How does someone (me) who is at home all day, kids in school, find herself too busy to get everything done?
I know - it's a shocking state of affairs. And yet, it's true - I still do not have enough hours in the day to do everything I would like to do. You'd think that I would have long, leisurely days filled with hours and hours in which to shop, read, and generally have "me" time.
Yet anyone with children - well, anyone with a life, really - knows this isn't so. There is always some errand to be run, some worker to let in the house, an unexpected phone call, a surprise task. There are days when - horrors - I don't enough get around to updating my blog.
I didn't get around to posting yesterday. However, my back door is now fixed, I have arranged ground transport from the airport to the hotel in Chicago, my office desk is clean, I have a coffee table for the sunroom, and my gift wrapping closet is semi-organized. Plus I quickly re-read These Happy Golden Years in preparation for reading it to Sylvia.
(Side note: I am reading to her from the same set of books I read as a girl. I got them for my ninth birthday, end of third grade. The price tag on each book says 95 cents. The paper covers are completely dog-eared; some are in tatters. These Happy Golden Years is in possibly the worst shape - I think it was my favorite. I read those books over and over to myself, and I've read them through out loud three times. Did you read that they are updating the illustrations? Apparently girls of today no longer relate to Garth Williams' classic drawings - it's a sacrilege. My girls were outraged.)
So, in my absence yesterday, I was unable to comment on Don Imus. And now, he's gone. I didn't want him to be fired, just for the marketplace to work and for him to go that way. Did you read his comments about Gwen Ifel (from the Jim Lehrer Newshour - may have spelled that wrong)? Worse, almost, than what he said about the Rutgers women. I'm not sorry he's gone.
And I haven't had a chance to wax philosophic on reality TV. I predicted both of them correctly - I have no proof, as I didn't write about it here, but I did - truly! Though I only predicted the bottom two on AI, and it hardly took a genius - Haley was in the bottom two for the last couple of weeks, and her performance was weak. On DWTS, Leeza Gibbons was in the bottom two when the judges loved her. This week they hated her - you could see it coming a mile away. So yes, I predicted it, but it didn't take all that much foresight.
I've been feeling icky most of the afternoon; I've been forced to lie on the sofa reading. Rough day. But tomorrow Alison and I are off on a road trip - a mini-break with our friends Helen and Claire. Can't wait!
But for now, the TiVo'd Office awaits ...
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Monday, April 09, 2007
Free speech. But.
I'm all for free speech. It's in the Bill of Rights. And I'm a journalist by profession. Thus I am all for freedom of the press. It's one of our tenets of democracy, one of the rights that sets us apart from other nations. Even in western Europe, not all countries and culture honor this right we take for granted.
I've been thinking for a while about free speech, since the Supreme Court heard arguments in that "bong hits for Jesus" case. My feelings there are a bit mixed - yes, I am fully supportive of the kid's right to say what he wants. And I confess, the naughty part of me thinks it's all sort of funny. But it was a school activity, and naturally, the school cannot condone illegal activity (regardless of your thoughts on legalizing pot, it is illegal ... which is a discussion for another day). I'm pretty sure had his sign had a racial slur, the answer from the school would have been the same. However, had it been denigrating toward women, I wonder if there would have been any reaction - I fear not. Or had it had an alcohol reference. And there it gets sticky for me. Alcohol is, after all, legal. Not to those under 21, but none the less, it's not contraband for adults.
Thus I haven't quite made up my mind on this one. But I am leaning toward allowing it - he wasn't actually smoking pot, he simply had a sign that suggested it. And it is legal to publish a book on how to grow pot, thus why not a sign that jokingly suggests that "bong hits for Jesus" might be a good idea? I'm not suggesting I want my kids to carry such a sign - I'm just supporting free speech.
Which brings me to today, and Don Imus. And I don't think he should be fired.
But that doesn't mean I support him. Or even that such speech should be protected.
You have to question his motivation. He is all tears and contrition today but come on - he knew exactly what he was saying. I won't stoop to repeating what I consider to be a totally tasteless comment - he meant it as a pejorative. He says he was just trying to be funny, but this isn't exactly his first offense. And frankly, I'm not going to support someone who apparently can't think before he speaks. He's a radio personality, for crying out loud - he should know better. The after-the-fact crocodile tears mean "oops! I got caught."
There should be consequences for his actions. Which means that everyone who can should boycott his show. Let the ratings slide, then he can lose his job for that reason. As I said, people should be allowed to say what they think. But there should be a price. And Imus should have to pay.
I've been thinking for a while about free speech, since the Supreme Court heard arguments in that "bong hits for Jesus" case. My feelings there are a bit mixed - yes, I am fully supportive of the kid's right to say what he wants. And I confess, the naughty part of me thinks it's all sort of funny. But it was a school activity, and naturally, the school cannot condone illegal activity (regardless of your thoughts on legalizing pot, it is illegal ... which is a discussion for another day). I'm pretty sure had his sign had a racial slur, the answer from the school would have been the same. However, had it been denigrating toward women, I wonder if there would have been any reaction - I fear not. Or had it had an alcohol reference. And there it gets sticky for me. Alcohol is, after all, legal. Not to those under 21, but none the less, it's not contraband for adults.
Thus I haven't quite made up my mind on this one. But I am leaning toward allowing it - he wasn't actually smoking pot, he simply had a sign that suggested it. And it is legal to publish a book on how to grow pot, thus why not a sign that jokingly suggests that "bong hits for Jesus" might be a good idea? I'm not suggesting I want my kids to carry such a sign - I'm just supporting free speech.
Which brings me to today, and Don Imus. And I don't think he should be fired.
But that doesn't mean I support him. Or even that such speech should be protected.
You have to question his motivation. He is all tears and contrition today but come on - he knew exactly what he was saying. I won't stoop to repeating what I consider to be a totally tasteless comment - he meant it as a pejorative. He says he was just trying to be funny, but this isn't exactly his first offense. And frankly, I'm not going to support someone who apparently can't think before he speaks. He's a radio personality, for crying out loud - he should know better. The after-the-fact crocodile tears mean "oops! I got caught."
There should be consequences for his actions. Which means that everyone who can should boycott his show. Let the ratings slide, then he can lose his job for that reason. As I said, people should be allowed to say what they think. But there should be a price. And Imus should have to pay.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Houston: City of no beauty
We were supposed to go to the ball game.
It was the plan all week. We'd drive to Brenham and check out the wildflowers, then return home and go see the Cardinals play the Astros at 6.05 p.m. My parents were to meet us.
And then plans changed. None of this is a big deal - it's just funny to note the evolution of the day, from having company to going shopping.
