Archive for the 'Adventure Dad' Category

06Oct 2008

On the journey

in Military, Montessori, Adventure Dad and Papaya. 0 Comments

Papaya and I are on our journey each day.  Some days she wakes me with the sun and I drag every muscle in my body to crawl to the toaster and make waffles.  Some mornings I get really excited for her to wake up and start the day.

She’s loving Montessori Preschool and has quite a crush on a roatating list of little boys and a few girls.  It is so funny to hear her tell of her day and how “Hanna and I wanted to play with the same job, so we made a choice to share.”  How cool is that?

It’s starting to get busy here.  Adventure Dad is off on his new submarine and won’t be home for a few more months.  So we are into our “groove” of staying busy - weekly playdates, meeting and getting to know the “boat wives” and the Holidays!  I’ve already ordered a bunch of Christmas gifts.  I am planning to attend a wedding, a Military spouse conference and a few other social events this month.

I feel like the busiest woman on the block and it’s nice, being so social I’m much more fulfilled at the end of the day when we’ve interacted with a variety of people.  So far, Papaya seems to react the same way.  Thank goodness she’s as social as I am!

If you liked that post, then try these...

Like a fish out of water by Papaya Mom on October 13th, 2007
It's how I felt - without internet (on MY beloved Macintosh computer - I had access via my 'rents PC but PCs hate me and it's just not the same) for what I think may have been an eternity but Adventure Dad assures me was only a few weeks.

Laughing is not appropriate by Papaya Mom on October 15th, 2007
when you are a children's librarian in a town that sits next to a military base, on an island with many military bases and a mother asks you about children's books on deployment.

"Don't be sad" by Papaya Mom on January 4th, 2008
the Papaya said to me, sweeping away the tears as they ran down my face.

Popularity: 23% [?]

06Jan 2008

Anniversary

in Adventure Dad. 2 Comments

Monday will be eight years for Adventure Dad and I.  There are so many words to express how important he is - and I promise to share them with him.  Right now, I’m grateful that he’s safe and sound and my husband.

If you liked that post, then try these...

Kicking those Duty Day blues. by Papaya Mom on April 23rd, 2005
Ah, Adventure Dad' last duty day of this refit.

Dinner Date by Papaya Mom on August 30th, 2007
It's not that Adventure Dad and I don't like each other's company - it is just that we've been married for a while now and sometimes we run out of things to talk about.

Welcome to my blog.... by Papaya Mom on December 28th, 2004
I realized that although I love Papaya's site, the news function would work better for me as a blog.

Mood Swings by Papaya Mom on April 24th, 2005
There are days when parenthood sucks.

Obamaniac by Papaya Mom on March 8th, 2007
My life has become busy in such a good way.

Popularity: 42% [?]

13Oct 2007

Like a fish out of water

in Military, Hawaii, Adventure Dad, Breastfeeding and Papaya. 1 Comment

It’s how I felt - without internet (on MY beloved Macintosh computer - I had access via my ‘rents PC but PCs hate me and it’s just not the same) for what I think may have been an eternity but Adventure Dad assures me was only a few weeks.

WiFi - I love you.  Please don’t ever leave me again.

Now if Papaya would oblige me by sleeping, a lot, I could write all the posts stored up in my mind and crowding out things like the knowledge of how to wash my own hair and important things of this sort.  Let me tell you that I am smart but my hair is just a horrible mess without room to remember important woman things like conditioner.

Anyhow.

I’m back online.

Papaya misses her Dad more than we could have imagined but today, through the magic of the internet, they talked face to face for 90 minutes.  It was sweet to watch from afar AND I got some laundry done without tiny toddler hands “helping.”

Single Motherhood (I know - I’m married and still have his emotional support and paycheck), even temporary, sucketh.  I adore Papaya and she is thriving in many ways but I’ve grown as a parent by leaps and bounds all while physically and emotionally exhausted in some new way each day.  Let me bow down to all other Mothers who have done this deployment crapola before me - I am just realizing that it was tough with a baby (his last deployment ended weeks after Papaya’s first birthday) but it REALLY sucks with a sweet little person who is confused and upset and heartbroken and can no longer be comforted with a boob in her mouth.  I mean - I have to come up with a trick equal to that?  Never going to happen.  I’ll have to just keep letting her use “the crusher” to cremate rinsed clean soda cans.  You think I’m joking but I’m not - she loves that like she loves the beach and ice cream.

