Much to the future horror of my kids, I have decided to write one story about each one that has happened recently, if only for my enjoyment years from now.
The College Fund
When it comes to the kids’ education, there are few letters that we’ve received in the mail that elicit any sort of excitement. Living in the city has its education challenges, trying to get your children into a good kindergarten is not only literally winning the lottery (seriously, it’s done by lottery), but likely harder than getting your kid in to an Ivy League school for college. It takes an immense amount of networking, volunteering and crossing your fingers. Jack has the distinction of being our child with the most rejection letters before the age of five. Delaney started the rejection process early at two years old with a handful of rejection letters. Jack – well, we applied to eight schools for kindergarten…and received seven rejection letters. All framed in the “Wall of Shame” for future reference when he feels like school is too hard. “Hey buddy, where else are you going to go – no one else offered you a spot!”
Since we now have both kindergarten and first grade under our belt with Jack, it’s naturally time to think of college. And no, we do not think Jack will skip high school, I personally have opted to no longer think about the dreaded high school applications and selection process for fear of moving to the suburbs. I digress, on to college.
This is the literal, non edited conversation. “Jack, great news! We just got a letter from your college fund, we have fulfilled our contract, you can now go to college!” “What? NOW? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……” “Where will I sleep?” Try that twin bed that’s been around for the past 20 years. “I don’t want to go NOW!” Okay, maybe you should at least finish first grade, shame to send you in the middle of the school year. “I don’t have my bags packed.” That’s okay, I think I’ve had your bag packed since we got home from the hospital. “I will miss you too much.” Probably to start with, but after you meet all the girls, I doubt it. “Please don’t make me go to college!” Okay, maybe we should rethink this. “Who will take care of me?” Don’t they have dorm moms?
Oops, in our excitement, we failed to mention that college would not happen until he was at least 18, and hopefully no later than 19 as we have not budgeted to fund any kids for any “year of fun” post high-school. After this was explained to a teary-eyed Jack who thought that he literally had to pack his bags and be shipped off to college before bedtime - you could literally sense the burden that was lifted off of his shoulders when he realized that he could spend the next 12 years sleeping under our roof.
Dave recently talked to Jack about what he wanted to do with his life after he graduated from college. I know, fairly heavy stuff for a six year old, but hey, keep the college momentum going when their young. They are not living off of the family nipple and we see this as retirement security in our old age – not having to financially support the kids anymore. Back to the question at hand – personally, I would prefer jobs that personally benefit me for the kids:
- Doctor -every family needs one, I personally seem to employ a small army of specialists
- Lawyer - I’m sure one of the kids will need one later in life
- Chef - makes holidays easier for me
- Interior decorator - wouldn’t that be nice
- Orthodontist – having just paid Delaney’s bill for braces, I see this might be a lucrative career choice
Jack’s response to the age old questions, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Well Daddy, I’m thinking taxi driver.” Umm…last time we checked, that college education that we have painstakingly saved for will likely not come in handy. “Jack, seriously? Umm, any reason why?” “No, I just like riding in cabs. That would fun to do all the time.”
So, it looks like all that money for college will likely now fund either Delaney or Max in their post college studies. Jack – at least we know he won’t be directionally challenged and always have a set of wheels to see the family during the holidays.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Defensive Driving Course
The Defensive Driving Course
On a summer night not long ago, Dave played “Super Dad” and took both Jack and Delaney to the Field Museum to sleep with the Dinosaurs. As the largest Dinosaur is named “Sue”, I found it oddly appropriate that they could sleep under my namesake, and I could wish them sweet dreams from afar. Bliss – one kid for one night, how rough is my life?
In keeping Max entertained with all things train-related, I planned a special excursion to the suburbs to have dinner at none other than the “Choo Choo Restaurant.” Yes, you heard right, a restaurant dedicated to train enthusiasts everywhere. They actually send your food to you, from the kitchen, on a specially modified Lionel Train that magically stops where you are sitting so you too, can have some ‘train food.’ Max was in pure heaven, a four-year old’s fantasy come true.
