hmph

[averygoodun42]

Well, Geoff is off to Buffalo for the week. Left at some godawful early hour this morning, which fortunately did not wake up Babe, despite the taxi driver's rather inappropriately loud voice. (At least he didn't ring the doorbell. I think I might have dragged myself out of bed to yell at him if he had.)

Our date on Saturday was very pleasant. We didn't exactly stay in, as we went to the store to get money for the babysitter, (and remembered to get diapers while there... ooh. How romantic!) then stopped at our former favorite restaurant for some of their salsa. Being on this diet, I really can't eat out any more, but their salsa is amazing stuff, and I was surprised at just how much of it we got. Almost a quart! And it was almost gone by the end of the evening, thanks to the enchilada casserole I made (and used the salsa as sauce). Probably jacked my sodium levels way up, but it was super yummy, and therefore worth it.

THen we went to a store and he bought me a hooded sweater thing that I've been wanting for several years now (not this exact one, but the idea). We called it a late birthday gift.

Then we went to the foodstore and looked for salt free corn chips. They didn't have salt free anything. So, Geoff dropped me off at home so I could start dinner while he went to the other (way better) store to pick up chips.

So, we were our normal disorganized selves, but by 8:00 we had reunited, dinner was in the oven, and we had a game of Mille Bornes going. Then came supper and a bit of a chat and then it was time to pick up Babe.

And even though we didn't go out to a movie or eat dinner out, we still managed to spend way more than we can afford. Grr. Of course, the diapers weren't exactly cheap...

Speaking of Babe... he's getting attitude. I've heard this often happens with three-year-olds. It doesn't make it much nicer to deal with knowing it's normal.

We've also been tossing around the idea of having a party for his upcoming birthday. And I've come to the independent conclusion that it's not going to happen. I will invite M&M up for dinner and (maybe) cake, and perhaps invite a couple of church friends over as well, but, really, I am not going to host a party (and, being in early November, it would probably have to be an inside party) for the neighborhood kids benefit. Nope. Call me ungenerous, but I am not wasting our money on them. I'd rather spend that (non-existent) money on a nice gift for Babe.

Perhaps when Babe turns five, I'll host a party. At Funworld. Far, far away from our home.

But, seeing as I'm just being grumpy at you right now, I think I will sign off. Perhaps I'll get another chapter of the exchange piece written (or at least the current chapter finished), which would probably cheer me up. I read part of it to Geoff, and he liked it, which was a relief. He usually tells me if I stray into OOCness. :-)

Now to try and get rid of this headache without analgesics. Hopefully a ton of water will help.

Comments

[minuet99.livejournal.com]

*hugs you*

*offers you pain-free vibes for your head* Water will be good hopefully...

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

Thank you. *hugs back*

Yes, water is helping tremendously.

[dickgloucester.livejournal.com]

I think you are perfectly right about birthday parties. The OPC phenomenon (Other People's Children) is hard to bear at the best of times, but kids' birthday parties - awful. You put such effort into organisation, decoration and nice food, and all you get is screaming, fighting, destruction, no food eaten, and a big, big headache. I think you'll get far more pleasure out of his big day by putting of the inevitable for a year or so - and he'll be happy to have a calm mummy.

For #1's birthday this year (7 yrs old) we invited two friends, one extra parent for help, took them on a trip to see some caves and then had a picnic in a park nearby. Simple, clean, relatively quick. And we were still exhausted. So follow your instincts and keep it simple for yourself for as long as you can.

Good luck with the headache.

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

Exactly! Geoff thinks we should. And I think "should" is an evil, evil word bent on destroying people by guilt and overwork.

But, fortunately for me, I would be the one in charge of organizing and running it, so I get to be the one in charge of whether it happens or not. And since I do believe "should" is an evil, destructive word, it shan't happen. :D

Thanks. Water has helped enormously, though it hasn't really helped the grouchy mood. Too bad not everything can be solved with water.

[millennia2.livejournal.com]

I am so glad you were able to go on a date. It doesn't seem to matter where we go or how much we spend as long as we get away from the kids for a while!

Birthday parties are overrated! My 10 year old just had a party that consisted of pizza, cake, and a movie. My son was way more interested in dueling with yu-gi-oh cards than watching the TMNT movie he had never seen. Oh well, at least it kept most of the other 9-10 year olds quiet.

Im not a beta, but if you want someone else to read over your exchange piece, I would do it.

If water only tasted like chocolate, we'd all be healthier!

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

Geoff always wants to go out, but I'm finding that what I really want is time at home with him alone. I think he has preconcieved notions of what a "date" entails, silly man.

Birthday parties aren't just overrated, thay are to be feared! I could actually deal with a pizza/movie party. Those are fine for the older kids, but at this age, Babe isn't going to appreciate it much. :-(

I believe I already have someone lined up, but thank you! I appreciate the offer!

And Amen to that, sister! I wonder if essences or oils would void the healthful effects? Like a drop of peppermint oil in a big glass, or cinnamon oil...

[junewilliams7.livejournal.com]

As a child, my mom gave me different types of birthday events. My favorites were simple - not the ones with lots of people, but the ones with just me and my mom having dinner at a fancy restaurant, or my mom and one schoolfriend taking me to a movie and lunch. As long as Babe has a fun time, it doesn't have to be big - maybe let him pick the movie and menu, or bring up an Amazon.com list (toys under a certain dollar amount) and let him choose one toy for his bday.

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

And my favorites were the bigger gatherings (no more invitiees than the age I was turning), which is strange considering I'm such an introvert. By the time I was a teenager, I really appreciated the simple celebrations as well, though. Now my dream birthday is having my mum cook us all a nice, family dinner. Whether that includes extended family depends on my mood. (Okay, that or having someone host a surprise party for me (and actually surprise me!). I've always wanted one of those.)

The amazon.com list thing is an excellent idea! Although he's still on the young side for getting it, specially knowing what he wants (and being able to communicate it and not change his mind five seconds later).