My little town proudly sported quite a few fast food joints: Taco Bell, Subway, Taco John's, KFC, McDonalds, Hardee's and Burger King. We recently (last Christmas) a Wendy's.
Not long ago, we went to Taco Bell for supper and Taco Bell was no longer. It had closed down. Now it shared space with the Pizza Hut, which was still in business. The people at the counter had no explanation for why Taco Bell closed.
Funny thing is, while at my father-in-law's funeral, I was being a social butterfly and visiting with people I didn't know, which is extremely out of character for me, but I learned something. My husband's cousin's husband works for Taco Bell. He also knew where we lived. After introductions his first comments to me were: Your Taco Bell just shut down because it was a test market, and we pulled the plug. I stood there with my mouth hanging open and when I zapped back into myself I begged him to bring Taco Bell back. No, it won't happen. Sad. I could have a 4-point taco on Weight Watchers there, and a 7-point burrito. Grrr. I love Taco Bell.
Yesterday morning, in preparation for the new year 2007, I thought it would be fun to do something I do for Thomas on occasion: Drive to Hardee's and get him biscuits and gravy. He loves biscuits and gravy. At 99 cents at Hardee's, it's just cheaper and easier for me to get them there. So I'm driving along, went to McDonald's first because I wanted an Egg McMuffin. Hardee's was across town and when I got to it, I had to stop in my tracks. I was just about to turn into their parking lot when I realized there were no lights on nor had the parking lot been cleared of snow. Shoot! I didn't have time to go back to McD's so I drove home. Thomas, who doesn't like Egg McMuffins, gladly ate mine. Double shoot.
It seems that Hardee's is closing down and in its place will be a brand new Arby's. I'm not overly happy about that. I'm not a huge Arby's fan. Partly because that was my mother's last meal before she died -- that kind of thing sticks with you. Mostly, though, because it's expensive. But whatever, we don't do fast food that often anyway, and there's always Wendy's.
I'm just very sad because Hardee's has been a tradition in my household for nearly 20 years. Bob and I used to get up every Saturday morning and eat at Hardee's -- a ham, egg and cheese biscuit for me -- and then hit the book store at the mall. Ah, those were the days. When munchkin came along, that routine changed. When he was old enough to eat real food, his dad introduced him to biscuits and gravy. He loved them.
So special days always started out with biscuits and gravy for Thomas. Every school year our first day of school started by driving to Hardee's for Thomas's biscuits and gravy. When Thomas was up way too late the night before, I'd bribe him out of bed with a promise of a Hardee's run.
We are sad and disappointed. How will our B&G tradition continue??? I wish we would have known so we could have had one final good-bye. Hmph.
Other rumors are that our local Kmart is going to be closing. I shop at Kmart a lot. It's close to my house, about a mile and a half. This would make me very sad but for the fact that a SuperWalmart is being built about a mile and a half in the other direction from my house. Rumor has it that our local Hy-Vee is going to take over Kmart. Now that makes me happy. I can't imagine being so close to a grocery store! By golly, if it moves to Kmart, then that will save me 3 miles driving to HyVee! Woo-hoo.
Yes, I know, this is hilarious. This is what it's like to live in a small town. Saving three miles IS a big deal here. Not like Denver, where I grew up, and you had to really drive to get anywhere.
One final fast food rant. Our McDonald's had a makeover. They took out the play area and redid the whole place. It is now beautiful with a fireplace even. The only thing is that we wished we would have known ahead of time so Thomas could have said goodbye. He spent many hours playing in there as a small child.
Oh, I hate change. I can live with it all, as some of it is good, but why mess with my baby's biscuits and gravy! Why???
lol
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Big, Green, Ugly Monster
Envy struck me yesterday. Envy of living somewhere else, somewhere close to civilization.
A blogging friend, Mull-berry, has re-kindled her Addie the Adventure Mouse blog. Take a visit, Addie has had some great field trips. I wanted to host Addie. But I started feeling sorry for myself because there is nothing of any interest in my small town in the winter. There would be no fun place to take Addie. We normally have ice fishing. Our town has several lakes and the winter scene is identical to the movie Grumpy Old Men. But the last time I drove by one of our lakes, there were no ice huts because it's been too warm. That's all I could think of. So perhaps Addie can visit this spring when we can hit the road and actually see something fun.
In all fairness, Addie didn't make me envious. It's been building for quite some time. I envy several things: homeschool groups, museums, field-trip adventures, play groups, parks, zoos, and like-minded homeschoolers.