After dinner, I looked forward to a leisurely ride home back to the city (if I could actually navigate my car home), a little R&R with Max before the tornado of the others came barreling through the home. “Max, let’s go down Dempster home, I think the Kennedy is going to be a little heavy with traffic.” “Okay, mommy, whatever, can we back to the Choo Choo restaurant?” “No, we were just there, and you know that the suburbs give mommy the hives.” “Mommy, what’s the noise behind us?” “I have no idea what you are talking about, what noise?” “You know, the siren mommy, with the lights on?” S***, you’ve got to be kidding me, I’m getting pulled over? For what?
“Miss, do you know why you’re getting pulled over.” “No clue officer, seriously, is my headlight out?” “No, you were going 53 in a 30.” “What, that four-lane road also known as Dempster, is only freaking 30 miles and hour.” “Umm, I live in Chicago, I have no idea where I am. I’m sure I wasn’t going that fast.” “No, you were. Can I see your license and insurance card?” “Sure…here’s my license, and…umm…let me look for my insurance card.” Crap, I have not one, not two, but three expired cards in the car. Where is the real one I need? “Miss, did you find your insurance card?” “Umm, how about a couple of expired ones? Will that work?” “No Miss, you must have a current card.” “I know it’s updated, it’s my husband’s fault. You know how men are.” “Excuse me?” “Oh, you know, Dave probably took the car and forgot to put the insurance card back in. My husband, if only you knew him.” “I’ll be right back.”
And so the agony of not having an insurance card on hand, speeding in a 30 mile an hour zone, and having Max in the car with me suddenly was giving a very large headache. “Miss, I have a few more questions to ask you.” Shoot – let’s just get this over with. “Do you realize that your license plate tags are also expired?” Crap. I cannot believe this. “I told you about my husband, right? Seriously, this is his car. You should be ticketing him, not me. All of this is his fault, even driving too fast, I’m sure of it.” “Your husband drives a mini-van as his primary vehicle?” “Why of course, my usual kid-transport car is the Mini Cooper, Dave is definitely the mini-van driver.” Ugh, this is going downhill fast. Let’s review the bidding here: 1. Excessive Speeding, 2. No Insurance card, 3. Expired License Plates.
Max is idly watching the drama unfold and suddenly asks, “Mommy, you’re in big trouble, aren’t you.” Yes, Max, I am. “Are you going to JAIL?” Yes, Max, probably. “But who will take care of me?” I think they let minors accompany their mothers in jail, I’m fairly certain of that. “Miss, you realize that I write you up for a lot of violations today.” “Yes sir, but you look all kind and nice, maybe just the speeding ticket today?” And so, with a little charm, humility, and a four-year old in the car, I was written up only for a speeding ticket. With few conditions – online-driving course if I don’t want the ticket on my record, and I have to go back to the station to retrieve my license with $75 in exact change in hand. Perfect, this day is not completely lost, I will get back downtown before 9:00 p.m. Little did I know that picking up my license would require a three-hour wait. I was like Gilligan on a tour going no where, with the endless questions at the police station by Max, “Which one is your cell mommy? Where do we sleep tonight?”
The reason I bring this story up now? Ah, that on-line defensive driving course. Four-hours of online instruction done ‘at your leisure’ in the confines of your home computer. I mean really, how bad could this be? Of course, if you are a procrastinator like me, four-leisurely hours turns into an all night cram session with a 10/31 deadline looming over me like an ill-fitting Power Ranger costume. The course starts with a pre-test to see how good of a defensive driver you actually are. “40% score. You suck, step it up a notch sister, otherwise you’ll be repeating this course.” 40%, can you believe it? Crap, now I really do have to pay attention for the final test. I need a 76% to not have to repeat the course.
