my day | Peaches Prattlings

{May 27, 2017} Just another day…

Its Friday here in Hawaii and I’m home. Sigh.

The day started too early, as it does when I come home. Asleep at 1am, up at 4am, nope, back to sleep, up at 5am, snuggle and catch up, then reality.

I made a quick breakfast, then PSM left for work and I opened my laptop. I worked for a few hours and then had to reboot my pc, so that was a good excuse to sit in the hammock and take some pics. I posted on Facebook a few photos and that I came up with a title for a book “My Life Doesn’t Suck!”

Then it was back to work for a few hours, PSM came home, we chilled out, then mani/pedis for two and dinner at a new place, Eating House, the food was good. Grilled Brussel Sprouts and cauliflower with pine nuts, the raisins cut the bitterness of the brussel sprouts, PSM had tomato bisque.

Dinner was grilled tofu rice bowl with bok choy, onions and mushrooms for me and fried chicken on goat cheese polenta with asparagus. The asparagus and goat cheese polenta, wow!

We ended the meal with malasadas with caramel sauce and a bite of frozen yogurt for PSM.

Home for a movie… let’s see how long we last!

{May 25, 2017} It’s, so wasteful

This is a bit of a rant, sorry. My opinion, if you agree, great, if not, ok.

I walked into my hotel tonight and saw something that bothered me and its happened before at other hotels. Just a pet peeve.

I’m not a wasteful person, anyone that knows me knows that. I give my leftovers to the homeless, sometimes hungry valets at the hotels I’m staying in [if I can’t find any folks more in need], I give my hotel toiletries to shelters. It’s a great feeling. I’m just telling you this, not to boast, to give you insight.

I hang up my towels, don’t request the sheets or towels changed every day. Some SPG hotels will give you points for not having your room serviced.

When I get to a hotel, I usually have my own shampoo and conditioner, so I take theirs. The soap I will open, put in the shower and put the rest of the toiletries in the donation bag. I use the soap, pack it in a soap holder, move on to the next hotel, take it out and use it again. Wash, rinse, repeat, literally!

I got to my hotel Monday, set up as usual and used my soap. Tuesday, the soap was still in the shower. I got in tonight and the soap is gone. Why? And… usually I hang up my towel, they still fold it.

I called the housekeeping staff to ask. Some people do, some don’t. I mentioned the soap and was told if I want the soap left, let them know. Ok… but why in the first place?

I’m in a fancy-schmancy hotel, they want everyone to feel special. I guess some people want that. I want a made bed and a clean toilet, that makes me happy!

Here was the kicker… they took the soap and didn’t fold my towel. What?

Ok, rant over.

{May 21, 2017} A day of rest? I don’t think so!

This is my sister’s house, what’s that?

741am, the texts started, “how’s it going?” All good. Some kids were up at 645am, others about 730am. Auntie J was in the basement, there’s no sleeping in…

Good morning little people, so cute! All slept well, made it through the night, even a milestone was had! And what did their parents do while they had an empty house? Cleaned the cabinets, went to the mall, went for a walk. Whatever it is mommies and daddies do when their kids are out for the night!

Two kids went home, four went to Sunday school. GES had a brunch at the temple, the rest of us had breakfast and relaxed a little. I walked to CVS, um…i got a haircut yesterday, sparklers showing, had to fix that!
Kids home, play in the bouncy house, friends for a quick visit, bounce, snacks, I did my hair, 35/40 minute process [color, rinse, shower, dress], out the door. A cheering section for EJS’ lacrosse match, great match, they won, she scored! It was great to see her in action!

I don’t know if it’s like this everywhere, but the referees stop and teach the kids why they stopped and coach a little.

Back to the house, friends over, lunch, more bouncy house, crafts naps, myself included for a few.

Laundry, pack, play, detergent down! MGS, our tiny acrobat… crawl behind and grab what you find! dinner, play, bath, bed.

Goodnight kisses for all, I’m leaving very early in the morning.

What a weekend! I need to get back to work so I can get some rest!

{May 20, 2017} Soccer, cleaning, lacrosse, soccer, haircut, birthday party, birthday party, sleepover

Is that enough for one day?

Straighten the house for the party, wash the pollen off the porch, it is spring after all, everyone was in on the act. The bouncy house arrived and the girls, GES and I had a little fun.

Then it was soccer practice for EJS, MGS off to lacrosse practice, finish setting up. EJS and ACS back for lunch, EJS has a mini play date, MGS back, I headed out to get a haircut, EJS and ACS off to travel team try-outs, people arrive for MGS’ birthday party. I jump right in to the fray, love seeing friends and all my little loves.

