Dear Arianna,
Today we were all worn out. Daddy did our taxes (we owe) and Uncle Tony's taxes (they get a nice refund). Then we went over to Titi's house to celebrate your Uncle Carlos's 25th Birthday.
Love,
Daddy
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Dear Arianna, March 9, 2013
Dear Arianna,
Today is your Aunt Tiffany's 30th Birthday and she and your Uncle Dave had a combined birthday party at their house. I did not get to go because I was at work from 11:30 AM until 11:45 PM. I a very worn out. In other, happier news, my friends Rick and Shelly had their first baby together today, a boy named Alexander Christopher Armacost.
On sadder news, the dog that tried so hard to live, Lucy, died today. Her two remaining pups keep fighting.
Love,
Daddy
Today is your Aunt Tiffany's 30th Birthday and she and your Uncle Dave had a combined birthday party at their house. I did not get to go because I was at work from 11:30 AM until 11:45 PM. I a very worn out. In other, happier news, my friends Rick and Shelly had their first baby together today, a boy named Alexander Christopher Armacost.
On sadder news, the dog that tried so hard to live, Lucy, died today. Her two remaining pups keep fighting.
Love,
Daddy
Dear Arianna, March 8, 2013
Dear Arianna,
We were both sad today because I couldn't pick you up from school today like I normally do on Wednesdays. I had to go to my office and prepare for a big project for Saturday.
Love,
Daddy
We were both sad today because I couldn't pick you up from school today like I normally do on Wednesdays. I had to go to my office and prepare for a big project for Saturday.
Love,
Daddy
Dear Arianna, March 7, 2013
Dear Arianna,
I finally reached my class final tonight. I got an 89 on the test, which, considering how busy work has been, I am very happy with. Still wished I nudged over the line and got an A, though.
Love,
Daddy
I finally reached my class final tonight. I got an 89 on the test, which, considering how busy work has been, I am very happy with. Still wished I nudged over the line and got an A, though.
Love,
Daddy
Dear Arianna, March 6, 2012
Dear Arianna,
My final is tomorrow and I spent all evening studying.
Love,
Daddy
My final is tomorrow and I spent all evening studying.
Love,
Daddy
Dear Arianna, March 5, 2012
Dear Arianna,
Today snowed nine inches, but it fell all day, not all at once, so it was not hard to get around. My class was cancelled.
Love,
Daddy
Today snowed nine inches, but it fell all day, not all at once, so it was not hard to get around. My class was cancelled.
Love,
Daddy
Dear Arianna, March 4, 2012
Dear Arianna,
Today is your Uncle David's birthday. I did my network lab final tonight.
Love,
Daddy
Today is your Uncle David's birthday. I did my network lab final tonight.
Love,
Daddy
Dear Arianna, March 3, 2012
Dear Arianna,
Today we had Daddy's friends over for a birthday party.
Love,
Daddy
Today we had Daddy's friends over for a birthday party.
Love,
Daddy
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Dear Arianna, March 2, 2013
N.B. Mommy wrote this letter about the nice Birthday present she gave Daddy.
Dear Arianna,
Yesterday was Daddy's birthday, and as you know after work we got together with our family at Baker's Square. Today, was supposed to be his birthday party, but had to cancel and move it to tomorrow because he was supposed to work. They told him at the last minute, that he did not need to work, but it was to late to move it back to Saturday. I wished they have not done that, but what can we do? So, anyway I decided to give your daddy the gift of art and food. I had two plans (and he could choose one)
A. Art Institute and Bennigan's
B. Contemporary Art Museum and Chinatown
I was really not sure what way he was going to lean, but he picked A! (Would you have guessed that?)
Our day did not start it as I hoped, and we were running so late that I almost gave up in the whole thing. I was not sure if you wanted to go, but since there was a kid's party later in the day and you were invited, I figured it was better to go to Titi's so you wouldn't miss it. You were excited about your party. Apparently, the people throwing the party go all the way. They have jumping things, a guy drawing caricatures of all the kids, a balloon maker, lots of candies, cake, etc... I almost wanted to go too, specially after I found out that it was a Princess Theme!" You took your red dress because (and you told me later) it was your abue's favorite dress, and she was taking you to the party with all your cousins. Uncle Tony had lent her the van so everyone could fit.
By the time we dropped you at Titi's, it was about 1 pm. The museum closed at 5 pm. :( But, after your Daddy chose which option, he said we could still make it. I drove to downtown (which I hate) but I wanted to give your daddy a really special day. So, I marched on (or drive on)... Traffic was not bad, and we parked at the Millennium Park, it was too cold to walk outside, but daddy parked us just in front of the entrance to the Art Institute! And here comes mistake #2, I did not purchase the tickets to the museum in advance (because I did not know which one he was going to choose) and we lost about ~20 minutes in line. So, mental note, tell daddy about it the night before so you can buy them online! By this time, we were so hungry that we had to go straight to the Museum's cafeteria. I ordered a "Picasso inspired dish". It was pasta in a very bright yellow sauce with shrimp and clams with couscous and broccoli. Not bad. Daddy got the same, but it was chicken instead of the pasta.
After that, we got to "work" on looking at wonderful paintings like this:
I want this in our house! I loved the middle panel because it has the pink bird in the right side. Can you see it?