My small town does have a homeschool group. I went to a couple meetings and Thomas and I went on one field trip. I then decided the group was not for us and did not pay dues. The women of the group are all very, very nice. They just are so different than I am. I welcome differences, because that's how we learn. However, sometimes it would be nice to not worry about mentioning Harry Potter or sleeping in on Sundays or accidentally saying oh sh*t in front of someone.
The homeschool group is *big* on the co-op. The group is basically about the co-op. The leader of the group told me that our children need to learn to learn with other children, thus the co-op is a necessity.
I beg to differ. Kinda. One of the reasons Thomas is no longer in public school is because he learns differently than quote unquote normal. We homeschool to meet his educational and emotional needs. Another reason we homeschool is because Bob and I get to choose the curricula. We're not at the mercy of the public school system. We do follow the state standards.
Thomas has been in Cub Scouts and he knows full well how to "learn with others. "
So had we joined the co-op, we wouldn't have had any say in what was being taught. And the subjects they did teach didn't jive with our studies. Plus, it just wouldn't work out to take a day off from our lessons every Monday to go to co-op and do things that I didn't necessarily want Thomas to do.
At the beginning of this year, the co-op had a planning session. I went, and was one of five moms plus a few dads in attendance. Another newer homeschooling mom and I practically begged to have play groups, park days, and time for just pure social interaction for the kids. That's what I want out of a homeschool group. We were told that wasn't necessary, and that they would get that at co-op. I beg to differ with that, because their co-op is school, and not time for fun, free play.
So I am envious. I'm envious of choice. I'm envious of great groups out there that I know exist.
We had a good day yesterday. We actually started school at 7:30 am, which is amazing because we usually don't start until 9. School went well, but I just felt a little down all day. I felt down again this morning. I got up early again and made some chocolate chip muffins to surprise Thomas. When they were done, I woke him up. He came out to the kitchen with a huge smile on his face and was very excited to see the little surprise I had made for him. I then got a big hug.
And school went very well. He was happy. He worked hard. Half-way through the morning, I looked at him. Really looked at him. All my envy just seemed to melt away. How could I have any feelings other than joy? He was smiling, working hard, and enjoying himself. He doesn't care about co-ops, or that we don't have museums, zoos, or play groups. He enjoys playing with his friends, he enjoys school. He gets a kick out of hiding his whoopie cushion under my chair when I get up. He giggles at silly things. He enjoys writing assignments because he usually writes two stories: one on topic and one on poop. (Yes, he's pure boy.) He thinks it's fun to turn in his writing and have me get mad about the poop story, then say "Just kidding, mom, here is the assignment."
So I took a lesson from Thomas today. Be happy with what you have. I am rich beyond measure. He knows this, but I occasionally have to be reminded.
A blogging friend, Mull-berry, has re-kindled her Addie the Adventure Mouse blog. Take a visit, Addie has had some great field trips. I wanted to host Addie. But I started feeling sorry for myself because there is nothing of any interest in my small town in the winter. There would be no fun place to take Addie. We normally have ice fishing. Our town has several lakes and the winter scene is identical to the movie Grumpy Old Men. But the last time I drove by one of our lakes, there were no ice huts because it's been too warm. That's all I could think of. So perhaps Addie can visit this spring when we can hit the road and actually see something fun.
In all fairness, Addie didn't make me envious. It's been building for quite some time. I envy several things: homeschool groups, museums, field-trip adventures, play groups, parks, zoos, and like-minded homeschoolers.
My small town does have a homeschool group. I went to a couple meetings and Thomas and I went on one field trip. I then decided the group was not for us and did not pay dues. The women of the group are all very, very nice. They just are so different than I am. I welcome differences, because that's how we learn. However, sometimes it would be nice to not worry about mentioning Harry Potter or sleeping in on Sundays or accidentally saying oh sh*t in front of someone.
The homeschool group is *big* on the co-op. The group is basically about the co-op. The leader of the group told me that our children need to learn to learn with other children, thus the co-op is a necessity.
I beg to differ. Kinda. One of the reasons Thomas is no longer in public school is because he learns differently than quote unquote normal. We homeschool to meet his educational and emotional needs. Another reason we homeschool is because Bob and I get to choose the curricula. We're not at the mercy of the public school system. We do follow the state standards.
Thomas has been in Cub Scouts and he knows full well how to "learn with others. "
So had we joined the co-op, we wouldn't have had any say in what was being taught. And the subjects they did teach didn't jive with our studies. Plus, it just wouldn't work out to take a day off from our lessons every Monday to go to co-op and do things that I didn't necessarily want Thomas to do.