Friday we spent hours and hours purchasing new speakers for the family room. We bought a new stereo receiver in order to maximize our surround sound, which also meant buying new speakers, a center channel, a sub-woofer. The service guy at the store was soooo old and slow - nice guy, but he was having some difficulty getting the audio demonstration to work.
We also got outdoor speakers so we can have the patio wired for sound. Exciting stuff ...
Sadly, they had no HD radio, which I am wanting. With HD radio, I can listen to NPR talk shows all day long - this I am dying to do. So, yesterday, after my parents announced they would not drive over in the rain (it was icky and sleeting - I think the entire Midwest and South are affected by this sudden unseasonable cold snap) we went out and got furniture for our sunroom. We did well, shopping at Pier One. I was hoping for something not too wickery, but still with a sunroom look about it, but not patio furniture. And Pier One was the only place that had what I wanted wthout spending a fortune (it's just a sunroom - not my living room). Thanks to big sales, we did very well.
And the dog is so pleased - the sunroom, just off the kitchen, is where her crate is kept, so she seems to think we redid the room just for her.
Gary finished getting the surround sound installed (it sounds amazing), then realized we needed to leave for the game, but there was no time to run by the electronics place that stocks HD radios. Got to Minute Maid, and they only had standing room only or $50 seats available. So we decided to take a pass and instead went to the electronics place.
Thus the title of this post.
Everything in Houston that lines the freeways (big chunk of the city) is ugly, absolutely lacking in character. When I used to visit my parents in Tucson, I commented on the look there - it has the feeling of a city that was developed in the late 50s then abandoned. Parts of Houston feel the same way, and the area on I-45 between 610 and Beltway 8 is devoid of any aesthetic quality whatsoever. The feeder roads (access or frontage roads to those of you not local) are lined with abandoned apartments, architecturally insubstantial strip malls, empty asphalt lots. Not a pretty sight. To be fair, there are areas along I-10 and 59 that look the same way - I would hate to discriminate in labeling the North Freeway as the only unpleasing area of the city.
Once again, I wonder how we ended up here. Inside the loop, there are lovely areas - depressing ones, too. And our neck of the suburbs is pretty enough, if not bland and surrounded by strip malls and chain stores.
But all in all, I do not feel surrounded by beauty. And it's tough. The beauty I do see feels very manufactured.
It's what I live with, every day. But it's manageable, for now. We did find our HD radio - gotta give Houston credit, as one can find everything one's heart desires somewhere in the city. From excellent sunroom furniture to stereo equipment, it's all here. And that is worth something, one must suppose.
Happy Easter, all. We hid 78 eggs for the girls (26 apiece), and all but two have been found. We're grilling salmon, and I'm making a lemon meringue pie. It's freezing. But The Sopranos return tonight.
It was the plan all week. We'd drive to Brenham and check out the wildflowers, then return home and go see the Cardinals play the Astros at 6.05 p.m. My parents were to meet us.
And then plans changed. None of this is a big deal - it's just funny to note the evolution of the day, from having company to going shopping.
Friday we spent hours and hours purchasing new speakers for the family room. We bought a new stereo receiver in order to maximize our surround sound, which also meant buying new speakers, a center channel, a sub-woofer. The service guy at the store was soooo old and slow - nice guy, but he was having some difficulty getting the audio demonstration to work.
We also got outdoor speakers so we can have the patio wired for sound. Exciting stuff ...
Sadly, they had no HD radio, which I am wanting. With HD radio, I can listen to NPR talk shows all day long - this I am dying to do. So, yesterday, after my parents announced they would not drive over in the rain (it was icky and sleeting - I think the entire Midwest and South are affected by this sudden unseasonable cold snap) we went out and got furniture for our sunroom. We did well, shopping at Pier One. I was hoping for something not too wickery, but still with a sunroom look about it, but not patio furniture. And Pier One was the only place that had what I wanted wthout spending a fortune (it's just a sunroom - not my living room). Thanks to big sales, we did very well.
And the dog is so pleased - the sunroom, just off the kitchen, is where her crate is kept, so she seems to think we redid the room just for her.
Gary finished getting the surround sound installed (it sounds amazing), then realized we needed to leave for the game, but there was no time to run by the electronics place that stocks HD radios. Got to Minute Maid, and they only had standing room only or $50 seats available. So we decided to take a pass and instead went to the electronics place.
Thus the title of this post.
Everything in Houston that lines the freeways (big chunk of the city) is ugly, absolutely lacking in character. When I used to visit my parents in Tucson, I commented on the look there - it has the feeling of a city that was developed in the late 50s then abandoned. Parts of Houston feel the same way, and the area on I-45 between 610 and Beltway 8 is devoid of any aesthetic quality whatsoever. The feeder roads (access or frontage roads to those of you not local) are lined with abandoned apartments, architecturally insubstantial strip malls, empty asphalt lots. Not a pretty sight. To be fair, there are areas along I-10 and 59 that look the same way - I would hate to discriminate in labeling the North Freeway as the only unpleasing area of the city.
Once again, I wonder how we ended up here. Inside the loop, there are lovely areas - depressing ones, too. And our neck of the suburbs is pretty enough, if not bland and surrounded by strip malls and chain stores.
But all in all, I do not feel surrounded by beauty. And it's tough. The beauty I do see feels very manufactured.
It's what I live with, every day. But it's manageable, for now. We did find our HD radio - gotta give Houston credit, as one can find everything one's heart desires somewhere in the city. From excellent sunroom furniture to stereo equipment, it's all here. And that is worth something, one must suppose.
Happy Easter, all. We hid 78 eggs for the girls (26 apiece), and all but two have been found. We're grilling salmon, and I'm making a lemon meringue pie. It's freezing. But The Sopranos return tonight.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Guilty pleasures
I'm monitoring my spam intake. My e-mail program has an excellent spam filter, and it catches everything. But generally I go in and clean it out as quickly as I can. Today, just for fun (?), I let it accumulate, just to see how much I get. So far, we're up 21 messages. They are on the usual topics - you know, ways I can, um, enjoy my life more. Suggestions on earning money. Or offers of great pharmaceuticals. Tempting, but no thanks.
Watched American Idol, and they are rid of that rocker chick. Not only did she have that funky red streak in her hair, but I hated her voice last night. I don't care for that fakey pop-singer vibrato - you know, the way precocious 12-year-olds who think they belong on Broadway sing? It's annoying. But we're rid of her. And Sanjaya was saved - you rock, buddy! Way to go!