Daddy loved this painting about the "Mexican War" and wanted me to take a picture with it. But I said "Go ahead, you are Mexican by proxy".
But, I did take a picture with this angel. How peaceful.
I loved this painting because it reminded me Gatlinburg, TN. or maybe I should say it reminded me the Grand Smokies! And what I loved the most is the bird right in the center (above the mini-fall). Do you like it?
I have always love Tiffany's lamps. You think the kittens will behave around it? Nope, I don't think so either. Maybe when they are older.
This picture reminded me of you because it is about trying to grab music and give it a visual context, and you love music. So, when I was looking at it. I thought you may have liked it too. Perhaps if it had some more purple?
Famous painting. I have seen it on TV, on newspapers, on magazines, on print, but now I saw it. (This was my first time at the Art Institute, and I am sure we are going to take you sooner than my first time was).
Daddy found a new painter he liked, Camille Pizzarro. What do you think?
And lastly, daddy took pictures of all the Grandfather's clocks. Well, I think he took pictures of all the clocks. I am surprised that we don't have 100's of clocks in our house. He really likes them. There is so much to see... You'll see soon.
But after wondering through quite a bit of the Museum, we were getting hungry since the Cafeteria gives you small portions. At this time, it was closed to 5 pm. So, we headed to the store to see if we liked anything. I ended up buying a postcard, a bookmark, and a little booklet for you.
So now, it was 5 pm and we walked outside to Bennigan's that is across the Art Institute. We ordered a plate full of appetizers (I think it was my favorite), and a sandwich for me, and some fried chicken for daddy.
I also loved the dessert. It was made with apples.
And I shot of the Art Institute from Bennigan's. It was getting really dark so we headed out to get our car so we can picked you up.
We were not sure if you wanted to stay at Titi's for the night since daddy's party is tomorrow. But, you wanted to go home so I went for you. You told me that you enjoyed the party, specially the balloon men. He made you a hat. But they did not have chocolate cake so you did not eat it :( You were not very thrilled about that. Now, we are home and need to clean a little more for tomorrow's festivities. So, I love you silly girl, and it is time for bed!
Love,
Mommy
Dear Arianna,
Yesterday was Daddy's birthday, and as you know after work we got together with our family at Baker's Square. Today, was supposed to be his birthday party, but had to cancel and move it to tomorrow because he was supposed to work. They told him at the last minute, that he did not need to work, but it was to late to move it back to Saturday. I wished they have not done that, but what can we do? So, anyway I decided to give your daddy the gift of art and food. I had two plans (and he could choose one)
A. Art Institute and Bennigan's
B. Contemporary Art Museum and Chinatown
I was really not sure what way he was going to lean, but he picked A! (Would you have guessed that?)
Our day did not start it as I hoped, and we were running so late that I almost gave up in the whole thing. I was not sure if you wanted to go, but since there was a kid's party later in the day and you were invited, I figured it was better to go to Titi's so you wouldn't miss it. You were excited about your party. Apparently, the people throwing the party go all the way. They have jumping things, a guy drawing caricatures of all the kids, a balloon maker, lots of candies, cake, etc... I almost wanted to go too, specially after I found out that it was a Princess Theme!" You took your red dress because (and you told me later) it was your abue's favorite dress, and she was taking you to the party with all your cousins. Uncle Tony had lent her the van so everyone could fit.
By the time we dropped you at Titi's, it was about 1 pm. The museum closed at 5 pm. :( But, after your Daddy chose which option, he said we could still make it. I drove to downtown (which I hate) but I wanted to give your daddy a really special day. So, I marched on (or drive on)... Traffic was not bad, and we parked at the Millennium Park, it was too cold to walk outside, but daddy parked us just in front of the entrance to the Art Institute! And here comes mistake #2, I did not purchase the tickets to the museum in advance (because I did not know which one he was going to choose) and we lost about ~20 minutes in line. So, mental note, tell daddy about it the night before so you can buy them online! By this time, we were so hungry that we had to go straight to the Museum's cafeteria. I ordered a "Picasso inspired dish". It was pasta in a very bright yellow sauce with shrimp and clams with couscous and broccoli. Not bad. Daddy got the same, but it was chicken instead of the pasta.
After that, we got to "work" on looking at wonderful paintings like this:
But after wondering through quite a bit of the Museum, we were getting hungry since the Cafeteria gives you small portions. At this time, it was closed to 5 pm. So, we headed to the store to see if we liked anything. I ended up buying a postcard, a bookmark, and a little booklet for you.
So now, it was 5 pm and we walked outside to Bennigan's that is across the Art Institute. We ordered a plate full of appetizers (I think it was my favorite), and a sandwich for me, and some fried chicken for daddy.
I also loved the dessert. It was made with apples.
We were not sure if you wanted to stay at Titi's for the night since daddy's party is tomorrow. But, you wanted to go home so I went for you. You told me that you enjoyed the party, specially the balloon men. He made you a hat. But they did not have chocolate cake so you did not eat it :( You were not very thrilled about that. Now, we are home and need to clean a little more for tomorrow's festivities. So, I love you silly girl, and it is time for bed!
