The following is an excerpt of an interview with Jes.se Ja.mes discussing his divorce from San.dra Bul.lock:
I think it's very sad that you adopted Louis together and now you have nothing to do with him.
Yep, it is kind of sad.
If he was your biological child I don't think that would happen.
That's true.
I'm not sure who is more disgusting: Jes.se or the interviewer.
Just goes to show that Hollywood is still severly out-of-touch and certain members believe children are accessories.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Orphaned and Eldered at 40
I stumbled across an article today that discussed adults becoming orphans when their parents die. The author indicated that it was one thing to lose her father... but when her mother passed away some years later it was much more difficult to handle than she originally anticipated. That's how I feel, only I've added my grandmother into the mix as well.
I'm the last of the line. Yes, I have a sister - but she is my half sister who still has a living father and another whole family to rely upon. I am now the oldest in my line. And although I am 40, I feel too young for this particular role. I've got too many questions that still need answering, too many lessons that need to be learned, and (hopefully) too many years ahead of me to be here alone. (Yes, yes, I have my sister, my husband, my daughter... but you know what I am talking about.)
I went home a couple of weeks ago to go through not only my mother's personal belongings, but also through my grandmother's. In two days I dug through two entirely different houses of women I deeply loved. It was my job to pull out the things that meant the most to me so I could keep them. I cannot describe the difficult decisions that had to be made. I sat in those homes knowing full well that it may be the last time I was ever in them. My grandmother lived in her house for my entire life, and now I may never step foot in it again because it will be sold. My mother and I had a rocky relationship at times due to her lifelong companion who despised me. Through his grief I have been welcomed back into their home - but who knows how long that will last, so I could have easily experienced my last trip to her house also.
I came home from that trip with photos, letters, books, and quilts. I also came home with more questions than answers, and that, perhaps, is what bothers me the most. Who can tell me more about my paternal great-grandmother who may be a family link to my best friend from high school? Who will tell me about the love-letter my father wrote to my mother after they were divorced (and explain why my mother saved it for 37 years)? Who will tell me how to make family recipes that were not written down? Who will explain the people in the photographs? You see, I - me alone - am the last of the line yet the beginning of the line. I am now the one that subsequent generations will come to in order to have questions answered. My fear is that I may not have the answers because I was thrust into this position before it was time.
I feel an incredible emptiness that I fear few people can understand. I had barely come to terms with my father dying, and then my mom dies exactly six months later. While reeling from that loss, my grandmother dies in the same month. My three remaining living elders that were a direct familial connection were taken seemingly at once. There was too much to do in order for me to grieve... I had a daughter to take care of, a house to clean, a job to go to, a wife to be. I still wonder if this has all been a dream and I'm about to wake up. You see, I don't think it has really sunk in yet. I feel like it is just under the surface and I am doing everything I can to keep it submerged, allthewhile feeling like I'm about to explode. But I know I won't... explode that is. I can't. Because the elder in the family always maintains her cool. And now that elder is me. Orphaned, and eldered, at 40.
I'm the last of the line. Yes, I have a sister - but she is my half sister who still has a living father and another whole family to rely upon. I am now the oldest in my line. And although I am 40, I feel too young for this particular role. I've got too many questions that still need answering, too many lessons that need to be learned, and (hopefully) too many years ahead of me to be here alone. (Yes, yes, I have my sister, my husband, my daughter... but you know what I am talking about.)
I went home a couple of weeks ago to go through not only my mother's personal belongings, but also through my grandmother's. In two days I dug through two entirely different houses of women I deeply loved. It was my job to pull out the things that meant the most to me so I could keep them. I cannot describe the difficult decisions that had to be made. I sat in those homes knowing full well that it may be the last time I was ever in them. My grandmother lived in her house for my entire life, and now I may never step foot in it again because it will be sold. My mother and I had a rocky relationship at times due to her lifelong companion who despised me. Through his grief I have been welcomed back into their home - but who knows how long that will last, so I could have easily experienced my last trip to her house also.
I came home from that trip with photos, letters, books, and quilts. I also came home with more questions than answers, and that, perhaps, is what bothers me the most. Who can tell me more about my paternal great-grandmother who may be a family link to my best friend from high school? Who will tell me about the love-letter my father wrote to my mother after they were divorced (and explain why my mother saved it for 37 years)? Who will tell me how to make family recipes that were not written down? Who will explain the people in the photographs? You see, I - me alone - am the last of the line yet the beginning of the line. I am now the one that subsequent generations will come to in order to have questions answered. My fear is that I may not have the answers because I was thrust into this position before it was time.
