(43-334) Wanna Laugh?

How many times a day do you laugh?  I'm not even sure what my answer to that question is.   I just know that I like to do so as much and as often as possible; and I am very blessed to know some pretty funny people.  Heck, we all know that I even laugh at myself on a very regular basis.

A couple of days ago Nicky said something that I found very amusing, and there goes that memory again, because I can't even remember what is was; but nonetheless, I commented that he was my funny child and he was VERY happy to hear this.  (More so than I ever would have expected actually.)  As a matter of fact, he's brought it up to me a number of times since then.  He'd say "blah, blah, blah, because I'm your funny child, right Mama?"   And of course I'd agree.  Truth be told, all three of my kids are very funny in their own way.  Lyndzi is a riot; and she too gets great satisfaction out of the fact that I think she's funny.  And Kelsie, well she's just such an all around character, that she can't help but be funny.

So last night we went out to dinner, and Kelsie was reminding me of this charming thing that she'd said about Nicky a few days ago.  She had made the comment that "Nicky is a shy guy so he's like a butterfly in his cocoon and one day he's gonna come out and be a really beautiful butterfly."  And I have to say that when she first told me this she just reinforced my belief that she is utterly brilliant; and so amazing; but nonetheless, Luis hadn't been privy to her analogy so I asked her to share it with him; and when she did, she gave the performance of her life.  After listening to her I said "Kelsie you're such an actress."  To which she replied "Well, I have no interest in being on TV. I have no interest in being in movies. I have no interest in being in commercials. I have no interest in being in a commercial about a movie. The only thing that I'm interested in showing, is my ears."  And I laughed like I have not laughed in I don't know when.  I had no idea why she said that. So I asked and she said something about liking her ears because they're soft.  OK, they can't all be profound, she is only seven ya know.

Now you may recall that when I wrote "43" I said "I believe this needs to be a year of recollection, reflection, observation, appreciation, and change..." So, let me say how very much I appreciate and am thankful for LAUGHTER.  A good laugh can make anything better; and I am so grateful for all those who bring laughter into my life, and to all those who permit me to bring laughter into theirs.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-305) "The Hangover 2"

Luis and I are big (yes,)  HUGE fans of "The Hangover," so as soon as I learned the release date for "The Hangover 2," I got busy making plans to go and see it on the 27th.  We chose to go to the 620pm show, and Luis and I got to the theater around 5, in the hopes of getting really good seats.  Our willingness to wait for a while paid off and we got seven seats in the row in front of the railing, so we'd be able to put our feet up. (Heaven!)

Lisa B and Eric arrived while we were still on line, so we were able to avoid any patrons who might be disgruntled about two people holding seven seats in such a prime row.  Tina arrived shortly after we sat down, and then Jenny and (SMF) David followed.  We all had our $1 drink cups (and Lisa supplied extras for those who didn't.   She also shared her popcorn shirt so that whoever wanted to could get a medium popcorn for free.  Luis paid $1 and upgraded ours to a large (since we both LOVE movie popcorn) and we all settled in, to laugh our asses off.

Just before the previews were about to start, a young, guy in a suit, who introduced himself as Mr. Something that I can't remember, started talking to the audience over a hand held microphone.  He thanked us for coming to Harkins, and babbled a bit about how we could have gone somewhere else etc.etc.and it was apparent that he amused himself (though no one else.)  He then gave us a sermon on texting, and went on to say that if you were to text during the movie, a light would be shining off of you for a 12 mile radius.  Yes, he said 12 miles, but then corrected himself and said 12 feet.  He then told us that people would be very upset with us if we texted. I dunnon, maybe he was expecting a younger audience for this film.
Lastly he told us that "The Hangover 2" was hysterical, and I quote, "It has a lot of hang, a lot of over and a lot of 2."  I think he thought himself quite clever; but again, I don't think that anyone agreed.  After he departed, Lisa asked if I'd ever seen anything like that before. And I said "No."  I can't remember if it was Lisa or Tina who asked "Why do you think he did that?"  To which I replied "To give me something to blog about."  And we all laughed.

