Friday, December 18, 2009
Seeger and Mom
Seeger visited me at work the other day and decided to do some drawing. My favorite is the photo of him and I holding hands.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Random Thought Thursday
It's that time of the week! On with the randomness...
1. I have a headache which is appropriate since I had an optometry appointment today and replied "No" when asked if I experienced headaches very much.
2. Another one for the "It Figures" files. The Polack and I have been meaning to purchase Microsoft Office for our home computer. Since I'm leaving the University, I thought I better take advantage of their software agreement with Microsoft and purchase it at a discount of $50. I felt pretty proud of myself until the day after I installed said software and checked out the software agreement Microsoft has with the new University I'll be working out. Guess how much I would have paid had I waited? Yep, NADA. It would have been free. Oh well....
3. So the Polack and I have been meeting with realtor's in preparation of getting our house on the market. What a stressful task. One wants us to paint, another doesn't. One wants us to finish the basement, another doesn't. One pointed out everything little improvement needed, another one barely glanced at each room. All of the suggested listing prices have come in and they differ by $30K. How are we supposed to make a decision on what to do and what to list at when the "experts" vary so much in their suggestions?
4. None of this really matters to me because in exactly 53 minutes, I'll be sipping on margaritas with my homies.
5. Do people use the word "homie" anymore? I think I've been watching too much of The Wire.
6. Instead of writing on my blog, I really should be cleaning out my office.
7. Nicklas has discovered my blog. He's been reading my new posts, going back through my old posts, and then rereading everything again. Except all the stuff about him at school. That's too boring he said. Nicklas, if you're reading this right now, I hope you remembered to brush your teeth and put on your deodorant this morning. You need to do this EVERY DAY, not just days you feel like it. Okay, honey? I love you!!
8. Tomorrow is Seeger's holiday party at school. The holiday party I was guilted into organizing. The holiday party where I promised to come up with a really craft and haven't yet.
How do I get myself into these situations??
9. I'm looking around my office... whoa I have a lot of stuff. I'm definitely not going to be able to carry everything all the way to the parking garage. Must figure out a plan.
10. Margaritas.... mmmmmmm.... T minus 47 minutes.
Apparently I spend about 10 minutes writing RTT. That's 1 thought per minute. I wonder if that's good or bad?
1. I have a headache which is appropriate since I had an optometry appointment today and replied "No" when asked if I experienced headaches very much.
2. Another one for the "It Figures" files. The Polack and I have been meaning to purchase Microsoft Office for our home computer. Since I'm leaving the University, I thought I better take advantage of their software agreement with Microsoft and purchase it at a discount of $50. I felt pretty proud of myself until the day after I installed said software and checked out the software agreement Microsoft has with the new University I'll be working out. Guess how much I would have paid had I waited? Yep, NADA. It would have been free. Oh well....
3. So the Polack and I have been meeting with realtor's in preparation of getting our house on the market. What a stressful task. One wants us to paint, another doesn't. One wants us to finish the basement, another doesn't. One pointed out everything little improvement needed, another one barely glanced at each room. All of the suggested listing prices have come in and they differ by $30K. How are we supposed to make a decision on what to do and what to list at when the "experts" vary so much in their suggestions?
4. None of this really matters to me because in exactly 53 minutes, I'll be sipping on margaritas with my homies.
5. Do people use the word "homie" anymore? I think I've been watching too much of The Wire.
6. Instead of writing on my blog, I really should be cleaning out my office.
7. Nicklas has discovered my blog. He's been reading my new posts, going back through my old posts, and then rereading everything again. Except all the stuff about him at school. That's too boring he said. Nicklas, if you're reading this right now, I hope you remembered to brush your teeth and put on your deodorant this morning. You need to do this EVERY DAY, not just days you feel like it. Okay, honey? I love you!!
8. Tomorrow is Seeger's holiday party at school. The holiday party I was guilted into organizing. The holiday party where I promised to come up with a really craft and haven't yet.
How do I get myself into these situations??
9. I'm looking around my office... whoa I have a lot of stuff. I'm definitely not going to be able to carry everything all the way to the parking garage. Must figure out a plan.
