He Made It!

After a full week of 4+ hour tryouts, Colin made the JV team as a freshman! And he is rehabbing a torn hamstring.

Me: I'm so proud of you.
Colin: Thanks. Are you proud enough to take me for a Munchie Meal*?
Me: Sure.
Colin: And pay?

It Is What It Is...
Namaste

* Jack in the Box Late Night Munchie Meal. A 1500-2000 calorie heart attack in a box, served after 9 pm. Can anyone say pothead??? A personal favorite of Colin. (He's not a pothead, just a hungry 15 year old)

Please Help Cara

This is a shameless plug to help out Cara get the last bit of money for her 8th grade East Coast trip. Unlike Colin, she has been saving and fundraising for about a year now.

http://www.caras8thgradetrip.myevent.com/?1416361439

Please consider helping her out by following the directions on the link above.

She is wearing the gypsy costume from the Beauty and the Beast show she performed in over the weekend. The show was amazing as always. I totally admire her dedication to this group. They rehearse every Saturday for about 3 months.

Cara volunteered to help with costume day on  Costume Saturday. 8am - 4pm. The week prior to the show starts with Big Sunday. The hours are long! 2-10pm !!! With an hour for dinner.Then comes Tech Week. 4:30 to 10 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. School field trip shows are Thursday and Friday. Public performances are Saturday night and Sunday. Its REAL theater in a REAL Theater! With a cast of close to 200!!!!

Did I mention I'm there VOLUNTEERING backstage for the same time????

Break a leg peeps!

It is what it is...

Namaste

Back In The Day Part 2

When I was a clarinet player and then Drum Major in the North Hunterdon Golden Lions Marching Band... back in the day... we did not do many competitions. Maybe because I grew up in rural NJ and there weren't that many around. Maybe it wasn't the big business it is today. Or maybe I just don't remember

It went like this: 

• Go to band camp in the summer. 
• Make new friends (shout out to my oldest, coolest and dearest friend, Audrey, who I met at band camp before freshman year) 
• Learn how to march and play the songs which were both musically and technically challenging. 
• Get your uniform (which we kept all season, dry clean when necessary, or not)
• Practice after school two or three days per week
• Be ready to play at the first football game
• Play the half time show at ALL the home football games 
• Perform a pre-game show at ALL away football games.
• March in ALL kinds of weather, pouring rain, snow, it didn't matter. And the mud - oh the mud. With white shoes for the band and go-go boots for the girls on the band front. (no boys)
• When we went somewhere, we showed up in uniform, packed ALL our stuff up in some school buses about 1 hour before game time and away we went. 
• Cost: Free with enrollment. (or the cost of your instrument if the school didn't have one you could borrow)
• Fundraising: The ever popular band candy! Not much else that I can remember except maybe the snack bar? 

This is what I learned volunteering at the Mira Mesa Tournament yesterday:

• Call time 5:30 am. 
• Parent pick up time 1 am THE NEXT DAY!!! (Shout out to ALL the volunteers who made it through that marathon! And there were many!) 
• Kids had to prepare for the tournament and perform in a parade
• They worked shifts in concessions, worked in the kitchen, picked up trash and tons of other stuff I have no idea about.
  
  My boy, Andrew, working the concession stand
• 
  
• They arrive in the pre-clothes and uniforms are managed by a cracker jack team of parents who dress the kids before a performance and undress them immediately afterwards. They uniforms are kept meticulously clean by not allowing the kids to eat or even SIT in them unless there is paper on the bleachers. 
• Bands and equipment arrive in CUSTOM SEMI'S or in Mira Mesa's case carpools and rental trucks. 
• Roadies (or band parents) number close to 50 in some cases. 
• They have props like you wouldn't believe! Roman columns and a Tiki Volcano anyone???
• Color guard or the band front as we called them had multiple changes of flags, poles, guns, sabers and who knows what else! 
• There is a complete pit orchestra that play in the front of the band!
• They practice daily BEFORE school as well as after school to learn musically and technically challenging.pieces. I can hear them in the morning at my house. 
• There is a pep band that plays in the stands at the first few football games. The marching show is not even broken out until somewhere around Homecoming. 
• Cost: Some bands have fees over $1000!!!! I hear Mira Mesa is the most reasonable at about $350 and by state law that can't be mandatory. I guess that's why no custom semi for them. 
• Fundraising: Tons and Always. Candy, Wrapping paper, Dudley's bread, restaurant nights, Sponsor your kid at a rehearsal-a-thon, the tournament and more I don't even know about!

