Fall Traditions

Thursday, 9 October, 2008 by Beachbums1

We headed over to the Putt Putt Golf and Go Kart place for one last go around the track before they close for the winter. FM is not one to “let” FG win ~ as you can see by the “I’m ahead of you” grin on his face.  Since we did this last year, FG has added this to our “traditions” list and expects to do the “last race of the season” for the next few years we’ll be here.

 

FG loves to establish traditions ~ it gives her a sense of belonging so even if we’re not in the same place or home, we can still do the same things. We’ve kept some of our traditions from Germany which I love as much as she does. I read on a blog recently that the blogger refused to start any traditions for fear of not being able to do it one year and causing disappointment in her children.

I’m the opposite ~ I find the joy of traditions is even when you can’t do them, the memories can carry you through and bring you comfort. Plus our traditions are low key and, with some modifications, can be carried out year after year. One tradition which is not so easy involves Grandma Betty (GB): FG expects GB to spend every Christmas with us, but even though GB couldn’t make it to Guam in 2006, FG was disappointed but she was still able to enjoy Christmas ~ probably because Christmas in Guam doesn’t feel much like Christmas with a balmy 80 degrees and a trip to the beach 😉

What about you? Do you establish traditions or make an effort to avoid them?

Posted in Favorite Girl | 3 Comments »

Paying It Forward

Saturday, 4 October, 2008 by Beachbums1

Maya and Hoss

Last year, my friend, Dave, was kind enough to take care of Maya and Sport while we traveled across the Pacific and across the United States. The trip took us over a month and could not have been done with two dogs in tow. I’m forever grateful to Dave for taking such excellent care of our four-leggers. Dave is a generous soul, never expecting anything for his good deeds. His philosophy has always been “Pay it forward” and I think I have a chance to do just that.

FM works with someone who is single, owns a beautiful one year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever and has to go away for about a month. FM mentioned how bummed he was about putting his dog in a kennel for that long. I could relate ~ I hate leaving out dogs at the kennel. No matter how nice it is, it’s not a home.

Here’s my chance to “pay it forward.” FG and I will have Hoss stay with us for the rest of October starting on Tuesday. FM will be going on the same trip. It’ll be great for Maya to have someone who can keep up with her ~ poor Sport, he tries to run with her but he’s over 11 years old now. And I did warn Hoss’ owner, if my dogs are any influence, he may come back to a fatter and a little bit spoiled dog.

Posted in Animals | 1 Comment »

Tagged

Friday, 3 October, 2008 by Beachbums1

I was tagged by both Watts Up Daily and Daily Dose of the Dentes so I thought it was time to play along…

Here are the rules of the tag: 
 * Post the rules on your blog
 * Write 6 random things about yourself
 * Tag 6 people at the end of your post

  • I call my mom everyday ~ even if it’s to let her know I’m too busy to talk.
  • I learned to control it but I’m very, VERY competitive.
  • I’m usually a good judge of character and am surprised if people disappoint me.
  • I don’t shy away from confronting someone about an issue but I avoid drama like the plague.
  • I’m a germaphobe ~ not like “Monk” but close.
  • I LOVE attending weddings ~ even if I barely know the people.

I’m not going to tag anyone but play along if you like…

Posted in Blogging, Miscellaneous | Leave a Comment »

The Lives of Others

Thursday, 2 October, 2008 by Beachbums1

or officially titled: Das Leben der Anderen.  

This is the best movie I’ve seen in a very long time. Definitely the best I’ve seen all year. The Lives of Others is a political thriller which takes place in the German Democratic Republic (G.D.R.), better known to most Americans as East Germany. The movie starts in 1984 (how appropriate for all the Orwellian fans) and has some of the best understated performances I’ve ever seen. The central characters include a handsome and affable writer named Georg Dreyman and his live-in lover, Christa-Maria who is an actress.

The movie starts with Stasi Captain Gerd Wiesler conducting Big Brother business as usual, but as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear things are about to take an unexpected turn. I don’t want to write too much about the plot because the great thing about the movie is the way it slowly unfolds to reveal an unexpected hero.

Since I’m a cynic when it comes to movies, I researched a little about how the Stasi conducted surveillance and this movie seems to be very authentic in its recreation. In fact, the props master on the movie crew spent two years in a Stasi prison and insisted on complete authenticity in the movie. The props, for listening and recording, were borrowed from museums and collectors ~ all the props were actual Stasi equipment.

I was reluctant to add this to my Netflix queue because I thought it would be too depressing ~ really, the gray, cold slab buildings of the former East Germany are enough to make me sad BUT this movie was so worth the watch. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone looking for an intelligent and different movie which will leave you enlightened and feeling good about humankind.