10. Margaritas.... mmmmmmm.... T minus 47 minutes.
Apparently I spend about 10 minutes writing RTT. That's 1 thought per minute. I wonder if that's good or bad?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Morning Conversation
While taking the boys to school this morning:
Seeger: "I wish buses had tv's. And then I could have the remote and turn the channel whenever I wanted."
Me: "Some buses do have tv's. But not school buses."
Nicklas: "Really? Which buses? City buses?"
Me: "No, not school buses or city buses. But there are nicer buses that people can pay to ride on to take them from city to city. Once when I was in high school, my marching band took a bus from Indiana to Florida and it had a tv on it."
Nicklas: "That would be cool."
Me: "It also had a bathroom."
Seeger: "A bathroom?!"
Nicklas: "I wish the school bus had a bathroom. I would use it."
Seeger: "Me too!"
Me: "Do you sometimes have to use the bathroom when you're on the school bus?"
Seeger: "Yes."
Nicklas: "One time my bus driver ran over a mail box and a kid had to go to the bathroom really bad and he couldn't wait so he just peed in someone's yard."
Me: "What? I'm confused. Did the bus driver stop so he could pee and then she ran over a mailbox?"
Nicklas: "No, she ran over the mailbox and then went to pick it up. We had to wait for the police and we were like an hour late to school. Everyone thought she was going to get arrested."
Me: "Whoa."
Nicklas: "Yeah, and I was happy because I just kept reading my book and I got a couple of chapters read."
Seeger: "I want to pee in the yard."
Those kids.... They definitely keep me entertained!
Seeger: "I wish buses had tv's. And then I could have the remote and turn the channel whenever I wanted."
Me: "Some buses do have tv's. But not school buses."
Nicklas: "Really? Which buses? City buses?"
Me: "No, not school buses or city buses. But there are nicer buses that people can pay to ride on to take them from city to city. Once when I was in high school, my marching band took a bus from Indiana to Florida and it had a tv on it."
Nicklas: "That would be cool."
Me: "It also had a bathroom."
Seeger: "A bathroom?!"
Nicklas: "I wish the school bus had a bathroom. I would use it."
Seeger: "Me too!"
Me: "Do you sometimes have to use the bathroom when you're on the school bus?"
Seeger: "Yes."
Nicklas: "One time my bus driver ran over a mail box and a kid had to go to the bathroom really bad and he couldn't wait so he just peed in someone's yard."
Me: "What? I'm confused. Did the bus driver stop so he could pee and then she ran over a mailbox?"
Nicklas: "No, she ran over the mailbox and then went to pick it up. We had to wait for the police and we were like an hour late to school. Everyone thought she was going to get arrested."
Me: "Whoa."
Nicklas: "Yeah, and I was happy because I just kept reading my book and I got a couple of chapters read."
Seeger: "I want to pee in the yard."
Those kids.... They definitely keep me entertained!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Norwegian package
We received a holiday package from Mia's family the other day. Mia always enjoys Norwegian packages because they typically contain Norwegian chocolate. The latest package also had Christmas presents AND a birthday present for Nicklas. He was super excited!
Thanks Vibeke!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tree Trimming
We finally got the Christmas tree decorated last week. The boys take turns putting the star at the top of the tree every year. This year was Nick's turn but he decided Mia should do the honors.
For the second year in a row, we also put up another tree - affectionately called the Sports Tree. The tradition of the Sports Tree was started by the Polack's family when he was growing up. Ornaments consist of Big 10 University ornaments (we have them all minus the Minnesota one I broke last year) and sports related ornaments. Not surprisingly, this tree seems to have a red and white feel to it. Nicklas loves the Sports Tree and did most of the decorating himself.
For the second year in a row, we also put up another tree - affectionately called the Sports Tree. The tradition of the Sports Tree was started by the Polack's family when he was growing up. Ornaments consist of Big 10 University ornaments (we have them all minus the Minnesota one I broke last year) and sports related ornaments. Not surprisingly, this tree seems to have a red and white feel to it. Nicklas loves the Sports Tree and did most of the decorating himself.
