Wednesday, December 26, 2007

being a smartass

I was watching a NOVA about Isaac Newton and I was highly amused that another member of the Royal Society was always trying to both discredit Newton's findings and yet claim that he had thought of them first. That's a nice trick.

But the best thing was when they spoke about Newton having a nervous breakdown which led to him attacking his few friends -- among them John Locke. He apparently accused Locke of trying to ply him with women.

I thought it would be hilarious if Locked had replied, "You just need to get laid."

and then it was over

On Christmas Eve, my children all swore they would never be able to sleep. We roasted marshmallows, put out cookies and milk, and put out the stainless mixing bowl for the reindeer (carrots, oats, and sugar cubes). The kids were out within 15 minutes of hitting their beds.

Then Lou woke up at midnight and Bebe stumbled out about 20 minutes later and I had to stay up so that they could go back to sleep and their stocking could make it to the foot of their beds. I was almost asleep when I heard frantic whispering followed by gigantic children thumping out of bed (and the inevitable squeaks when Charlotte got out of her bed). There was racing down the hallway and then back, with cries of, "It's one o'clock!" This woke Archie, who I could tell wanted to go to the door and yell for the kids to go to sleep. I was laughing. The hubub subsided and I fell asleep.

Then I woke up to more running sounds and it was light out. The girls came in our room, "Santa came! We got our stockings and the cookies are eaten! Get up, get up, get up!" So we got up and unwrapped presents and everyone was amazed at what a great job Santa had done, which always tickles me. I will be sad when that ends.

Then Archie went back to bed, the girls played, and I stretched out on the couch and watched Elf. At about noon, our friend Scott came over and we shifted into cooking mode. And drinking mode. Several hours later, we were all tucking into perfectly cooked roast beast and Yorkshire pudding. I fell into a meat and wine coma and Cha and I had a lovely nap.

We took a walk once it was dark to look at Christmas lights, which was really fun. Usually it's been raining, so we just drive around. Walking was nice, especially since we'd all eaten so much. Back home, pumpkin pie and watching the SpongeBob Christmas special and then bed for little girls.

It was just about a perfect day. There was no screaming and lots of fun. Too bad it only comes once a year.

Monday, December 24, 2007

thank you, comcast

Oh, it will be such a very, merry Christmas -- all thanks to Comcast. I just saw a commercial for their "Holiday Yule Log." Three hours tomorrow morning of a crackling, burning fire, all accompanied by Christmas music. And, as the ad promised, "Completely commercial-free!"

Because everyone really hates a Christmas Day televised Yule log interrupted by commercials.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

more thoughts centered on tv

OK, OK, we watch a lot of TV. Whatever. At least it was PBS today!

We were watching a Christmas special with the San Francisco Boys Choir. But I didn't realize it was a boys choir because we tuned in about mid-telecast during a handbell interlude. Archie (who was in the Phoenix Boys Choir way back when) said, "Oh, I remember that so well."

"What? You were not only in a boys choir, you were in a handbell choir, too? That's so twee."

The best part, though, was that there were late-teens shading into young adult guys in the very back -- Archie said they were probably former members who come back to sing at the big boys choir-Christmas-handbell-tweefest. OK, he didn't say that, exactly -- that may just be my characterization of the entire thing. But, anyway, as one song ended, the camera focussed in on two older guys who did a respect knuckles thing. It was hilarious! Because, I like to imagine that one guy leaned into the other and whispered, "Dude, we still got it. Let's hit a club later and pick up some chicks. The ladies will totally be falling all over us when we tell them we were in the boys choir and know how to play handbells!"

Saturday, December 22, 2007

my next career move

Archie and I were watching Desk Set today. It was very fun to watch the characters talk about computers in super-simplistic terms since the audience for this film was certainly not technology savvy in 1957. (And, look at me, using IMDb to get the release date -- how far we've come, huh?)

Anyway, the best part of the movie was when it was stated that Spencer Tracy's character went to MIT. He had a PhD in science. Science! Because, as we all know, in the 50s there was only one scientific degree you could earn -- no specialization whatsoever.

It's my plan for my next career -- earning a degree in science from MIT.

and sancho panza was his sidekick

A while back, the girls were reading their Tintin books. Elizabeth asked, "Mom, how do you say q-u-i-x-o-t-e?"

"That's Quixote, baby. Don Quixote. He's the title character in a novel written in Spanish..." and I went on to outline the basic story. And then, I sang "The Impossible Dream" -- and surprised myself that I still knew all the lyrics.

When I was finished, Bebe said, "Mom. Why is it when I ask you how to pronounce something you give me a lecture on Spanish literature and then finish it up with a song? Can I read my book now?"

Thursday, December 20, 2007

the calm before the storm

The girls are asleep and I'm watching HGTV.  It's very quiet because Archie is at a party for a coworker who is leaving to go to officer training in the Marine Corps.  The party is at Chuck E. Cheese.  Why?  Because this very tall, attractive guy (who is gonna look smoking in dress blues) loves Chuck E. Cheese.  If the girls didn't have school tomorrow, we'd have all gone.

All I can say is, thank God for school.  Because Chuck E. Cheese is awful.  Except for the skeeball game.  The skeeball game is the best.

Anyway, it's calm and quiet and tomorrow is the last day of school before vacation.  While we usually have relaxing, non-stressful holidays, there is always the joy of three girls who are all together and picking on each other for the duration.  That's not so fun and restful.  And it gets worse once Christmas is over because the Santa threat is ineffective.

I'm just enjoying the relaxing where I can get it.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

a sunny day in phoenix


14 years ago Archie and I were married.  Look how young and happy we were.  We're now old and bitter.  OK, I lie, we're just old, but still pretty happy.  

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

laughing at my husband

I was surfing and Archie was watching a movie --something with Jessica Alba. All of a sudden he let out a groan and yelled, "No fair! No! That's wrong!"

"What?" Arch hit rewind on the TiVo and this guy is unwrapping some scarf or sarong or whatever from Alba's torso. Just as he's about to expose her boobs, she turns around so her bare back is what we see. And Archie pauses it and says, "See? That's so wrong! Don't you think that's wrong?"

And I laughed and laughed and asked, "Honey, you do realize I'm a woman, right? And I don't care if I see Jessica Alba's breasts or not?"

Monday, December 17, 2007

favorite twitters

None of these are mine. But I love them so much.

Sam: Nothing like drinking an armagnac that was distilled during de Gaulle's administration
Archie: Does it taste like it wants out of NATO?

