Unplugged

I haven't been so good at unplugging this vacation.  I'm not good at unplugging on any vacation really, except maybe the Disney Cruise when I was forced too because I was not paying for exorbitant internet rates.  I may have only posted once, but I'm still checking twitter and facebook and email constantly.  And I don't even like facebook.  (Can I please get a google+ invite soon so I can give up facebook?  That would be great. jodifur@gmail.com.  But don't send me email to that address because I check it like never.)

Today we went to a water-park.  Michael really wanted to go and I was kind of whatever on the whole thing.  We could go to the beach or the pool for free but this is what he really wanted to do.  We managed to talk him down from the REALLY expensive water-park to the only moderately expensive water-park.  And I left my phone in the car.  (I'd like to say I was doing it to give Michael my one on one attention, but I was doing it to keep it from geting wet.)

 But, what it did mean was that for 5 solid hours, Michael had my undivided attention.  It would not be far from the truth to say this does not happen often.

We played tag in the pool and lounged on the lazy river and went down the water slides more times than I could count.  We ate lunch without me checking my phone.  He never once complained or asked me to play with him.  Because hey, I was playing with him.  And it was really, really nice. 

I don't have one picture, because I take all my pictures on my phone.

When it got so crazy hot we could no longer handle it, we left, and went and got ice cream.  Michael and Doug shared the biggest banana split in the world.  That, I had my phone for.

   

I've been blogging for over four years, since Michael was 18 months old, and it has consumed so much of my everyday life.  And I'm glad for it, it has given me a lot.  But when push comes to shove, 10 years from now, will I care about the latest internet kerfuffle?  (Because there always is a kerfuffle.)  Or will I care that I didn't put down the phone and play tag or play a game? 

I'm going to try to shut down more often.  Because pretty soon he isn't even going to want me to play with him. 

 

Frankie Says Relax

We made it to the beach Friday afternoon with surprisingly little traffic.  I expected hours of delays at the Bay Bridge (for all you non Washingtonians, that is the bridge to get to Maryland's eastern shore) but the only delay we had was because of an accident on the DC beltway.  Michael ate dinner in the car, while watching Star Wars on the DVD player, and he was in heaven.  I never let him have McDonald's and I never let him watch tv when he eats.  To him, that was the ultimate.

We got to the beach house, put Michael to bed, and had the traditional Maryland crab feast with my parents.  On Saturday we went to the pool, and yesterday we finally hit the beach for the first time.  And of course, fireworks.

Today, it is 11:30 am and I am still in my pajamas.  Michael and Doug are flying paper airplanes off of the high stairwell in my parent's beach house. Michael slept until 9:30 am this morning because we were out so late at the fireworks last night.

To be honest, we are doing a whole lot of nothing.  Which, was exactly how we spent this week last year.  Last year it really bothered me, I felt like we should be out, doing things.  Now I'm all, whatever, doing things is overrated.  I'm quite happy to sit on the couch and check for updates on the Casey Anthony trial.  Sunday my parents took Michael to see a movie and instead of hanging out with my husband I watched the closing arguments of the trial.  I am a super fun date.  (Even funnier was when we finally left the house to go get a drink and dinner and the trial was on at the bar.  The bar was filled with lawyers and we all sat around discussing the case.  Feel free to feel bad for my husband.)

So there you have it, I have been on vacation for 4 days and nothing interesting has happened.  And now, I will give you pictures to prove it.

 

I think we are going to leave the house soon and go play some mini golf. Maybe.  Or continue to sit here.  One, or the other.

What I Learned At Disney Social Media Moms

I'm writing this in a Jake and the Neverland Pirates notebook while sitting at the airport.  Which is ironic.  Since one of the things I learned is that Jake is like Justin Bieber to the preschool set.  Michael fell asleep on the dance floor at the Disney Junior party and refused to leave because "Jake is here, Mom."  Keep Reading.

 

Magic

I promise to do a whole post discussing Disney Social Media Moms.  But not now.  Because for the next two days I'm still on Disney time.  We've moved hotels and extended our stay and tonight Doug and I have a date night at the ultra swanky Victoria and Alberts, Disney's fanciest restaurant.  Keep Reading.