Some one-on-one time here and there, catching up, playing with the kids, activities, crafting, pizza, pinata, cake, buh-bye! 3-5pm 530pm and they were all gone!

Then the cousins, S&S S and E&S R stayed for a sleepover. EJS went to a birthday party sleep-under, that’s where they stay until bed time and go home.

We watched Sing, had popcorn and sang. My favorite part, E said “come snuggle with me Auntie J” how could i say no?

Then it was sleeping bags, “wait, I can’t sleep until I see EJS”, love that! Then zzz. MGS had two in her room and EJS had another two, the siblings split up for the sleepover. Let’s see how much sleep happens!

Now, that’s the way to party, wouldn’t you say? Just another Saturday at my sister’s house…

{May 19, 2017} Fun, busy day at my sister’s

Friday started as any other day, and hires what…I did sleep!

Got some work done, then it was sister time! We had breakfast out, after straightening the house, then did some damage at Khol’s. We had Khol’s cash, a coupon and some returns. Savings… over $1000! Between stuff for us and the girls, mostly EJS, spent only $500, not too shabby!

Then Costco and the liquor store, back to the house dad and LaLa showed up about the same time, dad and I went to pick up the girls. Oh boy! It’s only been a few weeks, but wow!

Home to hang out and then MGS asked me to help fill the piata for her party, that would be pinata for the rest of us. We filled it with candy all while having a food fight with the candy. Lots of giggling, of course.

Then Fuji for dinner, it’s hibachi but the girls call it the Firehouse because of the hibachi grill. They love it. Next door for cupcakes and cake pops, home for games, books and bed.

Whew, I’m beat! 7 year old birthday party tomorrow! Need some rest!

{May 18, 2017} Oh my! I slept on BOTH my flights

That almost never happens! Sleeping on two flights, let alone one!

I must have been tired! Well, I got back to Chicago from Hawaii Monday morning, only slept 45 minutes between my two flights, 7.5 hours and 50 minutes respectively. I slept on the 50 minute flight, go figure.

I went straight to the office, full day, training session at the gym, mani/pedi with DLP, then dinner. Tuesday morning overslept, to 630am, to the gym, full day at work, yesterday 6am training session at the gym, taught a class, on my feet 8 hours, team dinner. This morning 6am at the gym, taught another 8 hours, off to the airport.

I didn’t think it would happen, I got on my flight from Chicago to Detroit, barely! The traffic was horrible, took over an hour and a half to get there then security was s…l…o…w! I started up a movie and all of a sudden we were landing! What?

I got to the next flight hung out, did some work, got on the plane, ready to actually watch the movie, same one… nope. Nxt thing I knew… time to get off the plane. Wow!

So very exciting! But now… am I going to be able to sleep when I get to my sister’s house!? I’ll let you know!

{May 16, 2017} SEVEN! We have a seven year old!

When did that happen? I still remember getting the phone call.

May 16, 2010, MGS came into the world and stole a piece of my heart. [As long as we remember what year she was born, we’ll always know how old she is, ha ha]

Wow, seven! What a trip it’s been. She’s smart, precocious, adorable, funny, goofy, silly, bright, curious, inquisitive, fearless, loving, independent, stubborn and just plain fabulous.

Sometimes she says things and you just look at her and think “did you really just say that?” and the next second, love bug.

I love those times she gets on my lap and wants to snuggle, play, walk, talk and just have some one – on – one time with her Auntie J. How much do I love when she and EJS won’t see a movie without me?

She makes her parents and family proud every day and I cannot wait to see what is in store for this little girl every day, week, month, year.

Happy birthday MGS! I love you!

{May 15, 2017} Back to reality

Not a bad place to be, I must say.

My flights back from Hawaii uneventful, didn’t sleep from Honolulu to Minneapolis, par for the course. But I did sleep from Minneapolis to Chicago which was one of the best hours of my life!

Straight to the office I had a meeting at 10 a.m., great to see everyone and catch up and know that my goal was accomplished, I wanted to look like I’ve been somewhere!

Meetings, work, training session at the gym, they tried to kill me! it was a dumbbell routine which I am going to tell you all about my new workout program very soon!

Then I went and met DLP, we got our claws and paws done, mani/pedi for those of you not in the know, then went to the Little Beet Table for dinner, i had my first cauliflower steak! got caught up had a good time and then I’m going to collapse in a few minutes.

Tomorrow is a big day, someone is turning 7!!!

{May 15, 2017} Happy Mother’s Day

It’s Mother’s Day. Are you a mom?

Did you have to think about that? Moms come in all shapes and sizes. Some are born to do it, some fall into it, some choose to do it and some, surprise! And don’t forget fur baby moms!