Let me know what you think of it.

PS The movie is in German but has English subtitles. Don’t let it dissuade you from watching the movie. The movie was so engrossing it didn’t bother me to read the subtitles and it gave me a chance to practice my extremely limited knowledge of the German language.

Posted in movies | Tagged , | 7 Comments »

“House and Home” by Kathleen McCleary

Sunday, 28 September, 2008 by Beachbums1

I’m thrilled to be included as a host for TLC’s Virtual Book Tour of House and Home.

Although I’m the last stop on the tour, I’m no less excited to post my review and I waited until a few days ago to pose my questions to the author, Kathleen McCleary. I wanted to ask unique questions which the other tour stops hadn’t asked. 

The opening paragraph of House and Home completely peaked my interest and I wanted to know so much more about this woman, Ellen, whose love for her house could be called nothing less than an obsession. As I read the novel, I came to understand Ellen’s love for her home and found myself rooting for her to save the house, and the family, she loved so much.

Being married to someone in the military, I would never allow myself to fall “in love” with a house. As much as we move, it would be emotional suicide. All the military families I know, myself included, are very adept at making whatever home we’re in, the home we love now. If our homes were men, we’d be serial monogamist or as the song goes “Love the One You’re With.”

It was interesting to read of Ellen’s passion for her home, and in a way, it helped me relate to some of my civilian friends who’ve moved in the the last couple years from homes or places they love so much. Since I always look at a move as a chance for a new adventure and an opportunity to meet new people, I didn’t completely understand why my friends were distraught about their moves.

I like everything about House and Home; not just the story and the characters, but the look and feel of the book, too. The cover is so inviting and it’s a small book you can easily carry with you. If you couldn’t tell, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Listed below are my interview questions for Kathleen McCleary and her answers. Having read about her on the other tour stops and reading her answers below, I’m as impressed with her as much as I’m impressed with her book:

1) You’ve mentioned your move from Oregon was a motivating factor for you to write the book about the pain of leaving a beloved home. Besides writing a book and getting published, what is the best thing that’s happened to you since your move to Virginia?
It’s hard to top writing a book and getting it published, since that’s been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me. But other highlights, aside from the blessings of having a healthy family, plenty to eat, and a lovely home (can’t forget what’s really important), would include coaching daughter number two’s Odyssey of the MInd team (and making some terrific friends in the process); seeing daughter number one shine onstage in her play last spring; and finally, the book launch party I had in July, which showed me how many truly wonderful people have been part of my journey here in Virginia. I have been amazed at all the support I’ve gotten from my friends and the community.

2) Hindsight is 20-20, and so, would you say the move was a positive thing for you and your family or would it have been better to stay in Oregon?

Argh! Do I have to answer this? Much as I love our friends in Virginia, and the warm welcome we’ve received from the community, I believe Oregon was an easier place to raise kids, and a place that I (as a somewhat intense and high-strung creative type) found easier and less stressful to live. I would love to hear from readers who have moved about how it’s worked out for them. It’s been four years for me and I still feel sometimes like I’ll never get over it!

3) What’s on your nightstand waiting to be read?  
I’ve got a pile, but the three at the top right now are Brunonia Barry’s “The Lace Reader,” which I’m reading with my book group; “Kristin Lavransdatter” by Sigrid Undset, which I’m reading for the second time (the first time was twenty-some years ago); and Julie Andrews‘ autobiography, “Home.” All three are terrific reads.
4) What was the last book you read that made you laugh out loud?
 James Thurber‘s “My Life and Hard Times.” The well-known chapter “The Night the Bed Fell” has to be one of the funniest stories ever written. Bill Bryson always makes me laugh out loud, too. 

5) If House and Home were made into a movie, who would be your choice to play Ellen? And who would play her hunky husband, Sam?

I love this question! We had a lot of fun with this at a book group meeting recently. I think Diane Lane would make a great Ellen, because she can walk that fine line between comedy (and the book definitely is meant to be humorous at points) and drama. Or maybe Julia Roberts, now that she’s in her forties. I’ve had a harder time with Sam—Johnny Depp, maybe? Antonio Banderas? And personally I’ve always had a thing for Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn. If he could do that unkempt look again and wear brown contact lenses he’d be a very hunky Sam. I’d love to hear what readers think. 

If you’ve moved recently, read the book (help “cast the movie”) or have a different question for Kathleen, please leave a comment. She’s interested in what you have to say. Thanks! 

Posted in Books | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments »

Never Underestimate People

Saturday, 27 September, 2008 by Beachbums1

FM’s Battalion has been awaiting the arrival of the new Chaplain. In the Army, regardless of each Chaplain’s denomination, they serve all soldiers even those who may be agnostic, atheist or Wiccan. It’s a really tough job especially when there are 800 soldiers involved. 