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Dear Arianna, March 1, 2013
Dear Arianna,
Here is the second of my catch-up letters to you to get me up to the current day, March 6. March 1 was my real birthday and for reasons that I don't understand, me turning 37 is the first birthday where I am starting to feel old. I don't know if it is the onset of some kind of midlife crisis. I might need to buy a station wagon soon and go on a cross-country trip. It could also be that work has been very stressful and school has wiped me out. I just need to get through the final on March 7th, and then I have a break in class until June, by which time the warmer, sunnier weather should help. But as usual, I digress.
It is safe to say that you were more excited about my birthday today than I was. When we woke up, the first question you asked is if it was finally my birthday and then you said, "Happy Birthday, Daddy, I love you!" and gave me a big hug. At least with my birthday falling on a Friday, I got to work from home and because I worked on the weekend (again), I got to end my shift at 2:00 PM. For me, the highlight of my birthday was when I went to pick you up at school in the afternoon. All of your friends were lined up at the doors and when Ms. Power opened them they said in unison, "Happy Birthday, Arianna's Daddy!" It was a very nice surprise and the best gift of the day.
We had dinner that night with your Grandma and Grandpa, and your Uncle Dave, Aunt Tiffany, and cousin Glenn at Baker's Square. You were not happy that they were out of fruit, but did eat your entire grilled cheese sandwich. Your Grandma and I both had chicken pot pies, and she went to town eating the crusts of both her pie and mine. We then ordered some pies to take home.
Once we were at home, Mommy unpacked the apple, strawberry-rhubarb, and a caramel french silk pie and you all sang happy birthday to me. You ate two slices of apple pie while I had one slice of strawberry-rhubarb. You were then so excited to open my presents for me. I got some lovely books and the James Bond movie, "Skyfall" to add to my fifty years of Bond box set. It was a very nice day, but my favorite favorite gift of all was the way you got all of your friends to wish me a happy birthday.
Love,
Daddy
Here is the second of my catch-up letters to you to get me up to the current day, March 6. March 1 was my real birthday and for reasons that I don't understand, me turning 37 is the first birthday where I am starting to feel old. I don't know if it is the onset of some kind of midlife crisis. I might need to buy a station wagon soon and go on a cross-country trip. It could also be that work has been very stressful and school has wiped me out. I just need to get through the final on March 7th, and then I have a break in class until June, by which time the warmer, sunnier weather should help. But as usual, I digress.
It is safe to say that you were more excited about my birthday today than I was. When we woke up, the first question you asked is if it was finally my birthday and then you said, "Happy Birthday, Daddy, I love you!" and gave me a big hug. At least with my birthday falling on a Friday, I got to work from home and because I worked on the weekend (again), I got to end my shift at 2:00 PM. For me, the highlight of my birthday was when I went to pick you up at school in the afternoon. All of your friends were lined up at the doors and when Ms. Power opened them they said in unison, "Happy Birthday, Arianna's Daddy!" It was a very nice surprise and the best gift of the day.
We had dinner that night with your Grandma and Grandpa, and your Uncle Dave, Aunt Tiffany, and cousin Glenn at Baker's Square. You were not happy that they were out of fruit, but did eat your entire grilled cheese sandwich. Your Grandma and I both had chicken pot pies, and she went to town eating the crusts of both her pie and mine. We then ordered some pies to take home.
Once we were at home, Mommy unpacked the apple, strawberry-rhubarb, and a caramel french silk pie and you all sang happy birthday to me. You ate two slices of apple pie while I had one slice of strawberry-rhubarb. You were then so excited to open my presents for me. I got some lovely books and the James Bond movie, "Skyfall" to add to my fifty years of Bond box set. It was a very nice day, but my favorite favorite gift of all was the way you got all of your friends to wish me a happy birthday.
Love,
Daddy
Dear Arianna, February 28, 2013
Dear Arianna,
Though you will be reading these letters sometime in the future and may not know what I day I really wrote them, truth be told, I am nearly a week behind on my letters to you. This is what I worried would happen when I started. It is so easy to get caught up in life and forget to drop you a note each day. I think it is partly because I am so wordy and feel the need to fill a page, whereas Mommy reminds me that a paragraph or two and a picture each day is just as good, too. So, this morning, March 6th, I am catching up on all my letters to you as I watch my server builds run their patches in the background.
On Thursday, February 28th, your boys, Ian and Turlough had their appointment with the veterinarian to get neutered Though we love cats and kittens, it is so easy for the world to become overpopulated with them, and those poor animals end up being euthanized at animal shelters. Since I had to drop them off at the vet after I dropped you off at school and the vet is close by to your school, I packed them up with us in the morning. It was a cold day, so the carrier came into your classroom with us. Ms. Power at first thought you had brought a new toy, like a Fur Real pet to class, and then she saw it was your real kittens. Your classmates were so excited to see them and you were excited to show them off.
Mommy and I were worried about your boys all day, but when Mommy picked them up after she got home from work, they were just fine, all freshly neutered, micro-chipped, and rabies vaccinated. Turlough was a little but nauseous and threw up his dinner because he tried to chow it down too quickly, but by 10:00 PM they were back to their normal nighttime stinker selves. Mommy tried to let them sleep outside of the office that night, but they created suck a ruckus and kept all of us, including Betsy, Misty, and Jack awake, that the next night we were back to the normal routine of them sleeping in their own room. They were so happy to see you, as always, that they tried to sleep on top of you, pounce on you, and lick you all night. Your love to your cats certainly shines through.