I feel an incredible emptiness that I fear few people can understand. I had barely come to terms with my father dying, and then my mom dies exactly six months later. While reeling from that loss, my grandmother dies in the same month. My three remaining living elders that were a direct familial connection were taken seemingly at once. There was too much to do in order for me to grieve... I had a daughter to take care of, a house to clean, a job to go to, a wife to be. I still wonder if this has all been a dream and I'm about to wake up. You see, I don't think it has really sunk in yet. I feel like it is just under the surface and I am doing everything I can to keep it submerged, allthewhile feeling like I'm about to explode. But I know I won't... explode that is. I can't. Because the elder in the family always maintains her cool. And now that elder is me. Orphaned, and eldered, at 40.
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Worst Seven Months...
The last seven months have been the worst I have ever experienced in my life. September 4, 2010: My father died. March 4, 2011: My mother died. March 30, 2011: My grandmother died. Within seven months, almost my whole family was wiped out. And here's the eerie thing about it... my mom and dad died exactly six months apart, within minutes of each other. They both died on the 4th day of the month, in their 70th year, at approximately 7:30 a.m.** Yeah, you can only imagine what my 70th year is going to be like for me. And my grandmother that passed? See the post below for her beautiful face. She was my father's mother, and lived to 96. Please please please let me have inherited her genes. Oh, and in the middle of those seven months -- I turned 40. Yay me. I'm hoping to get back to blogging. I've missed it. But as you can see, I've been busy with not-so-fun things. I hope to have happier musings soon. ** This would seem "understandable" if they were still married, however, they had been divorced for approximately 38 years when they died.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Saying Goodbye to Grandpa
We've had a busy few weeks this month. I received a call at work on Thursday, September 2, that my father was in the hospital and under hospice care. I drove 20 hours north, and was able to sit with him for a few hours on Friday night. He passed away early the following morning. Ukulele and GatorMan flew up for the visitation and funeral, and then we all drove back home together.
It's very surreal. The last time I saw my father he seemed healthy and had not been diagnosed with cancer yet. That was in January. A short nine months later he was gone. I'm not sure if it doesn't seem real to me because I did not see him get sick, or if it just has not really set in yet.
Ukulele did great during the whole ordeal. She kept looking up at the casket (during the visitation) and then looking at me. I had to tell her that grandpa had gone night-night. She would just lightly whisper "nigh-nigh." So heartbreaking on a number of levels.
So to you, Dad and Grandpa, rest easy, and keep cheering for those Hawkeyes. We're going to miss you.
Ukulele and Grandpa - one of their first meetings
Ukulele with Grandpa's Hawkeye bear he sent for her
Three of the original four generations
It's very surreal. The last time I saw my father he seemed healthy and had not been diagnosed with cancer yet. That was in January. A short nine months later he was gone. I'm not sure if it doesn't seem real to me because I did not see him get sick, or if it just has not really set in yet.
Ukulele did great during the whole ordeal. She kept looking up at the casket (during the visitation) and then looking at me. I had to tell her that grandpa had gone night-night. She would just lightly whisper "nigh-nigh." So heartbreaking on a number of levels.
So to you, Dad and Grandpa, rest easy, and keep cheering for those Hawkeyes. We're going to miss you.
Four generations... Ukulele, me, Dad, and Grandma (Ukulele's great-grandma)
Ukulele and Grandpa - one of their first meetings
Ukulele with Grandpa's Hawkeye bear he sent for her
Three of the original four generations
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sorry for the blackout....
If anyone is still reading, and had a problem getting in to my blog, please accept my apology for the restricted access. I teach at a local college at night, and one of the assignments I gave my students was to internet stalk me. AFTER I had given the assignment I realized that I did not want them to find my blog and my personal life contained therein. Therefore I had to block it for awhile. I am fairly certain that enough time has passed that it should be safe to come out of hiding.
Speaking of coming out of hiding.... here is Ukulele at 18 months.
She has gotten so big, and so fast! She is in 2T clothes already, and is in the 95th percentile for height and weight. I'm guessing her firstdad must have been tall because I'm told firstmom is very petite.
GatorMan and I are jumping into the adoption pool again. We are hoping for a private adoption like we had with Ukulele. We've discussed using an agency, but have decided to try the private-route first.
Other than Ukulele growing like a weed, things have pretty much been the same as always... work, teaching, acting, and loving my role as Mom!
Speaking of coming out of hiding.... here is Ukulele at 18 months.