We still haven't gotten the lights up outside and with the colder temps, it's debatable on whether this will happen this year. With everything else going on right now - you know, finishing up at current job, starting new job, getting house on the market, prepping for vacation ON TOP OF REGULAR HOLIDAY MADNESS - I'm pleased enough that we were able to decorate the inside of the house.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Random Thought Thursday
1. When I was in college, once I picked up a couple of hitch hikers. They were very nice and helped me pass the time while driving. They were from the south and amazed at the summer foliage.
2. My Grandma made my dad call to congratulate on my new job. I love the woman but I really need her to encourage father/daughter bonding. Our thrice yearly visits are more than enough for me, thankyouverymuch.
3. Did I mention that I have a new job? Yep - it's big news in Kubatski world. I'm changing universities which means the family will be moving to another part of the state. I feel like I should be like ohmygodwhathaveIdone??? But instead, I'm super excited and thrilled about the opportunity.
And although I'll miss my family and friends, I really believe we'll be back to visit often so it won't seem like a huge change for them. I hope I'm right....
4. Mmmmm.... Cheetos.....
5. The blizzard that seems to have hit most of the Midwest somehow missed us. I'm a little bummed. It's so cold this week which I wouldn't mind if snow accompanied the cold.
6. When I was a little girl, I loved to wear black patent Mary Jane's that clicked when I walked. I called them my tappers and I would try to tap dance everywhere when I wore them.
7. I have a pair of boots that lost the cap on the heel. I was complaining to Mia and she mentioned that in Norway, shoes often come with extra caps. This is the best idea ever! why don't American shoes come with extra caps?
2. My Grandma made my dad call to congratulate on my new job. I love the woman but I really need her to encourage father/daughter bonding. Our thrice yearly visits are more than enough for me, thankyouverymuch.
3. Did I mention that I have a new job? Yep - it's big news in Kubatski world. I'm changing universities which means the family will be moving to another part of the state. I feel like I should be like ohmygodwhathaveIdone??? But instead, I'm super excited and thrilled about the opportunity.
And although I'll miss my family and friends, I really believe we'll be back to visit often so it won't seem like a huge change for them. I hope I'm right....
4. Mmmmm.... Cheetos.....
5. The blizzard that seems to have hit most of the Midwest somehow missed us. I'm a little bummed. It's so cold this week which I wouldn't mind if snow accompanied the cold.
6. When I was a little girl, I loved to wear black patent Mary Jane's that clicked when I walked. I called them my tappers and I would try to tap dance everywhere when I wore them.
7. I have a pair of boots that lost the cap on the heel. I was complaining to Mia and she mentioned that in Norway, shoes often come with extra caps. This is the best idea ever! why don't American shoes come with extra caps?
8. As much as I loved the fall finale of Glee last night, I was a bit disappointed that Schu and Pillsbury got together. What happened to the days of Who's the Boss when a potential love story was drawn out for several seasons?
9. Don't Stop Believing really IS the most downloaded song on iTunes!
10. What's up with the overpowering fragrance that pours out of the doors of Abercrobmmbie and Fitch? I can barely stand to walk past the store, much less venture in to actually shop.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Barnes & Noble book fair
For the second year, I volunteered to organize the elementary school book fair at Barnes & Noble. I learned a lot last year and was excited to make things even better this year. I didn't get as many pictures and I'm blaming that on the fact that we were so much busier, we had many more activities, and lots more volunteers. It was great to see everyone come out to support the school. With the holiday theme this year, we were able to have Santa come and visit. Seeger enjoyed talking to him TWO TIMES! And even Nicklas was willing to sit on his lap and give him a Christmas list (money and gift cards).
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Komet time
A few weekends ago, we took Mia and the boys to a Fort Wayne Komets hockey game. We always enjoy Komets games. It's nice to be in a smaller arena and we like not paying as much for concessions. Before the game, Nicklas was down by the ice watching the players warm up. One of the players gave him a puck. He was so excited!
We thought Mia might enjoy the experience. I'm not sure she would sign up for another game but she's always a good sport.
Nicklas had a great time but he pointed out that he'd never been to an NHL game before. He really wants to see a Redwings game. Some day, Nicklas... Some day.
We thought Mia might enjoy the experience. I'm not sure she would sign up for another game but she's always a good sport.
