AAHHH Friday!  What a great week.   It has been nice here.  Today it is 82 and I am out back watching the golfers blogging.  Nice day!!!  Just said nice shot to a guy.  I never do that.

WHat a great week and sad one.  Great week for America!  Not so great for some people in Detroit.  Gregg’s old station is now out of business.  They pulled the plug on Tuesday during the inauguration.  They were hoping no one would notice.  Some great people are out of work now and that is always sad.  Even more so with the way the economy is in Detroit.  Radio is just not a good gig.  Sure it is good when you got it but things change, owners change and tastes change.  My advice to anyone in radio now is…”don’t get used to it, have a back up plan.”  Look at the veteran radio personalities who are now still in their prime(non-retiring age) and have to find work.  Gregg knew back in the wxyt/krk days that things weren’t going to last forever.  He had told me that radio was going to die and syndication, internet and “Bob/Alice” type stations were going to take over.  He was always interested in doing something else be it another job, college or opening a restaurant.  Even though the thought of openning a breakfast place had ALWAYS thrilled me it was just easier to collect the big salaries offered and not think about the future.  I still regret not buying the breakfast place we were talking about.  Once in Philly and seeing how miserable Gregg was I knew we had to make the move.  He dreaded talking about sports again.  So we set forth to open the Jungle Java.  Now in the beginning we were going to open one in Clinton Twp. and I was going to go back to Farmington Public Schools and resume teaching 6th grade math.  Then Gregg got the job here in Austin.  He didn’t want to go back to sports talk but it was an opportunity for us to get out of Detroit once and for all and get started on our dream.  Yeah that hit some bumps when he lost his job and we had to finish the financing without the job.  I’m sure if we would have waited another year we never would have gotten the loan.  But it was well worth the wait.  I love it here and I Love being our own boss and having our destiny in our hands.  Business ownership may not be for everyone but if you are in radio I would recommend that you at least have one back up plan if not a side venture going.  Things won’t last and I know everyone in radio has been unemployed before and knows some of what I say is true.  And with the way the market is going and the direction radio is taking there may not be another job opening once you lose this one.  THINK AHEAD or plan to move a lot(or be a great ass kisser and have no self esteem OR always keep a job while you cut the legs off from those under you ie./ be an executive).

OK enough of that on to sunnier things………TEXAS  LOL

Noah has his first science fair this week.  Kindergarten kids can’t go to regionals but I thought it would be good for Noah to do a project.  and………………..NOAH did his project.  He came up with the idea after searching the web and wrote the whole thing by hand.  Having been a science teacher I know too well how many parents do the project for their kids.  Often I would have to call a student to my desk to have them explain the project(mind you 6th grade) and they couldn’t.  Not only that but often they couldn’t pronounce some of the words on their board nor tell me what the word meant.  So this meant a lot to me to have Noah do his on his own.  Last night was the night when all the boards were on display and it wasn’t surprising to see what I saw.  Clearly parents had helped more than they were suppose to.  However I did learn something.  It is OK for parents to help if they put that in their reference and acknowlegement section.  Next time I will definitely type what Noah dictates to me but it will still look like an age appropriate task.  I had the poor child write everything out on his own and that took more time than coming up with his project and actually doing it.  I am happy to say that although Noah’s board did not look as professional as others he did receive a second place ribbon.  He was happy and I told him he won it all on his own.  This is not to say that other’s did not do their project on their own.  I saw and talked with some of the other kids in all grades and saw the work and effort they did in building their own items.  It was a great night and nice to see all the displays.  Congrats to Colin and Addison and good luck at Regionals(sorry if I missed anyone I didn’t see everyones).

Well another week is done and time to relax.  Couldn’t think of a better way than with a gluten free beer and lime salt so I am off to sit on my back porch, enjoy the weather and sun, and do a crossword…oh then beat the boys in Mario.  Gotta get ready for another busy day at JJ tomorrow!  Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TTFN

OK cheesy opening considering…….

