Hello from the Stimpsons

Our dear friends write to us from jolly old England . . . I am encouraging her to blog, because it is such a trip! We want to see pics too! We miss them terribly . . .

Yvonne writes: (and that is EEEEE-von, to you buddy!)

I’ve just manned the high school disco and I think I’m bleeding from the ears. Our computer continues to decide what we can and cannot see and often deletes emails before we get to open them – so, apologies if we’ve ignored anyone – its not deliberate. Haven’t been up to anything much really – Bob hasn’t been too well so have been nagging him back to health. Its difficult when he’s home – I feel like I have to be busy and interesting all the time, and I’m not really inclined to be either. He’s on the mend now so can resume couch-potato status. The kids (and me) just had a week off school, so I decided very last minute we needed a holiday – and headed off to Cornwall. We had a fantastic week – managed to get really lovely accommodation, had archery lessons, falconry lessons, how to eat and drink too much lessons. Cornwall is just amazing, and it really reminded me of New Zealand (yes, lots of sheep) and the yummiest ice cream. We got to spend a couple of days at the beach – the weather was actually brilliant for the whole week.

It was Alex’s birthday last week – 15 – can’t believe it. We went to London to see the Lion King musical for her birthday. Had a brilliant day – it was at Covent Garden which is an amazing place to spend a Sunday afternoon. There were loads of street performers, markets, shops, cafes. Really fun. We were all entranced by one street performer in particular, but all for different reasons. He was practically naked, totally sprayed silver, and could do the most outstanding things with his pecs. But the Lion King was good too.

Ben and Alex are tolerating things here, but would much rather be in Atlanta – especially Alex. Thomas has settled in really well. The menagerie is also doing well, although I do think English rodents are slower than American rodents – definite decline on the number of headless rats being dragged through the cat-flap – maybe its just too cold for them. Sam just continues to shag his way through life. I’m trying to be a little more adventurous in getting around, but I think I’m destined to forever go between the school and the supermarket. I got stuck on a huge roundabout last week, had not idea where I was supposed to go, and just ended up driving round and round the roundabout for ages.

Hope alls well with all of you. Please keep in touch – you know we miss you all.

Cheers, Yvonne

Transformational T-shirts

Yes, MaryJo, I did blog on this topic!! Had a little rough start to my morning, where I finally lost my temper big time, so into my closet I went and put on my Victoria Secret 'angel' tshirt for my pilates workout. . . . MJ commented on my pretty shirt and I told her it had special powers. It could change me from a screaming meemie into a placid saint. In fact, any tshirt in your closet will work just as well. If you are feeling frumpy, you just put on an old cool concert T and you will do a quick turn around (could also do a fake tattoo, or, a real one for that matter. Who's in?) Feeling out of shape, put your "pilates for hotties" tank on. Feeling unloved? Put on something that your friend or mom got you. (Jewelry works as well, especially like old boyfriend's items, etc. And you know who you are.) And if you are feeling financially stressed, fur works really well, best if it's right next to the skin! Like a Jane Fonda fur bikini. mm, hmmm.

Fashion is a right, not a privilege. And it's way better and faster than prozac.

OK. I'll be quiet now.

The Tao of Ordering Checks

Time is of the essence. . . time to reorder checks. I usually go with the standard issue . . . but I am so ready to break out! That is when all the trouble began . . . I can easily reorder online, choosing from an extensive list of symbols and fonts and fun backgrounds, even collegiate checks! (does that mean for every check that I write, a donation for my alma mater?)

I'll be honest, after spending about 10 minutes, I couldn't commit. While I could piece together a unique checkfront, it didn't fit me exactly or Steve exactly and definitely not us exactly. Did you know you can choose from all the monopoly characters to do a 'corner embellishment?" Who knew???

I think it is important how you represent yourself . . . don't want to offend or distress or even confuse someone when it comes to being financially responsible.

Well, I tried customizing - I panned through sports, didn't see anyone doing pilates or yoga, and no one on an elliptical machine (I guess that is what MJ meant about me not being athletic . . . ) Couldn't exactly identify with the watering can; I am totally a fair weather gardener and I blow it off when it doesn't suit me, plus it is sprinkler or nothing during this drought. Steve rides the bike, not me (although it is on my to do list to get my license this year). John plays guitar . . . Gavin loves scottie dogs; well, any dog for that matter; Cameron, cows. Religious symbols, didn't know about the yin/yang . . . maybe the hummingbird? No dragonflies that I could find.

Finally, I had the option of adding a one liner: namaste? hasta la vista baby? (talking to the outgoing funds). Keep on rockin' in the free world? Right now! (Van Halen)

Uh-oh - took a detour and went to another check website. Now I can choose from Barbie, Elvira, Kiss, and a whole host of country music artists. I can get a copy of the last supper! Shopping girlies, oh, I found dragonflies and fairies. This is insane.

Ah, let the kiddies and the hubbie get their own checks when they grow up (and/or if they are smart enough to know the password for my online acct!). Looks like I'm going with the martini glass on the animal print background with "shop till you drop" as my one liner.

TTFN!

