Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Word of the Day: Quadrilateral
Friday night we had guests over for a late dinner. Ella was up to greet them and then off to bed while we enjoyed grilled steaks and the works.
About 10 minutes into dinner I hear Ella coming back down the stairs and into the dining room.
Ella: "Mama, I forgot to tell you something. Do you know the word of the day?"
Me: "No."
Her: "Quadrilateral. Mama, do you know what that is?"
Me: "Of course I do."
Her: "Do you remember what a rhombus is?" (Its an equilateral quadrilateral, also known as a diamond)
Me: (searching my brain) "Of course. Similar to a square."
Her: "Mama, squares are so kindergarten."
Now, call me crazy but I am PRETTY certain I didn't learn about quadrilaterals and rhombuses (or is it rhombi) until oh I don't know GEOMETRY class. 1st grade, people. 1st grade.
About 10 minutes into dinner I hear Ella coming back down the stairs and into the dining room.
Ella: "Mama, I forgot to tell you something. Do you know the word of the day?"
Me: "No."
Her: "Quadrilateral. Mama, do you know what that is?"
Me: "Of course I do."
Her: "Do you remember what a rhombus is?" (Its an equilateral quadrilateral, also known as a diamond)
Me: (searching my brain) "Of course. Similar to a square."
Her: "Mama, squares are so kindergarten."
Now, call me crazy but I am PRETTY certain I didn't learn about quadrilaterals and rhombuses (or is it rhombi) until oh I don't know GEOMETRY class. 1st grade, people. 1st grade.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
And yes another reason
Palin would be the first VP in 32 years (that's all the living VPs) who had never met a foreign head of state before assuming the vice presidency.
And yet another reason to LOVE Matt Damon....
I love this..."I need to know if she believes Dinosaurs were here 4000 years ago. I want to know that really I do. Because she's going to have the nuclear codes."
And yet another reason to LOVE Matt Damon....
I love this..."I need to know if she believes Dinosaurs were here 4000 years ago. I want to know that really I do. Because she's going to have the nuclear codes."
Thursday, September 11, 2008
7 Years
7 years is a long time. 7 years ago today I was quietly sitting stunned and shell shocked in my mother in law's house glued to the television. The immediate fear of that morning was over. I had been at work in my office in Alexandria when the whole world seemed to shift. Hung had sent me an instant message asking if I had heard about the plane crash in New York. I replied I hadn't. Minutes later he said he had heard there had been another. I started feverishly searching CNN, MSNBC and other news sites looking for any word. 1 plane was odd, 2 within minutes was horrifying. Immediately after finding the first piece of news online, Hung disappeared from IM. Panicked, I realized I had no idea where he was. At the time he was a contractor splitting his time between an office in Bethesda and the Department of Justice building in DC. Thus began frantic attempts to contact him via cell phone. Finally after what was only about an hour, but what seemed like forever, he called me on my office phone from his office phone. He was in Bethesda, but they were letting everyone leave. He had no idea what he would find on the roads but he was heading home. I, seeing the parking lot that was Duke Street directly out my window, told him I was sitting tight.
About 1/2 of my office stayed and 1/2 headed home. Eventually traffic died down and I headed home. In a daze.
7 years ago today I was not yet aware that I would be a mother. I didn't realize I was pregnant with Ella until 10 days after September 11th.
For me this time of year is inexorably linked with some of the best memories of my life, the memories of being pregnant for the first time, completing the construction of our home and moving in, preparing a baby's nursery. Sweet, warm, lovely memories.
About 1/2 of my office stayed and 1/2 headed home. Eventually traffic died down and I headed home. In a daze.
7 years ago today I was not yet aware that I would be a mother. I didn't realize I was pregnant with Ella until 10 days after September 11th.
For me this time of year is inexorably linked with some of the best memories of my life, the memories of being pregnant for the first time, completing the construction of our home and moving in, preparing a baby's nursery. Sweet, warm, lovely memories.
It is also forever and relentlessly entwined with feelings of fear, despair and pain. September 11th and my pregnancy whirlwind with Max in 2006. It is a painful and sometimes confusing and difficult mix. Externally I look the same, but I am edgier and more prone to snap in September. I have to make myself aware and realize why I feel the feelings I do this month.
I am so absolutely grateful that I was able to allow myself to be completely distracted by the experience and beauty of bringing a new life into the world instead of despairing about how ugly and terrifying life can be.
7 years is a long time and I will forever grieve for those families who no longer have their loved ones with them. I remind myself constantly how precious and fleeting life is. I try to savor every, single solitary moment.
I am not a particularly religious person, but this quote is especially poignant.
“Today, we gather to be reassured that God hears the lamenting and bitter weeping of Mother America because so many of her children are no more. Let us now seek that assurance in prayer for the healing of our grief stricken hearts, for the souls and sacred memory of those who have been lost. Let us also pray for divine wisdom as our leaders consider the necessary actions for national security, wisdom of the grace of God that as we act, we not become the evil we deplore.”
- Rev. Nathan Baxter, Dean of Washington National Cathedral
Amen!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Small Town America
And another thing. I grew up in a VERY small town, population around 800, so I feel qualified to speak to this topic.
I am struggling to understand how small town "values" have been taken as synonymous with moral, good, hardworking, and trustworthy. As if somehow those born and raised, or who simply choose to live, in a small town are obviously morally superior.
This is completely inconsistent with my significant experience as a child and young adult (age 3-18). Notably I remember racism, bigotry, sexism, and the tendency of the morally upright (or should I say uptight) to meddle in the business of everyone...particularly anyone who disagreed or lived their lives a little differently. Oh, and the hypocrisy. I remember a lot of that!
How is it that the republican party is so adamant about freedom for some but not for all?
(For the record, I love small towns, even the one I grew up in! I am aare that there are many hard working, smart, loving, tolerant people in small towns. I just don't appreciate or approve of the contrary implication that those who were born and raised in, or who simply choose to live in, large towns or cities are somehow morally bankrupt.)
I am struggling to understand how small town "values" have been taken as synonymous with moral, good, hardworking, and trustworthy. As if somehow those born and raised, or who simply choose to live, in a small town are obviously morally superior.
This is completely inconsistent with my significant experience as a child and young adult (age 3-18). Notably I remember racism, bigotry, sexism, and the tendency of the morally upright (or should I say uptight) to meddle in the business of everyone...particularly anyone who disagreed or lived their lives a little differently. Oh, and the hypocrisy. I remember a lot of that!
How is it that the republican party is so adamant about freedom for some but not for all?
(For the record, I love small towns, even the one I grew up in! I am aare that there are many hard working, smart, loving, tolerant people in small towns. I just don't appreciate or approve of the contrary implication that those who were born and raised in, or who simply choose to live in, large towns or cities are somehow morally bankrupt.)
Well Said
Another pundit putting forth far more eloquently than I can manage what I am feeling in regards to Palin's nomination. That which particularly resonates with me is bolded...cause I know you want to know :)
The Mirrored Ceiling
Judith Warner
It turns out there was something more nauseating than the nomination of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate this past week. It was the tone of the acclaim that followed her acceptance speech.
“Drill, baby, drill,” clapped John Dickerson, marveling at Palin’s ability to speak and smile at the same time as an indication of her unexpected depths and unsuspected strengths. “It was clear Palin was having fun, and it’s hard to have fun if you’re scared or a lightweight,” he wrote in Slate.
The Politico praised her charm and polish as antidotes to her lack of foreign policy experience: “Palin’s poised and flawless performance evoked roars of applause from delegates who earlier this week might have worried that the surprise pick and newcomer to the national stage may not be up to the job.”
“She had a great night. I thought she had a very skillfully written, and very skillfully delivered speech,” Joe Biden said, shades of “articulate and bright and clean” threatening a reappearance.
Thus began the official public launch of our country’s now most-prominent female politician. The condescension – damning with faint praise – was reminiscent of the more overt misogyny of Samuel Johnson.
“A woman’s preaching is like a dog’s walking on his hinder legs,” the wit once observed. “It is not done well; but you are surprized to find it done at all.” Palin sounded, at times, like she was speaking a foreign language as she gave voice to the beautifully crafted words that had been prepared for her on Wednesday night. But that wasn’t held against her. Thanks to the level of general esteem that greeted her ascent to the podium, it seems we’ve all got to celebrate the fact that America’s Hottest Governor (Princess of the Fur Rendezvous 1983, Miss Wasilla 1984) could speak at all.
Could there be a more thoroughgoing humiliation for America’s women?
You are not, I think, supposed now to say this. Just as, I am sure, you are certainly not supposed to feel that having Sarah Palin put forth as the Republicans’ first female vice presidential candidate is just about as respectful a gesture toward women as was John McCain’s suggestion, last month, that his wife participate in a topless beauty contest. Such thoughts, we are told, are sexist. And elitist. After all, via Palin, we now hear without cease, the People are speaking. The “real” “authentic,” small-town “Everyday People,” of Hockey Moms and Blue Collar Dads whom even Rudolph Giuliani now invokes as an antidote to the cosmopolite Obamas and their backers in the liberal media. (Remind me please, once again, what was the name of the small town where Rudy grew up?)
