Dorkism

"Where the hell have you been, Bubbles?", you ask?

Getting through the end of the school year, I guess. Two out of the three Things are out. Thing Two, the one in the charter school, gets out this Friday.

I've had lots on my mind, but no real incentive or inspiration to post. Sigh.

I guess I'll randomly throw some subjects out there.

First, Thing Two's broken arm is in very good shape. She no longer wears the brace and is working on building strength. She can't arm wrestle, and she doesn't have the stomach for, or motivation to, swim. Hopefully she'll be ready when the swim season starts because we signed her up.

Next, I seem to have developed a crush on her orthopedic surgeon. Problem is, I don't know how to approach it. Shit, I don't even know if he is married, or gay, or what! No ring, but that means very little.

It's not like he's dreamy, or I have the hots for him, or anything. It's just that over the past months, from the ER to the last appointment, he has had a very nice demeanor. He is articulate, kind, patient, and respectful. He is in a private practice by himself and the two people that work in the office are down to earth, friendly, and unassuming. I like that. Here in the Scottsdale area there are plenty of huge medical practices with snobbish staff and crappy attitudes. I guess I'm impressed with his behavior and the behavior of the people he surrounds himself with professionally. Behavior and associations say a lot about someone, especially when there isn't much else to go on!

I'm pretty sure we are the same age - within a year. If I'm right, he looks darn good for his age. Thing Two thinks it is great that I'm interested in him, which says that she thinks he's o.k. Well, except she says he has a "funky nose". Hm, I hadn't even noticed!

What should I do?

At the last appointment, which I thought was the last, Thing Two had planned to ask him if he was single. At the last minute I told her not to. It was busy in the office and I chickened out. I can't ask. I'm just too damn chicken. Sigh.

Thankfully, he asked us if we minded coming back for one more follow-up. Of course I was all too happy to say yes!

I've thought about asking one of the office staff about his situation, but I'm too chicken. So here's my latest idea. I'm thinking to writing a short thank-you note letting him know what I have thought of our experience working with he and his practice. Basically, specific positive feedback. Then, at the close of the note, I was thinking I might say that if he has a significant other in his life to disregard the remainder of the note. At that point I would just say that if he is not involved with someone, I'd welcome the opportunity to meet for a drink. Then include my phone number.

Is that lame? I feel like such a dork!

I still got it!

How was the party? It was a blast!

That huge pool I worked so hard to put in was full of smiling people. There were roughly 50 guests, including adults, the baseball team players, and their siblings. The boys played basketball, some were diving, some were sliding down the water slide. There was even a baby in a bouncy seat on the Baja step! It was everything I planned for it to be, and more! One of my daughters congratulated me at one point by saying, "Hey, you have friends now!" How right she is. It has been a long time coming.

On Monday I had to send out a lost and found list by email. Items included kids' underwear, adult clothing, cocktail cocktail shakers, towels, and shoes... I got several responses to claim items that included remarks about the party. I'll let the party reviews speak for themselves.

Wow Bubbles, what a party and what a gracious hostess!!! Your family
was so generous to have this party at your house and your girls were so helpful
with everything, watching the kids, etc.... I am in for the Trophy Party,
if you are....:)

..... Again, thank you for everything. You
have alot to be proud of as a mom, your family is truly special. See you
Thursday--GO DODGERS!

Obviously we were the Dodgers this spring - it was a tough color to wear to the Diamondbacks game on Little League day! Our team came in #1 in the little league minors division for the season! On Thursday we will have an unofficial game with a lower ranking majors team to see how we do with a higher division team. Should be fun.

More reviews... this next one is from a team Dad that helps the coaches all the time.

Thank you so much for hosting that wonderful end o year baseball party.
I can't believe you had the courage to do it but you did and you
pulled it off with great success. .....
Again, thank you and your family for the great evening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes thank you Bubbles!!!! I can't stop laughing about the lost n
found list. You are too sweet and have a gorgeous family and a great house
for
parties! I'm still trying to get over that night! :) *name withheld*
said it was the funnest party he has ever been to.

Hi bubbles,
Thank you so much for opening your home to all of us....
my boys couldn't stop talking about how 'cool' your home was. We all had a
great time and hope we didn't make too much of a mess:) I couldn't help
but think what a great job you have done with all of your kids- they are
helpful, polite and just great human beings. Nice job mom!

You guys are fantastic!!!! Thank you sooooooo much for being such a great host family!!!
Looking forward to many more fun times together!!!

So there you have it. A great time was had by all, especially the hostess. My idea of a good party is one where I have fun, as well as my guests, of course. This was accomplished. Other fun activities included dancing on the observation deck roof, kids playing with chickens, team moms dancing on the bar, and bunches of people in the hot tub. I personally did not partake in the hot tub or the dancing, but I had loads of fun watching. I enjoyed having a keg in the keggerator again!

A few feelings came over me that were interesting and unexpected.

One, I realized how great my bar looks with a man standing behind it, and began thinking it may be nice to have one around again - at least once in awhile. One of the coaches is one of those great 'mixologists'. You know, the guy that runs the blender, shakes the shaker, and generally looks like he belongs behind the bar? If this guy wasn't married to the nicest wife and have the sweetest kids ever, I'd have to have a crush on him. Sigh.

Two, I felt a little envious of the couples that were smooching or holding hands. Sigh. I was one of three single women at my party. I was also the oldest person at my party, although one of the coaches wives (the other coach that I have always had a crush on) is only three years younger than me. I would never have guessed it!

Three, I felt good about myself. I'm proud that I can still entertain and have a great time without a man by my side, or to answer the door, or to get drinks, or whatever. I did all the prep work myself, my guests were amazing about cleaning up before they left, and most of all, my kids pitched in all along the way. They were not only helpful to me, but were gracious hosts. I love them so much!

What did my kids have to say about the party? "That was so fun, when are we doing it again?"

Soon, I hope!

Happy Friday!

Party!!

I just love to throw a party.  I haven't had a party (except for some family gatherings) since the last New Years Eve party before the divorce in 2005.

Well, I'm having a party!!  Woo Hoo!

I'm hosting the end of season baseball team party.  The fabulous baseball coaches that have drafted Thing 3 for the last two spring seasons and last fall's season were happy to accept my invitation, so it is happening on Saturday!

It will be a pool party, which the boys will love.  Thing 1 will be our lifeguard.

The parents on this team are really great.  Parents and siblings included, we should have about 50 people!  It sounds like we will have a great time. 

I'll let you know.  Right now I have a lot of prep work to do.

Happy Friday!!

One of these things is not like the other...

This is what happens when your cat finds a scorpion in the courtyard.   

Poor Tommy.

Thing one pulled a stinger out of his middle pad on the his left paw.

Doesn't it look like he is wearing a catcher's mitt?

meOW.