*****

Tobin: To us, it is Knitterday. But for the poor balls of helpless fiber, it is the YARNOCAUST.

locked out

I walked out the door, to drive the girls to school, thinking, "Don't lock the front door. Don't lock the front door." As we parked and the girls clambered out of the car, I thought, "Shit. I think I locked the front door." Upon arriving back at the house, I swore a little more creatively as I tried to open the locked door.

The problem is that my house keys are on a keychain attached to my wallet in my purse, which I still don't always think to grab. The only thing that saved me from standing on my front porch was that Archie is on vacation and was still in bed. He grouchily said, as he opened the door, "Forgot your keys again?"

I may have to address the issue of having my house keys and my car keys on separate keychains.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

a summer day at the beach

If it's cold where you are, maybe a little glimpse at a day at the beach will warm you up a little. We were in Santa Cruz, about four and a half years ago. I can't believe how little my big girls were! The baby is Charlotte, Louisa is the redhead, and Elizabeth is the brunette. I'm the one in the huge t-shirt and jeans and Archie was working the camera. Sun, sand, and Pacific Ocean with a soundtrack by the Ramones and some cavorting children. What could be better?

Friday, December 14, 2007

and a happy hanu-shark to you, too

Charlotte is developing a very rich imaginative life. Either that, or she's presenting with schizophrenia at a very young age. So we'll go with the former.

On the walk home from kindergarten, she was telling me about her most recent conversation with Princess and Benny. Princess is her class fish -- a blue Beta. And Benny is the afternoon class fish who is red.

Cha: Princess said she needed a reef.
Me: A reef? Is her bowl big enough for that?
Cha: Yes! Because she wants some decorations. For the holiday.
Me: Decorations? Oh, you mean a wreath. A wreath is the round decoration; a reef is a group of coral -- like in Finding Nemo.
Cha: OK, the fish want wreaths to decorate for the holiday.
Me: What holiday are they celebrating?
Cha: Fishmas!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

tainter

Bleh. I still feel kind of tired. I spent most of today napping on the couch because my husband worked from home and picked the kids up from school and made sure we were all fed at appropriate times. I still had to get the girlies up and to school and then make sure they finished their homework and off to bed.

Archie would like me to tell you that I made a huge error last night. I ate ice cream directly out of the carton. I tainted the ice cream! As Archie just said, "Tainter!"

[Did I disappoint you people looking for something else? Nothing but the fact that I ate some ice cream when I was sick and contaminated it. God, you people with your minds in the gutter. Heh.]

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

sick

I've been feeling tired and awful all day. I've also been struggling with bronchitis and asthma problems since late October. I am worn out. The chills are arriving. I should just be in bed. I think some flu or other has decided I would be a good hostess. Fuck you, flu.

Did I mention I have a dentist appointment tomorrow? Yeah, I don't think I'm going to make that.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

kajukenbo, bowling, and race cars

I didn't write about our fantastically busy Saturday. It was something.

So, on Friday, Archie and I got home from the party at about 1am. He and the twins had to be at the dojo for belt testing at 7am. We had decided that Cha and I would stay home -- it's started to get cold and onlookers have to stand outside for the test. Archie said he'd get the big girls up and ready. I was slightly skeptical, but he seemed to get them up without too much trouble. I woke up a little when Archie got up, but went back to sleep. The next thing I knew, Charlotte was awake, which meant that I had to get up and feed her and keep an eye on her. Arch and the girls were headed out at that point. (He said he went in to wake them up and they begged for five more minutes of sleep, so he set the timer and they got up without incident.) Archie and the girls came home several hours later with new belts. Yay!

Then the girls and I went to Target to get some presents for a birthday party. We were in and out in no time with a Care Bear, a book, and a Hello Kitty craft-y thing. Then off to the party.

It was at a bowling alley and we had a ball. I haven't been bowling in ages. My folks did belong to a league and I bowled in an after-school program in middle school, so I'm not a rank beginner. (I did impress the girls with the fact that I can run up to the line, stop, and release the ball, as if I really knew what I was doing.) It was cool, though, because they have bumpers that can be set to go up for the frames of specific bowlers. The adults could bowl and the kids could have the benefit of bumpers during their turns. Lou was -- no surprise -- pretty good. Bebe made me cringe every time because she was throwing the ball and it would crash onto the lane. Cha would walk up, put the ball down, and then push it. Then she'd stand there and wiggle and twist as she watched the ball head for the pins.

After pizza and cake, we took the girls into the arcade and the twins and their friend played Dance Dance Revolution -- wait...EXTREME! It was extreme, too. Extremely funny.

Charlotte found a racing game -- the kind where you sit in a seat and drive the car through a course. Her legs weren't long enough to reach the gas pedal, so Archie stood next to her and worked that pedal for her and she became this little racing fiend. She was kind of good! She did run over a lot of her opponents. And she went flying over quite a few barriers. But she never crashed and she loved it. I hope her enthusiasm for speed and daring fades before it's time for her to get a driver's license and get behind the wheel of a real car. Or we may have to get her involved in Formula One racing. There's always the option of drag racing, though. Then we could tell her about Shirley Muldowney and how they share the nickname of ChaCha.

Monday, December 10, 2007

an excellent vocabulary

I was signing Charlotte's behavior report this morning before taking the girls to school. I said, "Charlotte, your teacher says you have an excellent vocabulary. Did you bust out an impressive word in class?"

She thought for a moment. "I just said gargantuan, Mommy."

Sunday, December 09, 2007

mostly done

I am not good about being organized and doing Christmas shopping early. I am one of those people who run out on Christmas Eve and stay up late wrapping.

All you readers should prepare for the end of the world. I am done -- or so mostly done as to qualify. I only have stocking stuffers to get and I can do that one morning this week while the girls are at school. All hail the Internet. Yeah, I'll have to wrap, but I can't express how great it feels to know that the kids are getting what they want and I didn't have to brave the shopping crowds. I'm crossing my fingers that the package arrives in time.

The American Girl people are pretty damn awesome. When you get to checking out with your purchases, there is a big page for the mailing address which states, very clearly, that the packaging has American Girl all over it and possibly a list of contents. And an explicit warning that you might want to have it shipped to an address where your kid won't see it. Bravo, American Girl, because I was stupidly going to have that package sent to the house and that could have been traumatic. Instead, Archie will have to take a little ribbing about getting a shipment of dolls at work. Heh.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

hip hop hooray

Last night was the holiday party for Archie's work. We went to San Francisco and danced to the mix supplied by Grandmaster Flash. Even with some of his mixing errors, it was totally awesome. I was particularly happy with the brief sonic appearance by Tom Tom Club and the mini-set of Naughty By Nature. I put my hands in the air and waved them like I just didn't care.

