mom

My mom has been living in Florida for the past 19 years. She has had her ups and downs in life. I guess looking back there have been many more downs. Her first husband ( my father) died way too young, he was only 42. I was 3. My sister was 9 and my brother was 12. My poor mom was only 33. My mom had a full time job as a waitress. She tried to juggle it along with us. Life was difficult, to say the least.
Her one source of emotional support was from her sister, Terry. Nine years older than my mom, Terry seemed to be Moms guide. Her north star. (she was the reason my mom moved to florida) After many years, my mom remarried. After only 5 short years- he too, passed away. I think the loneliness that hit her was unbearable. In her lonely despair, she met her 3rd husband. They were married the longest- 19 years. Sadly, He passed away 11 years ago. Sadder still, three months before he died, so did Moms sister Terry. The loss was devastating.
This brings me to the reason I wanted to write about my mom. At 77 years old, she is doing unbelievably well. For the last 6 years she has been volunteering her time at her local hospital. Not only does she love doing it. It seems like she is being loved doing it. My mom sits in the surgery waiting room. While their loved ones are in surgery, family members wait with her. Well, she is not just waiting. She is singing to them. Telling them jokes. Making them eat something. Calling ( bugging) the Doctors to give them news. These family members are so grateful, They send her flowers, they write letters to the president of the hospital praising her. Recently, a reporter for a local newspaper was waiting for her moms surgery to end. She was so impressed with my moms caring and entertaining ways, she wrote a glowing article about her for the paper. ( she referred to her as a red hot mamma!)
Besides the hospital, she is a bingo caller 2 days a week. ( Here, she gets to tell the "off color" jokes) Instead of drowning in her grief. Instead of dwelling on the past and all the sadness. This very unique lady is giving of herself. She is touching lives. Her past has been heartbreaking. Her strength is inspiring. I Hope her future has only happiness.

Good Golly! Miss Molly

When we first were married, we got a beautiful Bichon Frise we named Blinky. We read all the books, did all the right things, including sending him to obedience school. As you "dog people" know, obedience school is really for the humans. They teach US how to train our pooches. It was great, Blinky would sit and stay, he would come when called,he walked beautifully on his leash, he even shook hands. The trend continued with our next dog a gorgeous wheaten terrier. She was even more intelligent than Blinky. I swore she was human. Her big brown eyes spoke volumes. She would listen better than most kids.( I think I will never get over her death)
Then a few years later, Cosmo comes along. Life was busy, kids were busy. I was always busy. We spent some time with the old dittos on training. He sits and will stay for a few seconds. He can dance around on his hind legs. He can even roll over( well, it's more of a half turn). Walking him however would be described as him taking you for a run. That brings me to my troublesome cockapoo, MOLLY. It is really not her fault that she is SO disobedient. When she came along 2 years ago, Life was even busier, The kids were busier + I was busier (and Older and more tired too)! Now that you have the background let me tell you about today.

Today was another dog grooming nightmare! Molly is terrified of EVERYTHING. Lately, she won't even go outside at night unless accompanied by Mr. Cosmo. ( her lover lover dog)(She worries about those noisy crickets) She whimpers outside as if she is scared of her own shadow. She is a nervous wreck if she goes in the car. Just Forget taking her for a walk! So today, when I walked her to the car on her leash to go into the car to go to the groomer, she pulled so hard, her collar popped open and she just took off! She ran so fast up our street, I ran after her (I don't really run so well) She was like lightening, Like a terrified rabbit, being chased by a wolf ( or by a screaming woman, purse flailing, high heeled sandals pounding) She rounded the corner and was a blur. I was so frightened. If a car was on the street, she would have run right into it. I ran back home to get my car. There was no way I was getting her on foot. Mind you, What I forgot to mention, Mr. Cosmo was going to the groomer too. He is already in the car and he is BARKING like fucking lassie yelling TROUBLE TROUBLE TROUBLE. I hope none of the neighbors were looking out their windows. I was like an adrenaline crazed Lunatic. I am screaming for him to be quiet - I am looking for the keys- I am needing to urinate BADLY. Then a miracle happens. Miss Molly- she comes back to me! Maybe it was Cosmos barking - maybe he wasn't saying "trouble" maybe it was " get your ass back here you crazy bitch".( an actual "dog word") Whatever it was- I was so relieved. I was so exhausted - I still had to get these maniacs to their scheduled appointment. So I put Molly in the crate with Cosmo ( she is so naughty, she has to be crated in the car, she likes to ride ontop of my head, while I am driving) and off we went.
Thank god she is safe, she is home, she is clean and she is outside whimpering at all the evil crickets.
(by the way- there would be a photo of her - but she can't "sit and stay" long enough to take one)

Twinkle Twinkle

Thanks for the idea Ally.
If you would like to have a star too-go here
( it's been a light blogging kind of month)

happy birthday?

