Do you ever wait and wait and wait and wait?
The waiting really is the hardest part. Isn’t there even a song? Tom Petty, right?
There is build up, here it comes and then you wait and wait and then the big day comes and the event starts and then you wait while it’s happening and you wait and you wait and you wait. Then it’s over and the next period of waiting starts. Then finally, there’s the relief, ahhh.
Then it starts all over again.
Yeah, that’s it.
I love this movie! No, DCM, it’s not my favorite, maybe “one of my favorites” but not my favorite.
This is the story of Daisy Gamble, who goes to a psychiatrist to help her quit smoking because she wants to impress her fiance’s potential employers. As he tries to help her with hypnosis, they go through some past life regression and it turns out that she was several people throughout history. The psychiatrist falls in love with one of the past lives while Daisy falls for the doctor because she thinks that he is falling for her, in real time.
In addition to past life regression, she knows when the phone is going to ring, knows where to find things you might be missing and can make plants grow, I mean really grow! She reads Walt Whitman to them, go figure!
There is hilarity, confusion, stories, anger, love, hurt, great costumes and sets and song. Come on, when is there a Barbara Streisand movie that doesn’t involve her singing? So, now you know, it’s a Barbara Streishand movie! It also stars Yves Montand as the psychiatrist, Dr Chabot. Jack Nicholson plays Tad, her former brother, sort of and Bob Newhart as a college administrator.
I remember seeing this movie as a kid, I enjoyed it, mostly because I love Barbara Streisand’s older movies and because she reminds me so much of my mom, who loved Barbara Streisand and her movies. I smile when I watch it.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb0KLj9rnww
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066181/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Part of the training I am doing starts with what is called CT Bootcamp.
CT is for Credentialed Trainer and the Bootcamp is the training I am receiving to become credentialed prior to teaching the end user in a few weeks. We have been doing sessions called teach backs, this is when we teach each other what we’ve learned; maybe Monday we have one of the ID [Instructional Designers] go through a lesson and the next day, we teach it back to the group: teach backs.
Part of the credentialing process is to do a teach back for a panel and take an assessment. The panel teach back is for several people from the software company, people from the project team, instructional designers and one or more clinicians from your track. The other part of the credentiatling process is to take an assessment, this is an online test.
Today, we had our panel teach backs and had to teach one lesson that we decided on yesterday. I selected something I know well, feel confident and knew I could blow them out of the park. That was the good part. The bad part, I was number 6 in the group and they started at 1pm. By the time they got to me, I was lucky they were awake! I kid, but you can imagine what it’s like sitting there hour after hour lisenting and possibly not following along! So, there I was in the lobby area, waiting and waiting and waiting.
Finally it was my turn, I walked in and turned it on! I was engaging, energetic, enthusiastic, these are all words they used when giving feedback. There were two criticisms I received and one was right on point…I talked to fast! I know I talked too fast today, we had a lot of ground to cover and not a lot of time. When my time was up, I heard duck quacks, that was the timer going off.
When I was done, they gave me feedback, then I left and headed downtown to Bar Louie with ET to meet the rest of the group. We all exchanged stories of our experience and the great part was as each person came out, they gave feedback and some advice for the next person and so on, that was stellar!
I was pumped when I finished and left the room, headed to Bar Louie and then the fun began. Happy hour specials and $1 burgers, can you believe it? Yes, even veggie burgers!
Best part? While we were sitting there, we all started to get emails…We had passed this portion of the credentialing process…WAHOO! We didn’t have to wait a week for the results. Next, we take the assessment and once we pass..We are credentialed trainers! I can add Willow to my resume, I am credentialed in two other modules.
Go Willow Team! We rock!
Transition covers so many things.
Transition can be good, it can be bad, it can be subtle, it can be non-existant, it can be over-the-top; transition can be so many things. I was watching something on a tv show and there was a transition for one of the main characters to a new job, that sparked sadness for everyone involved, even though she was told it was for the best.
We transition from season to season; the clothes in our closests, class to class, school to school, home to home, maybe we change jobs, redecorate the house, change to a new vehicle.
Life is made up of transitions and how successful those transitionas are depends on how we handle them. How do you handle change/transition?
