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This is really embarrassing, but Warren, the kids, my mom, my niece, and I went on an awesome Backbeat Tour in November, and I never blogged about it! In my defense, there was some talk of publishing it on the CVB website which never panned out.
So without further ado, I feel that I must tell you how much fun this is. I do not like touristy things no matter what city I am in, but this is the exception. We took the 90 minute Memphis Mojo Tour led by the very (cute and) entertaining Memphis Jones. The first order of business was passing out instruments and shakers so that everyone on the bus could sing along as he frequently broke into song. The kids loved it! Actually, we all loved it.
The tour begins with all of the downtown musical hot spots. After thirty minutes, just as we all realized we needed a bathroom break, the bus pulled up to Sun Studio and let everyone out to stretch their legs. I'm ashamed to admit that this was my first ever visit to Sun Studio. Even though we were only there for a short time, we managed to get a couple of their famous milkshakes to go, and promised to return for a real tour. (You can do an extended tour which includes a tour of Sun Studios or Stax.) We were tempted to buy merchandise, which I'm sure is part of the reason for the stop, but we resisted.
The bus itself, "Miss Clawdy," is a vintage 1959 GM transit bus, climate controlled and fully restored all the way down to genuine 1950s naugahide seat covers. It's super nice. My mom was freezing the whole time, but I appreciated the air. We sat over the wheel bay which turned out to be perfect for Jiro, who desperately needed a nap after finishing his milkshake.
The second leg of the tour took us through South Memphis and overall it was incredibly informative. Ninety minutes was perfect for us, but adding on one of the museums would be a great way to spend the day. Our tour ended where it started--Beale Street. We did a quick run through A. Schwabs for a souvenir, then declared the outing a smashing success.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
WKNO Listener Testimonial
Regular readers may recall that I did a listener testimonial for WKNO a year and a half ago. I never actually heard it play during the pledge drive, but Justin Willingham swears it did. Well, Saturday I had a chance to do a "do over." I was determined to sound peppy and give them a good sound bite to play over and over and raise thousands and thousands of dollars.
As Justin and I planned my visit, I asked what he thought about me bringing the monkeys. "Absolutely! If they want a tour, I'd be happy to do that, too. And if they wanted to say a few phrases for me and maybe a phone number or website, I could really use some new kids voices," he enthusiastically responded.
How could I pass up that kind of offer? I got the monkeys in a TV commercial this year, why not get them on the radio, right?
As we drove out to the station, I pointed to the voice in the radio and explained to the monkeys that we were going to visit my friend Justin and record some things to be played on the radio. I went over how I expected them to be quiet, to listen, not to run, and not to scream. They said they understood the rules. We even talked about going to Game Stop to look at potential birthday gifts as a reward.
The monkeys were charming and delightful until Justin showed us into the recording studio and let the monkeys put on headphones and talk into microphones.
Oh my god.
They giggled, they screamed, they burped, they sang the diarrhea song, they embarrassed the @#$! out of me. Finally I had no choice but to send them into the hall with my iPhone. I was finally able to record my spots, which again, Justin swears were good. Then I brought Jiro in to record his part. He was still kind of giggly, but he managed to do a pretty good job. He tried really hard to speak slowly and clearly. I hope that they can actually use him on the radio. I mean, how awesome of an achievement would that be for Mr. Four Speech Therapy Classes a Week? When Jiro was done, I sent him out and brought Satchel in. He put on the headphones, leaned into the mic, and completely froze!! Seriously. It was actually cute, but annoying too. Oh well.
Next it was time for the tour. The monkeys got their second wind and tore through the office building like, well, monkeys. Justin was all, "Let's be quiet, people are working," but that only egged them on. He took them to see the classical music library and before he could say, "Kacky and Darrell have a very tight system in here," Jiro was pulling CDs off the shelves and rearranging them. (I can hear Kacky cussing now!) Luckily, Satchel, who was using a conference chair as a Go-Kart, distracted him. Justin and I tried to turn off the lights and lock them in, but they followed us out.