Why does this woman – who to some of us seems as fake as they can come, with her delicate infant son hauled out night after night under the klieg lights and her pregnant teenage daughter shamelessly instrumentalized for political purposes — deserve, to a unique extent among political women, to rank as so “real”?
Because the Republicans, very clearly, believe that real people are idiots. This disdain for their smarts shows up in the whole way they’ve cast this race now, turning a contest over economic and foreign policy into a culture war of the Real vs. the Elites. It’s a smoke and mirrors game aimed at diverting attention from the fact that the party’s tax policies have helped create an elite that’s more distant from “the people” than ever before. And from the fact that the party’s dogged allegiance to up-by-your-bootstraps individualism — an individualism exemplified by Palin, the frontierswoman who somehow has managed to “balance” five children and her political career with no need for support — is leading to a culture-wide crack-up.
Real people, the kind of people who will like and identify with Palin, they clearly believe, are smart, but not too smart, and don’t talk too well, dropping their “g”s, for example, and putting tough concepts like “vice president” in quotation marks.
“As for that ‘V.P.’ talk all the time … I tell ya, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me, What is it exactly that the ‘VP’ does every day?” Palin asked host Lawrence Kudlow on CNBC sometime before her nomination. “I’m used to bein’ very productive and workin’ real hard in an administration and we want to make sure that that ‘V.P.’ slot would be a fruitful type of position.”
And, I think, they find her acceptably “real,” because Palin’s not intimidating, and makes it clear that she’s subordinate to a great man.
That’s the worst thing a woman can be in this world, isn’t it? Intimidating, which appears to be synonymous with competent. It’s the kiss of death, personally and politically.But shouldn’t a woman who is prepared to be commander in chief be intimidating? Because of the intelligence, experience, talent and drive that got her there? If she isn’t, at least on some level, off-putting, if her presence inspires national commentary on breast-pumping and babysitting rather than health care reform and social security, then something is seriously wrong. If she doesn’t elicit at least some degree of awe, then something is missing.
One of the worst poisons of the American political climate right now, the thing that time and again in recent years has led us to disaster, is the need people feel for leaders they can “relate” to. This need isn’t limited to women; it brought us after all, two terms of George W. Bush. And it isn’t new; Americans have always needed to feel that their leaders were, on some level, people like them.
But in the past, it was possible to fill that need through empathetic connection. Few Depression-era voters could “relate” to Franklin Roosevelt’s patrician background, notes historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. “It was his ability to connect to them that made them feel they could connect to him,” she told me in a phone interview.
The age of television, Goodwin believes, has made the demand for connection more immediate and intense. But never before George W. Bush did it quite reach the beer-drinking level of familiarity. “Now it’s all about being able to see your life story in the candidate, rather than the candidate, with empathy, being able to relate to you.”
There’s a fine line between likability and demagoguery. Both thrive upon manipulation and least-common-denominator politics. These days, I fear, this need for direct mirroring — and thus this susceptibility to all sorts of low-level tripe — is particularly acute among women, who are perhaps reaching historic lows in their comfort levels with themselves and their choices.
Just look at how quickly the reaction to Palin devolved into what The Times this week called the “Mommy Wars: Special Campaign Edition.” Much of the talk about Palin (like the emoting about Hillary Clinton before her) ultimately came down to this: is she like me or not like me? If she’s not like me, can I like her? And what kind of child care does she have?
“This election is not about issues,” Rick Davis, John McCain’s campaign manager said this week. “This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates.” That’s a scary thought. For the takeaway is so often base, a reflection more of people’s fears and insecurities than of our hopes and dreams. We’re not likely to get a worthy female president anytime soon.
The Mirrored Ceiling
Judith Warner
It turns out there was something more nauseating than the nomination of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate this past week. It was the tone of the acclaim that followed her acceptance speech.
“Drill, baby, drill,” clapped John Dickerson, marveling at Palin’s ability to speak and smile at the same time as an indication of her unexpected depths and unsuspected strengths. “It was clear Palin was having fun, and it’s hard to have fun if you’re scared or a lightweight,” he wrote in Slate.
The Politico praised her charm and polish as antidotes to her lack of foreign policy experience: “Palin’s poised and flawless performance evoked roars of applause from delegates who earlier this week might have worried that the surprise pick and newcomer to the national stage may not be up to the job.”
“She had a great night. I thought she had a very skillfully written, and very skillfully delivered speech,” Joe Biden said, shades of “articulate and bright and clean” threatening a reappearance.
Thus began the official public launch of our country’s now most-prominent female politician. The condescension – damning with faint praise – was reminiscent of the more overt misogyny of Samuel Johnson.
“A woman’s preaching is like a dog’s walking on his hinder legs,” the wit once observed. “It is not done well; but you are surprized to find it done at all.” Palin sounded, at times, like she was speaking a foreign language as she gave voice to the beautifully crafted words that had been prepared for her on Wednesday night. But that wasn’t held against her. Thanks to the level of general esteem that greeted her ascent to the podium, it seems we’ve all got to celebrate the fact that America’s Hottest Governor (Princess of the Fur Rendezvous 1983, Miss Wasilla 1984) could speak at all.
Could there be a more thoroughgoing humiliation for America’s women?
You are not, I think, supposed now to say this. Just as, I am sure, you are certainly not supposed to feel that having Sarah Palin put forth as the Republicans’ first female vice presidential candidate is just about as respectful a gesture toward women as was John McCain’s suggestion, last month, that his wife participate in a topless beauty contest. Such thoughts, we are told, are sexist. And elitist. After all, via Palin, we now hear without cease, the People are speaking. The “real” “authentic,” small-town “Everyday People,” of Hockey Moms and Blue Collar Dads whom even Rudolph Giuliani now invokes as an antidote to the cosmopolite Obamas and their backers in the liberal media. (Remind me please, once again, what was the name of the small town where Rudy grew up?)
Why does this woman – who to some of us seems as fake as they can come, with her delicate infant son hauled out night after night under the klieg lights and her pregnant teenage daughter shamelessly instrumentalized for political purposes — deserve, to a unique extent among political women, to rank as so “real”?
Because the Republicans, very clearly, believe that real people are idiots. This disdain for their smarts shows up in the whole way they’ve cast this race now, turning a contest over economic and foreign policy into a culture war of the Real vs. the Elites. It’s a smoke and mirrors game aimed at diverting attention from the fact that the party’s tax policies have helped create an elite that’s more distant from “the people” than ever before. And from the fact that the party’s dogged allegiance to up-by-your-bootstraps individualism — an individualism exemplified by Palin, the frontierswoman who somehow has managed to “balance” five children and her political career with no need for support — is leading to a culture-wide crack-up.
Real people, the kind of people who will like and identify with Palin, they clearly believe, are smart, but not too smart, and don’t talk too well, dropping their “g”s, for example, and putting tough concepts like “vice president” in quotation marks.
“As for that ‘V.P.’ talk all the time … I tell ya, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me, What is it exactly that the ‘VP’ does every day?” Palin asked host Lawrence Kudlow on CNBC sometime before her nomination. “I’m used to bein’ very productive and workin’ real hard in an administration and we want to make sure that that ‘V.P.’ slot would be a fruitful type of position.”
And, I think, they find her acceptably “real,” because Palin’s not intimidating, and makes it clear that she’s subordinate to a great man.
That’s the worst thing a woman can be in this world, isn’t it? Intimidating, which appears to be synonymous with competent. It’s the kiss of death, personally and politically.But shouldn’t a woman who is prepared to be commander in chief be intimidating? Because of the intelligence, experience, talent and drive that got her there? If she isn’t, at least on some level, off-putting, if her presence inspires national commentary on breast-pumping and babysitting rather than health care reform and social security, then something is seriously wrong. If she doesn’t elicit at least some degree of awe, then something is missing.
One of the worst poisons of the American political climate right now, the thing that time and again in recent years has led us to disaster, is the need people feel for leaders they can “relate” to. This need isn’t limited to women; it brought us after all, two terms of George W. Bush. And it isn’t new; Americans have always needed to feel that their leaders were, on some level, people like them.
But in the past, it was possible to fill that need through empathetic connection. Few Depression-era voters could “relate” to Franklin Roosevelt’s patrician background, notes historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. “It was his ability to connect to them that made them feel they could connect to him,” she told me in a phone interview.
The age of television, Goodwin believes, has made the demand for connection more immediate and intense. But never before George W. Bush did it quite reach the beer-drinking level of familiarity. “Now it’s all about being able to see your life story in the candidate, rather than the candidate, with empathy, being able to relate to you.”
There’s a fine line between likability and demagoguery. Both thrive upon manipulation and least-common-denominator politics. These days, I fear, this need for direct mirroring — and thus this susceptibility to all sorts of low-level tripe — is particularly acute among women, who are perhaps reaching historic lows in their comfort levels with themselves and their choices.
Just look at how quickly the reaction to Palin devolved into what The Times this week called the “Mommy Wars: Special Campaign Edition.” Much of the talk about Palin (like the emoting about Hillary Clinton before her) ultimately came down to this: is she like me or not like me? If she’s not like me, can I like her? And what kind of child care does she have?
