Dinner @ Shareej: 11.14.08

Welcome to Shareej!!

Staff is setting up the table for their 1st customer

Main Course: Meatloaf Muffin with Broccoli and Steam Rice

Co-Owner, EJ cooking it up in the Kitchen.

Dessert: Burping Cow (Grape Soda, Low-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream, Marshmallows)

Son Highly Preferred

Funny as it may seem...I so don't know how to take care of little girls. Well it's not like I don't know how. I just forgot how much more work there is tending to a toddler/preschooler. This morning my sister left her 2 girls with me. EJ has no school today so it was an opportunity for my nieces to sleep in today. Imagine having to wake up at 5am in the morning. Insane! Especially for a 3 and 4 year old girl. Anyway, I cracked myself up. Tates woke up with no problem. I was getting ready for work. EJ was in the shower. I told Tates to go brush her teeth. She quietly got her little footstool. Stepped onto it. Picked up her toothbrush and was able to squeeze toothpaste neatly onto the bristles. I was pretty amazed. She was far neater than me! She stood there for like a full minute just looking at her toothbrush. . Like, why is she waiting, I thought. Dumb me assumed she knew how to brush her teeth. But, it was pretty obvious that she didn't because she would glance at me numerous times while I was fixing my hair. I witnessed her as she picked up her toothbrush and attempted to insert it in her mouth via gag-style. I quickly took it away from her and ended up brushing her teeth for her. HAHA! Gag-style... I said. You should've seen it. Hysterical but scary at the same time. Janelle on the other hand was super independent girl. She brushed her teeth and washed her face. Dressed herself and assisted her younger sister with putting on her jacket. I was like cool. I instructed the girls to wait patiently in the living room while EJ and I finish up. Janelle started wandering in her mom's bathroom. I gave her a hard time for not listening to me. Then she reminded me of something. "Tita Share. What about my hair? My mommy always fixes me and Caitlin's hair." "Oh yeah!", I laughed to myself. "Combing your hair would be a good idea..." LOL! Talk about no parental skills whatsoever and hello! I have a son! "I am sooo not allowed to have daughters, Janelle. I'm sorry". "It's OK, Tita Share...".Janelle goes through the drawers and finds matching clips for both her and her sister. "Mine is the yellow and Caitlin's is the green ones". I clipped Janelle's long locks to the side like how I would do it if it was my hair. As for Tates, I did a horrific job. Her hair was too short and slippery. I tried to part it and put one clip on the right and another on the left. It looked hideous! Then I got frustrated and pulled it back into a loose, crooked ponytail. Not to mention hella bumpiness. After 4 attempts of trying to make it look all smooth, I just went with it. It'll get messy once she starts playing anyways. LOL! So there, so much for trying to get girls ready. Sons are so much better. No need to comb their hair. No need for fancy clips and hair ties. You're probably thinking - well you're a chick! How hard could it possibly be? Think hard. If you know me, you know I have no skills with dolling myself up. I'm practically 75% dude living with a female anatomy. All I can say - thank goodness I didn't end up with a daughter 10 years ago. Whew!

Child Labor

After waking up from little sleep (due to the Get Em High party), my mom and sister decided to plan a field trip out to Ikea in Palo Alto. I tried to avoid going since I was pooped. They both said it was important that I come with them. One - I knew the measurements for the shelving unit we needed for the living room. Two - I'm the picky one. They did not want to chance me not liking the purchase. So... obviously me staying home was not an option no longer. Even worse, they volunteered me to drive. That is one of the disadvantages of owning a SUV - more space! Similar to going Target, going to Ikea is a death wish. You plan to buy one thing and end up buying more than expected. So, I ended up purchasing EJ a desk and chair for his room. On top of that another hamper and randomly a lint brush per EJ's request. I hope he's not turning into a pretty boy...Anyway, we left Ikea withOUT a shelving unit for our living room. UGH! Long story short, my mom and sister disagreed with my choice. Apparently, it was too high and too expensive. Afterwards, we headed back home. I was quite disappointed and irked. Once we got home, I was determined to find a freakin' shelving unit. I hopped online and browsed once again in the Ikea website. Thankfully, I found something. I told my sister about it and she was like - WTF?! We were just there! But she agreed to go with me on a Part II field trip to Ikea. We were in and out like a quick-style. We got home and my sister hurried me to get the shelf assembled quick so she can finally get back the laundry hamper. Yeah, we ghetto like that. When we moved in a couple months ago, we had to improvise. Originally, we had a nice entertainment center BUT this stupid thing called the fireplace was in the way. So, we pretty much had no choice but to eliminate and trash the nice entertainment center and use the hamper as a stand for our DVD player. Hilarious, right? OK. I'm finally getting to the real juicy stuff. EJ plans on building his desk and chair on his own. (BTW - he gets that building trait from his mommy) I was shocked when he finished assembling it. Being the lazy person that I am, I asked him (yes asked!) if he was interested in building the shelf also. He answered with a quick "Sure!". As I was supervising my son with the help of my lovely nieces, I was also watch Sunday Night Football - Eagles vs. Giants. I'm very grateful to have such a wonderful son. He's always there for me in time of need and laziness. It's such a great feeling to be able to sit back and watch your boy slowly transform into a miniature "beefy man boy" and take matters in his own hands with no parental guidance. I absolutely love when an unexpected situation leads to a joyful moment full of appreciation for parenthood. Maybe one day, you'll have a bomb diggity son like mine. Job well done, EJ! Muah!

