Chess Mom -- the queen rules

Every now and then, you get a chance to prove your point. Hopefully for the boys' sakes I won't blow it.

Chip enjoys playing chess. He's in 4th grade now, but has been playing since Kindergarten. It's something that he has had a varying interest in. Sometimes he's a chess nut, sometimes he can go months without playing. But, tournament season is upon us.

We (and others) have, with no success, approached the principal of his school to try to encourage the start of a chess club. The last time I mentioned it I was told that there wouldn't be interest, and that there were too many after school activities and there wasn't any room (blah blah blah). (BUT -- they can manage to have 10, yes 10 different girl scout troops meet in the school).

Anyway, today Chip, and three other boys from his school went to a local chess tournament.

It was the *FIRST* tournament for three of the boys.

They came home with the *FIRST* place trophy.

So tonight I sent a letter to MissChief and told her what happened, and that since the trophy belongs to the school that the boys would love to present it to her.

As I told the Tournament Director, I just can't wait to shove shoW it to her face.

Chip off the old block

#1son (henceforth to be known as "Chip") is a regular chip off the old block (making dad a "blockhead" :}). This boy has inherited many traits from both his parents. He's bright, funny, attractive, and charming - just like his mom. He's a procrastinator, frugal, and has a wicked temper (just like his dad).

Okay - he didn't get ALL his good traits from me, and he didn't get all his bad traits from his dad (actually, his temper comes from BOTH sides of the family :} ).

We had Chip's parent teacher conference last week. It was no surprise to find out that he had a practically excellent report card. The only two places that could use work are him getting motivated to work (oh yeah -- he gets his procrastination skills from BOTH of his parents also) and his reading comprehension.

We did have an issue with his teacher though -- we got Chip's report card 3 days LATE!!! Seems his teacher didn't have time to get the report cards ready on time. Something about being at the hospital with his wife who was having a baby that was 10 weeks early. Like that's some kind of an excuse or something. Well, I set him straight -- I told him that I would not let him off the hook for that ... unless he showed us pictures of the precious baby.

She's a beauty. If you're the type - keep her in your prayers. Let's hope she's home for Christmas. What a wonderful present for mom & dad.

Born in Arizona, moved to Babylonia

King Tutankhamun has been in town this summer. Some say the Irish know how to throw a funeral, but the Egyptians REALLY knew how to honour the departed. Just as a rough guess, I'm willing to bet the take from any Ancient Egyptian tomb could feed a few third world countries for a year or more. I left Princess home and just took #1son to see the exhibit. A mom/son day out.

It was interesting when we got home, and he wanted to tell his dad the details of the organ removals but I would let him describe taking the brain out through the nose during dinner.

Personally, I'm thinking good old fashioned organ donation is more my style.

Then again, perhaps some of the exhibit inspired bling can be my style. I think I'd look good in the Lapis collar. It's only $1,080. (Though I did suggest my son *NOT* buy me, as jewelry, any of the amber that had imbedded insects)

A most unfortunate experience

Today #1son and I had an outing. There was a Lemony Snicket event put on by our local indepent bookstore. It was fabulous and funny. I actually enjoy reading this series of children's books. The first thing on the agenda was supposed to be a concert by Lemony Snicket and the Gothic Archies. Unfortunately, Lemony Snicket was unable to attend the event (not surprising though, as I don't think he has ever been seen).

There were two things that were not unfortunate. We had tickets number 120 and 122, which meant that we were out of there fairly early. The other item was that we were just down the street from a wonderful Irish Pub. #1son loves hamburgers, so I asked if he wanted to go there for lunch.

And, fortunately, it was a LOVELY day for a Guinness.

[of course, my theory is that every day is a lovely day for a Guinness].