WhataTrip

Berry Berry Best Friend!

2013-02-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

We are late (as usual these days) in posting about our super fun day at the Strawberry Shortcake concert and super delicious, pink-infused per concert VIP party and the concert after!

When we arrived at the Nokia Theater's upstairs lounge, the room was up-lit in pink, and we were treated to mini strawberry shortcake desserts, naturally, and pink chocolate chip cookies and lemonade. We had some time to sit on the very cushy and intimate round sofas with our friends before being whisked into the theater.

Being Strawberry Shortcake's first live show, we were excited to see what would happen! We enjoyed the Doodlebops' opening act and hanging with our friends! A big THANKS to Hollywood Hot Moms for the invitation!

"Follow Your Berry Own Beat” Kicked off January 13^th

and Features Special Guest Stars The Doodlebops

New York – November 27, 2012 – Everyone's berry best friend Strawberry Shortcake makes her North American theatrical debut next year in Koba Entertainment’s all-new musical production, Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat . The live show was written, choreographed and directed by Koba’s Artistic Director, and theater veteran, Patti Caplette. Randy Bachman (The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive) along with his daughter Lorelei Bachman co-wrote two brand new songs for Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat that are guaranteed to have families dancing in the aisles. Strawberry Shortcake, a favorite of little girls and moms alike for over 30 years, will be played onstage by Toronto native Amelia Sirianni.

The production also brings to life her best friends Orange Blossom, Lemon Meringue, Blueberry Muffin, Raspberry Torte, Plum Pudding, and Cherry Jam and features original and fan favorite songs from the hit TV show, “Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures,” currently airing on The Hub network in the U.S. The musical adventure takes audiences to the whimsical land of Berry Bitty City where the whole town is buzzing with anticipation for the Glitzy Glaze Talent Show.

“Strawberry Shortcake has been a part of children’s lives for decades,” says Caplette. “This show is the first time families will be able to see the world’s most famous little girl live on stage.”

“We are excited to bring Strawberry Shortcake to life in an exciting new stage production that showcases her berry bubbly personality and musical talent while inspiring young girls to do big things,” said Lindsay Martinez, director of licensing and business development for American Greetings Properties, the intellectual property and outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM), the global rights holder for the Strawberry Shortcake brand.

Before the girls of Berry Bitty City hit the stage, theatergoers will warm up their singing voices and stretch their dancing muscles with the touring cast of the Doodlebops. Responding to calls from their legions of clamoring fans, Rooney, Moe and Dee Dee Doodle take to the stage in a live concert performance that will get the whole audience movin’ and groovin’.

North American Tour Dates

February 19 – Guelph, ON – River Run Centre (6:30pm)

February 20 – London, ON – Centennial Hall (6:30pm)

February 21 – Windsor, ON - Chrysler Theatre (6:30pm)

February 22 – Chatham, ON - Chatham Capitol Theatre (6:30pm)

February 23 – Hamilton, ON - Hamilton Place (1:00pm)

February 24 – Kingston, ON - Grand Theatre (1:00pm)

February 26 – Cornwall, ON - Aultsville Theatre (6:30pm)

February 27 – Ottawa, ON - Centrepointe Theatre (6:30pm)

February 28 – Peterborough, ON - Showplace Performance Theatre (6:30pm)

March 2 - Belleville, ON - Empire Theatre (1:00pm)

March 3 – Oshawa, ON - Regent Theatre (1:00pm)

March 9 – Wallingford, CT - Toyota Presents The Oakdale Theatre (1:00pm)

March 10 – Westbury, NY - Theater at Westbury (1:00pm)

March 17 - Grand Rapids, MI - Devos Performance Hall (1:00pm)

Twilight Sparkle's Coronation!

2013-02-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

I must admit I have never really watched My Little Pony. My daughter isn't particularly into it either, BUT, she IS very much into horses. So when we had the opportunity to attend The Hub TV Network “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic” Coronation Concert for Twilight Sparkle, the newest My Little Pony, we decide to go. Joining us were two friends and their daughters, so it was a girls day. It was great fun! And thanks to OC Mom Blog for the tickets!

