I do not think my hairdresser likes me. Actually that is not true. I think she is indifferent to me. This and the fact that she cannot style my hair stresses me out (however the cut is great after a couple of weeks). I cannot get past it - I HATE getting my haircut.
The thing is, I have to have good hair - it is a sickness. I would rather practice yoga naked on national TV with good hair than fully clothed with bad. My hair (for better or worse) can control my mood. Just last week I had to endure the trauma. I become incredibly tense before I go and then remain in that state until I can come home and inspect then wash my hair.
As I wait in the reception area, I silently practice my clear instructions (I like my bangs below my eyebrows. I like a blunt cut. I like the longer pieces in front.). Additionally I transform myself into a quiet, reserved non conversational type person (this is my superpower) so I do not have to talk to someone who does not even want to talk to me. Seriously. She asks me questions, but by the time I answer, she has already moved on. You can tell because she is actually looking somewhere else when I speak and then I get the fake/forced laugh when I have not even said anything funny.
I used to really like getting my hair cut. It was girl time - even when I was with my former hairdresser Robert (see Trader Joes) - she was so much fun. I always left feeling pretty and happy with all the hysterical conversation. (Note: I switched hairdressers because I needed a change. I went through several hairdressers before I found my current stylist - I would also like to note that they were/are all female out of respect to Robert. If I was going to cheat on him, it could not be with another man).
My visit last week met my expectations (which were incredibly low). I thought maybe if I arrive with good hair, she could see what it should look like. For the record, I hot roll my hair every day and use a hair thickener product for increased volume. Hell, I use a volume shampoo. I like lift, volume and a style (and no - my hair does not look like a meringue). I soon would realize this was all for nothing.
I went through my instructions - and I have to say I am quite nice when I do this. It is an art form to appear pleasant and likeable when telling someone what to do). I then become mute and hope for the best. The cut is done and she begins to blow dry. She is reaching for products called smoothing serum and hair straightener. Ugh! She is pulling my hair down as she dries it to get that extra flat look. I could not be uglier. But hey, I can always wash my hair - she is just wasting product and her time (I never book a haircut before I have to do anything - it is always right before I go home to bed). Then I realize that my bangs are hovering above my eyebrows. Perfect. I look like an asshole.
In 2 or 3 weeks I will be happy. Until then my perfect husband knows not to even mention the word hair around me - and even then, he does not. Now if I did not already sound like a crazy lady, here is the proof: I have made my next haircut appointment with the same hairdresser. Safe to say, I am not looking forward to it.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Cake
I am very fortunate to have many wonderful girlfriends in my life, but I am moved to write about one in particular - Cake (so named by Kelan who could not pronounce 
Kate when he learned to say her name. Kate actually loves being called Cake so we went with it and she hopes he continues to call her Cake well into his adult life). In fact, I must thank Kelan for bringing her into my life. Kate - and her family, the Smiths - have been a wonderful addition into the McGradys' lives and I will always be grateful for them.
Kate when he learned to say her name. Kate actually loves being called Cake so we went with it and she hopes he continues to call her Cake well into his adult life). In fact, I must thank Kelan for bringing her into my life. Kate - and her family, the Smiths - have been a wonderful addition into the McGradys' lives and I will always be grateful for them.Kate and I met at the Ballard toddler room when Kelan and her son, Mac (read more about Kelan and Mac: Stating the Obvious), were a little over a year. The boys would sometimes play together and we would chat. We continued to see each other occasionally over the next several months in this toddler room - although never exchanging numbers or planning a playdate. Soon we realized that we were both pregnant (due dates about a month apart). We ran into each other again when it was about two weeks to her due date. I decided to ask for her number - anticipating it would be good to make friends with someone about to be in the same situation as myself.
