Dear Santa

To my readers. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday. Next year will be even more exciting!

Below is the letter written by the princess. She didn't ask Santa for much as you can see, however what she did request wasn't as easy as one may think.

Lalaloopsy was simple. PowerPuff girls were somewhat challenging but that's what eBay is for. The last thing confused me momentarily. She asked Santa to change the behavior of some of the boys she goes to school with. Hope the magic kit helps with that situation.

Sunday Funnies and other stuff

After going to Holy Communion with me the princess asked "How do they know if you actually received First Holy Communion, do they give you an ID card? My reply, "no they give you a secret password."

A you can see the elf is still hanging around. He managed to charm himself away frpm Wavy's clutches and now they are the best of friends.

Yesterday was also the princess third appearance at the Rinx Holiday show. Look for the video later, I'm slacking.

Wavy and the elf

The elf didn't fly high enough over the bayou. Now Wavy has got him. Warned him never trust the smiling crocodile. I think I'll leave it as is just to see the princess' reaction to it.

A most exquisite adventure

The captain and I took Grandma P to Christies, New York last Saturday. Our mission was to be among the first to visit the Elizabeth Taylor Collection exhibit. An outing to the city, the first Saturday of December is always an adventure. Since we were at Rockefeller Center we stopped to see the tree and attended to mass at St Patricks. Next it was off to Christies to see and bee seen. LOL

I had to restrain myself from making snarky remarks about the people nearby, just a wee bit pretentious IMHO. First there was sorority Sue, a Town and Country wannabe from someplace in Connecticut. She kept yaking to her companion, a seemingly pleasant foreign woman.
Next there was Muffy and Buffy, overdressed for a Saturday afternoon outing for sure but I suppose that's how they roll in the deep south. Their husbands had that look about them, you know it well"how much is this going to cost us."

I was however genuinely concerned about the very pregnant woman who was there with her mother and sister. They reminded me of the stepmother and an ugly step sister from a familiar fairy tale. She seemed tired, didn't complain but her expression screamed of get me out of here before that sister of mine says something else stupid. Like commenting that the LV luggage didn't look well cared for by it's owner. Are you kidding? That stuff spent more times traveling the world than is imaginable, I thought it looked pretty good. The sister kept dashing back and forth name dropping designers as if she knew them personally. Hope she got home before going into labor.

We had some good laughs, not at the expense of others; at least no publicly. There is a large amethyst geode. The captain commented to some women standing next to him that the stones would make some great bling for them. They agreed and we all laughed.

After 3 hrs at the exhibit it was time to eat, over to the west side palm for burgers. Always great choice. Then it was tome to go home, just made the train by seconds. I saw the time and said let's make a run for it. Yes, I did that, again...

My personal picks for items I might like too have: Another David Hockney piece or a pair of Cartier earrings. I also liked the bag and shoes display. Mom and the captain want the wedding tiara. The princess tells me they'll have to fight her for it. Sounds like a throw down to me.

The Princess Decorates for the Holidays

Today I gave the princess a Barbie Twinkle Lights Holiday Tree. I purchased this before she was born, from a colleague whom at the time was an Avon rep. Little did I know at the time that I would soon become mother to the worlds prima fashionista, aka the princess. I did set it up her first Christmas but put it away until now. As you can see she's got it rockin in her regal room complete with the annual entourage of Barbies. Let the holidays begin!

Seagull's Greetings

I was unexpectedly joined for lunch today by this very persistent seagull. Problem was I was in the car and it was on the hood, watching me, hoping something would come it's way. Kept thinking about those gulls from Finding Nemo. Mine, Mine, Mine. No fries for you birdie.

Is that part of the costume? NO...

A friend asked this of me while Trick or Treating. The princess was dressed as a sweetheart pirate, complete with black fish net stockings. Well she bent over and it was discovered she hadn't put shorts on. She was wearing black underpants with candy corn on them. I can't make this stuff up, really.

Happy Halloween

Pictured below , a mummy dog w/ kraut.

Plan to go roaming the hood in search of treats with the princess. Still deciding on a costume.

Not your mama's picture day

Posing before school on picture day. The lunch choices are not smothered in red sauce as in past years. Today is also "shade out drugs" day , part of red ribbon week . Tomorrow, is crazy outfit day. I can't wait.

Free Gift with purchase

I was at an event recently and was approached by a salesman trying to get me to purchase the product he was selling. He offered me a free gift if I made a $20 purchase.

Since when is a gift called a free gift? Is there such a thing as a paid gift? I've noticed and I suspect you have as well that in many ads a free gift is offered with purchase. I was always under the asumption that a gift was a gift. A material item given without the expectation of receiving someting in return.

