Lola has been saving her money since last fall with the intention of someday purchasing her own laptop computer. With cash gleaned from the Tooth Fairy, Christmas monetary gifts and her weekly allowance she had saved almost $250.00. The Laptop Fund was still growing when one day last week as we were wandering through the aisles of Costco she said, “Mom, I decided I don’t want a laptop. I want an iPod.”
I said, “You have an iPod - - the MP3 you got for your birthday last year.”
“No, I want one that plays video, too.” She pointed to the rack with the brightly colored Apple iPod display. “Like those. I want an Apple iPod.”
I thought about it and told her I’d help her research the best price for what she is looking for. We checked the price at Costco, then I checked the price at Apple to get a baseline as to what the normal price was, then looked online at the different stores’ prices. Lola decided she didn’t want to mail-order it over the internet, but instead she wanted to take her money to the store and quite literally make the purchase herself.
Last Friday I was talking with my boss about electronic devices and I remembered that Lola was enormously mesmerized by the iPhone that had recently come out. She was most enamored by the fact it could play music, store games, show video, surf the net and make calls. I also remembered that the iPod Touch was just like the iPhone, but minus the phone part. From my research talking to others and checking online, it seemed that perhaps Lola would be most satisfied with this device. That evening I asked her if she still liked the iPhone. Her response was, “Well, Duhhhhh,” with a huge laugh. I told her about the iPod Touch that has all but the phone and she was nearly drooling. “Oh, MOM!!! Can we go get one NOW???” She ran upstairs and brought her money down to re-count it. I reminded her of the 7% tax here in the state of Georgia and she immediately got pencil and paper and figured out how much she would have to add to the cost of the iPod to get the total cost. Once figured, she counted out that much rounded up to the nearest dollar and off we went to Costco (which seemed to be the best deal around).
Once we got the iPod home and charged up/registered and set up on iTunes, I found that this is a pretty amazing little thing! Games can be added to it from the website, many of which are free. She has accessed YouTube to bookmark some of her favorite Russian music videos. Later when we have some time on the weekend I’ll upload some songs for her on it. We can store photos and movies and all kinds of things on this device. She absolutely loves it and understands very well that it is not to ever leave the house unless we are on a weekend trip or vacation. I am actually so impressed with it now I want one, too!!! I told Lola I will do the same as she did and save up my spare change and create Mama’s iPod Fund!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Pet Peeve
Can someone PLEASE tell me how a cell phone call can be so important that it is necessary to take the call while sitting on a toilet in a public restroom? There are a number of reasons I can list to justify the rudeness of this action, but for the sake of brevity and me not getting up on the soapbox, I'll include the most obvious ones here:
1) No one else in the bathroom wants to hear the telephone conversation.
2) This is just a guess, but the person on the other end of the call does not want to be subjected to the detailed sounds of a public restroom.
3) Isn't the person in the restroom on the phone even just the slight bit embarrassed about any possible 'accidental' noises they may emit?
4) What if the person in the restroom drops the phone in the toilet? I guess this one would be the solution to all of the above...
The biggest question is - - - IS NOTHING PRIVATE ANYMORE!????
1) No one else in the bathroom wants to hear the telephone conversation.
2) This is just a guess, but the person on the other end of the call does not want to be subjected to the detailed sounds of a public restroom.
3) Isn't the person in the restroom on the phone even just the slight bit embarrassed about any possible 'accidental' noises they may emit?
4) What if the person in the restroom drops the phone in the toilet? I guess this one would be the solution to all of the above...
The biggest question is - - - IS NOTHING PRIVATE ANYMORE!????
The Greatest Consumer-Driven, Overpriced, and Overly Dramatic Show on Earth
Ok, in spite of Lola aching from her riding mishap, she felt well enough to go to the circus yesterday afternoon. I had been able to secure a couple tickets a few weeks ago by making a small charitable donation to a rather well-known organization and for doing so two tickets would be held at the will-call window for us. Lola had mentioned every now and again over the past few months that she loved going to the circus in Russia and would like to attend one here.