On the drive home, Archie mentioned that he thought he looked middle-aged when he wore a jacket and tie. "Honey, you are middle-aged. As am I."

"Yeah, but you don't look it."

And that is why I am married to him. Because he is a good liar.

Friday, December 07, 2007

scrooges and grinches

[Yesterday, several readers outclicked to the Heifer International site. Good for you! And, I hope, good for Heifer International. Really, that made my day, that a few people took the time to go and see what they're about. And I hope lots of people read the other Holidailies charity posts. They were awesome and I find it cheering to hear about the good causes that other people hold near and dear to their hearts.]

I have trouble processing calling people Scrooges and Grinches. Yeah, I know what someone means when they label a person one of those terms, but I always have a profound disconnect. Mostly, because I think that the real message of "A Christmas Carol" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is about change and redemption. Shouldn't we really mean that a Scrooge is someone filled with the holiday spirit and goodness toward humanity? It seems to me that the true meaning of the Grinch isn't, "...that his heart was two sizes too small..." but rather, "...his heart grew three sizes that day." But, I guess people focus on the negative.

I always think, for a moment, when I hear, "She's a real Scrooge!" or "He's such a Grinch!" that the person in question is wonderful and has been changed and redeemed. I don't know, maybe it's just my Pollyanna positive side peeking through. I'm sure it will never catch on.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

...but the greatest of these is charity

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

I Corinthians (ch. XIII, v. 13)

We are fortunate. Blessed. Lucky. Compared to the vast bulk of humans on this planet, we are wealthy beyond measure. We have good health, a home, plenty to eat, clothing, and disposable income. Our needs are covered and our wants are very, very few. Most people would say we are rich. We're not using $100 bills as tinder and we don't have diamonds on the soles of our shoes, but we have a fireplace and lots of ordinary shoes.

And, because of this, we give back. Probably not enough, but we donate clothes, we have provided food for food banks, we give toys to Toys for Tots (a personal favorite of Archie's, as a former Marine), and we give money. A neighborhood near us decorates out the wazoo for Christmas and takes donations for the Leukemia Society and we go and look at the lights every year and donate on the spot. (A personal favorite of mine because my sister-in-law contracted leukemia.)

But my current favorite charity is Heifer International. As a parent, I love that you can let your kids help you pick out what animals you want to donate. If you're a vegetarian, you could donate bees. If you're a vegan, the gift of trees is an option. But you're helping people improve their situations with a sustainable gift that not only keeps on giving, but that the people who are helped are tasked to pass on, as well. You're giving hope in the form of a llama. You're giving the chance for education with some rabbits. It takes the Chinese proverb, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for one day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime," one step further. With a gift to Heifer, you're giving a family food, teaching them how to support themselves with that gift, and then allowing them to give the gift and the teaching to someone else. I think that's fantastic.

Look, sometimes, to use that same idea, people just need the damn fish. They just need that meal, that shelter, that single handout. By donating to Heifer, you're giving that handout, but also a hand up. And then giving people who had nothing the ability to be charitable, themselves. To feel fortunate, lucky, blessed.

Consider Heifer International. But, whatever you do, give something back, somewhere.

[This post is in response to today's Holidailies prompt for the Holidailies Charity Project. ]

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

peer pressure

I'm sure everyone is familiar with the tried-and-true parental phrase, "If all your friends jumped off a bridge would you jump, too?"

I had a friend in college named David. One summer, he had a weekend-long party at his family's beach house. On a rainy afternoon, he had all the guests watch his vacation footage from his trip to New Zealand. This trip included the new and exotic bungee jumping off a bridge. (It was over 20 years ago.) In the video, David was shown standing on the bridge, absolutely terrified, trying to work up the nerve to jump. He finally did, screaming the entire way. He said it never stopped being scary. I asked, I thought reasonably, why he did it. "Because all my friends did it," he replied.

"Um, David, you are officially every mom's nightmare come to life. You're the guy who literally jumped off a bridge because your friends did!"

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

housekeeping

Is the new look freaking anyone out? Don't go! I was just bored after years and years of the same damn thing. Ta da! Green and a picture and wow, I think I just entered 2001 or so.

your kiss is on my list

Don't you love a Hall and Oates reference? Now you'll have it in your head all day. You're welcome!

Ever since the girls were born, I've been a kisser. Lots of kisses, multiple times a day. A kiss on a fuzzy head there, a peck on a fat thigh here. As they grew older, we started to have a repertoire of smooches. Bedtime used to be a festival of bussing. What follows is a litany of kisses.

1. The Big Kiss: Lips to lips, hum during the press, when you part, say, "Mmm-WAH!"
2. The Eskimo Kiss: Rub noses. (Should properly be named the Inuit Kiss, I suppose, but some things just don't change.)
3. The Butterfly Kiss: Blink your eyelashes against someone's cheek. Wait for the giggles.
4. The Fish Kiss: Make fish faces. Smooch.
4.a. The Grouper: Open and shut your mouth without puckering. Smooch.
4.b. The Catfish Kiss: Fish face with backs of hands against your cheeks, fingers wiggling. For the whiskers.
4.c. The Electric Eel: Shuffle your feet along the carpet. Kiss someone and squeal when shocked. Then run.
5.The Zerbert: A loud, wet raspberry. Hilarious when done to a baby's belly. Will still provoke squeals when placed on a recipient's cheek.
6. The Darling Kiss: Three air kisses followed by both parties saying, "Darling!"
7. The Long Distance Smooch: This is really something Archie does. To me. Or at me. He just makes a few kissy noises and I am expected to reciprocate. These are never done over the phone -- he's always sitting across the room from me or walking past me. He could, reasonably, just give me a damn kiss with a tiny bit of effort. But, no. And, if I don't make the smoochy noises? He repeats his own kissy sounds, only louder. Awesome.

Monday, December 03, 2007

the changes

Last night, spur of the moment, we all went out to dinner. It wasn't a super-fancy, white tablecloth place, but it also wasn't some fast food joint, either. (Archie wanted steak, so it was kind of a relaxed steakhouse, I guess.)