Along with American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, my girls and I have another guilty pleasure: House Hunters on HGTV. We love it - the best episodes are the ones where they look at three houses then you have to guess which one they buy.
Just like the buyers, we are on the edge of our seat. Will they get the house? Will their offer be accepted? Oh pleasepleaseplease!
The home buyers they highlight are such idiots! I wish I had a dollar for every one who bitched about a wall's paint color (then re-paint!) or walked into a room and said, Wow, Iove the windows in here (duh - it's a room, of course it has windows). You cannot imagine the level of scintillating conversation. They are obviously instructed to make small-talk about what they see, so make inane comments like, Love the crown molding. Nice space in here. Oh look - a garage. It's 30 minutes of stating the obvious (Wow - the house has indoor plumbing!)
Sometimes the homebuyers are awfully picky. Everyone needs three bedrooms, even if it's someone who is single. They bitch that the rooms are too small, the bathrooms too small, the kitchen doesn't have granite and stainless steel. Good grief - it's your first house. Sometimes they show a lower-end family who is happy to be able to afford anything, then one week they showed this couple with money who bought a literal mansion for just the two of them - and turned down certain houses that just weren't quite big enough for them.
Equally tiresome are the jokes about how the kitchen won't get used because the wife doesn't cook (though they are demanding that everything be top-of-the-line) and the jokes from the guy who says, The master closet may just be big enough for all my wife's shoes. Hahahaha ... you're so original.
Among our favorite moments:
• The woman named Lilly who married someone named Brian LIlly, thus her name is Lilly Lilly. Yes, she did change her name.
• The wife who said, in a chirpy, upbeat voice, Oh, this is so nice, to every single house she saw, even the one that was a total dump - you could tell she had trouble saying it, but she just could not bring herself to say, this is awful!
• The woman who needed outdoor space for her gourd-carving hobby.
• The couple who made sure the master bathroom was big enough for the wife to shut herself inside in order to make private phone calls. Every house, this is what she looked at. In the final scene, we laughed because the youngest kid, a toddler, is running out of the not-fenced-in yard, just after the dad has poured the kid a sippy cup full of Dr. Pepper. Where is the mother? Locked in the bathroom on the phone, we can assume.
• The couple who had to have physical contact at every second - they were all over each other constantly. What are you, junior high? Get over it already.
• The realtor partners nicknamed Ladybird and Rambo (?)
• The guy who kept saying, I need lots of space to work on my projects, said in a tone of voice that made you think he must have to ride the short bus. (But what he did with the house he bought was amazing ...)
The show is incredibly corny. The dialogue is awkward and mundane, almost to the point of idiocy.
Yet we watch it all the time. Nice to know my kids only watch quality television!
Watched American Idol, and they are rid of that rocker chick. Not only did she have that funky red streak in her hair, but I hated her voice last night. I don't care for that fakey pop-singer vibrato - you know, the way precocious 12-year-olds who think they belong on Broadway sing? It's annoying. But we're rid of her. And Sanjaya was saved - you rock, buddy! Way to go!
Along with American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, my girls and I have another guilty pleasure: House Hunters on HGTV. We love it - the best episodes are the ones where they look at three houses then you have to guess which one they buy.
Just like the buyers, we are on the edge of our seat. Will they get the house? Will their offer be accepted? Oh pleasepleaseplease!
The home buyers they highlight are such idiots! I wish I had a dollar for every one who bitched about a wall's paint color (then re-paint!) or walked into a room and said, Wow, Iove the windows in here (duh - it's a room, of course it has windows). You cannot imagine the level of scintillating conversation. They are obviously instructed to make small-talk about what they see, so make inane comments like, Love the crown molding. Nice space in here. Oh look - a garage. It's 30 minutes of stating the obvious (Wow - the house has indoor plumbing!)
Sometimes the homebuyers are awfully picky. Everyone needs three bedrooms, even if it's someone who is single. They bitch that the rooms are too small, the bathrooms too small, the kitchen doesn't have granite and stainless steel. Good grief - it's your first house. Sometimes they show a lower-end family who is happy to be able to afford anything, then one week they showed this couple with money who bought a literal mansion for just the two of them - and turned down certain houses that just weren't quite big enough for them.
Equally tiresome are the jokes about how the kitchen won't get used because the wife doesn't cook (though they are demanding that everything be top-of-the-line) and the jokes from the guy who says, The master closet may just be big enough for all my wife's shoes. Hahahaha ... you're so original.
Among our favorite moments:
• The woman named Lilly who married someone named Brian LIlly, thus her name is Lilly Lilly. Yes, she did change her name.
• The wife who said, in a chirpy, upbeat voice, Oh, this is so nice, to every single house she saw, even the one that was a total dump - you could tell she had trouble saying it, but she just could not bring herself to say, this is awful!
• The woman who needed outdoor space for her gourd-carving hobby.
• The couple who made sure the master bathroom was big enough for the wife to shut herself inside in order to make private phone calls. Every house, this is what she looked at. In the final scene, we laughed because the youngest kid, a toddler, is running out of the not-fenced-in yard, just after the dad has poured the kid a sippy cup full of Dr. Pepper. Where is the mother? Locked in the bathroom on the phone, we can assume.
• The couple who had to have physical contact at every second - they were all over each other constantly. What are you, junior high? Get over it already.
• The realtor partners nicknamed Ladybird and Rambo (?)
• The guy who kept saying, I need lots of space to work on my projects, said in a tone of voice that made you think he must have to ride the short bus. (But what he did with the house he bought was amazing ...)
The show is incredibly corny. The dialogue is awkward and mundane, almost to the point of idiocy.
Yet we watch it all the time. Nice to know my kids only watch quality television!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Mah Jongg
I found a Mah Jongg group - I am elated! Or was ... I don't mind being the youngest (as I was in Lafayette - I think I am always the youngest of my friends). I don't mind meeting new people.
But they play Wright-Patterson, and I play National Mah Jongg. Can I adapt?
I am really wanting to play, and if I learned one way, then surely, surely I can pick up a new way. It can't be that complicated.
Can it?
But they play Wright-Patterson, and I play National Mah Jongg. Can I adapt?
I am really wanting to play, and if I learned one way, then surely, surely I can pick up a new way. It can't be that complicated.
Can it?
Monday, April 02, 2007
Brand-new me
First, a confession: Yes, I did watch biography of The Partridge Family the other night - thus the title of this post.
But I couldn't help it. Come on, if you're part of my generation, David Cassidy was a hottie. My brother had one of their albums (the first one - I Think I Love You!). Not only did I watch that show first-run, but I reveled in those reruns for years. Brady Bunch, Star Trek, Gilligan's Island, Daktari, this is what we watched after school (along with Underdog, Tennessee Tuxedo, and Bullwinkle and Rocky). My kids come home to Oprah and Dr. Phil. Sigh.