We did not see each other again for a couple of months and in that time she had her daughter, Libby, and I had Lauren a month later. I came up for air when Lauren was a month old and emailed Kate for the first time. We planned our first playdate with our toddlers and newborns. This was the first of many. We spent this first summer chasing after Kelan and Mac wearing our daughters in
Baby Bjorns. We laughed, cried, bitched, shared, and rejoiced about the first year as moms of two children. I do not think I could have managed that initial year of Lauren's life without her. We have survived sleep deprivation, potty training, nursing, tantrums and high energy kids. Our children have become the best of friends (Lauren and Libby are now playing together). Aside from the fact that I like her as a person and would be friends with her sans kids, I think the fact that we both were in the trenches with two young kids at the same time cemented our friendship.
Kate and her kids have become an integral part of my life (we call each other almost every day), so you can imagine my utter joy when they moved into the rental house next door (they are doing a major remodel on their home several blocks away). Since September, we have spent many afternoons with the kids playing in front of our houses. Riding bikes, digging in the dirt, splashing in a baby pool -
naked - and running up and down the sidewalk - sometimes, naked. Truly a gift to be able to do this. Not only have we become closer (not to mention the kids), but our husbands have gotten to know each other as well.
Baby Bjorns. We laughed, cried, bitched, shared, and rejoiced about the first year as moms of two children. I do not think I could have managed that initial year of Lauren's life without her. We have survived sleep deprivation, potty training, nursing, tantrums and high energy kids. Our children have become the best of friends (Lauren and Libby are now playing together). Aside from the fact that I like her as a person and would be friends with her sans kids, I think the fact that we both were in the trenches with two young kids at the same time cemented our friendship.
Kate and her kids have become an integral part of my life (we call each other almost every day), so you can imagine my utter joy when they moved into the rental house next door (they are doing a major remodel on their home several blocks away). Since September, we have spent many afternoons with the kids playing in front of our houses. Riding bikes, digging in the dirt, splashing in a baby pool -
naked - and running up and down the sidewalk - sometimes, naked. Truly a gift to be able to do this. Not only have we become closer (not to mention the kids), but our husbands have gotten to know each other as well.Sadly for us/me the Smiths are moving back home. It has been wonderful having good friends so close, but I know they are excited to be in their house again. Living in limbo is never easy. However, I think it is always harder to be the one left behind. I will always look at their house wanting to see them and I know Kelan and Lauren will continue to run next door to see their friends and play in their yard (I hope the new tenants like kids...). They live less than a 5 minute drive up the street and we will continue to see each other all the time, but the ease in which we can just walk outside to play is gone.
Their last night next door is Saturday. I hope the weather is nice so we can play outside.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Easier To Go Out?
At the end of the day (especially at the end of the weekend) I am so tired that sometimes I succumb to my exhaustion and suggest to Dan that we go out for dinner. After all, it will be easier. Tonight we went to Red Mill for burgers. It was not easier.
We were met with a long line when we arrived. And since this is the type of place where you stand in line to order and then find a seat, I was not pleased with our situation. Waiting (for anything) is not Kelan and Lauren's strong suit. I decide to do the unpopular thing and sit down in the last available booth with the kids while Dan stood in line. I purposely did not meet anyone's gaze/glare who was ahead of us, but I could feel their disdain. Karma will get me later, but for now I needed a place to park the kids.
Kelan insisted on helping Dan place our order - which translates into him running laps between our table and Dan. Meanwhile I am trying to contain Lauren who is frantically grabbing the salt shaker, and the ketchup and mustard squirt bottles. After Dan and Kelan order, they return to the table with the highchair for Lauren and several waters. Soon to be one water. Lauren grabs her cup and trying to head off a wet end result, I attempt to retrieve the water only to have her squeeze the life out of the paper cup forcing water over the table. A minute later, Kelan has accidentally knocked over his water on the table. We have used tons of napkins during this outing, and we have not even started eating yet.
We are still waiting for our food. Lauren is occupying herself by licking the table (I am now somewhat thankful for the table cleaning earlier with all the spilt water and napkins). Kelan is trying to excuse himself from the table to get forks and knives in preparation for our meal. Dan remains stoic throughout this ordeal, whereas I have to state out loud that I need to take a deep breath and calm down. Why haven't they called our name? I am hungry and the kids are getting progressively worse.
