I lose the thread (texted or otherwise) every time she tells it to me.

Long text short, this girl ended up texting Jennifer that the world would be a better place w/o her and encouraged some of her friends to stalk Jennifer. OK, all of my hubby's (and mine) protective juices just went into overdrive. So on her own, Jennifer when with her boyfriend to the vp of the school, who looked at the texts, which Jennifer saved and promptly suspended the girl for four days. Her parents also were upset and took away her texting plan.

Fine, but when she gets back in school later this week, I've told her b-friend, Adam, to have my daughter's back. He's a wrestler, and while I don't expect him to slap the girl down to the pavement, I consider him deterrent to any ideas this girl may have for revenge.

My hubby also called the vp today, and the vp doesn't think there will be any retaliation. I'm not sure I agree with him


Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Motherhood in the US

It was with a nodding head that I read this report today about the US ranking low in the motherhood score released today. My best friend lives in Denmark, which is near the top of the survey and when Jennifer was young, I tried not to think about how Dawn got a year off with pay, and her job guaranteed when she returned. Oh, and she was also certain of a slot in a high-quality daycare where most of the employees are paid very well, respected and all have masters degrees in childcare.

Sigh. I don't have to worry about that any more, as Jennifer now spends her time after school in sports, with friends or at the coffee shop where she hangs out. Now, she just wants the car keys as often as possible. But I still have friends raising young kids, and I wonder when the US is ever going to get on the ball and get it's act together and support the working moms (no, don't you dare tell me to just stay home if the kids are that important).

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Lazy Sunday

Jennifer and I are all for "a day of rest."

My husband, not so much. He's out weeding the front lawn now. And washing the car. And earlier he was trimming.

On the other hand, Jennifer and I can watch TV and read a book all day long, Sunday or no. We're thinking of soon just playing hooky from the world (one day only) and not telling Gary. He just wouldn't understand.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

For once, stay out of it

I couldn't believe I was giving this bit of advice to my daughter, given how nosey reporters are, but true enough, I told her to leave this one alone.

To back up, her b-friend had been on a bus ride home, when the best-friend of her ex best-friend fell asleep and left her cell phone unattended. So Jennifer's boyfriend started looking at her text messages (I mean, the phone flipped open in front of him after all).

He discovered that this girl had been making out with the ex-boyfriend (recently dumped) of Jennifer's ex-best girlfriend (still following me). So, should she tell the now secondary girlfriend of the treachery?

"Really, Jennifer, there's no way you can come out looking good in this. Stay out of it. A. is no longer your best friend. She's no longer dating this guy. And yes, the current bff is making out with A. ex-boyfriend, but that is their trouble now."

"That's what Adam said."

"Well, for once you should listen to him."

Okaaay. We'll see if she sticks to her non interference agreement.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Gifts for no reason at all

Jennifer came out with a big red bag today, walking hand-in-hand with her b-friend.

"What's that?"

"Stuff"

"OK, I'll play the game, what type of stuff?"

Apparently, for no apparent reason, Adam had given Jennifer a pic and a stuffed toy. How nice. And people do compliment them on how they treat each other (when they aren't fighting) and give each other stuff for no reason at all.

I think my hubby could take a few tips from Adam. Ok, he does give me flowers every once and awhile, but they are always carnations...always. Never the sunflowers I want.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

I want to buy a book

That declaration in itself took me by surprise. But maybe Jennifer knew that if she said that I'd practically be throwing the car keys her way to go to the book store.

She came back with Pride Prejudice and Zombies for me, and The Last Lecture for herself. Oh, and conned dad into buying her a $60 pair of tennis shoes after her org. pair were stolen last week out of her locker at school.


Saturday, April 24, 2010

Wake me up early

I've realized that this means something different to my daughter than it does to me.

She wanted to get up today to get ready to go over to her boy friend's brother's b-day party where the whole clan was showing up. We told her she had to finish up her homework, which she did last night AND clean up her bathroom. The bathroom clean up didn't occur, but when I popped in at 8:45 am (vs the usual noon) to tell her to start getting ready, she shooed me out. She was thinking more like 11 a.m.


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Pass by a gay guy

Adam, Jennifer's b-friend, is getting into shape for wrestling again, and he's busy bragging about his body to her, so much so, that she's tired of it. But others a noticing too, as a gay guy at school came up and asked Adam out. He declined.

