FINALLY

I had to sneak in the back way, but I finally got the school computers to let me me post. I had so much that I wanted to say. Now, I can't remember a dang thing to type. So, I'll just ramble on until "it" comes to me.

My summer class is going swimmingly. I am in Shakespeare right now. We are reading Much Ado About Nothing. I have decided that I am Beatrice, pre-Benedick. Maybe I'm not that mouthy (or "shrewish," as she is referred to in the play), but sometimes I am in my own mind. Does that count?

I'm ready to accomplish something that could be categorized as "FUN" this summer. Well, that is, I need to go do something before "mommy mode" turns into "screaming rampage of frustration." I love my daughter. School is going great. But the stress of both is getting to me. I think I need a time-out.

I'm also contemplating a part time job. I need another outlet. Maybe. I really, really wanted one job that I had a couple of interviews for, but the owner needed someone to work different hours than I can. Hopefully, I can get a job there in the fall though. It's at a local education center (something like Sylvan Learning Center, on a local-only level).

Madeline's birthday and party were very fun last week. On her birthday we went out to dinner and just hung out. I can't believe how big she is getting to be. Lately, in public people just ask me if she's three. I think, Is it that evident that she's in her 'try some threes'?

Madeline's party was a hit. Even if I did forget a complete checklist. My favorite "little" brother had to attempt to grill with a baby spatula which was really intended for the cake. He did good though.

After the party, my cousin Keri and I went back to my place to unload and put away the leftovers. The rest of the fam and friends had either gone home or to a different park (closer to my house). My parents, older brother, sister in law, their children, and my daughter went to said park. When my cousin and I arrived at said park, my dad said that my mother had a confession to make. My mother was following Maddie and playing with her at the park. While climbing a certain slide (which I detest fully), my lovely three year old told my mom to go catch her (at the bottom of the slide). Well, as my mother was walking to the front to catch my daughter, my daughter was falling off the back. She fell from the second or third step from the top of the monster slide that I detest. Note that by the time I arrived, Madeline was swinging and all was well (except maybe my mother's nerves). She has a nasty bruise on her arm and a few scratches that are pretty much gone from the side of her face. Steven (the older brother) told me later that he didn't know who cried more: Granny or Maddie.

After this adventure, we went back to my place (to trash it as Steven said [he's the one with the children who would do so, hee hee hee]). We ordered pizza for dinner and anticipated Shreck the Third. Steven, Tina (the sis-in-law), Keri, Daniel (the nephew), Samantha (the niece), Madeline, and I went to the movie. It was great fun. I haven't been to a kid's movie in a low time. I think it's time we start going. Madeline enjoyed it through her heavy eye lids, but cousin Daniel was there to help keep her awake. No worries about wasting the mullah. All was well with the movie, except for the fact that I FORGOT about a certain Erin-friend who was supposed to attend with us. She had called earlier in the day and said she wanted to go with us. I'm such a jerk for forgetting. But I was more concerned about getting the three kids and three other grown-ups all to a movie theatre they hadn't been too. Erin called me at ten after seven. fifteen minutes after I shut off my phone. I'm sorry, Erin. She hung around the 'Burg waiting on us. Then she came over, we watched Night at the Museum (very cute, as was Shreck).

I think I have decided what I'm going to write my senior thesis on next semester. Don't laugh. I'm serious. Strawberry Shortcake. Okay. Laugh a little. I did an 8-page rhetorical analysis on two SS episodes. I think I'm going to expand it. If the teacher doesn't like the idea, I'll switch to something about Gender in Shakespearean plays, or something of the sort. I know interesting stuff, huh? Not nearly as interesting as the OB, but still interesting. Maybe I'll post something serious about how I think girls are portrayed in Strawberry Shortcake, but I think people would think that I'm over-analyzing it. Heck, I think I'm over-analyzing it, but it makes for a good paper.