Daisy Goes To Prom

I have been wanting to do some volunteering outside of my regular suburban stuff.  Today I went into the city to volunteer for a great organization that I have recently heard about and met a great 18 year old named Daisy.

The Glass Slipper Project collects new and almost-new formal dresses and accessories and provides them, free of charge, to students who are unable to purchase their own prom attire.  They distribute the dresses at the Glass Slipper "boutiques"each prom season, where each student receives individual assistance from a volunteer "personal shopper" as she shops for the dress of her dreams.
  
Today I was a personal shopper for Daisy.  She reminded me a lot of Gabby; she was certain of what she didn't like and pretty particular about getting exactly what she wanted.  She was not going to change her mind or let the idea of searching through thousands of dresses get in the way of her getting her dream prom dress.  


Daisy started by saying she wanted the color teal. We walked into the first room of dresses and as she browsed around, I found a really cute teal dress.  In predictable teenager fashion, her eyes got big with horror at my fashion suggestion.  She was polite and humble when telling me that my choice was not quite the one.  As the morning went on, we tried on pink, blue, brown, red, black and green.  After about 15-20 dresses, her Godmother decided to steer Daisy in a different direction and have her try on dresses that she may not necessarily like on the hanger, but they may look good on her.  


Off we go into the dressing room again.  Daisy tries on a beautiful red dress that fits her like it was made for her.  Her Godmother and I gasp as I zip up the last inch and we see her in this dress.  "This is the one!" we say in unison.  She is beaming, this could be the one.  There is another dress that she has brought into the dressing room, it is the very first teal dress I held up for her 2 hours ago!  She tries it on...."Oh my god, I love this dress!", is what she says:)  She tries on the red dress again and then the teal dress one more time.  This is truly the dress.  Her face beams in it, she is confident and feels beautiful.  It is glamorous with a touch of "bad-ass".   

Off we go to find shoes, make-up, jewelry, and accessories.  This part is easy now that we have found a dress.  3 hours later, Daisy and I hug, exchange emails (she promises to send me pictures from prom night!) and part ways.  She is excited, her Godmother is happy and I couldn't be more proud of the work that is being done today by this organization and the hundreds of volunteers that are working along side of me.

Gabby wanted to join me today, but you have to be 18 years old to volunteer.  She is looking forward to going along with me next year.  Anyone else want to join me?

http://www.glassslipperproject.org/

Happy Birthday Sinobia!!!

12 years ago, on April 11th, I woke up to a day full of things to do.  I was pregnant and scheduled to be induced the following day, as I had gotten too big and was completely miserable.  My original due date was April 14th, but my doctor gave in and agreed to let me pop early. 
I wanted to do my hair, finish my laundry, go to the grocery store and get a mani-pedi (I wanted to look good during labor). 

I woke up with contractions, but didn't pay them very much attention, as I was familiar with them from previous "pre-term" contraction scares.  I continued on with my day, visited my mom and returned home for a nap before my mani-pedi appointment.  Eric was home on this day too, I don't remember why.  He decided that he would run some errands while I took a nap.  The contractions were getting stronger, but I still continued to ignore them...I had to get things done.

Eric was gone about 30 minutes and I was laying in bed when all of a sudden my water broke!  Back then, 12 years ago, people still had pagers.  I paged Eric and sent a 911 message.  He immediately called home, to be informed that my water had broke and it was time to get to the hospital!

Flash forward and hour or so...I had refused to take any drugs for this birth.  I was going to go all the way, all natural.  I was so INSANE back then!  So, I am screaming at the top of my lungs, making a scene and scaring the shit out of Eric and everyone else in the maternity wing.  Gabby refuses to come into the room to see me, she is horrified by the sounds she hears coming out of my room.  My sister-in-law leaves the room (she blames it on my bad breath).  There is no doctor present, the nurses are trying to keep me calm, but I am in too much pain.

Finally I break down and decide, maybe an epidural is the way to go.  The nurses inform me that the anesthesiologist is in surgery and is not available.  Not available?????  I decide that I will endure the pain no longer and start to push!  The nurses are frantic, "You can't push now Tracy, you are not dilated enough and the doctor is not here yet.  She is on her way."  I don't care, I push anyway.  This baby had to come out right then! 
10 minutes later and about 6 pushes, Sinobia Carrie Aiden emerges into the world!  5 lbs. 14 oz. and 18 inches long. 

What a relief, what a joyful moment and what a beautiful blessing!

For 12 years, Sinobia has filled my life with love, joy and everlasting memories. She is an amazing little girl with a kind and generous heart.  She is my song-bird, always singing and my water-baby, always swimming.  She is confident, secure and a little cocky (as her sister would say).  She still is at times just as much of a "pain" as she was back in the hospital, but I wouldn't want her to be any other way:)

 

Happy Birthday Sinobia!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone!  Eric and Gabby have been in California for the past week on their first daddy/daughter college trip, so Sinobia and I have been spending our spring break together.  There has been lots of eating out, staying up late, sleeping late, pajama wearing, watching TV and goofing around.