Love,
Daddy
Though you will be reading these letters sometime in the future and may not know what I day I really wrote them, truth be told, I am nearly a week behind on my letters to you. This is what I worried would happen when I started. It is so easy to get caught up in life and forget to drop you a note each day. I think it is partly because I am so wordy and feel the need to fill a page, whereas Mommy reminds me that a paragraph or two and a picture each day is just as good, too. So, this morning, March 6th, I am catching up on all my letters to you as I watch my server builds run their patches in the background.
On Thursday, February 28th, your boys, Ian and Turlough had their appointment with the veterinarian to get neutered Though we love cats and kittens, it is so easy for the world to become overpopulated with them, and those poor animals end up being euthanized at animal shelters. Since I had to drop them off at the vet after I dropped you off at school and the vet is close by to your school, I packed them up with us in the morning. It was a cold day, so the carrier came into your classroom with us. Ms. Power at first thought you had brought a new toy, like a Fur Real pet to class, and then she saw it was your real kittens. Your classmates were so excited to see them and you were excited to show them off.
Mommy and I were worried about your boys all day, but when Mommy picked them up after she got home from work, they were just fine, all freshly neutered, micro-chipped, and rabies vaccinated. Turlough was a little but nauseous and threw up his dinner because he tried to chow it down too quickly, but by 10:00 PM they were back to their normal nighttime stinker selves. Mommy tried to let them sleep outside of the office that night, but they created suck a ruckus and kept all of us, including Betsy, Misty, and Jack awake, that the next night we were back to the normal routine of them sleeping in their own room. They were so happy to see you, as always, that they tried to sleep on top of you, pounce on you, and lick you all night. Your love to your cats certainly shines through.
Love,
Daddy
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Dear Arianna, February 27, 2013
Dear Arianna,
Today Mommy and Daddy are sad. We have been helping with money and supplies a dog named Lucy. She is a Cocker Spaniel who, when pregnant, was dumped by her owners at a high-kill shelter. She was rescued by a foster rescue group by a wonderful person named Elina Kaufman. Twice we have sent care packages of food and goat's milk and when Lucy had her puppies, all six puppies seemed healthy, as did Lucy, and all were getting stronger. Rather suddenly, Lucy took a turn for the worse. She was rushed to the emergency veterinarian with a condition called pyometra. It is a disease of the uterus and urinary tracked that is found in pregnant dogs and cats who have not had proper care and feeding while pregnant Lucy had a temperature of 106 degrees and required a complete blood transfusion to keep her alive.
Her white blood cell count had fallen to zero, so she had no ability to fight off infection. After the transfusions, they did more blood tests on her to check her white blood cell count. Hey noticed something unusual in her blood so they ordered more tests. She was then diagnosed with distemper, which is caused by the rabies virus. Adult dogs can survive distemper with intense antibiotics, but it does leave brain damage. Even more tragic, she passed the virus on to four of her pups. If the previous owner had ever been responsible or the kill-factory shelter done the right thing when they took her in, they would have given her a rabies shot. Even if she had had distemper at that time, her puppies would have passed immunity to it while still in the womb. Instead, they did nothing.
Elina today had to do what I could only imagine was the most terrible decision she had to make. Four of the puppies started to have seizures and trouble walking. The distemper had damaged their brains and was getting worse. She had to put four of the puppies to sleep today. There is still hope that mama Lucy will pull through and thus far, two of the pups shoe no signs of distemper, so we can pray for their good health.In many ways, this reminds me so much of Sterling, whose owners dumped him at the age of 10 at the shelter with terminal cancer. It makes me so frustrated with humanity, that there is so much disregard for life and so much inhumanity. Then, I have to remind myself that there are good people like Elina Kaufman and others in the rescue community who do everything they can to save and heal these wonderful animals. From what I have read today on Facebook, I can see that she is in such a bad way mentally from what has happened that she may need to take a break from rescue. I can understand that, and I also wish that everyone loved animals as much as she did so we wouldn't need rescue groups and we wouldn't have to deal with bad shelters.
Your own boys, Ian and Turlough, are quarantined right now because they are getting spayed and micro-chipped tomorrow. I wanted to finish this rather sad letter with a picture of you with your boys, whom you love so much. It makes your Mommy and Daddy so happy that you are so loving and wonderful with animals. I wish that more people had your immense heart.
Daddy
Dear Arianna, February 26, 2013
Dear Arianna,
Today was a nice Tuesday, because I got a snow day and school was closed, so I got to come home early. Well, early for me, which means I was home by 7:30. Your Abuela was here and she was making home made chicken soup, which was quite a treat for dinner. After you and I ate, we headed downstairs and played with your My Little Ponies. We sorted them by size and type (Earth, Pegasus, and Unicorn) and then you went into imaginationland making up all kinds of pony stories. We talked about cutie marks and magic, and all things pony. I can safely say that thanks to you, I know a heck of a lot more about My Little Ponies and Canterlot than I think I ever will about real ponies and horses.