Saturday night, We went out to dinner to
Ruvo's .
We were celebrating a very special friends 50th birthday.
The food was so fabulous.The company was so fun,The wine was delicious.
50 is such a milestone birthday. Birthdays in general, to me, should always be special.
( especially these major ones!) My husband teases me that I am a nut when it comes to birthdays.
I really try very hard not to forget to send cards and call the people who are important to me. After all, major holidays are for everyone, but one just one precious day a year is yours all to your self. My son Frank, said something so sweet to me a few years ago when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday. He said " Mom, I should be getting you a gift for my birthday, if it wasn't for you, i wouldn't be here". That was one of those melting mom moments.
It surprises me when some of my friends say they don't want their birthdays acknowledged. One friend didn't even tell her kids she was having a 40th. It was too depressing or something. How do you guys feel about birthdays? Do you love receiving cards and birthday wishes? Or, do you wish birthdays would just go away?

This little pinky went to market

I was e-mailing a friend, who wanted to know How I smashed my pinkie finger. A light bulb went off- hey maybe I will write about this on the blog. I've been feeling blogless these days. I feel like if I don't have a damn good story, who will be interested? Or as my son Nick likes to tell me- Who Cares Mom? Why do you think anyone wants to read about your life? He really is sweet but he is also painstakingly honest. So anyway, about the stupid pinky. Which, by the way I remember reading somewhere that eventually it will grow smaller and smaller and we won't have one as we evolve, because we no longer use it???? What's up with that theory, Don't they type? I've been trying to type without the pinkie, trust me, you need that little guy. So anyway, in case you don't know me- I do a lot of things fast- talk, drive, walk and CLEAN. ( to name a few). While Cleaning on Saturday morning, I was rushing as usual to finish before work, I was wiping my table like the karate kid doing " sand the deck" on speed. That little pinky guy wasn't holding the paper towel with his four pals, he was jutting out there like a happy penis. Ram! right into the wood chair that was tucked under the table. YEOWWWW- My nail lifted partly off! (I know!- don't you have chills right now-??) It hurt worse than child birth. Yet, I had to work, despite the pain the blood the tears. ( im a cry baby, too) It wasn't easy, but professional that I am -I managed. The best part of the pinkie story is it reminded me of how my husband makes fun of fast lulu. My favorite time was when we were shopping in Costco, and he must have told me to "slow up" ten times. ( anywhere we go, I am fast walking 20 steps ahead of him, till i realize and TRY to slow up, it's like torture for me) So, all of a sudden he grabs my shopping cart and starts running down the aisles, throwing things in the cart and doing a very hysterical imitation of me shopping. I guess you had to be there, I still laugh so hard when I think of it.
So there Nick! I told my story anyway, na na na na na

color me- blue

Not much to blog about. The week went by quickly. My youngest son started High School. I'm feeling unusually blue.( not lilac) Having a hair-color dilemma going on in my salon. Need to change products- it's time consuming, it's confusing, it's expensive. As my clients get older and grayer, my color needs to get bolder and have better coverage. Changing each formula has been tedious, and I'm anticipating some whining women. I need to love the results or I won't sleep ( persnickety to a fault) ( got to love the thesaurus!) Let's hope tomorrow will be lilac day.

You Are Lilac

You are a very innocent and pure person. Ethics matter to you. Your friends consider you a great listener, and you often play therapist to your friends. You are good at drawing out truths in conversation, however painful they may be. Non judgmental and patient - people feel like they can tell you anything!

What Color Purple Are You?