Earlier in the day I told Shannon that I was going to see "The Hangover 2" and she told me that it hadn't gotten good reviews, because it was just more of the same.  I told her that I never pay attention to reviews anyway, and that it was absolutely fine with me if it was more of the same.  In my opinion the first one was so good, it would be really difficult to top it; but as long as I got some laughs, I'd be satisfied.

Well, I was satisfied!  It was crude, it was vulgar, it was raunchier than the first; and I loved it.  I screamed, I laughed, and I had a really good time.  I won't tell you anything more about it at all.  I'll just say that if you go to see it not expecting the best story and just wanting to laugh - you won't be disappointed.  Will I be going back to see it in the theater a second time, like I did with the first?  No; but I will definitely watch it again when it comes out on DVD.

All and all, it was a great night.  We laughed from the time we sat down with our friends, through the movie, and at dinner.  It was so much fun to get out together; and I look forward to the next time.  Hopefully sooner than later.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-296) School's Out!

We've been having the most unusual weather for this time of year in Phoenix.  It's been cool and windy, and despite the havoc that it's wreaking on my allergies, I find it delightful.  However, it makes it all the more difficult to believe that schools out now; and summer vacation has begun.

You know I've been looking forward to my kids being done with school; so today is a VERY happy day for us.  I'm proud to say that my kids all brought home beautiful, report cards.  Nicky had a 3.89 and given the level of difficulty of his schoolwork, I'm quite pleased with that.  Lyndzi had a 4.0, and Kelsie was only in first grade, so her report card consisted of a lot of plus signs rather than grades. Nicely done Ramos kids!!

The kids kinda took it easy today once they got home from school.  I made one of Nicky and Lyndzi's favorite dinners (Italian sausage and linguine), and then I went to a soccer board meeting.

When I came home and sat down to write my blog, I did what I always do.  Scrolled down the page to see if I had any new followers, reviewed the live feed to see who's read what and where they're from, and checked out what new blogs were posted by the Scrapbooking from the Inside Out team.  The title of Kai's post caught my eye, so I hopped over to "Enjoy The Ride Today!" to see "A Laugh..."  and indeed I got one from The Ultimate Dog Tease video that she posted.  I actually laughed out loud; so I called my kids over so that I could show it to them.  They thought it was a riot, and made me play it a couple of times.  So in honor of the beginning of our summer and the first good laugh that we've had.  Not to mention (say it with me), "The Greater good"  of course.  I'm going to share  it with you.

I know that we're going to have the best summer EVER.  And I sure hope that you do too.  I've been waiting for this day to come, and now that it's here I'm going to look forward to my next milestone, which is just four days away...The 300th consecutive post of the 43 series of "The Bumpy Ride," and then you know what comes after that...just 66 days, and 66 posts until I'll be 44!  So much to look forward to, so many things to appreciate  and so many more lessons to learn.  I'd better get busy...
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-254) Music To My Ears

Anyone who knows my son Nicky, can attest that he's a pretty serious guy.  Nicky is the best son EVER!  He's intelligent, kind, thoughtful, caring, loving, polite, well behaved, as well as most other positive attributes that you can think of.  BUT, as much as it pains me to say it, often times he's uptight.  Loving him as much as I do; I work with him on a daily basis to try and help him to overcome his shyness and to relax; but it's been a very slow road.

When Nicky's at home, or with people that he's very comfortable with; he talks and talks; which I know some may find difficult to believe.  He jokes, and teases (to some extent,) and he enjoys comedy.  However, I don't often hear him laugh; and tonight, I had him hysterical; and it was music to my ears.

We were sitting on the couch and I was preparing to write my blog; when all of a sudden I got the urge to tickle Nicky.  I honestly don't think I've really tried to tickle him since he was a baby; which sounds totally unbelievable to me; and yet, I fear that it's true.  I started by tickling him under his knee, and he went nuts; to the point where he was laughing so hard that drool came out of his mouth.  I was so pleased with his reaction, that I switched to tickling him on his side, and then under his arms; and he fell off the couch laughing.  What a delightful sound!