We had a nice weekend. Gary came home and we had a nice weekend. Heavy rains Saturday canceled the soccer games, so while Sylvia went to the movies with a friend, I took the other two clothes shopping.
I am officially old: I do not understand teenage fashion. My girls want to shop at Abercrombie, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Hollister. Those places are so loud they make my head spin. But, being the tolerant mom, I am patient; I endure.
The girls want to dress exactly like everyone else. I'm sure I was the same way.
I think I'm coming out of my funk of the last several weeks, the mini-depression that set in after my job went up in flames. Now that I have some distance, and some perspective, I've decided that I can deal. I've been doing some freelance work, and I finally decided the other day not to pursue anything more. I'll work a bit, stay current, and spend time with the girls. I'll enjoy my house, swim, travel. I am just going to settle down. I have friends - most of them are just not here. So I am just going to relax ...
With my new philosophy, the pressure's off. I feel at last as if my fate is in my own hands. It feels good.
But I couldn't help it. Come on, if you're part of my generation, David Cassidy was a hottie. My brother had one of their albums (the first one - I Think I Love You!). Not only did I watch that show first-run, but I reveled in those reruns for years. Brady Bunch, Star Trek, Gilligan's Island, Daktari, this is what we watched after school (along with Underdog, Tennessee Tuxedo, and Bullwinkle and Rocky). My kids come home to Oprah and Dr. Phil. Sigh.
We had a nice weekend. Gary came home and we had a nice weekend. Heavy rains Saturday canceled the soccer games, so while Sylvia went to the movies with a friend, I took the other two clothes shopping.
I am officially old: I do not understand teenage fashion. My girls want to shop at Abercrombie, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Hollister. Those places are so loud they make my head spin. But, being the tolerant mom, I am patient; I endure.
The girls want to dress exactly like everyone else. I'm sure I was the same way.
I think I'm coming out of my funk of the last several weeks, the mini-depression that set in after my job went up in flames. Now that I have some distance, and some perspective, I've decided that I can deal. I've been doing some freelance work, and I finally decided the other day not to pursue anything more. I'll work a bit, stay current, and spend time with the girls. I'll enjoy my house, swim, travel. I am just going to settle down. I have friends - most of them are just not here. So I am just going to relax ...
With my new philosophy, the pressure's off. I feel at last as if my fate is in my own hands. It feels good.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
So much for that
Nix on the faux finish.
Maybe I have the wrong color combination. Perhaps it's my technique.
But I started the faux finish (the desired effect was "distressed leather") and basically, it looks like a different color of green.
Could my already textured walls be the culprit? Hard to say.
Bottom line: The ultimate color is fine, but I could have achieved that look by choosing that color of paint to begin with and skipping a time-consuming - and expensive - step.
So I am going to paint over my attempts at glazing with my original paint and be done.
Once again, chalk it up to lessons learned.
But you never know these things til you try, huh?
Maybe I have the wrong color combination. Perhaps it's my technique.
But I started the faux finish (the desired effect was "distressed leather") and basically, it looks like a different color of green.
Could my already textured walls be the culprit? Hard to say.
Bottom line: The ultimate color is fine, but I could have achieved that look by choosing that color of paint to begin with and skipping a time-consuming - and expensive - step.
So I am going to paint over my attempts at glazing with my original paint and be done.
Once again, chalk it up to lessons learned.
But you never know these things til you try, huh?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Half done
I painted my bathroom today.
Well, in the interest of full disclosure, I should probably clarify that I painted our half bath. Not a huge room, for sure, but there is a lot to paint around. It's a lot of work - but oooh, it will be worth it.
I spent the bulk of my time taping off the sink, removing the mirror. (The convex curved wall was a minor complicatioin.) Then I painted trim - man, there is so much to maneuver around - toilet connections, sink, light fixture. I rolled the entire room in about an hour.
So that part is done. Now we move on to the faux finish. The room is, at present, an avocado green. But I will be adding a glaze tomorrow to give the walls a distressed look. I've never done this before. Nor did I know how much it would all cost; total bill for all the nonsense I had to buy was $85. Egads.
Tomorrow I shall glaze. My neighbor gave me some advice ... she's done a fair amount of this, so let's hope she's right. I'll let you know how it goes ...
Well, in the interest of full disclosure, I should probably clarify that I painted our half bath. Not a huge room, for sure, but there is a lot to paint around. It's a lot of work - but oooh, it will be worth it.
I spent the bulk of my time taping off the sink, removing the mirror. (The convex curved wall was a minor complicatioin.) Then I painted trim - man, there is so much to maneuver around - toilet connections, sink, light fixture. I rolled the entire room in about an hour.
So that part is done. Now we move on to the faux finish. The room is, at present, an avocado green. But I will be adding a glaze tomorrow to give the walls a distressed look. I've never done this before. Nor did I know how much it would all cost; total bill for all the nonsense I had to buy was $85. Egads.
Tomorrow I shall glaze. My neighbor gave me some advice ... she's done a fair amount of this, so let's hope she's right. I'll let you know how it goes ...
Monday, March 26, 2007
I love these ...
SCATTERGORIES ... it's harder than it looks!
Rules: Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following... They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same first initial.
You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question ... Now, Go!
(I got them all - I looove this game in real life)
1. Famous singer: Costello, Elvis
2. 4 letter word: care
3. Street name: Cypress Springs
4. Color: cerulean
5. Gifts/presents: candle
6. Vehicle: Chevy
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: cards
8. Boy Names: Craig
9. Girl Names: Claire
10. Movie Title: Catch-22
11. Drink: Cosmopolitan
12. Occupation: chemist
13. Flower: carnation
14. Celebrity: Christopher Reeve
15. Magazine: City Magazine
16. U.S. City: Chicago
17. Pro Sports Teams: Cincinnati Reds
18. Something found in a Kitchen: cutlery
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: car trouble
20. Something You Throw Away: clutter
21. Things You Shout: cut it out
22. Cartoon Character: Cathy
Rules: Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following... They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same first initial.
You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question ... Now, Go!