So we hopped on the MARTA train and went to Philips Arena to the circus. Thankfully the seats were like movie theater seats and very cushy, so Lola was fairly comfortable. Aside from the food being outrageously overpriced ($12 for cotton candy and a silly Dr. Seuss-looking hat included and $7 for a box of popcorn) and the ringmaster being a personality double for William Shatner, complete with the ego and overdramatization of his lines, the circus was quite enjoyable! Lola laughed at one of the silly characters so much that she hurt more from laughing than from the tumble off her horse! We enjoyed acrobats, tigers, elephants, horses, dogs and even a porcupine! We took lots of photos and a few videos so we could show both Chris and Kim the next time we saw them.
It really was a fun afternoon, and on the way home Lola sat in my lap on the train and waved out the window at all the cars driving on the freeway.
That evening she was still quite sore so she sacked out on my bed and later Sabbie came up and did his kneading routine on her tummy (this cat does it with all four paws - - quite an interesting approach) and fell asleep right beside her as we watched TV.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Horse Mishap
Lola had a wonderful surprise this morning during horseback riding lessons. Rather than riding Bandit, her usual horse since about October of last year, she was excited to find out she was going to ride Apache, her all-time favorite horse. She loves Apache more than all the other horses because he likes to trot, and does so willingly, whereas it is necessary at times to almost kick the tar out of Bandit to get him to do even a lazy trot.
Toward the end of the lesson Lola was at a comfortable trot on Apache around the ring and the next thing I knew Apache had begun to canter! Lola has not yet progressed to the canter so she was totally unprepared for the shift in movement. I was sitting a few yards away on a wooden bench in the sun trying to stay warm and when I saw this change in pace I was puzzled as to WHY she had the horse in a canter, but at the same time marveling at how much she looked at ease up there. By the third or fourth stride the teacher verbally instructed Lola and Apache to slow down and/or stop, and while doing so, instead of shifting her weight back a little to accommodate the movement of slowing down, Lola instead leaned forward as if she was going into two-point position. This puzzled me even more, because the laws of physics were becoming pretty evident in my mind right then so when I saw her head pitch forward I was already off the bench and sprinting to the gate. From where I was it appeared that she landed on her head / neck area. I rushed into the arena and the sounds coming from Lola scared me to death. By the time I skidded on my knees to a stop in the dirt beside her, I had composed myself enough to realize the fall had mostly knocked the breath out of her and the sounds she was emitting were frantic gasps for air. I took her hand and while stroking her hair I softly coaxed her to relax and try to breathe more slowly so the air could come back into her lungs. I could hear her instructor’s voice drifting above us reinforcing this. When she finally could breathe normally, she was able to slowly move her arms, legs, fingers, toes, and then her neck. Imagine my relief when she was able to move with no difficulty! She then sat up, then got up, and walked! Hooray! My baby was going to be all right! She even decided to get back up on her horse to finish the last five minutes of the lesson.
Her teacher told her that one cannot be a horseman / horsewoman unless you fall off the horse at least once, but always make sure to get back on, even for a few seconds!
Amen to that! Been there, done that.
All I know is that my heart stopped to see her land in what I thought was a very awkward position.
Some of the mothers who were watching from a different angle said they saw Lola tuck her head and roll when she landed on the ground, and it was really quite a relief for them to see she had done that.
Things are all a matter of perspective. I saw it one way and they saw it another.
Later when we were having lunch at her favorite noodle place Lola shook her head and said “Mama, I cannot believe I fell off Apache! I don’t remember anything except trotting, and then waking up on the ground and hurting and everybody looking at me!”