It’s kind of funny the way kids handle saying goodbye.
When EJS was “much littler” she didn’t like saying goodbye, she would hide or just avoid me, it was ok, i knew she just didn’t want me to go. There was one time she refused to say goodbye, then when I was driving away, she stood in the doorway waving excitedly, go figure!
Now, some days she is there to say goodbye or like today, she knew I was leaving, but still went across the street to play with one of the kids. That was ok, I went across to say goodbye, I’ll go to her.
MGS was different, she was heading out to play, I said I was leaving and she said “Ok, goodbye” and gave me a hug. She’s never been too woogie about saying goodbye or me leaving and trust me, if she didn’t want to say goodbye, she wouldn’t. She’s becoming quite the defiant little person, so very opinionated, but as much as she might drive you crazy on occassion, she will touch your hand, wrap herself around your leg and look at you with “that look” and you’re done.
So we have established that the kdis are funny about saying goodbye, sometimes it’s harder on me! Today, no problem, I know I’m going to see them very soon, but when EJS was first in daycare, I had the hardest time leaving! She prepared me so it wasn’t as rough when I was saying goodbye to her sister, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t easy, but at least i was ready for it.
One of my fondest memories from my childhood was when we would go see my grandmother in Brooklyn and when we left, we would all turn around in the car and mom would say “Everybody wave at the grandparents!” I can tell you this is a tradition that we have carried on to today!
Wave goodbye everyone and goodnight!
The morning started about 7:15am, but I wasn’t quite ready to get up, so I lounged for about, oh…twenty minutes, ha, then it was time to get up.
I walked upstairs to the sounds of Frozen, of course, EJS got the DVD last night and then went to bed, I bet she woke up singing! There was breakfast and then all of a sudden it was time to get showered and dressed and head to the mall for the big birthday party!
EJS started selecting what she wanted to do for birthday parties when she turned five. She still loves the family/friend/neighbor gatherings, but she was ready for the big time. Five took us to a gymnastics studio, six took us to a dance party at a gym and this year was Build-A-Bear for 18 kids ranging from 3 to 7, wow!
We got there early to let EJS pick out the different types of animals for everyone to choose and the accessories they could select. While she was doing that, I took the party supplies to Sabarro at the other end of the mall. When I got back, ACS’s brother, JS and his wife AS and her nephew R were there waiting for us. Then the kids started to arrive, some siblings, some singles and almost all of the parents took the time to go run errands.
All the kids were great, they had their listening ears on and were all together. The girl who worked for Build A Bear was great, she kept the kids together and in line. My favorite part was when they had each finished stuffing their bear/dog/bunnies, they each got a heart and she gave them all these things to do: rub the heart in your hands so it will always be warm, hold the heart next to your ears so it will know your voice and your stories, hold the heart to your forehead so it will be as smart as you and after all the instructions, put it in the animal and then the folks that worked at Build A Bear closed the openings on the back and then back to the front of the store to get their accessory. They had a great time!
After Build A Bear, we headed to Sabarro for pizza, pasta, juice and brownies, and some singing of course! What a great party! After everyone went home, EJS went with Papa and LaLa to the American Girl store and EJS got her first AG doll, Julia with a matching outfit for them both! What a lucky girl!
Back to the house to prep for the evening’s activities. While we were setting up, EJS and I made her first batch of chocolate chip cookies with her Easy Bake Oven!
Then people began to arrive, everyone who was there had someone in their family with a March birthday! EJS, of course, neighbor across the street, COF and her daughter, JF, then the S family down the street, their daughter B is going to be 11 soon, SR is going to have a birthday in a few weeks and his twins S&E turned 3 on the same day as COF, we even took a picture with all the March birthdays, too cool!
We had brunch for dinner. Bagels, lox and cream cheese, whitefish salad, cheese and crackers, I even got some vegan cream cheese and sliced cheese for me and anyone interested, baked french toast and then here come the neighbors and the food! quiches and salads, fruit salad, desserts, everything was absolutely delicious!
We played, we laughed, we told stories, we sang happy birthday, there were presents to be opened and everyone was up way past their bedtimes.