“This election is not about issues,” Rick Davis, John McCain’s campaign manager said this week. “This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates.” That’s a scary thought. For the takeaway is so often base, a reflection more of people’s fears and insecurities than of our hopes and dreams. We’re not likely to get a worthy female president anytime soon.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Today's Picture from St. John
I have spent my day off organizing and filing pictures from St. John and nursing a really jacked up back. I did make it to the chiropractor for an adjustment and though I am going to be very sore today tomorrow should start to feel better. I am convinced this is self induced from the tension created in my body from watching the RNC for the last two nights. Don't get me started I can feel my entire body tensing up already ...
To ease my post-STJ withdrawl DTs a picture that takes me right back.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Reasons to Vote for McCain/Palin
Reasons to Vote for McCain/Palin
1. VP with a Uterus
2. They have driven me to pray.
Reasons not to
1. Named her children Track and Trig. (Though a coworker wisely suggested perhaps the daughter should have been named Tramp, I KNOW MEAN BUT FUNNY)
2. Her Hair.
3. 1st Passport in 2007.
4. She has visited fewer countries than Ella.
5. She has visited fewer countries than Ella had by her 3rd birthday.
6. Diabolically opposed to my positions on every single solitary issue. Seriously, every one!
7. Trig and Track....
8. Leiberman likes them.
9. She said with a straight face, "the only difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull is lipstick" during her VP acceptance speech.
10. Track and Trig...seriously. Is that not reason enough?
I am possibly as feminist as they come, and I know women can accomplish anything, but with a special needs child and a teen daughter who is pregnant, perhaps her focus should turn more to her family. If this pregnancy was a total surprise to her after she accepted the nomination I wouldn't think of it as such an issue. Well, other than the whole hypocrisy part. This is not the case. She knew prior to accepting the nomination and thus in my mind made a conscious decision to have her family, her CHILD, raked through the coals. That is unbelievable to me.
Just as Mark Warner made the decision not to run for President, by all accounts, because his daughters asked him not to, she perhaps should have not let her ego and ambition get ahead of her family. Honestly where are the family values here? Say what you want about Hillary, but I've said it before and I'll say it again, the proof is in the pudding. Take one look at Chelsea and you can see who the priority was in that family. Chelsea was never in the mud and that is because she gave them no cause. Not because the media thought she was off-limits, but because there was no story. I truly feel for Palin's daughter and her predicament, but her mother is entirely complicit in placing her front and center in the national debate.
1. VP with a Uterus
2. They have driven me to pray.
Reasons not to
1. Named her children Track and Trig. (Though a coworker wisely suggested perhaps the daughter should have been named Tramp, I KNOW MEAN BUT FUNNY)
2. Her Hair.
3. 1st Passport in 2007.
4. She has visited fewer countries than Ella.
5. She has visited fewer countries than Ella had by her 3rd birthday.
6. Diabolically opposed to my positions on every single solitary issue. Seriously, every one!
7. Trig and Track....
8. Leiberman likes them.
9. She said with a straight face, "the only difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull is lipstick" during her VP acceptance speech.
10. Track and Trig...seriously. Is that not reason enough?
I am possibly as feminist as they come, and I know women can accomplish anything, but with a special needs child and a teen daughter who is pregnant, perhaps her focus should turn more to her family. If this pregnancy was a total surprise to her after she accepted the nomination I wouldn't think of it as such an issue. Well, other than the whole hypocrisy part. This is not the case. She knew prior to accepting the nomination and thus in my mind made a conscious decision to have her family, her CHILD, raked through the coals. That is unbelievable to me.
Just as Mark Warner made the decision not to run for President, by all accounts, because his daughters asked him not to, she perhaps should have not let her ego and ambition get ahead of her family. Honestly where are the family values here? Say what you want about Hillary, but I've said it before and I'll say it again, the proof is in the pudding. Take one look at Chelsea and you can see who the priority was in that family. Chelsea was never in the mud and that is because she gave them no cause. Not because the media thought she was off-limits, but because there was no story. I truly feel for Palin's daughter and her predicament, but her mother is entirely complicit in placing her front and center in the national debate.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
First Day of School
Oh what a difference a year makes. Today marks the first day of First Grade ... ever ... hopefully. Well, at least for Ella. Her main concern: "I am a little afraid of 1st grade. I hope I do well."
Methinks is she's worried about doing well she'll do fine. She is SO my daughter.
Her chief complaint at the end of the day: "Mama, I am a little sad that today was so short. It went way too fast!"
Oh and regarding her teacher, "She's not too much fun, but 
she is nice."
she is nice."The Boy: 19 Months Old
19 months youn
g. Isn't he a cutie? We just returned from a week in STJ and he enjoyed his mama time VERY much. I think he was virtually surgically attached to me at all times. Except when he was sleeping. Which was a lot. A beach boy is a tired boy. He is talking/using words way more. We now have added "Car" which he says like he's from Boston. Cahhhhh. Its his favorite new word. He loves his daddy's model car collection a little too much for daddy's liking.
We have determined that he is the opposite of his sister. Where she was independent, he is a little clingy. Where she would watch for your lead on right and wrong, he goes his own way. He has his own sense of what he wants and by God do not get in his way.
He is actually getting quite good at following directions. He loves closing the fridge and closing the pantry and basically cleaning up stuff. I am using that to my advantage. The other night I had him helping me load the laundry. He's a very helpful boy! And he still sleeps from 7pm to 7am every day.
g. Isn't he a cutie? We just returned from a week in STJ and he enjoyed his mama time VERY much. I think he was virtually surgically attached to me at all times. Except when he was sleeping. Which was a lot. A beach boy is a tired boy. He is talking/using words way more. We now have added "Car" which he says like he's from Boston. Cahhhhh. Its his favorite new word. He loves his daddy's model car collection a little too much for daddy's liking. We have determined that he is the opposite of his sister. Where she was independent, he is a little clingy. Where she would watch for your lead on right and wrong, he goes his own way. He has his own sense of what he wants and by God do not get in his way.
He is actually getting quite good at following directions. He loves closing the fridge and closing the pantry and basically cleaning up stuff. I am using that to my advantage. The other night I had him helping me load the laundry. He's a very helpful boy! And he still sleeps from 7pm to 7am every day.
We are smarter than McCain gives us credit for
"The latest sensational twist emerged after a new poll suggested that Mr McCain’s gamble on wooing disgruntled Hillary Clinton voters by selecting a woman may have backfired.
More Democratic women said they were less likely to switch allegiance to the Republicans after Mrs Palin was picked as vice-presidential candidate."
Boobs and brains...who knew!
More Democratic women said they were less likely to switch allegiance to the Republicans after Mrs Palin was picked as vice-presidential candidate."
Boobs and brains...who knew!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Is this a Joke?
He is kidding right? McCain didn't really select a no name governor of a state with a population of what about 1/2 a million people. FAIRFAX COUNTY IS BIGGER. By a long shot. Twice as big. You don't see Gerry Connolly (nice guy that he is) as a viable 2nd in command of the free world candidate do you? Words fail me.
Really, do they think that women will vote for the anti-Hillary because we have the same plumbing? I know I am not the undecided voter they are going for but come on. Sure there are far more qualified republican women, but what he really wanted was one who was fervently pro-life. Pandering to the religious evangelical much? She was the best he could come up with.
This is all you need to know folks. Palin obtained her first passport in 2007. First passport. IN 2007. Is she related to GWB?
I don't know what's happened to John McCain. 10 years ago he might have actually been a go-your-own-way maverick. Now he's just a joke. GWB term 3 coming up. How many houses does he own anyway?
Really, do they think that women will vote for the anti-Hillary because we have the same plumbing? I know I am not the undecided voter they are going for but come on. Sure there are far more qualified republican women, but what he really wanted was one who was fervently pro-life. Pandering to the religious evangelical much? She was the best he could come up with.
This is all you need to know folks. Palin obtained her first passport in 2007. First passport. IN 2007. Is she related to GWB?
I don't know what's happened to John McCain. 10 years ago he might have actually been a go-your-own-way maverick. Now he's just a joke. GWB term 3 coming up. How many houses does he own anyway?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Lesson 1
Courtesy of a continental gate agent...
Her: Everyone needs a passport to go to the USVI.
Me: um no (only max lacks one and we have his birth certificate)
Her: well we've been deporting a lot of people.
Me: really, where exactly would he be deported to? He's a US citizen traveling to a US territory. Does he get to stay in STJ, because if so, I may NEVER get him a passport.
Her: I am just trying to keep you informed.
Me: Thanks.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Emotionally Attached
Is it just me or do others have strange emotional attachments to certain items of clothing?
There are the polka dot fleece PJ bottoms that I wore all the time through both of my pregnancies and hospitalizations for both kids. I know I will never throw them away. There is the pink tankini top that while in the hospital after Max was born, in a fog, during a severe bout of frustration and in a drug induced haze I determinedly cut and tied the strap on so I could get it over my IV laden arm so that I could change out of that horrid hospital gown and back into MY clothes (including the polka dot pj bottoms). It too will never go.
What is strange to me is that these clothes don't necessarily bring back great memories. Most definitely some of the memories are great, but there are also extremely mixed up, dreadful, scary moments of my life.
