So I don’t really feel any better. On the upside, I don’t sound like Bea Arthur anymore. I guess everything has kind of settled in my chest and irritated my throat to the point that I’ve mellowed into something along the lines of Kim Carnes.
I spent most of the day yesterday lying on the couch and complaining about how bad I felt at any given opportunity. The mailman acted like he wasn’t that interested (Please ma’am, just take your Hanna Andersson catalog and let me get back to my appointed rounds) but I think, somewhere deep down inside, he was interested in my analysis of the Spring time cold and how it relates to the changing weather and allergies.
Listen. It’s hard to write a blog post when you don’t feel good and haven’t done much all day. What am I going to say? I washed our white towels today and bleached the heck out of them. I also used plenty of fabric softener even though P is bothered by my use of fabric softener for the towels and says I do it that way because of my ethnicity. I’m not sure what being Italian has to do with using fabric softener, but I can tell you what being German has to do with thinking your way is the best way even though it’s clearly not. And how it leads to towels that aren’t very soft and don’t smell like lavender.
Of course he also complains that the monogram on the towels hinders their absorbency which kind of ruins his credibility on the entire matter.
Anyway, as much as I would have liked to get all Nyquiled up and napped all day after I washed those towels, I had to make a trip to HEB because we were running low on all our essentials. I think by now we all know that means York Peppermint Patties, Nilla Wafers and Q-tips. And then I had psyche myself up for the biggest event of our day.
The first soccer practice of the Spring season.
That’s right. We’re coaching soccer again. The Mighty Rainbows are back together. Except we’ve changed our name to the Cheetah Girls and our colors are lavender and silver. I’m not sure of all the reasons for the change because I am not a six-year-old girl, but I think they felt that Rainbows didn’t really suit them anymore. It’s been three months and they’re bigger, stronger, and faster. They are cheetah-esque. Assuming that cheetahs turn cartwheels and spin in circles until they’re dizzy during soccer practice.
I’d decided earlier in the day to make Sloppy Joes for dinner because it would be late after soccer and I needed to make something quick and easy that we’d all eat. But Caroline announced on the way home that she was no longer a fan of Sloppy Joes because they’re “too sloppy”. So she ended up eating Kraft mac and cheese because all the cold medicine had rendered me helpless to fight that battle.
After bath time she asked if I’d please roll her hair in foam rollers. I’m not sure why she felt she needed curly hair for school the next day, but it’s so rare that she lets me anything to her hair other than just pulling it back in ponytail that I agreed to do it even though it was late and past her bedtime. I immediately regretted the ten minutes of my life I’ll never get back when she put her head on the pillow and began crying and said there was no way she could sleep in the rollers but how else was she going to look beautiful tomorrow?
We took the rollers out as I promised her that I’d curl her hair with the curling iron in the morning. She tearfully asked if I’d sing her a lullaby, so I sang a round of Bette Davis Eyes because it would be a shame to waste this voice.
Then P and I ate Sloppy Joes for dinner. I’d like to say they were delicious, but that would be a lie. They were Sloppy Joes. We didn’t even have any side dishes which was kind of a new low.
And now I’m going to take some cough medicine and get some sleep. I’ve got a big morning of curling hair ahead of me and I need to be ready.
dag gone those sloppy joes!!!
i cant wait to see your precious little ones’ curly hair- so we best be seeing some pics!!:)
Dude. Finally. Someone understands me! I’m homebound and nothing. ever. happens. Which just goes to show that a girl can truly blog about nothing. Or, at least I can
Sorry to bust P’s theory of your love of fabric softner . But this German-Irish girl loves it too! Downey is my downfall. My sister was just making fun of me this weekend about it. She say my kids smell like it. I took it as a compliment!
Fabric softener does hinder the absorbency of towels. Not sure about monograms but fabic softener does.
After reading your blog yesterday, I went to Barnes and Noble and bought The Middle Place. They were out of the Mennonite book which I will get next. So far, the book is exactly the kind I needed. Thank you! Hope you feel better…
LOL!!! My girls won’t let me curl their hair. At all. They do like it when I put their hair in braids so it’ll be wavy the next day. Hope you’re feeling better! (I also will admit that I don’t use fabric softener on towels…like Shannon said above).
Sorry to say, I agree with P on the fabric softener and monograms. I guess it’s cuz I’m German!
Her hair is Harlow gold . . .
I haven’t thought about that song for years! Off to Itunes . . .
You don’t sound like Bea Arthur anymore b/c she left your body and came to Virginia to me. :s I sound like Phoebe in that episode of Friends where she had her “sexy” voice. It doesn’t feel so sexy when I have to cough up a lung.
I hope this season brings the mighty Cheetah Girls a string of wins.
I hope you took a photo of Caroline with her fancy hair.