Its's not like it was...Back In The Day!

It is what it is...
Namaste

My vest and the logo hoodie they wisely had available for purchase at the sign in table. It cost me $15 to volunteer. Money well spent FYI!

 Roman columns

Tiki Volcano

Mira Mesa Sapphire Sound takes the field

My boy Andew, the bass drum on the end

The orange poles

The orange flags

Different orange flags

Multi colored flags

Purple flags

Different purple flags

Back In The Day Part 1

As many of you know it is now what is known as Marching Band Season. This is a whole lotta band with a little football on the side.

The Mira Mesa High School Invitation Parade of Bands and Field Show Tournament is one of the most prestigious around. Who knew???? I thought it was just another day Mira Mesa Blvd and the surrounding area was closed and to be avoided at all costs.

Eager to support my 2nd son, Andrew, I took a look at the sign up list I was sent to see where I could help out at their tournament. Its not even a list. Its a fancy website where you can take a look at the positions and times that are available. Of the possible 500 or so positions, I chose wristband checker on the visitor side from 3pm- 7pm. My reasoning was that it seemed like a no brainer, I wouldn't have to cook and I would be able to see the bands.

Here's how it goes. Bands perform, change out of their uniforms (more on that later) and come with their chaperones to the visitor side of the field to watch the rest of the bands. Spectators pay and sit on the home side. On the visitor side was a snack bar with and EXTENSIVE menu (more on that later too) and Flavor Fries, a local french fry vendor, which is AWESOME by the way.

Little did I know, I signed up for Wristband Nazi! 

All the directors are given a packet of information including EXACTLY the number of wristbands for their performers and then a certain number of chaperones. I was told this is based on a kid to chaperone ratio. Blue and white striped for the performers and white with orange stars for the adults. NO ONE other than the people with the correct wristband are allowed in. No orange and white striped from the morning performance. No florescent green for the spectators. NO ONE!!!! Did I make my point?

Reasons why people thought they could go in with the wrong wristband. And they answers we gave. 
I want to get some food. You have the same food and more on the home side.
My kid is here. Call them and they can come over and talk to you.
My kid needs/wants money. Same as above.
I have a wristband. That's a performer wristband. You are not a performer.
I have a wristband. That's a spectator wristband. You are on the wrong side of the field.
But I paid. You still have to sit on the Home side. This side is for performers and chaperones. 
But I paid, I should be able to sit where I want. You still have to sit on the Home side. This side is for performers and chaperones. 
They gave me the wrong wristband. No, they didn't. You paid for that one. You are not a performer or a chapeone. You still have to sit on the Home side.
I don't have a wristband because I was in the bathroom when they got passed out. Find your band director.
There wasn't enough for all the band members. Yes, there were. They were in the directors packet.
This is my friend. They have to sit on the Home side. This side is for performers and chaperones. 
This is my girl/boyfriend. They still have to sit on the Home side. This side is for performers and chaperones. 
I need to talk to my friend. Call them and they can come over and talk to you.

Answers we really wanted to give:
Are you stupid??? This side is for performers and chaperones. READ THE SIGN THAT YOU ARE STANDING NEXT TO!!!!

I learned later VIP and Judges room was the one of the prime spots. Catered food from all the local restaurants all day.

I don't remember it being like this when I was in the marching band - back in the day...
To be continued...

It is what it is...
Namaste

Let's Create!

No Art, No PE, No Music! That's the state of schools all across the country! Its horrible. Study after study state that kids developing brains NEED these things. But what do we do, raise class size, mandate Common Core, stress out teachers. At my school, Ericson Elementary, teachers get 1 hour of prep time per WEEK!!! Who can prep with that??? The kids get 1 hour of music OR PE per WEEK! Or maybe a little more if the teacher has time to throw in a song or two. Maybe some coloring.

That's why I am happy to come in and do this special art project for Mr. Barham's class. He is one of Cara's former teachers and tries his best to keep keep the kids well rounded and fits in the arts.