Since Purple is my favorite color- I thought this would be a cute quiz. Not sure how innocent I am, but boy did they hit it on the head with the "people can tell me anything". If my salon had ears- they would catch on fire! I often think I should have a hydraulic couch. I will tell you though, I really enjoy being able to listen and hopefully help. So many people, just need someone to vent to, a tissue to cry into and a great haircut all rolled into one.

Almost successful!

Thanks to ally bean I Do have a picture in my profile! Ally suggested I go to flickr, which I did but I didn't have luck till i took more time to mess around. I finally saw how to resize a picture and there was the much needed url address! Now for some crazy reason the picture is in my "view complete profile" section, but not on the title page. Ever have one of those days where you wish you would have been a rocket scientist instead of a measly hair stylist?
*revision- (never mind- I see it is NOW there! It's so tiny I have to find a better picture)

blogging frustration

I have been trying for TWO days to put a picture in my profile. I have admired many blogs that have that added detail. I am by NO means computer savvy, but this is ridiculous! The problem seems to be that the few pictures I have of me (that I am not wearing pajamas, Hair askew and opening Christmas gifts), are Too Big. I have tried cropping them, constraining them, counterclockwising them! Blogger says they must be under 50K- Hey Blogger, I went to school back when we had NO K's! What the fuck is a K? kilogram,Keg of beer, kilowatt, WHAT? All I know Is I like this picture of me with Waxy Elton feeling my ass.
We had SO much fun at Madame Tussauds that day. My husband and I were feeling very silly and we posed like big hams with all the shiny celebrities. So here it is! My "wish it was my profile" picture.

still crazy after all these years

We took our middle son back to college the other day. Usually this event always makes me weepy, worried and anxious. ( typical me, no?) Well, I am so happy to share that This time around I handled it beautifully. I always knew that my son was friendly and well liked at school. However, seeing the overwhelming welcome he received was astonishing! The hugs, the kisses, the laughs, the kids running down the hall, yelling his name, wanting to see him. He must have hugged 100 kids. He is so funny. I don't know where he gets this gift. He is loaded with Charisma. When he was younger we called it "shit" as in - he is full of it! He knows how to schmoose. He also knows how to gather a crowd. I knew he was magnetic, but this was ridiculous! I wish they had a degree for it. Like an MSF - master of schmoozing & fun. To see him in his element. To see his joy in being back to this 2nd home. How could I get anxious? Sure I will miss him like crazy. Which by the way is his nickname at school- crazy nick, It's actually written on his dorm door. ( maybe i should be worried! haha)
I love how he can make me laugh, no matter what my mood is. I love the vast amount of music he plays for me and insists I should love. I love everything about him. It will be difficult not having him around for a while, but It feels so great to know he is so happy. I pray he has an academically successful year, I'm confident he will have a fun year.

And the winner is.....

Okay It's August 17th. Deadline for the funniest childhood memory contest!
( also my 47th Birthday!) I have read the great stories over and over. They are all so cute. They have all made me smile. But unfortunately there has to be only one winner. And the winner is Jenifleur! Here is her funny memory again-

When I was around 11 years old, I was having an early morning fist fight with my 9 year old brother and our 3 year old brother was repeatedly saying "Stop that! Stop it, you're going to wake up Grammy! Stop fighting you're going to get in trouble!"

My grandmother came downstairs, smacked the 3 yo and told him to be quiet, then went back to bed without so much as a word to us older kids.

He's still mad at us and we still think it's funny.

I must admit I needed help choosing and got my kids involved. It was unanimous. Congratulations Jenifleur!! send me an email with your address to loupee5@hotmail.com To everyone who entered - Thanks!!! this was the most fun I have had blogging. xo