Dan! At last - they call our name. Dinner...is ready. A sense of calm descends on our table. Food. That is what the kids needed. That, and a whole lot of ketchup. We gave Lauren a quarter of Kelan's hamburger and not only did is seem to last for the entire meal, but she managed to put more ketchup on that one little piece (not forgetting her face and the table) than I used on my whole burger and fries. But at this point, I do not care. Knock yourself out - ketchup can be a food group tonight.
Like most kids, once you have finished eating, anything left is now a toy. Lauren has one final burger bite on her fork that she is gliding through ketchup that is covering her portion of the table. What you are telling me, Lauren, is that you are done with your dinner. We take away her food and then she sees Dan's water glass. Her next object of affection. Of course one look at her face/hands covered with ketchup and burger and you just know you do not want to share your water glass. Dan and I tag team her with baby wipes, give her a sip of water and declare dinner is over.
Kelan has been surprisingly calm and patient throughout - I think he was hungry (although he did have pancakes this morning, an early lunch, Chinese takeout leftovers for a snack and now a burger and fries. I do not know where he puts is all). We quickly put on coats and bus our table (there has been a steady line of people waiting to order since we arrived and now a new family is eyeing our table as we prepare to leave...). We make it outside and head for the car. I am now trying to remember why it was supposed to be easier to go out?
We were met with a long line when we arrived. And since this is the type of place where you stand in line to order and then find a seat, I was not pleased with our situation. Waiting (for anything) is not Kelan and Lauren's strong suit. I decide to do the unpopular thing and sit down in the last available booth with the kids while Dan stood in line. I purposely did not meet anyone's gaze/glare who was ahead of us, but I could feel their disdain. Karma will get me later, but for now I needed a place to park the kids.
Kelan insisted on helping Dan place our order - which translates into him running laps between our table and Dan. Meanwhile I am trying to contain Lauren who is frantically grabbing the salt shaker, and the ketchup and mustard squirt bottles. After Dan and Kelan order, they return to the table with the highchair for Lauren and several waters. Soon to be one water. Lauren grabs her cup and trying to head off a wet end result, I attempt to retrieve the water only to have her squeeze the life out of the paper cup forcing water over the table. A minute later, Kelan has accidentally knocked over his water on the table. We have used tons of napkins during this outing, and we have not even started eating yet.
We are still waiting for our food. Lauren is occupying herself by licking the table (I am now somewhat thankful for the table cleaning earlier with all the spilt water and napkins). Kelan is trying to excuse himself from the table to get forks and knives in preparation for our meal. Dan remains stoic throughout this ordeal, whereas I have to state out loud that I need to take a deep breath and calm down. Why haven't they called our name? I am hungry and the kids are getting progressively worse.
Dan! At last - they call our name. Dinner...is ready. A sense of calm descends on our table. Food. That is what the kids needed. That, and a whole lot of ketchup. We gave Lauren a quarter of Kelan's hamburger and not only did is seem to last for the entire meal, but she managed to put more ketchup on that one little piece (not forgetting her face and the table) than I used on my whole burger and fries. But at this point, I do not care. Knock yourself out - ketchup can be a food group tonight.
Like most kids, once you have finished eating, anything left is now a toy. Lauren has one final burger bite on her fork that she is gliding through ketchup that is covering her portion of the table. What you are telling me, Lauren, is that you are done with your dinner. We take away her food and then she sees Dan's water glass. Her next object of affection. Of course one look at her face/hands covered with ketchup and burger and you just know you do not want to share your water glass. Dan and I tag team her with baby wipes, give her a sip of water and declare dinner is over.