After hours of endless defensive driving skills being soaked into me like a hailstorm on a rainy day, I was ready to take my final test in the hopes of passing it. I’m sure it didn’t help that I actually took the test with a glass of wine in hand (probably akin to drunk driving, but hey, they didn’t say in the rule book that I couldn’t drink while taking the test), but I was ready for day of reckoning. And the final score, a whopping 92%. Yep, I passed. Whew, because having to retake the exam would likely be as much fun as poking my eyeballs with toothpicks.
Moral of the story – have Dave do all of the driving. After all, it was his fault, right? Might as well be behind the driver’s wheel if you’re going to get blamed.
,
On a summer night not long ago, Dave played “Super Dad” and took both Jack and Delaney to the Field Museum to sleep with the Dinosaurs. As the largest Dinosaur is named “Sue”, I found it oddly appropriate that they could sleep under my namesake, and I could wish them sweet dreams from afar. Bliss – one kid for one night, how rough is my life?
In keeping Max entertained with all things train-related, I planned a special excursion to the suburbs to have dinner at none other than the “Choo Choo Restaurant.” Yes, you heard right, a restaurant dedicated to train enthusiasts everywhere. They actually send your food to you, from the kitchen, on a specially modified Lionel Train that magically stops where you are sitting so you too, can have some ‘train food.’ Max was in pure heaven, a four-year old’s fantasy come true.
After dinner, I looked forward to a leisurely ride home back to the city (if I could actually navigate my car home), a little R&R with Max before the tornado of the others came barreling through the home. “Max, let’s go down Dempster home, I think the Kennedy is going to be a little heavy with traffic.” “Okay, mommy, whatever, can we back to the Choo Choo restaurant?” “No, we were just there, and you know that the suburbs give mommy the hives.” “Mommy, what’s the noise behind us?” “I have no idea what you are talking about, what noise?” “You know, the siren mommy, with the lights on?” S***, you’ve got to be kidding me, I’m getting pulled over? For what?
“Miss, do you know why you’re getting pulled over.” “No clue officer, seriously, is my headlight out?” “No, you were going 53 in a 30.” “What, that four-lane road also known as Dempster, is only freaking 30 miles and hour.” “Umm, I live in Chicago, I have no idea where I am. I’m sure I wasn’t going that fast.” “No, you were. Can I see your license and insurance card?” “Sure…here’s my license, and…umm…let me look for my insurance card.” Crap, I have not one, not two, but three expired cards in the car. Where is the real one I need? “Miss, did you find your insurance card?” “Umm, how about a couple of expired ones? Will that work?” “No Miss, you must have a current card.” “I know it’s updated, it’s my husband’s fault. You know how men are.” “Excuse me?” “Oh, you know, Dave probably took the car and forgot to put the insurance card back in. My husband, if only you knew him.” “I’ll be right back.”
And so the agony of not having an insurance card on hand, speeding in a 30 mile an hour zone, and having Max in the car with me suddenly was giving a very large headache. “Miss, I have a few more questions to ask you.” Shoot – let’s just get this over with. “Do you realize that your license plate tags are also expired?” Crap. I cannot believe this. “I told you about my husband, right? Seriously, this is his car. You should be ticketing him, not me. All of this is his fault, even driving too fast, I’m sure of it.” “Your husband drives a mini-van as his primary vehicle?” “Why of course, my usual kid-transport car is the Mini Cooper, Dave is definitely the mini-van driver.” Ugh, this is going downhill fast. Let’s review the bidding here: 1. Excessive Speeding, 2. No Insurance card, 3. Expired License Plates.