(I got them all - I looove this game in real life)
1. Famous singer: Costello, Elvis
2. 4 letter word: care
3. Street name: Cypress Springs
4. Color: cerulean
5. Gifts/presents: candle
6. Vehicle: Chevy
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: cards
8. Boy Names: Craig
9. Girl Names: Claire
10. Movie Title: Catch-22
11. Drink: Cosmopolitan
12. Occupation: chemist
13. Flower: carnation
14. Celebrity: Christopher Reeve
15. Magazine: City Magazine
16. U.S. City: Chicago
17. Pro Sports Teams: Cincinnati Reds
18. Something found in a Kitchen: cutlery
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: car trouble
20. Something You Throw Away: clutter
21. Things You Shout: cut it out
22. Cartoon Character: Cathy
The cinema
Saturday night, without warning, we found ourselves alone. Alison was away for the weekend at a YRUU rally in Dallas; Maddie got a phone call around 5.30 to spend the night with a friend, and Sylvia got invited by a friend next door.
Suddenly, we were by ourselves. Just the two of us. Dinner was already started, so we ate at home, then decided to go to the movies.
The movies are a rarity for us - well, movies in the theatre, anyway. Or, to be more preciese, movies in the theatre that are not animated or that don't star the current teen queen. Our film of choice? The 2006 Oscar-winner for best foreign film, Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others). It's a German film, set in East Berlin in 1984, revolving around the corrupt government and secret surveillance of artists, in particular a writer and his artist girlfriend.
It was excellent - one of the best movies I've seen in a while. Highly recommend it.
We saw the version with subtitles, and it's a good thing - my German is OK, but I think some (some? who am I kidding? Let's try all) of the subtleties of language would have been lost on me. I can watch children's movies, read at about a sixth-grade level. But I couldn't possibly follow a movie of this complexity. However, I could catch when I would have done a translation differently - or the same. Kind of fun.
Gary left Sunday morning, so I was alone on Sunday morning for more than an hour - unthinkable. The girls came home, took Sylvia to her soccer match (they won! yay!), went to lunch, then came home, read my book til it was time to go pick up Alison. Watched Catherine of Aragon on PBS. Read more (Never Let You Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro, author of Remains of the Day - amazing book. Very strange, but wow - he's a great writer, and the story is quite compelling).
On the agenda for this week: Plant some flowers, maybe paint the half bath, do some reading. Some writing. Get an estimate for getting the rest of the downstairs painted. Look at sunroom furniture. Look for drapes. Fun stuff. Tickets for the Glass Menagerie Friday; I'm taking Alison since Gary will arrive home Friday afternoon.
What's on your agenda?
Suddenly, we were by ourselves. Just the two of us. Dinner was already started, so we ate at home, then decided to go to the movies.
The movies are a rarity for us - well, movies in the theatre, anyway. Or, to be more preciese, movies in the theatre that are not animated or that don't star the current teen queen. Our film of choice? The 2006 Oscar-winner for best foreign film, Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others). It's a German film, set in East Berlin in 1984, revolving around the corrupt government and secret surveillance of artists, in particular a writer and his artist girlfriend.
It was excellent - one of the best movies I've seen in a while. Highly recommend it.
We saw the version with subtitles, and it's a good thing - my German is OK, but I think some (some? who am I kidding? Let's try all) of the subtleties of language would have been lost on me. I can watch children's movies, read at about a sixth-grade level. But I couldn't possibly follow a movie of this complexity. However, I could catch when I would have done a translation differently - or the same. Kind of fun.
Gary left Sunday morning, so I was alone on Sunday morning for more than an hour - unthinkable. The girls came home, took Sylvia to her soccer match (they won! yay!), went to lunch, then came home, read my book til it was time to go pick up Alison. Watched Catherine of Aragon on PBS. Read more (Never Let You Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro, author of Remains of the Day - amazing book. Very strange, but wow - he's a great writer, and the story is quite compelling).
On the agenda for this week: Plant some flowers, maybe paint the half bath, do some reading. Some writing. Get an estimate for getting the rest of the downstairs painted. Look at sunroom furniture. Look for drapes. Fun stuff. Tickets for the Glass Menagerie Friday; I'm taking Alison since Gary will arrive home Friday afternoon.
What's on your agenda?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Survey says ...
Had a call the other night, a phone survey by a student at the University of Houston . Why not, I thought - I was sitting watching American Idol, so I figured I could answer a few questions.
It was a general opinion survey, with questions on everything from employment to the environment to the death penalty. Some of the questions were worded awkwardly and it was hard to select a response.
Mostly, I laughed at his reactions to my answers. Is it appropriate for our pollsters to comment on answers? Example:
I said yes, I support the availability of emergency contraception over the counter for women over 18. "All the women are answering yes to that one," he said.
Yes, I would favor public transportation. "That's just great," he said.
When I had to give our household income level (it was an anonymous poll - I answered it), he said, "Wow - that's just great. Good for you."
???
Then - this is the best one - he asked my age. When I told him (I'm 40) he said, "That's how old my mom is."
Wow. It kind of cracked me up. On another level, I wanted to know what class he was in, who wrote these survey questions, how the information would be used. No wonder you can get survey results to say exactly what you want - it's all in the questions.
Our next generation - get ready.
It was a general opinion survey, with questions on everything from employment to the environment to the death penalty. Some of the questions were worded awkwardly and it was hard to select a response.
Mostly, I laughed at his reactions to my answers. Is it appropriate for our pollsters to comment on answers? Example:
I said yes, I support the availability of emergency contraception over the counter for women over 18. "All the women are answering yes to that one," he said.
Yes, I would favor public transportation. "That's just great," he said.
When I had to give our household income level (it was an anonymous poll - I answered it), he said, "Wow - that's just great. Good for you."
???
Then - this is the best one - he asked my age. When I told him (I'm 40) he said, "That's how old my mom is."
Wow. It kind of cracked me up. On another level, I wanted to know what class he was in, who wrote these survey questions, how the information would be used. No wonder you can get survey results to say exactly what you want - it's all in the questions.
Our next generation - get ready.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Dancing with the Stars
Or, as Conan O'Brien said it should be renamed, Dancing with People Whose Names Sound Vaguely Familiar. Tee hee hee.
I wanted to hate that Heather Mills from the very beginning. Who is she anyway, monkeying around with Sir Paul? Screwing him over? He's the cute Beatle! What could he possibly have done wrong? We all know she is entirely in the wrong. (Even though it was just stupid of him to get married without a prenup - what was he thinking? A man of his wealth? Bad move.) Still, I am a true Beatle fan, and the blame is all on her. I mean, he is Paul McCartney.
And she showed up last night, looking so uncomfortable. Her hair made her look ancient. And I didn't need the not-so-subtle vying for the sympathy vote - over and over. We get it, you're missing a leg. You're just a selfless champion for the disabled. Please.
(Gary was concerned that he might have to take the girls out of the room, to get away from my loathing ... then the girls wanted to know if I was going to vote against her. But she hadn't even danced yet, so that really didn't seem sporting.)