Kelan has been surprisingly calm and patient throughout - I think he was hungry (although he did have pancakes this morning, an early lunch, Chinese takeout leftovers for a snack and now a burger and fries. I do not know where he puts is all). We quickly put on coats and bus our table (there has been a steady line of people waiting to order since we arrived and now a new family is eyeing our table as we prepare to leave...). We make it outside and head for the car. I am now trying to remember why it was supposed to be easier to go out?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Ultimate Carmel Cup Campaign
Sometimes I can be a little bit of a loser. Right now is one of those times. Dreyer's Ice Cream has decided to discontinue my favorite (the ultimate) flavor of ice cream (see previous post: Ultimate Carmel Cup) so my hand has been forced - I have started a Bring Back My Ultimate Carmel Cup campaign.
I have emailed friends and family asking them to email the company about the loss of their favorite flavor. This is where I really look like a loser. I mean, it is only ice cream. The thing is - it's not. It is a little bit of heaven in a bowl. This carmel flavored ice cream has carmel syrup swirled throughout. Adding more decadence, little milk chocolate carmel filled cups are mixed in as well. My mouth is watering. It is an addiction.
Like all good addicts I have a dear co-dependent friend who is helping me scour grocery (actual and online) stores for unpurchased remnants. She is good. She has already found and purchased 3 gallons. They are waiting for me in her freezer (I just need to drive over to Bellevue...).
The email I received back from Dreyer's (in response to my inquiry) confirmed what I had already learned, Ultimate Carmel Cup had indeed been discontinued because of national sales. But they also said (a glimmer of hope) However, it is possible if we hear from enough consumers who share your views this product could be reinstated.
Many friends and family have already sent their pleas to Dreyer's (and have been rewarded with 2 $ .50 coupons for future Dreyer's purchases - you could save a WHOLE dollar). This is your chance for your voice to be heard! Visit Dreyer's website and let them know your devastation of the discontinuation of Ultimate Carmel Cup. If not for me, then do it for the kids. Kelan and Lauren's mom is a lot happier knowing that this ice cream exists.
I have emailed friends and family asking them to email the company about the loss of their favorite flavor. This is where I really look like a loser. I mean, it is only ice cream. The thing is - it's not. It is a little bit of heaven in a bowl. This carmel flavored ice cream has carmel syrup swirled throughout. Adding more decadence, little milk chocolate carmel filled cups are mixed in as well. My mouth is watering. It is an addiction.
Like all good addicts I have a dear co-dependent friend who is helping me scour grocery (actual and online) stores for unpurchased remnants. She is good. She has already found and purchased 3 gallons. They are waiting for me in her freezer (I just need to drive over to Bellevue...).
The email I received back from Dreyer's (in response to my inquiry) confirmed what I had already learned, Ultimate Carmel Cup had indeed been discontinued because of national sales. But they also said (a glimmer of hope) However, it is possible if we hear from enough consumers who share your views this product could be reinstated.
Many friends and family have already sent their pleas to Dreyer's (and have been rewarded with 2 $ .50 coupons for future Dreyer's purchases - you could save a WHOLE dollar). This is your chance for your voice to be heard! Visit Dreyer's website and let them know your devastation of the discontinuation of Ultimate Carmel Cup. If not for me, then do it for the kids. Kelan and Lauren's mom is a lot happier knowing that this ice cream exists.
50's Housewife
I felt like a 50's housewife yesterday. Well, I had a fleeting flash of a feeling. A friend of mine, Kate, (she is renting the house next door while her own home is being remodeled) invited Kelan over to play yesterday afternoon. Her son is one of Kelan best friends (see Stating the Obvious). Kelan is old enough to walk next door by himself, however I wait on my porch until I can see Kate open the door and give the wave - meaning: I have him. I go back inside with Lauren to finish frosting the birthday cake I am making and that is when I have the flash.
The whole visual included my baking a cake and sending my son to my mom friend next door, but what brought the whole thing home was that I was wearing an apron. It was the icing on the cake. Pun intended. I had to laugh at myself and remember - I am NO 50's housewife.
I do not meet my husband at the door with a scotch - neither of us drink. I usually have dinner on the table when Dan comes home - but it could be something store prepared that I just pulled from the microwave. And I have a true life partner and co-parent in my husband. So I remind myself that the cake and apron is just a necessity of the moment - not a symbol of my life.