Nicklas had a great time but he pointed out that he'd never been to an NHL game before. He really wants to see a Redwings game. Some day, Nicklas... Some day.Eat the Turkey
Nicklas had to write a persuasive paper a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed reading it and wanted to share it with you:
Eat the Turkey
by Nicklas
We should eat the turkey. We should eat the turkey because we don't usually get with family, it's healthy and it's a tradition. I love turkey!
To begin with, we usually don't get with family. On Thanksgiving we do! We also get to spend time with them and some of them we might not see very much. Some we don't see a lot. For example, I have an aunt that lives in New York that I only see about two or three times a year. It might be the same for you too. Also you might learn something. I know that my parents usually talk about past Thanksgivings.
Another reason, is that it is healthy. It's not fat. It only has 0.5 grams of fat, and it has vitamin A and C which means it's healthy. Plus it only has 200 calories. Most things have about 500 calories.
Also, it is a tradition that started in 1621. Back then America was run by Indians and pilgrams! Ben Franklin (inventor) thought the turkey should be the American bird. It wasn't because the Bald Eagle is.
Hence, we should eat the turkey because it's healthy, you get to see your family, and it is a tradition. I love turkey.
I should point out that Nicklas only scored 17 out of 22 on this project. He received a 4 out of 6 for content (stayed mostly focused but had some random thoughts/ideas). He received 6 out of 6 on organization. He scored 4 out of 6 on style (for having repetitive and inaccurate info). He scored 3 out of 4 for language-in-use (there were a few grammatical errors). But it's obvious he put thought into this and hopefully learned a little more about being a better writer.
Eat the Turkey
by Nicklas
We should eat the turkey. We should eat the turkey because we don't usually get with family, it's healthy and it's a tradition. I love turkey!
To begin with, we usually don't get with family. On Thanksgiving we do! We also get to spend time with them and some of them we might not see very much. Some we don't see a lot. For example, I have an aunt that lives in New York that I only see about two or three times a year. It might be the same for you too. Also you might learn something. I know that my parents usually talk about past Thanksgivings.
Another reason, is that it is healthy. It's not fat. It only has 0.5 grams of fat, and it has vitamin A and C which means it's healthy. Plus it only has 200 calories. Most things have about 500 calories.
Also, it is a tradition that started in 1621. Back then America was run by Indians and pilgrams! Ben Franklin (inventor) thought the turkey should be the American bird. It wasn't because the Bald Eagle is.
Hence, we should eat the turkey because it's healthy, you get to see your family, and it is a tradition. I love turkey.
I should point out that Nicklas only scored 17 out of 22 on this project. He received a 4 out of 6 for content (stayed mostly focused but had some random thoughts/ideas). He received 6 out of 6 on organization. He scored 4 out of 6 on style (for having repetitive and inaccurate info). He scored 3 out of 4 for language-in-use (there were a few grammatical errors). But it's obvious he put thought into this and hopefully learned a little more about being a better writer.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Random Thought Thursday - Double Dose
Okay, okay, okay.... I know I never got around to posting RTT last week. But considering it was Thanksgiving, I think that's, like, one of the best excuses ever. Right? Anyway, to make up for it, I'm posting a double dose this week. Hopefully that's okay with y'all. If you don't want to read everything, check out the quick recap at #20.
1. My kindergarten teacher played the piano all the time. I loved her and loved how much we got to sing in her class. When I was six, I told myself I wanted to grow up and be a teacher. But since I didn't know how to play the piano, I thought this wasn't possible. I actually believed the piano playing was a requirement.
2. Do any of you read Lucky 13 and Counting? This blog is quite entertaining but I've never felt compelled to leave a comment until yesterday's post about Sandi's unmotivated college freshmen son. It really hit home with me and reminded me so much of my younger brother who is 24, dropped out of college because he didn't want to take on student loans, is currently working as a waiter, and has no car. What bothers me about his situation is that he has no motivation to do more than what he's currently doing. I tell myself that he's happy and healthy and that's what matters. I TRY to believe that and remind myself that not everyone has to fit into the lifestyle I feel is appropriate for someone with his intelligence.
3. I love traditional Thanksgiving fare. Why don't we cook turkey w/ the fixings more than once a year? (Maybe you do but I certainly don't. But I should!)