I think its my desire to never forget what I went through to be here with these two beautiful, smart, sweet, adorable children. Not to dwell in what might not have been, but instead to remind myself to cherish what is and to not sweat the small stuff. It will never cease to amaze me how easily I can be taken back to such a distinctive, specific time of my life in an instant.
There are the polka dot fleece PJ bottoms that I wore all the time through both of my pregnancies and hospitalizations for both kids. I know I will never throw them away. There is the pink tankini top that while in the hospital after Max was born, in a fog, during a severe bout of frustration and in a drug induced haze I determinedly cut and tied the strap on so I could get it over my IV laden arm so that I could change out of that horrid hospital gown and back into MY clothes (including the polka dot pj bottoms). It too will never go.
What is strange to me is that these clothes don't necessarily bring back great memories. Most definitely some of the memories are great, but there are also extremely mixed up, dreadful, scary moments of my life.
I think its my desire to never forget what I went through to be here with these two beautiful, smart, sweet, adorable children. Not to dwell in what might not have been, but instead to remind myself to cherish what is and to not sweat the small stuff. It will never cease to amaze me how easily I can be taken back to such a distinctive, specific time of my life in an instant.
The Boy: 18 Months ... a few weeks behind
Well, he's now 1.5 years old (and 3 weeks). It's been busy in our household and I am a little behind. Max had his 18 month check up last week. 3 shots. UGH. The first two were quick and he was like, "What the heck?" Shot #3 was the deal breaker. There was a seriously quivering chin followed by a good scream for about a minute. Then he took a deep breath and took a cracker and all was right with the world again. We still love Dr. Gus and nurse Mary! We forgive and move on.New statistics:
Height - 35 1/8 inches
Weight - 35 lbs
That probably means nothing to most people. Let's just say he's almost as tall as the 3 year old little boy in his daycare and just about 18 lbs shy of his sister ... who is 6! I like to describe him as SOLID. A pound per inch. I think that's a good ratio for now.
He's talking a lot more. He's not necessarily understandable much of the time, but he is having important convos none the less. We just smile and say "wow, really!"
Words:
- Mama - pronounced Maah-muh
- Daddy - pronounced DAD-DEE
- Ella - pronounced E-wuh
- Cracker
- Cheese
- Night-night - sounds more like nigh-nigh
- Bye
- Bubble - more like Buh-bowl
- More - pronounced Mo. Like Mo' Money Mo' Problems
- UP - this is the word we hear the most because he really likes to get "Up" to the counter to eat and to be picked "UP!"
I am sure there are more words but that's all that I can remember. He is big into the 'uhhhh sound!
He understands EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING! He's listening much better and following instructions for the most part. He's still a little bit whiny but has really tapered off now that he is talking more. And the hitting is totally gone. I think the easier it becomes for him to express himself &/or for us to understand him the less he struggles with the whining. He's a little sweeter on his mama ever since she went away for 8 days. I think he's happy I came back.
We leave for St. John (his second trip, Ella's 3rd, our 5th) on Friday morning. After we see how that goes, we will decide if he can stay permanently or not. We all know if he and STJ don't work out then he's gonna have to find a new family. Just kidding ... I wouldn't trade that little linebacker for anything.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Olympic Observations
I don't know what's gotten into me this year. I am usually mildly (but not overly) interested in the Olympics. Especially the SUMMER Games. I am a more winter games kind of girl, though I prefer the summer in real life. Go figure.
Anyway, my random observations.
1. Michael Phelps is not human. The man is insane and more power to him. I think he has turbo boosters or something.
2. That dude who won the Relay, also not human.
3. No offense to the gay community, but men's sychronized diving maybe gayer than the gay community. Gayest sport ever. PERIOD. Makes New Orleans during the Southern Decadence festival look postively straight.
4. Commentators are annoying. If you watched the men's beach volleyball game that occured in the rain, this needs no further explanation. I may not be an expert but comparing a volleyball to a bowling ball (the weight from all the rain water afterall) and making the comment "He's very athletic!" (about arguably the best men's beach volleyball player in the world) should automatically disqualify you from speaking in public ever again.
5. There is no way those Chinese girls are 16. Two words...Baby teeth. 'Nuff said. One of them is smaller than Ella. She's 6.
6. I think the men should have to wear outfits similar to the women. At least the beach volleyball players. If the girls have to wear those tiny bikinis I want to see men in speedos. Actually, no nevermind. I don't.
Anyway, my random observations.
1. Michael Phelps is not human. The man is insane and more power to him. I think he has turbo boosters or something.
2. That dude who won the Relay, also not human.
3. No offense to the gay community, but men's sychronized diving maybe gayer than the gay community. Gayest sport ever. PERIOD. Makes New Orleans during the Southern Decadence festival look postively straight.
4. Commentators are annoying. If you watched the men's beach volleyball game that occured in the rain, this needs no further explanation. I may not be an expert but comparing a volleyball to a bowling ball (the weight from all the rain water afterall) and making the comment "He's very athletic!" (about arguably the best men's beach volleyball player in the world) should automatically disqualify you from speaking in public ever again.
5. There is no way those Chinese girls are 16. Two words...Baby teeth. 'Nuff said. One of them is smaller than Ella. She's 6.
6. I think the men should have to wear outfits similar to the women. At least the beach volleyball players. If the girls have to wear those tiny bikinis I want to see men in speedos. Actually, no nevermind. I don't.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I think I have recovered....
Maybe, maybe I have caught up on my sleep and gotten reacclimated to a NORMAL altitude. Altitude can be a bitch. For me it made my appetite go away and my mind as well. By about 1 pm (especially noticable the first 3 days) I would get downright giddy. Lack of oxygen to the brain makes me a silly girl. If I lived in Denver I might be thinner but I'd surely be pretty flighty.
Denver was great. The meeting went so smoothly. A few minor glitches but nothing that couldn't be fixed.
I returned late Thursday night. 1/2 of my flowers had died in my absence, but both kids were still alive. Go Daddy! Hung actually did an excellent job tending to the children and no one even seemed to miss me. Except maybe Ella who every day on the phone said "Mama, I misssss you soooooooo much!" right before saying, "Talk to Daddy I have to go __________(Insert thing more fun than talking to mama here)." Oh and I think Max missed me too but not enough to get too upset about it. Hung said he just wandered around the house saying "MahhhhMa" looking for me, but not really distressed that he couldn't find me. When I finally saw him upon my return he just kind of looked at me as if to say, "You look familiar. Wait...I almost have it!" and then saying "maaaaahhhhhma!"
Ella and I had a date with Dunkin Donuts on Friday morning before I dropped her off at camp. I had Friday off to recover and recover I did. I went shopping, to lunch and then to the pool where I promptly fell asleep for 3 hours. Friday night we had a date night - made the mistake of going to see the "new" Indiana Jones movie. BIG mistake. HORRIBLE doesn't begin to cover it. Saturday we were up early and headed into DC with the kids for a bike ride along the canal and a picnic lunch. I biked for over 6 miles and I didn't complain once. The trail was very flat!
I can't even remember Saturday afternoon and evening. I think it involved watching the olympics. Sunday we headed to the pool again and then returned home to take naps (except Ella)! Dinner at the Palm - a little late birthday celebration - with friends and then home to bed!
Now I just have to get through the next 9 days and I can go to St. John. My mind is already on vacay!
Denver was great. The meeting went so smoothly. A few minor glitches but nothing that couldn't be fixed.
I returned late Thursday night. 1/2 of my flowers had died in my absence, but both kids were still alive. Go Daddy! Hung actually did an excellent job tending to the children and no one even seemed to miss me. Except maybe Ella who every day on the phone said "Mama, I misssss you soooooooo much!" right before saying, "Talk to Daddy I have to go __________(Insert thing more fun than talking to mama here)." Oh and I think Max missed me too but not enough to get too upset about it. Hung said he just wandered around the house saying "MahhhhMa" looking for me, but not really distressed that he couldn't find me. When I finally saw him upon my return he just kind of looked at me as if to say, "You look familiar. Wait...I almost have it!" and then saying "maaaaahhhhhma!"
Ella and I had a date with Dunkin Donuts on Friday morning before I dropped her off at camp. I had Friday off to recover and recover I did. I went shopping, to lunch and then to the pool where I promptly fell asleep for 3 hours. Friday night we had a date night - made the mistake of going to see the "new" Indiana Jones movie. BIG mistake. HORRIBLE doesn't begin to cover it. Saturday we were up early and headed into DC with the kids for a bike ride along the canal and a picnic lunch. I biked for over 6 miles and I didn't complain once. The trail was very flat!
I can't even remember Saturday afternoon and evening. I think it involved watching the olympics. Sunday we headed to the pool again and then returned home to take naps (except Ella)! Dinner at the Palm - a little late birthday celebration - with friends and then home to bed!
Now I just have to get through the next 9 days and I can go to St. John. My mind is already on vacay!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Upgrading iPhone to 2.0 software ...
in progress. I am scared. Should it really take this long for the download?
Sign that you have been listening to too much Amos Lee
From the back seat of the car yesterday...
Ella: "Mama, luvahhh and brothuhhh rhyme!"