I could go on, but I think you guys get the point. My favorite Justin quote of the day was, "Come on guys, I know you can behave because I've read about it."
Poor fellow, I hope he doesn't believe everything he reads!
As Justin and I planned my visit, I asked what he thought about me bringing the monkeys. "Absolutely! If they want a tour, I'd be happy to do that, too. And if they wanted to say a few phrases for me and maybe a phone number or website, I could really use some new kids voices," he enthusiastically responded.
How could I pass up that kind of offer? I got the monkeys in a TV commercial this year, why not get them on the radio, right?
As we drove out to the station, I pointed to the voice in the radio and explained to the monkeys that we were going to visit my friend Justin and record some things to be played on the radio. I went over how I expected them to be quiet, to listen, not to run, and not to scream. They said they understood the rules. We even talked about going to Game Stop to look at potential birthday gifts as a reward.
The monkeys were charming and delightful until Justin showed us into the recording studio and let the monkeys put on headphones and talk into microphones.
Oh my god.
They giggled, they screamed, they burped, they sang the diarrhea song, they embarrassed the @#$! out of me. Finally I had no choice but to send them into the hall with my iPhone. I was finally able to record my spots, which again, Justin swears were good. Then I brought Jiro in to record his part. He was still kind of giggly, but he managed to do a pretty good job. He tried really hard to speak slowly and clearly. I hope that they can actually use him on the radio. I mean, how awesome of an achievement would that be for Mr. Four Speech Therapy Classes a Week? When Jiro was done, I sent him out and brought Satchel in. He put on the headphones, leaned into the mic, and completely froze!! Seriously. It was actually cute, but annoying too. Oh well.
Next it was time for the tour. The monkeys got their second wind and tore through the office building like, well, monkeys. Justin was all, "Let's be quiet, people are working," but that only egged them on. He took them to see the classical music library and before he could say, "Kacky and Darrell have a very tight system in here," Jiro was pulling CDs off the shelves and rearranging them. (I can hear Kacky cussing now!) Luckily, Satchel, who was using a conference chair as a Go-Kart, distracted him. Justin and I tried to turn off the lights and lock them in, but they followed us out.
I could go on, but I think you guys get the point. My favorite Justin quote of the day was, "Come on guys, I know you can behave because I've read about it."
Poor fellow, I hope he doesn't believe everything he reads!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Flocked
Yesterday morning when I got up to go to the gym, I was greeted by over 50 flamingos in my front yard! I couldn't wait to get back and tell the boys about it. "Hey guys, there are 50 flamingos in the front yard" proved to be an excellent way to get their usually lazy selves out of bed on a school day. JIro had a small moment of sadness when he realized that they weren't real, but he quickly recovered. "Can I go have target practice?" he asked.
This morning they were gone--all but one. It will remain out front to remind us of how fun it can be to wake up everyday.
This morning they were gone--all but one. It will remain out front to remind us of how fun it can be to wake up everyday.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Stray Thoughts
Just a few things I don't want to forget:
1. Last week Satchel asked me when Cleopatra's Day was. "Huh?" I asked. "You know, the day when we wear green," he said. I guess his Egyptian studies are clouding his brain!
2. Jiro sometimes calls me "Warmy." I can only assume this is because I am warm and snuggly (despite being totally buff, lol). Last week when it was warmer outside he said he was going to start calling me "Lovey." I'll take it!
3. Bath time is out of control. I can't stand having to micro-manage the cleaning when all the monkeys want to do is play. If Warren isn't home to supervise, I let them duke it out. Last night, Jiro put gum in Satchel's hair. The idea of removing it with peanut butter completely freaked Satchel out. He insisted I use scissors. I still remember the summer when Tracey, my twin sister, and I gummed each other. My grandmother, who was watching us, never once considered peanut butter. We both had bald spots!
4. Jiro discovered that he can fit in the dryer and that it is nice and warm, and spins!
5. Satchel has his first cavity. However, due to its location he didn't have to have it filled. (He will if it starts hurting.) This has provided new ammo for our daily "brush your teeth" sermons that are required to get the kids to do any basic hygiene. When I explained that I was tired of the complaining and that he should note that Warren and I never complained about brushing our teeth or getting dressed or anything like that, he responded with, "You're an adult. You ENJOY brushing your teeth!" Oh really?
1. Last week Satchel asked me when Cleopatra's Day was. "Huh?" I asked. "You know, the day when we wear green," he said. I guess his Egyptian studies are clouding his brain!
2. Jiro sometimes calls me "Warmy." I can only assume this is because I am warm and snuggly (despite being totally buff, lol). Last week when it was warmer outside he said he was going to start calling me "Lovey." I'll take it!
3. Bath time is out of control. I can't stand having to micro-manage the cleaning when all the monkeys want to do is play. If Warren isn't home to supervise, I let them duke it out. Last night, Jiro put gum in Satchel's hair. The idea of removing it with peanut butter completely freaked Satchel out. He insisted I use scissors. I still remember the summer when Tracey, my twin sister, and I gummed each other. My grandmother, who was watching us, never once considered peanut butter. We both had bald spots!
4. Jiro discovered that he can fit in the dryer and that it is nice and warm, and spins!
5. Satchel has his first cavity. However, due to its location he didn't have to have it filled. (He will if it starts hurting.) This has provided new ammo for our daily "brush your teeth" sermons that are required to get the kids to do any basic hygiene. When I explained that I was tired of the complaining and that he should note that Warren and I never complained about brushing our teeth or getting dressed or anything like that, he responded with, "You're an adult. You ENJOY brushing your teeth!" Oh really?
Monday, March 22, 2010
I Love Memphis
Satchel's class had a field trip to the Civil Rights Museum. It was originally scheduled for February but bad weather got in the way. Since I work downtown, I decided to meet Satchel's class at the museum. The exhibit starts off with a thirty-two minute movie called "The Witness" narrated by Reverend Kyles. In Kyles' final sermon he talks about how you can kill the dreamer, but not the dream. I think every parent was secretly wiping away tears. It was very moving, especially in light of yesterday's historic health care vote.
Once the movie was over, we basically sped through the museum. Satchel and his classmates were a bit young to really focus on the text heavy exhibits. They seemed more interested in touching the mannequins and running around. I let them go at their own pace, occasionally pointing out things I thought they might "get." We got to go into the new building across the street where the shot originated. Again, it was a very text heavy exhibit, but it was cool to see all of the evidence and theories surrounding that horrific day.
Since I walked over to meet Satchel, we had to walk back to my office, about a half mile away. We passed South of Beale on the way and I remembered that they were having the I Love Memphis party, so Satchel and I stopped in to say hi and get a snack. Normally, I wouldn't take Satchel to a gastropub, but since it was 4:30pm and there was free cake, I figured it would be ok. Since we were early, I got a chance to hang out with Kerry and Satchel got to eat a delicious hamburger and fries.
It wasn't all fun and games. Satchel and I got our picture taken with the "I Love Memphis" sign and the "We're on Board" skateboard deck for the proposed Binghampton skatepark project to show our support.
We had to leave before the party really got going since Jiro was still at school, but Kerry was nice enough to give us some cake to go. (She cut it from the back where no one would notice.)
I just love Memphis.
Once the movie was over, we basically sped through the museum. Satchel and his classmates were a bit young to really focus on the text heavy exhibits. They seemed more interested in touching the mannequins and running around. I let them go at their own pace, occasionally pointing out things I thought they might "get." We got to go into the new building across the street where the shot originated. Again, it was a very text heavy exhibit, but it was cool to see all of the evidence and theories surrounding that horrific day.
Since I walked over to meet Satchel, we had to walk back to my office, about a half mile away. We passed South of Beale on the way and I remembered that they were having the I Love Memphis party, so Satchel and I stopped in to say hi and get a snack. Normally, I wouldn't take Satchel to a gastropub, but since it was 4:30pm and there was free cake, I figured it would be ok. Since we were early, I got a chance to hang out with Kerry and Satchel got to eat a delicious hamburger and fries.
It wasn't all fun and games. Satchel and I got our picture taken with the "I Love Memphis" sign and the "We're on Board" skateboard deck for the proposed Binghampton skatepark project to show our support.
We had to leave before the party really got going since Jiro was still at school, but Kerry was nice enough to give us some cake to go. (She cut it from the back where no one would notice.)
I just love Memphis.
MakeShift Revolution
At the Talented Amateurs meeting a couple of weeks ago, I met a spunky mama named Mary Allison. She's a multi-talented full-time mom and part-time minister. One of her current projects is a blog called The MakeShift Revolution, in which she interviews different mothers.
This week I am the featured mother, so hop on over and see what all of the fuss is about!
This week I am the featured mother, so hop on over and see what all of the fuss is about!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Steal this idea: Gobstopper pants
I have lamented the holey knees in my kids' pants here before. Despite my best efforts to have them mended, it seems no patch is strong enough to withstand their normal activities.
So, to all of you crafty mamas who get your Etsy on, I have a request. Please make me some Gobstopper Pants. Or more specifically, pants with Gobstopper knees. I'm envisioning a series of patches--when one gets ripped, there's a fresh one underneath to take its place. I think there would need to be at least 3-4 layers of patches. The best part about this concept? The pants will actually look better with time, rather than worse. It should take a normal seven-year-old months to get down to just the actual pants, minus the patches.
Alright mamas, hook me up!
So, to all of you crafty mamas who get your Etsy on, I have a request. Please make me some Gobstopper Pants. Or more specifically, pants with Gobstopper knees. I'm envisioning a series of patches--when one gets ripped, there's a fresh one underneath to take its place. I think there would need to be at least 3-4 layers of patches. The best part about this concept? The pants will actually look better with time, rather than worse. It should take a normal seven-year-old months to get down to just the actual pants, minus the patches.
Alright mamas, hook me up!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Spiderlings
Today's column is about our pet spider's hundred babies. Please read Pet spiders get proper send-off.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Best Use of Internet by a Seven-Year-Old
Satchel and Jiro got a ton of Legos for Christmas. On the box it shows how you can combine them to form new sets. Satchel went online and found the instructions for the Crystal Crawler, which is constructed from a Claw Digger and Crystal Sweeper. He spent about two hours putting it together, painstakingly sorting through a million tiny pieces. It was impressive to say the least.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Broad Avenue Bike Ride
Yesterday we took our first bike ride of the year down Broad Avenue. A train stopped us in our tracks, so we decided to take a little detour. Maybe not the best detour ever since we ended up having to push our bikes most of the way, due to rocks and Jiro's flat tire. But it was still fun, and I think we'll really appreciate the Greenline once it's done!
The best part of our outing was finding an exercise, excuse me, GIANT BOUNCY BALL on the side of the tracks. Jiro literally bounced all the way home. It was hilarious.
The best part of our outing was finding an exercise, excuse me, GIANT BOUNCY BALL on the side of the tracks. Jiro literally bounced all the way home. It was hilarious.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Talented Amateurs
My talented friend, Melissa, invited a group of us to her loft last Sunday afternoon for the inaugural meeting of the Talented Amateurs. The idea was to get all of the talented women she knows together to talk, eat, laugh, and maybe learn something. Melissa, a badass photographer, promised to teach us a few things about taking pictures, but the talking, eating, and laughing kind of got in the way. While I was bummed that I didn't get a chance to pick up a few tricks, I was happy that it would (hopefully) give her a reason to invite us back again.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Parenting is Hard
Sometimes I feel like the worst mother ever. Then I hear super f'ed up stories likes this one yesterday on NPR, and know that it's not true, but instead of feeling better I just feel worse. (Seriously, don't listen to that story unless you are looking for a reason to jump off of a bridge.)
It's been a hard week at Chez Oster. There's nothing out of the ordinary going on, but I think raising two high energy, very smart and sassy boys is taking its toll on me. Last week I wrote the Unofficial guide: when to bring DSes for my CA column. Although no one commented on the story, it was definitely a major topic of discussion between Warren and I, my friends and I, and the kids and I.
After a very long weekend, I decided to put the DSes in permanent time out. (And by permanent, I mean as long as I can stand it.) I'm just tired of the DSes being the only thing the kids care about. I'm tired of having to repeat myself a hundred times when they are playing them. And I'm really tired of hearing, "Can I beat this level first?"
Sure they come in handy at times, and I am guilty of using them as an electronic babysitter, but damn. Enough is enough. I'm trying to institute some tough love around the house. The kids need to behave better, be nicer to each other--and especially to me. I've been talking to them about how I want them to act and why, and doing my best to stick to my guns when they cross the line.
But really, I suck at discipline. I wasn't raised in a strict household. I had a lot of freedom, and for the most part, didn't need much discipline. My mom was (and still is) one of my best friends. I could (and can) tell her just about anything. However, I'm sure that I took her love and kindness for granted often, and I imagine she felt frustrated at times, much like I do now.
And I know my softness is frustrating to Warren, who's inner authoritarian is much more developed, which only makes me feel worse. Add on the frustration (disapproving looks and comments) of the strict parents of the well-behaved kids, and well, it's pretty demoralizing.
And did I mention that we all look like ragamuffins in our holey garments?
I don't like arguing, and when faced with conflict, I default to the path of least resistance. When I'm trying to juggle a million things and I need cooperation, bribery and begging are my tools of choice. Not very good choices, I know.
I'm not fishing for compliments here, or wallowing (too much) in self-pity. Just trying to make sense of how I got here and where to go. Writing about it helps. I just love those little boys so much. I want the world for them. But how to give it to them without spoiling them rotten? (Rottener?)
Ugh. Parenting is hard.
It's been a hard week at Chez Oster. There's nothing out of the ordinary going on, but I think raising two high energy, very smart and sassy boys is taking its toll on me. Last week I wrote the Unofficial guide: when to bring DSes for my CA column. Although no one commented on the story, it was definitely a major topic of discussion between Warren and I, my friends and I, and the kids and I.
After a very long weekend, I decided to put the DSes in permanent time out. (And by permanent, I mean as long as I can stand it.) I'm just tired of the DSes being the only thing the kids care about. I'm tired of having to repeat myself a hundred times when they are playing them. And I'm really tired of hearing, "Can I beat this level first?"
Sure they come in handy at times, and I am guilty of using them as an electronic babysitter, but damn. Enough is enough. I'm trying to institute some tough love around the house. The kids need to behave better, be nicer to each other--and especially to me. I've been talking to them about how I want them to act and why, and doing my best to stick to my guns when they cross the line.
But really, I suck at discipline. I wasn't raised in a strict household. I had a lot of freedom, and for the most part, didn't need much discipline. My mom was (and still is) one of my best friends. I could (and can) tell her just about anything. However, I'm sure that I took her love and kindness for granted often, and I imagine she felt frustrated at times, much like I do now.
And I know my softness is frustrating to Warren, who's inner authoritarian is much more developed, which only makes me feel worse. Add on the frustration (disapproving looks and comments) of the strict parents of the well-behaved kids, and well, it's pretty demoralizing.
And did I mention that we all look like ragamuffins in our holey garments?
I don't like arguing, and when faced with conflict, I default to the path of least resistance. When I'm trying to juggle a million things and I need cooperation, bribery and begging are my tools of choice. Not very good choices, I know.
I'm not fishing for compliments here, or wallowing (too much) in self-pity. Just trying to make sense of how I got here and where to go. Writing about it helps. I just love those little boys so much. I want the world for them. But how to give it to them without spoiling them rotten? (Rottener?)
Ugh. Parenting is hard.
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