I finally saw the end of las season’s Lost.  I am so happy that at least Desmond and Penny got a nice reunion.  I can’t wait to watch tonight.  I hope they go back to the island tonight.  I don’t want to wait forever.  I wonder what John was doing back and what happened back on the island that was so bad.  I guess we will find out some tonight.  Nice to have that back!

Noah has a second wiggly tooth.  I think the toothfairy may come this weekend.

We have been having a great time with G-ma.  Her timing couldn’t have better.  THe kids had Mon and Fri off and have had tons of fun with her.  Cooper has been asking every day when she is going home and telling her he is going to miss her when she leaves.  Last month when we visited he cried uncontrolably for an hour.  I hope that doesn’t happen this time.

Her timing was good for us at JJ.  It has been going bonkers since Dec..  It was nice not to have the boys around while we were crazy busy.  Part of it was my bad scheduling.  I thought on a day with 70+ weather that no one would come in to play.  I was wrong.  WE had the biggest weekend ever and the next few weeks have even more parties than EVER.  We have been open a little over 6 months now and it is growing daily.  I am still surprised how many people are coming for the first time.  We were a bit apprehensive about opening a buisness in a place that has so many nice weather months a year but that is proving not to be a problem.  I think this is good for the other people thinking of opening a JJ in the Carolinas or Florida.

I had great fun and joy yesterday watching the inauguration.  SSOOOOOOO Happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK to start off with I am sorry I haven’t posted anything in a while.  I’ve been a tad bit busy.  With that in mind this is your xmas card.  Ya, we didn’t send any out this year(sorry Dan and Stephanie)

The Henson’s have been busy this year.  I won’t make this a long year in review card.  If you want to know what we have been doing read the last zillion posts.  We have been working the Jungle Java and I have been teaching in the local middle school.  Noah is enjoying kindergarten at his new school and Cooper loves his pre-school.

This Christmas we got a Wii for the boys and they love it.  Of course we got Mario Kart and the sport games.  Noah loves the sports and Cooper loves the kart.  They couldn’t love the same game.  Momma has been enjoying it too and thanks to Great Grandma’s gift we also got another remote and a game.  Thank you Great G-ma!!!!!!!!!!!!  Your hand made letter is in the making.  We don’t have rock band or the fit game.  I don’t even think the boys could play it(I can’t).  We had a nice time decorating cookies, enjoying a xmas eve fest and of course xmas brunch.  THank you Mandy, Sarah and Carol.

This week we are planning a fun New Year’s Eve at the JJ with some close friends.  The kids will bring their blankies and we will watch movies and play and of course enjoy the night.

The weather here has been up and down.  Some days in the upper 70’s then WHAM the high is the upper 40’s.  It has been quite intersting in the AM to figure out how to dress!

Everything is great and I don’t have any pics to present but I’m sure one of the featured links on my site will have some pics up soon.

Sorry so short but time to get back to the Wii and help Noah prepare his science project that we are entering in the science fair.

TTFN.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

PS I still haven’t figured out that face book but thanks for all the support.

Yipee,  Time to give thanks and eat a lot of turkey, potatoes and stuffing.  I love thanksgiving more than just about any other holiday.  You get to eat and sloth about.  We are hosting the festivities at our house for the 4 other familes from out of town.  We have a great menu planned and some fun watching the Lions lose and the UT/A and M game.  Good day!

Noah had his school play today.  The kids got all dressed up and preformed their skit.  It was so cute to see all the children all excited.  It was a very hush hush production and Noah would reveal nothing.  Of course Jungle Java provided the turkey roll ups and coffee.  The kids had a great feast as all our parents brought lots of food.  I’m not sure what they are going to do with all the corn bread that was brought. 