If you liked that post, then try these...

On the journey by Papaya Mom on October 6th, 2008
Papaya and I are on our journey each day.

Laughing is not appropriate by Papaya Mom on October 15th, 2007
when you are a children's librarian in a town that sits next to a military base, on an island with many military bases and a mother asks you about children's books on deployment.

"Don't be sad" by Papaya Mom on January 4th, 2008
the Papaya said to me, sweeping away the tears as they ran down my face.

Popularity: 90% [?]

30Aug 2007

Dinner Date

in Adventure Dad. 1 Comment

It’s not that Adventure Dad and I don’t like each other’s company - it is just that we’ve been married for a while now and sometimes we run out of things to talk about. How many times can we tell each other what a fun kid we had, how well I cook or that one of us better clean that damn bathroom before…..

So sometimes when there are nearby tables at dinner with one of those oh-so-charming people (often college-age women I’ve found) who talk at decibels far too loud for public - we listen. Not only do we listen though, we add our own endings to the sentences and make our own little version of Mad Libs but often with a lot of sarcasm about the intelligence of the person who seems to have been born without volume control.

Tonight we had quite the dichotomy - behind Adventure Dad a couple breaking up right there at the table with comments like “but where am I going to go now?” Very sad and mostly quiet so we kept our low-decibel conversation out of theirs.

But behind me - a humor jackpot. What seemed like possibly a first date with the young woman who we learned was “already” in her Junior year at George Mason (this should be in no way seen as an indictment of this institution of learning - everyone has a few bright stars like this - even Yale).

A few moments that stuck out (and not only because of my vain attempt to keep from spewing out my chips and queso dip out of my nose);

Girl: Like, my Dad like teaches the like soldiers before like they get deployed

Us: to my bedroom.

Girl: I don’t really have a home church here yet, I have not been here longer enough

Us: longer enough to learn English, they don’t like teach that in like my classes until like Senior year, I think.

Girl: So this guy like came all the way up for me to show him around DC…

Us: and my dorm room.

Girl: No way, I would like never like go out with like a guy who like lives so far away, I’d like never see

Us: him naked.

Girl: I really get along with like everyone, but after like two months when I know people I just like know better and I don’t like 95% of them anymore because like they don’t

Us: want to spend all their like time talking about me.

This guy, who was actually sitting closer to us, never spoke - the poor guy was trying to agree with her with what we assumed was the intention to get into her pants (as she admitted to him - shh “don’t tell anyone I told you”) as did the Richmond guy and a few others (because it’s “like…what’s that word? Gossip.”). Dude - we listened to it for the thirty minutes it took us to eat and pay the check - I sure hope that guy got something for his time listening to a shrill diatribe about her all night long.

Well you all now know I’m really a sarcastic and mean person, but not to people’s faces so that makes it a bit better. However, I was working on what to say to them as we left. We considered; “Don’t worry - I won’t blog about this with your names” or (to the guy) “can I get the address of your blog? because I really want to read about this from your perspective” to my favorite “hey, do you have hearing trouble? no? then I suggest you get that checked out since that couple, over there in the far corner, she knows what you did behind the Jefferson Memorial with that guy from Richmond who is not your boyfriend.” Of course because I’m only a Mean Girl in my own sarcastic head and under my breath to my husband (and on my blog) so I walked out without a word feeling slightly less negative about my evening’s entertainment than I ought to.

If you liked that post, then try these...

Mood Swings by Papaya Mom on April 24th, 2005
There are days when parenthood sucks.

Anniversary by Papaya Mom on January 6th, 2008
Monday will be eight years for Adventure Dad and I.

Kicking those Duty Day blues. by Papaya Mom on April 23rd, 2005
Ah, Adventure Dad' last duty day of this refit.

New Motherhood by Papaya Mom on April 4th, 2005
There are no words for how WONDERFUL, BUSY, TIRING, AMAZING, GROWING, SPECIAL, CONFUSING and so much more the last few months have been.