If, eight years ago, someone had told me that we would get out of the door in under 10 minutes with three children, no tears (on the part of the children or the adults), and then have a delightful time with those kids, I would have laughed until I cried. Because eight years ago, I could not even imagine that I wouldn't still be changing diapers and breastfeeding and getting up several times a night. Perspective is not a gift that is given to first-time parents. Every day seems like every other day and it is hard think that those babies will grow up and become real people who do amazingly complex things like read a menu (!), order their own food, and have pleasant, volume-appropriate conversation. And where the parents get to actually enjoy their food! No rushing, or boxing up most of two dinners. It's like a freaking Christmas miracle.

Actually, it's just real life, since the girls have been behaving so beautifully out in public for quite some time. But it still sometimes surprises me. Last night, Lou was leaning slightly against me and telling me something about the book she's reading as she took a piece of bread and reached to dunk it in some artichoke dip. I noticed a man sitting across the way, eating by himself, who was kind of watching us, and I thought about how we must appear to strangers at that moment. Relaxed, enjoying each other, Archie and I and our squirrels looking pretty near perfect.

And at that moment, we were. And those moments are worth the times that aren't perfection. There are still plenty of those, too. But we know they won't last forever, now.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

talkin' 'bout "star wars" -- a film you should see

The original (OK, the enhanced, because George Lucas is a little stupid) "Star Wars" was on yesterday and Archie and I were singing that Bill Murray lounge singer bit. And we were trying to explain to the girls what a huge deal the movie was when we were kids.

The summer of 1977 I was going to be in the 7th grade. My brother Eric and I spent a week with my aunt and uncle in Sandusky. We would ride their beat up old Schwinns over to the park and hit tennis balls, we'd walk down to the beach and swim in Lake Erie, and we'd play cards with Aunt Norma and Uncle Don after dinner every night. Except for one night when Uncle Don asked after dinner, "Would you kids like to see that 'Star Wars' movie?" I think we tried to be cool and just mumbled, "Uh, yeah, that could be fun." But I know I was feeling as if I just won the lottery. And it was amazing and funny and suspenseful and the special effects were like nothing we'd ever seen. I could not believe my good fortune. I got to see "Star Wars" and I didn't have to beg or plead to see it!

I was chatting with my mom on the phone last night, and I mentioned this to her. She started to laugh and said, "You know, your brother Gordy didn't get to see it when it came out because he was at church camp that week." Apparently, Gordy now watches it any time it ever comes on TV. And when Mom asks why he's watching something he's seen countless times before, he always replies, "Because I didn't get to see it when it came out!" He's just a wee bit bitter -- even after all these years. I know I shouldn't find that funny, but I do. It also explains why he was so insistent that he get ot see the sequels on the day they opened. Like, pestering and cajoling my parents for weeks, which was totally out of character for him. It's also kindof interesting that both of us look at "Star Wars" as a kind of pivotal moment in our childhoods -- but I think of it as a high point and Gordy views it as the opposite. Well, interesting, but in a totally hilarious way.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

tradition updated for the 21st century

When I was a kid, there was always a tradition my brothers and I observed for Christmas. It started when we would all get excited because the Sears and JCPenney catalogues had arrived, in late September or early October. And then my mom would draw up a schedule, because otherwise my three younger brothers and I would have killed each other trying to get more time with the precious things. Then the list making began. Oh, the lists! They were vast and cross-referenced and ordered from most-wanted items to things which were merely acceptable. Those lists morphed and changed and took great effort and insight to compile.

We still get catalogues, but not those big Wish Books. No, what we have now are websites! American Girl and the toy section of Amazon and Sanrio. The girls are hilarious -- I have to schedule computer time so they each get a chance to click around and decide what they love and what they kind of want and all of that. And, since they're all girls (and all a little girly, too) they have big conferences about, "If I ask for this and you ask for that then we can share and it will be like having double the stuff! Won't that be cool?" And there are lists. Each girl has a list and she's been adding to it and erasing things and keeping an eye on the bottom line. (Seriously, Santa has a budget and I am tickled when one says, "But if I get the smaller doll I can get the companion pet and it still doesn't cost as much as the really big doll! Then I can ask for the books, too!")

I know this makes it sound like we're some super-materialistic family. But we really don't buy the girls a lot of stuff. Christmas and birthdays are when they get gifts. And, to keep another fine tradition, they will all be getting socks, too.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

hello, pasadena

Suck it, Michigan.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

sometimes i get it right

Bebe had a rough day at school and she didn't want to go to karate class. She fussed and worked herself into quite a state. I very calmly told her she didn't have to do the class, but she did have to go with us -- I couldn't leave an eight year old at home by herself. And I insisted, again very calmly, that she had to wear her gi and bring her belt, just in case she changed her mind and wanted to do class. She was not happy about that, but she changed clothes.

She was very unhappy on the drive over to the dojo. "I don't want to do class, Mama." "I know. And you don't have to. But we do have to go in so Lou can take class."

The minute we walked in the door she took off her shoes and stashed them in the storage shelf, saluted, and walked on the mat to start stretching. She did squat sets with a lot of energy and very loud kiais. (That's the shout let out when finishing a specific move.) And she really buckled down as they practiced pop and roundhouse kicks. When class was finished and she came off the mat, she was happy and relaxed.

And all I said was, "I can tell you feel a lot better and I'm glad for you. I'm really proud that you took class today."

Monday, October 29, 2007

scientific laughter

Charlotte was all abuzz about volcanoes and magma and lava because they learned about it at school today. While I was making her lunch, she said, "Mama, did you know there are volcanoes UNDER THE SEA?" Why, yes, yes I did.

"And lava is very hot because it is hot, melty rocks! Isn't that cool?"

"Yes, Cha, it's very cool. Wait -- no -- it's very, very hot!"

And then she laughed her head off.

Sunday, October 07, 2007

a sentence never uttered before

Archie and I went to a birthday party for one of his coworkers last night. A group of us sat outside, talking. At one point, one of his friends was trying to mimic some porn music and it was very strange and wrong, so I made some wocka-chocka sounds and then told them about the snails in a nature documentary we watched with Charlotte where the snails were getting it on and then toppled over slowly in their snaily passion. A woman said she had a friend who actually helped stage those kinds of scenes.

"You mean the snails had a fluffer?" I asked.

Everyone laughed very loudly and Archie said, "I think that is a completely unique sentence that has never been spoken before."

Saturday, September 29, 2007

happiness, muted

So, my beloved Cubs finally wrapped up the division. Seriously, I'm thrilled. And my big girls had their first belt test in Kajukenbo and did a fantastic job and are now the proud wearers of white belts with yellow stripes. On to yellow!