Of course I've heard Nicky laugh before; but usually because he's amused by a TV show or movie OR because he's thought of something that he thinks is funny.  But NEVER have I heard Nicky chortle continuously, as he did tonight.  

I know for a fact that I laughed A LOT as a child.  So much so that I almost got kicked out of kindergarten for laughing.  I remember my mom telling me that she had been called to school because my kindergarten teacher said the I had a contagious laugh and that once I started laughing, the other kids would too.  The problem with that was that I didn't always laugh at appropriate times.  I chalk that up to me having a nervous laugh in addition to a contagious one; but nonetheless it needed to be curtailed.  My mom must have assured the teacher that I would learn to control myself, because I wasn't removed from the class; but I ALMOST wish that one day one of Nicky's teachers would have to make such a call.

I wouldn't want to change any of the great things that Nicky is.  But just like most moms, I want my child's life to be as stress free and easygoing as possible.  I think that tickling Nicky tonight just may have been a big (yes) HUGE turning point for us; and I can't wait to hear that sweet, sweet music again SOON!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING  

                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                 

(43-202) The Gift of Laughter

Luis gave me the PERFECT Valentine's day gift... A laugh.  He wrote something very funny in my card; and I laughed out loud.  What more could I want?   A laugh isn't fattening; and it doesn't need any special care. A laugh is something that you can enjoy as is; and keep with you for as long as you like.  Laughter is the gift that keeps on giving and if you share it; the gift gets stronger rather than diminishes.  You can't say that about a box of chocolates.

I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine AND in fact, I think that it's physically impossible to feel bad when your laughing.  So, in honor of this Valentine's Day, and the gift of laughter that I received; I'd like to share two things with you.  First, some wonderful quotes about laughter; and then a joke that we heard while on the tram at Disneyland.

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." - e e cummings

"He who laughs, lasts!"  - Mary Pettibone Poole

"An optimist laughs to forget, a pessimist forgets to laugh.” - Unknown

“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul” - Yiddish Proverb

"You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing." - Michael Pritchard

And now for the joke...

Why does Tigger bounce around the forest on his tail?

Because he doesn't want to step on Pooh.                     
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-187) "Get A Job" By Nicky Ramos

My emotions were all over the place today; and why wouldn't they be?  The past two days had been both joyful AND stressful; and I was tired physically AND emotionally.  I ran a couple of errands and suffice it to say that nothing went smoothly.  Then to top it off, Kelsie was getting on my last nerve; and yes, I did just say that.

When I returned from my errands, I was frazzled. I'd had enough; but then Nicky told me that he'd used his cell phone to make some videos of his Lego's. I told him that I'd love to see them; but I had no idea what to expect.  When he showed me the videos, I laughed and laughed.  I couldn't believe how creative Nicky had been; and I was astonished by his work.  I mean, I know that Nicky is an extremely, intelligent guy and that he's not your average 11 1/2 year old boy; but theses videos really took me by surprise.  He'd shot 3 videos that were between 1 to 2 minutes long; but in order for him to text it to me; so I could then email it to my account and post it to my blog; he had to make a shorter one; and that's what I'm going to share with you now.

Without further ado; I present "Get A Job," by Nicky Ramos.

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-93) Kelsie's Pledge

The other day, Kelsie came home from school with a coupon book of tasks that she needed to complete, at her own pace.  Each time she demonstrates the skill on the coupon, she can return it to her teacher and chose a prize from the treasure box.
Most of the challenges are things that Kelsie already knows; so being Kelsie, she's anxious to hand the coupons in.  She quickly completed "write down your birthday," "write your first and last name with proper capitalization and line placement," "write your phone number and address," "identify the following shapes: circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, diamond, hexagon, trapezoid, parallelogram;" and "tie your shoes."

Yesterday morning Kelsie wanted to attempt the Pledge of Allegiance coupon, but when she recited it; she left out a couple of "ands," and I can't even tell you what word she uttered instead of republic.  I corrected Kelsie and she said "well, that's how we say it."  OK!  I explained that they may say it that way; but they're saying it wrong.  She practiced saying republic; and left for school without the coupon.

