Weekend
It was a busy one indeed. I picked up the kids on Friday eve. Yep, kids! Alex wanted to celebrate with Jacob which worked out great! It was so nice to have her over again. Upon picking up the kids Noelle asked if I could get them back to her a couple hours earlier so she could see Jacob a bit on his birthday. I declined because we had party plans and I know for a fact that they celebrated the weekend previous. Obviously she was expecting me to say "Sure Noelle, no problem" but when I declined she instantly got that put-upon puckered-up face where she squishes up her lips. She says "Fine! I'll remember this!"
...ok...
On with the weekend!
The kids and I watched Madagascar 2 Friday eve.
I had a bouquet sent to Lara for Saturday, Valentines day with the promise that we would postpone our party for two until Sunday eve, as we both had Monday off for... what? Presidents day? Oh well. I won't look that gift horse in the mouth. Thank you very much!
We celebrated Jacob's 10th at my sister's place. Laura and I have moved past our differences to ensure Jacob had a memorable and well deserved birthday party. Friends and family gathered there to help him ring in the double digits. Jacob scored the mother-load in Bakugon toys... not sure what their main function is, other than being varied and promoting themselves as a game that uses collectibles. My gift to him Pokemon Titanium DS, by his request, is not available until March. Also, Gigi sent him some clothes and $ for shoes. Papa Joe sent him $ for Pokemon Ranger DS. So he's still got stuff to look forward to.
On the way from Jacob's party to the drop off I was delayed by a mind-numingly slow driver in the back roads of Sussex County. I was actually delayed enough to make me a bit late. Something I rarely ever am accused of. At 7:00 sharp I get a call from Noelle.
N: "Where are you?"
J: What? It's not like you're never late."
N: "Not funny Joe." (... and I'm being serious.)
N: "Where are you?"
J: "I'm on 287 South, just got off of 23. I should be there in 5-10 minutes"
N: "Bla bla bla bla bla"
J: "It's not like you're never late." (because really, she's late for pick up and drop off at least 25% of the time and usually by 15 minutes or more. It used to be much worse.)
N: "Not funny Joe." ...click...
Lara was in the car at the time. I'd told Lara of my overall experiences with Noelle but never went into any characteristic details. I tried to spare her that for as long as possible. It didn't take long for Noelle to make a lousy (but accurate) first impression. Earlier in the day I let Lara know that we would be dropping off the kids on the way back to our neck of the woods and that she would have an opportunity to meet her. I'm now thinking 'this ought to be pleasant'. Noelle did not step out of the car when we arrived, so Lara didn't either.
Anyway, with the mini-drama behind us we went about our belated Valentines and had a very wonderful evening. We went out for a classic NJ breakfast at Tick-Tick Diner and spent the day looking for some pieces of wall art for Lara's kitchen. I prepared for us the pork chops she loves and we just relaxed the rest of the evening.
All in all, a very nice weekend with friends and family. I overspent on the party and flowers. I also got a parking ticket and a flat tire. Grumble... Those expenses are still floating in the air just waiting for me to get paid.
...ok...
On with the weekend!
The kids and I watched Madagascar 2 Friday eve.
I had a bouquet sent to Lara for Saturday, Valentines day with the promise that we would postpone our party for two until Sunday eve, as we both had Monday off for... what? Presidents day? Oh well. I won't look that gift horse in the mouth. Thank you very much!
We celebrated Jacob's 10th at my sister's place. Laura and I have moved past our differences to ensure Jacob had a memorable and well deserved birthday party. Friends and family gathered there to help him ring in the double digits. Jacob scored the mother-load in Bakugon toys... not sure what their main function is, other than being varied and promoting themselves as a game that uses collectibles. My gift to him Pokemon Titanium DS, by his request, is not available until March. Also, Gigi sent him some clothes and $ for shoes. Papa Joe sent him $ for Pokemon Ranger DS. So he's still got stuff to look forward to.
On the way from Jacob's party to the drop off I was delayed by a mind-numingly slow driver in the back roads of Sussex County. I was actually delayed enough to make me a bit late. Something I rarely ever am accused of. At 7:00 sharp I get a call from Noelle.
N: "Where are you?"
J: What? It's not like you're never late."
N: "Not funny Joe." (... and I'm being serious.)
N: "Where are you?"
J: "I'm on 287 South, just got off of 23. I should be there in 5-10 minutes"
N: "Bla bla bla bla bla"
J: "It's not like you're never late." (because really, she's late for pick up and drop off at least 25% of the time and usually by 15 minutes or more. It used to be much worse.)
N: "Not funny Joe." ...click...
Lara was in the car at the time. I'd told Lara of my overall experiences with Noelle but never went into any characteristic details. I tried to spare her that for as long as possible. It didn't take long for Noelle to make a lousy (but accurate) first impression. Earlier in the day I let Lara know that we would be dropping off the kids on the way back to our neck of the woods and that she would have an opportunity to meet her. I'm now thinking 'this ought to be pleasant'. Noelle did not step out of the car when we arrived, so Lara didn't either.
Anyway, with the mini-drama behind us we went about our belated Valentines and had a very wonderful evening. We went out for a classic NJ breakfast at Tick-Tick Diner and spent the day looking for some pieces of wall art for Lara's kitchen. I prepared for us the pork chops she loves and we just relaxed the rest of the evening.
All in all, a very nice weekend with friends and family. I overspent on the party and flowers. I also got a parking ticket and a flat tire. Grumble... Those expenses are still floating in the air just waiting for me to get paid.