My sons are 6 and 8. We went shopping for a pair of news running shoes for Jakey (the 6 year old). "No laces please. Only velcro." I told the sales girl. I would've bought the pair that fit but Jake didn't like the looks of them. Good enough reason for me, (I am wrapped around Jake's finger). Me: "Do you like these?" Jake: "No." Me: "Why not?" Jake: "I don't know." And off we go to continue on our quest. I heard myself say it again: "velcro only." And then I cheekily added "because I don't want them to ever learn to tie their shoes..." And an image popped into my head: Nathan and Jake, in their thirties, sitting on the bench at the foyer of our house, with me bent down in front of them tying their shoes. I suppose they'll learn to tie their shoes one day. Nathan kinda already has. Kinda. I'm not helping him much, as in I just tie them for him. I don't want him to get too "I don't need you, Mom." I want him to need me forever. Bad Mommy. For now we stick with the velcro shoes. Makes me feel better somehow...
Monday, April 29, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I Didn't Meet Goldie Hawn or Kurt Russell- And I'm Happy About It
I'm an actor. I always have been. It's not just a job but a state of mind. You believe in miracles. And they do happen (I once made $30,000 from a TV commercial I booked). You create entertainment for (hopefully) thousands of people out of thin air. I'm not a normal nine to fiver. And on top of it, I'm a mom, step-mom and wife. And I've been pretty low key with the career for the last eight years. Now that the kids are bigger, I'm returning to my "authentic self." I'm getting my career back.
About eight months ago I was hired by an American producer to co-write and co-star in a Fifty Shades of Grey parody. Okay, career coming back. And lo and behold, it's a runaway hit. I have performed all over US and Canada to thousands of thrilled audience members. There are three casts now. We've sold the show to Australia. But I'm a mom, step-mom and wife. And the touring takes me away from my kids and husband and that's tough. I could be on the road all the time right now. Fancy places. Warm places. Awesome venues. Chic hotels. I have done many cities already: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Anaheim, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh... Green Bay... to name a few. But then my marriage began to - don't say it- fall apart. And my kids and I were missing each other terribly. And I said no to some cities.
I just saw on facebook that the cast did the show in California- and Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn were in the audience. I was supposed to be doing that show. But I chose not to. So I could be with my sons. And my husband who is not a big fan of my career "state of mind." Who wants to end things, but I believe in miracles, so I'm doing what I can to keep it together. But that's a whole other story. What really impressed me and kinda surprised me is this: I really was happy for the cast out there on the road. I was not jealous but thrilled for them to meet Goldie and Kurt. And super thrilled for me. I was where I wanted to be: at home with my family. Watching movies together. Making brownies. Getting the bikes out since spring is springing right about now.
I'm not saying that I shouldn't have a career because I'm a mom. In fact I'm getting on a plane in two days to do a show in Florida. Without the kids and hubby. I wanted them to come- but there are things like school, and money. and a guy who is not thrilled with the actor part of me coming back. I am learning that life is a balance. Not all or nothing. And although it would be great to perform in front of Kurt and Goldie, my favourite celebrities are right here in my house.
About eight months ago I was hired by an American producer to co-write and co-star in a Fifty Shades of Grey parody. Okay, career coming back. And lo and behold, it's a runaway hit. I have performed all over US and Canada to thousands of thrilled audience members. There are three casts now. We've sold the show to Australia. But I'm a mom, step-mom and wife. And the touring takes me away from my kids and husband and that's tough. I could be on the road all the time right now. Fancy places. Warm places. Awesome venues. Chic hotels. I have done many cities already: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Anaheim, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh... Green Bay... to name a few. But then my marriage began to - don't say it- fall apart. And my kids and I were missing each other terribly. And I said no to some cities.
I just saw on facebook that the cast did the show in California- and Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn were in the audience. I was supposed to be doing that show. But I chose not to. So I could be with my sons. And my husband who is not a big fan of my career "state of mind." Who wants to end things, but I believe in miracles, so I'm doing what I can to keep it together. But that's a whole other story. What really impressed me and kinda surprised me is this: I really was happy for the cast out there on the road. I was not jealous but thrilled for them to meet Goldie and Kurt. And super thrilled for me. I was where I wanted to be: at home with my family. Watching movies together. Making brownies. Getting the bikes out since spring is springing right about now.
I'm not saying that I shouldn't have a career because I'm a mom. In fact I'm getting on a plane in two days to do a show in Florida. Without the kids and hubby. I wanted them to come- but there are things like school, and money. and a guy who is not thrilled with the actor part of me coming back. I am learning that life is a balance. Not all or nothing. And although it would be great to perform in front of Kurt and Goldie, my favourite celebrities are right here in my house.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
My son has shark teeth
I was brushing Jake's teeth the other morning. And to my surprise, my six year old has two rows of teeth in the bottom front. I tried not to freak out as I called frantically to my husband. "Dave! Dave! Jake's adult teeth are coming in behind his baby teeth!" Of course Jake starts bawling, and I'm back tracking. "No! It's good Jakey! You're a big boy now! Your adult teeth are coming in!" But really, my mind is spinning "braces, surgery, dental bills, more braces..."
Well one visit to the dentist and a set of x-rays later (we got in the very next morning, thank you Dr. Fenn!) it seems this is pretty common. Jake's baby teeth have very little root left, so his job is to wiggle them every day. And to eat apples and carrots. Hard food. If in one month, those little teeth haven't fallen out, the dentist will pull them. Not sure how much that will end up costing, so I am also inside Jake's mouth once a day, giving them a wiggle. Plus we are painting the picture of four whole dollars as soon as they come out. Thank you Tooth Fairy.
So at the end of the day Jake will have straight teeth like his dad. Those adult teeth will actually move on their own and take their proper place once those baby teeth are liberated from Jakey's mouth. My little shark boy will be fine. And you wouldn't believe how many carrots that kid can eat. xoxo AMS
Well one visit to the dentist and a set of x-rays later (we got in the very next morning, thank you Dr. Fenn!) it seems this is pretty common. Jake's baby teeth have very little root left, so his job is to wiggle them every day. And to eat apples and carrots. Hard food. If in one month, those little teeth haven't fallen out, the dentist will pull them. Not sure how much that will end up costing, so I am also inside Jake's mouth once a day, giving them a wiggle. Plus we are painting the picture of four whole dollars as soon as they come out. Thank you Tooth Fairy.
So at the end of the day Jake will have straight teeth like his dad. Those adult teeth will actually move on their own and take their proper place once those baby teeth are liberated from Jakey's mouth. My little shark boy will be fine. And you wouldn't believe how many carrots that kid can eat. xoxo AMS
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