Everyone in the audience received a goody bag complete with princess supplies: a crown, wand, bubbles, sparkles confetti and a noisemaker. There were live performances by the by the USC a cappella group The SoCal VoCals, as well as celebrity guests and talent from the show, including:

· Halle Berry with daughter Nahla Aubry and Olivier Martinez

· Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan as our special event host

· Special guest Olympic Gold Medalist Carmelita Jeter

· Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (“Modern Family”)

· Chloe Noelle (“True Blood”)

· Jason Priestley (“Beverly Hills 90210”)

· The voice of Twilight Sparkle herself Tara Strong

· Head writer and creator of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic Meghan McCarthy

· And the musical genius behind the show Daniel Ingram

· Margaret Loesch, President and CEO of The Hub TV Network

We discovered the characters: Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity, and at intervals during the screening, we were instructed to blow bubbles, wave our wands and toss confetti. After the show we met Miss America, Mallory Hagan. She was very warm and hugged all the little girls and never lost her smile. I had expected to watch a cartoon and ended up having a really good time with my and my daughter's friends! Unfortunately our cable company does not offer HubTV, so we'll miss the official debut on TV. But our sneak peek and girls day was well worth it!

Today's Finds

2012-11-26T22:51:00.001-08:00

It's been quite awhile since I wrote anything here. Today I came across: a friend I haven't seen for a long time, a barista who doesn't drink coffee, my own perseverance, and this item of clothing. Apparently Caltrans is now fashion statement. Maybe I should write more often.

The Night I Almost Killed My Metal Chicken

2012-06-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

How is it the tiniest of gnats can outmatch a kitchen dishtowel and a five foot seven human? I’ll tell you. Gnats must be some kind of super bug. Every time I go near my kitchen sink I see them. Flying around smugly, over my sink, around the kitchen. Not a lot. Just a few. I swat at them, think I have solved the problem, and move on with my activities. But after a few of these incidences, I began to feel like the ne’er do well in a cartoon. The bumbling one who always insists that he sees the Pink Panther or some other character that no one else can see. Or like Gladys Kravitz, always screaming for Abner to come see the witch and magic happenings on her street. Only to have it all disappear just in time for any and everyone else to arrive and not believe her.

Sitting on my kitchen counter, my poor Beyonce-wanna-be chicken bore the brunt of a few choice swats. I was pulling the shredded towel strings from her wiry beak, and that’s when I started to think I had a problem. If the chicken is in danger, things are going downhill. I snap my towel. I wash some dishes. I see another one. I squint, knowing if I hold very still, the million mega-seeing eyes bugs possess will not even perceive my breathing. Then I can go in for a fast thwap! Of the towel and rid my kitchen of these invaders forever. Ha, ha, ha.

Then I discovered a small congregation of them on my soap dispenser. Finally, I figured out what the source of the problem was. It’s bad my friends. It’s gotten so that the most miniscule speck of dust snaps my head any direction. My scalp and skin itch when I miss. My subconscious (or not) is sure they are coming to rest on me instead of the shutters or counter, just to add insult to injury.

In one particularly embarrassing moment, I took aim at my own reflection in the counter top backsplash, certain I was about to deliver the final and victorious blow. Finally, convinced I’ve ridded myself of these creatures, I tossed my head back and closed my eyes, opening them only to find another one has decided to alight on the upper reaches of a cabinet door. What, you think my towel can’t reach that high you insouciant interloper? HA! Oh great. I’m talking to bugs. Or dust. And I have bad aim. And my neck hurts.

Ewww, Why Am I Eating This Crap??

2012-03-09T14:26:00.001-08:00

My post today over at MOMS LA. I'm probably crazy, but then, so is this.

Contests, silly or fun?

2012-02-27T15:42:00.002-08:00

I entered a contest. Silly or fun?

I don't enter a lot of contests. Can't keep up with all the requirements. But I realllly want some new furniture. I like the look of the stuff on Epoch Designs. Crossing my fingers!