But, Lou has some stomach bug -- no fever, but she's been throwing up and she slept it off for several hours. She just got up and had some applesauce and toast. You know your child is sick and hungry when she says, "Wow! Yum!" for applesause and toast.

Hopefully, she'll continue to mend and feel up for a healthier and more exciting day tomorrow than puking, sleeping, and watching SpongeBob.

Friday, September 14, 2007

wasting time

I should be cleaning, but instead I'm writing here. (Don't worry, Archie -- I'll get the house in some vague semblance of order.)

My shuffle has been telling me one other thing. It's telling me that all of my music is from the 80s and 90s. Well, except for some Franz Ferdinand and the Shins. Hell, one song even explicitly says it's from the 80s -- "Don't tell me that it can't be done/'Cause we're livin' in the 80s." Oh, Nick Lowe, how I love you. "Jumbo Ark" and "All Men Are Liars"? Just fun. I think all men are liars has one of my favorite lyrics ever -- "There stands the naked ape in a monkey suit/Behind the little mustache he grew/The shifty brute."

Sadly, even Mr.Lowe has been cranking out albums in this century, yet I have not kept up in my listening. I think I'll have to get on that.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

i think my shuffle is trying to tell me something

I was driving in the car and listening to my shuffle on, well, shuffle. Heh. And it played "It's All Been Done" and then "Galileo."

I think my shuffle is telling me I should become a Buddhist. Which I will try to get around to -- oh, in my next life.

Hi. I'm back from vacation and getting all of my children in school. My apologies to the several people who keep checking in every day.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

best nickname ever

Archie likes to watch the mixed martial arts fighting on TV. Mostly, he TiVos it and watches it in our office/guest room, because I am not what you would call a big fan. But, tonight he was watching something in the family room and he paused the TV to inform me of the nickname of one of the combatants. Are you ready?

The Mexicutioner.

Isn't that awesome? Sadly, the Mexicutioner lost the match. But he lives on in our hearts because of his fantastic nickname.

Monday, July 30, 2007

california fun in the sun

Yesterday was the employee summer picnic and so we packed up and headed to Santa Cruz to spend the day at the Boardwalk. It was pretty much fun from beginning to end, with only a few hiccups.

We had lunch first and they had a person doing airbrush tattoos, so the girls and I all got tats. I went to get a beer and the very sweet guy said, "You're 21, right?" "Uh, yeah, but you can see my ID if you want." So I handed him my license and he squinted at it and then at me and said, "You're 42? No way!" And I smiled and said, "You have just scored a tip, my friend!"

We went to the beach and got our feet wet in the Pacific and then headed for the Boardwalk. First up was the merry-go-round. It's the only carousel that you can still grab a brass ring on (and then you toss it at a clown with a hole for a mouth and if it goes in there are lights and loud sounds -- Archie actually got one in). Then Cha and Lou and I went on this rock and roll ride which was loud and fast and fun. We got some ice cream and then tried to talk the girls into the flume ride, but they all said no way. So I took Cha and Lou on the ferris wheel. This was a minor mistake since I always forget that Louisa hates heights and she spent the ride with her eyes squinched shut. Then we went on the tilt-a-whirl and Bebe joined us (Archie won't ride the twirly rides because they make him sick) and Bebe was not happy and started to cry. So I felt awful about that. We made it up to her by having another go at the merry go round. Then we went back to the beach to splash around before we headed home.

Archie made us tuna melts for dinner and then off to bed for everyone. We mostly had a really great time and only had some crabbiness when it was time to leave. Archie got to laugh his head off at me when we were walking, though. I was holding Cha's hand and Bebe was walking with Arch and I kept looking around and finally stopped and said, "Oh, God, where's Louisa?" Archie laughed and laughed and I felt a tug on my other hand as Lou said, "Mommy, I'm right here!" Best parenting freak-out ever -- I wasn't even registering that I was holding her hand!

After our ride experiences, I think when we go to the Ohio State Fair in another week that we'll stick to kid rides and Lou and Cha will join me on some twirly stuff. I am totally going to get Cha to go with me on the mini-roller coaster, though. That child likes the thrill. She was cackling like a crazy hen on every one we rode. She will apparently be my amusement park buddy.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

poor, sick baby

Charlotte was up and down last night and that's unusual for her. This morning she didn't want to get out of bed, but we had to take the girls to daycamp. She was just kind of lolling around on the couch and I realized she hadn't asked for breakfast. When I asked her if she was hungry, she said no, so I felt her and she was hot.

I took her temp and she's got a 100 degree fever -- not scary, but enough to make her lethargic and not herself. I gave her some Motrin and the fever has come down a bit and she's drinking water -- although she has no appetite. I'm not afraid she'll starve or anything.

I hate the unexplained fevers. She says she doesn't have a headache or tummyache and there's no rash or anything like that. I just have to keep an eye on her and make sure she gets enough fluid.

Poor baby.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

borders was on crack

On Friday, I called our local Borders to inquire about their Harry Potter release party. The guy said, "Have you reserved a copy?" I replied, "You really think I need to reserve a copy? You're going to run out of the most anticipated release since, well, forever?"

"Well, we're advising people to come on Sunday when we'll sell books that were reserved but haven't been picked up."

"Dude, I'm pretty certain I can secure a copy somewhere tomorrow. But thanks."

And -- what do you know? -- when we went to Target there was a huge, book-filled display. Shocking! It was fun to kid with Louisa, though. "Hey! Wasn't there a book you wanted? Something like Larry Snotter? Or Barry Hotter?"

"Mo-om! Harry Potter!"

"I heard that everyone gets killed and the school burns down."*

"Mo-om!"

[* I did not really hear this. That was a joke, just in case you think I would have some spoiler-y Harry Potter info.]

Monday, July 16, 2007

eight years ago

I looked over at Archie. He didn't have that softened look around the eyes most people have when they look at a baby. He looked panicked and kind of terrified and I could only see a bundle wrapped in a blanket that seemed to be a dishtowel with blue stripes on the ends. A nurse put another bundle on my chest and I looked into a tiny red face who was screaming at me -- "Waahh!" Pause. "Waahh!" Pause. "Waahh!"

"What do you think, Mom?"

I looked up at the nurse, at said, "That's a baby."

She laughed. "Of course it's a baby! What did you think it was?"

"I don't know. But that's a baby."

"Yes, that's a baby. And you have another one just like her over there."

And then I felt incredibly nauseated because, holy shit, I now had two babies.



