I Love You Enough...To Lose Sleep!

Some may wonder how I always get lucky and find a good seat at Logan's meets. No luck. I just get there very early. Today, I would love to have slept in a bit...but went super early to get a prime spot. My unobstructed view and center of the pool makes the lack of sleep well worth it. Lovya, Logan!

So once again, Logan swam very well. This year, our team moved up a division because they did so awesome last year. The teams we're playing are very good and quite challenging. Logan has his closest race yet with his breaststroke. He won with barely a tenth (may two tenths) of a second to spare. It was so exciting to hear the cheering and feel the energy. Logan then placed in 3rd (against same kid) in Freestyle and Butterfly. To win against a good athlete, makes it even more exciting!

Reflex-ahhhh-ology

Another successful K3 night! Kerry, Kelly, and I went out to celebrate mine and Kelly's recent birthdays. Last year, we enjoyed facials at Nordstram's. This year sticking with the theme of pampering, we went to Happy Feet Spa for a session of reflexology. (Awesome gift, Kerry. Thanx!) What an experience.

Now Kerry had done this at a different spa previously and knew what to expect. Kelly & I had no idea. I had googled it and saw it really was about the feet. Not!!!

When we first got to this place in a small shopping mall, we went in and were greeted. We had a moment to talk to a trio of folks who had just finished a session. They had good things to say but were not too fond of the "shared space." We were fine with that because we were happy to be together for this.

Surprise, surprise when they led Kelly away. Next, grabbed me by the hand & I motioned for Kerry to follow. We walked into a very dim lighted long room passed rows of beds and people being worked on. Felt a bit like white slavery or maybe a bordello in Hong Kong (as seen on television.) I sat down on this ottoman and saw Kelly was only two spots to my left. Kerry to my right on the other side of a wall, but a curtain kept us in eye shot of each other.

Kelly and I saw the person between us laying out on a bed all covered with towels, blankets, and blind folded (towel over eyes.) We looked at each other, shrugged, and wondered - they know that we're here for our feet, right? They didn't walk us to the wrong treatment area, did they? This didn't seem to be like the foot spa we pictured - a simple spa chair. No...this was a series of "What are they doing? Oh, doing my back. Now what is she going to do? Oh, my arms."

A simple recap of the process:
- soak feet in HOT water (so hot)
- back rub
- neck rub
- arms rub
- neck rub
- step out & sit on bed's edge
- lay back & get covered by blankets
- wrap one leg / work on other foot
- wrap other leg/ work on other foot
- arm rub
- leg rub
- arm rub

After this, we finish & are off to the waiting area for hot tea. It was awesome! Very well worth the $28+tip fee (again - thanks Kerry!)

We decided against our Cafe Symposio and discovered 21 Main. Our new "go-to" place when out in Kerry's neck of the woods. We enjoyed this Victorian style mansion, the food unbelievable, the dessert was a constant stream of Oh-My-God exclamations, and even more amused with the sugar cubes and hot milk for coffee/tea. Loved it!

A wonderfully, exciting treat of night. Love my K-Sisters!

My Son...Not a Little Boy Anymore

Not only have I noticed that Logan's growing taller and his limbs seem to be growing before my eyes, but his voice too is changing. This was a eye-opening, or maybe ear-shattering moment for me. Just a little while ago, his cell phone voice mail said "Hi. This is Logan's phone. He can't get to the phone right now. Leave a message. Thank you. Bye!" Picture a nice clear young voice. Well, wasn't I surprised when I heard a deep "This is Logan. Leave a message. Bye."

Well tonight, after watching him swim a few races at the home meet, I was amused to see Chris, a swim mate, sitting very close to a young woman on the pool deck. I snickered to my friend in front of me and pointed it out. It was when she said, "that's your son" and then repeated it, that I understood. THAT'S MY BABY!?! What is he doing? He knows I can see him. He knows his dad can see him. We see him. He's sitting very close to a girl and he's hardly wearing anything. That bathing suit is not enough. And her! Why is she on the deck. That's not one of the swimmers. After all, she's wearing jeans. Her hair is dry.

Take a deep breathe. It's happened. The world can see it...I am no longer the only woman in his life. How did this happen? Should I have played the Xbox with him? Did I not warn him about "them" ... the opposite sex.

Take a breath there, mom. It's okay. Inhalllllllllllllle. Exhallllllllllllllle. Inhalllllllllllllle. Exhallllllllllllllle.

Click your red shoes together. There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home.

Wake up. You're dreaming. It's 1998 all over again. Shhh! Listen. The baby's crying.

No. It's happened. My son is growing up. I am old.

The End

*******************************************************************

P.S. Okay, it's now a couple of weeks later and guess what?!? It really was nothing. This is not a new love interest. This was just a young guy comfortable around a young lady. Wow - I really can blow things out of proportion. But nevertheless, he's getting so big!

{{{{flashback}}}} Our Florida Tropic Days

Going back a few days...we were in sunny Florida visiting the Family Floridians, Kris, Mom, & Rudi. This is an annual trip (albeit 2009 when funds were down) that Logan and I enjoy. It's so nice to go to our second home and the service is unbelievable. The meals, the turndown service, the valet...okay...a mom/grandma that spoils us as we escape our every day life back home.

This is a time of sleepovers (Logan at Kris' 2x this visit), a time of swimming (even on the first night where it was 50 degrees out - Logan, not me), and a time of new friends (shout out to Maria & Max!)

One of the annual adventures is mom's Spaghetti Dinner night at the club house with her 100+ closest friends. Mom and a crew of about 30 -- 1/3 the guests -- pitch in to make this a feast. We enjoyed the piano fingers and voice of young Max, a hopeful Julliard contender, neighbor Krista & Adele, and the decor of Vizcaya's Wednesday art crew. This year their were Italian themed wall banners. Loved them all, but partial to my mama's paintings. Unfortunately, we did not get to meet our new friend Maria or mom Marina at that time.

