Kevin has returned from San Diego. He and uncle Dan had a true adventure at Comic Con 2007. As I understand it, this involved comemorative posters and scantily clad women wearing leather/pleather. Both Dan and Kevin are a bit fuzzy on the details. Right now we are “discussing’ whether or not Kevin should frame said posters and hang them in plain sight around our house. Kevin is all for framing. I, however, suggested we purchase an archival quality poster tube and store them safely rolled up in the garage as they will only increase in value. We’ll see who wins this “discussion”.

After meeting up with Kevin on Sunday, Auntie Bev took us out to dinner at the Kennedy School here in Portland. It was so much fun. Good food, good stories, and such good kids. Leina and Kulia continue to surprise me with their behaviour. They sat and ate and we all enjoyed ourselves. Sure, we spilled a glass of water, there were a few spats over who got the last tater tot, and the phrase “I’m bored” was uttered more than once. But given that they are 4 and 2, I can forgive all that. And we had fun!

I’m thinking I need to readjust my mental stance on my kids. I think it’s time we venture forth with them and try pushing their limits a bit. They constantly amaze me at how ready and amenable they are to adventure. Of course, I have to be prepared for some whining and fussing but that’s ok. I’m just so excited about all the possibilites open before me now that my “babies” are changing into little girls.

Bring on the fun!

OK, I admit it, I’m old. I get that, but still. What is going on with cell phones? Have I totally missed the boat here?

Like 99.9% of this town, I own a cell phone. It’s an old pay-as-you-go phone with no camera or video screen or ability to access the web or play music. Basically, it’s a phone. It makes telephone calls.

Now, I always take my cell phone with me but for whatever reason, I view it as an emergency item. Like the emergency diaper or my AAA card. If I run out of gas, get a flat tire, or need to let someone know I’ll be late, I’ll use my cell phone. But if it’s not a dire situation, I don’t.

I know, I know, I’m old. OK?

But today at the park, I just sat around and stared open mouthed at the number of moms who were on the phone. It was crazy. They were trying to push their child in the swing while ordering transcripts. Helping little ones down the slide while checking account balances. Trying to pick their kid out of the dirt and brush him off while yapping to customer service about an unauthorized charge to their card. I sat their and listened to account numbers and complaints and couldn’t believe my ears. Of course, every few minutes they’d ask the person on the other line to “hold on a sec” while they dealt with their kid but that didn’t seem to phase them. I was most impressed by the two moms who were on the phone, pushing their kids in swings, and conversing with eachother during moments when they were on hold.

It was surreal and so horribly wrong. At least, I thought so. But then again, I was one of two moms not balancing a phone on one shoulder an a toddler in her arms so maybe I’m the abnormality here. I tell you, things are going to hell in a handbasket. Back in my day, phones had cords and you were lucky if you had your own in your room let alone in your purse.

Man, am I old.

Things are moving far too quickly. Do you people realize that July is over??? Already I’m seeing “Back to School” sale signs and Halloween decorations. And yesterday morning, there was a suspicious nip in the air. I cannot believe summer is ending.

Here at home? Things are crazy. Kevin is running around like mad at work trying to clear his task list because he’s heading down to SD tomorrow for ComicCon with uncle Dan. I’m looking at a very long weekend alone with the girls and Leina’s birthday is stealthily sneaking up on me. Invitations are in the mail!

Of course, all this means that Hawaii is around the corner so I’m not suffering too much…. but really. This is all moving far too fast for my taste. Where are the dog days of summer when you need them?

The kid is going to wake in moments and I have not done one single thing on my list. Not even one.

I have not folded the laundry.

I have not paid the bills.

I have not cleaned the kitchen.

I have not baked the cookies for playgroup.

I have not even managed to surf all my favorite web site.

How is this possible? I have 1.5 hours each day to get my personal chores done while the littles sleep. And today? Today I have not done one bloody thing. I’m truely amazed at my ability to spend time. I swear it just falls through a hole in my pocket. (Sort of like Kevin and cash.)

So, I have 15 minutes before Leina emerges from her exile. What are the odds I can finish the laundry, kitchen and cooking? Yeah, that’s what I think. Guess I’ll just sit here and let these sands run through my fingers.

My, that feels good.

I think I may be going about this whole thing wrong but lately, I’ve been so put off by people. Over the last few days, it seems that everyone I meet is out to impress me. They talk about the square footage of their house, how much their new car cost, what type of granite they are putting in their kitchen, how much money their spouse makes, etc, etc, etc. I have to tell you, nothing turns me off faster than someone trying to impress.

Ok, I get it. You are fabulously rich and have a ginormous car and/or kitchen. But what on earth gave you the impression that I would want to know this all within the first 15 minutes of meeting me? Did you think I would like you for your things? For whatever reason, the people I’ve bumped into the last few days have gone on and on and on about their stuff and how much it cost without so much as pausing for breath. I doubt they even remember my name during the diatribe.

Now, please understand, I’m not complaining about mommy bragging. I totally understand waxing poetic about your kids and how cute/smart/sweet they are. This is every parent’s (and grandparent’s) god-given right. As a mom, I will ohhh and ahh for the required 20 minutes with the best of them before launching into my own song and dance regarding my kids. Totally acceptable.

But the stuff? It is a major turn off. It seems these people have confused the verb befriend with impress. If you want to befriend me, listen. Ask. Console. Comisserate. If you want to befriend me, do not launch into a rambling laundry list of all the expensive things you own or how large your house is. I beg of you, please do not begin gripping and complaining about your mother-in-law or siblings. It may sound shocking but I do not jump at the chance to be BFF’s with someone who only sees the glass half full. And, “hi, I’m _____ let me tell you about everything I suffer through” is not exactly the best ice breaker.

Ok, rant over. But the next stranger who decides to complain that their 3500 sq ft house is too small, I’m going to drop the pleasant act, turn heel and walk away. Befriend people! Not impress!

I am in so much trouble. I don’t think I will ever be able to go back to work during the summer again. I can’t imagine being locked indoors, chained to a desk when the sky is this blue. Right now, my life is an idyllic blur of iced coffees, sprinklers, and dinners on the deck. I’m thinking I’m going to have to check out a career as a teacher because I don’t want to give up my summers.

Our 4th of July consisted of a pyrotechnical display courtesy of Josh and neighbor Steve. Leina was a fireworks fiend and wanted bigger, louder and brighter. Baby was a bit more reserved and prefered the safety of dad’s lap. Both girls adored Kat’s house and Leina declared it “cool” after running in and out and in and out and in and out and in and out over and over again. (Kat & Josh, sorry about you air conditioning bill.) We topped off our adventure by heading out to see the Beaver’s ball game and once again, Leina was esctatic while Kulia, not so sure. We had Leina hollering “swing batter batter batter” and “go Beaves” with all her might. Of course, the three tons of cotton candy she injested may have had something to do with her hyper mood. I think her favorite part was the 7th inning streach. We are most definately going to catch another game soon.

So aside from lounging about outside in the shade sipping cold drinks, I’ve been, well, actually, that about sums up my life. Shade, cold drink, oh yes, and sprinklers.

Now, run off to your office building like good little worker bees. I’ve got a grande iced americano calling my name that I have to get to ASAP!