Me: "Yes they do."
Later while taking a shower:
Ella (singing to herself): "How could you be soooooooooo carelesssssss?"
At least I didn't let her listen to night train. I can see it now. Mama, what is cocaine?
Ella: "Mama, luvahhh and brothuhhh rhyme!"
Me: "Yes they do."
Later while taking a shower:
Ella (singing to herself): "How could you be soooooooooo carelesssssss?"
At least I didn't let her listen to night train. I can see it now. Mama, what is cocaine?
Ready or not...
Here I go to Denver. I leave tomorrow am. I am SO NOT READY. Ok I am almost ready, but still I always procrastinate things like packing and then end up forgetting important things like my glasses or tooth brush.
Wish me luck, it is gonna be a LONG week.
Wish me luck, it is gonna be a LONG week.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Amazing Amos Lee
I had the pleasure of attending one of the best concerts ever last night. Amos Lee, who I can't even remember how I came across, gave an amazing show in Richmond at the National. I would say there were fewer than a thousand people there, we were 10 rows back and the $20 spent on the ticket was the best $20 I have spent in a long long time. Though he's been around for a while - he just put out his 3rd album - I guess the fame hasn't hit yet.
He was so humble and so genuine. A true pleasure to listen to. His music is bluesy. Folksy. Rocking at times. Funky. A lot of acoustic. Amazing guitar. Especially considering he didn't even start playing guitar until he was in college. He is one of those artist that the music just flows through, from the top of his hip hat to the bottom of the souls of his shoes. All the great musicians are like this from Dave Matthews, who couldn't stand still and sing if you paid him, to James Taylor, who moves around the stage more than any guy out there.
I went in obsessed with the songs Sweet Pea, Southern Girl and Arms of a woman and came out knowing I would go home and as soon as I recovered buy every other song I can find. I came out obsessed with Night Train, Listen and Careless. I even talked my nephew into pulling his version of Ain't No Sunshine off of youtube and making it into something I could listen to on my iphone. It is one of the funkiest versions of that song you will ever hear. Thank God for today's youth and their computer savvy!
There was a moment during the show where the song ended, part of the lyric is "I want to know I want to know I want to know" well the crowd though not huge decided to keep on singing. What happened next was a moment that you won't get at a huge concert. He stepped back to the mic, said "I guess we're not done" and restarted the song again just jamming with the crowd singing. I could tell by the smile on the face of the bass guitarist that it was a moment. And tell me this, why are bass guitarist always the smoothest dudes in the place.
He was so humble and so genuine. A true pleasure to listen to. His music is bluesy. Folksy. Rocking at times. Funky. A lot of acoustic. Amazing guitar. Especially considering he didn't even start playing guitar until he was in college. He is one of those artist that the music just flows through, from the top of his hip hat to the bottom of the souls of his shoes. All the great musicians are like this from Dave Matthews, who couldn't stand still and sing if you paid him, to James Taylor, who moves around the stage more than any guy out there.
I went in obsessed with the songs Sweet Pea, Southern Girl and Arms of a woman and came out knowing I would go home and as soon as I recovered buy every other song I can find. I came out obsessed with Night Train, Listen and Careless. I even talked my nephew into pulling his version of Ain't No Sunshine off of youtube and making it into something I could listen to on my iphone. It is one of the funkiest versions of that song you will ever hear. Thank God for today's youth and their computer savvy!
There was a moment during the show where the song ended, part of the lyric is "I want to know I want to know I want to know" well the crowd though not huge decided to keep on singing. What happened next was a moment that you won't get at a huge concert. He stepped back to the mic, said "I guess we're not done" and restarted the song again just jamming with the crowd singing. I could tell by the smile on the face of the bass guitarist that it was a moment. And tell me this, why are bass guitarist always the smoothest dudes in the place.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mad Gardening Skills
Yes, I have them. Ha, just the thought makes me laugh at myself. I typically kill everything. Typically because I am a lazy gardener. I like having flowers and such I just don't like taking care of them. I am busy. Anyway, this year I have lots of flowers in the ground and in planters that have miraculously survived! I have tended to them a little better and they have responded in kind.Particularly this beauty. The Mandevilla. A plant I would never have known about if not for my mother. This was was acquired at home depot and unlike a lot of "sun hearty" plants it truly LOVES sun and doesn't hold it against you if you water it say maybe just 2 times a week.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Busy Busy Busy
1 week from tomorrow I'll be on a flight to Denver for a week long conference. I like Denver. The altitude makes me a VERY cheap drunk though, so I must be careful.
4 weeks from Friday I'll be on a flight to St. Thomas and then by taxi as fast as possible to the ferry dock to my beloved St. John for an undeserved but MUCH needed 7 days. Thank you to my sweetest hubby, another one who knows me oh so well and loves me in spite of myself!
4 weeks from Friday I'll be on a flight to St. Thomas and then by taxi as fast as possible to the ferry dock to my beloved St. John for an undeserved but MUCH needed 7 days. Thank you to my sweetest hubby, another one who knows me oh so well and loves me in spite of myself!
Birthday Love
I recently celebrated birthday #35. OH MY GOODNESS. The thing that makes me happiest about turning 35 you ask? The birthday lovin' I am so lucky to enjoy from my family and sweet sweet sweet friends.
Nothing outrageous or over the top but this year I got the most "me" gifts I think I have ever in my life received. Barbo, my long time college friend got me the coolest "A" mug and a neoprene sleeve for my iced Dunkin Donuts coffees (unbeknownst to us we both hate iced coffee cup sweat! and when she found out about our mutual hate she ran right out and grabbed one for me!) and a coffee card! Oh and beautiful silver earrings!! Ok, maybe she spoiled me a bit! Could there be a more perfect gift? No, probably not. But there can be equally perfect gifts.
My virtual BFF, Viv (she lets me call her that though I don't think she really likes it ;)) got me the most adorablest luggage tag personalized with some of my favorite flickr photos of myself, hubby and kiddos. I would have NEVER thought of that but such a perfect gift!
My other long distance buddy from college, Mere, got me the book "The Best Liberal Quotes EVER" (does she know me or what?) and awesome chocolate hobhobs!
My lovely Diana brought beautiful fresh flowers to my birthday crab fest.
Sumsumsummer got me the cutest 2 pairs of flip-flops which each came in their own cute carrying cases! ME ME ME written all over it.
Perhaps the best (and saddest in a way) of all was my very best friend Jen calling me 2 days late flustered and worried because she had not called me on my birthday itself. Turns out her father-in-law died on my birthday. She knows me better than to think I would EVER be upset with her ever about anything (I am after all the WORST birthday rememberer ever, though hers is one of the few I have committed to memory), but the fact that she thought my birthday rated anywhere near that spoke volumes. She and I never talk often enough, but the love is so deep and so true that it just doesn't even matter. She found me lifesavers at 2 am in darkened hospital halls while I was in serious labor with Ella ... while my husband SNORED nearby ... I owe her for life!
I am so lucky to have so many great girlfriends who know me oh so well AND love me anyway!
Nothing outrageous or over the top but this year I got the most "me" gifts I think I have ever in my life received. Barbo, my long time college friend got me the coolest "A" mug and a neoprene sleeve for my iced Dunkin Donuts coffees (unbeknownst to us we both hate iced coffee cup sweat! and when she found out about our mutual hate she ran right out and grabbed one for me!) and a coffee card! Oh and beautiful silver earrings!! Ok, maybe she spoiled me a bit! Could there be a more perfect gift? No, probably not. But there can be equally perfect gifts.
My virtual BFF, Viv (she lets me call her that though I don't think she really likes it ;)) got me the most adorablest luggage tag personalized with some of my favorite flickr photos of myself, hubby and kiddos. I would have NEVER thought of that but such a perfect gift!
My other long distance buddy from college, Mere, got me the book "The Best Liberal Quotes EVER" (does she know me or what?) and awesome chocolate hobhobs!
My lovely Diana brought beautiful fresh flowers to my birthday crab fest.
Sumsumsummer got me the cutest 2 pairs of flip-flops which each came in their own cute carrying cases! ME ME ME written all over it.
Perhaps the best (and saddest in a way) of all was my very best friend Jen calling me 2 days late flustered and worried because she had not called me on my birthday itself. Turns out her father-in-law died on my birthday. She knows me better than to think I would EVER be upset with her ever about anything (I am after all the WORST birthday rememberer ever, though hers is one of the few I have committed to memory), but the fact that she thought my birthday rated anywhere near that spoke volumes. She and I never talk often enough, but the love is so deep and so true that it just doesn't even matter. She found me lifesavers at 2 am in darkened hospital halls while I was in serious labor with Ella ... while my husband SNORED nearby ... I owe her for life!
I am so lucky to have so many great girlfriends who know me oh so well AND love me anyway!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Difference # 23456
There are many differences I have found between my daughter and my son. Perhaps, these are all attributable (is that a word) to the boy not girl thing. Regardless, they are numerous and I have not been good about documenting them. This one occurred over the weekend.
Case Example: The Hair Dryer
Ella's response as a toddler: Take one look at me as I picked up the hair dryer, exit the bathroom, pull the doors shut behind her, and go sit on the bed until I was done. I wouldn't say she was afraid of it, but she definitely didn't like it.