 

Total Randomness

• We leave for Disney on Thursday and my bedroom is currently piles of bags and boxes and things I CANNOT forget to pack.  I have not packed, thought about packing, or attempted to pack.
• Michael turns six tomorrow, he still does not know about Disney, I haven't decided yet how we are telling him, and I really need to do that.  (Yes, my traditional sappy post with video montage is all set to go.)
• I went to Target three times over the weekend and forgot a diffuser for my hairdryer each time.  It was on my list yet each and every time I forgot to buy it.  What the hell?
• For some crazy, ridiculous, insane reason, Michael's 6th birthday party is the weekend we get back from Disney, so the whole party has to be ready to go before we leave.  Ask me what I have done for that?  About as much as I have packed.  Actually, less.
• I've started downloading books from the library's e loan program.  Which is great, free books..except, it is was so comlicated it took me, Doug, and a youtube video to figure out how to do it.  Plus, you only get two weeks on each loan and my first book is almost 800 pages so I've been reading like it is my job and I have another book to read.  Plus, when it is due THEY JUST TAKE IT BACK.  There is no return or overdue.  I'm thinking this is not a good plan.
• I've been having terrible heartburn for a week now.  (No, I'm not pregnant.)  I've googled heartburn or heart attack like 500 times, leading me to believe that if I can google it, I am not in fact having a heart attack.  I should probably go to the doctor.  See above for the amount of time I have to do that.
• I went for a (short) run yesterday and did not keel over so I'm thinking I'm not having cardiac symptoms.  Yes?
• Did you know impending sense of doom is a heart attack symptom?  I didn't either.  I don't have that symptom, or any other symptom except a burning sensation around my heart, which I'm pretty sure is heartburn and not in fact a heart attack but that does not stop me from OBSESSIVELY GOOGLING.  Damn you google.  And heartburn.  And if I die in Disney I'm going to be really freakin' pissed. 

California Dreaming

Seriously the best vacation ever.  Flights were easy peasy.  Hotel was a dream.  We ate and drank and slept and spaed.  We shopped in cute towns and held hands and drank lots of coffee and even more wine.  And it occurred to me, about half way through the trip, that Doug is the only person in the world that I could spend four days with and not once want to kill.  Or even get annoyed with.  Or even say a cross word to.  The vacation was in one word, perfection.

How could you feel anything but happy in this setting?

It felt in many ways like a second honeymoon.  The setting was luxurious and lush and dreamy.  And man do I love my husband.  I recommend to anyone, who can do it, go away without your child.  Even if it is for a night.  You, your marriage, and your life will be better for it.

We came home to drama of the largest order, yet somehow, I have managed to stay relaxed and calm.  Which is unlike me.  I'm hoping it lasts, at least through the week.  And why is it so cold in DC?  I want to go back to California.  (Also, I forgot my best friends' birthday.  I suck.  Happy Birthday Shana.)

Also:  This.  I know there is drama surronding it and I'm sorry for all those who didn't get in.  But I for one I'm thrilled to say I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD. 

Shhhh...don't tell Michael.  It is going to be his 6th birthday present.

 

Mom=Guilt

Doug and I are taking a little parent only vacation the end of this week and beginning of next week.  We are flying to California and staying here. (I KNOW!!!!! Not Sponsored).

We NEED this vacation.  I am a firm believer in Mommy and Daddy time.  We are very lucky to be able to take this vacation and I don't forget that, especially with the economy the way that it is.  Part of the resort stay was won at a party for the now defunct SV moms.  We are flying on points. I have no idea why I am sharing this information with you, but somehow I feel the need to defend my extragavant travel plans.

This vacation is brought to you by Jodifur.  But not in the way that people are giving me free stuff.  In the way that I worked for it.

But anyway, moving on, I'm worried, about crazy ridiculous things.  I hate to fly, with a passion, and California is a really long flight.  I worry about the plane crashing and Michael being left without parents.  (I made Doug up our life insurance this week in case this in fact happened.  I worried about Michael being left alone and penniless.) And then there is the we are going to be in California!  A five hour plan ride!  What if there is a crises?  We can't get back.  Maybe I'll worry about that for a while also.

We are leaving Michael with my parents, not with the dog.  I'm pretty sure they can handle any crises that occurs. 

We are taking this trip as an early 10 year anniversary trip.  (The actual event is in September, 2011, but the gift certificate was expiring and we had the airline miles and my parents could babysit this weekend.  Carpe diem right?)

We have amazing things planned.  Like sleeping.  (That is not a euphemism, I mean sleeping.)  And spa treatments and champagne tasting and dinner reservations.  I'd also like to read out on my balcony.  And maybe sleep some more and drink some more wine.  I'd like to have a conversation with my husband that is not interrupted by "Daddy, can you tell me a story about a super hero?"  I don't plan on checking my email (for real) or blogs or even twitter.  (I'll try on that one.)