After all that ... her dance wasn't too bad. Sigh.
Fair is fair. She did OK. But the best were Joey Fatone and Apolo Anton Ono (Alison's favorite). I also liked Laila Ali, Ian Ziering (Steve Sanders - loved 90210). And I confess to a soft spot for Paulina P. - I'm just hoping to catch a glimpse of Rik Ocasek in the stands, I think. Plus she's very pretty, and my age.
Not a big fan of Billy Ray Cyrus, mullet man. And you should not be allowed to dance to your own song. He'll be the first to go, I predict. After that is anyone's guess. Though the NBA guy (I think) was sort of lame, and I was disappointed in Cliff Clavin. (Though he looks pretty good, other than the gut. And as you know it ain't over til it's over.)
I tried to vote, but all the phone circuits were busy. Too bad. And you can't really vote against someone, only for them. It would be hard to choose at this point.
Hardly wait to see what happens - is this what my life has come to? Dancing with the Has-Beens?
Silly. But fun.
I wanted to hate that Heather Mills from the very beginning. Who is she anyway, monkeying around with Sir Paul? Screwing him over? He's the cute Beatle! What could he possibly have done wrong? We all know she is entirely in the wrong. (Even though it was just stupid of him to get married without a prenup - what was he thinking? A man of his wealth? Bad move.) Still, I am a true Beatle fan, and the blame is all on her. I mean, he is Paul McCartney.
And she showed up last night, looking so uncomfortable. Her hair made her look ancient. And I didn't need the not-so-subtle vying for the sympathy vote - over and over. We get it, you're missing a leg. You're just a selfless champion for the disabled. Please.
(Gary was concerned that he might have to take the girls out of the room, to get away from my loathing ... then the girls wanted to know if I was going to vote against her. But she hadn't even danced yet, so that really didn't seem sporting.)
After all that ... her dance wasn't too bad. Sigh.
Fair is fair. She did OK. But the best were Joey Fatone and Apolo Anton Ono (Alison's favorite). I also liked Laila Ali, Ian Ziering (Steve Sanders - loved 90210). And I confess to a soft spot for Paulina P. - I'm just hoping to catch a glimpse of Rik Ocasek in the stands, I think. Plus she's very pretty, and my age.
Not a big fan of Billy Ray Cyrus, mullet man. And you should not be allowed to dance to your own song. He'll be the first to go, I predict. After that is anyone's guess. Though the NBA guy (I think) was sort of lame, and I was disappointed in Cliff Clavin. (Though he looks pretty good, other than the gut. And as you know it ain't over til it's over.)
I tried to vote, but all the phone circuits were busy. Too bad. And you can't really vote against someone, only for them. It would be hard to choose at this point.
Hardly wait to see what happens - is this what my life has come to? Dancing with the Has-Beens?
Silly. But fun.
Life List
i've been contemplating my life's "to-do" list, having the read the one posted by fellow blogger, my friend Anne.
(I am feeling almost naughty referring to Anne as a friend - for those of you who know who she is - but hey, I'm over 40 now, and relationships change, huh?)
She published a list of goals she wanted to achieve in her life, along with a list of additional accomplishments. I'm big on lists - i keep lists of things to do around the house, books I've read, books I want to read, movies to see, projects to complete around the house, a general list of tasks. (When I taught, I used to write down what I wore to work each day - the class only me twice a week and I didn't want to wear the same things every week ...)
But I've never actually documented what I'd like to do in my life - it seems a bit daunting. But today I've made a stab at it. First, though, I am going to publish the list of things I've done. It's a list in progress, and the list you see may have been edited from its original - some items may be too personal to share.
It's interesting to read what some people find significant. For example, Anne published being proud of having a letter to the editor published. Someone I know in Lafayette clipped hers and carried it around, showing it to people. I found that interesting because my job at the newspaper was to catalogue and edit all the letters to the editor, place them on the opinions page. So to me, getting a letter published seemed almost un-noteworthy.
But things change: I had a letter to the editor published in the Houston Chronicle last week. It's a city of 4 million people - can you guess what their volume of mail is? In Lafayette we got more than 100 letters a week and published seven or eight a day. Here, they must get 10 times that number. And mine was published - virtually unedited - yay for me!
But I digress. Here is my (edited) list of accomplishments:
1. Lived in Europe (three times)
2. Learned a foreign language (Ich habe eine Fremdsprache gelernt. Ich kann noch Deutsch.)
3. Published commentary in the newspaper
4. Pitched, wrote, and published the newspaper’s editorial on Roe v. Wade
5. Marched on Washington (two times)
6. Lived in two of four time zones
7. Graduated from college; had more than one 4.0 semester
8. Earned my master’s degree
9. Had three children
10. Went through one birth without drugs
11. Drove in Europe
12. Drove in rush hour in Houston
13. Had a letter to the editor published in the Houston Chronicle
14. Saw a show on Broadway (five and counting, plus more than I can remember in the West End in London)
15. Spent a semester abroad (that sounds more glamorous than “studied in London”)
16. Been to Disneyworld ... in Paris
17. Traveled alone
18. Saw the Olympic torch
19. Saw presidential candidates campaigning (two in one year)
20. Built a house (well, contracted it out, but still ...)
21. Hung wallpaper
22. Restored a historic home, with very little help from contractors
23. Flew first class
24. Visited the Soviet Union
25. Vacationed in Greece
26. Paris, Rome, London, Munich, Berlin, Athens, Madrid, Moscow, Leningrad, New York, Washington DC, San Francisco – seen them all
27. Vacationed in Jamaica
28. Delivered a Sunday service (at the UU in Lafayette) on a controversial topic that was (reasonably) well-accepted
29. Took my children to Europe, New York, Washington DC, a third of the states
30. Found a church that supports what I believe
31. Kept a secret that would be worth telling
32. Been a bridesmaid (but only once … interesting)
33. Took ballroom dancing lessons
34. Learned to knit
35. Married my soul mate, my best friend
36. Quit a job that was unsatisfying, even without another job on the horizon
37. Humbled myself in another employment situation, admitting I'd made a mistake
38. Photographed an event attended by the Vice President (the only journalist allowed in, by the way)
39. Had my picture taken with Sen. Paul Simon and with VP Dan Quayle
40. Won an editorial award from the Hoosier Press Association
41. Planned a successful major fund-raiser
42. Lived in five states, two foreign countries.
43. Purchased four houses (and counting ...)
I'll stop there. For now. But there's so much left to do, so I'll share that another time.
What's on your list?