Because the basement was getting cold, we came upstairs with your ponies and were playing with them on the white tables in the living room. Then, we were both getting sleepy and headed upstairs while Mommy stayed downstairs to talk to her Mommy. Being the kind of father I am, we watched James Bond together. It was a good one, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". When it finished we moved onto to a very very bad one, "Diamonds Are Forever". Like your Grandma, this Bond movie put you to sleep. That is, until I went downstairs to make your lunch and spend some time with your Mommy. Within five minutes, you were crying for me, and when I did eventually come up, you were sitting in the middle of the bed looking like you were ready to fall over. You snuggled up next to me and were asleep within 30 seconds. That gave me a little more time with Mommy before it was bedtime for us as well.
All in all, it was a very nice evening to spend with you. I will keep going to school because I need to make sure to have the education I need to keep myself employed so that I can pay the pills, but having a little Daddy-Daughter evening together was worth more than all the money in the world.
Love,
Daddy
Today was a nice Tuesday, because I got a snow day and school was closed, so I got to come home early. Well, early for me, which means I was home by 7:30. Your Abuela was here and she was making home made chicken soup, which was quite a treat for dinner. After you and I ate, we headed downstairs and played with your My Little Ponies. We sorted them by size and type (Earth, Pegasus, and Unicorn) and then you went into imaginationland making up all kinds of pony stories. We talked about cutie marks and magic, and all things pony. I can safely say that thanks to you, I know a heck of a lot more about My Little Ponies and Canterlot than I think I ever will about real ponies and horses.
 |
| Do you see Misty sleeping underneath? |
All in all, it was a very nice evening to spend with you. I will keep going to school because I need to make sure to have the education I need to keep myself employed so that I can pay the pills, but having a little Daddy-Daughter evening together was worth more than all the money in the world.
Love,
Daddy
Monday, February 25, 2013
Dear Arianna, February 25, 2013
Dear Arianna,
Today we got a package from a friend of Mommy's named Jaclyn, who lives in England, but is from Finland While she was on holiday back in Finland, she sent a package of goodies for your Mommy and for Titi Alma. There was special chocolate for you and Mommy and nail polish for Titi. The chocolate contained hazelnut so I just asked you what you thought of it. Your review: "Bleech, this is not good chocolate for me." Mommy liked it though. I abstained as I am trying very hard to get my weight down.
Also in the mail today was a catalog from Toys R Us, where you proceeded to go through and like just about everything in it. You were especially fond of the outdoor bouncy house, a power wheels car, and Playmobil, which is Swedish come to think of it, so it turns out that we have some kind of Scandinavian theme going on tonight.
Besides fun with the mail, we solved the mystery of your missing violin. You had put it in a different locker in the music room of your school and didn't remember where it was. The school found it today and it has been returned. This made us all very happy. You were practicing tonight, but because your violin had been locked up for a week, it sounded screechy. You told us it was because the bow dried out and needed more resin, you were right! You certainly are learning all about your instrument. There will be a concert in April, and we are working very hard to build up your courage to perform. We are so proud of you.
We listened to a lot of orchestral music tonight because you like to hear the violin, and since Daddy has plenty of classical music and real film scores to listen to, I might just find a way to fix the radio in my car enough that it plays orchestral music. I can't make any promises on modern pop, though.
We are all headed off to bed now. We've all been staying up too late, and have been cranky in the morning because of it. Perhaps we all just need a vacation. The work weeks are long and school is very time consuming so it would be nice to have a week off to relax together. You were getting tired tonight and yelled at me for not being able to find a tape measure for you to play with. Afterwards, you made me these lovely notes telling me that you love me, which made us both feel better. That's why being a family is all about.
Love,
Today we got a package from a friend of Mommy's named Jaclyn, who lives in England, but is from Finland While she was on holiday back in Finland, she sent a package of goodies for your Mommy and for Titi Alma. There was special chocolate for you and Mommy and nail polish for Titi. The chocolate contained hazelnut so I just asked you what you thought of it. Your review: "Bleech, this is not good chocolate for me." Mommy liked it though. I abstained as I am trying very hard to get my weight down.
Besides fun with the mail, we solved the mystery of your missing violin. You had put it in a different locker in the music room of your school and didn't remember where it was. The school found it today and it has been returned. This made us all very happy. You were practicing tonight, but because your violin had been locked up for a week, it sounded screechy. You told us it was because the bow dried out and needed more resin, you were right! You certainly are learning all about your instrument. There will be a concert in April, and we are working very hard to build up your courage to perform. We are so proud of you.We listened to a lot of orchestral music tonight because you like to hear the violin, and since Daddy has plenty of classical music and real film scores to listen to, I might just find a way to fix the radio in my car enough that it plays orchestral music. I can't make any promises on modern pop, though.