But, still, I feel bad.  I felt similarly when I left Michael for BlogHer.  Like somehow being a mom means you no longer get to be you.  (The leaving for BlogHer thing turned out fine except when he got sick and I cried.)

The odd thing is I'm not normally a guilt ridden mom.  I don't feel guilty going to work or out to dinner or out with friends.  But apparently, kid free vacations are my hot button guilt thing.  Also, I really hate to fly.  So if I concentrate on feeling guilty, I don't have to concentrate on flying. 

We leave in two days.  Perhaps I should think about packing.

 

 

Anyone Know A Pillow Pet Exterminator?

How was everyone's Thanksgiving?  Mine was wonderful with food and wine and family and only one food disaster that involved the worst creamed spinach known to man.  Seriously.  But everything else was super yummy and after cooking for days what more can you ask for? 

Perhaps a lovely table.  I also had that.

 

After hosting both families for Thanksgiving we escaped for the long weekend and went to my parents beach house, where we exchanged Hanukkah presents with my family.  We still haven't given Michael his presents, we will do one present a night, but with my family we do one big celebration where everyone exchanges gifts.  And there were latkes.  So basically this entire weekend was about food.

Michael concocted this elaborate plan with my mom where he was going to get me a pillow pet for Hanukkah.  Specifically the unicorn pillow pet.  And he told EVERYONE about this he was so excited.  It was actually kind of adorable.  He was convinced I really, really wanted the unicorn pillow pet and could not contain himself that he was giving this to me.  And my poor mom schlepped all over the world to find this thing.  Doug got the bumble bee.

Michael now has two more pillow pets.  This brings our total pillow pet count to 8.  I have 8 pillow pets in my house.  This whole obsession started very innocently when Michael had a successful first day at Kindergarten and I was all, hey, I'll get him a pillow pet, because I knew he wanted one.  ONE.  My mom and sister have filled in the rest.

Michael sleeps with all 6 of his pillow pets.  There is barely room for him in his bed.  Yes, before you leave me comments about it, I know he is spoiled rotten. 

It has gotten out of control.  I feel like I could open up my own ebay store to sell these things for all those poor moms who are running all over trying to get their kids pillow pets for the holidays and I have 8 in my house.

Thank you, mominamillion for my most favorite tweet ever. 

If only that was a possibility.

On Friday Doug and I fly to California for an adults only vacation.  I believe our pillow pets are staying home.

(This post was is no way sponsored by pillow pets.  All of our pillow pets have been payed for by myself, or a member of my family.)

 

 

Empire State

I've always loved New York City.  It was always my dream to live there.  My two closet friends have, and one of my biggest regrets will be that I never did it.  (I mean, I guess I still could, I'm only 35 and life goes in strange places but somehow I don't see it happening.)  I know some people are not city people but I love New York City.  I love Boston and San Francisco too.

We took Michael to New York City this weekend.  It was my parent's idea.  He loves the theater and they had been dying to take him to see something on Broadway.  (I'm proud to say he gets this from me.  I am such a Broadway dork.)  We were supposed to see Spiderman Take Back the Dark but since it is never going to open (20 bucks, Dad) my parents took him to the Lion King and Doug and I saw Elf: The Musical, which was a riot and almost enough to get me over my grinch, I hate the holidays mood.  We spent the weekend like 5 years olds in NYC.  We did all the kid stuff.  M and M World, the ferris wheel at Toys R US, Hershey World, the Lego store.  All the things you roll your eyes at when you pass them in Times Square.

We also went to the King Tut exhibit because Michael is going through a major Egypt phase.  And he loved it.  The theme throughout the whole weekend was how well behaved he was.  There was a minor temper tantrum outside Hershey World when I put my foot down and said NO MORE CANDY and when we left dinner Saturday night and he started to cry because "all I want to do is go back to the hotel and play."  We had been on the move since 8 am, he had been bought all these toys and he been walking and walking and walking.  He was tired and cold AND DONE.  And I was all, "no we have so much more to see."  And Doug said "Jodi, he's 5, give the kid a break."

So there Doug and I were, in the most incredible city in the world, at 9 o'clock at night, sitting in the bathroom of our hotel room, playing poker on my iPad.  7 years ago we would have been in the theater or out to dinner or at a wine bar.  But our five year old, who this trip was about, needed to sleep.  And he did, dreaming of M and M World and Simba saving the day and King Tut.

I wouldn't change the trip for anything. 

Hi, From Where We Are

I'm writing this on my phone. Sitting by the pool. Not a bad way to spend the week before Kindergarten starts. Enjoy your week, Internet.