(I am feeling almost naughty referring to Anne as a friend - for those of you who know who she is - but hey, I'm over 40 now, and relationships change, huh?)
She published a list of goals she wanted to achieve in her life, along with a list of additional accomplishments. I'm big on lists - i keep lists of things to do around the house, books I've read, books I want to read, movies to see, projects to complete around the house, a general list of tasks. (When I taught, I used to write down what I wore to work each day - the class only me twice a week and I didn't want to wear the same things every week ...)
But I've never actually documented what I'd like to do in my life - it seems a bit daunting. But today I've made a stab at it. First, though, I am going to publish the list of things I've done. It's a list in progress, and the list you see may have been edited from its original - some items may be too personal to share.
It's interesting to read what some people find significant. For example, Anne published being proud of having a letter to the editor published. Someone I know in Lafayette clipped hers and carried it around, showing it to people. I found that interesting because my job at the newspaper was to catalogue and edit all the letters to the editor, place them on the opinions page. So to me, getting a letter published seemed almost un-noteworthy.
But things change: I had a letter to the editor published in the Houston Chronicle last week. It's a city of 4 million people - can you guess what their volume of mail is? In Lafayette we got more than 100 letters a week and published seven or eight a day. Here, they must get 10 times that number. And mine was published - virtually unedited - yay for me!
But I digress. Here is my (edited) list of accomplishments:
1. Lived in Europe (three times)
2. Learned a foreign language (Ich habe eine Fremdsprache gelernt. Ich kann noch Deutsch.)
3. Published commentary in the newspaper
4. Pitched, wrote, and published the newspaper’s editorial on Roe v. Wade
5. Marched on Washington (two times)
6. Lived in two of four time zones
7. Graduated from college; had more than one 4.0 semester
8. Earned my master’s degree
9. Had three children
10. Went through one birth without drugs
11. Drove in Europe
12. Drove in rush hour in Houston
13. Had a letter to the editor published in the Houston Chronicle
14. Saw a show on Broadway (five and counting, plus more than I can remember in the West End in London)
15. Spent a semester abroad (that sounds more glamorous than “studied in London”)
16. Been to Disneyworld ... in Paris
17. Traveled alone
18. Saw the Olympic torch
19. Saw presidential candidates campaigning (two in one year)
20. Built a house (well, contracted it out, but still ...)
21. Hung wallpaper
22. Restored a historic home, with very little help from contractors
23. Flew first class
24. Visited the Soviet Union
25. Vacationed in Greece
26. Paris, Rome, London, Munich, Berlin, Athens, Madrid, Moscow, Leningrad, New York, Washington DC, San Francisco – seen them all
27. Vacationed in Jamaica
28. Delivered a Sunday service (at the UU in Lafayette) on a controversial topic that was (reasonably) well-accepted
29. Took my children to Europe, New York, Washington DC, a third of the states
30. Found a church that supports what I believe
31. Kept a secret that would be worth telling
32. Been a bridesmaid (but only once … interesting)
33. Took ballroom dancing lessons
34. Learned to knit
35. Married my soul mate, my best friend
36. Quit a job that was unsatisfying, even without another job on the horizon
37. Humbled myself in another employment situation, admitting I'd made a mistake
38. Photographed an event attended by the Vice President (the only journalist allowed in, by the way)
39. Had my picture taken with Sen. Paul Simon and with VP Dan Quayle
40. Won an editorial award from the Hoosier Press Association
41. Planned a successful major fund-raiser
42. Lived in five states, two foreign countries.
43. Purchased four houses (and counting ...)
I'll stop there. For now. But there's so much left to do, so I'll share that another time.
What's on your list?
Location, location
Gary came home yesterday and had done some career chatting with his boss. He had some thoughts on possible future jobs, including possiblel future locations.
We could stay here - there will always be options for him - but there are better possibilities in store. Not this year, maybe not next year. But in a few, some positions will be open for Gary.
And I won't be stuck here anymore. I am excited. Like is looking up.
I am going to get a Continental credit card (like Gary has) and start using it exclusively. I like to see those miles add up. I have lots of travel in my future (!)
We could stay here - there will always be options for him - but there are better possibilities in store. Not this year, maybe not next year. But in a few, some positions will be open for Gary.
And I won't be stuck here anymore. I am excited. Like is looking up.
I am going to get a Continental credit card (like Gary has) and start using it exclusively. I like to see those miles add up. I have lots of travel in my future (!)
Monday, March 19, 2007
On rudeness
I love to travel. For some inexplicable reason, I've always liked airports and train stations. I like using public transportation; I like flying as opposed to driving. I like staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, seeing the sights (sites?).
However, traveling means dealing with people. And some people, as we all know, are jackasses. It's just how it is. For example:
In line at the Houston airport (I refuse to say its official name, as it's named after a president. The one before Clinton, whose son currently occupies the White House. Idiots): The check-in line for Continental was long. Very long. We were looking for the end of the elite line, and it was long enough - the regular check-in line was out the door. But it was spring break, and we were plenty early for our 10.30 a.m. flight. The guy behind us in line asked the Continental woman: We have a 9.30 flight. Can we move ahead? It's spring break rush, sir, she answered. Well, sometimes you let people do that, he responded; we have a 9.30 flight. Sir, she said again, it's spring break rush. I would have to ask all these people in front of you to let you move ahead. Sometimes you let people do that, he mumbled.
For the record, I would not have let him move ahead. Who hasn't heard about long lines at airports these days? Two hours before a domestic flight, they say. Lines are long. Be prepared. Liquids in a Ziploc bag. Shoes off. (Where have you people been?) Why should I let him move ahead when he came late? Too bad. I mean, maybe if he were going to miss his flight, but he got through.
At the National Archives: The historic documents are lined up around the perimeter of the rotunda. You have to queue up, go around the room in order to see everything. Which most people do. We got up nearly to the Declaration of Independence, and some people come up behind us, try to squeeze in. The line's back there, I said. They told us we didn't have to wait in line, the woman said. Well, you need to have a little respect for those who are waiting in line, I said. Which happened to be the other 50 people behind me - why should these people get to push ahead of all those other people who patiently waited the 15 minutes to see the displays? Why is their time somehow more valuable than the rest of ours?
On the return flight: The 8-year-old reaches down to get something out of her backpack - stowed neatly under the seat in front of her, per airline regulations - and the woman in front of her whips around to complain that she is bumping her seat. Not the first time on this trip; every time Sylvia makes a move and bumps the seat, she turns around to complain. I'm sorry, I said, she's just getting something out of her backpack. Well, she says, she keeps doing it. I'm sorry, I said again. She keeps on: You know, I think I'm being very patient. She's only 8, I said. She's trying. She says something again, and I can't hear her very well, but her point is, do something with your kid. She's trying, I said again. She's 8. She says something yet again, and finally I said, What do you want me to tell her? She finally turns around, and I told Sylvia to try not to knock into her seat.