She has gotten so big, and so fast! She is in 2T clothes already, and is in the 95th percentile for height and weight. I'm guessing her firstdad must have been tall because I'm told firstmom is very petite.
GatorMan and I are jumping into the adoption pool again. We are hoping for a private adoption like we had with Ukulele. We've discussed using an agency, but have decided to try the private-route first.
Other than Ukulele growing like a weed, things have pretty much been the same as always... work, teaching, acting, and loving my role as Mom!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Reflections on a Past Life
This weekend one of GatorMan's friends came to visit us (and go on a date with one of GatorMan's business friends). Friend is a really really great guy who drove here three hours - only to get stood up. As I was talking to Friend, explaining to him that he did not need to call No-Show, I told him not to settle for someone just to have someone. This got me thinking about my last serious relationship prior to GatorMan.
I was dating a guy who wanted me to move in. I explained that I was not going to move in unless I was assured that the relationship was going to end up in marriage and children. He assured me it would. Over a year of living together later - no ring (which was a personal requirement for me prior to having a child). When I confronted him about our situation, he indicated he was not interested in having children. The next day I began househunting for a place of my own. Although I loved this guy - I was not willing to settle for something less than what I wanted and deserved.
I look back at that time (I was much younger) and wonder "What if?" What if we had tried to have a child - would my body have cooperated? What if we DID have a child - would I still be with that guy? What if I would have settled, and waited (and waited). What if . . . . What if . . . . What if . . . . ?
All of those "What ifs" add up to this: Nothing. IF any of those things would have happened, I would not have GatorMan. And if I did not have GatorMan, I probably would not have Ukulele. Life is great, despite its (sometimes) numerous setbacks. I really do believe in unanswered prayers. I have the two BEST unanswered prayers ever: GatorMan and Ukulele. IF my prayers had been answered way-back-when, I would not have met GatorMan. If I had not met GatorMan, I would not have traveled down the adoption road as soon as I did (adoption was always in the cards for me - biological child or not), and Ukulele would have had a different mom and dad.
Whatever happened to Prior Guy? He got married. And is still childless. But as I was driving Ukulele to school today, I thought of him. And I thought of what I was like when I was with him. I was only half the person I am today ~ and he really missed out. Being a mother has made me a happier person, a BETTER person. So to you, Prior Guy: Thank You. Thank you for allowing me to find my true self. I couldn't have done it with you.
I was dating a guy who wanted me to move in. I explained that I was not going to move in unless I was assured that the relationship was going to end up in marriage and children. He assured me it would. Over a year of living together later - no ring (which was a personal requirement for me prior to having a child). When I confronted him about our situation, he indicated he was not interested in having children. The next day I began househunting for a place of my own. Although I loved this guy - I was not willing to settle for something less than what I wanted and deserved.
I look back at that time (I was much younger) and wonder "What if?" What if we had tried to have a child - would my body have cooperated? What if we DID have a child - would I still be with that guy? What if I would have settled, and waited (and waited). What if . . . . What if . . . . What if . . . . ?
All of those "What ifs" add up to this: Nothing. IF any of those things would have happened, I would not have GatorMan. And if I did not have GatorMan, I probably would not have Ukulele. Life is great, despite its (sometimes) numerous setbacks. I really do believe in unanswered prayers. I have the two BEST unanswered prayers ever: GatorMan and Ukulele. IF my prayers had been answered way-back-when, I would not have met GatorMan. If I had not met GatorMan, I would not have traveled down the adoption road as soon as I did (adoption was always in the cards for me - biological child or not), and Ukulele would have had a different mom and dad.
Whatever happened to Prior Guy? He got married. And is still childless. But as I was driving Ukulele to school today, I thought of him. And I thought of what I was like when I was with him. I was only half the person I am today ~ and he really missed out. Being a mother has made me a happier person, a BETTER person. So to you, Prior Guy: Thank You. Thank you for allowing me to find my true self. I couldn't have done it with you.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Still Here
Yep, still here. Still loving life. Still loving Ukulele more than life itself. Not sure why I haven't blogged in like, well, forever. Wait, yes, I do know. I'm busy as hell. Full time job (thankfully!). Part-time teaching (two nights per week). Performing on a floating murder mystery cruise. Cleaning. Sewing. Sleeping (rarely). Book-reviewing. I'm wondering what else I can squeeze into the two free minutes I have every day. They musn't go to waste, you know.