The ‘everybody looking at me’ part was what disturbed her more than anything. Yes, that is proof positive that my girl is becoming a bit self-conscious as she enters the lovely phase of growing into a young lady…
Later in the car she remembered that she was so used to urging Bandit to keep moving past the gate when they were trotting (Bandit slows and stops when he goes by the gate every time he and Lola go around the ring, perhaps wishfully thinking he can go back to his stall) that she momentarily forgot it was Apache she was on that time, who needs little or no urging to trot. So when she gave Apache that little extra nudge he took it for a request to shift gears into canter mode.
Bless his little palomino heart, he stood like a statue when Lola fell. He stayed put until led to mounting area for her to get back in the saddle.
And if it’s possible to love that horse more than we already do, we DO!!
When we got home from lessons she announced to our cats, “Hi, guys!! I fell off my horse today - - can you believe it? Man, do I HURT!”
Toward the end of the lesson Lola was at a comfortable trot on Apache around the ring and the next thing I knew Apache had begun to canter! Lola has not yet progressed to the canter so she was totally unprepared for the shift in movement. I was sitting a few yards away on a wooden bench in the sun trying to stay warm and when I saw this change in pace I was puzzled as to WHY she had the horse in a canter, but at the same time marveling at how much she looked at ease up there. By the third or fourth stride the teacher verbally instructed Lola and Apache to slow down and/or stop, and while doing so, instead of shifting her weight back a little to accommodate the movement of slowing down, Lola instead leaned forward as if she was going into two-point position. This puzzled me even more, because the laws of physics were becoming pretty evident in my mind right then so when I saw her head pitch forward I was already off the bench and sprinting to the gate. From where I was it appeared that she landed on her head / neck area. I rushed into the arena and the sounds coming from Lola scared me to death. By the time I skidded on my knees to a stop in the dirt beside her, I had composed myself enough to realize the fall had mostly knocked the breath out of her and the sounds she was emitting were frantic gasps for air. I took her hand and while stroking her hair I softly coaxed her to relax and try to breathe more slowly so the air could come back into her lungs. I could hear her instructor’s voice drifting above us reinforcing this. When she finally could breathe normally, she was able to slowly move her arms, legs, fingers, toes, and then her neck. Imagine my relief when she was able to move with no difficulty! She then sat up, then got up, and walked! Hooray! My baby was going to be all right! She even decided to get back up on her horse to finish the last five minutes of the lesson.
Her teacher told her that one cannot be a horseman / horsewoman unless you fall off the horse at least once, but always make sure to get back on, even for a few seconds!
Amen to that! Been there, done that.
All I know is that my heart stopped to see her land in what I thought was a very awkward position.
Some of the mothers who were watching from a different angle said they saw Lola tuck her head and roll when she landed on the ground, and it was really quite a relief for them to see she had done that.
Things are all a matter of perspective. I saw it one way and they saw it another.
Later when we were having lunch at her favorite noodle place Lola shook her head and said “Mama, I cannot believe I fell off Apache! I don’t remember anything except trotting, and then waking up on the ground and hurting and everybody looking at me!”
The ‘everybody looking at me’ part was what disturbed her more than anything. Yes, that is proof positive that my girl is becoming a bit self-conscious as she enters the lovely phase of growing into a young lady…
Later in the car she remembered that she was so used to urging Bandit to keep moving past the gate when they were trotting (Bandit slows and stops when he goes by the gate every time he and Lola go around the ring, perhaps wishfully thinking he can go back to his stall) that she momentarily forgot it was Apache she was on that time, who needs little or no urging to trot. So when she gave Apache that little extra nudge he took it for a request to shift gears into canter mode.
Bless his little palomino heart, he stood like a statue when Lola fell. He stayed put until led to mounting area for her to get back in the saddle.
And if it’s possible to love that horse more than we already do, we DO!!
When we got home from lessons she announced to our cats, “Hi, guys!! I fell off my horse today - - can you believe it? Man, do I HURT!”
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Petie Talks To God
This morning Petie and Sabbie went out to the courtyard to get a bit of fresh air and Petie wandered over to the fountain that sits in the corner. There had been a couple big rainstorms this past week, so one of the basins in the fountain had water sitting in it. What water had been captured there had mixed with dirt and bugs and who knows what other debris that blew in. He began to drink from the fountain, and upon noticing this out the window I said rather loudly, “PETIE!! Do NOT drink out of that fountain!” He stopped in mid-slurp, looked up at the sky and said, “Meow?” (please bear in mind I didn’t actually hear him meow, but could clearly see that one was uttered). He kept looking up at the sky, then decided he needed to be closer to ‘the Voice” so he climbed up the fountain, all the while trying to see from where it came! He continued to gaze expectantly up to the sky as if he expected God to give him further instructions!
A few seconds later he must have realized the scolding he heard was coming from the house, so he peered in the window to see…
A few seconds later he must have realized the scolding he heard was coming from the house, so he peered in the window to see…
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The 'Gray Boyz'
Sebastian (aka Sabbie) had tapeworms so we had to get him de-wormed as well as getting all his shots updated. Needless to say, he has not been a happy kitty about going to the doctor. He hid out for a day or so afterward, quite indignant, but this morning came out to join us at breakfast. He is quite the snooze-monster! He loves to sleep! Petie is always playing and Sabbie is always sleeping!
Anyway, this morning he decided he still loved me even though I took him to the vet. He’s a sweetie just like his brother. He and Petie are best buds now.
Anyway, this morning he decided he still loved me even though I took him to the vet. He’s a sweetie just like his brother. He and Petie are best buds now.
Monday, February 16, 2009
My Fuzzy Valentine
We miss Scooter very much, and Petie misses him too, but for the last couple months we realized Petie needed someone nearer his own age to romp with, especially during the time Scooter was ill. I felt that it would be too stressful on everyone (including Scoo and Petie) to obtain another ‘brother’ into the family, especially since Scooter required such intensive care and undisturbed rest. Lola and I had often spoken of Sebastian, who is actually Petie’s biological brother (same litter of kittens), and Petie’s best buddy at his former home. We decided that someday we would adopt Sebastian, but of course we were hoping all along that Scooter would go into remission and start getting BETTER, and then once he was well and stable for awhile we’d bring the ‘new guy’ in.
It didn’t quite work out that way. Scooter is now in Kitty Heaven and Petie, although he is the consummate expert at entertaining himself, really seemed like he missed having a buddy. When Lola and I would say “Sebastian” Petie’s ears would pop up, and he’d look at us as if to say “Where??? Where is Sebastian?” We decided to go ahead with the adoption of Sebastian. On Valentine’s Day we made the trek over to bring Petie’s brother home.
The first day he found all of Petie’s same hiding places from when Petie was the ‘new guy’, then by the next afternoon he was out exploring. Petie constantly followed him around meowing “Hey, dude, it’s me - - your BROTHER - - -remember me??” Sebastian was not buying it. He was clearly annoyed at Petie for following him all around the house!! Petie remembers Sebastian but Sebastian is not too sure about Petie. I do definitely know who the Alpha cat is, though - - Sebastian!!
Sebastian (aka Sabbie)
Sebastian and Petie
It didn’t quite work out that way. Scooter is now in Kitty Heaven and Petie, although he is the consummate expert at entertaining himself, really seemed like he missed having a buddy. When Lola and I would say “Sebastian” Petie’s ears would pop up, and he’d look at us as if to say “Where??? Where is Sebastian?” We decided to go ahead with the adoption of Sebastian. On Valentine’s Day we made the trek over to bring Petie’s brother home.
The first day he found all of Petie’s same hiding places from when Petie was the ‘new guy’, then by the next afternoon he was out exploring. Petie constantly followed him around meowing “Hey, dude, it’s me - - your BROTHER - - -remember me??” Sebastian was not buying it. He was clearly annoyed at Petie for following him all around the house!! Petie remembers Sebastian but Sebastian is not too sure about Petie. I do definitely know who the Alpha cat is, though - - Sebastian!!
Sebastian (aka Sabbie)
Sebastian and Petie
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