The Jungle Java is all set and ready for all the kids that will come this week.  We have had SOOOOOOO many people call about our hours this week.  There is also a cold front coming in Thursday and it shouldn’t get above 62 for the weekend.  We have had so many first timers come into the store lately.  Gregg booked a lot of sports parties this past month and and we got a LOT of repeat customers from that.  I’m always surprised when someone comes in for the first time.  I thought we did a great job of advertising but nothing spreads better than word of mouth and parties.  Due to this new influx we are almost completely booked with parties every weekend.  Some parties are even having to book on weekdays.  We hired two new employees last week and are hiring two more this week.  We just had a staff meeting earlier tonight to discuss the new crowds and management.  I can’t believe we have only been open for less than 6 months and are already finding success.  Getting the award from the Chronicle also helped.  We have a group of moms from South Austin who travel all the way up to us to play.

This Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for.  I hope everyone can find something to be thankful for and enjoy the rest of their week!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

A swift wind has kicked up and now the chill begins.  OK so it isn’t as chilly as Michigan but relatively speaking it is freezing.  I’m wearing socks and a winter coat.  The high is only suppose to be in the 60’s for the next week.  I believe we are getting our first frost tonight.

Noah’s kindergarten are putting on a thanksgiving play on Tuesday.  I can’t wait to see it.  They are going to have a little lunch and everything.  It is still a secret as to the plot.  ooohhh

The shopping centers around us are having their grand openings this week.  A bunch of them have already opened and I am anticipating the rest.  Forbes named us one of the top 5 small cities for new business.  WE now have a Pei Wei, Spec’s liquor which besides booze has a whole fancy food and condiment section.  We also have Firehouse subs and numerous other food places and massage/facial places.    I went to Pei Wei on Friday for carry out and it was hopping.  I only wish they would put in a Bonefish Grill!!  It’s nice to have options for dining close by.

This weekend is going to be crazy with birthday parties but I think this Sunday(our day off) we are finally going to see Madagascar 2.  The first one was so funny.  Yes I am a late bloomer as I just saw the first one last month.  How cute.  Can’t wait to see the new one.

OK cold outside going in now,

Ok I am finally caught up on Heroes.  To tell you the truth I was one of the ones that was about to abandon the series.  Normally I would be waiting by the TV but as of late I have found other things to do.  Tonight I finally sat down and decided to watch them.  I must say that the last episode was a long time coming and may bring me back to watching “on time.”  It was interesting to see how everything came about.  Senior Petrelli scares me and it aint just his Chicago accent.

Speaking of accents.  It is so funny to hear my students tell me I have an accent.  I have restarted the tutoring at the middle school and in teaching a lesson one of the kids said, “omg, I hear your accent.”  It’s so funny because I don’t hear it.  Occasionally I hear someone here with a very strong accent but otherwise I think I am getting used to it.  Heck half the people here are from California.  Two weeks ago I did book a party with a mom and then had to say….are you Canadian?  She was surprised I recognized her accent until I told where I had grown up.  Paul, my step father, is British and people would ask me where he is from and I would say Franklin not realizing that they were talking about his accent.  It’s funny how you get used to things.

Noah is entering the science fair this year.  Today we did research on what topic he would like to cover.  We have our topic and will begin our research tomorrow.  This is such a fun activity for us to do together.  I told him that I have graded hundreds of science experiments through my years and have ideas but he is ready to take this on all by himself.  Go little man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a nice day today…

Noah has asked for a dinner party for his friends.  Preston and Heathcliff have had him over a few times for dinner and Noah wanted to return the favor.  Today we had the boys and Taelyn over and had nuggets, veggies, and baked and decorated cupcakes.  I have some fun pics I will post(I know mom I have a ton and will get to them!!).  Good Times!

Gregg had fun doing his “sports” radio show on the internet the other day.  If you like sports this might be an opportunity to hear him daily.  He got a call last week and we shall see what happens.  Either way I am fine with what happens.  We have never hidden our disdain with terestial radio so I hope this venture will prove to be a good one.  If it happens it will be rough at first but one that may be worthwhile.  Enough speculation we shall see what happens.  On other radio news.  Gregg told me JJ and Lynne were out of a job.  That is so sad.  It is hard to see people lose their job especially in the Detroit economy.  I know JJ holds a special place in Gregg’s heart.  I hope they both find opportunities soon.  I would think that the D and D rumors must also be buzzing because when I heard of the release I thought that right away.  It is bittersweet that they get that gig.  I’m sure that they both feel the same way.  D and D are nice guys and although they want a gig in Detroit I know that they are not elated to know how they got it.  They too know how it is to be working one day and out the next.  That is one TOUGH transition.  As I am sure you know we went through it as well.  My mom has often said I am a VERY pragmatic person.  True but it was hard to leave a house that I had built from the ground up!  That aside the prospect of moving someplace cool like Austin also appealed to me. 

Now…..It appealed to me because we were also making money and a cheaper lifestyle.  I had started my “adventure” living when I had moved to Boulder during my senior year in college(much to the dismay of my parents).    It was my “pyschosocial moratorium“.  It was at that point that i realized I wanted to return to college and see the world with new(employed…LOL) eyes.  I was always ready to move…I almost did my student teaching in Boulder but had no way to support myself and teach.  Once I was employed I found it hard to leave so it was ALMOST a godsend that Gregg and I were whisked away to Austin.  I loved it here…moved to Philly, which was fun as well but Austin was GREAT(Boulder is still a close second save the weather).  Not everyone is “built” to roll with the punches but hey, why fight it.  It is what it is and make the most of it.  Trust me we still have about two people who still post and write nasty shit about Gregg and radio and JJ stuff.  I find it amusing because two weeks after we left I moved on and they still haven’t.  Not everyone finds it easy to move on and I am not making light of those who can’t or don’t.  I can only imagine the pain that you are going through but once you get past it there are so many blue skies out there that you will be blinded by the sun.  I hope you are all fortunate to  gaze into the sun and put on those shade because life truly is a sunny place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  ENJOY!!!!!

I went back to Michigan for the msu game.  UGH. not what I had hoped for as of score nor play.  Damn I wouldn’t have cared who would have won if it had been the least bit exciting(sorry Gregg).  The tailgate was wilder than usual.  They had octobongs and an ice luge.  I did participate in the ice luge.  Patrick rented a sound system and the place was hopping.  Sooo many more people than used to be there when I hung.  It’s a nice location only being two parking rows from the stadium-Thanks to Aaron and his contributions to the U of M hockey team-and by the way GO Boston Bruins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found Jamie Morrison working the crowd and giving out field passes to past and soon to be present players.  He commented on two young men shadowing him and mentioned whoe they were.  When I turned to look at them the both said, “Oh My God, Ms, Champe/Mrs. Henson.”  I recognized the boys as Matt and Ryan Leach(sons of ex QB/baseball player R. Leach).  I almost died.  THese cute little boys were grown men.  The first a senior and the latter a freshmen.  These were great guys.  I remember Matt as an outstanding math student.  He is going into Athletic mangement(hence shadowing Jamie) and Ryan as such a ham.  He was such an outgoing guy that I had him do the play by play for the Piston’s MLK game with George Blaha.  The kid was a natural and is still as outgoing.  They were both interningfor Jamie and my friend Joe who is  Sr. Assoc. Athletic Director.  Funny thing is back in college Joe and my friend Pia and Topher and I were all suppose to get married and grow old together.  Oh how things have changed.  Joe has a family and stayed at Michigan(was on swimming team),  It was actually Joe and Pia’s time in Austin that taught me how cool it was here and allowed me to make the jump to move here.  Pia is a Dr. in Santa Monica and saving animals across the country with  adoptapet.com That is Pia with the pigtail braids.  I love that girl!  Topher is?????????????????????  Aspen, San Diego, Some third world coutnry, or somewhere parts unknown.  Please contact me or Kendo if you get this we would love to hear your latest adventure!

I have a ton of pictues to post when I get time.  I am back to tutoring at the middle school.  Great two day a week gig but I had to quit the PTA Homeroom parent chair.  That was hard but between the JJ, MS and kids it was too hard.  It is still nice though because Gregg and I get to regularly have lunch with Noah at school and go on his field trips.  Noah got his first report card and got great grades in music, art, PE, and math.  He got god grades in everything else but I am especially happy he got such great grades in math(being a math teacher and all).  It’s funny, I always thought his strength was in verbal communication of just about anything.  I was actually surprised to learn that he is great in geometry and statistics. 

Cooper is very much a computer guy.  It is funny to see him move the mouse around and get done what he wants.  He can do just about anything on the computer and we have never taught him it.  He knows how to turn the volume up and down and how to print many documents.  I always ask Gregg, “Did you teach him that?”

Anyway, Good things are happening and I will be writing more and sending pictures in the next week or so.  Sorry for my absence!

OK Guys are horn dogs….  THat has always been the case.  They are always talking about how hot a girl is regardless of age most the time.  Gregg having been in the radio business many, many, many (sorry hun) years there is always talk of who is hot and such.  I have always been appalled at older men oogling the much younger crowd.  Shoot, half the crowd I don’t even know.  Who the hell is Lauren Conrad and why should I care?  There are many others out there and perhaps I am showing my age by not knowing or caring who they are.  Back in the day you were someone if you had a talent and acted.  Then you would get your fame.  For all I know these people are on shows but if they are I don’t know what shows they are on.  I digress.  So as I was saying.  THe radio guys would always comment on younger girls and say things like, “hey they are legal.”  I found it disgusting.  THey were still children.  WE were in our upper 30’s then some in their 50’s(now we are in the 40’s lol) saying things about the 20 somethings.  Well I have to eat some crow now and be grossly disgusted with myself as I see myself for once joining them in the reverie!

Miss Sarah dropped off an US Weekly magazine to me today and I couldn’t help but see this one shot of a very cute and sexy looking young man.  My tastes for Hollywood celebreties run really only two ways, Johnny Depp and Matthew McConaughey(as long as he doesn’t speak, damn he is a hot piece of UT!).  Today I flipped to a page with really no description and thought damn that guy looks fine and then when I turned the page I wanted to PUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I was looking at a KID who hadn’t even turned 21 yet(tomorrow he will).  OMG. I started laughing at the irony and the sickness of it all.  HIs brooding pic kind of caught me off guard as It looked a lot like a Jared Leto pose(thought he was cute but too young in the day, yea he was 4 years younger than me).  The only thing I do have to say is that if he keeps pics up like that one then I’m sure he will free himself of the Disney pop curse.

OK enough Disney, 21 Jump Street, and My So Called Life Talk.  I have to take a shower!!!!!!!!!!!!  Oh by the way it was Zac Efron.  This wasn’t the pic I was referring to but not bad.

OK before I start this post I have to send birthday wishes to Sarah(we won’t say your age) and Gavin, happy first birthday!!!!!!!! 

Tonight Cooper did something he has always done, take care of himself!  Cooper is MR. independent.  His style is different from Noah’s.  Noah was always Mr. independent in the sense that he would amuse himself.  He would always play quietly by himself when he was little.  He always found something fun to do.  Cooper is more independent in that he takes care of himself and doesn’t like to ask for help.  It in a sense makes me feel guilty like he doesn’t think I would help him.  But that is not it. 

Tonight he got out of bed and came downstairs for a late night snack.  I had all the lights out and was watching TV.  He took his apple and proceeded to get a blanket for himself.  He ate his apple then began to make a cozy spot on the couch.  He had to fight to unfold the big blanket.  I watched as he tried to spread it out first on the couch then try to unfold it more to fully cover the couch.  At this point Noah would have been screaming that he couldn’t unfold it right.  Cooper just kept at it until he had it right.  Once he had unfolded the blanket just right on the couch he climbed up and got the pillows just right and snuggled down.  It’s funny to see him have the patience to do such a thing…espcially this late at night.

He likes to get his own food too.  That is a bit of a problem as once he tried to peel his own apple with a knife.  Yep had to move those out of the way.  I wish he would just ask for my help.  I’ve always told him Iwould get him all the fruit he wants.  We have had to have a moratorium on the peaches.  That kid is a Peach FREAK.  We sing that silly song by the Presidents of the United States song all the time(Peaches).

Time to put that silly boy to bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!