4. I'm considering joining SparkPeople. I want to do it but I'm afraid I won't stick with it. I think I need to psych myself in to it. Maybe I should hop an a scale? That would be motivation I'm sure.
5. I always make sure that the number of posts regarding Nicklas and the number of posts regarding Seeger are equal. I fear being judged as loving one more than the other. Is this valid or OCD?
6. Speaking of.... the other night I was tucking Nicklas in to bed and I said my typical, "Good night - I love you!" Only this time I added, VERY MUCH. And it totally threw him off. He was like, "Why are you saying that? What's going on?" I was surprised and explained that I just wanted him to know how much a love him. Then he asked who I loved more, him or Seeger. So then I went into the whole - I love you both equally, you're both special in your own way. Then HE said, how are we special in our own way. It ended up being a 20 minute conversation which is probably a good thing because I never get to converse with Nicklas one-on-one for that length of time. But dang, I felt pressure to say the right things.
7. I wish I was quilting right now.
8. My new favorite iPhone app is Lock 'n' Roll. It currently overrules my fascination with crocheting.
9. I don't read to Seeger nearly as much as I read to Nicklas at that age. Bad mommy.
10. Mia bought a snuggie last weekend. Bahahahahaha!!!!! She said she loves it but she wishes it had pockets. And a belt to keep it wrapped around her. I was like, "They make those. They're called ROBES."
11. I love ska. Why don't I listen to more ska?
12. I don't know if I can believe in karma but I truly believe things work out the way they're supposed to.
13. I'm surprised at how many people have commented on my Little People post. Brenda's kids are so lucky for getting to play with vintage Little People! maybe they'll invite me over to play sometime?
14. I really want to listen to Christmas music but it's hard to be motivated since I haven't even begun to decorate my house.
15. I'm feeling very blessed to have wonderful family members who are always willing to help the Kubatski's out when needed. (Yes, I'm sucking up to the in-laws right now for reasons that will be divulged soon.)
16. Next week is the fall finale of GLEE. I hope you've all be watching - at least those of you who have been a part of the show choir family. It's a great show.
17. The Polack and I booked a trip to Vegas with some friends. Vegas baby, Vegas!
18. I still haven't figured out how to handle the boy scout popcorn incident. Money is due Sunday so I need to get a move on it. I was hoping the magical boy scout prince would come take care of everything for me but unfortunately, that hasn't happened. What? What do you mean there's no boy scout prince? Why didn't anyone tell me that?!?
19. What a difference a generation makes regarding technology use. We got our phone bill the other day. Mia sent over 3000 texts in one month (compared to my usage which is around 400). Her voice usage? ONE MINUTE. For the whole month - that was it!
20. Summary: Snuggies are funny, I have great childhood memories, there are ways I fail and succeed as a mom, quilting/iPhone apps/ska/Vegas = awesomeness, and holy cow 3000 texts seems like a lot.
Can't get enough randomness? Then check out Global Keewee at Unsolicited Opinions.
1. My kindergarten teacher played the piano all the time. I loved her and loved how much we got to sing in her class. When I was six, I told myself I wanted to grow up and be a teacher. But since I didn't know how to play the piano, I thought this wasn't possible. I actually believed the piano playing was a requirement.
2. Do any of you read Lucky 13 and Counting? This blog is quite entertaining but I've never felt compelled to leave a comment until yesterday's post about Sandi's unmotivated college freshmen son. It really hit home with me and reminded me so much of my younger brother who is 24, dropped out of college because he didn't want to take on student loans, is currently working as a waiter, and has no car. What bothers me about his situation is that he has no motivation to do more than what he's currently doing. I tell myself that he's happy and healthy and that's what matters. I TRY to believe that and remind myself that not everyone has to fit into the lifestyle I feel is appropriate for someone with his intelligence.
3. I love traditional Thanksgiving fare. Why don't we cook turkey w/ the fixings more than once a year? (Maybe you do but I certainly don't. But I should!)
4. I'm considering joining SparkPeople. I want to do it but I'm afraid I won't stick with it. I think I need to psych myself in to it. Maybe I should hop an a scale? That would be motivation I'm sure.