Consequently, the birthday cake was for me. I turned 38 yesterday. A really uneventful birthday. 38 - who cares? But I guess I need to be 38 to have everything that I have in my life and to actually recognize that I have it. I am happy in life - what more could I want for my birthday.
The whole visual included my baking a cake and sending my son to my mom friend next door, but what brought the whole thing home was that I was wearing an apron. It was the icing on the cake. Pun intended. I had to laugh at myself and remember - I am NO 50's housewife.
I do not meet my husband at the door with a scotch - neither of us drink. I usually have dinner on the table when Dan comes home - but it could be something store prepared that I just pulled from the microwave. And I have a true life partner and co-parent in my husband. So I remind myself that the cake and apron is just a necessity of the moment - not a symbol of my life.
Consequently, the birthday cake was for me. I turned 38 yesterday. A really uneventful birthday. 38 - who cares? But I guess I need to be 38 to have everything that I have in my life and to actually recognize that I have it. I am happy in life - what more could I want for my birthday.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
I Have No Shame
It seems since the birth of my two children - I have no shame. Sure, my kids can embarrass me at times, but I do not think I have any personal shame left. I remember when I was laboring with Kelan, my younger sister, Mary, said later that it seemed like every person who came into the birthing suite would stick their hands inside of me. Not an exaggeration. After this, really, what could I be less comfortable with or ashamed of?
Yesterday while on a family walk into Ballard, I decided to make a stop at Bartell's drugstore. I figured it was right next to where we were and (sadly) I needed Monistat. Yes I know, not your most advertised purchase, but here we are as a family walking through the aisles looking for yeast infection medicine. Lovely. Dan is pushing Lauren in a cart and Kelan has his own child sized cart. I lead the parade down the feminine aisle (an aisle I am sure no man likes to walk down - although my husband dutifully has picked up tampons on request in the past - have I mentioned that I have a great husband?). I decide to buy two packs - just to be safe. Kelan likes to have all items placed in his cart when we are at Bartells - so I drop them both into his cart privately laughing that my 3 1/2 year old son is carrying two boxes of yeast infection medicine (our only purchase) to the counter.
Today I noticed while flipping through the flyers in the Sunday paper that there is a $4 off coupon for any Monistat purchase. Then I see that it is on sale at Walgreen's (for an additional four dollars - for a total savings of $8). So back to Bartell's today to return a pack - explaining to Kelan we are returning one - only to explain later at Walgreen's we are buying another one. I even had to fill out a return form at Bartell's with a male cashier (juggling two kids) and a line forming behind me. I have never spent so much time with Monistat.
Since Kelan and Lauren were born I find myself taking care of their every need (or teaching them to provide it for themselves) which leaves me exhausted most of the time. So I guess I am just too tired to care when it comes to buying - or returning - private products.
Yesterday while on a family walk into Ballard, I decided to make a stop at Bartell's drugstore. I figured it was right next to where we were and (sadly) I needed Monistat. Yes I know, not your most advertised purchase, but here we are as a family walking through the aisles looking for yeast infection medicine. Lovely. Dan is pushing Lauren in a cart and Kelan has his own child sized cart. I lead the parade down the feminine aisle (an aisle I am sure no man likes to walk down - although my husband dutifully has picked up tampons on request in the past - have I mentioned that I have a great husband?). I decide to buy two packs - just to be safe. Kelan likes to have all items placed in his cart when we are at Bartells - so I drop them both into his cart privately laughing that my 3 1/2 year old son is carrying two boxes of yeast infection medicine (our only purchase) to the counter.
Today I noticed while flipping through the flyers in the Sunday paper that there is a $4 off coupon for any Monistat purchase. Then I see that it is on sale at Walgreen's (for an additional four dollars - for a total savings of $8). So back to Bartell's today to return a pack - explaining to Kelan we are returning one - only to explain later at Walgreen's we are buying another one. I even had to fill out a return form at Bartell's with a male cashier (juggling two kids) and a line forming behind me. I have never spent so much time with Monistat.