My New Social Network

2012-02-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

I have a whole new group of friends. It took me awhile to get all of their names straight. There were so many of them, and almost all at once. They were all colors, shapes and sizes, and while I didn’t lack a social life before, I now found myself befriending many types of animals and creatures as well. It was a strange new world, getting to know them all and getting up to speed with all of their likes and dislikes. They rarely leave my house, but unlike stereotypical houseguests, they never leave wet towels anywhere, they don’t have any special dietary requirements, and they don’t mind sleeping in a heap from time to time. Of course, not once has one of them ever offered to clean up, but I guess you can’t win them all. Isn’t it enough to keep up with Facebook, Twitter, school friends, skating friends, the local baristas, people at my husband’s office . . . just anyone I need to remember. But this? This I didn’t see coming.

Barney was first on the scene. He was easy to remember because, well, he was large and blinded us with his personal shade of purple. Then came Old Panda, followed by Hopkins the frog (Hop-Hop for short). This tiny green frog began dominating our every move. Can’t get in the car without Hop-Hop! Can’t go to bed without Hop Hop! The Panda family had to keep up with the Frogs-es, and grew steadily as Baby Panda, Amanda Panda, New Panda, another Baby Panda, Little Panda and Crawley (don’t ask) joined the fray.

Not wanting to be outdone, the frogs leaped ahead with Eggo, Stripey, KK Frog, Kermit and some large ball of green fur that has yet to be named. Barney, thankfully, didn’t bring along any friends.

Eventually this crew allowed other species to make their way into the living room, but not into the kids’ beds. That is sacred territory. Only a spaceman of extreme worthiness could bridge that gap, and his landing occurred in late 2009.

Buzz Lightyear’s leadership relegated the miscellaneous monkeys and zoo creatures that had filled in the gap between birthday and Christmas to a small pop up tent, seemingly content to lie in a heap of inattention. Then Barbie made her grand entrance and all hell broke loose.

She pranced in and guess who wasn’t far behind? Princesses, with all their accompanying pink and sparkly paraphernalia. Anyone who knows me knows I love pink. But at first glance, I wanted to ask, “Who shot the bottle of Pepto Bismal?” The inanimate amongst us built a small village in my living room, but the good news is that they now had their own mobility options. Trucks and cars of varying behaviors parked themselves on the Thomas table and under chairs. A garbage truck aptly named ‘I Stink!’ by my son became the preferred mode of transport for a small giraffe named, oh hell, I have no idea what his name is.

Alas, my head swimming in more names than I’ll ever remember and more faces daily that blur my eyes are now the audience to which I must cater. Who gets to sleep in bed? Who gets to go in the car? Who watches you eat breakfast? No, they can’t go to school with you. You have real friends there. I know, I know, these friends ARE real. Sigh. I just sometimes wish my kids had imaginary friends. They would be far less messy, could go anywhere with us at any time (except the bathroom – PLEASE LET ME PEE IN PEACE!!), and I’d never trip over them or take an unexpected ride across the living room, face first into the couch because they got left behind in the rush of everyone trying to play with the same toy at once.

I rarely have time to talk on the phone, and without Facebook I might have less of that aforementioned 'social life'. But when I see the wonder on my children’s faces as they talk to Charlotte, Hazel, Stripey, Eggo, Hop Hop or whoever, and make up stories to create this ‘real’ environment, I have to pause and wonder. These stuffed friends remain in previous centuries, blissfully unaware of digital friendship. It’s like they know something about being face to face. Despite the fact that they are so loved they almost have no faces left. Hmmm.

Rescue Bots

2012-02-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

I thought his head would explode when I told Chase we were invited to preview the new Transformers (Hub TV) show, “Rescue Bots”. Held at the L.A. Fire Dept. Historical Museum in Hollywood, at Station 27, the museum alone would have been enough to bring it to fever pitch. Featuring several antique fire trucks, engines, a huge collection of old fire hoses, hats, uniforms and displays of equipment, there was so much to see. We explored the large than life statues in the courtyard,

examining the detail of fire hoses and uniforms, then made our way inside and upstairs to have a snack and watch Rescue Bots.

Cushy bean bags had been set up for viewers and I have to say I was surprised that the show was pretty well done. The writing was good (even some humor for parents) and the characters were interesting. My son was captivated.