I have children, instant family, I used to say. I became a mom the minute I met my kids. Get this… within a month of becoming a mom, step-mom for anyone who is slightly confused, my feet grew! What? Yeah half a size! I went from 7.5 to 8!

I like to joke that I got all of the joys and none of the stretch marks!

I missed the wee stage with diapers and potty training, oh there are stages I am sorry I missed, the first step, the first tooth, but I was there for other firsts and that was fabulous. I watched my kids thrive, shine, blossom, achieve milestones, drive a car, first boyfriend and girlfriend, get a job, graduate high school for starters and now, both my kids are successful adults. Both married and my baby had a baby. TYL is a mom! She celebrates her first mother’s day! And oh, does motherhood suit her. Thank you for giving me a beautiful baby boy to love on and be a part of his life.

I have people in my life who have welcomed me into their lives in a grandmother and auntie role.

KAB and CS didn’t have to let me in, but they did and oh do they make my heart soar! Baby A, who’s not a baby anymore, his baby sister EB, LB, my first granddaughter, the first to call me JJ and now her little sister, LS. Watching their moms is amazing, the way they teach their children and help them navigate life, wow.
My sister, who gave me the most amazing little nieces, I didn’t realize what being an aunt does to you, it’s a whole different level. What a mom she is, nurturing, teaching, calming, celebrating, thriving, she amazes me every day. I still remember the day, when I was living with them, sometimes three adults in the house, um, you can imagine…’we got this, you be the cool aunt’. done! Do you know what it means when I hear they won’t go to a movie without Auntie J?!

My friends who are these amazing mom’s, LBK, her three girls were the first to call me Aunt J, I love when get to spend one-on-one time with them, it’s rare, but wonderful. Bright, goofy, full of life, dramatic, athletic, I can’t wait to see what’s next! Oh yeah, don’t forget the two fur babies!

SDL, well, you know what I think about her! We still can’t figure out what life was like before Miss A! I’ll never forget the email “Auntie G, do you want to see your niece?” Tried to hold back those waterworks! And Boogie Bear, what a cat!

TS, so much she’s done to have an amazing daughter in her life, KS, bright, funny, caring and now a teacher. Well read, traveled, spoken, that’s almost all to do with TS. She also is amazing for being allergic to cats and had her grand kitty, Molly living with them!

JCT, she’s raising an amazing daughter, SAT, smart, funny, shy, talented and… she just became an aunt to get brother’s new baby! She’s also a fur mom to two goofy pugs.

CWB, friends since middle school! Lost touch, got in touch, lost touch, got in touch. No time had passed and I so love talking to her about her daughter, SB and hearing them interact while we’re on the phone. She is so good, all she’s teaching her daughter about life, compassion, love, caring, giving. Wow!

LGR, we’ve known each other for over twenty years, seen each other go through some stuff and now, to watch her raising her daughter, a bright, precocious, funny, inquisitive little girl and big sister to a fur baby. I love spending time with them!

KWH, she even posted on Facebook she didn’t think kids were in her future, we went through some similar things as step moms, it was so good to have someone who understood. Now, Baby J is just a love and not a day goes by that KWH isn’t amazed and thankful and joyful.

RJS has two fur babies that I get to spend time with and she officially became a mom and grandmother, when she got married to get long time love a few months ago.

I’ve also had the honor of being a fur mom to a range of furry babies, even my friends fur babies call me auntie!

GES and I had an amazing mom and she taught us what it was to be a great mom. Hugs, birthday parties, education, snuggling, loving, caring, generosity, being genuine, living life to the fullest, silliness. I see that and so much more in how I jeep raise my kids, how I interact with my kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, children in general and I see it in my sister the same way with her kids and all the kids that call us auntie.

There are so many more women in my life who are moms, of two legged, four legged, whatever legged who are amazing and deserve nothing less than amazement and admiration and love.

What an honor to be a mom, in whatever capacity you are. We are amazing and I love you all for it.

Happy Mother’s Day.

{May 14, 2017} A day at the beach and touching tribute

Today we saw and heard a celebration of a person’s life.

We were on the beach with friends and there was a collection of tents, as is par for the course on the beach here. They had a lot of people, food and music. There were also quite a few conch shell blowers.

As we all listened, this was a celebration for a guy with the same first name as PSM and another guy with out group. We all joked, asking how they felt about the tributes to their lives.

Then there were several groups who went out on surf boards, paddle boards, canoes, race crews, boats, all going out past the jetty to spread his ashes.

It was a very nice tribute to a man who wss important to a lot of people. The conch shell blowers had different tributes.

The celebration started before we got there and was going on after we left. Hawaiians know how to celebrate life.

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