5. I always make sure that the number of posts regarding Nicklas and the number of posts regarding Seeger are equal. I fear being judged as loving one more than the other. Is this valid or OCD?
6. Speaking of.... the other night I was tucking Nicklas in to bed and I said my typical, "Good night - I love you!" Only this time I added, VERY MUCH. And it totally threw him off. He was like, "Why are you saying that? What's going on?" I was surprised and explained that I just wanted him to know how much a love him. Then he asked who I loved more, him or Seeger. So then I went into the whole - I love you both equally, you're both special in your own way. Then HE said, how are we special in our own way. It ended up being a 20 minute conversation which is probably a good thing because I never get to converse with Nicklas one-on-one for that length of time. But dang, I felt pressure to say the right things.
7. I wish I was quilting right now.
8. My new favorite iPhone app is Lock 'n' Roll. It currently overrules my fascination with crocheting.
9. I don't read to Seeger nearly as much as I read to Nicklas at that age. Bad mommy.
10. Mia bought a snuggie last weekend. Bahahahahaha!!!!! She said she loves it but she wishes it had pockets. And a belt to keep it wrapped around her. I was like, "They make those. They're called ROBES."
11. I love ska. Why don't I listen to more ska?
12. I don't know if I can believe in karma but I truly believe things work out the way they're supposed to.
13. I'm surprised at how many people have commented on my Little People post. Brenda's kids are so lucky for getting to play with vintage Little People! maybe they'll invite me over to play sometime?
14. I really want to listen to Christmas music but it's hard to be motivated since I haven't even begun to decorate my house.
15. I'm feeling very blessed to have wonderful family members who are always willing to help the Kubatski's out when needed. (Yes, I'm sucking up to the in-laws right now for reasons that will be divulged soon.)
16. Next week is the fall finale of GLEE. I hope you've all be watching - at least those of you who have been a part of the show choir family. It's a great show.
17. The Polack and I booked a trip to Vegas with some friends. Vegas baby, Vegas!
18. I still haven't figured out how to handle the boy scout popcorn incident. Money is due Sunday so I need to get a move on it. I was hoping the magical boy scout prince would come take care of everything for me but unfortunately, that hasn't happened. What? What do you mean there's no boy scout prince? Why didn't anyone tell me that?!?
19. What a difference a generation makes regarding technology use. We got our phone bill the other day. Mia sent over 3000 texts in one month (compared to my usage which is around 400). Her voice usage? ONE MINUTE. For the whole month - that was it!
20. Summary: Snuggies are funny, I have great childhood memories, there are ways I fail and succeed as a mom, quilting/iPhone apps/ska/Vegas = awesomeness, and holy cow 3000 texts seems like a lot.
Can't get enough randomness? Then check out Global Keewee at Unsolicited Opinions.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Black Friday
We decided Mia's year in America wouldn't be complete without experiencing Black Friday. This is the third year I went and I have to say, I actually enjoy the adventure. I never set my expectations high, I go with a plan, and people are generally in a good mood. We left the house at 4:45am and headed to Target. It was super cold out and we arrived a few minutes before 5. The line was halfway around the store so we opted to wait in the car until everyone got in the store. We were still able to get everything we wanted. After Target was Kohl's and then the Mall.
I think Mia had a great time. The girl loves to shop and she was on a mission to buy her brother (and herself!) some clothes. Everything is so much cheaper here so she felt like she really scored some deals. She did the most damage at the Buckle and while I couldn't fathom spending $25 on a t-shirt, she felt like she hit the jackpot. A similar t-shirt in Norway would cost nearly $100.
Here's a quick shot of our loot.
Look at how pretty Mia is despite getting up at 4am. I was sweat pants!
Celebrations
A group of our friends decided to split up the holiday's this year and take turns hosting everyone. The Polack and I volunteered for Thanksgiving and decided on an ADD (apps, desserts, and drinks) gathering. There were eight of us - the perfect number, mostly because we can fit eight comfortably around our table.
The food was so yummy!
After eating we decided to play a game. Right away the boys said "boys against girls". Very interesting considering they got stomped on in both Cranium AND Guesstures.
Eight people and seven bottles of wine consumed. Hmmmmm.... it's a good thing I didn't have to work the next day.
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