Afterward I had the opportunity to interview a few of the voice actors from the show. Chase helped me, asking Elan Garfias and DC Douglas if they liked their jobs. He was most interested in DC Douglas, the voice of ‘Police Bot, Chase’. I could see him trying to figure out how the same voice came out of this tall man AND the cartoon on screen, and has his same name. Then he wandered off to check out the hats again.

Garfias’ parents got him into his first voiceover job at five years old, feeding him the lines because he couldn’t read. DC Douglas’ resonant voice made for a great conversation, during which he shared his favorite childhood cartoon to be Speed Racer.

Also on hand was Maurice La Marche, famed Canadian stand up comic and voiceover veteran.

He was as kind as could be and super friendly, sharing his experiences in the voiceover world and his excitement at seeing that what he had voiced (Chief Burns) worked well in Rescue Bots. With credits such as the original Beany & Cecil, Dennis the Menace and the uncredited role of Buddy's Belch in Elf (2003), La Marche has thrice portrayed Orson Welles in "The Critic" (1994), Ed Wood (1994) and “The Simpsons-Treehouse of Horror XVII” (2006). He also provided voices for the 1984 "Transformers" series, the film of which was Welles' last performance. La Marche is only the third person in history, and the second in the last 50 years, to be the official voice of Popeye.

The series premiere of “Transformers Rescue Bots” will be Saturday, February 18th at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT on The Hub. Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. I was invited to attend the screening through Moms LA. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

Most ridiculous statement ever.

"Tony Bennett, the evening's first performer, recounted other recent big-name deaths in the music industry. 'First it was Michael Jackson, then Amy Winehouse, now the magnificent Whitney Houston,' he said. 'Let's legalize drugs, like Amsterdam. It's a very sane city now.'"

Following the death of Whitney Houston, the pre-Grammy celebration at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, music industry celebrities and executives paid tribute to Houston. I am appalled that as a society we know what drugs and alcohol do to your body. The way they ravage and destroy your life. And yet someone like Tony Bennett has the nerve to make this statement. As if the reason for Ms. Houston's death would have been acceptable if drugs were legalized. Whether or not she perished from prescription medications directly or not, she clearly struggled to overcome her addictions.

For anyone fighting their demons, this is a slap in the face and an utterly ignorant thing to say. I have lost all respect for Tony Bennett.

2012-02-03T18:19:00.001-08:00

My post today at Hopeful Parents.

2011-12-31T10:49:00.000-08:00

Friends are so important. Not just during the holidays, but all the time. Here's my end of the year take on it. Simple and sweet.
"Let's Rediscover Why We're Best Friends"

Just Like That.

2011-12-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

The day after my children went on holiday break, one of their teachers died. It was certainly a shock to hear that a beautiful, 32 year-old would suddenly be gone from us, just like that. As I thought about how we would never again see her sunshiny face as we arrived at school in the mornings, I realized that my three year olds were going to need to know she would no longer be there. Initially I was not concerned, thinking that they are too young to handle death just yet. But as the weight of her death settled on me, I realized that they had seen her nearly five days a week for most of a year, more than they had seen most of our family members. As sad as the circumstances are, I was now feeling more weighted down by the news as it churned in my heart. How do you explain death to a small child?

Will they understand? Will they be affected or not? Our family is not religious, but I also realized they would overhear things at school. Words like ‘soul’, ‘heaven’, ‘angel’, ‘die, ‘death’ and more. I am not opposed to using any of those, but as with so many of life’s uncertainties, I had expected these would be used at a later time in their little lives. And maybe not all at once.

At first I told them simply that she would not be there when they got back to school. I figured telling them as soon as possible would give them time to digest it. Then I reflected that they had had therapists who stopped working with them, babysitters who were suddenly no longer there and grandparents who live far away that they don’t see often. So maybe this wouldn’t be a shock to them. I told them she had to go somewhere else, and that she loved them and was so very happy to be their teacher. I asked them to draw pictures and ‘bye bye’ cards for her family, and they did. Then they asked if they could resume playing. Just like that.