Since Kelan and Lauren were born I find myself taking care of their every need (or teaching them to provide it for themselves) which leaves me exhausted most of the time. So I guess I am just too tired to care when it comes to buying - or returning - private products.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
I Want to Talk
Lauren is starting to talk more and more. Her words are short, simple and to the point. Nack (read: snack) for when she wants food. Pon (tampon) is coupled with the action of handing me a tampon from its carton in the bathroom (my children love to help with everything). Ami (salami) might just be her favorite food (not to be confused with Mommy - you have to have a good ear to hear the difference). And tine made it into her vocabulary with the gift of Valentine soaps to Kelan from his preschool teacher. Sometimes she is very polite (peas) with her requests, she has even been known to say me me (excuse me) when she burps/farts (or when Dan does). Other times she is VERY demanding. She often couples her words with a hand gesture of pointing at the thing she wants (over and over again).
We have moved from the guessing game with Lauren's needs and wants to the translation game. Although she does have some words down like the word no. In fact it was her first word. She learned it from Kelan. Lovely. Mine is pretty popular as well. Again, perfectly pronounced.
Kelan is another story. He just talks all the time. There is hardly a quiet moment - ever. On my bad days, sometimes I ask him to stop talking for 1 minute. This simple request is usually met with him whining, I want to talk. He has actually said, I want to talk - to talk. How very true.
With all this talking, it must be said that there is no listening. It is a one way street with my children. Lauren (I think) is pretending that she does not hear me (giggling while she does exactly what I have asked her not to do), while I seriously believe that Kelan is deaf. My comments, questions and requests are met with HUH?!?! I (ignorantly) repeat myself and am met with HUH?!??!?!? Deep breath. I try again, and before I even finish my words, HUH?!?!?! Now I am thinking - I want to talk.
Dan says a work colleague does the same thing - he ignores him (because truth be told, his colleague has heard him, it is just his knee jerk response). I try this approach with Kelan, but then I am bombarded with what'd you say? MOM! What you'd say? It is a no win situation. I finally started asking Kelan what he thinks I said. He knows - he repeats what I have said - then he asks again, what'd you say? This happens all day long. Hopefully it is just a phase that he will grow out of soon.
It is clear that my children will never be at a loss for words - they are my children after all. I guess I must look ahead to their futures and realize that they will speak up for themselves (and hopefully others). They will have a voice. They want to talk - I will raise them with something to say.
We have moved from the guessing game with Lauren's needs and wants to the translation game. Although she does have some words down like the word no. In fact it was her first word. She learned it from Kelan. Lovely. Mine is pretty popular as well. Again, perfectly pronounced.
Kelan is another story. He just talks all the time. There is hardly a quiet moment - ever. On my bad days, sometimes I ask him to stop talking for 1 minute. This simple request is usually met with him whining, I want to talk. He has actually said, I want to talk - to talk. How very true.
With all this talking, it must be said that there is no listening. It is a one way street with my children. Lauren (I think) is pretending that she does not hear me (giggling while she does exactly what I have asked her not to do), while I seriously believe that Kelan is deaf. My comments, questions and requests are met with HUH?!?! I (ignorantly) repeat myself and am met with HUH?!??!?!? Deep breath. I try again, and before I even finish my words, HUH?!?!?! Now I am thinking - I want to talk.
Dan says a work colleague does the same thing - he ignores him (because truth be told, his colleague has heard him, it is just his knee jerk response). I try this approach with Kelan, but then I am bombarded with what'd you say? MOM! What you'd say? It is a no win situation. I finally started asking Kelan what he thinks I said. He knows - he repeats what I have said - then he asks again, what'd you say? This happens all day long. Hopefully it is just a phase that he will grow out of soon.
It is clear that my children will never be at a loss for words - they are my children after all. I guess I must look ahead to their futures and realize that they will speak up for themselves (and hopefully others). They will have a voice. They want to talk - I will raise them with something to say.
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