*****



Now those two babies are eight. I can barely reconcile that these big girls who gallump around the house and read and giggle and tear around on their mountain bikes were once those babies who terrified me right after they were born.

Happy birthday, Elizabeth Annika and Louisa May.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

it's like 2004!

Archie and I had old, clunky Nokia cell phones. No flip cover, no download capabilities, no camera, just phones. We've had them forever. But we got new phones yesterday and they are wonderful and do all kinds of cool things and we're having (or at least, I'm having) lots of fun with them. As you can probably guess by the title of this post, we didn't get iPhones because, what are you? Crazy? We have three kids and a gigantic mortgage and one income -- we can't even begin to pretend to imagine to justify spending that much money on phones, no matter how cool they are. No, we got Razors. We have moved into the mid-aughts, people!

We have texted! We've had fun trying to think up interesting ringtones. We've taken pictures. We've sent pictures! It's like we're 12.

The best thing was last night. I was getting ready to go to the grocery store and Archie was reading to the girls. He asked me to add a few things to the list. He told me a few normal things and then started going on and on with stupid things -- like a pool and a pony and the Eiffel Tower. Ha ha. Except as I put down the pen and prepared to walk out, Archie said, "Oh, yeah, and some Frosted Mini Wheats." Of course, all I wanted to do was flip him off, but the kids were all right there, so I was limited in how to express my annoyance.

I went into the living room and took my phone and took a picture of my hand with my middle finger extended. Then I sent it to Archie. Sadly, I thought it was pretty damn funny that I flipped off my husband using my brand-new phone. Because that is what all technology should do -- give me an interesting and novel new way to flip off my husband.

I can't wait until he annoys me again -- I'm torn as to whether I should text him and say, "Dick" or "Suck it".

Maybe "Suk it".

Thursday, July 05, 2007

girly stuff

Not the little girl stuff, but big girl stuff.

I am happy to say that I have graduated from my very low-maintenance Cetaphil/Neutrogena sunblock/whatever cheap-o drugstore moisturizer was on sale to the Philosophy (or philosophy, I guess) skincare system. My skin has always been fairly decent, but after the kids, I just didn't have the time or inclination to do more than the most very basic care. Also, my inner cheapskate kicked in and I just couldn't justify spending a lot on something that I wouldn't or couldn't keep up with. But, lo! The children are not quite as time-intensive as in days past and I have been making it a priority to take care of myself a little more. And my skin loves me! It really, really loves me! And while my new skincare routine really isn't that much more of a time-suck than before, it feels a little more special.

And, I have some new makeup loves. Which is really saying something since I basically gave up on makeup for the past seven years except for events. I have a Neutrogena tinted moisturizer that works more like a sheer foundation that's really nice. And the boutique-y Mark line from Avon (or mark., I guess) is cheap and fun and I have a whole slew of lip glosses! Lip glosses with attached mints that fit right in my very tiny purse. Because I don't need to carry the Diaper Bag of Doom anymore. Yay!

Also, I got a whole bunch of new clothes! Clothes that include skirts and new shoes and cashmere sweaters. Oh, my dresser drawer filled with cashmere is a beautiful thing. And this is all because my kids no longer treat me as the human Kleenex and they no longer cling to me like baby koala bears.

It's amazing how a little girly stuff and a bit of time (not to mention a full night's sleep every night) makes me feel. I'm all cute and stuff. Now if those pesky gray hairs would magically disappear, I'd be golden. Heh.

Monday, June 11, 2007

alas, we cannot be friends

A reader from Germany left a message on a post from a year ago where I made a silly comment about how someone reading would want to be my best friend because I am so cool -- the post was about sabermetrics and, while I love baseball, I think admitting you watched a show about statistics makes you about the uncoolest person ever.

So, zenmiester, the comment was read and I found it amusing. But. I followed the link to your profile and we can never be friends. You have listed that you love baseball but you hate the Cubs. Oh, evil reader! Begone!

OK, not really. Please come back and visit again. But really, how can anyone hate the Cubs? I mean, it's not like they're the Yankees. Unless, of course, you hate them like I do for never winning. That I can understand. Well, I could understand if you were just disappointed continually.

Say you are merely disappointed in the Cubs and then we can eat popcorn, watch Ken Burns' "Baseball", and braid each other's hair.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

the hierarchy of crabbiness

I have three crabby girlies. I think the main reason is that the time change was so much earlier this year. So, at their regular bedtime, it's still really light outside. They just don't want to go to sleep -- but they need the sleep because they have to get up and go to school in the morning (until next Thursday). This happened last year, too, but it was much closer to school being out. I've been dealing with this for over a month and I'm really over it.

But, due to all the crabbiness, Archie came up with a hierarchy of crabbiness. From least to most crabby, as follows:

hermit crab
crab
mega crab
ultra crab
Platinum crab by American Express

Needless to say, mentioning what level of crabbiness is being displayed just increases the crabosity. But Archie and I can't help ourselves. Hell, they're going to be little crustaceans anyway -- we might as well be amused as irritated.

So, the other day, Elizabee was very out of sorts and it was declared that she was Platinum crab by American Express. Then Lou, who is usually the crabbiest child, said, "Oh, I think she's reached the Louisa crab level!" This is funny because, well, Lou is the crab extraordinaire. But, it's also notable because she is not known for her self-deprecation. So this was a real milestone for her, as well as a humorous comment. We laughed.

And, of course, Bebe thought we were laughing at her, but we were really just amused by Ms. Louisa. OK, we were kind of laughing at Bebe, too. Because then she reached an entirely new plateau of crabbiness, yet to be named.

I can't wait for school to be over.

Friday, May 18, 2007

this year sucks for my sports teams

Has anyone reading noticed this? It has been a sad, pathetic year for the teams I've been rooting for. The Buckeyes lost national chamionships in football and basketball. Now the Suns are out of the playoffs. While I am always optimistic about my Cubs, we all know where it's probably headed.

If you have a team you hate, leave a comment and I will focus my losing vibes on them. Guaranteed satisfaction.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

hope springs eternal

I'm reading a lot of commentary about last night's game and much of it is about how the Spurs are just a better team and the Suns have no chance. Which, in the hopeful light of a new morning, I refuse to accept. The Suns had no Stoudemire or Diaw and they only lost by three. Yeah, those Spurs were just walking all over the Suns.

Suns in seven! Suns in seven!

(Will it happen if I wish for it hard enough? Heh.)