Beating my head against the wall

I wish I could say that I bumped my head on the glass ceiling . . . but last Friday I actually walked into a really clean glass wall while I was working, not paying attention to what I was doing. I can't tell you how stupid I felt. I can tell you how much my head hurts, mini-possible -concussion all weekend. If Deepak Chopra weren't so enlightening, I would not have made it through his three hour presentation on Saturday. I felt completely at ease, like I had heard him speak before, even though I never have. Hubbie got a lot from it, excited and ready to put all his good intentions into his work . . . I, conversely, am thinking about my shadows. It dawned on me that perhaps I am literally banging my head against the wall, wasting my time. Eye opener! I was forced to self-medicate with wine on Saturday evening.

Maybe I take everything too literally, but I had to replace three light bulbs in my kitchen that blew all at the same time! Let there be light! Come out of the darkness!

Still managed to complete my "Sex and the City workout" on Sunday. More on that another time .

My friend H rocks!

Sometimes my friends won't post, so I have to post for them. It is a carry-over from motherhood, I guess. We were doing one of those "tell me something I don't know" fill in the blank questionnaires (favorite food, color, movie, song, etc.) and question #21 (out of 59!!) was favorite saying. If H wants to identify herself, she needs to come forward!!!! btw, we all need an H in our lives. Honest, confidant, evolved, friend that lasts forever. In fact, she doesn't have wrinkles and she looks better than she has ever looked. Plus, she kicks a** and is a fun gal to gallivant with!!! (is that where the word gallivant came from???)

First, H said" the best is yet to come," but then she sent me a separate email which is totally worth noting, which I shall cut and paste here:

In H's own words:

You don't look 47!! aka you look like you're in your thirties! aka you don't look old enough to have children. (seriously! I have gotten each of those in the last year. I must admit that the compliments mainly came from people who wanted generous tips.)

Would you like another glass of wine/vodka/scotch, etc?

Would you like that with ice cream/chocolate on top?

Have you lost weight ? (Haven't heard this in the last year)

Honey, you need a pick-me-up shopping spree! (OK, I totally made that one up).

No, you don't look fat in that outfit.

There's not a wrinkle on your face. (My friends are the biggest liars, aren't they?)

Do you want to go out for dinner tonight? (said on a night when I'm too tired/lazy to cook)

Can I clean up for you? (Said when the house is a complete mess -- that's a fantasy comment, too)

You've never looked better. (said by a woman, again, my friends are shameless liars).

You go, girl!

Solidarity, sister!

Peace, love and soul (what host Don Cornelious said at the end of every episode of "Soul Train" - I watched that and American Bandstand every Sat. when I was growing up - I love to dance, what can I say??)

I love you :-)

I'm coming for a visit (not spoken by my in-laws)

Yes, I can babysit on Saturday night

This is good, Mom (mumbled by a Schultz boy, with a mouth full of my cooking, followed by content devouring of the dinner that I took the time to make)

You were so right, Mom (spoken by my college freshman -- fantasy, pure and simple)

Thanks, Mom (also spoken by my college freshman -- another fantasy)

We WON LOTTO!! (yeah right!)

Later, gator - H

The facts about F.A.C.S.

Family and Consumer Science is a required class at my kids' middle school. Last night my youngest dutifully prepared his choice from the menu, "haystacks", which is a confection composed of peanut butter, butterscotch chips, peanuts, and crunchy chow mein noodles. It is also the height of the flu season. Within half an hour of eating his creation, my son rushed to the commode. Since his older brother was already down for the count, I just assumed we would have a sick day today. However, upon awakening, my youngest said he felt perfectly fine, so we completed his task by packing up the haystacks to take to class and filled out his form, signed by parent, to complete the assignment. With my "get in the car now or take the bus" sign (see previous post - stunned silence"), we started to head out with his little candy trophies to share and brother, who needed to go in early. But, we had got no further than the top of the driveway when youngest bolted out the door. I figured he was staying home so proceeded through the n'hood while he purged in the shrubbery. "Wait," he pathetically wailed as the neighbor walking his dog shook his head laughing. This kid is a trooper. He doesn't even like going to school. But he really wanted to share those haystacks with the class.

I am torn. Do you think he should still turn in the haystacks to get his grade? Does this mean a failing grade if you throw up your own creation? We may never know . . .

yoga latte, baby!

Who do you call in East Cobb for yoga, from kids to corporate wellness programs? Our own local favorite, Susan Palace. Don't let her diminuitive size fool you. Can I say kick *** on a blog? She currently teaches yoga M/W/Sunday at Sportsarama in East Cobb, as well as the East Cobb/McClesky YMCA. She emails weekly inspirations to her students to keep us centered. I know for a fact that she does yoga private instruction, small groups, and parties. Her KidVisions relaxation CD is absolutely delightful, for kids of all ages. 2008 is the year for her programs to take off! Stay tuned. We are patiently waiting for more to come.

And don't get me started on the yogasm. Need I say more? For more information, you can contact Susan at:

The Yoga Palace and KidVisions
www.cdbaby.com/sfpalace
spalace@bellsouth.net
770-977-0062
404-394-3985 (mobile)