On the journey by Papaya Mom on October 6th, 2008
Papaya and I are on our journey each day.

Popularity: 28% [?]

01Jul 2007

I knew this day would come

in Adventure Dad and Papaya. 0 Comments

when my daughter and husband would drive off in the the Jeep to go hiking without me. I just never knew it would be at 29 months old. Wow.

If you liked that post, then try these...

Spring by Papaya Mom on April 7th, 2005
It seems like Spring has sprung here in Poulsb along with LOTS of rain to keep those flowers coming.

Mom to Mum by Papaya Mom on May 18th, 2007
Just found out we are moving to Plymouth, England (Cornwall area, SW) for six months in October (Adventure Dad will be going to the .

First Hike of Spring by Papaya Mom on May 6th, 2007
Up early, bags packed with a great picnic we were on the road by eight a.

New Motherhood by Papaya Mom on April 4th, 2005
There are no words for how WONDERFUL, BUSY, TIRING, AMAZING, GROWING, SPECIAL, CONFUSING and so much more the last few months have been.

Seven years ago by Papaya Mom on January 7th, 2007
today I married my love, my sweet rockin' cooler than everyone else handsome beyond words Adventure Dad.

Popularity: 18% [?]

18May 2007

Mom to Mum

in England and Adventure Dad. 5 Comments

Just found out we are moving to Plymouth, England (Cornwall area, SW) for six months in October (Adventure Dad will be going to the Perisher course), after which we will move to Hawaii for four months and then on to our next duty station for 18 months.

I’m looking at “infants school” and “preschool” programmes in the area - let me tell you that uniforms for three year olds are CUTE. I’m so very in love right now with Parents Guide to Plymouth and Plymouth Diary. I’m also hoping to find a playgroup and a gym for me to work out in, I’m ambitious.

We are going to pack out and put all of our things in storage and rent a furnished flat - and maybe even lease a hybrid car (have you SEEN the Petrol Prices?!?!). Now I just need to learn to drive on the left….

If you liked that post, then try these...

"Don't be sad" by Papaya Mom on January 4th, 2008
the Papaya said to me, sweeping away the tears as they ran down my face.

Popularity: 24% [?]

06May 2007

First Hike of Spring

in Adventure Dad and Papaya. 2 Comments

Up early, bags packed with a great picnic we were on the road by eight a.m. Arriving in Shenandoah National Park we were greeted by a cool clear morning and a slight breeze.

Let me jump back a bit and tell you that last year, Papaya LOVED to walk and hike for herself. We own a Kelty Backpack Carrier but from last year’s experiences we chose not to bring it. Hmmmm, bad idea. Papaya wanted to “hold you Mommy, hold you Daddy” (as in: please hold me, now, I really really mean it so I’m using this cute talking pattern that insists that I would hold you if you wanted to be held as badly as I do now) or shoulders for 2.5 of the 3 mile hike.

We hiked to Byrd’s Nest #4, a shelter donated to the park by Senator Byrd of West Virginia. It was a very nice circut hike with a long slow trip up and a steep descent back to the car in the last .25 mile.

The blooming Spring scenery was wonderful - little wild strawberry flowers, purple and white flowers and lots of lichen and moss. Papaya told us each time she saw an airplane fly above and talked about all of the birds we saw in the trees and flying overhead. When we arrived at the Byrd’s Nest shelter we found a nice open field and a picnic table where we enjoyed pita bread, onion hummus, strawberries, clementines and a chicken wrap for Adventure Dad.

Then, as cheesy and poetic as it sounds, Papaya began chasing butterflies in the grass. Little purple ones no larger than a dime, and small monarch butterflies about the size of a quarter. When they would fly away she would yell out “where are you butterflies?” and look very worried.

This is going to be a beautiful summer.

If you liked that post, then try these...

Welcome to my blog.... by Papaya Mom on December 28th, 2004
I realized that although I love Papaya's site, the news function would work better for me as a blog.

Obamaniac by Papaya Mom on March 8th, 2007
My life has become busy in such a good way.