We are all headed off to bed now. We've all been staying up too late, and have been cranky in the morning because of it. Perhaps we all just need a vacation. The work weeks are long and school is very time consuming so it would be nice to have a week off to relax together. You were getting tired tonight and yelled at me for not being able to find a tape measure for you to play with. Afterwards, you made me these lovely notes telling me that you love me, which made us both feel better. That's why being a family is all about.
 |
| I love you, too. |
Daddy
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Dear Arianna, February 24, 2013
NB. Part 1 of this letter is written by Mommy and Part 2 by Daddy
Part 1:
Dear Arianna,
Today, Mommy and Daddy overslept that we did not even go to church. We were so tired, sleepy, and we did not wake up until about 10 am. (Well, the kittens woke us up at 6 am, but we went back to sleep). You see, we missed you. You were not there to kick the covers. I guess we are used to sleep with you, and you with us. I know eventually you will want to be in your own room. One thing that we forgot to write about in yesterday's letter is that you modeled for me the scarves that were sent to Little Bear to be auction. Little Bear is a black kitty, just like your Ian, but he was born with some problems with his legs. The back legs are backwards, and the front legs are not how the paws should be so he needs a surgery to help him walk on his paws, not his elbows. So, Grandma and me made some scarves to send for the auction. I know you love animals very much, and I hope one day we can volunteer together or do something that will help so many animals in need. You already love you kittens, and you are so good with them, that I know you will be awesome!
After these pictures we rushed to the post office so the scarves will be in their way...But, while you and I were at the post office, Daddy decided to clean up a bit so we could have pancakes. I don't remember the last time that we had some. Since you love to crack the eggs, now I can make you eat a little bit of eggs, and one huge pancake. Daddy got all the ingredients out, and you two were the chefs. Mommy was the assistant because she just cooked all the stuff.
Yummy Pancakes! You ate yours as usual with nothing, while Daddy added syrup, and Mommy tried her new Lingonberry jelly and whipped cream. Delicious!
Love,
Mommy
Part 2:
You didn't come home until after 3:30 this afternoon, and Mommy and I missed you very much. We went grocery shopping while you were out and while we were putting groceries away, Ian decided that he wanted to share some snugly time with Mommy.
When you did come home, your kittens missed you so much that when you went to lie down on the couch, they jumped on your tummy and flopped down. Turlough was so happy to see you, he was licking your shirt to clean you.
Mommy went to the store again to pick up some food containers from Marshall's and you decided to stay home with me, since Daddy is not a bigger lover of stores. You went on a crazy My Little Pony kick since you were deprived f seeing it for a whole one day, while I was lounging around watching James Bond. The evening's movie was "You Only Live Twice". When Mommy came home it was time for me to study, and you went off to read and draw. Mommy did come home with a scratching bed for the cats, which they seem to love. She also bought you a Littlest Pet Shop and nail polish for the both of you, which you seemed to love, too!
So, we all had a busy, adventure filled weekend, and I am trying to finish up my studying so hopefully, very soon, this class will be done with and I can focus back on you and Mommy. That is where I really want to focus my time. I love you.
Love,
Daddy
Part 1:
Dear Arianna,
Today, Mommy and Daddy overslept that we did not even go to church. We were so tired, sleepy, and we did not wake up until about 10 am. (Well, the kittens woke us up at 6 am, but we went back to sleep). You see, we missed you. You were not there to kick the covers. I guess we are used to sleep with you, and you with us. I know eventually you will want to be in your own room. One thing that we forgot to write about in yesterday's letter is that you modeled for me the scarves that were sent to Little Bear to be auction. Little Bear is a black kitty, just like your Ian, but he was born with some problems with his legs. The back legs are backwards, and the front legs are not how the paws should be so he needs a surgery to help him walk on his paws, not his elbows. So, Grandma and me made some scarves to send for the auction. I know you love animals very much, and I hope one day we can volunteer together or do something that will help so many animals in need. You already love you kittens, and you are so good with them, that I know you will be awesome!
Yummy Pancakes! You ate yours as usual with nothing, while Daddy added syrup, and Mommy tried her new Lingonberry jelly and whipped cream. Delicious!
Love,
Mommy
Part 2:
You didn't come home until after 3:30 this afternoon, and Mommy and I missed you very much. We went grocery shopping while you were out and while we were putting groceries away, Ian decided that he wanted to share some snugly time with Mommy.
Mommy went to the store again to pick up some food containers from Marshall's and you decided to stay home with me, since Daddy is not a bigger lover of stores. You went on a crazy My Little Pony kick since you were deprived f seeing it for a whole one day, while I was lounging around watching James Bond. The evening's movie was "You Only Live Twice". When Mommy came home it was time for me to study, and you went off to read and draw. Mommy did come home with a scratching bed for the cats, which they seem to love. She also bought you a Littlest Pet Shop and nail polish for the both of you, which you seemed to love, too!
Love,
Daddy
Dear Arianna, February 23, 2013
N.B. Another letter from Mommy.
Dear Arianna,
This day must have been very boring for you because you kept begging that you wanted to see your cousins. You wanted to have a sleepover with them. You asked so much that I told you "if you want to go, you need to call your Titi, and ask her". You see, the truth is that you hate the phone. You hate when it rings. Like I said in a post in Facebook, I am going to remind you that when you are a teenager, and you keep asking me for your own cell phone. But, you did call her. You asked her if you could go for a sleepover, and they were already driving to go visit Uncle Tony's sister that she said yes, and she picked you up within 15 minutes from calling her. That did not leave much time to get your bag ready, and to bundle you up since they were going sledding. You love snow so you were so excited. Your cousins plus their cousins made for an exciting outing for you. You love to have so many kids around you. You keep asking for a sibling. I wish I was younger. Or maybe in a little while you won't care. We'll see what life says about this.