Proper Spelling Mode

I'm sitting here at work and then all of a sudden I get an email from my son saying "I'm done!!!" <----referring to his homework. First of all, how did he have access to email me. Then I forgot he's at the library. Then I questioned, why the hell is he online?! Shouldn't he be doing something more productive? Then again I realized he had a Native American report to do some research on. Odd as it may seem, I'm now chatting with my son via Google Chat. Funny, right? I'm only used to chatting with friends and family members over the age of 18. It's pretty cute though. At the same time, I can't use abbreviations because hello! He's in 4th grade. I don't want for him to grow up thinking that the word 'your' is spelled 'ur' OR 'please' is spelled as 'pls' OR even 'thanks' spelled as 'thx'. No common initialisms (<----thx reegsta) allowed either (like OMG or BTW). Let's not also forget about proper use of upper case/lower case letters. Anyway, I found myself backspacing alot and re-typing my IMs more appropriately and along with the correct spelling. Hmmm, maybe I should start doing this on a day to day basis from now on. I myself don't want to become a 30 year old illiterate person nor have people think that I never had a proper high school education.

me: I <3 U

Library Evolution

A couple days ago, I visited the San Mateo Public Library for the very first time. My first visit was quick. I was dropping EJ off there to do his homework and report on Native Americans. The library consists of three floors. Automatically, I thought luxurious. Only because I was comparing it to my childhood library: Daly City Public Library at Gellert Park. Inside San Mateo Public Library, I was in complete Ah! This place is ridiculously insane. I made it a point to stop by the next day and get a complete tour of the library for myself. It has been more than a decade since I've been inside of a library. It's been since Middle school since I actually studied (or at least attempted to) inside a library. I dropped EJ off once again after school. Once I got off work, I headed to the lovely library. A few things I observed: - A bunch of computers! - Self Checkout stands - Automatic Book Drop Box - Cafe on the 3rd Floor - A lot of lounge chairs - A lot of laptop ready desks One thing I was totally baffled about was the Cafe. It was located literally INSIDE the library. Is that allowed? I thought people aren't allowed to bring food or drinks into the building? Anyway, EJ and I were kind of hungry and craving a snack. We took the elevator up to the cafe and ordered 2 Cup O'Noodles. I asked the cashier, "Is it OK to eat inside?". She replies, "Yes, you can eat anywhere in the library." "Thank you", I said. But inside I was like dieing!! What?! People are allowed to eat INSIDE the library now? That was unheard of in my childhood years! I had a huge grin on my face. YAY! I can eat inside. I still can't believe it. Back in the day, we'd have to sneak in our chips and soda in our backpacks or else we'd get kicked out. Talk about ghetto, right? Man, kids these days are terribly spoiled. If they only knew the stuff we went through when we were their age. [sigh] So with me all amazed and all, my goal is to get a library card. Tabo List Item #4! For all of you reading, it must be simple and easy, right? Not for me. I'm too scared. Have you ever received delinquent notices from a library for an un-returned book? I have. I have a feeling I'm still banned from any library located in the San Mateo County. Call me crazy, but you never know!!! But back in the day, probably when I was in 4th grade one of the twins, Ling borrowed my library card to check out Madonna's biography. I should have never trusted her with my library card. I had a good clean record!! I always turned in my books on time. Anyway, months went by. I assumed that she would turn it in. Nope! I get a little postcard in the mail stating that I never turned in the book. Now, this book was a hardcover, with thick white pages, colored photographs and huge! I'm thinking great! This book must be expensive. I contacted Ling and she said she turned it in. I know she was lieing. I would pray and hope that the library would just forget about it and do without Madonna's book. My prayers were not answered. Every month, I'd get a friendly postcard from the library. And every month, the late fee would accumulate! It was to the point where I actually got a bill to pay for the damn book plus late fees and interest. The bill was over $300! Insane, right? I wanted to cry. I was too scared to tell my mom or dad about it. So every day from 4th to 5th grade, I would beat my parents to the mailbox. If a notice came from the library, I'd tear it up and toss in the garbage. So there, that's my history with Daly City Public Library. I wonder if I'm still in their system. I wonder if I can once again apply for a library card. Probably not. I'm probably just over-reacting with all this. But dude you don't understand. $300 is alot of money for a freakin 4th grader! I was traumatized! You also have to understand it was hard to suppress this inner guilt I had inside. Just think this was a decade long fear of mine. It was blocked from my train of thought which helped me forget. But ever since my visit to the library this week, my mind all of a sudden triggered this fear and is now resurfaced. It's an unsettling feeling deep down inside. It's very hard to describe. I guess you can say that I have librarycardphobia. It's a stupid fear. As a youngin, I thought I'd get arrested if a librarian recognized me as the girl that never turned in the damn Madonna book. No wonder why I hate Madonna...it was probably because of this whole incident. Who knows... One day I might just be brave enough to do it. It's easier said than done though. Until then, library card will just be Item #4 on my list.