The school has given us guidance information about what they will be sharing with the kids. Brief, truthful statements, and a ‘we don’t have an answer for that’ if something gets questioned beyond what the school wants to say. They are being very respectful of different people’s personal beliefs and I am grateful for that. In About Dying, An Open Family Book for Parents and Children Together, Sara Bonnett Stein offers some good advice: “It is the job of parents to support and explain reality, to guide a child toward the truth even if it is painful . . . it is only straightforwardness that gives children the internal strength to deal with things not as they imagine them to be, but as they are.” One of my favorite quotes from Anaïs Nin is, "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are”. Would that we lived in a bubble that protected our children from the big bad world forever. Somewhere in between these two quotes lies dealing with life.

Tomorrow is Kelly’s funeral. Although I am sad she is gone, I’m not sure it has truly hit me. When school begins again next week, my children will be exposed to others’ grief, and my instinct is to shield them from it as long as possible. But I know kids are very resilient, and learning to deal with life’s eventualities, some harsher than others, will help them be strong as they grow. So tonight we sat down with them and said the words, “Miss Kelly died”. They stared at us. “Miss Kelly’s body stopped working.” More stares. Then, “Miss Kelly’s body stopped working so she had to go somewhere else Mommy?” I swallowed hard. “Yes, baby.” They repeated this question a few times. Then, “Mommy, can I play with my toys now?”

I will follow their lead, and be there to help them. We will honor her memory, and we will go on.

Just like that.

I Don’t Cook

2011-11-20T12:46:00.001-08:00

I don’t cook a lot. Ok, I don’t cook at all. The only thing I cook well is the most amazing fudge you ever tasted that I only make in December. So when I was invited to dinner by the lovely and enjoyable Kim Tracy Prince, I was looking forward to meeting some other blogger ladies, trying some new food and not having to cook or clean up. It was a nice departure from my usual ‘hang out at my computer until I can’t stay awake any longer’ routine after the kids are in bed.

My stomach wasn’t as agreeable that night as I had hoped it would be, so I had to forego the fabulous looking cocktails in favor of Perrier. A little lemon spiced that right up.

We all ordered different items and shared, and it was as delectable as it was beautiful. I had to laugh at the restaurant name, Buddha’s Belly, because the image conjured up immediately smacks of a full tummy. I’m ok with that. I like food. Especially when someone else is cooking. But I hoped I wouldn’t come away looking like I had a Buddha belly. Not to worry! The food was filling but light, and I left feeling just right. Makes me wonder if I did cook, would my family feel this way? Probably not. I’ve been not cooking for, well, a long time. Why ruin a good thing?

I ordered the Mint Chicken, and not being a fan of mint, I thought that was daring of me. I was pleasantly surprised at the mild flavor of the mint, and loving the cilantro in it. It had a cooling taste that didn’t overwhelm, and the chicken was moist. I tried the Shao Bing as well, which at first glance looked like a paninni.

Again, light flavor but satisfying. My only regret is not following it up with a swish of the Zen Garden (see above). Don’t talk to my scale, but even the rice didn’t weigh me down. Dessert was another story. Have you ever tried Green Tea Tiramisu? If not, you MUST.

Yes, that’s an order. Between that and sampling the chocolate fondue with Margaret Andrews, I pretty much left thinking that I would be eating at Buddha’s Belly from now on.

You can see my arm in the background of several pictures posted by the talented and charming bloggers from dinner that night: Jessica Bern, Florinda Vasquez and Suebob Davis. However, as life with triplets would dictate, eating at restaurants is a treat, not a way of life. The ambience in the restaurant was at a comfortable level.

But let’s face it, most places are quieter than my house. As to not create a disturbance in the fusion cuisine force field, I could not in good conscience bring my brood there. I do plan on returning for a date night, girls night out, or just to try the beverages I missed out on. Oh, and to not have to cook.

I Won!!

2011-10-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

I won!! I recently had the chance to be in a vintage/Mad Men style fashion show at the Anaheim Convention Center. What a blast!

(Photo courtesy of OC Blogger Bash)

As one of three bloggers in the OC Blogger Bash fashion show, I had a fitting with Queen of Heartz designer, Letty Tennant, and a vintage hair/make up session for the show.