Ukulele update: At her 15 month (!) check-up, she came in at the size of a two-year-old. Ninety-fifth percentile for height, ninetieth for weight. She's walking... almost running. Spinning in circles. Talking... although I'm not really sure what she is saying most of the time! She reads books out loud (in her own language) with the same cadence that we read to her in. She sings (again, in her own language). She laughs - constantly! Dancing? Check! Yes - I'm biased - but she really is the happiest baby I have ever met. Don't get me wrong, she has her growing pains like all toddlers. A wee-bit cranky when teething. Fussy eating sometimes. And her new thing? Slapping. Yeah, that cool personality trait showed up last night. It'll come to a screeching halt, that's for sure!
And I guess we can put it out there for the whole world..... we're on the adoption list again. Let the waiting begin.
Ukulele update: At her 15 month (!) check-up, she came in at the size of a two-year-old. Ninety-fifth percentile for height, ninetieth for weight. She's walking... almost running. Spinning in circles. Talking... although I'm not really sure what she is saying most of the time! She reads books out loud (in her own language) with the same cadence that we read to her in. She sings (again, in her own language). She laughs - constantly! Dancing? Check! Yes - I'm biased - but she really is the happiest baby I have ever met. Don't get me wrong, she has her growing pains like all toddlers. A wee-bit cranky when teething. Fussy eating sometimes. And her new thing? Slapping. Yeah, that cool personality trait showed up last night. It'll come to a screeching halt, that's for sure!
And I guess we can put it out there for the whole world..... we're on the adoption list again. Let the waiting begin.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Happy... Joyous.... Exhilaration... Delight...
What do all of these words have in common? They are synonymous with:
I really miss that show. I love it when a TV show makes me smile, laugh, and sometimes even cry.
So tonight I downloaded the G.lee soundtrack. Holy crap! I truly feel sorry for those who have the unfortunate luck to end up in vehicles that surround mine at traffic lights for the next few weeks. Now don't get me wrong - I am quite the vocalist. In my own car. And in my own home. And occasionally at a karaoke bar. I sound pretty damn good if I do say so myself. (Just don't ask anyone else.... trust me.... well, you can ask Ukulele ~ she seems to like my singing!)
Speaking of Ukulele, she's turning in to quite the musical (movie, tv, soundtrack) fan. I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with me always playing musicals or soundtracks with her present. She shows an early affinity for Mamm.a M.ia and Gre.ase 2. I have no doubt at all that she is going to LOVE this new soundtrack!
On a less gleeful note, please keep two of our bloggy friends in your thoughts and prayers. Emily and E have both experienced failed adoption placements over the last couple of weeks. My heart breaks for them.
G.LEE ! ! ! !
I really miss that show. I love it when a TV show makes me smile, laugh, and sometimes even cry.
So tonight I downloaded the G.lee soundtrack. Holy crap! I truly feel sorry for those who have the unfortunate luck to end up in vehicles that surround mine at traffic lights for the next few weeks. Now don't get me wrong - I am quite the vocalist. In my own car. And in my own home. And occasionally at a karaoke bar. I sound pretty damn good if I do say so myself. (Just don't ask anyone else.... trust me.... well, you can ask Ukulele ~ she seems to like my singing!)
Speaking of Ukulele, she's turning in to quite the musical (movie, tv, soundtrack) fan. I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with me always playing musicals or soundtracks with her present. She shows an early affinity for Mamm.a M.ia and Gre.ase 2. I have no doubt at all that she is going to LOVE this new soundtrack!
On a less gleeful note, please keep two of our bloggy friends in your thoughts and prayers. Emily and E have both experienced failed adoption placements over the last couple of weeks. My heart breaks for them.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Happy Birthday, Ukulele
Happy Birthday to my precious, perfect, beautiful, blessing, Godsent daughter.
One year ago today, we were sitting in the waiting room at the hospital waiting for updates on how Juno was and trying to control our racing hearts. It was on that date that our lives changed forever. Who knew our hearts could love one tiny little person so much that they would feel like they could burst? This little girl makes me smile so much - every single day. At night I still go in to her room and watch her sleep, with tears welling up in my eyes, and marvel at her beauty, her grace, and the realization that she is my daughter.
She has changed and grown so much over the last year. She is becoming the girl she was meant to be - happy, loved, and full of life. She dances all the time. She laughs constantly. She grabs our faces with her perfect little hands and gives us kisses. She's so loving and kind, smart, curious, and she's our daughter.
Thank you, Juno, for making what was probably the hardest decision I hope you'll ever have to make. And thank you, God, for choosing us to be Ukulele's parents.