I did not know that Titi and her family were going sledding until they picked you up, and Uncle Tony asked me if I wanted to go, but to tell you the truth I was too tired. Daddy had just left for work, and that gave an afternoon to myself. I can't recall the last time this happened. I was bored at first until I decided to investigate new places to eat, new stuff to do. Hopefully, when it is not so cold we can plan some nice picnics and other adventures. So, Saturday for mom was not much activity. Daddy had to work, and you had tons of fun. I miss you sweety pie, but I am glad that you are enjoying yourself.
This day must have been very boring for you because you kept begging that you wanted to see your cousins. You wanted to have a sleepover with them. You asked so much that I told you "if you want to go, you need to call your Titi, and ask her". You see, the truth is that you hate the phone. You hate when it rings. Like I said in a post in Facebook, I am going to remind you that when you are a teenager, and you keep asking me for your own cell phone. But, you did call her. You asked her if you could go for a sleepover, and they were already driving to go visit Uncle Tony's sister that she said yes, and she picked you up within 15 minutes from calling her. That did not leave much time to get your bag ready, and to bundle you up since they were going sledding. You love snow so you were so excited. Your cousins plus their cousins made for an exciting outing for you. You love to have so many kids around you. You keep asking for a sibling. I wish I was younger. Or maybe in a little while you won't care. We'll see what life says about this.
Love,
Mommy
Friday, February 22, 2013
Dear Arianna, February 22, 2013
Dear Arianna,
Today was kind of a weird day. I don't think any of us, you, Mommy, or me, were feeling quite ourselves today. Mommy thinks it is the weather, and I think that is a big part of it. The snow did come through last night, and though it was not the snowpacolypse that some were predicting, it still did dump five inches down here on the South Side which was enough for me to have to shovel in the morning. This threw us out of our morning routine, so while I went to shovel the car out, you had to get yourself ready for school on your own. When I dropped you off at school and took you to your class, you very very weepy and clingy this morning. It was so bad than Ms. Power and Mrs. Hughes had to hold you from running after me in the hallway as I left for work. I waved at you through the window but I saw all of the tears, and this made me sad. I know that you were over tired and you hate our morning routine being upset. Add some cold and snow that no one really wants to see as we get closer to March, and it was just an odd morning.
I only had to work a half-day today, since I worked on Saturday and they weren't going to pay me overtime, so I worked from home. It was a busy and weird morning work-wise, too. My boss is sick and over-stressed about a big project that is going on and the team has a lot of back-biting and infighting going on right now, too, so I do what I've done since I started this gig just over a year ago -- I put my head down and do my work and stay out of the politics of workplace politics.
I picked you up at 2:45 and though you were happy to see me, it wasn't the super-hug yelling of normal. You just seemed tired. I asked if you wanted to play in the snow, but you didn't, so when we got home, you stared playing some games while I went and shoveled out he back deck and drive. Your Abuela came at about 3:15 to do laundry and wait to pick up Raven. You were sad when she left and you were hoping that she would bring Raven back to our house, but that wasn't in the cards today. We did watch some "Little House on the Prairie" together, and your Abuela told me how much she loved Michael Landon and how she watched both "Bonanza" and "Little House" when she was still in Mexico. Your Mommy is more of a "Highway to Heaven" kind of girl, proving that there is a Michael Landon TV show for everyone.
Mommy did make it home by 5:00 PM today which was nice. Just as I was settling in to some tacos that Mommy brought home for dinner, I got a call from my boss telling me that I would need to work from 3:30 til midnight tomorrow back out at the Lisle datacenter, so it is looking like it will be two weeks in a row of six day work weeks, and probably another one coming up on my birthday weekend next week.
I guess we are all really tired and have reached the point where we are ready for Winter to end. This time of year has never been my favorite, and as your Grandpa has always joked, Summer is better because you never have to shovel heat. Heck, I know you are tired, because you actually fell asleep before 9:00 PM, which for you is a miracle You were getting very grumpy tonight, just like Daddy when I am over-tired, so it was bound to happen. Even your cats were so worn out that Betsy, who hates all other cats, is sleeping next to Ian and Turlough with you on the couch.
At least I can sleep in tomorrow with you and Mommy and don't have to leave to work until 2:45 PM, so we can spend some time together. Maybe we can buy that bed you want on Sunday. I love you.
Love,
Daddy
Today was kind of a weird day. I don't think any of us, you, Mommy, or me, were feeling quite ourselves today. Mommy thinks it is the weather, and I think that is a big part of it. The snow did come through last night, and though it was not the snowpacolypse that some were predicting, it still did dump five inches down here on the South Side which was enough for me to have to shovel in the morning. This threw us out of our morning routine, so while I went to shovel the car out, you had to get yourself ready for school on your own. When I dropped you off at school and took you to your class, you very very weepy and clingy this morning. It was so bad than Ms. Power and Mrs. Hughes had to hold you from running after me in the hallway as I left for work. I waved at you through the window but I saw all of the tears, and this made me sad. I know that you were over tired and you hate our morning routine being upset. Add some cold and snow that no one really wants to see as we get closer to March, and it was just an odd morning.