My dear friend Gina came along for the ride and dubbed herself my ‘personal paparazzi’. She snapped picture after picture of the hired models, myself and the other bloggers, as we practiced riding the convention center's long escalator into the lobby where the party was held.

I met the fabulous and wonderful Romy Schorr of Romy Raves, and Heather Petrey of LAFashionSnob, and the three of us had so much fun. Was I nervous? No way. I have three-year old triplets. Nothing scares me. Ok, only partially true. Falling off my three-inch heels? That scares me. Definitely not the trip I wanted. I have a not-so-secret love affair with drugstore flip-flops. I never wear heels let alone socks or stockings. And although my smile may have belied the perch off of which I was afraid to topple, I managed to stay vertical. My real concern was holding my stomach in after I enjoyed a delicious peanut butter and jelly shake whipped up at the party’s ‘classic car hop.’ WOW was that good! But bad move to have it before the fashion show.

Show time! Romy, accompanied by two of the ‘Daily Hot Guys’ on her descent into stardom, blew kisses to the crowd. Heather, sporting one of her custom made vintage hats, looked every inch a true model. Then it was my turn. I couldn’t see anything with the spotlight in my eyes, so I smiled, hoping my stomach didn’t stick out more than my kids have already stretched it, and did a little twirl on the floor. Whew, gravity didn’t have its way with me, and back up the escalator we went. Camera flashes blinked, we posed, turned, posed some more, and then, it was over. It was oh so amazing and fun! I wanted to go again.

The party was in progress as we headed down to join the fun after the show, where the stunning Kim Tracy Prince won a best dressed award, the MomsLA founders, Yvonne, Elise and Sarah, looked gorgeous, along with Caryn, Adrienne, Alexandra and many more stylish ladies!

The Anaheim CVB and MomsLA outdid themselves with the giveaways and atmosphere. Everyone got tickets to Knott’s and I won tickets to Disneyland and a bowling package. Seems our next OC trip will involve strollers, wipes, juice boxes and chasing down Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse. I don’t get out to many events, but this step back in time was very enjoyable. Orange County knows how to put on a good time! Plus, I got to spend a day with a friend I rarely see. Though the party was 'in the past', that was the real present.

Moms L.A./OC Blogger Bash Recap

2011-10-15T09:33:00.001-07:00

Yvonne Condes' recap of a great night of fun!

Cheating is Cheating

2011-10-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

I did it. I admit. I have been so good for so long. I stayed on the straight and narrow, but then . . . I just couldn’t hold back any longer. Oh geez did it feel so good too. I melted as I reveled in the forbidden. Afterwards I felt shame, regret and I was just plain disappointed in myself. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But it doesn’t count on vacation, does it? It was just the one time. It didn’t mean anything. I wont do it again.

Or will I?

Read more here at Moms L.A.

Come Together

2011-10-01T20:19:00.001-07:00

I only just met her. The other ladies I know have been helping her for awhile. Although Kim has cancer, this was bigger. It was about people, women, moms, families, coming together. Do we always need a reason? Maybe. If we have one does it make it easier to donate time, effort and items for a cause? Maybe. I am rarely tempted to donate money to organizations or individuals. I tend to be more local than global. Some may not agree with that, but I know for sure that I can do only what I can do. My first priority has to be my family. Anything I can do beyond that I’ll do. In this case, I not only wanted to help, I was compelled. That is much stronger word, and one I listen to when it comes from my gut.

What I saw was an amazing collective of talents. A fashion show, bake sales, a petting zoo, food trucks, an auction and more. All under the hot sun on a beautiful California summer day. The birthday party before the park event was a great success as well, with live Star Wars characters there to help her four-year old boy celebrate in style. Light sabers for the kids, a very artistic cake and lots of yummy snacks and treats. A woman who was told she would not live to see this birthday was there with her trademark shining smile. The goose bumps rose on my arm as I watched her happiness burst out of every pore. Funds raised that day will help her medical expenses as she fights the ugly creature trying to stop her from seeing her son’s next birthday. Star Wars seemed a fitting theme, plastic light sabers for the kids to battle the bogeyman, as we made a community light saber with our donations and time, and prepare to take collective aim at Kim’s cancer.