Last night Kelsie asked if she could try the pledge again; and I listened attentively, as she clearly said "and to the republic for witches stands;"  and then I LAUGHED OUT LOUD. I was thoroughly amused and I asked if she really thought that the pledge was about witches and she loudly replied "I don't know!"   We reviewed the pledge, why we say it and what it means; and I assured her that there are no witches mentioned.  Do you think she's anxious for Halloween or what?

What can I say; Kelsie is a hoot.  Like tonight, at dinner, we were having a conversation that ultimately lead to the topic of my cousin's wedding and Nicky mentioned that he had gotten his first yarmulke there and somehow or other this prompted Kelsie to make a comment about being Jewish.  Luis asked Kelsie "Are you Jewish?"  And she said "Yes."  Luis reminded her that she's a lot of different things; Jewish, Mexican, German, Russian, Polish and Kelsie added "a New Yorker."  Luis and I both did a double take and informed Kelsie that she was not a New Yorker; but she explained that if I was a New Yorker, so was she.  I deduced that she believes that since Luis is from Mexico and we tell her that she's Mexican; since I'm from New York, she thinks that she's a New Yorker.  We made a couple of attempts to convince her that she's not a New Yorker; but I still don't think that she believes us.

Kids minds are just amazing, and their thought processes are fascinating.  How blessed are we who have children in our lives.  Whether natural born, adopted, or step.  To have a conversation with a child; has got to put a smile on your face.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Simple Pleasures

Seasons Greetings one and all!

When I first thought up the idea for this post, it was in response to the difficult economic times that we are all facing. I hadn't really been feeling like the Queen of ANYTHING which was certainly one of the reasons; OK, EXCUSES for my latest disappearance. Truth be told, I hadn't really had anything to write about that wouldn't make you want to slit your wrists after reading; so I thought it best to keep to myself. I know that things are tough ALL OVER and that everyone has their share of woes and sorrows, which is yet another reason that I chose not to regale you with my current state of affairs. So instead I decided to take the high road , and focus on the little things that make me happy; the simple pleasures, if you will. I had been compiling a list of things that put a smile on my face and bring warmth to my heart and now that I've waited so long to share this message ; the holiday season is upon us and I think it's an especially timely suggestion to reflect on those things that cost little to no money but bring us comfort and joy. I know, I know Kumbaya and all that - but I can't help it; I just gotta be me.

My Top Ten SIMPLE PLEASURES (in no particular order):

1. We recently discovered that a Hummingbird built a nest in the Lime tree outside of our guest room / office window. It appears that the hummingbird built the nest out of dryer lint and every time that I see the charming, little bird in her nest; it brings a smile to my face. (That's what I wrote WEEKS ago.) What happened next, was that Luis discovered that the Hummingbird had laid 2 eggs in the nest and so we now have baby Humming birds as well. How GLORIOUS! Don't ask me why, but I feel blessed to have them living in our tree. Luis, Nicky and I would go out daily and check on them and they are now big enough to fly. I am hoping that they build additional nests and continue to grace us with their presence; because they do make my heart smile.

2. My children's smiles.

(Need I say more?)

3. Hershey (my Chihuahua) When I originally wrote this down, (several weeks ago) it was actually; Taking walks with Hershey, because for various reasons; OK., EXCUSES - I hadn't been going to the gym. I was planning to go back but at the time it was SO beautiful outside, that I decided to take walks instead and take Hershey with me. It was invigorating to be outside on a beautiful November day and I must say that walking WITH Hershey and enjoying her companionship was just the icing on the cake. But on the 13th, I had a freak accident, involving one of my toes, due to another simple pleasure, "The smell of Pine;" and I haven't been able to go for a walk since. Now, before I go on and on about my wonderful dog; I know that I have peaked your curiosity about my toe. Let's suffice it to say that on Friday the 13th I was in Walmart and I wanted to smell a pine candle that they were selling (because I LOVE the smell of pine) and when I took it off the shelf, another candle came crashing down on my toe. The toe in question is an unsightly thing called a hammer toe (that I was born with, even though Michelle K has been trying to fabricate some type of accident that caused it.) Anyway the toe is is bent down and the glass candle landing on it has dislocated my joint. I know this because 2 weeks later, I actually went to see a Podiatrist, who had to give me a shot to numb it and a shot of steroids and informed me that I am going to require surgery. Now as fearful as I am of shots; you HAVE to know how painful this injury is in order for me to agree to take the shots; so hence NO WALKING or exercising has been going on. BUT, I can recall how loved and safe I felt walking with Hershey and since it was on my initial list, I have decided to let it remain. Truth be told, having her in my life brings me much happiness, no matter what we are doing.