Even a SEVERE cold can’t stop your humor! I feel like my Emily and your Caroline were separated at birth, except I know that’s not possible. Sometimes I think a nice crew cut would look good on girls, not really but it crosses my mind some mornings. Hope you feel better soon!
If you’re going to sound like Kim Carnes, just go ahead and get the whiskey. It’ll knock you out faster than Nyquil.
Not that I would know anything about that.
I live with German blood as well. I’m sure that’s all I need to say about that.
This post has inspired me to get back on track with posting and to not hold back with those all important details in spite of the fact that my German, ahem, husband, says that nothing is personal anymore. It’s not that I share intimate details. I’m beginning to think that, “And don’t blog about that!” is code for “I’m sorry. I was wrong.”
I hope the new soccer team name makes the girls run like cheetahs. My mom’s nickname is “Cheeta” not to be confused with cheetah but that didn’t stop her kids from thinking she could run fast.
I feel much better about my own frustrations when you unload. So thank you. And I’m also taking notes on how to deal with a strong-willed daughter. Not that Caroline is strong-willed. But my three-year-old is and your daily battles with Caroline sound much like the battles I’m fighting here. It’s borderline parental abuse. The name calling has got to stop. Since when is discipline a reason for your preschooler to call you RUDE? DAILY?
Hope you feel better today. I’m off to wake the preschooler. Wish me luck.
I’m with P. The fabric softener does hinder absorbency. However, I have a tip that may save your marriage. Use white vinegar instead. It will not only strip out the fabric softener build up, it will make you some super soft towels in the process! And they will be the most absorbent towels P has ever used. (And you won’t smell like vinegar, promise!)
I laugh everyday when I read your posts. You absolutely are hysterical and I love the stories of Caroline. I can’t imagine what it will be like when my little girl is her age. She’s already 2 1/2 going on 13.
Let me be the first to warn you that even with a cool super team name like the Cheetahs, it doesn’t necessarily equal speed, quickness and agility on the field.
Or at least it didn’t for our 6 year old soccer team last fall. I’m just hoping that the last of the snow will be gone when we start games on April 10th.
My husband often refers to my German roots when he says things like “You stubborn Germans”. That’s okay, he’s mostly Polish so I can call him a dumb Pollack!
Love fabric softner…who doesn’t I say?
Hope the curls come out beautiful! get to feeling better!
I read your blog and have never posted, but I just have to tell you that your blog makes me laugh out loud every day! Some days I have to go back and read it again when I’m done — too funny!!
Bwahahahahahahaha! You sang a round of Bette Davis eyes so your voice wouldn’t be wasted?!?!? You slay me! Thanks for a great laugh this morning – hope you’re feeling better soon. And that the voice stays gravelly for at least another round of lullabies or two….
Well, Gabe’s Italian and I’m German and we’re both fairly certain that our way is always best.
And Livi and Ava were the Cheetah Girls last year. This season it’s the Blue Diamonds and the Red Devils. I cannot believe soccer starts next week. Shoot me now.
The sicky germ is out there. I’ve been coughing and hacking for weeks. I totally understand your feeling so crummy! But the sexy voice…..it’s pretty cool. Only I sorta sound like I’m a heavy smoker (and I’ve never had one to my 43 year old lips). I’m thinking of messing with people over the phone and identifying myself as “Bobby”! You know….keep em wondering, is that a dude or a chick?
On the curls, both my teen girls have looooooong naturally curly hair! It’s gorgeous! But what do they want? Yea, STRAIGHT! It takes a sweet forever to flat iron that stuff. But they look so pretty when we do it.
It only gets straightened when we have lots of time and I have lots of patience!
Feel well soon, friend. And I agree with C….sloppy joes are so sloppy!
My eight year old’s soccer team has been the Cheetahs for years. Pink, blue or purple, whatever team shirt we get. My six year old’s team was the Purple grapes. I would have liked to have seen a match netween the Grapes & the Rainbows! I hope you feel better soon.
between not netween….I have not had enough coffee yet!
Feel better soon! Maybe you could aspire to leave Bea Arthur behind and pursue someone more mod… like Kim Zolciak.
I’m on P’s side… absorbency trumps softness and/or monograms. I never have/never will use fabric softener because when I get out of the shower, I want to dry the water off completely, not smear it all over my body.
as for C’s hair… I really hope it gets noticed this time, unlike that once when it was kinky after sleeping in braids, when she was jumping rope, she said only one person said anything about it. ANNNDDDD… I just realized that I sound like a stalkerd. sorry. I’m going now.
When is P’s bday? Cuz you are really in trouble if you combine German with a fire sign…like a Leo…and you may or may not know one.
Oh this post made me laugh. I hate when you’re sick and no one sympathizes with you. (This happens to me a lot as I’m single and live alone. I can’t even catch the mailman’s attention, so good on you for that.)
I hope you were fresh and rested for the curling this morning. Pictures?
I’m German. Germans are always right. Except when they are arguing with other Germans…. then I’m the right one.
I also happen to have the very best Sloppy Joe recipe in the world. I LOVE Sloppy Joes.
First of all, the reason your towels are not absorbent is not the monogram, but the fabric softener–totally keeps towels from being absorbent. Spray with lavender water if you need the fragrance.
Second and most important, I know you are afraid of the neti pot, but I have only read you blog for a short time, and you have been sick several times. I have used a neti pot for almost 2 years, ever since Dr. Oz showed it on Oprah. I too used to have many sinus problems. I have not taken a decongestant or antihistamine in all the time I have used the neti pot. It is a miracle and I can’t believe I have not known about it my whole life!! My husband and daughter are also converts. Only my son is a hold out. He just can’t imagine pouring something thru his nose. Becky
I hope you got “Betty Davis Eyes” on video so you can share it with all of your Big Mama groupies! Also, I wanted to share our sloppy joe recipe. it’s a favorite from my childhood:
1 lb ground beef
1 can Campbell’s tomato soup
ketchup and mustard-to taste
chili powder to taste
very easy and kid friendly.
Hope you feel much better soon!
Nancy
I find that towels are less absorbant with Downy so only use some white vinegar in the wash to help get the detergent out and then throw a sheet of Bounce into the dryer with the towels. Makes them smell good ( and I think they are softer) and does not hinder the absorbancy. And, sorry, I agree with P about the monograms. I do not even like a lot of edging on my towels for that reason.
Last but not least, Peppermint Patties are now made in Mexico. Nothing against Mexico but for that reason (loss of jobs and the fact that Peppermint Patties should remain all American), I am boycotting my favorite candy.
( maggie
For someone who is not feeling well, that was a pretty delightful post. Love P’s theory about monograms and absorbancy. Sounds like a certain man that lives with me.
Hope you feel better today and the curling of the hair went ok.
Sorry you are not feeling great! I do have something you must try – York pieces – peppermint flavored dark chocolate candy in a crunchy shell. They are to die for! I found them at Wal-Mart in the candy section. I am sitting here eating the last few pieces of my bag – so I must get to Wally world today!
I’m new to this “blogging thing”, but I have to say this is the funniest blog I read!! You’ve got me cracking up every day!! Thanks for that =)
Brandi
I’m right there with ya, in the feeling puney department. Mine is terrible, terrible allergies. I could not live right now without Sudafed 12-hour. Seriously, I would just die right there at the pharmacy counter if they told me I couldn’t have any more. Oh, I bet that pharmacy tech would feel bad then. Depriving me of my precious Sudafed.
Can’t wait to hear more about those Cheetah Girls. It’s all about the name, and the color of the uniforms, isn’t it?
OH–and the after-game snack. That, too, is of ultimate importance.
Love your topic today! My husband tells me the pharm reps around here bring Thai food! I “retired” early to be home with our two sons who are now grown up, educated and recently married. We used to live in Texas so know all about Texas A&M. We were in the land of Texas Tech pre Bobby Knight!!
Best,
Bonnie
Thank God for Kraft, huh. I cannot keep up with the likes and dislikes of my three children. Way to handle the sponge roller incident with grace. You are a rockstar.
Hi, I’m German… and I don’t use fabric softener. I had no idea the two were related, but I *CAN* tell you that it does mean I think my way is right… and this house is a very tight ship!
Hope you’re able to get some of those peppermint patties soon… that’ll be good for the soul…
oh my word. hilarious….
Seriously…you make me laugh. out. loud.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it but there is a wonderful curler alternative option. I bought them at Target a few years ago. They are white, made of cloth, and there is no hard plastic. (in the hair aisle) They work wonderfully and my daughter has had many successful curly hair days.
Well of course you are plugging the softener. There’s a big ad for Downey on your page! Hee, hee. Seriously, I have been reading your blog for at least a year now. You just keep getting funnier and funnier. My 10 year old daughter is sitting in her room right now, because I was discussing her difficulty with math with my husband, and she stormed in the room and exclaimed “You always tell me it’s not nice to talk about people, so you need to stop gossiping about me now!” And it wasn’t a pleasant tone of voice. Ahh, daughters. But when she’s sweet, she’s so sweet.
That was funny. Also, thank you for letting me know that about German’s. After 10 years of marriage I feel I now understand my husband better HA! All this time I just thought he was being man. Turns out it is all because he is German.
Cara
I keep wanting to nap my days away too to shake off this sinus thing and those darn kids keep needing to be fed and changed. LOL It sounds like we all are having the same kind of week. But, you’ve got one on me. We ran out of fabric softener and I keep forgetting to pick some up.
Bless Caroline’s heart I remember trying to sleep in sponge rollers. I think it was a good call to just curl it in the morning. I remember those sleepless nights with the sponge rollers.
No fabric softener for towels! It keeps them from being absorbent, since it coats them with the softening stuff…