We were slightly productive our first few days together; we visited the fabric store and crafted 2 homemade tutus for Sinobia.  The first one was a special "birthday" tutu (Sinobia's birthday is on April 11th) and our second one was an "Elmo-Easter" special tutu (beautifully modeled by Sinobia).  This second tutu looked especially cute with Sinobia's Elmo boots:)

Back to school tomorrow....I could certainly use a few more days of sleeping late, the past week has truly spoiled me.

We Are Pissed At Cancer

Gabrielle and Papa in Michigan

I've been missing my dad.  He has been on my mind at random times of the day lately; 6:30 am on my way to work, 11:45 am recess time, 4:00 pm chauffeur duty, 10:00 pm bedtime.  The memories of him are so strong that I find myself getting choked up, holding back tears that are swelling up in my eyes.  

This summer will be the 4 year anniversary of his death.  Eric, myself and the girls watched as my dad, a once strong, confident, independent and proud man succumbed to cancer within a matter of 8 months.  We sat beside my dad and helped care for him the last 2 weeks of his life.  This was a difficult 2 weeks, but I put on my big-girl face and took over my dad's role as the rational, level headed family member.  I wanted my dad to be proud of me for taking charge of the situation.  I wanted him to know that I was there to take care of him the way that he had taken care of me all of my life, with unconditional and everlasting love.  

This 2 week period was especially hard of Gabby, who hasn't figured out just what is the appropriate way for her to deal with death.  Gabby was my dads first grand child.   He had so many hopes and dreams for her, all of which he thought he would be around to witness.  They would talk at length about when she "grew up" and what the future (and Papa) had in store for her.  They fought, much like he and I fought when I was little; mostly be cause they are so much alike (as I am so much like my dad as well).  He pushed her to be her very best, challenged her to think about the world differently and opened up a world of opportunities (and his wallet) to her with just one little "Please Papa".

It is because of loosing my dad that we are pissed at cancer.  We loathe cancer and many times fear it.  I think it is because of our intense feelings for this disease that Gabby decided to join the 2012 Relay for Life of Evanston this year.  Please visit her personal fundraising web page:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY12National?px=27600114&pg=personal&fr_id=37987

She states on her web page:

"I am participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life because I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.

Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or through someone they love.  

Together, we can help make sure that Cancer never steals another year of someone's life!"

Halloween in Michigan with Papa

How To Do It Gracefully.

Time seems to be passing by so quickly.  There are reminders of how quick everything is moving every day as I watch my kids grow up, there are so many moments when they remind me of myself when I was young.

I'm not the fresh, full of energy, young, new mom I used to be.  I'm a little (OK a lot) cranky, my body aches, my bones creek and I feel tired and haggard most days.

I still want to be the happening girl in the cut-off shorts, with the firm legs, without jiggly arms and dark circles under her eyes.  

Over the weekend, I came to the realization that those days are gone forever.  Gabby headed to the St. Patrick's Day parade with a group of friends.  She borrowed my favorite green boots and sported a pair of cute (and short) cut-off shorts.  I looked at her in amazement as my mind flashed back to a picture of myself 20 years ago. 

"You so remind me of myself when I was younger!"  

Gabby rolls her eyes.  She can never take me seriously when I talk about being young, as if I was always just an old mom.  

I send her off, go down to the basement to dig out that old photo of myself.  Yes, in my mind I was hot stuff.  I take some time to think about all the years that are in between this photo and now.  So much has happened, so much time has passed, I have grown up so much.

Eric says I need to embrace getting old and enjoy it.  He is cuter than ever.  I love him with his bald head and his distinguishing grey hairs in his beard.  He has it all figured out.   His mother carries herself cool
and confident.  My mother is lively and vibrant.  They are all examples of how being older doesn't have to be tragic.  I am not there yet.  For some reason I feel like something in my life will change when I admit that I am an older woman.  I look at people on the streets and say, "I'm not that old", when I really am "that old".  I guess I'm still growing up and maturing.

I have read a few articles on the art of growing old gracefully.  I guess it's time to start figuring out how to do it gracefully with some style, fun and dignity.  Any suggestions?

Hey, Isn't That Papa?

The girls with papa at the rodeo in Michigan.

We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.