At the beginning of this year, the co-op had a planning session. I went, and was one of five moms plus a few dads in attendance. Another newer homeschooling mom and I practically begged to have play groups, park days, and time for just pure social interaction for the kids. That's what I want out of a homeschool group. We were told that wasn't necessary, and that they would get that at co-op. I beg to differ with that, because their co-op is school, and not time for fun, free play.
So I am envious. I'm envious of choice. I'm envious of great groups out there that I know exist.
We had a good day yesterday. We actually started school at 7:30 am, which is amazing because we usually don't start until 9. School went well, but I just felt a little down all day. I felt down again this morning. I got up early again and made some chocolate chip muffins to surprise Thomas. When they were done, I woke him up. He came out to the kitchen with a huge smile on his face and was very excited to see the little surprise I had made for him. I then got a big hug.
And school went very well. He was happy. He worked hard. Half-way through the morning, I looked at him. Really looked at him. All my envy just seemed to melt away. How could I have any feelings other than joy? He was smiling, working hard, and enjoying himself. He doesn't care about co-ops, or that we don't have museums, zoos, or play groups. He enjoys playing with his friends, he enjoys school. He gets a kick out of hiding his whoopie cushion under my chair when I get up. He giggles at silly things. He enjoys writing assignments because he usually writes two stories: one on topic and one on poop. (Yes, he's pure boy.) He thinks it's fun to turn in his writing and have me get mad about the poop story, then say "Just kidding, mom, here is the assignment."
So I took a lesson from Thomas today. Be happy with what you have. I am rich beyond measure. He knows this, but I occasionally have to be reminded.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
I'm in the mood for one of these
I'm just not in the mood to blog about homeschooling or anything else (too tired!) so I'll do a meme instead. I need something mindless.
1. FIRST NAME On my blog it's Frankie. In real life? That's a secret.
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? At the Cowboy's funeral -- November.
4 DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? When it's neat, yes.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast beef.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Just a blog.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Never in a million years.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL? Kellog's All-Bran Flakes -- used to be called Bran Flakes.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Very.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Chocolate marble.
14. SHOE SIZE? 7.5
15. RED OR PINK? Pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? The fact that I am overly critical of myself.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My friends in South Dakota.
18 . DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO PLAY? Anyone that wants to.
19.WHAT COLOUR PANTS and SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue sweats and no shoes. I don't wear shoes in the house.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO? DH playing Runescape and DS playing with his trains.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE? Lavender -- or any pastel.
23. FAVOURITE SMELL? My granddad's shed -- very earthy smell.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My best friend.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes.
27. FAVORITE DRINK? I do not drink alcohol, so it would have to be Diet Pepsi.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? None. Well, basketball, I guess.
29. EYE COLOR? Blue.
30. HAT SIZE? Clueless, aside from my cowboy hat, I don't wear hats.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No.
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Chicken fried steak.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy ending.
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Heather gray.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Grandmother's chocolate pudding cake.
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ???
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ???
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? A quit smoking book.
41 WHAT'S YOUR MOUSE PAD? Memorex.
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? I don't even remember!
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? My son being a chatterbox.
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles.
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Somewhere in Europe.
46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Being me.
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Laramie, Wyoming.
I tag anyone who wants to play.
1. FIRST NAME On my blog it's Frankie. In real life? That's a secret.
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? At the Cowboy's funeral -- November.
4 DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? When it's neat, yes.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast beef.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Just a blog.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Never in a million years.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL? Kellog's All-Bran Flakes -- used to be called Bran Flakes.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Very.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Chocolate marble.
14. SHOE SIZE? 7.5
15. RED OR PINK? Pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? The fact that I am overly critical of myself.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My friends in South Dakota.
18 . DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO PLAY? Anyone that wants to.
19.WHAT COLOUR PANTS and SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue sweats and no shoes. I don't wear shoes in the house.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO? DH playing Runescape and DS playing with his trains.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE? Lavender -- or any pastel.
23. FAVOURITE SMELL? My granddad's shed -- very earthy smell.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My best friend.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes.
27. FAVORITE DRINK? I do not drink alcohol, so it would have to be Diet Pepsi.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? None. Well, basketball, I guess.
29. EYE COLOR? Blue.
30. HAT SIZE? Clueless, aside from my cowboy hat, I don't wear hats.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No.
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Chicken fried steak.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy ending.
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Heather gray.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Grandmother's chocolate pudding cake.
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ???
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ???
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? A quit smoking book.
41 WHAT'S YOUR MOUSE PAD? Memorex.
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? I don't even remember!
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? My son being a chatterbox.
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles.
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Somewhere in Europe.
46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Being me.
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Laramie, Wyoming.
I tag anyone who wants to play.
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