Fantasy Ramblings

I am wrapping up my second year of Fantasy Football. It's been a good year. I lead my division, barely. I expect to lose this week, UNLESS Jay Cutler somehow pulls through. I should have kept Slaton in, but ... Those are the thoughts that occupy my brain. Why is Fantasy Football so addicting? Why do we care? One thing: I have more to talk about football wise. Especially with Michael who has two Fantasy teams. Jenny has one team too, but she leaves her lineup to Michael. Doesn't count. Also, having the Bears quarterback (Cutler) and the Bear's leading widereceiver Hestler has made following the Bears more exciting. We had such high hopes. Still have hope, just not as high. I had one Cowboy this year, but just dropped him: Choice. He's got a good back story, but as long as MB is playing, Choice won't be getting carries.

Speaking of football, the Arlington High School team continues to advance in post season. Now they face a nationally ranked team - Trinity HS. OK, so yesterday's game came down to a field goal with seconds left, AHS 1 point behind. The kicker, a soccer player, had been late to the game. He had been in Austin playing soccer (real football)and was at home when coach called to ask where he was. (I bet the coach didn't phrase it that nicely). So, apparently, during practice he couldn't kick a ball through the goal to save his life. What a great story: he came through at the end BIG time. Andrea and Jack and Addison were there.

Andrea, Jack and Addison attended another sporting event: Black Friday. Walmart. That takes guts. They were acosted more than once about bringing a baby. What? I wish I had been there. I would have ... !!#%&!**! People.

Mary

Baxter Update

Baxter is over the hallitosis stage. Why she had it, we will never know. Maybe she is using doggie floss and that helps...Silly baxter

Thanksgiving Aftermath

This year it all happened as planned. Without a hitch. Beautiful! One holiday this family has down to rocket science.
I am thinking now of processing the remaining leftovers...Turkey Pizza anyone?

Drew the secret santa names, and then re-drew the names until we finally got it right. I was hoping to draw Mika's name, but was not meant to happen.

Love my family and extended family. So much fun to be with them all.

Can not wait for Thanksgiving 2010!

Paul

Thanksgiving

Hi it is me, the sexiest man alive!

I think I actually enjoy Thanksgiving more than Christmas. Yes, after thinking about it, I am sure Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There is too much pressure on Christmas, and the bulk of the holiday is over after opening gifts. And for Christmas, there is so much shopping, comparing, decisions...It takes the fun out of it.

Thanksgiving on the other hand, does not have any of those concerns. It is a very low stress holiday. And it lasts all day. There is the parade in the morning, cooking, socializing, football, more cooking, socializing, eating, games, more football. Then there is the food. Lots of food of all types. There is no stress with the food either. We all know there is going to be turkey, stuffing, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole...It is so predictable, it makes it stress free. I love Thanksgiving. What a great time to laugh with your family and friends, and reflect on what you are thankful for.

I am thankful that I get to see another Thanksgiving. I am grateful for such a wonderful person, Mary, to share our lives. I might possisbly be the sexiest man alive, however, I am positive that I am the luckiest man alive.

I am thankful for my kids, their spouses, and my new granddaughter. And I thought I was too young to be Gom-Gom.

I am grateful for my puppies, all three. They are great dogs, and give pure love, especially when you need it most.

There are so many things I am thankful for that I could go on and on...But won't, much to your relief. Lets just say, this will be the best Thanksgiving ever!

Paul

24 hours and counting...

It's been 24 hours since I last saw my cell phone. The thing I miss most is, well besides all the phone numbers (boy am I screwed if I don't find it), but I miss my wallpaper. The sweet reminder of a perfect angel each time I flip open the phone. There she is, my lovely granddaughter. Flailing in her sleep. Her little hand, abnormally large with long fingers, waving (sort of) in her sleep. Makes me laugh. I miss that picture.

I wonder how long I can go without a cell? I could borrow Paul's... naw. What do I really need one for? Texting so I don't actually have to talk to people. I mostly use cell for keeping in touch with family (mostly by text), emergency, communicating with co-workers (I am about to have 5 days off). So. I would be out of the loop for awhile, texting wise. I really, really think I could live with that. It would be more inconvenient for others, I think. But there ARE other ways to communicate.