When I heard the Chaplain had 6 children and one on the way, I pretty much wrote off any chance his spouse would be participating in any of the Battalion social events. And rightly so. No way would I begrudge her not participating because, if I had 6 children under the age of 11 years old, NO WAY would I have any energy left for socializing.

Much to my surprise and delight, they both attended the Formal Ball we had last week AND they were both at the Hail and Farewell on Thursday. She looks fabulous, has lots of energy and, to be perfectly honest, had me in complete awe! This couple is still living in temporary housing (a hotel) and yet not once, at either event, did I get even a hint of martyrdom. Really impressive.

The Hail and Farewell is a monthly dinner to welcome and say goodbye to those in the Battalion. When a new person is being “hailed”, FM says a little something about where they just came from, hobbies, family life, etc.  When he introduced the Chaplain and his wife, FM said he had the original number of children wrong, they have seven children already and number eight is on the way! Wait a minute…not just seven children ~ they have seven BOYS!! And a little girl on the way.  Isn’t that wonderful!?!

Now I can’t help but wonder what the heck I’m doing with all my extra time…

Posted in Miscellaneous | 5 Comments »

Tiny Bump Along the Road to Learning

Thursday, 25 September, 2008 by Beachbums1

Due to our frequent moves, FG has been at a different school each year since 2nd grade. She’s been blessed with wonderful teachers which really helped her adapt to a new school every year. Thankfully, she thrives in school and has had no problems fitting in with a new teacher and new friends. Until this year.

Since FG was continuing in the same school this year, I was surprised when about a week into the school year, FG asked if she could stay home from school and gave me the “my tummy hurts.” Since I was the queen of “my stomach hurts” as a child, I knew something else was going on and asked her what was happening at school. She gave me a “nothing”, got up and went off to school.

After that, I was more aware of subtle changes in her behavior as it related to school. A week later, she came downstairs and announced “this is my first day of school outfit.” When I asked her if she meant the first day of the week outfit and she said “No, for my first day of 6th grade.” That same evening, as I drove FG and three 6th graders to cheer practice. The entire conversation to and from the practice was FG asking her friends the following: who the best teacher was in 6th grade?, how do you go about requesting a teacher?, what do they do in class, are they nice?

FG was mentally checking out of 5th grade and already looking forward to 6th grade. Not a healthy condition by any stretch of the imagination.

After a little prodding and asking lots of questions, I found out what the problem was: she was scared of her teacher. I’m talking terrified. Nothing the teacher did was being directed at FG, but the way the teacher handled the uncooperative children was really getting to FG. She thought it was only a matter of time before it was “her turn” to get the teacher’s wrath.

I then called a couple of the other moms whose children were in the same class and I got the same feedback; their children were scared of the teacher. The difference was those girls were going home crying and wanting out of the class.

I wasn’t sure how to approach the teacher who has been teaching for many, many years. Would she be receptive to critique? Those who know me, know I’m a pretty direct person so I made an appointment with the teacher and the school guidance counselor. The counselor offered nothing throughout the conversation and, her one comment “I had a tough teacher in 5th grade and I got through it” solicited my stern reply of “I don’t want my child to ‘get through’ 5th grade, I want her to be excited about learning and thrive in 5th grade.” Needless to say, the counselor said very little for the rest of my visit.

The teacher was genuinely surprised FG & the other children were so scared of her. Once I told the teacher  FG was worried, that during my meeting with her, I would hurt the teacher’s feelings by bringing this up, she seemed to realize how sensitive FG is to the feelings of others. 

After we concluded our meeting (all of 15 minutes), we called FG in so the teacher could tell her she was sorry about FG being so terrified in class and the teacher tried to explain to FG that she was being extra tough in the beginning but would lighten up as the weeks go by. FG literally “shook” with nervousness the whole time the teacher spoke. 

I left feeling better about the whole situation but it wasn’t until FG came home and announced “It was like the first day of school all over again ~ the whole vibe of the classroom has changed”, that I knew it was all going to be better. What a relief ~ she’s back to being her “excited about going to school” self again!

Update: I found out several of the moms who had appointments with the teacher cancelled because the change in the classroom was so dramatic. That might have been the most important appointment I had all year!

