Sandbox

Just a few pics of Jacob at serious play in his new sandbox. Notice the fancy sandbox toys that Nana splurged on. Nothing's too good for the grandson! The challenge is keeping the sand IN the sandbox.

Apprentice

As some of my close friends and family are aware, The Apprentice is just about my favorite TV program. While on a trip to New York City, one of the highlights for me was seeing Donald Trump on the street and going to Trump Tower. Last night's episode was pre-empted by our local weather...we had to rounds of thunderstorms/tornadoes throughout the evening. I felt a little guilty for my frustration at not being able to watch my show, when lives were in danger. Then I got a phone call from my sister that further added to my frustration. It seems that the task of the teams on this particular day was to create brochures of Ellis Island and see who could sell the most. Egads! The day we toured Ellis Island in September we were approached to buy brochures and were being filmed during the process. I actually bought 2 brochures, one for myself and one for my mother-in-law. We both had to sign releases to allow our faces to be shown on this video. We were a part of The Apprentice!!!!!!!!! To my dismay, the team we bought from lost the task...I shouldn't have been so cheap and talked her into a lower price! I'm sure they lost because of ME! Fortunately, the episode will be rebroadcast tomorrow evening and I'll be sure to tape it and watch for mine and my families beautiful faces on Ellis Island.

Sesame Street

I am a brave grandmother! Today Jacob and I went to the Mabee Center to see all his favorite characters in Sesame Street Live. Thankfully, we brought Grandma Blevins along to help us out. Jacob was enthralled by the bright lights and music when we entered the theater. All the way to our seat he kept repeating, "Whoa! Whoa!" We had great seats on the floor next to the stage and Jacob took turns sitting in his own seat ($22) and sitting on the laps of Grandma and Nana. Before the show began, he was captivated by all the kids surrounding him. This particular showing (10:30 a.m.) was the most popular for schools and daycares. I was pleasantly surprised that the show held his interest for the entire time. Of course, towards the end, I'm sure those around us were getting a little annoyed that he kept batting around his balloon that Grandma Blevins bought for him during intermission. :) As we were climbing the stairs after the show, I allowed him to hold my hand and walk up the stairs by himself, not realizing that he would want to pick up every piece of popcorn that had spilled in the aisle! And there was PLENTY of that.

Sleepless in Tulsa

When was the last time I had a good night's sleep? Who knows, since I also suffer from memory loss. But seriously, I can't remember what it's like to sleep all night, to be awakened by the alarm, or to enjoy dreamless, deep sleep and wake up refreshed. I finally resorted to a prescription about a month ago--Lunesta. You know the ads--butterfly gently coming to rest on the peaceful sleeping woman. Lies, I tell you, all lies! I have to admit I slept "better" with the Lunesta, just not "good." But the adverse side affects were too much to bear, so the doc prescribed Sonata. First night with this "wonder drug" and I had a worse night of tossing & turning than without the medication. Time to take matters in my own hands. I have resolved to become caffeine-free. Didn't really think I ingested a great amount of caffeine anyway--2 cups of coffee in the morning, the occasional soda, iced tea and of course a treat of chocolate now and then. But I'm at the end of my rope, so to speak, and am willing to try anything. Knowing first hand about the "caffeine headache" I started yesterday by making my coffee with 1/2 regular and 1/2 decaf. Then no more caffeine the rest of the day. Yeah, I had a headache. And no, I didn't sleep well last night, but maybe slightly better than usual. Decided to go the same route today with the 1/2 and 1/2. Guess what? No headache today. Amazing. Maybe I'll cut back even more tomorrow. If anyone has any tried and true home remedies for insomnia, I welcome the feedback. Here's to a good night's sleep!

The Sweet Life

What could be sweeter than eating Nana's bran blueberry muffins while watching Finding Nemo on my own personal dvd player? I couldn't possibly be spoiled, could I? Simply by coincidence, the t-shirt I brought to wear today says, "It's All About Me!" - Jacob

Jacob decided to take it upon himself to climb up into his high chair, retrieve his favorite collapsable tin cup and, appropriately for this little monkey, a delicious banana.