Share a Laugh

So yesterday night I was able to share a two good laughs with my son. It's been a while since we shared a moment like that. Sometimes in life we are just too caught up with our busy schedules and don't make time to enjoy the simple things such as smiling with someone that matters most in the world to you. The first laugh we shared was during EJ's baseball game against St. Matthews. At the time, he was playing Right Field. He was in the zone in decent squat position with this arms resting on this thighs with his mit on. Finally, the opposing team struck out for the 3rd time and so all of his teammates ran into the dugout. As he was running, I guess he noticed his fly was open. I was standing to the right of the dugout against the fence eyeing him. He started to laugh and said..."Mommy, my fly was open". He laughed and went towards my way to adjust his zipper very discreetly and very quickly. I laughed and we both shared a good cheesy smile. It felt good. It was a very cute moment. The second laugh we shared was in the bathroom washing up for bed. I called him downstairs from his bedroom. It was close to bedtime and he needed to brush his teeth. He came downstairs and in the bathroom he went. As he was brushing, I was removing my contacts. I was done and just as I was walking out of the bathroom, I noticed a bad habit of mine which was leaving the medicine cabinet door open. My body was literally out the door and decided to be slick and just stick my right arm out and into the bathroom and shut it. Without looking, I thought I was be able to estimate the distance of the cabinet door and my grasp perfectly and close the medicine cabinet door shut as I as walking away. First try - unsucessful. EJ was probably wondering what the hell I was doing. Second try - unsuccessful again. EJ finally understood why my arm was in a waving like motion. Third try I attempted to swing again thinking I'd actually get in contact with the medicine cabinet - Unsucessful. By that time, EJ was laughing hysterically with his toothbrush in his mouth still. I said crap and peeked into the bathroom so see how far my hand was from the medicine cabinet - Not even close!! I shut it quickly and walked away. EJ was still laughing and then so was I. I guess I wasn't so slick after all.