Crack

2011-10-01T20:16:00.001-07:00

“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
~ Leonard Cohen

Most days I feel pretty good. I’m on top of things. I’m organized. Everyone said things would be easier once the kids got a bit older. Mostly I have a vague recollection of these being people who did not have triplets. There was a brief lull in time where I did believe that was true, and we seemed to be coasting along on a nice wave. It got tough again, then it calmed. Lots of amazing therapists helped, so did the occasional glass of wine. We rely on humor, and that gets us through quite a bit. The not so good days seemed to be drifting farther behind us. But lately it feels like the bad days are creeping back in, and time for recovery from the down side is getting squelched. Today it felt like they were taking over.

We are in the process of obtaining behavioral services for our son, and our daughter, who had intensive behavioral therapy last year, has started having more sensory and processing issues again. Last time I wrote about the noise. I missed the signs of her ramping up to this. Between then and now it has started to feel like no amount of wine or chocolate could possibly take the edge off days with multiple meltdowns, grunting and shrieking instead of talking, and endless spinning in circles to feed her vestibular system. I actually cried tonight. I felt like I was going to crack. And it takes a lot for me to get there. But here I am. Banking on humor, I allowed the corner of my mouth to lift slightly as I told my husband I am planning to willfully become an alcoholic. I am not an addictive person, and I know that isn’t funny to many people. But in that moment I was willing to trade how I felt for how the latter might feel because I was overwhelmed and wanted an escape.

I am so very grateful for my husband. We bail each other out when it gets rough, and he bailed me out. I feel like the world’s worst mother if I can’t manage a conflict between my own three year olds. But this isn't just a conflict. I try to remember that the issues are neurological and not always situational. I try to take my own deep breaths and count to 10. But when I lose it, or yell, or have to walk away, I am left with a feeling of regret that I cannot enjoy my children. It breaks my heart when I can’t find a way to reach them in the midst of their anxiety. It breaks my soul when I realize my limitations, and I feel selfish for being limited. I know it will pass, like a teacup that has broken and been repaired. But I will be tea-worthy again, ready to have more poured in. You’ll only see the crack if you look closely.

Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Everywhere!

2011-07-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

I used to get chided when I was in the corporate world for not having a messy desk. I had 10 in-boxes, one for each department I managed. I turned paperwork sideways so it stuck out if it was urgent. Everything else got prioritized below that. Then I could just grab what I needed without digging through a pile of junk, old coffee cups and my phone cord (as if my desk would ever look like that). I was often accused of having nothing to do. That wasn’t the case, I just got things done fast. I was often bored.

So when Storitz, the leader in Los Angeles Self Storage, asked me to record my take on cleaning for them, I took a deep breath (coughed a little from some dust and fuzz bunnies), and thought about that. Things aren’t as ‘tidy’ as back in the day when I wore suits and heels. Not sure what to lead with. We have a 14 year-old stepson, three-year old triplets. And I’m a type A who loves things in order. Is that even possible?

I tend to move from room to room over a few days, grouping things together then I move back in the same circle and go through the groups, first sorting, then divesting our lives of unnecessary junk. Did I really think I needed that sunflower salt and pepper shaker set I bought when - geez, I can’t even remember when I bought it. Sigh. I am most motivated when I can no longer stand the clutter. I start tossing toys into bins and magazines into the trash. In the beginning, I did my kids’ share. Then I realized I didn’t have to. I am pretty darn fast at putting things away, and I am extremely efficient. I do a bunch of things well, but I am exceptional at keeping things organized. Apple, meet tree. They could learn to do this too.

My life is crazy busy, and quite full. There is always something to clean, straighten and organize. And I am never bored! Tired, but never bored. And I don’t have to ever wear nylons again.

Bake Me a Cake As Fast As You Can . . .

2011-07-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

Click here to read a recent post I wrote on Yahoo. Enjoy!

Kids Like This

2011-07-20T20:11:00.001-07:00

What does that mean? My son’s occupational therapist said that the other day in passing, and I know she meant it as a general catch-all about disabled children. But it got me to thinking. Ok, first my defensiveness rose up and I thought, “What do you mean KIDS LIKE THIS??” Then I took a deep breath, which is what I often have my kids do to help them navigate out of a meltdown (which sometimes works). Isn’t it easier to have an opinion about someone or something when it doesn’t affect you directly? So I wondered, what IS my kid like?