—
Howard Zinn
I read this quote a few days ago, and knew it meant something to me, I just couldn't figure it out right then.  Last night we attended Brillianteen's production of Grease that Gabby is currently a cast member in.  I went last week with Gabby's Grandma.  This was Eric and Sinobia's first time seeing the show.  
Sinobia was cruising through the program book when she noticed her papa's name listed on the William E. Harper Special Award page.  "Hey, isn't that Papa?"  I hadn't noticed this last week as I looked through the program book, she immediately recognized his name,  Dennis Drummer.  
This award is given each year to an adult who shows exceptional leadership in service to youth in Evanston. It was awarded to papa in 1993, a year before Gabby was born.  
My dad was a hero to me, my girls and many other children in Evanston.  He cared about the youth of Evanston, but especially the African-American youth, who had limited access to so many opportunities in our community.  I believe that many of the ways that I operate within the community and professionally have a lot to do with the many years I watched my dad give of his time, energy and money to the youth in the city of Evanston.
Aha!  Now the quote makes sense to me.  My dad lived the message of the quote every day of his life.  

Sinobia and papa in Louisiana.

Gabby and papa on Easter Sunday.

So Last Year!

A few days ago, Sinobia and I were singing in the car.

"Sinobia, what are you going to sing for this year's talent show?"

"Mom, I thought I told you, I don't way to be a pop star anymore...I want to be a journalist!"

"OK?"

"That was so last year!"

She's right, it is so last year. 1 year ago.  I looked it up and found the video that I took of Sinobia singing at the Dawes Talent Show last year (February 19th, 2011).  She was so confident, singing her song (even though she messed up a little, but covered it up).  A few months later, she tried out for Evanston Idol, but didn't make it.  (I tried to upload her audition video, but I think they rigged it so that I couldn't reproduce it).

She still kept right on singing:)

Sinobia is my kid that wakes up happy in the morning.  You know she's awake because she starts singing as soon as she wakes up.  She sings in her room all day long, sings in the shower, sings in the car, sings at the dinner table!  Lately she has been singing in Spanish!  I know she's alive and happy when she is singing.

So in honor of my little song bird, 1 year later, I am posting her "so last year" talent show video.  Who knows, maybe she can be a pop-star and a journalist.  either way, I don't think she's going to stop singing any time soon.

Ebony Ball

If I have to buy one more "formal" dress or another pair of "sky-high" fancy shoes,  I think I'm going to scream!

This past weekend was the Ebony Ball.  This event celebrates the African-American students at ETHS.  It's not a "who do you know on the Board" kind of dance...if you're ebony, you're invited! If you know someone or are dating someone who is not ebony, you can let them in on the fun and invite them (this dance is a WHOLE LOT more diverse than the Cotillion).  This event is for Juniors and Seniors and happens every-other year, so everyone gets 1 chance to go.

There's a dress code...black or white dresses, at or below the knee.  This made shopping a whole lot easier for us; no fights this time!  We did break the rules with the dress length, but if you know me, you know I love to break a rule or two.  No shoe restrictions, so Gabby went for it:)

The last 2 formals that Gabby has attended, were "girls ask the guys", so she was a little tired of doing all the asking and took a friend along with her for some girly fun.

  

Gabby and Lucy! 

      

According to the cryptic teenager report that I got, it was a great night; fun was had by all!  The best part for me?  I didn't have to do any pick-up and delivery for the night (thanks Meg).  oh yeah, it was also great to see my big girl all dressed up, smiling, full of life and in my opinion...looking gorgeous!

Whew...I think I'm done dress shopping for a while!

Hey Gabby, can I borrow this dress?  I can definitely wear the shoes:)

               

A Little Singing and Dancing!

This year Gabby is performing in the McGaw YMCA's Brillianteen Youth Theatre 2011-2012 production of Grease.  


I just went online to order tickets for some shows and saw that there are not very many seats left for performances. I don't know if they will be selling tickets at the door or if there will be any left to sell.

If you want to see the show, buy your tickets now!  Otherwise, I'll have to tell you all about it:)

Show performance dates are March 2, 3, and 10 at 7:30pm and March 4 and March 11 at 2:00pm.

https://tix5.seatyourself.biz/webstore/webstore.html?domain=mcgawymca&event=.

Hope to see you there!

Inspiration for the week

I visit this blog often:  http://www.kindovermatter.com/ this inspired me...

print by Choosing Beauty on etsy

If tomorrow never came, would you be proud of the last thing you said to each person you love?

If "someday" was only "now", would you do everything you've always put off?

If you knew you had a choice about what kind of life you could be living, would you choose different?

If you knew failure is impossible, what would you do?

If it were true that everyone you meet is you in another body, how would you treat them?

If love was the true currency of the Universe and the more you gave away the more you received, how would you spend it?

If fear were the biggest illusion and the greatest lie of all time, how would you choose to live your life?

If the Universe always supported a life lived towards achieving dreams, how big would you dream?

—
Jackson Kiddard