Maybe grabbing A's butt was not the best way to say hello.

However, J was having others do double takes at her today. At Starbucks in Kent, I was busy talking with a friend, and Jennifer was doing her homework at the another table. One guy walked by and looked at her. Fine, she's a pretty girl.

But then he walked by 2-3 more times, giving her the "look" each time. One more time by MY table and he was going to get a iced latte poured over his head to cool him off.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Giving the daughter the car keys for the day, part 2

Rather than deal with a 3-hour commute, in total, I'm just going to work from home and give Jennifer the keys for the day. It's easier that way, and I spend more time working and less time on planes, trains and automobiles.

Monday, April 19, 2010

What do you mean journalists don't lie

Somehow lying came up on the way home.

Adam, Jennifer's b-friend, took one for the team, when he told his mom that he has spent the night at a friend's house, not realizing that said mom would check. He didn't, he was on our couch again because both friends had bailed on him at the last minute, and his mom and dad were out of town. Or at least that's the story we got.

Anyway, when Adam's mom found out he was not at friend #1 house, he lied again and told her he was at friend #2 house, and went out partying instead. For some reason she didn't check and just grounded him.

So for now, we're not scum and she continues to think that Jennifer is wonderful. However, I told Jennifer that I would not lie to her if asked a direct question. I'm a lousy liar.

"What do you mean, I thought you did that as part of your job?"

"What, lie?'

"Yeah, I thought journalists lied all the time."

"Bluff, yes, Lie no. Don't believe the Glenn Becks of this world darl'n"


Sunday, April 18, 2010

Heron hunting

It was time to take my daughter's new camera out for a test spin, so we headed up to the Black River Heron Rookery in Renton to see if we could spot any of the majestic birds, and maybe get a closeup shot.

That was not to be. Their nests were behind a screen of trees (we could see them flying in and out with twigs or whatnot in their beaks), bit alas, not tests. And we couldn't figure out how to get on the other side of the slough we were looking at. So we had to settle for the in and out traffic, spotting a hummingbird nest, a huge mound of ants, lots of ducks and rabbits. And because she doesn't have a telephoto lens of yet, most of the shots were of dots in the sky.

Still, it was a great afternoon to wander and see what we could see. Perfect Sunday afternoon.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

I'm not a soap opera

So they are back together again. Holding hands, lovey dovey.

Jennifer was telling me all about it, and re-defined the "grabbing her arm" incident. So I'm fine with letting it continue for now. He just stepped in front of her and put his hand on her arm.

However, I told her that the coffee shop where she goes after school if probably looking forward to the next episode in the J and Adam adventure like a daily soap opera.

First they're on, then they're off.

"If they miss their afternoon soap opera, they always have you two," I said.

Glare. Silence.

"I'm not a soap opera, this discussion is over," says she.

Right.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

On again, off again

Jennifer has broken up with her boyfriend again, the second, or is it the third, time in 2 months.

I try to be sympathetic to their bickering, and separate real issues from the drama queen ones, but it's hard. Mostly, I try to stay out of it, since you never know when they are going to get back together again, and you'll regret all those nasty things you said trying to be supportive.

I guess one reason I hope they don't get back together is in the last argument, when Jennifer started walking away in a huff, he grabbed her by the arm. She says she wasn't hurt, and it wasn't hard, but that still gives me pause. There's grabbing by the arm, and then there's grabbing by the arm.j

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Friending on Facebook

My daughter doesn't have a Facebook account yet, but when she gets one, and she will, of that I have no doubt, we won't be friends. As this story shows, too awkward.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mom, you'd better not embarass me on the radio

This as we were listening to 93.3 today, Jennifer's favorite rap station, and they were promoting a new iPad,

Jennifer and I both want one badly, but my hubby has declared it a toy, and not worth the $700 asking price.

We still want one.

So, when I hear the song "Money to Blow" I'm supposed to be the ninth caller and get the pad, I think.

"Is it "money for the blow" or "listen to the blow"...and what are we talking here, crack or a blow job, because I'm not sure I want to say that on the radio..."

At this point, she rolls her eyes, and says to forget it, she'll live without the iPad if it means listening to me mangle and stutter over a obnoxious song title on the radio. And besides, I didn't hear the announcer correctly.

"And mom, it's Money to Blow...Money to Blow....get you're mind out of the gutter please. I didn't need to listen to the last part of that comment.