Since there is no English grammar rule I can find for a double affirmative(like the rule for double negative) logic here would suggest there is no such thing as a free gift. So the two affirmatives cancel each other out thereby producing a negative. Which means there is no such thing as a free gift.

By the way, I did not make the purchse but received a gift anyway, an advertising keytag.

Panic at the bus stop and more

The princess first day of third grade started off well. When the bus returned,the door opened and out came the princess, in tears. She was so upset it was difficult to understand her. The driver waited to speak to me. Seems she realized her "about me" bag was left behind in the classroom and she was fearful it would be swept away by the custodian. So naturally she asked to go back an retrieve it. School policy does not allow students to leave the bus once they've boarded. Called the school and asked the secretary to put out an APB for the missing items.

"Mommy, you have homework tonight!" and "There's a new boy in our class,he's so cute."

The missing items were recovered and I finished my homework. Now for that cute boy business.

Watch out 3rd grade here we come

Today's forecast school and light rain. Another summer vacation of wonder and adventure has come to a close. Wondering how I survived all the adventure. Now it's off to third grade for the princess, I've gotten all but one of the items on the supply list. The dry eraser can wait another day. I'll have to go wake her highness in just a few minutes. Let you know how it all works out.

;-)

I can't understand what you're saying

At the park this evening the princess noticed two ladies speaking in their native language. She turned to them and said I can't understand what you're saying. The ladies found it amusing,responded to her in English and then continued their conversation. Another in a long line of moments when I found it hard to contain myself.

Apples everywhere

Time to clean up from the hurricane. Apples and twigs.

Would you like batteries with that?

Every time I shop at Toys R US I am asked by the cashier if I'd like batteries or a gift receipt with my purchase. Doesn't matter what I'm getting, they have to ask.

Little did they realize that today I went there specifically for batteries after learning most other places were out of C's and D's I remembered that there were batteries and flashlights too! All of this at the worlds biggest toy store. Albeit we'll be using sponge Bob,Dora and Tinkerbell but we'll have flashlights. When asked if I needed a gift receipt, I just rolled my eyes and said yes, just for the batteries please. Be well and go get some batteries.

All kidding aside hurricanes are serious stuff folks,be safe.

Rinx Summer Open 8/14/11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkEIJbKYHKA

;-)

Super Shadow Girl

What did you read this summer?

I have encouraged the princess to read from an early age. Every summer we both make sure to read, read,read. She's about to complete the summer reading program at the library. Her choices were a mix of chapter books. Her favorites as of this writing are Amber Brown and the Ivy and Bean series. I even managed to get through a few books myself. They are in no particular order Gever Tullys 50 dangerous things, Tina Fey's Bossy Pants and Adam Mansbach's Go The #%^* to Sleep. The common thread being not to take ones self too seriously. If You've not read them...what are you waiting for? Get to the bookstore or library. There's still time.

Ice cream dreams

Who needs fancy ice cream parlors? When asked to create an original ice cream creation. The princess whipped up a little dish of decadence for us to share.

Ready for the park

Movie in the park.

Movie in the park night but no free slurpee. Stopped to 7-11 and wouldn't you know the machine wasn't working. Oh how we were looking forward to a cold, refreshing treat on a warm night.

;-)

7-11 Free Slurpee Day 7-11-11

Hey slurpee fans 7-11 is celebrating theor 84th birthday on 7-11-11. Customers can get a taste of summer for free at 7-11 stores. We'll be stopping by our local store to get a 7.11 oz free slurpee,how about you?

Oh mr lifeguard

While at the beach, the princess calls out to the lifeguard. "Mr. lifeguard, there's something sharp in the water." Two life guards start probing around with a shovel and discover a waterlogged piece of plywood about 3 x 4 ft.

;-)

Summer Schedule is an oxymoron

Here we are, school is over and running at a breakneck pace having fun. How many days until they go back? LOL

;-)

Graduation Day 2011

Gatekeepers of fun

That says it all. We've been having more fun than any family is entitled to and school hasn't even ended.

The princess is insisting we take dad to white castle for Father's Day. Oh joy. He doesn't seem to mind either. I on the other hand would prefer someplace with silverware.

;-)

Hats flying at you !

Did I tell you about the zoo?

Thw princess and the captain went to the Bronx Zoo today on a school trip. First stop was the reptile house to see Mia the recently escaped snake. They were also hoping the see if the escaped pea hen had returned.

Shades of Miss Scarlett

My little fashionista was at it again. This time she was reminiscent of Carol Burnett's parody of Scarlett O'Hara (Went with the wind). We'd purchased fuscia blackout curtains for her room which she really didn't care for. She suggested I take them down and she'd make a dress with them. When I took them down and she decided to wear them, rods and all. No time for pics unfortunately. All I could think of that skit from the Carol Burnett show(which is on YouTube).

