Like, Three was Soooo LONG Ago....

Oh Mommy, you always get that.

I know, cuz I love it. And, you, always get that.

NO, NO. I. DON'T. (Yes, he does.)

You don't, really, what else have you had here?

A lovely conversation with my big 4 year old at Panera, one of our favorite date places.

I got the ham and cheese once.

Noodle, you don't even like ham and cheese.

I know, but I did get it that one time.

Oh yes, you did get it that one time.

Seeeeeee, I don't always get this. {insert a little head shake}

Well, now you do. {insert a bigger head shake}

Yeah, I do now. Now that I am FOUR. I used to get the ham and cheese when I was three. {Insert scowled eyebrows}
(Said as if three was such a terrible thing to be)

Yes, Noodle, when you were three, that was oh, so long ago. {insert big smiles}

I know, right, Mom, it was like so long ago. (What is he a valley girl??)

AHHHHH, I love this boy.

Peace

Thirteen Years, and We've Never Had a Fight!!

We stood in the hallway and admired the portrait.

"We looked so happy", I said. "So young, wow, thirteen years went by so fast. That day was so magical. Still wouldn't have changed a thing."

"Mommy, you look so skinny."
"Yeah, thanks Schmoogie...."
"Daddy, you have a mustache....hahahaha, and you look...."
"What? Just like Daddy, right?"
"Yes, you do, you look the same, except that mustache." Chuckle, chuckle.

On this day, thirteen years ago, I married my "bestie", my BFF, my soul mate, my "husbando", the one who is always by my side.

Funny thing is while so much has changed for us over the years, so much hasn't, like how we feel about each other.

I love you more than I did on that day. I feel so satisfied with who we are and who we have become. I feel so rich and blessed with the family we have created. I love the memories we have and those we create each day.

Happy Anniversary babe, with so many more to come, I just cant wait.

Love to love you, still,
P

Since When are Second Opinion's a Bad Thing?

For most of my adult life, I have battled sinus infections. Lately, however, I have been losing, losing big time. I have been treated quarterly for infections for the past year and a half. Far too often, and my doctor and I have had enough. He sent me for a cat scan, and referred me to an ENT (Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist).

About two weeks ago, I met with the lovely, Dr. B, a well known and equally respected ENT here on the North Fork. Dr. B read the cat scan to which I will spare you the gory details. He did determine that sinus surgery was necessary, a pretty non-invasive procedure that will be done ambulatory at the local hospital.

When I shared the news with family and friends, it was recommended that I get a second opinion, as it is still surgery, and a similar specialist should really concur. I agreed.

By the referral of my boss, I went to see Dr. H, an experienced ENT up Island. Dr. H and I met and hit it off really well. A wealth of knowledge, he thoroughly explains the nasal anatomy and opens up a new door for the headaches I suffer, indicating that my ultimate prognosis may stem from migraines, and not necessarily from sinuses. He also suggests an alternative to surgery, a four week run of antibiotics to clear the gunk the surgery would remove.

When I inquired about another procedure that Dr. B suggested be done simultaneously with the sinus surgery, he deemed it unnecessary, and asked why would I ask such a question.

Once Dr. H concluded that my visit was for a "second opinion", he stood up from his little doctor stool, stated "oh, you have already been to an ENT", and informed me he had other patients to see. He told me to ask him my most important question, as he needed to wrap up our visit.

I was dismissed. I. Was. Dismissed. By a doctor!

Needless to say, I was beyond upset.

I think it's important to note, Dr. H performs the same surgery that Dr. B does.

Holding back the tears, I assured Dr. H that I appreciated his expertise and thorough explanations. I reminded him that my boss, his patient, had recommended that I come see him, because "he is the best". I also reminded him that since someone suggested surgery, I just needed to be sure it was the right thing to do. I was back pedaling, why was I back pedaling? I didn't do anything wrong, did I?

I asked my final question:

"Why did you become so stand-offish, once you knew I was here for a second opinion?"

Yes. I. Did.

He deserved it.

He was being not only unethical and completely unprofessional, but he was down right rude.

Dr. H replied, "I have told you what I think you should do. I need to see other patients now, and you need to make a decision."

Clearly, my decision was to never see Dr. H again.

I have also decided to go through with the surgery, with Dr. B, which is scheduled for 2 weeks from today. Wish me luck.

Peace.

A Package to Start a New Chapter

A package arrived in the post office box yesterday from the Central School District.

Addressed to the P family, I waited until this am to open it up.

UH OH, it's the Kindergarten Registration Packet for the NOODLE Doodle.