The next day we were rewarded with a pool time splash with 'Tennis Star' Maria. This mighty gal is conquering the tennis courts of the junior circuit. I cannot wait to see her up in Flushing, NY, for the U.S. Open in about maybe five years. That evening Maria came to join us at home for some fun and laughs. Considering how close in age the two young'uns are (1 year, 1 day between them - Logan the senior tween), a new friendship was made.

Most impressive was the next day after nearly an hour walking the 32 courts of the Bollettieri IMG Academy, we came upon Maria hitting the ball with her personal training. Wow! That says it all!

As our days past, the weather got better and the sun shined brighter. As always, my vacations are filled with high emotion as I get so little time with my mom (Kris will be here soon for her annual trip) - we laugh, cry (me!), and throw in a good or stupid argument -- mea culpa -- but good times.

Looking forward to our summer vacation. Okay, Logan's vacation...my getaway. We may go to Hogwarts for a few days. And if you don't know what Hogwarts is - run to the nearest library for your ticket aboard the Hogwart's Express.

"Baby, it's cold outside!"

Winter in New York...it's here. We began with our first big snow before the December holidays. That was neat having a white Christmas. As February passes...not as neat. That first snowstorm for 2010, actually a Snow Hurricane (a Sn-urricane?) nearly hindered our trip to Florida. Did effect Kelly's which was salvaged by flying out nearly a week later resulting in good weather on her vacation. Left Tina's vacation (also Florida bound) a bit chilly. Now the latest blizzard...just sloppy.

Thursday was just rain, snow, and plenty of slush. Went to bed with barely an inch on ground. Tons of puddles after the wet day.

We were surprised to wake up with nearly a foot of snow outside and happily school closed (third time this year.) Any more snow days and it comes off of the Spring Break. I, luckily, am able to work home on this sort of day. Very grateful! Logan not so grateful as he must hunker down on west side of house while I take over the office on the east side...a.k.a the family den.

So what do you do on a snowy weekend - why sledding, of course! I gathered the troops & went along with Michele (our boys + Christopher) behind Kelly's truck & big brother Bill's SUV. We went over to Bethpage Park and were surprised at how organized they are there. First, no disc sleds - which is what we all had. Second, no inflatable sleds - had one of those too. Good news is that we had a variety of others & made do. Now the part I like is that we walk on shovelled walkways to the top of the hill where a park worker supervises. Another worker is at the bottom of the hill also policing the riders. The crew of Logan, Charlie, Vinny, Christopher, Jake, Hannah, Kimberly, Gabrielle & even 2-year old Hannah & Emma joined in the fun. Kelly & Michele dared one ride down while Billy & I played photographer & videographer.

Good news - great for parents. Bad news - not so exciting for kids. Parents win!

Logan got in a little snowball scuffle with four boys that were not so nice. Knowing Logan & his mean toss...he wasn't any better. I told all boys to drop the snowballs & get on with it.

I won!

Now back at the house, happily cuddled on sofa with blankets on me & Logan playing with Shadow in the back. Logan loves to play with the snow...even on his own. Knowing he had some fun time with friends - this works for me.

Did I mention...another storm headed to us this week?!?

UGH!!!!

Okay...NOW...I'm back!

To My #1 Fan (Haboo!)...I'm ready to start blogging again. I think.

I often say that "Life gets in the way." It does. For the past year, I have been so busy but do not have much to show for it. I'm not much thinner. I'm not much richer (or poorer.) I'm not much of anything - up or down, good or bad, in or out. So time to put some thoughts down on paper and get past this 'simply existing' existence.

The past year has was a great year for Logan. He's doing well in school, excelling in swimming, maturing nicely, and getting so big.

For me, doing great at work, enjoying old friendships, and still too big for my liking.

The family is doing well and that is enough for me.

Tonight, I will enjoy a K2 evening. Kerry & I will hit TGIF for a drink and shared appetizers. I have recently begun the quest of making money by saving money. This means that I am becoming a Coupon Queen (see tomorrow's post after I get my next fix) and a early-bird special person. Appetizers are yummy, less calories, and less money - win, win, win.

Tomorrow is a big spring cleaning day for me. I have a few projects that I've been putting off but need to finally tackle.

And soon...I celebrate another birthday. (time to mail the birthday cards, Kris!) Anybody who knows me knows I lovvvvvvvve birthdays - especially mine. Love, love, love to have a day dedicated to me and me alone. I begin by singing Happy Birthday to Me and end with a prayer of thanks for giving me another day.

With that, I end the beginning of my blog...for the 3rd time...(I'm not just saying it)...

I'll be back!

Promise!

~K~

Heeeeeeere's Ka-ren!

Well, hello ladies and germs!

I'm back. This past month (exactly one month since my last post) has been so very busy. I tried not to break the habit of posting once a week, but as you can see...that got away from me.

A quick synopsis of my month:

• We lost Bill's Grandmother at the tender age of 93 11/12. I loved her very much!
• Aunt Kris came up for a fun-filled visit. She even got to see Logan's swimming.
• Logan had his swimming championship. And yes...he got a couple medals!
• More sadness, our dear family friend lost his life also the young age of 92. Not enough time for this very well loved gentleman.
• Jen gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I'm now working 5-days a week for her while she's on leave through July.
• Hit the milestone one-year anniversary of the lap band. Slowly coming off and time--you've heard this tune before -- to kick up the exercise.
• Easter came and went...as did the Easter Bunny.

Because each of these large events deserve more screen time, I will be following this post shortly with individual posts very soon. I promise.

I'm back for good this time!