Last night I needed to text Liz but used my email and that worked. Yesterday I used my land line at work to call Andrea. That worked too. I also emailed John last night and he has responded. hmmmm. I have emailed Jenny but she hasn't responded yet. She is not attached to her phone like the rest of us...

That's it. I am going to see how long I can go without a cell, specifically, without texting. I am not against it, don't get me wrong. Just up for a new challenge, change things around, mix it up...

Gotta go now. Back to my edgy endodontist (see previous post) this morning for the crown.

Happy Tuesday!!

P.S. My bad. I guess endodontists don't do crowns. She cleaned and filled the tooth. I can't feel the right side of my face. Now to Doc Ivey's this afternoon for finishing work.

Bad breath

Baxter has bad breath. Not just your run of the mill "ewwww" breath, but really fowl and gross smelling. She is going to have to go to the vet. Don't tell Paul because that is another unbudgeted expense. Poor little girl. I don't know why I hadn't thought about it before this. I guess because you expect it from dogs. I figured it was dental related. We haven't been brushing her teeth, just dental bones. Reading up on the stuff this morning. She doesn't act like it's a tooth: no trouble eating, she's not drooling. Those are the symptoms. We gotta find out if there's something wrong with our baby. I am now concerned that she might have an obstruction. She regularly eats underwear. The other day, she dumped the garbage with a whole uncooked chicken. We don't think she got much, but she did get some of the garbage. Often I walk into one of the bathrooms and that garbage is scattered on the floor. Gross. If Paul doesn't put his black socks in laundry immediately, Bax will find them. Maybe we should adopt a rabbit or some other small animal to distract her nose. It's in her breed. She's gotta root out something. She has chosen garbage and human scented clothing. I love that dog. I feel sad for her because people are beginning to avoid her. She may not show it, but it hurts her feelings.

Happiness Is...

Remember the song... Happiness is... (I don't remember the lyrics, just the harmony).

For me, right now, happiness is

1. Hanging with my daughters and granddaughter. Selfish. Just the girls. Sexist. I don't care. We gathered this morning at 7 to watch Glee. The last 2 episodes. It was happiness.

2. Guacamole at Tio Joes. Had some last night at Liz Hummert's 30th birthday party and told her I wanted to take a bath in it. Pure happiness.

3. Teasing Paul. He is feeling so much better than he has in awhile, his humor is back. Relieved happiness.

4. Vacations. I work 2 days this coming week, then 5 days off. Then work about 2 weeks and 10 days off. Happiness.

5. Watching the Cowboys with Michael AND they win. That's happiness. (Let's hope the Bears do the same! That would be double happiness.)

Remember last year's Thanksgiving??

Remember last year's Thanksgiving? John cooked Tofurkey and Cliff pretended to like it. Sorry, John. Paul put on the usual wonderful spread. Jenny baked a million pies. Marie brought her mother from Pittsburgh and her aunt from Korea, who brought us the gift of rice alcohol. STRONG stuff. Remember when Memphis drooled at the food? Poor guy.

This year's photos will, by the way, feature our newest star: Addison! Her first Thanksgiving. Can't wait!!

Be bold today

I like to think about solving world problems.  One problem I spend a lot of time thinking about is how to stop child abuse and neglect.  We suck at it.  It was recently pointed out to me that the state of Texas spends a little over $1 BILLION dollars a year funding child and adult protective services.  I looked it up because I am a skeptic.  Sure enough, he was correct.  Texas is spending a BILLION dollars to protect children from their parents and grandparents and other so-called guardians.

I have met some courageous people who are on the front lines at CPS.  They are smart and I respect their ethics.  I have also met workers at CPS who should not be in the business of protecting children.  The more I think and read and hear about child welfare in Texas and many areas around the country, the more I believe we are going about it in all the wrong ways.  What if we spent the BILLION dollars on the guardians?  Better yet, give them money NOT to have children.  Or, we could come up with some kind of citizen panel that approved or denied people the privilege of bearing children.  Too silly?  Still, these options might be easier to enforce than real change.  Once you are generating a BILLION dollar budget, heaven help the person(s) who challenges the status quo.