Max's response: He notices me pick it up with keen interest. He stands there smiling as I turn it on. I have to take turns blowing my hair and blowing the air at him. He laughs. Then, he decides he needs to be louder than the dryer and yells at the top of his lungs.
Case Example: The Hair Dryer
Ella's response as a toddler: Take one look at me as I picked up the hair dryer, exit the bathroom, pull the doors shut behind her, and go sit on the bed until I was done. I wouldn't say she was afraid of it, but she definitely didn't like it.
Max's response: He notices me pick it up with keen interest. He stands there smiling as I turn it on. I have to take turns blowing my hair and blowing the air at him. He laughs. Then, he decides he needs to be louder than the dryer and yells at the top of his lungs.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Conversations with Ella
This morning on the way to summer camp.
Ella: Mama, why can't Steven (a kid in her kindergarten class) eat nuts?
Me: I think he must have a peanut allergy.
Her: He could have a rellergic attraction.
Me: You mean an allergic reaction.
Her: That's what I said.
Her: What if I was rellergic to peanut butter?
Me: You would starve (this is the girl who has had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich by choice every school and summer camp day since September of 07).
Her: No I wouldn't ... I would just have a jelly sandwich.
Ella: Mama, why can't Steven (a kid in her kindergarten class) eat nuts?
Me: I think he must have a peanut allergy.
Her: He could have a rellergic attraction.
Me: You mean an allergic reaction.
Her: That's what I said.
Her: What if I was rellergic to peanut butter?
Me: You would starve (this is the girl who has had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich by choice every school and summer camp day since September of 07).
Her: No I wouldn't ... I would just have a jelly sandwich.
Mmmmmmm Crabs
Crab Fest 2008 - the 6th Annual - has come and gone. Crabs, beer, paper towels, bug spray, good friends and a beautiful evening make for a good time for all. We ended up with a crowd of about 26 this year and it was probably one of the smoothest of all. No rain and more importantly no lightning. My new schedule worked out perfectly and I had Friday off to prep and set up (i.e. play drill sargeant to the hubby and nephew). And I was a genius on Saturday by planning to have my babysitter come to help with the kids. She was a lifesaver and having her there allowed me to truly relax and enjoy the party for the first time ... probably ever ;)
I love this party. It reminds me how lucky I am to share my life with so many great friends. It evolves each year and brings together my best friends from so many different aspects of my life - college, work, friends of friends that I now wholeheartedly claim as my own, Hung's friends from middle and high school who I now know and love so much.
When my mom ends up on the deck at midnight with some of the youngins and its perfectly comfortable you know it was a good party.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Guilty Pleasure
I love summer time television. Truly, I do. I am not too proud to admit it. One of my favorite guilty pleasures is coming back tonight ... Burn Notice. I am not sure what it is but whatever it is ... Jeffrey Donovan's got it.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Doggie Heaven
All dogs do go to heaven after all. We decided (upon finding out the Pet Resort and the Vet were all booked up for the 4th of July weekend) to take Butter with us to Gram's this weekend. We knew she would LOVE it once she was there. She is a water dog, there is water, the math is simple. However, we fretted about the ride there. My dog, sweet as she may be, is neurotic. VERY. Neurotic.
She cried, whined, fretted and barked almost the entire way to my mom's. That's 2 hours in the car on the morning of the 4th. Fun times. With Ella yelling, "BUTTER! STOP!" and Max going "Ahhh AHHHH!" and waving his finger at her, before breaking into chuckles. At least he was entertained by it instead of scared to death!
The weekend itself was wonderful. VERY relaxing. Its amazing what a difference just 1 extra day makes.
The good news is that we wore the dog out so well with all the swimming and retrieving and kitty stalking that she was MUCH calmer coming home. Almost like a normal dog ;)
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Ella + Nature Camp = Love
Of all the camps Ella is taking part in this summer, Nature Camp was one that I just wasn't sure how it would play out. Would she LOVE it? Would she HATE it? She is her mother's daughter in so many ways ... Doesn't like to walk forever with no stated purpose (i.e. hiking), Doesn't like the Heat (hello, the White and 1/2 white people are melting) ... BUT LOVES bugs, flowers, the water, fishing, etc. So it really was gonna be a toss up.
Drama Camp - SURE Thing.
Sports Camp - Um, I think it will be torture for her, but hopefully not.
Summer Fun Camp - basically swimming all the time and playing - YEP.
Nature Camp - Big giant question mark.
Well, I am happy to report she LOVES IT. The first couple of days were questionable.
Me: "How was camp? What did you do today, Ella?"
Her: "We walked FOREVER like for at least 2 miles, Mom. I kept walking but I kept asking ARE WE THERE YET? And my leg hurt."
Me: "Where does it hurt?"
Her: "I don't know."
She survived and late last week she started to actually ENJOY herself and Monday was GREAT. Tomorrow they take a field trip to a water park, so we all know that will be fine. Then Thursday, the last day due to the holiday, they get to do 4th of July themed artwork, Water games and boating of your choice! She is stoked.
This is the girl who upon learning they would be canoeing in this camp turned to me with a completely puzzled look and said "Who is going to row the boat?" Success! Nature girl Ella. She has come home every day a complete mess. Chocolate pudding from lunch all over her face. Shoes reddish with dirt. Socks BEYOND salvagable. Ponytail half in and half out. She looks like she's been to war - there is archery after all (she calls it bows and arrows). But she loves it and that's all that matters. Of course, I direct her straight to the tub when we get home.
Drama Camp - SURE Thing.
Sports Camp - Um, I think it will be torture for her, but hopefully not.
Summer Fun Camp - basically swimming all the time and playing - YEP.
Nature Camp - Big giant question mark.
Well, I am happy to report she LOVES IT. The first couple of days were questionable.
Me: "How was camp? What did you do today, Ella?"
Her: "We walked FOREVER like for at least 2 miles, Mom. I kept walking but I kept asking ARE WE THERE YET? And my leg hurt."
Me: "Where does it hurt?"
Her: "I don't know."
She survived and late last week she started to actually ENJOY herself and Monday was GREAT. Tomorrow they take a field trip to a water park, so we all know that will be fine. Then Thursday, the last day due to the holiday, they get to do 4th of July themed artwork, Water games and boating of your choice! She is stoked.
This is the girl who upon learning they would be canoeing in this camp turned to me with a completely puzzled look and said "Who is going to row the boat?" Success! Nature girl Ella. She has come home every day a complete mess. Chocolate pudding from lunch all over her face. Shoes reddish with dirt. Socks BEYOND salvagable. Ponytail half in and half out. She looks like she's been to war - there is archery after all (she calls it bows and arrows). But she loves it and that's all that matters. Of course, I direct her straight to the tub when we get home.
The Boy: 17 Months & What happens when Mama leaves
LOL
I'll take this opportunity to also update on Max. Max is well, Max. He is his daddy only shorter. 95% laid back, mellow LOVE and 5% not so mellow. When he is mad - watch out - he is MAD! Hi, Daddy ;) I love them both anyway.
We haven't been to the doctor, but judging from my back pain I am guestimating he's weighing in in the mid-30 lb range. He loves to eat. Loves Baby Einstein DVDs. LOVES HIS GREEN & BLUE STRIPED BLANKET. Its ok to love your blanket, just don't LOVE your blanket. He loves crackers still and grapes all of a sudden. He LOVES the pool esp. "jumping" in from the side. He has no fear/sense. He is his own little man. He will NOT kiss his mama when I ask for it anymore. However, if I play it cool when he gets on his little winnie the pooh scooter, he'll turn and wave like he's going bye-bye, and if I am REALLY lucky sometimes he gets off walks over and puckers up for a good bye kiss before scooting off on his journey to the living room.
Everyone comments on how BIG he is. I know I know. He's big. I might even let him play football someday if he has a foot and 50 lbs on all of his competitors. MIGHT being the operative word. Mama is protective. I love watching him grow and develop his own personality, even if it is bordering on the stubborn and tempermental side. I have no idea where those traits come from at all.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday Off
Well, I have been enjoying my first Friday off due to my new schedule. I am loving it, but my pocket book might not. I went in search of new bedding for the guest room today and that involved 4 stores and lunch. I still need to get a head board to go with the awesome mattress set we happily inherited when Johanna moved out. A trip to Ikea is in my near future I think.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Growing Up
Ella made me so proud the other day. We were talking about the end of the school year and how I hadn't heard her mention one of her buddies very often toward the end of the year. She looked at me and said that they were not really such good friends anymore. Me, being curious (and not being a big fan of this buddy anyway) asked why.
She turned to me and said, "Mama, she thought she was the boss of me. She's not. I am the boss of me. Me, and you and daddy!"
I distinctly remember the queen bee from elementary school. The foundation was established very early. If you didn't resist and stand up for yourself you were seen as an easy target. I want Ella to be kind and open to all types of friendships. Just as importantly, I want her to be aware enough to realize that in the real world we don't all always get along and cutting it off and moving on is sometimes the best decision she can make for herself!