Max is idly watching the drama unfold and suddenly asks, “Mommy, you’re in big trouble, aren’t you.” Yes, Max, I am. “Are you going to JAIL?” Yes, Max, probably. “But who will take care of me?” I think they let minors accompany their mothers in jail, I’m fairly certain of that. “Miss, you realize that I write you up for a lot of violations today.” “Yes sir, but you look all kind and nice, maybe just the speeding ticket today?” And so, with a little charm, humility, and a four-year old in the car, I was written up only for a speeding ticket. With few conditions – online-driving course if I don’t want the ticket on my record, and I have to go back to the station to retrieve my license with $75 in exact change in hand. Perfect, this day is not completely lost, I will get back downtown before 9:00 p.m. Little did I know that picking up my license would require a three-hour wait. I was like Gilligan on a tour going no where, with the endless questions at the police station by Max, “Which one is your cell mommy? Where do we sleep tonight?”
The reason I bring this story up now? Ah, that on-line defensive driving course. Four-hours of online instruction done ‘at your leisure’ in the confines of your home computer. I mean really, how bad could this be? Of course, if you are a procrastinator like me, four-leisurely hours turns into an all night cram session with a 10/31 deadline looming over me like an ill-fitting Power Ranger costume. The course starts with a pre-test to see how good of a defensive driver you actually are. “40% score. You suck, step it up a notch sister, otherwise you’ll be repeating this course.” 40%, can you believe it? Crap, now I really do have to pay attention for the final test. I need a 76% to not have to repeat the course.
After hours of endless defensive driving skills being soaked into me like a hailstorm on a rainy day, I was ready to take my final test in the hopes of passing it. I’m sure it didn’t help that I actually took the test with a glass of wine in hand (probably akin to drunk driving, but hey, they didn’t say in the rule book that I couldn’t drink while taking the test), but I was ready for day of reckoning. And the final score, a whopping 92%. Yep, I passed. Whew, because having to retake the exam would likely be as much fun as poking my eyeballs with toothpicks.
Moral of the story – have Dave do all of the driving. After all, it was his fault, right? Might as well be behind the driver’s wheel if you’re going to get blamed.
,
The Halloween Costume
The Halloween Costume
Nothing brings more fear into a parent than the dreaded, “What are going to be for Halloween?” Long gone are the days of the cute costumes, from the Energizer Bunny to the tame Lion. In the early days, (or as Delaney says, “The Old Days”) I tried to Martha-Stewart a costume for the kids. Imagine trying to build an Eiffel tower out of toothpicks or creating a pumpkin costume using real, not stuffed pumpkins. The Internet, and the many choices of costumes, has saved me from confines of pipe cleaners, felt and a glue gun. The choices are endless, yet virtually all the same for our family.
Two years ago, both Jack and Max started down their singular path of costume greatness. Max, and his unbelievable fascination for all things train related, had to be none other than Thomas the Train. Jack, and his love for all things Power Rangers, had decided to make his way through all of the assorted Power Ranger colors – “Mommy, this year I want to be the Red Ranger. Next year the Black Ranger. The following year, the Green Ranger.” Thankfully, there are enough Power Rangers to last Jack through his college years and beyond without fear of repeating.
As any good parent does after Halloween, I quickly burn the costume, along with the excess amounts of candy left over. I call it my Halloween Séance Ritual. No sooner had I disposed of Jack’s Power Ranger Costume and Max’s Thomas the Train costume than Halloween 2007 came calling. And what do my boys want to be for Halloween this year? Yep, Thomas the Train and a Power Ranger. “What – but I just got rid of your costumes from last year? Ugh…isn’t there an eternal Power Ranger costume that I can buy that grows with you?” And so, in an effort to quickly reprise their roles in 2006, I bought new and improved costumes that looked remarkably like the ones I had just given away. Jack’s costume was identical in every way as his costume in 2006. And this my friends, was a problem.