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

god damn

The Spurs by three.

hopin' and prayin'

So, if you haven't been keeping up, the Suns are tied at two all in their series against the Spurs. And the last game looked to be going to San Antonio until the very end when Phoenix caught on fire and turned the whole game around. Then there was the little matter of a hard foul where Horry checked Nash (poor Nash -- a badly cut nose, a knee to the groin, and now a hockey move) into the scorers' table. Which caused Bell to get in Horry's face and then Stoudamire and Diaw came off the bench (oh, no!), but were pulled back by coaches and teammates. The Suns won.

Except there's this rule that, in the event of an altercation, players who are on the bench must stay on the bench or suffer a suspension. So, two starters aren't playing tonight. Horry got a two-game vacation, but so what? He's not some absolutely integral part of the Spurs' game. The Suns just lost their top scorer because of something the other team did. Damn.

But. It's halftime and the Suns are up by 11. The Spurs had their lowest-scoring first half of the entire season. I think the Phoenix players are all having power naps in the locker room, right now.

Please. Please. Please.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

who knew?

If you want to increase your hit count, simply include names of celebrities in your posts. I have had more visits from people searching for Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, and Steve Nash than the now-infamous "slugs in a dishwasher" festival of late last year.

I love you, crazy Internet people. Don't ever change.

Monday, May 07, 2007

a conversation while watching the nba playoffs

[While watching the Warriors game the other night, they showed Jessica Alba in the crowd. Archie kept rewinding the TiVo to see Jessica Alba.]

Me: So, I saw an interview that said that Baron Davis went to school in Malibu with Kate Hudson, so that's why there are celebrities at the Warriors games. And, Jessica Alba was saying that Baron's like family --which, you know, may or may not be true.

Archie: Really? Hey, and why are you seeing interviews with Jessica Alba and I'm not?

Me: Hahahahahahahahahaha...

Archie: That's it. I'm going to have lunch tomorrow with Colin Firth and you can't come. I'm also going to make him act like Mr. Darcy throughout.

bloody

Wow. Poor Steve Nash -- that was an extraordinary gash and freely flowing blood. I hope that and the loss to the Spurs makes them want to kick some ass.

I find it amusing to read EPSN articles and then the replies from other readers which are always, "The columnist is a stupid idiot." There's one about how the Suns are fun to watch play. And then there are lots and lots of comments about how if a team is fun to watch, you aren't much of a basketball fan because everyone knows that the true conniseur of basketball like games where the teams play the clock and take one shot and then guard the opposing team like a glove and YAWN. Here's the thing -- I like the Spurs. I think Tim Duncan is amazing and, apparently, a stellar human being. But, regardless, a fantastic player. But if you don't enjoy watching a team running and gunning I think you may be dead inside. It doesn't mean you have to root for the fast breakers, but you have to admit you like watching a game that's got some life to it.

And that's why I like the Suns. It's fun to watch them play. Fast and furious is entertaining.

Saturday, May 05, 2007

triple fun

I am 42 years old today. I am old. Although, last week, when I told Bebe that I was old because I would be 42, she said, "Oh, Mama, you're not old. You don't look a day over 32." Sadly, I was thrilled, even though she's seven and she didn't even know me when I was 32. Oh, man, now I feel really old.

Also, happy Cinco de Mayo. I still secretly think that people of Mexican heritage are celebrating my birthday every year.

And, as occasionally happens, Derby Day falls on my birthday. I love Derby Day. And this year, as I dozed in front of early ESPN coverage, Archie herded the children out of the house and they've been gone for several hours. I had a big, fat nap and talked to my mom and had a snack. I'm expecting that Arch and the kids will be back soon with gifts and a cake. And tales of a special lunch out. Later, I'll take a shower and then we'll all go out for Mexican.

To recap, I'm old, it's the 5th of May, and there's a big horse race on TV. Also, presents, Mexican food, and chocolate cake for later. It's a fantastic day.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

dear suns,

I love you. You guys are awesome. Please stay healthy and continue to make me happy with your fast break play and fantastic passing and shooting.

And the winning. Keep that up, as well.

Smooches,

Katie



Lakers,

Neener, neener.

No smooches,

Katie

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

happy may

Well, it's been a while. What's going on? Are you enjoying your spring?

I am currently happy about watching the NBA playoffs because the Suns are kicking Laker ass and Steve Nash has a kicky new haircut -- yet still looks kind of greasy. The other day there was a clip on TNT where Nash walked past an on-court announcer and made a really stupid face and it was hilarious. Also, the Warriors? Please take out Dallas. Please.

Baseball is great and makes me very happy, even when the Cubs lose, which seems to be happening too early this season. But, still and all, I always love watching a game that goes into extra innings and singing the stretch twice, because it's the 14th. Even when they lose, that's a good time.

TV is ever the vast wasteland -- but "30 Rock" will be back for a second season, which makes me smile. And maybe maybe "Raines" with Jeff Goldblum will come back. (But probably not.) I cannot explain my love for Goldblum. I still remember going to see "The Big Chill" in college and going to every showing over a weekend just so I could watch him mumble and give those crazy-ass line readings. And then there is the funniest sex scene ever with Emma Thompson in "The Tall Guy". (I also love that movie because of the musical version of "The Elephant Man". In high school, we had a running joke about adapting that as a musical, so I always like to think that some British guy had a spy in our crappy drama club and stole our brilliantly funny idea.)

Saturday is my birthday and I am excited because Derby Day falls on my special day this year. I am planning on reclining on the couch and watching hours of coverage and drinking tasty adult beverages. Archie says it will be like a Tennessee Williams play, "Bring Mama another mint julep. Now! I need that now! Oh, why do you all try me so? All I want is to watch the elegant ponies and have a few moments of joy." All of that must be slurred and I need to get a mister so I'm all moist and damp, I think. Heh. Then we'll all be going out and having Mexican food for dinner to celebrate the fact that my birthday is also a holiday. Margaritas all around!

Archie has good things happening, which I can't talk about. The girls are all trolling websites looking for summer clothes they like. I am a decent parent, though, since they think the height of fashion are skorts and velcro sandals and not belly shirts and stripper heels.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

more buckeyes

So, Ohio State is a number one seed in the NCAA basketball tourney. And they're through to the Final Four.

Of course, they couldn't do this without making me a nervous wreck. One game went into OT and the next they fell 20 points behind, only winning by one point. All I wanted was a convincing win so I could breathe a little. Yesterday, they played a close game against Memphis, but about six minutes from the end started to pull away, winning by over 15 points.