4. A strong cup of coffee. I LOVE the smell, I savor the taste and it warms my body and soul. The first morning cup of the day is something that I really look forward to. Coffee can energize and inspire you. It can be social or something that you enjoy on your own. And I feel compelled to mention that my mom was a BIG coffee drinker and she always had a pot of coffee brewed, no matter what time of day. She drank it hot or iced; it was her beverage of preference and every time I smell or taste a cup I feel an irreplaceable connection. Ahh Coffee!

5. Getting a book that I want - at the library. I am almost giddy when I am fortunate enough to find a book that I really want to read, available at the library. it doesn't happen all too often, but when it does, I am on a high.

6. The smell of a barbecue. Even if it's not me who is going to get to enjoy the meal; I just adore that mouth watering smell.

7. A tidy house. I treasure the feeling of calmness that comes over me when I walk down the stairs in the morning and everything in our play room is in its place. There's nothing laying on the floor or overflowing from the bins; it's just TIDY, and I feel good!

8. I don't know that I REALLY have to say anything about this one; but this is me we're talking about; so of course I will. If you are a GLEEK like me, then I know you totally understand. If you haven't seen it but you like music, and a little bit a drama; you should definitely check out this show. If you don't, then I equate it to being a Trekkie.

This show isn't rocket science; it's not the best written thing on TV, it's just something that speaks to me. It's the first non-reality show that I've really gotten into in a LONG time and I look forward to watching it on Wednesday nights.

9. Making someone laugh. Now honestly, what better gift is there than a good laugh? OK, maybe you're thinking that a BMW or an all expense paid vacation COULD be better than a laugh; but let's be realistic. 1. A laugh is ALWAYS good for what ails ya, and tingles your being (ohh, that didn't sound EXACTLY like what I meant; butchya get the point I'm sure.) And 2. This IS the "SIMPLE pleasures" list. Now we know how good it feels to just crack up. To laugh so hard that you can't catch your breath or you think you're going to pee your pants; but to be the one who causes that laughter is a feeling that is far more precious than rubies.

10. Finishing a blog. The sense of satisfaction that I get when I complete a new post on "The Bumpy Ride" is beyond compare. I am always excited to add a new post to my repertoire because I feel as though I am taking one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a professional writer. Every time I actually publish a post, I am tenuous about the reaction that I am going to receive, but I know that if I don't try, I am already failing and that is NOT acceptable to me. Even just sitting down today to finally get this post out; I felt as though I was really breathing for the first time in a long while. As my fingers started tapping against the key s and my words were appearing on the screen, I knew that whatever doubts I've been having were unfounded, because this is EXACTLY who I am and what I should be doing ~ I feel it in my soul. So yet, once again, I am getting up on that proverbial horse and I am going to try and ride this baby for all it's worth because WRITING is really not an option for me; it's a necessity.
And with that, I encourage you all to be who you are. Know your truths and pursue your dreams; whether personal or professional. I recently found out that a friend of mine passed away very unexpectedly. He was 39; and although I am profoundly saddened by this loss, I am using his example to remember to live for today and not waste a minute because none of us ever knows how many we will be given. Rommel was an extraordinary individual who loved life. He knew who he was and he lived accordingly and that is more than most of us do in a much longer lifetime. I urge you all to be thankful for the things that bring you simple pleasures, take care of yourselves and be who you are.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING