Love those Harlem Globetrotters

Yesterday, Hubby and I took the kids to see the Harlem Globetrotters. Not a cheap afternoon out, but worth every penny. The kids had a great time, even though my youngest covered his ears every time the kids behind us emitted a sound so loud it put foghorns to shame.  The Harlem Globetrotters played the International Elite this time. Led by Special K,  they pulled out a victory, thanks to a few well-timed four point shots.

I admit it. I love the Harlem Globetrotters and I have ever since I was a kid. When I was in second (or maybe third) grade, the Globetrotters came to my grade school. I’m sure Curly Neal was there, but maybe not. I adored him, so I don’t trust my memory completely on this matter. But I do remember the visit. We crowded into the school gymnasium and sat on the floor. I was in the first row. The Globetrotters did the water gag, shot baskets and encouraged us to follow our dreams. They pulled up several students to teach them skills. I did not get to spin a ball on my finger, but I did get to stand up and be part of the program – they passed a ball around me in some magical way. The exact trick escapes me because my bliss addled brain couldn’t focus on much.  I admit to being star struck.  They’d been on Scooby Doo.  But I also remember thinking how cool it was that they came to our school and were so nice and much fun.

Thirty years later, the same holds true.  The Harlem Globetrotters are the best sort of celebrities.  After the game, they signed autographs. A huge line waited for Flight Time.  Apparently I’m not the only one crushing on him after his appearance on the Amazing Race.  I think it would be easy to become jaded, signing so many autographs game after game, but not him. He was gracious the whole time.  We also sought out Spider Wilks, who enthralled us with his dunking skills. He gave us a huge smile when he saw my hubby’s sweatshirt with their shared college. He signed the program my eight year old daughter held then looked at my four-year old son.  “What? The little guy has nothing to sign? We’ve got to fix that.” Spider took off is wrist band, autographed it, and handed it to my son. Beck beamed.  So did I.

You have to love the Harlem Globetrotters. What a wonderful organization that promotes fun, humor, athleticism and above all kindness.  My daughter can’t wait to go next year.  Frankly, neither can I.

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How do they get so much done?

Every day or week that goes by without my posting a new blog, my mailbox fills with announcements of a new blog post by one of the many people I follow.  Several of my favorites find the humor in parenting and the surprising reality of being a stay at home mom.  They hit home and make me smile.  They also make me green with envy. How do these women find time to blog on a regular basis?

Suburban Snapshots details Brenna’s unexpected parenthood journey. And it’s freakin’ hilarious.  Most moms will probably wet their pants (a side effect of childbirth) the rest of you can simply enjoy learning how having a toddler is like being at a frat party.  I am in awe that her parenting brain works well enough to be witty. I’m not sure what happened to my brain.  I think it slunk off in shame during an endless game of Chutes and Ladders.

I am also utterly impressed with Amber of Parenting, Illustrated with Crappy Pictures.  For one thing, her art skills are superior to mine. After hours spent at the kitchen table with paper, crayons, markers and pencils, I end up with a beautiful refrigerator (the kids’ pictures) and a bunch of paper for the recycling (my efforts). I love the mix of humor and heart, but most of all I love knowing that I’m not the only one with the “five-hour rule.”

When I read these bloggers in particular, I feel better about neglecting the housework. I’m inept at it anyway. As for the kids letting me have a chance to read, well, thank goodness for bloggers who know how to make a site look good. The kids love the pictures, but my 8 yr old thinks Amber should hire her to do the illustrations.

I would love to blog about important stuff (see the half finished blogs on tunnel tolls and ultrasounds), or even the everyday stuff (Legos) and produce something on a more regular basis.  But I don’t.  I like my sleep, my TV and playing tapfish. My kids can play nicely on their own for hours, but once the computer comes out, they hang all over me, desperate and clingy.  They are jealous of the laptop. Just as I am jealous of those parents who can write a book, or a blog or even just have clean floors.  My hat off to those superheros among us.

Oh – and if you know of anyone else I should add to my regularly scheduled blog reading list, let me know.  I could use a few more ways to waste time.