We are eternally grateful.
One year ago today, we were sitting in the waiting room at the hospital waiting for updates on how Juno was and trying to control our racing hearts. It was on that date that our lives changed forever. Who knew our hearts could love one tiny little person so much that they would feel like they could burst? This little girl makes me smile so much - every single day. At night I still go in to her room and watch her sleep, with tears welling up in my eyes, and marvel at her beauty, her grace, and the realization that she is my daughter.
She has changed and grown so much over the last year. She is becoming the girl she was meant to be - happy, loved, and full of life. She dances all the time. She laughs constantly. She grabs our faces with her perfect little hands and gives us kisses. She's so loving and kind, smart, curious, and she's our daughter.
Thank you, Juno, for making what was probably the hardest decision I hope you'll ever have to make. And thank you, God, for choosing us to be Ukulele's parents.
We are eternally grateful.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Fertil-ly Ungrateful
Yes, Fertil-ly is now a word.
I just wasted the last hour reading the comments to another persons blog post. Another blog writer posted a question about handling motherhood and how you want your old life back. I scoured over 100 comments looking for one - JUST ONE - from a mother who cherished motherhood even half the time. What I found was over 100 comments from mothers who got pregnant "unexpectedly," or their pregnancy was "unplanned," or their pregnancy was "unwanted." Now, as a caveat, they do all appear to love their children - despite their role of motherhood. But I am appalled at how much these women bitched and totally did not appreciate the absolute miracle involved in being able to create a child.
I wanted to post something so badly about the whole thing, but I was (and am) just too disgusted by it all.
No need to look for the blog link on my sidebar. I've removed it. I seriously doubt my readers would be sympathic to these whining baby makers.
If you'll excuse me, I need to go throw up. That blog has made me sick to my stomach.
I just wasted the last hour reading the comments to another persons blog post. Another blog writer posted a question about handling motherhood and how you want your old life back. I scoured over 100 comments looking for one - JUST ONE - from a mother who cherished motherhood even half the time. What I found was over 100 comments from mothers who got pregnant "unexpectedly," or their pregnancy was "unplanned," or their pregnancy was "unwanted." Now, as a caveat, they do all appear to love their children - despite their role of motherhood. But I am appalled at how much these women bitched and totally did not appreciate the absolute miracle involved in being able to create a child.
I wanted to post something so badly about the whole thing, but I was (and am) just too disgusted by it all.
No need to look for the blog link on my sidebar. I've removed it. I seriously doubt my readers would be sympathic to these whining baby makers.
If you'll excuse me, I need to go throw up. That blog has made me sick to my stomach.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Getting Old(er)
On Tuesday I turned 39. On that day I was supposed to do my List of Thirty-Nine. If you recall, I did a List of Thirty-Eight last year, and one of the items was to do the next year's list. As you can tell, that didn't happen. GatorMan could tell, also. So, for my 39th birthday, he has been giving me things to help me complete some of the items on my list (a cork board for my vision board; a journal to start my List of Thirty Nine; three blank canvases for the tryptic painting).
I'm working on that list. I'm going to be more thoughtful about the items I put on it, and hopefully a little more realistic. The seemingly easier things (drinking water, making bed, walking dog) ended up being the hardest. This is definitely a work-in-progress. But after reviewing the List of Thirty-Eight, I think I did alright overall.
One thing I am going to try to work on a little more diligently is writing in the blog. (I obviously still need to change the header to reflect the new blog name....) I really do not have any excuse (except for lack of content inspiration) for not writing. I log in every single day to keep up with everyone else's goings-ons.
So here we go again. Hopefully the older I get, the wiser I will get.... and more disciplined!
I'm working on that list. I'm going to be more thoughtful about the items I put on it, and hopefully a little more realistic. The seemingly easier things (drinking water, making bed, walking dog) ended up being the hardest. This is definitely a work-in-progress. But after reviewing the List of Thirty-Eight, I think I did alright overall.
One thing I am going to try to work on a little more diligently is writing in the blog. (I obviously still need to change the header to reflect the new blog name....) I really do not have any excuse (except for lack of content inspiration) for not writing. I log in every single day to keep up with everyone else's goings-ons.
So here we go again. Hopefully the older I get, the wiser I will get.... and more disciplined!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Seriously???
Ukulele had a little accident last night. She got into a fight with the tv console, and I think the console won.* Anyway, while going through the "internets" for a little medical research regarding her bruised eyelid, I came across a website called "pedia.tric on.call" (all one word). This is a website maintained by doctors. DOCTORS! However, just because you are doctor does not mean that you are intelligent.