Panic at the Beach

Okay, I have been accused too many times, especially from my boys, of being too uptight. So, Today when I lost sight of my youngest son at the beach, I tried to remain calm. This was my first trip to the beach this summer. I was looking forward to total relaxation, total detoxification. As soon as we arrived he said " I'm going in" and before I could gather my thoughts to tell him all the usual Mom warnings ( Make sure you remember this umbrella/ Remember we are on this side of the concession stand/ Don't go out too far / check back with me soon - He was gone.
I stood by the water trying to find him with no luck, so I started walking- trying to figure out which way the tide was drifting. Some people drifted east some west. So I walked both ways. No luck. I returned to our chairs and fellow moms, (all so kind) said he didn't return. Now tell me, how long would it take you to panic? Am I a total NUT like my 3 boys think I am? After an hour and fifteen minutes of walking and searching, I spoke to the life guard. He called the others on his walkie talkie to keep an eye out for my sons description. after another 30 minutes, I was beginning to seriously panic. I went to the main lifeguard stand, where they called the police. I have No idea what they would have done, besides, maybe give me an oxygen mask. No sooner, did they call them, that their radio informed them that my surfer boy had returned to our chairs! So they give me a ride back, in their little beach jeep. The few moms I had spoke to earlier kept running up to the jeep to tell me- "they've found him!" (God bless all Moms, we really feel for each other) Well, of course my little guy didn't walk down to the nude beach as the lifeguards suggested. He wasn't wandering totally lost as i feared. He was just jumping waves, swimming and having a 13 year old Ball! He drifted pretty far away, but he said "of course I knew the way back, I'm not like 8, Mom"
He was so shocked by what had happened and of course he looked at me like I was,- as my son nick likes to exaggerate-crrrrraaaazzzzyy!! No, I didn't break his legs, I didn't kill him. I just had a long talk with him and then we actually stayed and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon constantly waving to each other across the sand.

Cry Baby

Oh No! The Evil Vertigo has returned!
All I can do is cry.
This Has to stop, I am going insane!

LOOK AT THE CUTE PRIZE

All these childhood memories have been so cute and so much fun to read. Tracy's reminded me of a memory I had long forgotten. (thanks so much Tracy!) When I was about 6 I had a terrible toothache. My mother ( I guess of the very, very old school) gave me a shot glass of scotch and told me to dip my finger and keep rubbing my gums. She left my sister ( 12 years old) in charge. It didn't take long for me to refill and refill again and who knows maybe AGAIN- till I was hysterically laughing, STRIPPING, and running around my house naked like a looney. My sister was very nervous and couldn't gain control of me. I am so happy to remember that again! I don't recall what happened after that, I will have to call my sister and see if she remembers. I still like the smell and taste of scotch, but I never choose to drink it.

Anyway, I am excited to announce that I shopped for a beautiful prize today! It's hard to see in the picture, but this pewter 4x6 frame has a cute charm that says memories on it. Hopefully the winner will have a picture that can coincide with their story. I'm looking forward to reading more of them. They are all so great, choosing will be tough.

Prize patrol

Okay, I know I have some buddies who tune in on occasion to see if there is anything interesting going on in Lulus world. (so far, I bet you've been disappointed) Well it's YOUR turn to entertain me. I am going to see if this will motivate some of my quiet readers to do a little writing. Let's have a contest! I need AT LEAST 4 participants guys! There will even be a Prize awarded! ( to be announced later, after I think of a good one!) Just tell me Your funniest Childhood memory! That's it ! Make it as detailed as you can. Reach back to those fun, carefree days of your youth. What is that one story that you always reminisce about? I bet these stories will make us all smile. I promise to be an impartial judge. So - get thinking and writing.... and let's see .. we need an entry expiration date.... Lets say August 17th.
Good Luck!

My blog teacher

Today I am going to dedicate this post to my friend Ann. If it wasn't for her I would have never started blogging. She was the first person to tell me what the hell a blog even was. She was and still is the only person I know with a blog. She Is- as I always tell her " the hippest chick I know". Now that she has taught me how to link, I would love to link my buddies to her blog. I am taking quite a risk of losing the few readers I have. She is usually a daily blogger ( unlike me). She receives many comments ( unlike me) She is a talented knitter ( unlike me). She is Witty and funny. ( I bet you thought I was going to write unlike me here.) When you check out what Ann has to say, you will notice she has many links to many great blogs. Sometimes she uses words like larder, but don't let that throw you- She is worth reading. So thanks Ann- I am really liking this blogging thing. And I really like you. ( not like you,like you,-just like you ) xo