Posted in Favorite Girl | 5 Comments »

Beachbums Update

Sunday, 14 September, 2008 by Beachbums1

First off, I have no idea where the last two weeks went ~ it seems to be going by at warp speed. There’s so many volunteer opportunities available on a military base and it’s hard not to get overly involved. I’m thinking I need to get a job so I won’t be quite so busy.    😉

FG is part of the Cheerleading team this fall and is enjoying every minute of it. The schedule is pretty intense: it was two hours every week night in August and now it’s three nights a week. Thankfully, there are three other girls on the street who also cheer so we’re able to car pool and only have to drive once a week.

FM is traveling a little more these days. Last week, he went to Walter Reed Army Hospital to visit wounded soldiers from his unit. It’s so sad they’re still there a year later but thankfully they are all outpatients at this point and are doing better. I coordinated the goodie bags for this trip (we try to send something at least every other month) and was thrilled everyone is so willing to bake goodies for the soldiers. The bags were packed full of home made yummies. 

FM missed seeing Gene Simmons from KISS, Celebrity Apprentice and the current A&E show “Family Jewels“, by a couple days. Gene Simmons was at Walter Reed on Friday and FM got there on Sunday. Gene is a huge supporter of the military and has visited Walter Reed patients in the past. I’m sure the soldiers are glad they’re not forgotten while they mend.

FM’s birthday came and went last week without a whole lot of fanfare. He didn’t get home from DC until early evening on his b’day so FG & I decided to take him to the Lonestar Steakhouse restaurant. May not seem like a lot but, for two vegetarians, it was quite a sacrifice. We were both apalled by the butcher-like meat display at the entrance of the restaurant, but the bread and salad were tasty enough. I’m secretly glad FM’s ribs were so-so and he has no big desire to go back anytime soon. It’s back to Panera Bread for FG & I.  Yummy!

Posted in Favorite Girl, Favorite Man | 1 Comment »

Virtual Book Tour on Beachbums ~ Save the Date!

Tuesday, 2 September, 2008 by Beachbums1

I was thrilled when Lisa, from TLC Book Tours, asked if I would host a day on the Virtual Book Tour of House and Home by Kathleen McCleary:

Being part of the tour requires I read the book, write a review and post it on 29 September. Since I get most of my book recommendations from book blogs, I love the concept of a virtual tour. The book tour will have stops on several other blogs throughout this month starting tomorrow, 3 September. Here are the links:

Wednesday, September 3rd: Hooked on Houses

Friday, September 5th: It’s All About Books

Monday, September 8th: The Literate Housewife

Wednesday, September 10th: Books and Cooks

Friday, September 12th: Breaking the Spine

Monday, September 15th: She Is Too Fond Of Books

Wednesday, September 17th: Caribou’s Mom

Thursday, September 18th:  Age 30 – A Year of Books

Monday, September 22nd: Booking Mama

Tuesday, September 23rd:  The Cottage Nest

Wednesday, September 24th: The Inside Cover

Friday, September 26th: In the Shadow of Mt. TBR

Monday, September 29th:  Displaced Beach Bums

I finished the book last night and, so I won’t be influenced by other reviews, I’ll write my review tonight (but won’t post it until 29 Sept). 

Interestingly, Books on the Brain has a Tuesday Teaser  which asks you to grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page. Share with us two (2) sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. You also need to share the title of the book you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

My tease is House and Home by Kathleen McCleary because I’m hoping my friends (& family) will read it before my scheduled book stop and share how they feel about the book. I’d especially love to hear what my military spouse friends think about the book. As much as we move, we don’t get a chance to “attach” to a house but I’m sure we all have something or somewhere that makes us feel like we’re “home.”

Here’s my random page from House and Home:

Page 130: “Actually, he continued, looking out the passenger window, away from Ellen, “this whole push Jordan has made to move, and ‘move up,’ has been very difficult for me. It’s made me question a lot of things.

The author, Kathleen McCleary, will answer questions so if anyone reads the book this month and wants to submit a question for her, let me know.

Posted in Books | Tagged , | 6 Comments »

White Water Rafting on the Black River

Sunday, 31 August, 2008 by Beachbums1


Last week, I had the opportunity to go white water rafting with a group of volunteers. It was a team building/thank you for those who give of their time to the army families who live here.

There were many “nervous” women before the trip started. I had been rafting on the Snake River in Wyoming so I knew what to expect. It all depends on how good a river guide you have and thankfully, our raft had a big, burly, competent guide. By the end of the trip, all those women were ready to go again!!

Not only was it a gorgeous summer day with temperatures in the low 80s but the river was “high” due to the recent rains. It was a fast, fun ride. According to the weather, we’ve got another week of warm temperatures so I’m hoping to get Favorite Man out on the water before the season ends.

There are two other rivers to raft, the Moose River  and the Salmon River ~ rrafting is one more “fun” thing to do while we’re living here.

Posted in Travels | 2 Comments »

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