With a knot in my throat, I phoned my mother. She is the one who most understands how I feel about my baby reaching age eligibility for kindergarten.

"OHHHH", she said.....just a long dragged out sort of sad but sweet type of "OH" was her reply. The tone of her voice said so very much...

Oh, I know, I too remember the day you brought him home from the hospital and he was so yummy and brand new.

Oh, meaning, oh, he is not really almost FIVE! What happened to the years that have flown by?

Oh, meaning, oh, he really isn't a BABY anymore. How the heck did that happen?

Oh, meaning, oh, I remember the day YOU went to kindergarten. (and you didn't even cry)

Oh WOW P, think about all the extra money you will have now that you won't have to shell it all out to daycare anymore!


Oh, this surely is a huge milestone for my Noodle, but it's all good. He is super excited and I am too. Another chapter to start, another adventure to begin, all in the name of growing up!

Go get 'em Noodle, you're gonna do great. I am so happy for you and most of all I am so proud of the little person you have become thus far.

Peace

Reunion Update

The reunion was fab. Catching up with old friends, sharing pictures of our beautiful children, swapping stories and interpretation of some of those stories is always charming. Seeing some of whom you haven't in nearly twenty years is always an adventure. Finally seeing someone that you have only had an instant messaging/emailing/facebooking relationship with, getting to meet their husband, and exchanging hugs as if you never parted, priceless.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, Big D too, considering he knew as many there as I did. A room full of 39 and then some, part of which were proudly married with spouse in tow, others who were not so happily married or divorced, coming alone, props to you all.

Smothered by 80's music and pics of us all in big (and I mean BIG) hair, such sweet memories. Knowing that it didn't matter if they liked you in High School, and now having the confidence to not care, was refreshing. I was me and I was happy.

Mostly all were pleasant, excited, and having the time of their life. There was one though, and he will remain nameless, as I have already forgotten his name. Why? Well, I will tell you why.

I walked up to Mr. ITotallyDoNotRememberAnymore and the following transpired:

P: Hi, I know you.
Them: You do? I don't know you. He glances at my pin displaying my name and fancy yearbook pic.
P: Yeah, I'm Double P, married to Big D, hung out with Suzy Pancakes and Joe Blow.
Them: No, Can't say I remember.

Getting more embarrassed by the second, but not going to let it get the best of me, come up with this clever reply, to which I am still so proud of myself for.

P: That's because you weren't lucky enough to know me in High School.

And with that I turned on my heals, giggled to myself, took a sip of my drink, found my REAL friends and danced the night away.

HOW RUDE!! I mean really, I would have at least faked it, people have no class! Oh, and did I mention that he was standing alone. Hmmm, I wonder why, tee hee hee!

Peace.

The BIG Goal Announcement

As many of you know, I am riding in the Tour de Cure for Diabetes this Saturday. I will be riding 16 miles honoring my best childhood friend’s daughter. At first, I wasn't entirely sure that I could complete the 16 miles, but today, I am certain I can do it.

Funny thing is, “training” for this event has rekindled my love for bike riding. I have dusted that bad boy girl off and given her a real workout. I have the same bike for about 12 years now, nothing fancy, just a typical street riding Schwinn bicycle, but I do love my bike. Unfortunately the ole gal was gathering dust hanging from her jumbo hook in the ceiling of my garage for quite some time. The bike, she and I have officially become one again!

It is my goal to continue riding throughout the summer and as long into the Fall as possible, taking a break over the Winter and begin again early next Spring. I would really like to complete the next level of the Tour next year, the 35 mile ride. Whew, that sure sounds like a long ride, so very, very far, but it’s a goal, a personal goal I am hereby setting for myself.

In order to do the 35 mile ride, I will need to really train hard, which I believe I can do, because of my love for riding. Only time will tell, but if I can do it, hell, there is a whole bouquet of benefits to come. I may end up in the best physical shape of my life, I will definitely be healthier, stronger and feel better, mind, body and soul. Those bene’s cannot be beat!

So I have done it, my hands dripping with sweat on my keyboard, I have set this goal! Wish me luck, and hey, if you would like to sponsor me for the ride this Saturday, I would really appreciate that!

Peace.

Spontaneity for P

For the first night in over a week, we do not have anything to do tonight. No LAX, no baseball, no exercise class, no personal trainer, no playdate, no shopping to do, no nothing. Great, you say? Then why, all day, am I stressing out about what to do tonight?

What will I make for dinner? Should we just go out to dinner?