Contractions

The princess had a spelling test last week. All the words were contractions. The bonus words were "Could've, should've, would've. The princess responses were "coulda,shoulda, woulda.

She doesn't feel the bonus worlds are much of a bonus as their value is 1pt. The regular words are worth 8.33 pts. You can see what she studies. LOL

The dentist's new office

In the waiting area of the pediatric dentist office there is a tv, video game and a crane(the claw) machine. The children get tokens after their visit. They still get toothbrushes,toothpaste and a prize from the treasure chest.

;-)

Bon Jovi 25 years later

The captain treated me to a Bon Jovi concert at NVMC this past weekend. The show was teriffic from the opening song Lost Highway to the final encore Living on a Prayer. I'd last seen them live during their Slippery When Wet Tour. I have pics someplace of JBJ in a harness singing Living on a Prayer, wish I could find them.

Jon and the boys minus Richie Sambora did not disapoint. Phil X did an adequate job filling in. They played fan favorites for well over two hours. There were a few college guys sitting next to us playing air guitar for most of the show. I told them last time I'd seen the band was before they were born.

The technology has changed over the years but the music is still great. Can't wait to see what they do next.

The Mother's Day Fairy

More things my daughter says

My darling daughter, the princess, has been on a tear of late in regards to the things that come out of her mouth.

Case in point today I received a note from her teacher,whom I pray for everyday. The contents were as follows "we were reading a story about a signmaker. The follow up activity was for the students to make their own signs. She said she was going to make a sign that said "Be Naked". When she was told it was inappropriate her response was that it was funny. Seriously, how does one respond to that and try to keep composed ?

Yesterday while working in the garden,she asked her grandmother if she would leave her the house when she dies. grandma told her she was leaving it to the pussycat home.

I overheard her say it and was flabbergasted. When mom told me later I just put my head down in shame,for a brief moment and realized my daughter just comes from a long line of smart asses but i can't exactly say that to her teacher, or can I ?

;-)

To coupon or not to coupon,that is the question

I watched in awe a program on TLC, Extreme Couponing. I like a great deal as much as the next girl but this is way over the top. Thrift is in my DNA however a 30-40 min grocery shopping adventure is my limit. Buying some things in bulk make sense but not everything. My trips to the warehouse club are twice a month, and with a very specific list. There is only so much room in the house. I also browse the weekly sales flyers for the grocery store; there is one store I prefer over the others. I see no sense in spending valuable resources such as gas and time shopping loss leaders. My usual savings is 25- 30% with sales and coupons,and very little effort on my part. Time is money they say. There is no such thing as free anything, these shoppers are spending their time in order to save some $. I figured out that if I spent the amount of time on the couponing and shopping thing I'd actually be losing money as the time would be take from from my billable work hrs.

Spilled the cocoa...April Fools

The princess made this mess for yesterday at the library. Can't wait for her to prank the captain with it.

Bronx Zoo Cobra

Say it's not so. The newest urban legend, The Bronx Zoo Cobra has been found according to New York's Fox 5 News. The tweets from the slithering escapee were a great deal of fun to read. Oh well nothing lasts forever.

Wordless Wednesday

Palm

Ate at the Palm, East Hampton. Not what we expected. It was Hamptons restaurant week and they were out of some of the featured items. Steak Oscar & tiramasu. The sevice was good though and they did try to make up for the mistakes made in the kitchen,overcooked veal marsala,overcooked salmon and missing croutons. I mean how can they forget the croutons on a ceasar salad? The chicken parm and chocolate cake were excellent. Will we return? don't know yet.

Happy First Day of Spring

As most of us endured a rather cold and snow winter it's nice to see that Groundhog got it right. Even though it was seen fleeing an angry mob back on Feb 2nd. Crocuses have come up in places I don't recall planting any.

Spring fever has hit! We are going to celebrate by doing something fun. The family is going out for a ride and dinner. Should be a grand adventure.

;-)

Leprechaun Trap

This leprechaun trap was inspired by a book we've read many times. The Night Before St Patrick's Day. Now the princess is waiting to trap her own leprechaun;Chaka Khan the Leprechaun. The fun never ends around here, I like it that way.

Wollman Open

The princess skated in the Wollman open today. It was a great experience for her. Skating in Central Park,oh how exciting. Follow her skate we ate at Todd English Plaza Food Hall. One of our favorites. Never a disappointment. The Parmesan Fries rock,a food that must be eaten as hot as possible. Made the train back with moments to spare. How some things never change.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park and Coe Hall Is Located 1395 Planting Fields Road Oyster Bay, NY 11771

http://www.plantingfields.org/11jan/cams.html

;-)

Mommy and Daddy go to White Castle

We decided to satisfy our crave for sliders earlier. It was somewhat reminiscent of a movie without the drugs and NPH but almost as much fun.