They listed "adoption" as a "childhood ailment." I'm not joking. Check it out yourself here. Just take a gander at the list on the right, and sit in amazement (and bewilderment) as I did.
* She's fine, by the way.... the tv console was appropriately punished.
They listed "adoption" as a "childhood ailment." I'm not joking. Check it out yourself here. Just take a gander at the list on the right, and sit in amazement (and bewilderment) as I did.
* She's fine, by the way.... the tv console was appropriately punished.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Whirled Peas
Whirled Peas DO NOT equal World Peace. Or at least they do not equal Night Peace. We have finally realized, the hard way, that Ukulele should not have peas for dinner. Every time she has peas for dinner, we are in for a night of fussing, crying, and no sleep. Last night was no exception. I think they give her heartburn. At 12:30 we finally broke down and brought her in our room, with her swing, and let her sleep there. After a handful of middle-of-the-night cries, I moved her back to her room around 6:15. Poor little thing. Actually, poor little mom and dad.....
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
One Year Old
Happy Birthday to my little blog. I started blogging about the Ukulele one year ago today. Although my blog has not grown that much - my life with Ukulele surely has. It's amazing how much my life has changed in the last year.... all for the better. Thank you - to everyone - who has traveled along with me. Although my posts have become few-and-far between, I'm still following all of your lives on a regular basis. So thank you - to you - for letting me go along for your rides as well. It's quite the little family we have, isn't it!?!
Friday, September 18, 2009
A Response from Westin!
So... a day after the nasty-gram was sent, here is the response from Westin:
Dear Ms. Ukulele,
Thank you for your inquiry via the Westin.com website. We appreciate the time you have taken to share your comments on current advertised offer. Please be assured that your input will serve as a valuable tool in the evaluation and enhancement of the products and services that we offer our guests.
I apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced as a result of this.
Thank you for contacting Westin Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. If you have any further customer service questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at westin@westin.com.
Best Regards,
Ms. So-and-So Specialist,
E-Communications Department Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
GatorMan and I agree that this response seems to be pieced together from various customer-service form response emails. Quite humorous, actually. I cannot say that I was inconvenienced by their promotion, but okay. My guess is that this girl got the email and had no clue what to do with it! Hopefully my email was passed along to someone who can actually do something about the ridicululousness of their promotions in the future.
Dear Ms. Ukulele,
Thank you for your inquiry via the Westin.com website. We appreciate the time you have taken to share your comments on current advertised offer. Please be assured that your input will serve as a valuable tool in the evaluation and enhancement of the products and services that we offer our guests.
I apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced as a result of this.
Thank you for contacting Westin Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. If you have any further customer service questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at westin@westin.com.
Best Regards,
Ms. So-and-So Specialist,
E-Communications Department Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
GatorMan and I agree that this response seems to be pieced together from various customer-service form response emails. Quite humorous, actually. I cannot say that I was inconvenienced by their promotion, but okay. My guess is that this girl got the email and had no clue what to do with it! Hopefully my email was passed along to someone who can actually do something about the ridicululousness of their promotions in the future.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Add One to the List of Boycotts
Add another one to the list of boycotts.
This month's offender --
WESTIN HOTELS
Their latest promotion is that if you can prove that you conceived a child while on vacation at their resort, you will get a discount on your stay there. They'll accept a doctor's note as proof.
How about this, Westin: will you accept a doctor's note that says your business model resembles that of a jackass? Actually, I think I'll send them a little nasty-gram right now. Click HERE for the story if you feel like vomiting today.
Running list of my boycotted companies so far:
Volkswagen
Huggies
Westin
This month's offender --
WESTIN HOTELS
Their latest promotion is that if you can prove that you conceived a child while on vacation at their resort, you will get a discount on your stay there. They'll accept a doctor's note as proof.
How about this, Westin: will you accept a doctor's note that says your business model resembles that of a jackass? Actually, I think I'll send them a little nasty-gram right now. Click HERE for the story if you feel like vomiting today.
Running list of my boycotted companies so far:
Volkswagen
Huggies
Westin
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Randomness
1. I still have not had GatorMan change my heading yet.... but it will happen. Hopefully soon. We are just too exhausted every day when we get home. And, for my day job, I am on the computer all day.... the last thing I want to do is be on it at home.