Will Schmoogie remember that I "promised" him (3 or 4 days ago) a trip to KMart for a desperately needed triangular shaped bakugon?

Should I call my walking buddies for a walk tonight?

Maybe I can get some cold cuts, or make PB&J's and head to the beach for a picnic. Oooooh, that's a good one, the kids can play on the playground, look for shells, Big D and I could walk the beach. Oh, that's right, Big D isn't much of a beach fan. Oh well, maybe I could go with the kids, but I haven't had a solid conversation with my husband in at least five (5) days.

See my dilemma's? It's as if I have to fill my three little hours between picking up Noodle from daycare and just before bed with stuff to do. Well, I have just decided that I do not have to fill those hours with anything.

I have a feeling the spontaneity will do me some good. We shall see!

Hope you have a great night, I'm pretty sure I will!

Peace.

A Mother's Day to Remember

With excitement in their eyes, their hands filled with handmade treasures, their hearts filled with love, they jump on my bed and shout “Happy Mother’s Day!”

A handmade silhouette of my first born, the tiniest of flower pots with first week sprouting, and a white gift bag filled with pink and brown tissue paper and a gift card to East Wind Spa drown me as I awake from sleeping in, yet another gift for the day.

I gaze into both sets of eyes and admire their gigantic smiles and offer a big Mama hug to both of my adorable children. I squeeze them both, simultaneously and grin with happiness, inside and out. I lovingly look at them again, and thank them for giving me the privilege to be a Mother. I love being a Mommy, I love being their Mommy.

A buttered bagel and hot cup of coffee await my arrival at the kitchen table. As I indulge, my three favorite people and I chat about what the rest of the day has in store.

A late brunch at one of the finest restaurants on the North Fork, with Grandma and Grammy turns out exquisite.

As we finish up brunch, with nothing really planned for the remainder of the day, Big D’s cell phone rings with a lovely invitation.

“We’re heading up to Martha Clara with the kids, hoping you can join us.”

“I will talk to P, I’m sure she’ll be in, sounds like fun.”

We spend the rest of the afternoon sipping wine with friends, as our children run and play in the open fields overlooking breathtaking views of grape filled vines. Kite flying, ball playing and picnic baskets are flowing. Animals are out for viewing and a pirate ship shaped playset occupy more of the time for our children. Fresh air and warm sun nestle us as we enjoyed all that Mother’s Day had to offer.

It truly was a day to remember. I hope yours was too.

Peace.

Got to Love a Challenge

I stumbled upon this blog, sort of by accident, mostly because I love Sunflowers. While there, on my very first visit, I was hit with a challenge. Intrigued, I took the challenge and got jiggy with my creativity.

Here is what I came up with:

Winter has passed as the warm sun shines through giving hope for the splendor of Spring. As the cool moisture dissipates you can hear the chirping and giggles of the smallest of earth's creatures embracing its marvel.

This is what they had to say:

P!!! Love it -- just beautiful!! I love tiny pieces that sparkle and allow me as the reader to slip into the mind and heart of the writer. Both you and Metzy have done that for me. I am very happy that you both found so much to be optimistic about, too. It reinforces my basic belief that life is good. Thanks for posting and welcome to Sunflower Ranch!

It was fun, let me know if you too are going to embrace the challenge, and copy your reply to my comments section.

Peace.

Getting Dressed

First I wanted to remind you that Noodle is 3 and Schmoogie is 9!

“Mama, I want to get myself dressed today, I’m a big boy”, states the very independent Noodle.

"OK buddy, here is everything you need, are you sure you don’t want Mommy to help you”? (Sense the desperation in my voice with a thread of hope that he still NEEDS me to help him)

“No, Mommy, I am a BIG now, I want to do it all by myself”.

“OK Noodle”.

He emerges from his bedroom fully and accurately dressed. Sigh.

“Look at me Mama. I did it all by myself”.

“Oh wow Noodle, you did do it all by yourself, and you look awesome, what a great job! You are a big boy”. Sigh.

Flash forward fifteen minutes. I am in my bathroom finalizing my morning routine to get out the door and to work.

“Mom”?

“What’s up Schmoogie”?

“What’s wrong with this shirt, it feels funny today”?

“Uh, maybe because you put it on backwards.”

Funny how things work out sometimes, isn't it??

Peace.

Isn't 60 Nifty?

My mother is turning 60 on Tuesday.

In celebration, my grandmother, mother and I are spending the day at the Spa tomorrow. We are destined to have an amazing day. Three generations of girly girl-ness, sounds delightful.