Eli: Design of the Decade 1998/2008

What a suitable title! Thanks Janet Jackson for the creative idea! 10 years ago today at 3:22AM, my life changed. I gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Eli. He was nicknamed E-40 for a quick minute. Reason behind it was because that was exactly my labor time - 40 minutes! Prior to me giving birth to Eli, I was simply watching MTV's 1998 VMA Awards by myself in the living room of my one bedroom apartment I shared with baby daddy. Ben Stiller was hosting. Some of the highlights of the Awards show were performances by Mya's Ghetto Superstar, Master P's Make 'em Say Uhh, Brandy and Monica's Boy is Mine, and Beastie Boys' Intergalactic. Anyway, I was lying on my comfortable beige microfiber couch and then suddenly, I felt the most painful menstrual cramp ever! I told baby daddy who for some reason was chillin in the bedroom. I don't think he was very into MTV hence me watching it all by my lonesome self. I called him and said I think it's time. He then told me to call Kaiser, which I did. Tell me why the advice nurse told me to call back when the pain really kicks in?! Umm, mother-f**ker...why else would I be calling you if I wasn't in pain?! I said fine and hung up. So, I continued to watch until I felt I could no longer stand the pain/contractions. In less than an hour the contractions came more frequently so I knew it was definitely time. Before, we left for the hospital, I called my sister, Irene who at the time lived like a couple blocks away. She walked over and rode with us. We got to Kaiser and was admitted. The nurses placed me in one of the labor rooms. So funny, when we got there, I no longer felt the pain. My contractions went away. Nurses then advised me to walk up and down the hallway in hoping it would induce my labor. I did but ended up cappin on a chick that was doing the same. I was so mean. I said something like [LOL], "Look at her...she hella looks like she's in pain. Poor thing". Irene was like, "Share, you're so mean". Irene and I only walked for maybe 2 minutes. It was going no where so I wanted to lay back in bed. So doctor finally came in and was like "Hey, you want me to pop your waterbag or not?". Of course, she said it in a more professional manner but I think she was just trying to get me out of the department. Once I agreed to have them manually pop my waterbag with a freaking stick then pain BEGAN! I was like ooooooooooooooh crap. This is the most painfulest thing ever!! Now I know what the advice nurse was talking about previously when I was on the phone with her. Nurse saw my pain and asked if I needed meds. HELL TO THE YEAH I DO! But by the time she came back, I was already in labor and pushing. Great, just great! I'm going to have to pull this labor off 100% naturally. My sister Irene was holding up my left leg and baby daddy was holding the right. For some reason, spreading my legs wider with my knees bent was supposed to help with the process. It was already awkward having my sister there. Ugh! Anyway, I was having trouble pushing in the beginning. Basically, I didn't know how. Like WTF Doc, can you show me real quick?? After 10-15 minutes, I tried a different technique of pushing. I guess I was pretending I was taking a deuce. It worked! I was making great progress. I kept up with that technique and then BAM! It's a Boy! 6 pounds, 13 ounces and 21 inches long! Damn he had hella hair!! So there....and 10 years later here we are. It's great being a mother! Best gift ever! Can't wait to have another one. This time, I'll wait until I'm married or engaged at least. ;) HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELI! I LOVE YOU! I dedicate this song to you...This is the song that you wanted me to play over and over when you were only a couple months old. If I didn't, you would NOT stop crying. Oh the memories...[sigh]

Today's Almost Over's Agenda

Happy 56th Birthday Father aka Dad aka Puti aka Big Mo aka Moises! We love you and we miss you. I can't believe how time flies. Weird - as I was cleaning my room for my move, I noticed a pic of you and me. I think I was around 3 or 4 holding your hand in front of some old ass car. Gosh. Sometimes, I still can't believe you are not around. It's been 6 years since we've celebrated your birthday here on Planet Earth. Hopefully, Dude from up above is treating you well. Sorry for not visiting you at the cemetery, as much. I know our busy schedules is no excuse. I've still been meaning to get some good fertilizer for your grave since the grass isn't as green like I'd like it to be. I hope them darn deers aren't pooping near you. Tito Steve actually called me yesterday to arrange a day for all of us to see you. As much as we'd like to have seen you today, your actual birthday, work of course got in the way. Plus, you know the cemetery gates close at 5pm. We'll see you this Sunday though for sure! I'm sure you'll hear our loud asses greeting you, reminiscing and just kickin back. The weather should be nice so you definitely won't hear us complaining and saying..."OK dad, it's hella windy and cold, gotta go! Love you!" LOL! I know it can be messed up but seriously, you'd be cold too! You're on a hill and the darn cemetery people cut down the trees. Therefore, we have no more wind blockers! LOL! Anyway, your grandkids are getting so big, dad. They are all doing great. EJ is going to be 10! Yikes! So what treat would you like when we see you this Sunday? Is it Mentos? Is it Rolos? Starburst? Or wait - I know!! I'll definitely bring you a piece sliver of Sara Lee pound cake. Frozen - just the way you always liked it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I LOVE YOU! Sincerely, Beb (#2 out of your 6 daughters)