Which team will show up for the next game -- the "hey, Katie needs to have a stroke?" one or the "let's cut the poor girl some slack" one? I'm hoping the latter.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

i palindrome i

Louisa said, "Mama, the name Anna is the same forward and backwards."

"Yeah, that's an example of a special kind of word called a palindrome. Can you think of any others?"

She came up with mom, dad, eve, and mum. But she decided her favorites were toot and poop. Of course.

screw you, stupid school district

Today was registration for kindergarten for Charlotte. This required multiple forms, I had to get her doctor and dentist to sign that she'd been checked and found healthy, and gather proof that we own our house and live there, blah blah blah. I went over everything four times to make sure I had everything because our school district is overcrowded and if you don't secure a place early, they will "overload" your child and she might have to go to a different school where there is space.

Guess what? Because I think vaccines are important and Cha had all of hers, she can't be registered. Yeah, she had her first MMR two weeks before her first birthday and her second in December, with the rest of the innocualtions required for school admittance. But, that first MMR was not on or after her first birthday, so they want her to have a third MMR just a few months after her last one. (Which, she had a reaction to that required a course of antibiotics.) There is no way she's not up-to-date and that two weeks means she's a huge measels, mumps, or rubella risk. No way.

So, I have calls in to our doctor and the district nurse. And, the child is not getting another MMR vaccine until the boosters are required around 6th grade or so. I now have to argue this. The completely ridiculous thing is that if I'd signed a waiver saying I refused to have her vaccinated at all, she would be completely registered. But, because I did what I firmly believe is the right thing, I've made more work for myself.

I hate our stupid school district.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

birthday! birthday!

Guess what I was doing almost exactly five years ago? I was talking about an episode of "Buffy" with my husband while an epidural was being placed in my spine so Charlotte could be born. Yay for birthdays!

So, Ms. ChaCha LaBomba is five. Yesterday, we took pumpkin muffins and some little dollar store goodies to her preschool class. (Apparently, I am a wizard with magical powers for being able to mix some wet and dry ingredients, put them in muffin papers, and bake them in the supernatural hot box in my kitchen.) Then, sadly, off to the doctor for two shots. Today, there was singing and we'll have brownies after dinner. But we're saving the ice cream cake and presents for Saturday. Also, Cha wants breakfast-for-dinner at IHOP, so there'll be that, too.

She's not a baby, anymore. But, then again, she's always my baby. My sweet girl, my darling ChaCha Boogie, my love bug.

Happy birthday, Doodles. I love you more than you will ever know.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

sweet revenge on the mama

Lulu asked me the other day if I was smart.
"Yes."
"Spell it."
"I-T."
"Mama! You ruined the joke! Thanks a lot." That was said with a very dramatic eyeroll.

So, this evening, I was making dinner, and the twins were whispering to Charlotte and giggling. Then Cha came up to me and said, "Mama, spell icup."
Before I could even think, I said, "I-C-U-P."

There was lots of giggling and cries of, "You're so gross! Hecka gross!"

Sunday, February 18, 2007

and then i died of happiness

I overheard this little conversation a bit ago:

ChaCha: I did that very good!

[Before I could shout, "Well!"]

Bebe: Well. You did that very well.
ChaCha: Very well.
Bebe: That's right.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

henny younggirl

"Mama, what's brown and sticky?"
"A stick!"
"Mama, you stepped on my punchline!"

How does a four year old know the term punchline, much less that it can be stepped on?

Saturday, January 20, 2007

when will the injustice end?

I was loading the dishwasher on Friday and had "The View" on the TV in the family room. I heard Elisabeth and Rosie say they were making Buckeyes. Oh, Buckeyes. These are delicious sweets that consist of peanut butter balls coated in chocolate. They are so tasty and just about any school party featured a tray of them made by some classmate's mom and gorged upon by the kids. I have made them in Arizona and taken them to gatherings here in California where they are relatively unknown (or known by other Ohio transplants) to great acclaim. They're easy and fun to make. I was tickled that they were being made on a national TV show.

Except they were made all wrong. Oh, so wrong. The peanut butter balls should be peanut butter, melted butter, and confectioner's sugar. Elisabeth added Rice Krispies. Mistake number one. But, that error paled in comparison to what was to come.

Buckeyes are supposed to resemble buckeyes -- a glossy brown nut with a small inner circle of light brown. When made correctly, you coat the peanut butter balls and leave some of that filling peeking out. You know, so it looks like the actual nut. On the show, they just coated the entire thing, which just gives you a chocolate-coated peanut butter ball. Which tastes the same, but doesn't look right.

People, I may have gone completely insane because I almost lost it over a cooking segment on a morning talk show.

Even better though, is that Archie is watching a BBC show where a specific Rush song was mentioned. Then that song was identified by album title and track. Which then prompted Archie to pause the recording and exclaim that the song was on a completely different album and this was a horrible, grievous error.

At least I have some company in my insanity.

Friday, January 12, 2007

change of scene

I'm just posting this because Archie told me this morning he was sad to see the "oh, we lost and I'm so sad" stuff just sitting there. It's almost like he thought I was still in some downward spiral over the loss. Which is completely false. I was upset on Monday, but I bounced back. It is just a game, after all.

So, this one's for you, sweetie.

Monday, January 08, 2007

at least our band is better

I hate Florida. I hope the entire team gets stuck behind some snowbirds at the ATM tonight, thus curtailing their celebrations. Yeah, I'm hard like that.

crap.

I hate Florida. C'mon Bucks! Let's go!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

back to reality

Archie was home from the Wednesday before Christmas to yesterday. Almost 2 weeks of tag-team parenting (or, at least, another adult in the house to rely on in toilet-overflow or general meltdown situations). The twins go back to school on Thursday and that will be a good day -- the nice behavior (because I know Santa's phone number, heh) and sisterly holiday cheer has evaporated. The tail-end of vacations is always a pain. We'll got through it -- we always do.

What with shopping and celebrating and more after-Christmas shopping (thanks to money and gift certificates) and Archie taking a day to game with his friends, I haven't found the time to use my own windfalls of cash and certificates. I am in desperate need of a haircut. The house looks like it's been ransacked -- which it kind of has, except by 3 little girls, not criminals. The tree needs to be un-decorated and taken to the curb. There are piles of laundry and my side of the bed has become an even messier place.

I guess it's time to step up and get some work done.

(In good news, USC beat the Team I Can Never Cheer For, Even Though They Are A Big Ten Team. And, during the Wisconsin game, an announcer said something about the opposing team touching badgers and that still cracks me up. It sounds vaguely dirty.)