I'm in a place called Vertigo

I have a feeling I wasn't hung over after all last week. After two more mornings of literally spppiinnnggg around my house and nausea that was unbearable, I went to the Dr. It Appears I have VERTIGO , Which is most likely caused by a viral inner ear infection. I am praying that this is a quick visit from the evil vertigo. He is ruining my life. He actually gets into my head while I am still sleeping. I can feel the room spinning through my dreaming. Then trying to sit up and walk is the equivalent of what it would feel like to stand and walk while on a roller coaster. Friday morning I had to sit for 90 min. ( in one spot) till I felt well enough to take a shower. Saturdays sit in was for 2 and a half hours. I had to cancel all of my hair appointments. Today, I am still not 100 % and I have been up for 3 hours. The dr. gave me medication, Antivert. It is suppose to prevent and treat the nausea and dizziness. The side effect that I am getting from it is tiredness. I slept all day on saturday. When evil visits you, you can't help but long for normalcy. I will never again take for granted the normal, blah days that are routine, busy, tiring. I am longing for them. I also can't stop thinking of all the really sick people out there, that have symptoms like this and worse that they have to live with daily. I am especially thinking of a dear friend who is going through Chemo. My heart aches for him.

If any body has any advice about this deviant, please let me know. If this Evil Mr. Vertigo doesn't leave my body soon, I will be blogging from the looney house. Either that, or I will arrange an exorcism? Any one game?

hiccup

Saturday Night we went to a friends party. I'm not a big drinker so I only had two drinks. They were delicious. An apple martini first then a sex on the beach. I felt fine. I didn't even feel buzzed. I walked into the outdoor bathroom and didn't realize there was a step down. BANG! I went down hard. I was more embarrassed than hurt. Of course my husband assumed I was Lit, since usually I am after ONE drink. Thank goodness, I didn't break anything, but I did bruise my ankle and knee. The next morning, I was sick as a dog. Nausea then vomiting. I can't believe 2 drinks did me in like this! Maybe it was the different liquors in the mixed drinks. Vodka usually doesn't make me sick. My head ached all day, my stomach was frail all day. Not to mention, by the after noon, by right leg was aching my ankle was worse. Sunday which is usually my favorite day of the week, was just awful and wasted. Of course now, I've sworn I will NEVER drink again. Hugging my toilet bowl all morning is just not my cup of tea. We have all been there - On our knees- laying on the bowl, not caring who's ass has been there- Finding religion- Any higher power that will make us feel normal again. But, alas, Our memories are short even when it comes to discomfort, or we all would have had just one kid.

Home sweet home

It seems like only yesterday. Yet, yesterday, we went to see him in his new home. Yes, my oldest son no longer lives with us. It is still a bit hard to believe. He is officially on his own, he has a new peg to hang his hat. He is responsible for himself in every sense. I thought I would have been upset when this day came. I mean just look at that little adorable face. Yet, I am very ready as I know he is. I think I did a great job raising him. He is a mature, responsible man. He is a thinker. He is an artist. He is kind. He is intelligent. He has strong morals. He is honest. He has compassion. He is a good communicator. He is helpful. He is a good friend. He has always been a first-class son. If those qualities don't make him ready to take on life- nothing will. He seems happy in this square, white house that he is sharing with a few friends. They live like a family, sharing good times and grocery items. He is excited about this new chapter in his life. I'm excited and happy for him. I hope this is the beginning of ALL the good things he wants in his life. I hope he is always safe and happy. I hope he never forgets that our home will always be here for him. The home he grew up in. If he ever needs it. Home base.

Finally after 10 long years, we went on a very needed disney vacation! As you can see my middle guy really missed Pluto! I didn't think the kids were going to appreciate a character dinner at their ages. I just really wanted to eat at the Liberty Tree tavern again, I remembered it being good 10 years ago. It turned out to be a really fun dinner. We had so many laughs- starting when my husband called goofy - A goofy Bastard! I think the actor in that suit wet himself. ( i know I almost did!)
There were many good times like this night, but I must say, Disney has changed a lot. It used to be such a friendly place. Now the employees are as surly as Grumpy. It isn't even as clean as it once was. Poor Walt must not be at rest. It also isn't as "amazing", simply because of the advances in our own technology. Years ago, it was amazing when those country bears spoke and sang.... now it's like.... lame.
We did enjoy the beautiful weather, every day was in the 90's. We had delicious meals in Italy and Japan. I had No laundry, No cooking, No worries. It was wonderful.
It is hard getting back into the swing of things. Especially when the first night home, My youngest ( ernie) falls off his skateboard and gets a pretty bad skinned arm. Now a few days later it is infected and he is in pain, and on antibiotics. Welcome Back to reality.