“Su – what is up with Jack’s Power Ranger costume?”, Dave exclaimed. “I have no idea what you are talking about Dave, it’s just like last years.” “Yes, and that’s the problem. He’s grown since last year – I think you got him the same size as last year.” And Jack being completely oblivious to the most obvious problem, did not realize that his manhood was significantly compromised and as Dave said, “Geez, were you trying to ‘Power Ranger Camel Crotch’ this year? No way I can take him out trick or treating – he may never bear children again.” Crap, the costume is a little…I mean…way too small, especially in a certain region that may impact Jack’s fertility in later years. “Thank you Mommy, I love my Power Ranger costume.” “It’s not, umm, a wee bit tight for you?” “Oh no, it’s fine” Jack said in a higher than usual falsetto voice. And so, 2007 will go down as the year of the too-snug, too-tight, almost R rated, Power Ranger Jack.
This year, as usual, Jack asked to once again be a Power Ranger. “What, remember last year when you couldn’t cross your legs for 3 months because of your Power Ranger costume?” And so, I began a search for the perfect Power Ranger costume. “Look Jack, this one glows in the dark, how cool is that?” Perfect, a Glow In the Dark Power Ranger costume, just a click away from Halloween Happiness. Crap, it’s $39.99, a bit over budget for Halloween Happiness, but that’s okay, it’s only September, I’ll just wait until Disney online runs one of its daily sales and save at least $10-$20.
Well, as luck (or more specifically, my brand of luck) would have it, the costume went on sale. Now down to $19.99, I’m ready to pull the trigger and order away. “Jack, good news, your costume went on sale, it will be here within a week, isn’t that awesome?” And as I get ready to select the costume, credit card in hand, I went to select the size. What? Only XXS and XS, better known as “Eunich” and “One Nut Jack”. Crap, Dave will kill me if I once again screw this one up. I got it – I will call every Disney store in the Midwest in search for the infamous glow-in-the-dark Power Ranger costume. “I’m sorry Miss, that costume is only available on-line. There are no more Medium’s left, just XXS and XS.” S***, I screwed this one up, didn’t I?
“Jack, so sorry, but they no longer have any Glow In Dark Power Ranger costumes in your size.” “That’s okay mommy, you can get me a smaller size.” “Umm, no, that’s not going to happen.” What about a different Power Ranger? “No, thank you, I really wanted to glow in the dark.” And so my search began, with less than week before Halloween for the perfect Glow In The Dark Halloween Happiness costume for Jack, who has suffered through too many ill-fitting costumes. After going to at least a half dozen costume stores, with no luck, I found myself scouring the dark corners of the Internet hoping for some costume that would satisfy Jack’s need to be nearly invisible. And as luck would have, I found the perfect Spider Man Glow in the dark Costume. And in his size! Of course, with only few days left before Halloween, I hit the “Overnight” charges button. Yep – you guessed it, my original hunt to save a few dollars has now cost me more than the original full-price Glow in The Dark Power Ranger costume.
The lesson learned, “Jack’s ‘boys’ are worth at least a bit more than the $10 I was trying to save.”
Nothing brings more fear into a parent than the dreaded, “What are going to be for Halloween?” Long gone are the days of the cute costumes, from the Energizer Bunny to the tame Lion. In the early days, (or as Delaney says, “The Old Days”) I tried to Martha-Stewart a costume for the kids. Imagine trying to build an Eiffel tower out of toothpicks or creating a pumpkin costume using real, not stuffed pumpkins. The Internet, and the many choices of costumes, has saved me from confines of pipe cleaners, felt and a glue gun. The choices are endless, yet virtually all the same for our family.
Two years ago, both Jack and Max started down their singular path of costume greatness. Max, and his unbelievable fascination for all things train related, had to be none other than Thomas the Train. Jack, and his love for all things Power Rangers, had decided to make his way through all of the assorted Power Ranger colors – “Mommy, this year I want to be the Red Ranger. Next year the Black Ranger. The following year, the Green Ranger.” Thankfully, there are enough Power Rangers to last Jack through his college years and beyond without fear of repeating.