I guess I don’t think of my child as a ‘kid like this’. If I am to value his uniqueness, I won’t define him by his Cerebral Palsy, or any of his other diagnoses. Sure, it’s a fact of his life, but so are his blue eyes. I also don’t think of my children as triplets. They are my three children. Who happened to be born at the same time. However, this IS the way it is. Therapy, doctors, insurance, babysitters and planning are part of what we do, just like another kid’s parents plan soccer classes, ballet, skating or homework time. So what does ‘this’ mean? Is he the same as other kids with CP? Is he the same as other three year olds? Triplets? Boys? First born?

He’s funny, charming, sweet, annoying at times, tiring when he wants to walk and my back hurts but I have to help him anyway, smart when I hear him sing the ABCs in French, and three years old when he is screaming in therapy that he wants to stop working and go home and refuses to unfurl his affected hand or walk. Seems normal to me.

‘This’ is what my kid is ‘like’.

Paris . . . ahhhhh

2011-06-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris

My very favorite city!

What If . . .

2011-06-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am a realist with a Pollyanna streak. But I ‘what if’d’ myself silly the first year of my kids’ life.

What if . . .
- I’d only had one baby?
- There had been no complications at birth?
- I didn’t have to drag to therapy every day now?
- What if my son never walks?
- What if my daughter always has behavior issues?
- What if I had the time and energy to just make it through a Zumba class?

The list goes on.

Expectations can really mess you up. At some point I realized the only thing I should have been expecting was the babies. We gave ourselves the first year to grieve what our vision of parenthood had been. Then we resolved not to talk about it near the kids so they would not pick up any negativity. Then it was sort of a grieving process again, trying to bite my tongue, find other ways to say things in front of the kids and manage myself.

What if . . . the possibilities are endless. Mostly not good things. But . . . what if . . . the good thing(s) happened? Indeed, what if . . .

Hopeful Parents

2011-05-02T07:52:00.001-07:00

Please join me today at Hopeful Parents. Click here to read "For Sport"

Mommies Can't Get Sick

2011-04-02T07:37:00.001-07:00

Mommies can’t get sick. That’s about all I can say. For someone who talks a lot, I feel like I don’t have a whole lot more to say right now. Maybe because I’m so tired. The past month has seen two of my triplets in the hospital for pneumonia, and the third with two ear infections. When the first one got out of the hospital, I was back in with the next one 36 hours later. Same room, same bed, same nurses. I felt like putting our name on the door. If you don’t already know it, a hospital is the least restful place there is. Between the vital sign checks every four hours, the 0-dark-thirty blood draws so labs can be processed and ready before the doctors make rounds, the janitorial staff tidying up at 7am to ‘get your day started’, and the early doctor visit to discuss said labs, I felt like I was studying for finals in college all over again. Without the junk food and the loud music. And that was just me. Sleep was not on the orders for anyone.

My CP daughter has sensory issues, and I was all geared up for her to resist the IV, the blood draw, breathing treatments and just about anything else they might throw in. She didn’t. She was an angel. She spoke in a quiet, gentle little voice and asked me to hold her and for help when she needed it. What a relief. She was out in a little under four days. Her NDA brother on the other hand, became feral after breathing treatments, kicking me, screaming at the top of his lungs, throwing things and generally not inhabiting his own body. Not sure who was in there but it wasn’t “Mommy’s Little Snowflake”. Six days later . . .

. . . everyone is on antibiotics, doctor follow ups completed and fevers down . . . my daughter gets another chest x-ray to find out part of her lung has collapsed. More breathing treatments and a new medication. My husband has come down with bronchitis and our teenager has a cold. Everyone has kindly offered to help, and oh how I wish there was something anyone else could do. But they can’t. Just have to ride it out. We are all incredulous that I have not gotten sick. Especially after spending two weeks in a hospital room. So I guess I said a bit more than I thought I would, but I’ll say this again because apparently it's true: Mommies can’t get sick.