Raising a girl is HARD, but at least I am using my experiences and learning from them in guiding her. I loved that her decision was pretty matter of fact, she wasn't worried about being ostracized or that she was 'hurting' someone's feelings. She wasn't mean or nasty. She just said enough is enough. I am moving on. Go, Ella!
She turned to me and said, "Mama, she thought she was the boss of me. She's not. I am the boss of me. Me, and you and daddy!"
I distinctly remember the queen bee from elementary school. The foundation was established very early. If you didn't resist and stand up for yourself you were seen as an easy target. I want Ella to be kind and open to all types of friendships. Just as importantly, I want her to be aware enough to realize that in the real world we don't all always get along and cutting it off and moving on is sometimes the best decision she can make for herself!
Raising a girl is HARD, but at least I am using my experiences and learning from them in guiding her. I loved that her decision was pretty matter of fact, she wasn't worried about being ostracized or that she was 'hurting' someone's feelings. She wasn't mean or nasty. She just said enough is enough. I am moving on. Go, Ella!
Freak Out
Ok, I got a comment that freaked me out a little bit. Nothing blatantly strange, just mildly so. Still, it is enough to prompt me to make this blog private to invited readers only. I think I got most of my regular readers in my initial flurry of invites, if you know (PERSONALLY) someone who likes to read this blog let me know and I am happy to invite them.
Thanks.....
PS and if you got an invite to my blog but didn't know I had a blog ... I couldn't remember who read it and who didn't so consider yourself invited to read, or not, up to you ;.)
Thanks.....
PS and if you got an invite to my blog but didn't know I had a blog ... I couldn't remember who read it and who didn't so consider yourself invited to read, or not, up to you ;.)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Blondies
Everyone keeps commenting on how blonde Max is! I keep hearing, I don't remember Ella's hair ever being that light. Well, it was & I have proof ;) Ok, I admit it we get our highlights done at 
the same salon!
Monday, June 23, 2008
One Great Weekend!
I love Summer. This should be no surprise to anyone! One reason I love summer so much is the longer days and the great outdoor summer time parties. This weekend we drove up to PA to spend the weekend with one of my coolest friends, Mari & her husband Jim. They moved into a new house back in December and we had yet to get up there to visit. This was their house warming/1st Pool party. It was so much fun. Her house is beautiful and it has great outdoor space. AND a pool. If I didn't love her so much I'd be jealous ;)
She and Jim were great hosts and we relaxed, swam, ate and hung out for the weekend. It was one of the best weekends we've had in a while. Somehow over the course of the weekend I managed to mangle my back ... again! UGH. Its been over a year since my last really bad episode. A small price to pay for such a good time!
2 Trips to St. John!
Yay, its official. We now how our 2009 St. John trip in the works, having put the deposit on the house with our friends who will be joining us! August 2008 - just Hung, the kids and me! June 2009 - a decidedly larger crew, but that's what keeps it interesting.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
It's a Miracle
Ella finally made it off the SACC (that's School aged child care for those non-parents out there) waitlist! This program is in-school aftercare that is superior and cheaper than private afterschool care through a daycare center. $500 for the latter, $278 a month for the former.
To put it in perspective, she's been on the waitlist since BEFORE her brother was born!
Here's our waitlist experience:
January 8, 2007 #53
January 29, 2007 #53
March 15, 2007 #48
May 2, 2007 #42
June 11, 2007 #39
July 11, 2007 #38
August 20, 2007 #37
(SCHOOL STARTED)
September 10, 2007 #35
April 4, 2008 #18
May 19, 2008 #18
It seems silly but we are so excited!!! Once you are in you are in, she's in the program until we withdraw her or until she goes to middle school. Plus, her bro will get priority enrollment when his time comes (they'll overlap in her school for 2 years). Fall of 2012 is not as far off as you think!
To put it in perspective, she's been on the waitlist since BEFORE her brother was born!
Here's our waitlist experience:
January 8, 2007 #53
January 29, 2007 #53
March 15, 2007 #48
May 2, 2007 #42
June 11, 2007 #39
July 11, 2007 #38
August 20, 2007 #37
(SCHOOL STARTED)
September 10, 2007 #35
April 4, 2008 #18
May 19, 2008 #18
It seems silly but we are so excited!!! Once you are in you are in, she's in the program until we withdraw her or until she goes to middle school. Plus, her bro will get priority enrollment when his time comes (they'll overlap in her school for 2 years). Fall of 2012 is not as far off as you think!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Last Day of School!
How did this happen?!?! Where did the entire school year go? If life continues to accelerate at this pace Ella will seemingly be 18 tomorrow! A little first day of school, last day of school picture show.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
And he says it doesn't matter how much longer troops are in Iraq
For those who have been under a rock, McCain was recently quoted (from the Today Show I believe) saying that it really doesn't much matter how much longer we are in Iraq. That is more about how many casualties we have there. I say there are casualties as immensely horrific as losing your life or a limb. Somehow losing your soul seems the worst of all.I am stealing this from a friend of a friend's blog, but it is worth sharing.
http://mediastorm.org/0020.htm
(I am still a Hillary girl...but I have to say Go Obama. McCain would be a disaster in so many ways.)
So this is what they mean by golden handcuffs!
My boss, God love him, has basically made it impossible for me to ever leave my current organization. Well, as long as he is there anyway!
I've had the benefit for telecommuting 2 days a week (Tu/Th) since Ella was born. For some reason I think he thought I would quit. I didn't ask to telecommute. I was asked if I wanted to. Well, uh, hell YES!
As it is I have always had full-time childcare for her (and now for her brother). My telecommute days are days when I simply do what I do from home. My job is something that, with a few minor exceptions, can pretty much be done from anywhere. So aside from the occasional appointment I run to or minute taken to make a blog post, I am no more or less productive from home. Depending on the task, I can actually be MORE productive at home. So many less distractions. But I digress.
I have long thought about switching my Thursday telecommuting to Fridays. I just never got around to it. I have also long contemplated giving up one or both telecommuting days to be able to take advantage of our flexible work schedule, put in more hours in 9 days and get the 10th day free! I never could make the plunge. Never could talk myself into giving up the tc days. Well, it seems I don't have to.
Starting Monday my new schedule will be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday in the office, all Tuesdays telecommuting from home and Fridays will alternate between telecommuting and OFF. There is no net difference in the number of days I am physically in the office - still 3 a week either way. Yes, I will have a slightly longer work day on the days I work, by about 40 minutes. So worth it for an extra 26 Fridays a year off! So this is what they mean by golden handcuffs.
I've had the benefit for telecommuting 2 days a week (Tu/Th) since Ella was born. For some reason I think he thought I would quit. I didn't ask to telecommute. I was asked if I wanted to. Well, uh, hell YES!
As it is I have always had full-time childcare for her (and now for her brother). My telecommute days are days when I simply do what I do from home. My job is something that, with a few minor exceptions, can pretty much be done from anywhere. So aside from the occasional appointment I run to or minute taken to make a blog post, I am no more or less productive from home. Depending on the task, I can actually be MORE productive at home. So many less distractions. But I digress.
I have long thought about switching my Thursday telecommuting to Fridays. I just never got around to it. I have also long contemplated giving up one or both telecommuting days to be able to take advantage of our flexible work schedule, put in more hours in 9 days and get the 10th day free! I never could make the plunge. Never could talk myself into giving up the tc days. Well, it seems I don't have to.
Starting Monday my new schedule will be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday in the office, all Tuesdays telecommuting from home and Fridays will alternate between telecommuting and OFF. There is no net difference in the number of days I am physically in the office - still 3 a week either way. Yes, I will have a slightly longer work day on the days I work, by about 40 minutes. So worth it for an extra 26 Fridays a year off! So this is what they mean by golden handcuffs.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Going to the Beach
Packed. Ella just got on the bus. Max is off to Jeannie's. I am off to the beach with my bud, KK. It's been two years since our last girls (grown-up Girls) only trip to St. Michael's. The kids are in good hands, Dad is prepared for the task, and Mama is OUT!
Yay! 8 meals in a row without sharing food with my kids shoving bites in my mouth in between entertaining them! 3 days with out "Mama, (insert question here)?" It is gonna be a great weekend. Add to that my toes in the sand. I am a happy happy girl.
Yay! 8 meals in a row without sharing food with my kids shoving bites in my mouth in between entertaining them! 3 days with out "Mama, (insert question here)?" It is gonna be a great weekend. Add to that my toes in the sand. I am a happy happy girl.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
A/C Update
Well, it seems our A/C is now working. YAY. $349 is way better than what I thought we were in for ... replacing two compressors/units. EEEEKKKK....
We'll see if it holds up!
We'll see if it holds up!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The Boy: 16 Months
Hello...anyone there? 16 months old! Hard to believe. He loves the phone. He loves pretending he is talking on the phone. Anything will suffice. The remote. An Ipod. A cracker. Doesn't matter, he'll try to talk to it. He is IN LOVE with Gramma Mezo. They had an overnighter a few weeks ago and they are now officially in love. Not Ella/Gram level of love (yet) but LOVE. He is chatty but not necessarily in a way that we understand. He does say Mama, Daddy, Night NIGHT!, and cracker pretty darn clearly. Cracker is my favorite because he sounds like a Macaw, it comes out Cra-CAWWWWW! If he is particularly hungry we get a Crack-ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! LOL. He also says "Neee Neee" which we think must be Jeannie. He waves. He blows kisses. He gives real kisses. He's a lover not a fighter. LOVE THAT BOY! The absolute cutest thing he does currently...and this is entirely of his own doing...is go and get on his little tiny scooter & then look at us and waves bye bye. Like he's going somewhere. Everytime he gets on that thing, which is often! Very cute. (Yes, I realize I use cute ad nauseum).