2. Ukulele is almost sitting by herself now! When her back gets tired, she'll do that "slow-motion-forward-fall" that is just so adorable. Also, she is rolling EVERYWHERE. If I turn my back, she's gone. I can usually find her sucking on the leg of the coffee table, or pulling the dog's ears. She's also rolling over in the middle of the night. Scares the crap out of me. But, from what I understand, if she can roll over, and then roll back the other way, she's fine. Still scares me though.
3. I bought her halloween costume. She's going to be a lobster. Too flippin' cute! We thought it was appropriate since we live on the ocean. I guess GatorMan and I will be fishermen.
4. Tomorrow pre-season starts for the Dallas Cowboys... FINALLY! Ukulele's Cowboy onesie is all ready to go!
5. Ukulele is growing like a weed. She got her final shot in her shot series today (we have them split up) and the nurse weighed her..... at almost 8 months she is weighing 20 lbs 4 ounces! Yikes! And she is now in 9-12 month clothes. Speaking of, where can we find one-piece-footie-pajamas for a 12 month old? I can find 9 months and under everywhere - but no 12 month old. With her rolling over in her crib, I do not want a 2-piece pajama that she can potentially get tangled up in.
6. GatorMan's cousin is living with us now. So far everything is going well. Hope it stays that way!
7. Ukulele's one year birthday is coming up.... I need to start planning a party for her. We are going to have it the weekend before her actual birthday. The weekend after her birthday is just too close to Christmas... and in the south, everyone throws Christmas parties. I do not want her to get lost in that jumble.
8. And after Ukulele turns one, we are getting back on the adoption list. :)
2. Ukulele is almost sitting by herself now! When her back gets tired, she'll do that "slow-motion-forward-fall" that is just so adorable. Also, she is rolling EVERYWHERE. If I turn my back, she's gone. I can usually find her sucking on the leg of the coffee table, or pulling the dog's ears. She's also rolling over in the middle of the night. Scares the crap out of me. But, from what I understand, if she can roll over, and then roll back the other way, she's fine. Still scares me though.
3. I bought her halloween costume. She's going to be a lobster. Too flippin' cute! We thought it was appropriate since we live on the ocean. I guess GatorMan and I will be fishermen.
4. Tomorrow pre-season starts for the Dallas Cowboys... FINALLY! Ukulele's Cowboy onesie is all ready to go!
5. Ukulele is growing like a weed. She got her final shot in her shot series today (we have them split up) and the nurse weighed her..... at almost 8 months she is weighing 20 lbs 4 ounces! Yikes! And she is now in 9-12 month clothes. Speaking of, where can we find one-piece-footie-pajamas for a 12 month old? I can find 9 months and under everywhere - but no 12 month old. With her rolling over in her crib, I do not want a 2-piece pajama that she can potentially get tangled up in.
6. GatorMan's cousin is living with us now. So far everything is going well. Hope it stays that way!
7. Ukulele's one year birthday is coming up.... I need to start planning a party for her. We are going to have it the weekend before her actual birthday. The weekend after her birthday is just too close to Christmas... and in the south, everyone throws Christmas parties. I do not want her to get lost in that jumble.
8. And after Ukulele turns one, we are getting back on the adoption list. :)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
New Blog Name Winner!
First of all, thank you to all who submitted recommendations. Everyone is so much more creative than I am, and I really appreciate all of your input!
And without further ado.....
Congrats to Murgdan for inspiring a new blog name. She recommended a blog name based on an article she included a link to. I read the article, and it was great. Basically, it said that when you are down you can pick up a ukulele to put yourself in a better mood.
How true is that?!?!
So, although I am not using her proposed blog name verbatim, it did inspire my new one:
When You're Down, Pick Up Your Ukulele
I know it works for me. Every. Single. Time. :)
So Murgdan, I will be contacting you regarding the details on your new kitsch!
(*Also, my title bar will change as soon as I convince GatorMan to help me with it!!!)
And without further ado.....
Congrats to Murgdan for inspiring a new blog name. She recommended a blog name based on an article she included a link to. I read the article, and it was great. Basically, it said that when you are down you can pick up a ukulele to put yourself in a better mood.
How true is that?!?!
So, although I am not using her proposed blog name verbatim, it did inspire my new one:
When You're Down, Pick Up Your Ukulele
I know it works for me. Every. Single. Time. :)
So Murgdan, I will be contacting you regarding the details on your new kitsch!
(*Also, my title bar will change as soon as I convince GatorMan to help me with it!!!)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
New Blog Name Contest
GatorMan eloquently pointed out to me a few weeks ago that I should consider changing the blog name. We are no longer "waiting" on our Ukulele ~ she's here in full swing.