Check it out!

http://youtu.be/Uvvd1XXz48M

(please don't share. It has privacy settings)

The kids worked together to figure out patterns and symmetry. If they did not do the math correctly and take the right amount of beads on their first time at the bead table, they had to bargain, trade or reconsider their pattern.

I taught a few to work with the pliers and they were able to help me out turning the ends of the spokes. At the end of the day, 3 kids sorted all the leftover beads into the proper containers.

There was NO whining, complaining or putdowns!

It is what it is...
Namaste

Sundance

Tip of the day: Don't look at catalogs that have absolutely nothing you can afford. Toss them right into the recycle bin.

Sundance, I'm talkin' to you! ( Here's the blah blah if you care to read it. http://www.sundancecatalog.com/category/customer+service/about+us.do) I'm not even sure why I get this catalog.

Nonetheless, it arrives on a regular basis along with its additional jewelry and home furnishing supplements. Let's take a closer look.

Lovely tall, thin woman on the front pulling off a look I would love to wear if I were 5'10 and lived in a snowy, wintry place where I could travel in my present filled, fur lined sleigh. No slushy road carpool for me. No schlepping out to start the mini van 20 minutes before I leave. Wait! That's why I'm payin the Sunshine Tax. But still...its nice to think about wearing these clothes cause they are totally my style. Can't you just imagine me pulling up this Christmas in my sweater coat, jeans, boot toppers and mittens. Look out NJ here I come!

If you can afford them, I guess you can afford a present filled, fur lined sleigh.

And the jewelry! Seriously for a necklace? or a bracelet??? Not made from gold and not a diamond in sight.

It is good for inspiration. I can make most things for 1/3 the price*. Let me know if you want Sundance copy.

It is what it is...
Namaste

*I fully support an artist getting a fair price based on time, talent, materials but overpriced, luxury, name dropping stuff is not ok on my blog.

They Can Read

Not to brag, well, yea, kind of bragging but I can cause it's my blog.

My kids are smart. And they can read. According to multiple standardized tests they both have been scoring in the post high school range in reading since 5th grade. Smart, right? That's what it says on the tests.

At the Harvest Festival Craft Show on Saturday, I bought these desert  mixes. The samples tasted Yummo! They are properly labeled. Look at the picture. You can plainly see I bought apple crisp, peach cobbler and lemon bars. The back has the baking directions.

The packages are on the table.

Both kids at separate times hold up each package.
 Kid: Mom, what is this?
Me: Seriously?
Kid: What is it?
Me: Read the label, smart kid.
Kid: Yea, but what is it?
Me: It says right there. Read it! You passed the test! I know you can read!!!!!

Repeat 5 more times. Word for word. Exactly. Once for each package. 3 times per kid.

It is what it is...
Namaste

Pre

Let's all think back to English Class. I know, its been a while for most of us, but try to remember.
Pre- a prefix meaning "before"

We are quite familiar with "pre" here at the MacNaughtons. Mostly as in the weekday Thursday being "pre"Friday. It's Colin's way of making it through the week since Friday is his favorite day.

Today we are talking about "pre"fishing.*
*disclaimer-all definitions and explanations come to me via my husband and fisherman, Scott MacNaughton. As there has been a lot of pre-fishing going on the last 2 weeks, it will be recalled to the best of my ability.

Pre-fishing - all activity related to a fishing trip done before the fishing trip.

Pre-fishing begins 1-2 weeks before the actual trip.

Pre fishing checklist:
Forget about how tired, sore and stinky you were after the last fishing trip and how you said you were never going on a 2 day trip again.
Check all fishing gear you MAY need.
Find stuff you forgot you had. Do a little happy dance.
Get reels restrung.
Buy new lures.
Drool over all the fancy and exciting gear you want to buy but either won't need or its too expensive.
Check with friends who are going to see what they are bringing.
Check with friends who are not going to let them know YOU ARE GOING FISHING!!!! Ask to borrow stuff from them.
Check fish reports (multiple times per day)
Check weather reports (multiple times per day)
Check ocean temperature and wave height reports ( multiple times per day)
Check all favorite fishing websites, groups, blogs, etc (also multiple times per day)
Pray to the fishing gods that the fish stay around or if they are not around, come back.
Check back with friends on all of the above.
Pack up gear and clothes
Check above.
Repack gear and clothes.
Justify cost of the trip by calculating the price per pound of the fish you will catch and will not have to buy. And mention how tasty freshly caught fish will be vs the frozen kind from the store.
Think about the awesome poke (raw fish prepared the Hawaiian way) your wife will make.
Buy snacks and drinks for the trip.
Check back with friends to see what they are bringing.
Confer with friends on what time you will get to the boat. Plan to go earlier to get the preferred bunk.
Dream about the wahoo you want to catch.
Talk about the wahoo you want to catch.
Go buy a new lure to catch the big wahoo.
Keep repeating until you...
Go fishing!