I wanted to write about her birthday to not only wish her the best of birthdays ever, but also to remind her that I love her deeply, appreciate her even more, and treasure our memories immensely.

My mother and I do not always see eye to eye, but our hearts do. We respect established boundaries and always make the best effort to make the other happy.

It's at milestone birthday's like these that allow you reflect on those things that are really important. Those things like family. Those irreplaceable relationships that are so dear. I feel it important to remember these relationships need nourishment. They need to always be challenged to see just how many memories can be stuffed into them.

Many feel these types of relationships should be easy, ones that just work on their own. Not true. I think if more people worked harder at making their relationships better, they too may be better, in so many ways.

Back to Mom:

Today I wish my mother the happiest of birthdays. I am so looking forward to our date at the spa tomorrow, just one more memory to stuff in!

I love you and thank you for providing me with the basis to be the best person I can be, and more importantly for pouring the foundation that makes me the Mother I am today.

Happy Birthday Mom! Make this year one of your best years yet!!

Your daughter,

P

Peace.

Mama's Getting a New Cell Phone!

I am not a techie type, not a gadget girl, at times, I think I may even be a tad technically challenged, however, I do like to keep up with the latest technology, albeit, it takes me a while to catch up.

I want to text. I really want to text. I love to write, and type, so I know I will love texting. I refuse, however, to text on the regular cell phone, as I have enough “old school” habits as it is. I need a “qwerty” keyboard.

Yesterday, I was on a quest to find the perfect new texting machine for me. I used one of my favorite pass times, Facebook, to network and find out which cell phone might be right for me. A couple of my Facebook friends suggested the Verizon Voyager, which has been referred to as the iPhone killer. Two co-workers have the Verizon Voyager and one loves it the other suggested the enV2, which I ended up getting for Big D.

At lunch I visited my local Verizon store and tried one on, I love, love, love it. It is sleek, smooth, fancy, classy, technical, practical, and most of all it’s got a QWERTY keyboard, with decent sized buttons for the beginner texter! A perfect monthly package that satisfies Big D as well as P, it’s a slam dunk!

All the way home, I am thrilled and excited, (I just love new stuff) I walk in the door, ‘lil bro who noticed that I had been obsessing about the new phone all day on Facebook, although he never offered any advise, laughed at me and said that the Voyager is a huge, awkward, phone that I wouldn’t like and I should have gotten the iPhone, which he has and things is the greatest phone ever. He yucked it up about the size and that it doesn’t fold and oh, it’s bigger than my home phone, blah, blah, he’s a real comedian.

My new fancy, schmancy texting machine shall arrive in the mail within the next few days, and I know, well, I think I will love it. I guess we will see if the new purchase is really a killer or not!

Peace

Mommy ~ Schmoogie Date Night

Schmoogie and Mommy went on a date on Friday night. We try to go out by ourselves a couple of times a year, and we always have a blast!

The short story:
Dinner at a Chinese Restaurant, complete with a poo poo platter, --- dollars...
Bowling, shoes, and soda at only the finest bowling center --- dollars...
Top the night off with Frosty's from Wendy's --- dollars...
Spending the night with the most amazing 8, almost 9 year old....PRICELESS!

Schmoogie has been doing really well in school, so when he invited me on a Mommy/Schmoogie date night, I quickly obliged.

We started the night out to dinner at a local Chinese restaurant, the poo poo platter was a hit. While we were not huge fans of the fire roasted cherries and pineapples, it was necessary to see how they would come out if he cooked them over the open flame. Of course they were awful, but isn't it more important that we giggled and laughed at its potential to actually taste good?

After dinner, we went bowling. Aside from the creepy guy offering way too much advise on how to bowl, it was a lot of fun. Not to obsess, but creepy guy was really creepy, and he touched Schmoogie's hand in an effort to show him the proper bowling technique that Schmoogie was really so eager to absorb. I gave him those "get your slimy hands off my kid" looks with my eyes, and he finally went away, probably because he was done"teaching", and not because of my eyes, either way he left, creepy people just don't get it.

Anyway, after we bowled some four games, laughed so much, one time until we almost peed our pants, had a ball go in the wrong direction, tried double ball bowling, and my fingers were swollen, it was time to hit the road and go home. We got into the car and both were quiet. See, one thing about going home is that the date is going to end. We were having such a great time, that we didn't want the night to end.

So, we stopped off for, a very unnecessary, Frosty. Neither of us ate much, but we did chat some more, and that was good for both of us.

Our night ended with a great big Mommy/Son hug, oh, and of course a kiss!

Peace