So, I'm asking for help. I need a new blog name. I'd like to keep "Ukulele" in it. And if it helps, I know that we are going to start the adoption process again after Ukulele turns 1. So, I was thinking something along the lines of a band of ukuleles . . . or something. I don't know. I'm at a loss. Help.
And to entice some entries, I'll send the person submitting the winning name a hula girl. Miniature, of course. The kind for your car. Or desk. It's probably illegal to actually "send" a live hula girl. Even if it was legal, I could not afford to ship her from Hawaii. I'll keep the contest open for one week. The winning blog name will be announced on Thursday, August 6. Thanks!
So, I'm asking for help. I need a new blog name. I'd like to keep "Ukulele" in it. And if it helps, I know that we are going to start the adoption process again after Ukulele turns 1. So, I was thinking something along the lines of a band of ukuleles . . . or something. I don't know. I'm at a loss. Help.
And to entice some entries, I'll send the person submitting the winning name a hula girl. Miniature, of course. The kind for your car. Or desk. It's probably illegal to actually "send" a live hula girl. Even if it was legal, I could not afford to ship her from Hawaii. I'll keep the contest open for one week. The winning blog name will be announced on Thursday, August 6. Thanks!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monster in the Closet
Ok, here is my second attempt at this post.....
The other night I was putting Ukulele to bed. She usually goes down pretty easily and falls asleep on her own. As this was happening, I started to wonder how long it would be before she became of afraid of being along.... afraid of "monsters in the closet." That led to the pondering of what causes those fears. Is it movies? Is it books? Who knows? I, in my infinite-new-parent-wisdom, have decided it is movies AND books. Therefore, GatorMan and I have agreed to go through her books (and yes, she does have some movies already - start handing out the parent-of-the-year awards to us!) and weed out the ones that have scary monsters or bad people in them. That should be pretty easy. Movies, on the other hand, are going to be a little trickier.
I started thinking of all the Dis.ney and Pix.ar movies we have (hand-me-downs, by the way!), and what type of character are in them. I have to tell you that I am hard-pressed to find a Dis.ney movie that does not have some sort of villian or monster in it. Even Bam.bi - poor thing gets to watch his mother get blasted away! Beautiful Ariel from Litt.le Merm.aid?.... Ursu.la scares ME - can only imagine what she would do to a toddler! And Pix.ar. While I lovelovelove this movie company for their secretly hidden adult humor, their movies are totally inappropriate for my purposes at the present time.
There are some videos that I think are acceptable so far.... such as Ba.by Eins.tein, Le.ap Fr.og learning, and Veg.gie Ta.les. Does anyone have any other suggestions???
As a side note, GatorMan and I bought a Class.ic Cart.oon dvd a couple of years ago. I watched some of it last night.... and holy crap! Talk about politically incorrect and violent! I do not remember cartoons being so bad as a child.... but apparently they were! Sheesh.
The other night I was putting Ukulele to bed. She usually goes down pretty easily and falls asleep on her own. As this was happening, I started to wonder how long it would be before she became of afraid of being along.... afraid of "monsters in the closet." That led to the pondering of what causes those fears. Is it movies? Is it books? Who knows? I, in my infinite-new-parent-wisdom, have decided it is movies AND books. Therefore, GatorMan and I have agreed to go through her books (and yes, she does have some movies already - start handing out the parent-of-the-year awards to us!) and weed out the ones that have scary monsters or bad people in them. That should be pretty easy. Movies, on the other hand, are going to be a little trickier.
I started thinking of all the Dis.ney and Pix.ar movies we have (hand-me-downs, by the way!), and what type of character are in them. I have to tell you that I am hard-pressed to find a Dis.ney movie that does not have some sort of villian or monster in it. Even Bam.bi - poor thing gets to watch his mother get blasted away! Beautiful Ariel from Litt.le Merm.aid?.... Ursu.la scares ME - can only imagine what she would do to a toddler! And Pix.ar. While I lovelovelove this movie company for their secretly hidden adult humor, their movies are totally inappropriate for my purposes at the present time.
There are some videos that I think are acceptable so far.... such as Ba.by Eins.tein, Le.ap Fr.og learning, and Veg.gie Ta.les. Does anyone have any other suggestions???
As a side note, GatorMan and I bought a Class.ic Cart.oon dvd a couple of years ago. I watched some of it last night.... and holy crap! Talk about politically incorrect and violent! I do not remember cartoons being so bad as a child.... but apparently they were! Sheesh.
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