Mom to Mum by Papaya Mom on May 18th, 2007
Just found out we are moving to Plymouth, England (Cornwall area, SW) for six months in October (Adventure Dad will be going to the .

Like a fish out of water by Papaya Mom on October 13th, 2007
It's how I felt - without internet (on MY beloved Macintosh computer - I had access via my 'rents PC but PCs hate me and it's just not the same) for what I think may have been an eternity but Adventure Dad assures me was only a few weeks.

Kicking those Duty Day blues. by Papaya Mom on April 23rd, 2005
Ah, Adventure Dad' last duty day of this refit.

Popularity: 20% [?]

23Apr 2007

Miles to go before I sleep…

in Family, Travel and Adventure Dad. 4 Comments

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there’s some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

-Robert Frost

If only I knew all the words by heart on my 1200 mile weekend - the highlight of which was seeing my wonderful inlaws and watching Papaya run towards them with joy, excitement, and hugs. The low point was probably getting lost in New Jersey, twice, because we missed turns. Thank God for communication skills (try not to spit out your drink while you laugh at me) or Adventure Dad could have ended up living near Newark Airport.

The first day was 11 hours LONG and we were TIRED but we did finally make it to Lake Placid where Adventure Dad went backcountry skiing on Saturday. He had fun and met us for lunch at Lake Placid Pub & Brewery before we drove to the In Laws. Papaya had a great time that night with all the attention of her many uncles, her auntie and her grandparents. Today we drove 8 1/2 hours to make it home and get settled before another great week.

If you liked that post, then try these...

Why single moms don't blog by Papaya Mom on October 27th, 2007
(note: I in no way intend to offend anyone who is a rockin' single mom blogger) sleep.

Like saying you've never had the flu by Papaya Mom on October 28th, 2007
That is what happens when a tired Mommy blogs about having no time to blog.

Sabrina knows her shit. by Papaya Mom on January 28th, 2007
.

Motherhood is... by Papaya Mom on September 3rd, 2007
Once again Jordan at .

Joining by Papaya Mom on November 19th, 2008
As I prepare myself to participate in the ongoing battle for Civil Rights as they pertain to the GLBT community I've joined a few organizations.

Popularity: 24% [?]

13Mar 2007

In my home

in Family and Adventure Dad. 8 Comments

Not getting a vasectomy?

It’s maintaining critical family capability for chup building - we don’t want the industrial base (ability to produce more) to erode to the point that if in time of a family emergency we needed another chup - and would have to source out to another family because we’ve lost the ability to make more chups. Chup production impossible due to erosion of industrial base is a real risk here people.

If you liked that post, then try these...

Ten more reasons by Papaya Mom on February 25th, 2007
.

Little Ballerina by Papaya Mom on July 12th, 2007
Papaya may well have enjoyed the very best day of her life, ever, today.

Kicking those Duty Day blues. by Papaya Mom on April 23rd, 2005
Ah, Adventure Dad' last duty day of this refit.

Miles to go before I sleep... by Papaya Mom on April 23rd, 2007
Whose woods these are I think I know.

Think the Gelato she ate might have sugar? by Papaya Mom on March 3rd, 2008
They (mermaids) were hiding in the seaweed I remember that - when I was a dragon I could fly over the ocean.

Popularity: 24% [?]

08Mar 2007

Obamaniac

in Obama, Adventure Dad and Papaya. 0 Comments

My life has become busy in such a good way.

Papaya gets my free time, Obama gets my organized time and Adventure Dad works all the time anyway.

Check out www.familiesforobama.org to see what I’ve been up to.

If you liked that post, then try these...

Fundraising Primary by Papaya Mom on February 15th, 2007
Friends and Family,This is an blog post written entirely by me about something I care about.

I met him and I almost swooned. by Papaya Mom on January 5th, 2007
.

Debate by Papaya Mom on June 4th, 2007
I'm bothered by the idea that Senator Clinton is called "the frontrunner" when I so truly believe my candidate is.

Where was I today? by Papaya Mom on January 12th, 2008
At the .

Joining by Papaya Mom on November 19th, 2008
As I prepare myself to participate in the ongoing battle for Civil Rights as they pertain to the GLBT community I've joined a few organizations.

Popularity: 29% [?]