As any good parent does after Halloween, I quickly burn the costume, along with the excess amounts of candy left over. I call it my Halloween Séance Ritual. No sooner had I disposed of Jack’s Power Ranger Costume and Max’s Thomas the Train costume than Halloween 2007 came calling. And what do my boys want to be for Halloween this year? Yep, Thomas the Train and a Power Ranger. “What – but I just got rid of your costumes from last year? Ugh…isn’t there an eternal Power Ranger costume that I can buy that grows with you?” And so, in an effort to quickly reprise their roles in 2006, I bought new and improved costumes that looked remarkably like the ones I had just given away. Jack’s costume was identical in every way as his costume in 2006. And this my friends, was a problem.
“Su – what is up with Jack’s Power Ranger costume?”, Dave exclaimed. “I have no idea what you are talking about Dave, it’s just like last years.” “Yes, and that’s the problem. He’s grown since last year – I think you got him the same size as last year.” And Jack being completely oblivious to the most obvious problem, did not realize that his manhood was significantly compromised and as Dave said, “Geez, were you trying to ‘Power Ranger Camel Crotch’ this year? No way I can take him out trick or treating – he may never bear children again.” Crap, the costume is a little…I mean…way too small, especially in a certain region that may impact Jack’s fertility in later years. “Thank you Mommy, I love my Power Ranger costume.” “It’s not, umm, a wee bit tight for you?” “Oh no, it’s fine” Jack said in a higher than usual falsetto voice. And so, 2007 will go down as the year of the too-snug, too-tight, almost R rated, Power Ranger Jack.
This year, as usual, Jack asked to once again be a Power Ranger. “What, remember last year when you couldn’t cross your legs for 3 months because of your Power Ranger costume?” And so, I began a search for the perfect Power Ranger costume. “Look Jack, this one glows in the dark, how cool is that?” Perfect, a Glow In the Dark Power Ranger costume, just a click away from Halloween Happiness. Crap, it’s $39.99, a bit over budget for Halloween Happiness, but that’s okay, it’s only September, I’ll just wait until Disney online runs one of its daily sales and save at least $10-$20.
Well, as luck (or more specifically, my brand of luck) would have it, the costume went on sale. Now down to $19.99, I’m ready to pull the trigger and order away. “Jack, good news, your costume went on sale, it will be here within a week, isn’t that awesome?” And as I get ready to select the costume, credit card in hand, I went to select the size. What? Only XXS and XS, better known as “Eunich” and “One Nut Jack”. Crap, Dave will kill me if I once again screw this one up. I got it – I will call every Disney store in the Midwest in search for the infamous glow-in-the-dark Power Ranger costume. “I’m sorry Miss, that costume is only available on-line. There are no more Medium’s left, just XXS and XS.” S***, I screwed this one up, didn’t I?
“Jack, so sorry, but they no longer have any Glow In Dark Power Ranger costumes in your size.” “That’s okay mommy, you can get me a smaller size.” “Umm, no, that’s not going to happen.” What about a different Power Ranger? “No, thank you, I really wanted to glow in the dark.” And so my search began, with less than week before Halloween for the perfect Glow In The Dark Halloween Happiness costume for Jack, who has suffered through too many ill-fitting costumes. After going to at least a half dozen costume stores, with no luck, I found myself scouring the dark corners of the Internet hoping for some costume that would satisfy Jack’s need to be nearly invisible. And as luck would have, I found the perfect Spider Man Glow in the dark Costume. And in his size! Of course, with only few days left before Halloween, I hit the “Overnight” charges button. Yep – you guessed it, my original hunt to save a few dollars has now cost me more than the original full-price Glow in The Dark Power Ranger costume.
The lesson learned, “Jack’s ‘boys’ are worth at least a bit more than the $10 I was trying to save.”
