A blog about dolls

Check out Carly's blog, A Doll's World, at http://kittyaglover825.blogspot.com/. Literary genius runs in the family, you know.

The importance of counting to 10

A couple of weeks ago, at a basketball tournament, a mom from an opposing team called Riley a "thug" to his face after a game in which her team lost.

A team we've played before. A parent we're likely to see again.

Perhaps she saw my baby looking like this. I doubt she had, but even if she did, should it matter?

She called him a "thug" because he played tough in that game. You want to call him aggressive. Fine. He plays hard and, in fact, is working on playing harder. Most kids this age do. They're high schoolers who want to win, who dream of making it to the next level. They have to be tough to succeed in basketball . . . and life.

Riley told us what happened. He didn't say it, but I could tell it bothered him. Of course we reminded him about the old "sticks and stones" philosophy. But inside I was seething.

What is wrong with people? When did it become okay for grown-ups to call kids names? I'd like to tell you this was the first time in sports I've heard a parent call a kid a name. But it's not. It happened to Riley once before, a couple of years ago, long enough for me to forget what was said, but not long enough for me to forget it happened. At best, these incidents serve as a reminder that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. The "thug" in question just happens to be a straight A student taking honors classes. His future is full of promise.

So fast forward to today. I took the kids to Red Robin for lunch as a spring break treat. (They've been looking forlorn, the whole "what are we going to do for spring break" thing. Uhhh . . .nothing?) You'll never guess who was in that restaurant, only a few feet away.

Riley noticed her first, and then my mama bear came roaring out. I wanted nothing more than to say a few words to her, not of the charitable variety either. But I didn't because I understand the importance of being a good example, even when everything in me calls for a smackdown. (I am, after all, an east-side girl.)

So I'll leave it at this: Bad karma, lady. Don't be surprised someday when my "thug" is your kid's boss.

Speechless

Here at the Hoop-lah house we are winding up Christmas break and getting back to the routine. Not a moment too soon. This goes away tomorrow.

 

Call it a moment of madness when a group of teenage boys has free time. And actually, I have to acknowledge it was nicely done if you like the look. To me it screams punk rocker, not a lifestyle I want him to aspire to.

I've moved past speechless. Now I'm saying hallelujah for basketball, because around here you can't play with a ferret on your head.

Snow Miser pays a visit





Today I am happy for the foot of snow on my deck. Our land here is dry and the moisture is desperately needed. It is the first snow we've had in a long time.

It's a mixed blessing because snow (and blizzard conditions) don't come without problems. At our house, the belt on the snowblower broke. The tire on the Highlander was flat this morning, followed by a dead battery, not caused by weather, but by human error. A limb on this tree in our backyard partly snapped from the weight of the snow. My mom's power is out, almost 24 hours later.

But we are all home and not out on the roads, where people have died today and interstate traffic has been tied up for hours. Although I did go to Target, which is less than a mile from my house. It was so slick, and I'm a nervous Nellie winter driver anyway. White kunckle the whole way. But we wanted to make cookies and someone (ahem) needed some Midol.

So we're here. It's safe. It's warm. And we have freshly baked cookies. Stop by if you're out.

Finding the light

Today Carly asked if it was safe to go to school. Between last week's tragedy and this week's prediction of doomsday, she is scared. Scared she won't see us again.

And my heart broke.

I am the saddest I ever remember being.

I think my life coach would tell me to find something positive every day to reflect on. So that's my new strategy. Today I'm thinking about:

 

An early Christmas weekend with Scott's family. Here he is with his parents and brother.

 

My Parkview Star, recognized for her outstanding citizenship at an awards ceremony last Friday.

Red, White and Blue Hoop-lah

Here at The Daily Hoop-lah, I rarely talk about issues of importance such as the economy, immigration, proposed casinos, Kim Kardashian and Big Bird. Mostly because I think opinions are highly over-rated unless, of course, they're mine. I don't have time to come up with actual facts to convince you that I'm right.

But every once in a while someone will ask me where I stand. Really, wouldn't you rather hear about the time I met Rick Springfield?

But because today is Election Day, I'll play along. Here's my take on politics:

• My first election was 1988. I voted for George Bush (the older one) because I liked his wife.
• Bill Clinton is my favorite (living) president although, in general, I am hugely judgmental about men cheating on their wives. 
• I have memorized the names of the first 16 presidents and those after 1988, in order. Impressive, I know. That will be my winning ticket on Jeopardy.
• I like that Mary Matlin and Donna Brazil are friends. How cool is that?
• My office hosted the 2004 democratic debate in Des Moines before the Iowa caucus. I met John Edwards (not forgiving of his moral lapses), John Kerry, Howard Dean, Richard Gephardt, and a few others. If you ask me privately, I'll tell you which one(s) was the biggest jerk.
• In said primary, Charlie Gibson from ABC News was in town, and I spent lots of time celebrity stalking. I love Charlie Gibson! Charlie Gibson for President! 
• I voted at a new precinct today, a church. They had homemade cookies. My old precinct, at a mobile home park, never had cookies. I think I am now judgmental about that. The cookies were awesome! I was voter #649.
• I'll give bonus points to any candidate that invites Bon Jovi or Rick Springfield and me to their campaign event.
• Robo-call me too many times and I won't vote for you.
• The key to my heart: Convince me you are the best candidate for women and children. That is what matters to me. 

One for the scrapbook

Riley earned a varsity letter this fall in cross country. So proud of him. Such a tremendous work ethic in this kid.