To understand the problem though, you need to go back to the 60s.  That's when doctors were beginning to report to authorities suspicious injuries to children. Then in 1974, Congress passed legislation mandating reporting by a host of authorities (teachers, professionals, medical, etc).  Not reporting suspected child abuse carried a penalty.  And the flood gates opened.  A whole new industry was created to react to these reports - before anyone really knew what they were doing.  Research on best way to investigate these cases was limited; treatment for abused children was in its infancy, especially for children who were sexually abused.  Forget help for incested children. 

Child welfare has been in a state of catch up.  Catching up on research.  Catching up on the number of reports. Catching up on hiring professional workers.  Catching up on public relations. 

Really, I don't have a solution.  I wish I did.  However, one thing that consistently figures in discussions by the really smart people, is something called primary education.  It's all about prevention. Essentially, it's teaching children before they become parents.  Teaching them about values, about their bodies, about their rights.  Not just once, but throughout their many stages of moral and personal and physcial development.  But then you are in danger of crossing the line between state and family, right?  If the teaching is done in the schools, really the only place where you would have access to all children, especially the ones who need to hear the messages.  They need to hear they are worth something and that there is hope for a better future.

This is not a problem everywhere.  In Texas, it is a problem.  What we can do, in the meantime, is draw on our compassion for all children.   Simply reporting suspected child abuse does not solve the problem.  Give to local nonprofits who serve children and families.  Volunteer at these places.  Adopt a family twice a year, not just at Christmas.  Educate yourself on the issues and get involved.  Vote.  I know all this sounds corny.  But I believe it.  It's the Margaret Mead quote about not doubting the power of a small group of people to change things.   Be bold today.  Do something that will help a child in need.

My husband, the Sexiest Man Alive

The Sexiest Man Alive this year is Johnny Depp?  What?  I understand he has appeal, but The Most Sexiest?  Plus, this is the second time he's gotten the title from People magazine.  Hmmmm.  I know only one person who has a crush on him.  One.  The selection committee needs some help.  My current crushes are:

1. My husband, of course (see photo below).
2. Donny Deutsch
3. Tom Hanks
4. Dustin Hoffman
5. Denzel Washington
6. Russel from Survivor
7. Harrison Ford
8. Russell Crowe
9. Tommy Lee Jones
10. Alec Baldwin
11. Simon Baker
12. Gabriel Byrne

The REAL Sexiest Man Alive

Paul's Personal Best

Paul broke a personal record last weekend.  He put up most of the outdoor Christmas decorations.   Before Thanksgiving.  The earliest he's ever done that.  As I turned into the neighborhood after work last night, there it was: our house lighted, the rest of the block dark.  I am not sure what got into him.  He rightly points out that Thanksgiving is late this year, as in he usually puts up lights that weekend after.  And, a couple of the houses in this area have their decorations up, including inside tree.  It's not a bad thing really. Paul's got the spirit early.  I think it's catching.

awwwwww

I love this pic.  Taken at Fossil Rim.  When I pointed the camera, I don't think I realized I was getting the giraffe legs.  I just wanted to get the cute little whatever they are called. It's become one of my favorites because it says so much: funny, awwww. how diverse the animal kingdom is, a metaphor for human diversity, etc.  I submitted the photo to this year's Texas State Fair.  FOR SURE it would impress.  It apparently didn't.  Nevermind.  It will stay in my portfolio. 

Happy Tuesday!

I can't move my legs

My dogs won't let me get up in the morning.  I love that.  They each take their place on my bed to cut off all escape routes.  So cute.  Tex, especially.  I think she has been designated main guard dog or something.  As I write this (in bed), I can't move my legs.  Tex is holding down the northern front (exit to bathroom, most often used) with great force.  Baxter is blocking the southern route, but I can hear her snoring, so escape would be a piece of cake.  Mika left several minutes ago... wait, she's back.... no, she's gone again.... no, she's back... I guess she's the sentry. 

Damn.  It's Monday morning and now I have to get up.  Thanks girls for the little extra time this morning.  You're wonderful.