He has offically come into his own. I may be speaking too soon but that month or so of whining and groaning is over, methinks he must have been seriously teething and unequiped with the coping mechanisms we have as grownups. This is the beginning of my favorite stage!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Exploding A/C units & Hazmat teams...
No these two things are not related but they did happen the same day.
1) Exploding A/C units. Ok, not really EXPLODING, but not working. Of course, it was 80+ degrees yesterday when they finally decided to go caput. We have known since we moved in that our A/C has issues. We thought the problem was resolved last summer finally after having our reputable and smart friend work on the units. It limped us through but when you put two of the lowest end units possible on a house our size & install them incorrectly to boot, its only a matter of time. Paulie will be replacing compressors and getting us all fixed up by the weekend ... fingers crossed ... at what looks like about 1/2 the cost of any other vendor.
2) Hazmat Visit. Surprisingly, not at all related to #1. Last night at 11 pm we received a call, I knew something was up when my husband kept saying "Uh huh, yes, I understand. I understand." in a VERY serious tone over and over. Then he started giving directions. Turns out Jeannie, our daycare provider, had a mercury spill yesterday. Long story and no it wasn't a broken thermometer. Anyway, they had been at Jeannie's since about 6ish. They were coming by since Max had been there during the day. We were instructed to put all of his clothes and shoes from the day in a bag on our porch. They would come by momentarily to measure the levels. I remained amazingly calm. Being hyperefficient like I am, I had already washed his clothes from the day but his shoes were tested and beeped. So they took his $50 striderites. Its a good thing they were almost too small. Needless to say, the loss of the shoes and clothes were the least of my worries and everything is A-OK. But how is that for an exciting night. I could not get to sleep until well after 1 am!
1) Exploding A/C units. Ok, not really EXPLODING, but not working. Of course, it was 80+ degrees yesterday when they finally decided to go caput. We have known since we moved in that our A/C has issues. We thought the problem was resolved last summer finally after having our reputable and smart friend work on the units. It limped us through but when you put two of the lowest end units possible on a house our size & install them incorrectly to boot, its only a matter of time. Paulie will be replacing compressors and getting us all fixed up by the weekend ... fingers crossed ... at what looks like about 1/2 the cost of any other vendor.
2) Hazmat Visit. Surprisingly, not at all related to #1. Last night at 11 pm we received a call, I knew something was up when my husband kept saying "Uh huh, yes, I understand. I understand." in a VERY serious tone over and over. Then he started giving directions. Turns out Jeannie, our daycare provider, had a mercury spill yesterday. Long story and no it wasn't a broken thermometer. Anyway, they had been at Jeannie's since about 6ish. They were coming by since Max had been there during the day. We were instructed to put all of his clothes and shoes from the day in a bag on our porch. They would come by momentarily to measure the levels. I remained amazingly calm. Being hyperefficient like I am, I had already washed his clothes from the day but his shoes were tested and beeped. So they took his $50 striderites. Its a good thing they were almost too small. Needless to say, the loss of the shoes and clothes were the least of my worries and everything is A-OK. But how is that for an exciting night. I could not get to sleep until well after 1 am!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Hair Cut
She cut it all off. I didn't really say anything when I went to get my hair cut, but I guess she felt it was time for a shorter summer do. I love it. Especially the back. I was planning to kind of grow it to pony tail length for St. John but OH Well!This is a self portrait with the iphone, forgive the terrible angle.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
We have a house for STJ 08!
I sent off the check earlier this week for the cutest little house in Coral Bay. It will be our first time staying on that side of the island and I am VERY excited. Seabiscuit will be our home away from home for a week! I can't wait!
Madam President
Completely out of left field yesterday ...
Ella: "Mama, some day do you want me to be the 2nd woman president of the United States?"
Me: "Yes, Ella, I do!"
Ella: "Mama, some day do you want me to be the 2nd woman president of the United States?"
Me: "Yes, Ella, I do!"
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Chickamahominy House
Really it is the Chickahominy house, but I like to call it the Chickamahominy house as a tribute to my foreign born husband who called it that once ... and of course, I am not a big enough woman to let it go. That is just the kind of wife I am. He knows this and stays married to me so who's fault is it really ;) Of course, he does complain about me picking on the foreign boy.
Back on topic.
When I go visit my mom, we almost always go to the Chickahominy House in Williamsburg for lunch. Miss Melinda's special to be exact. A little salad of peaches, lettuce, grated cheese ... then comes the brunswick stew and 2 homemade flat biscuits with old virginia ham (the salty stuff! and the only type of ham as far as I am concerned) ... followed by a piece of homemade pie (I ALWAYS GET CHOCOLATE). Oh, and the best damn Iced Tea on the planet.
I have been going to the Chickahominy house since I was very little. I was probably barely older than Ella on my first trip. 7, maybe 8. I HATED IT. Why can't we go to McD's and get a happy meal like all the other kids? Hated it. Somewhere around late high school I started to get it. Now I am verging on obsessed. I can't go to Williamsburg and not go there or it just makes me mad.
You usually have to wait, unless you make the first seating. My mama doesn't like the first seating because she's pickier than me and says that the soup is not as good. As you wait you can swing on the porch or sit outside on a bench or peruse the funky, unique gift shop. The visit doesn't really start until you see Smiling Tony come around with the tray full of iced tea. It makes me giddy!
Back on topic.
When I go visit my mom, we almost always go to the Chickahominy House in Williamsburg for lunch. Miss Melinda's special to be exact. A little salad of peaches, lettuce, grated cheese ... then comes the brunswick stew and 2 homemade flat biscuits with old virginia ham (the salty stuff! and the only type of ham as far as I am concerned) ... followed by a piece of homemade pie (I ALWAYS GET CHOCOLATE). Oh, and the best damn Iced Tea on the planet.
I have been going to the Chickahominy house since I was very little. I was probably barely older than Ella on my first trip. 7, maybe 8. I HATED IT. Why can't we go to McD's and get a happy meal like all the other kids? Hated it. Somewhere around late high school I started to get it. Now I am verging on obsessed. I can't go to Williamsburg and not go there or it just makes me mad.
You usually have to wait, unless you make the first seating. My mama doesn't like the first seating because she's pickier than me and says that the soup is not as good. As you wait you can swing on the porch or sit outside on a bench or peruse the funky, unique gift shop. The visit doesn't really start until you see Smiling Tony come around with the tray full of iced tea. It makes me giddy!
Breast Cancer Three Day
My great friend, Diana, and her mother (celebrating 10 years cancer free) will be doing the Breast Cancer three day walk this fall. If you are so inclined follow her blog or better yet, donate to her team!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Weekend at Gramma's
We spent a lovely weekend in Urbanna at Gram's cottage. A whole lotta hanging out doing not much, which is just what the doctor ordered. We took a side trip to Williamsburg so I could satisfy my serious Chickahominy House lunch jones. Sweet tea, virginia ham biscuits, chocolate pie and a squeeze from Tony & life if good. There was a wedding across the way at Liberty on Saturday evening so we enjoyed live music. It was fun to watch the festivities. Otherwise, Ella & crew took two fishing trips - catching only 1 fish that they released. Also on the list was many many walks along the docks looking at the boats.
Back to reality but only 93 or so days until St. John so I think I can cope.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
You only live once...
So we are going to St. John in August! I know its hurricane season and its hotter and I am crazy but in a weak moment the husband agreed (after months and months of me nagging and hinting and hoping but never thinking he would) and I booked a flight for August 22-29. Just us and the kiddos. Now the search for somewhere to stay is on. More challenging than I thought it would be but we'll find something. Lord help us all if I have to end up camping!So ... STJ 08 and STJ 09. I guess the annual plan is coming into fruition early. Yay.
Flights...Check.
Car...Check.
House...working on it!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sisters & Brothers ...
Let's start by saying how much Max loves to open and close doors.
Overheard from the bathroom.
Ella: "Maaaaaaaaaaaama....Max is in my privacy!"
To do list: Teach Ella to lock the bathroom door.
Overheard from the bathroom.
Ella: "Maaaaaaaaaaaama....Max is in my privacy!"
To do list: Teach Ella to lock the bathroom door.
Friday, May 09, 2008
9 Years
(This Post is a day late forgive me. It is actually somewhat strangely appropriate since before we married I kept telling everyone the wedding was on May 9th!)Almost 17 years since I first laid eyes on you!
9 years ago we promised to be together forever!
A lifetime of memories, of warmth, of bickering, of kisses, of love.
Thank you my sweet man for loving me, marrying me, putting up with me, and giving me such a rich and beautiful life, especially those two adorable babies! There is no one else in the world who annoys me less than you do!
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