I only had to work a half-day today, since I worked on Saturday and they weren't going to pay me overtime, so I worked from home. It was a busy and weird morning work-wise, too. My boss is sick and over-stressed about a big project that is going on and the team has a lot of back-biting and infighting going on right now, too, so I do what I've done since I started this gig just over a year ago -- I put my head down and do my work and stay out of the politics of workplace politics.
I picked you up at 2:45 and though you were happy to see me, it wasn't the super-hug yelling of normal. You just seemed tired. I asked if you wanted to play in the snow, but you didn't, so when we got home, you stared playing some games while I went and shoveled out he back deck and drive. Your Abuela came at about 3:15 to do laundry and wait to pick up Raven. You were sad when she left and you were hoping that she would bring Raven back to our house, but that wasn't in the cards today. We did watch some "Little House on the Prairie" together, and your Abuela told me how much she loved Michael Landon and how she watched both "Bonanza" and "Little House" when she was still in Mexico. Your Mommy is more of a "Highway to Heaven" kind of girl, proving that there is a Michael Landon TV show for everyone.
Mommy did make it home by 5:00 PM today which was nice. Just as I was settling in to some tacos that Mommy brought home for dinner, I got a call from my boss telling me that I would need to work from 3:30 til midnight tomorrow back out at the Lisle datacenter, so it is looking like it will be two weeks in a row of six day work weeks, and probably another one coming up on my birthday weekend next week.
I guess we are all really tired and have reached the point where we are ready for Winter to end. This time of year has never been my favorite, and as your Grandpa has always joked, Summer is better because you never have to shovel heat. Heck, I know you are tired, because you actually fell asleep before 9:00 PM, which for you is a miracle You were getting very grumpy tonight, just like Daddy when I am over-tired, so it was bound to happen. Even your cats were so worn out that Betsy, who hates all other cats, is sleeping next to Ian and Turlough with you on the couch.
 |
| Kitty Détente |
Love,
Daddy
Dear Arianna, February 21, 2013
Dear Arianna,
The other least favorite day of the week, Thursday is done. The professor let us out of class at 9:00 PM so that we could drive home in front of the snow that was coming in from the west. I made it home with plenty of wind but no snow. That didn't start until about 11:00 PM, but I am not complaining that I got to leave class early. It meant that I could see you and Mommy.
Two packages came today. The first was Daddy's new phone. It looks to be a very nice phone, but I will need to take it to TMobile tomorrow to have a new mini-SIM card assigned to it and have my old SIM card deactivated. Hopefully, if you are reading this sometime in the future, that will make you smile and shake your head just as I would when your Grandma would tell me about party lines when they first got their telephone installed.
The other package was more exciting. Mommy has rejoined her monthly foodie club. This is a group of folks who draw each other's names and exchange food gifts with each other. It's very much like pen pals for your taste buds. The big thing is that the foods should be interesting, and not something you'd pick up in the grocery department of Wal-Mart. Mommy had stopped participating for awhile, but all things crafty really help Mommy stay sane and put up with Daddy, so she rejoined. Besides, nothing makes your Mommy happier than a good meal, so it is the perfect group for her.
The package contained seaweed snack, sun dried tomatoes, almond and coconut bar, white chocolate macadamia nut bar, raisin rosemary crisps, a jar of crunchy cookie butter, and caramel bites. Mommy tells me that she is totally in love with the caramel bites. She also loves to eat seaweed, because she is crazy. The candy bars are all going to be work snacks. The only thing she is not sure about is the cookie butter, which is the one I am the most interested in trying. It's certainly fun to open up the surprise box each month, because you never know what you are going to get. That sounded like something Forest Gump would say.
Here are the pictures of you and Mommy opening the box and pulling out the goodies. (I am not in them because I was the official picture taker.):
I would say, it was a very tasty way to end the day. We love you very much.
Love,
Daddy
The other least favorite day of the week, Thursday is done. The professor let us out of class at 9:00 PM so that we could drive home in front of the snow that was coming in from the west. I made it home with plenty of wind but no snow. That didn't start until about 11:00 PM, but I am not complaining that I got to leave class early. It meant that I could see you and Mommy.
Two packages came today. The first was Daddy's new phone. It looks to be a very nice phone, but I will need to take it to TMobile tomorrow to have a new mini-SIM card assigned to it and have my old SIM card deactivated. Hopefully, if you are reading this sometime in the future, that will make you smile and shake your head just as I would when your Grandma would tell me about party lines when they first got their telephone installed.
The other package was more exciting. Mommy has rejoined her monthly foodie club. This is a group of folks who draw each other's names and exchange food gifts with each other. It's very much like pen pals for your taste buds. The big thing is that the foods should be interesting, and not something you'd pick up in the grocery department of Wal-Mart. Mommy had stopped participating for awhile, but all things crafty really help Mommy stay sane and put up with Daddy, so she rejoined. Besides, nothing makes your Mommy happier than a good meal, so it is the perfect group for her.
Here are the pictures of you and Mommy opening the box and pulling out the goodies. (I am not in them because I was the official picture taker.):
I would say, it was a very tasty way to end the day. We love you very much.
Love,
Daddy