Going Rogue

I am stealing Sarah Palin's book title for today's blog.  Going Rogue.  I love that word.  Rogue.  Who uses that anymore?  I remember, believe it or not, when I first heard the word.  I was in my 20s.  My mom was talking about a rogue bear in the context of a bear boldly encroaching on their property in Montana and not responding to human threats.  In the 30 years since I don't really recall hearing the word outside the context of a wild animal. Still it's one of those words that for one reason or another, you just like.  Until now of course.  I fear that Gov. Palin has stolen the word and forever it will be associated with her.  I feel as though I am losing a perfectly good and favored word. 

This sudden aversion to the word rogue is not unlike ruling out certain names for your children because they remind you -usually in a not good way - of someone you know.  Have you noticed the same rule doesn't seem to apply to naming your child after a city, such as Dallas or Austin.  We have a dog named Tex and my granddaughter is named Addison.  I don't really know much about Addison, the city that is, other than it seem to draw great comedy entertainers.  My granddaughter is funny too.

Anyway, rogue is not the first word I've lost either.  Through the years, other words have gone down mostly by their overuse: the F word.  Not the four-letter one, the 8-letter one, feminist.  Same with liberal.  Those words have been made to trick people into conjuring up images of the devil.  I am not the devil, but I am a feminist and a liberal.  Today progressive has replaced liberal.  The word feminist continues to be something of a badge of dishonor.  Maybe also an antique, past its prime and usefulness in today's utopian like society where all are equal and treated alike.  It's fine that women still are not paid as much as men or that in sports programs, women still get football leftovers at the high school and college levels.  Who cares that our shelters for women escaping domestic violence are full and often women are left to find other resources... but I digress.

Another set of words in recent years have lost their luster for me. They include family, mother, father, grandmother, grandfather.  I think the word family has been coopted for political propaganda. Especially when used in concert with the word values.  Family values.  What are family values?  What is a family?  Family is relative - pun intended.  It's different for all, right?  Can be blood that connects us, but not always.  But that's not what politicans are going for when they drop the word family in a speech.  I have heard way too many stories in my line of business about evil mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers and uncles and aunts and cousins, etc.  My brain does not automatically go to a happy place when I hear those words, titles really, as though these people are royalty.  I don't think that way anymore.  Consider this: we sort of go "awww" when we hear stories of grandmothers or grandparents raising their grandchildren.  Wonderful.  Good for them.  But aren't these people the ones who sadly got it wrong the first time?  Not always, of course.
So now I have to find a replacement for rogue.  Think about it.  Whey does Palin claim that word?  Really, it's not a very nice description.  Look it up.  I just did.  It means "an unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable person, a scoundrel or rascal." according to TheFreeDictionary.com.  Hmmm.  Maybe I can continue my fond attachment to the word.  Afterall, if the rogue fits...

Survivor

Today is Thursday so it must be Survivor night.  Tonight, Paul and I will gather with Andrea, Jack and Addie to watch.  Paul's Pizzaria is delivering.  Diet Root Beer for me.  Can't wait.

It has become a family tradition, no that's too strong of a word, more like a family custom to gather and watch. The Ed Sullivan Show for our family.  It started really when Grandma Lew was living here in Arlington.  All would gather at her apartment and watch.  At the time, Lew's demenia was beginning to take it's toll.  She could never fully grasp the point of the show.  In fact, during one episode where the cast member's relatives/loved ones were brought in, she commented, "Why don't they get off the island with their relative?"  It didn't matter that Lew saw Survivor as a contemporary version of Gilligan's Island.  It was the act of gathering every Thursday night at Lew's. 

Damn you, Paul

Paul has begun his annual pre-feasting feasting.  Only he's not the one eating, as usual.  What it is, is he picks up recipes or frozen desserts or whatever a few weeks before the holidays and tries them out on the rest of the family.  No one here in the house anymore but me and Andrea is working at losing Addie weight.  Oops.  So far, he has tried a pumpkin pie and an apple pie.  And by he I mean me.  Damn you, Paul.

As I write this I can smell something sweet filling the house.  It's only 8 a.m.  I think it might be a banana bread or cake.  I haven't had breakfast yet ...  gotta go.