It is what it is...
Namaste

Tackling The List

There are quite a few projects to be done around Casa MacNaughton. However, its been so stinkin' hot (100's in October???) and with my broken toe, The List has been getting longer. Yesterday was the day to get started.

Before

And After!

It was only $100, 4 hours and 2 trips to Home Depot. Sorry Mr. Handyman, this chick can fix her own stuff.

What's up with the pricey light bulbs???? Over$10 per bulb! Yea, they say they are guaranteed for 10 years. Who is going to remember that and save receipts?

Into the binder it goes.

Next up? Replace the fabric on this retractable awning and paint that peeling trim!

It is what it is...
Namaste

Where The Hell is El Centro?

Well, its about 1/2 way between San Diego and Phoenix. Basically it is over the mountains and in the desert (or The Sand, as Colin calls it) That's where we had to travel Colin's game this weekend.

In general, any where I have to go in SD is 45 minutes or less. Growing up in rural NJ it was 45 minutes or more. Oh how we forget!

So we did like any spoiled family would do. Instead of getting up early and driving the 2 hours to El Centro, we booked a hotel, packed up the car and planned a party! 5 more of Colin's teammates thought this was an awesome idea as well.

Did I mention we only went 2 hours away for 1 night??? We NEED our supplies!

The boys played FIFA on Colin's PS4 and the parents bonded over booze in the lobby of the Fairfield Inn. A great time was had by all.

The game resulted in a 3-3 tie with Colin scoring 2 of the goals. That boy can play soccer!

As you know, Scott and I celebrated our 20th anniversary this week. Not on a fancy vacation but in the middle of The Sand in El Centro. We did get these 2 anniversary cards. One from my dad and one from his sister, Aunt Joan (aka AJ)

All I have to say is great minds think alike... well almost. One also contained a big, fat check! Thanks Dad!

It is what it is...
Namaste

What's The Magic Number?

20 years, it's a milestone and an accomplishment. Not everyone can make it to 20. I'll have to give credit to my parents Bobbi and Charles, Scott's parents, Lee and Phyllis and Aunt Pauline and Uncle Wally as awesome examples of what a lasting marriage looks like. There have been ups and downs, good times and not so good times but we have made it to 20!

Let's take a closer look at that weekend 20 years ago. October 6 - 8, 1994.

A pre wedding activity included the Old Town Trolly to introduce our guests to San Diego. Scott and I had been here for  3 years now. Take the Trolly tour or play golf. Those were the activities. Don't go to TJ (Tijauana, Mexico) Whoa to those who didn't follow instructions. Brett, you know who I am talking to. I'm sure Mexican jails have not changed much...

The rehearsal dinner was at the Pocher/MacNaughton favorite hotel, Quality Suites at the end of Mira Mesa Blvd.

The Santa Ana winds were a blown' and the temperature hit triple digits for the ceremony at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Paula was the Maid of Honer and Sean was the best man.

We were represented by both sides of the family.

A pool party followed at the home of friend and fellow teacher Nancy Adams.

Scott sang Karaoke and we all danced. The only bad part was the karaoke host stole the basket with the wedding money. I hope that guy has bad karaoke karma....

Chad, who is now 21 was obsessed by cars even as a 1 year old. Jonathan and Quin were just newborns and Peggy announced that she was preggers with Kyle at the post-wedding brunch. She was so thoughtful and considerate of not stealing the spotlight!

We were younger, thinner with big hair. We are older, heavier with less hair - well not me or Paula...or Rich. But we are mostly together 20 years later! Well done Jedi!

This post is dedicated to those no longer with us: Bobbi, Lee, Madalyn, John and Uncle Wally. You are forever in our hearts.

It is what it is...
Namaste