The Season of Su
Alright, it's been pathetically long since I've posted. I'd like to blame technical difficulties, which are true, but the reality is it shouldn't take me four weeks to figure out that while I can see my blog, I can't post to it. After all, Dave is cruising down the Internet Highway with Yahoo - I blame it on the fact that the log-in screen changed to Google and I'm fairly certain that is taboo in our house. Or the simple truth - this time of year is affectionately referred to as "The Season of Su." For those that are unaware, from Halloween until January 1st, I kick it into high gear, summon my inner Martha Stewart, and become the hostess with the mostess.
Case in point - follow my upcoming weekends with me:
Thanksgiving:
Known to some as the day we celebrate the founding of our country and gorge ourselves with the turkey and the trimmings. Simply known in my household of "How many different ways can you cook a turkey." Yes, this year, I believe we are trying roasting, frying and smoking an assortment of birds for the carnivores. Our experiments will be tried by none other, than 31 family members congregating at our house. This is enough to send most people into epileptic shock - I on the other hand just consider this the appetizer to upcoming parties.
Lakeview Pantry Toy Drive - 12/5 (also known as 'one week later'):
For the past ten years, we have graciously hosted the Lakeview Pantry Toy Drive. What started as a small dinner party in our house, has turned into the party of the season. 31 people? Nah, that's chump change. Try 500 people at Murphy's Bleachers for the party of the year, with none other than me and a couple of girlfriends leading the charge.
Santa Party and Train Ride - 12/12 (also known as 'one week later'):
Five years ago (because I was clearly party-unstable), we opted to host a Breakfast with Santa open house. 75 people showed up that first year to see Santa, who knew that Santa was such a draw for the young kids. This year, in an effort to outdo and 'keep things fresh', we've opted for Dinner with Santa and chartering our own L train. Yep, you heard that right, we are hijacking the CTA for our own brand of fun. And unlike years past, this is no longer a free party - you pay to play. Who knew that 286 people would want to fork over their hard earned bucks for a chance to pretend like they are an early evening commuter.
Throw in there a couple of business trips (Philly and Boca Raton), a wedding, two holiday parties for work, and an anniversary - you have the making of "The Season of Su".
In other words, I promise to try to find time to post, but the postings may be few and far between 'The Season of Su'. As an added bonus, I'm actually posting two other postings that have been languishing in my 'need to post' folder!
Cheers!
Case in point - follow my upcoming weekends with me:
Thanksgiving:
Known to some as the day we celebrate the founding of our country and gorge ourselves with the turkey and the trimmings. Simply known in my household of "How many different ways can you cook a turkey." Yes, this year, I believe we are trying roasting, frying and smoking an assortment of birds for the carnivores. Our experiments will be tried by none other, than 31 family members congregating at our house. This is enough to send most people into epileptic shock - I on the other hand just consider this the appetizer to upcoming parties.
Lakeview Pantry Toy Drive - 12/5 (also known as 'one week later'):
For the past ten years, we have graciously hosted the Lakeview Pantry Toy Drive. What started as a small dinner party in our house, has turned into the party of the season. 31 people? Nah, that's chump change. Try 500 people at Murphy's Bleachers for the party of the year, with none other than me and a couple of girlfriends leading the charge.
Santa Party and Train Ride - 12/12 (also known as 'one week later'):
Five years ago (because I was clearly party-unstable), we opted to host a Breakfast with Santa open house. 75 people showed up that first year to see Santa, who knew that Santa was such a draw for the young kids. This year, in an effort to outdo and 'keep things fresh', we've opted for Dinner with Santa and chartering our own L train. Yep, you heard that right, we are hijacking the CTA for our own brand of fun. And unlike years past, this is no longer a free party - you pay to play. Who knew that 286 people would want to fork over their hard earned bucks for a chance to pretend like they are an early evening commuter.
Throw in there a couple of business trips (Philly and Boca Raton), a wedding, two holiday parties for work, and an anniversary - you have the making of "The Season of Su".
In other words, I promise to try to find time to post, but the postings may be few and far between 'The Season of Su'. As an added bonus, I'm actually posting two other postings that have been languishing in my 'need to post' folder!
Cheers!
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