Mary

Our Three Dogs

Someone pointed out to us a while ago that our 3 dogs had replaced our 3 children after empty nesting. I totally resent that. Our 3 dogs are way better than our 3 kids. I can't imagine life without a dog. Maybe with some breeds. We have 2 beagles and a border collie. They are 6 and 7 years old, already showing the early outward signs of aging, such as some white hair around the face and ears. They are our daily entertainment and recreation (walks).

If we accept the kid replacement theory, then the border collie (Mika) would be Andrea, the oldest, who indeed liked to herd the younger siblings, John and Jenny, aka the beagles. John would be Baxter who is funny, adorable and also kind of bossy. Jenny would be Tex, who I call Princess and we used to call Jenny Princess (I just now connected that dot, wow). Tex is more deliberate in her actions, the thinking dog.

This morning, and almost every morning, the big fluffy border collie jumps up on the bed, and just sort of collaspses on top of you. It's her good morning hug. She will stay in that position as long as you talk to her and stroke her, or until she sees something move, especially one of the beagles. Her morning hugs are worth a thousand happy pills.

Flash from the past

LOVE my endodontist. Jill Peterson. She's edgy. Friday morning she did a root canal on a tooth that already had a root canal done by another so-called endodontist. That sucks, right? Anyhoo. She definitely repaired the damage and by Saturday, even late Friday, I was fine. Except. I now have to take steroids for about a week. I have never taken steroids from the prednisone family. A pak that requires tons at the beginning and gradually reducing the amount. She told me that I would feel like cleaning all my closets. She was right. Well, didn't want to clean the closets, but have started this blog, played with my camera, took my annual photos of the Richards family, already edited them, ordered disc and made bonus collage poster.

The steroids are giving me flashbacks to college, the last time I felt this buzzed. Finals week we (me and other friend before I met my husband) took mostly way too many NoDoz, and occasionally something more pharmacological if you know what I mean. And, LOTs of caffeine the old fashioned way: you actually had to drink coffee.

What next? Maybe I'll work on our annual Holiday card and then update my resume.

Halloween

We had 173 trick or treaters this year. Yes we count. Actually we put treats (including, candy, juice drink and small toy) in individual bags. The kids were really cute and almost all, including the big kids, were dressed. Lots of Spidermans, Transformers, Super Heros, Vampires AND, the choice of most little girls: Princess. I pledge, for the record, to fight tooth and nail to NEVER let my granddaughters choose princess costumes for Halloween. Unreasonable, I know. Even mean. But it is just how I feel. As you can see, Addie had TWO costumes this year, both Grandma Mary approved.

More pics

Far left: Curious Baxter

At left: Back row: Jack & Andrea & Jenny, Front row: John with Addie and Michael

Proud MeeMee, Dad and Grandpa Scott

GOM and Grandma Mary

Paul has become GOM (Grumpy old Man).. in mostly the past couple of years. He resisted at first, now wears the title proudly. So, when our granddaughter Addison Mae Scott was born a month ago, it was natural that he become gom-gom. Not sure if that will take. But that's what he's being called. I don't have an official grandmother nickname. I have two other women who will also be my grandchildren's grandmothers (huh?) and I know for sure that Mee Mee is taken. This is more of a Southern tradition - a very serious one. I called my own grandmothers Grandma L and Grandma E for their last names. My mom is grandma Shirley to my kids and Paul's beloved mother was Grandma Lew. I kind of like or at least am more familar with that tradition. However, when I answer the question "What are you going to be called?", I say 'probably 'grandma'' it doesn't seem to register with anyone here. O well. I suspect Addie and my future grandkids will have something to say about that.

The other question I am asked: what is it like? It's sweet. I dont' say that I am transformed as much as it feels kind of natural... watching my wonderful daughter Andrea and her husband Jack become parents and sometimes pretend they know what they are doing, it's cool. I can say that I cried a little, but didn't sob I think because it was also FUN! My son John flew in from Rhode Island just to meet his niece and daughter Jenny Cole and her husband Michael Cole came in for the weekend from Austin. THAT was heartwarming too, watching them take to Addie.

Sigh. I wasn't going to do this blog, but here I am sitting next to Addie (babysitting) and I wanted to write something about her and the past month. So my goal is to post some pics for friends and family and maybe continue. Which is why I named this blog Mary and Paul: The next stage. Might need to journal about some other stuff coming down the pike.