The first location we tried to go to was inaccessible due to police activity which we later discovered was a downed utility pole.

We found another location a little while later only to find it was drive through or walk up. No dining room. Ate sliders in the car. We did satisfy our crave though.

;-)

Downtown Burger at Five Points Cafe

We visited the newly opened Downtown Burger at Five Points Cafe earlier. This is Sayville's newest restaurant. The much anticipated eatery features burgers,sandwiches,soups and salads.

The dining/bar area is cozy. There are about a dozen tables for two. Some have chairs and other have chair and bench configurations to easily accommodate larger parties.

Now to the food. The menu included burgers,sandwiches,fish,appetizers,soups, salads, beverages and dessert items.Didn't order a burger but did see some coming out to other tables. They looked good. Lot's of burger choices including several with bleu cheese.

We started with mozzarella sticks that were perfectly prepared.

I ordered the classic Reuben which was tasty. My guest ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich. She said it was very spicy. Sides we had were onion rings and sweet potato fries. The portions were generous enough to necessitate a take home box.

My daughter expressd her disappointment with the selections offered on the children's menu. The choices being chicken fingers,sliders,grilled cheese and grilled chicken sandwiches. I did like that the kids menu items were at the top center of the menu.

All items were served on newsprint deli wrap and pewter colored plates,plastic utensils. The service was friendly and attentive. The food was served in a reasonable amonut of time and was hot. Pricing was moderate with sandwiches stating $6.95,burgers $8.95. Children's menu items $5.95

We skipped the beer,wine and desserts this time. Something to look forward to next time.
Maybe there will crabcakes and a refill on my coffee then too!

Fwd: @pinkprincess928, 2/2/11 9:05 AM

;-)

Begin forwarded message:

From: Babyp1209 <babyp1209@aol.com>
Date: February 2, 2011 9:07:52 AM EST
To: Debbie <jdschaller@optonline.net>, Liz <baylizard@optonline.net>
Subject: @pinkprincess928, 2/2/11 9:05 AM

Jacqueline Madden (@pinkprincess928) 2/2/11 9:05 AM Breaking news : #Holtsville Hal was seen fleeing an angry mob after predicting six more weeks of winter on LI.

;-)

Some things never change

Sir lost a lot, the princess and other members of the royal family joined me for lunch today. This was day 2 of my unbirthday celebration.

As life and luck would have it I has my usual dining experience. The items I chose were either sold out or not exactly as I expected them to be. It all started when the princess ordered apple juice and was told there wasn't any. I tried my best to get her to make another selection without much success. Later during the meal the waitress was able to get the apple juice.

Then came desert. I order cherry pie. The waitress comes back afro minutes later. No cherry pie. I order apple pie. A few minutes later she comes back, no apple pie. I'm trying to keep a straight face since I have a knack for asking for items they have just run out of. Seems my daughter has inherited this.

Ordered a brownie sundae,with two spoons one for me and one for the princess.

She told the waitress about the unbirthday celebration. I was treated to an enthusiastic rendition of Happy Birthday from the waitress and some co workers.

;-)

What was I thinking?

The princess' teacher called this afternoon. She asked about an assignment from the previous day. I didn't have it and suggested she look in the princes' desk,shudder the thought. I also inquired about some things that hadn't come home.

You know where this going...

The princess' backpack was noticeably heavier than when she left for school.

I took a while to wade through three months of classwork. Some things were to be signed and returned,like 10 weeks ago.

The desk and backpack are now lighter and my dining room table now has a six pounds of paper on it, oh joy!

Time to oil the shredder blades, I've got to get my homework done.

;-)

Girl Scout Cookies

Subject: Girl Scout Cookies

The princess has been so enthusiastic about her first Girl Scout Cookie campaign. She set a very high goal for herself. She even tried tried to sell cookies to other Girl Scouts. LOL

Please remember our troops when placing your cookie order. Operation Cookie sends cookies to the US troops. For more information ask the Girl Scout council near you or send us a message.

;-)

@pinkprincess928, 1/6/11 11:01 PM

Just watched Erma Bombeck: Legacy of Laughter on #PBS. Catch it if you can. She is the original mommy blogger and my inspiration.

The princess did not want to go to sleep. She's been reading by the hall light.

Tried to get her settled nothing worked until I told her she could stay up all night until the sun came up or the cows came home and she would be following her regular schedule. Asleep in 5 minutes. Life is good.

;-)

Attack of the toys

First day back to school. The princess was pooped but being a kid she decided at bedtime she was going to stay up all night and play.

She and her minions aka Barbie,tea cup piggie and friends launched a never before seen attack on the mommy monster.

They may have won the battle but certainly did not win the war. For those of you keeping score at home the series is now mommy 1507, the princess 6.

;-)