Oh! When EJS was brushing her teeth, she lost one! Put it right in her toothfairy pillow I made her when she was losing her first tooth and then before bed wrote the toothfairy a note, put that under her pillow with the toothfairy pillow and it was lights out.
Here I sit writing to you, getting tired, wondering where the energy the kids had at almost 9pm came from because I know how to wear me out and on that note, I bid you a fond farewell and a great night!
I told you there would be more to talk about starting today!
The day started off too early, for the day, not for the lovin! I must have been expecting it, because as soon as I heard the little feet hit the top of the stairs of the basement, I smiled.
They got to the bed and EJS gently touched my arm and said, very softly, I might add, “Auntie J, it’s time to get up”. I said “Is that the birthday girl?” She jumped on the bed, hugged me and I covered her with kisses. MGS tried her best to get on the bed by herself [side note, it’s a blow up mattress on top of a pull out couch, the top of the bed came up to her neck!] so I grabbed her aned pulled her onto the bed, got my hugs and covered her with kisses!
We all stayed under the covers for a bit, then EJS left and MGS played for a while and then headed upstairs, I guess it was time to get up. I went upstairs for a quick shower and checked out EJS’ room, her daddy had decorated it with all sorts of shiny ballons including a giant 7! Can you believe it?!
For her birthday, EJS wanted to go to Starbucks for breakfast and away we went, with enough time for treats and then back home in time for the school bus. After she left for school, we had about 40 minutes before we had to be at her school as well. We were going to see her first grade class recite poetry! An elementary school poetry slam, so to speak!
We were greated by two classmates and escorted to her classroom, where we were treated to a lesson about poetry, then they recited two poems together, a song, then EJS read two poems that she wrote, one called ” I come from” all about family and what she likes to go and see and places she likes and movie, you name it, she wrote about it. The second poem was call “Cars”, it was short and sweet, just like her.
After all the kids read their poems, some one and others two, then they sang two songs, it was fantastic! I took some videos and some photos, boy does EJS look like her mommy! We had a great time, so proud of our poet!
Then it was home to get some work done, I ran some errands and then dad and LaLa got here and eventually, we went to pick up EJS from aftercare and we headed to meet ACS and MGS, along with ACS’ “big brother” S and his wife B at EJS’ restaurant of choice, The Cheesecake Factory. Luckily the company was terrific, because the service was awful! I did my thing and told the waiter that it was EJS’ birthday and of course, when we ordered dessert, it came out with a candle and serenade, she loved it.
After dinner, we walked a little, headed home and it was time to open presents. An Easy Bake Oven from Auntie J, books and clothes from LaLa, books, games and puzzlers from Papa, tomorrow we are going to American Girl after her party for Papa’s next gift! And last but not least, for tonight anyway, Frozen from mommy and daddy! BIG hit! MGS had some treats of her own, games, puzzles and books, a great night all around!
Then it was story time, new books for night night and lights out, well, for the girls.
The grown ups went downstairs, dad and LaLa bade us good night, I made some brownies for the party tomorrow and GES and ACS chilled for a bit, then said goodnight.
Told you it was going to be a jam packed day! Gotta get some sleep because tomorrow is packed: Birthday party, more shopping, birthday brunch for dinner with all the March birthdays in the family and extended family, it’s going to be another crazy day!
Sweet dreams and Happiest of Happy Birthdays to my wonderful, smart, caring, funny, sweet SEVEN year old niece, EJS. I love you!
What to talk about?
It’s 1:15am, I got to Boston a few hours ago, GES picked me up, we were able to catch up just the two of us for the ride home, it was great. I saw ACS when we got to the house, we caught up a little, eventually, they went up to get some sleep, I did a little laundry and here I am sitting talking with you. I have a lot to say, but I can’t think of one thing to talk about.
You should see the way they decorated EJS’ room for her birthday tomorrow, well, today! She’s going to be so very excited when she wakes up in a few hours!
I’ll have much more to tell you over the weekend! There’s a poetry reading, birthday dinner, birthday brunch, going into the office and then back to Michigan on Sunday, whirlwind! Of course, maybe with some Muppets Most Wanted thrown in…I can’t wait to be woken up by my two favorite wee tots in a few hours! Gotta get some sleep!
Good night!
I’m inspired tonight to talk about nicknames because apparently I have a new one.
Nicknames can be terms of endearment we give each other or maybe they are to mask the name of the person you are talking about. They range from the sweet like honey, sweetie, sugar lips to the strange like goober and well, some more inappropriate than others.
So, you know me as JJ, for my grandkids, Peaches was from the wasband, George is from high school and now Auntie George for Miss A and Auntie J for EJS and MGS and all the other kids who honor me with that title.
In grade school, I was part of “The Giggle Twins”, then because I wore those round “John Lennon” spectacles, both sunglasses as well as prescription, I started to be known as Lennon. The funny thing is, with some of these nicknames, I had friends who didn’t know my real name, they would just refer to me as one of the others. I had a cute experience with a dear friend from high school, she had told her daughter about me and how I was called Giggles and her daughter had a speech quirk at the time and called me “Diddles”, that made us chuckle.
When I got here, one night I wore that hat that SDL’s mom gave me and for some reason, one of the other trainers called me Smurf and someone else called me a gnome, not really my favorites, in the least. I know I’m short, but come on!
The reason for my post today is that apparently, I have a new nickname, T-cup. I have a wee bladder and after every section that we learn or teach, I take a bio break, it allows me to continue to work and teach for long days. I also just have to pee a lot! I can take T-cup, it’s cute and I can live with it.
So, what’s your nickname? Do you love it or loathe it?
March 21st is a great day, this year for two reasons.
First…my most wonderfullest niece, EJS, turns SEVEN!!! OH MY GAWD! And…I’m going to be there to celebrate with her! I made her a promise, I would always be there, either on her birthday or for her party and I am keeping my promise! Friday birthday, Saturday, party! [I may repeat myself when I talk about this wonderful event again! sorry!]
Second…the inspriation for this post…THE “MUPPETS MOST WANTED” Movie is coming out on FRIDAY!!! I am such a child! I know that and I’m ok with it! I have loved the Muppets since I was a kid and was first introduced to Sesame Street and then when The Muppet Show premiered in 1976, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074028/?ref_=nv_sr_1, I was hooked. I own the first three seasons of The Muppet Show, [that’s all that’s out on DVD as of now], all the movies, some that you may never have heard of.
There is something special and magical about The Muppets, not just that they make me feel like a kid, which is AWESOME! [must be read in that kid-excitement voice!] but I smile when I hear a muppet voice, song, see a video, you name it, there is just something comforting about the Muppets. Maybe it’s the memories they envoke, the good thoughts and times, the traditions.
One tradition was the night before Thanksgiving we would watch The Muppet Movie and the The Wizard of Oz, go to bed and my dad, sister and I would get up way too early to go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. That memory alone makes me smile.
I can remember specific scenes in Sesame Street that made me smile, or the guest stars on the Muppet Show, I had some of my first introductions to stars there! I can still see Alice Cooper walking down the dungeon stairs, Carol Burnette dressed like a giant vegetable singing, Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem Orchestra, John Denver, Beverly Sills, I could go on and on and on! And the guest stars in the movies! Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Whoopie Goldberg, Dom DeLouise, Gregory Hines…the list goes on and on, its almost like a game, can you name all the stars? Sometimes it’s great to look back and see stars that are no longer with us and how they reached out to a younger generation.
How about the famous people who are immortalized by being portrayed as a muppet? Vincent Price, Pat Sajack, The Andrews Sisters, that list goes on and on!
They started premiering movies in 1979 every few years through 1984, then a jump to 1992 through 1999, then eleven years until the next movie. TOO long!
The Muppet Movie June 22, 1979
The Great Muppet Caper June 26, 1981
The Muppets Take Manhattan July 13, 1984
The Muppet Christmas Carol December 11, 1992
Muppet Treasure Island February 16, 1996
Muppets from Space July 14, 1999
The Muppets November 23, 2011
Muppets Most Wanted March 21, 2014
I can sit and watch the movies over and over again, I know you’re shocked, but I love them. I am a big kid and i will go see these movies by myself, why not? I’m a great date! I’m looking for a midnight show on Thursday in Boston! You know I’ll be there front row!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2281587/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Peaches Prattlings 