And I'm thinking, you know, if you didn't want to be jostled around, you should have purchased a seat in first class. Here in coach, these things happen. Travel isn't always easy and convenient. Now that we are no longer part of the jet-set elite, sometimes lines are long, things are crowded. (Though I could point out that we do have Continental Elite status - it gets you the short line for check in, security and boarding - and I have to say, it is nice ...) Every time the people behind me got up out of their seats, they pulled on my seat as they rested their arms there. And you know what? There was nowhere else for them to put their arms. So I just dealt with it - it was momentary, not a big deal. The guy in front of me reclined his seat into my knees. You just have to suck it up and stay calm.
Patience. A sense of humility. A little compassion for others. It goes a long way.
However, traveling means dealing with people. And some people, as we all know, are jackasses. It's just how it is. For example:
In line at the Houston airport (I refuse to say its official name, as it's named after a president. The one before Clinton, whose son currently occupies the White House. Idiots): The check-in line for Continental was long. Very long. We were looking for the end of the elite line, and it was long enough - the regular check-in line was out the door. But it was spring break, and we were plenty early for our 10.30 a.m. flight. The guy behind us in line asked the Continental woman: We have a 9.30 flight. Can we move ahead? It's spring break rush, sir, she answered. Well, sometimes you let people do that, he responded; we have a 9.30 flight. Sir, she said again, it's spring break rush. I would have to ask all these people in front of you to let you move ahead. Sometimes you let people do that, he mumbled.
For the record, I would not have let him move ahead. Who hasn't heard about long lines at airports these days? Two hours before a domestic flight, they say. Lines are long. Be prepared. Liquids in a Ziploc bag. Shoes off. (Where have you people been?) Why should I let him move ahead when he came late? Too bad. I mean, maybe if he were going to miss his flight, but he got through.
At the National Archives: The historic documents are lined up around the perimeter of the rotunda. You have to queue up, go around the room in order to see everything. Which most people do. We got up nearly to the Declaration of Independence, and some people come up behind us, try to squeeze in. The line's back there, I said. They told us we didn't have to wait in line, the woman said. Well, you need to have a little respect for those who are waiting in line, I said. Which happened to be the other 50 people behind me - why should these people get to push ahead of all those other people who patiently waited the 15 minutes to see the displays? Why is their time somehow more valuable than the rest of ours?
On the return flight: The 8-year-old reaches down to get something out of her backpack - stowed neatly under the seat in front of her, per airline regulations - and the woman in front of her whips around to complain that she is bumping her seat. Not the first time on this trip; every time Sylvia makes a move and bumps the seat, she turns around to complain. I'm sorry, I said, she's just getting something out of her backpack. Well, she says, she keeps doing it. I'm sorry, I said again. She keeps on: You know, I think I'm being very patient. She's only 8, I said. She's trying. She says something again, and I can't hear her very well, but her point is, do something with your kid. She's trying, I said again. She's 8. She says something yet again, and finally I said, What do you want me to tell her? She finally turns around, and I told Sylvia to try not to knock into her seat.
And I'm thinking, you know, if you didn't want to be jostled around, you should have purchased a seat in first class. Here in coach, these things happen. Travel isn't always easy and convenient. Now that we are no longer part of the jet-set elite, sometimes lines are long, things are crowded. (Though I could point out that we do have Continental Elite status - it gets you the short line for check in, security and boarding - and I have to say, it is nice ...) Every time the people behind me got up out of their seats, they pulled on my seat as they rested their arms there. And you know what? There was nowhere else for them to put their arms. So I just dealt with it - it was momentary, not a big deal. The guy in front of me reclined his seat into my knees. You just have to suck it up and stay calm.
Patience. A sense of humility. A little compassion for others. It goes a long way.
Home again, home again ...
Jiggety jog. Or something like that.
(I'm a whiz at nursery rhymes. That's a weird thing to know about me.)
I shouldn't be so off-handed about the fact that we're home; many airline passengers were waylaid by the storm in the east, which just missed us. We had some sleet, barely measurable amounts of snow, and some c-o-l-d temps. We considered going to the anti-war march, but it was just too cold for us - we were not dressed properly to be outside in 20-degree windchills. And we wanted to meet some friends, so we spent the day in museums; not a bad choice. We're from Houston now, so temps around 35 are freeeeezing.
It was a good trip. I've been up since 4 am local time today, so I am beat; no sleeping on the plane for me. I'll spare you too many more ruminations on travel in DC. It's amazing - period. Lots to see, historical relevance everywhere, and many of the museums are free since they're part of the Smithsonian system. It's a fantastic trip, with or without kids.
But I have many thoughts on travel, on rude people, on those who figure their time is somehow more important than the rest of ours (one of my pet peeves).
(Another pet peeve is people who act as if their children are more special, or seem to think that somehow they love their children just a little more than the rest of us do. Give me a break - we all think our children are wonderful. I worked with someone who fell into this category - you know the type.)
For now, I'm tired. We've been home since noon - six hours - and I've accomplished little. I'm just in recovery mode.
Later ...
***These are from more than a day ago - technical difficulties. Stupid Internet.***
(I'm a whiz at nursery rhymes. That's a weird thing to know about me.)
I shouldn't be so off-handed about the fact that we're home; many airline passengers were waylaid by the storm in the east, which just missed us. We had some sleet, barely measurable amounts of snow, and some c-o-l-d temps. We considered going to the anti-war march, but it was just too cold for us - we were not dressed properly to be outside in 20-degree windchills. And we wanted to meet some friends, so we spent the day in museums; not a bad choice. We're from Houston now, so temps around 35 are freeeeezing.
It was a good trip. I've been up since 4 am local time today, so I am beat; no sleeping on the plane for me. I'll spare you too many more ruminations on travel in DC. It's amazing - period. Lots to see, historical relevance everywhere, and many of the museums are free since they're part of the Smithsonian system. It's a fantastic trip, with or without kids.
But I have many thoughts on travel, on rude people, on those who figure their time is somehow more important than the rest of ours (one of my pet peeves).
(Another pet peeve is people who act as if their children are more special, or seem to think that somehow they love their children just a little more than the rest of us do. Give me a break - we all think our children are wonderful. I worked with someone who fell into this category - you know the type.)
For now, I'm tired. We've been home since noon - six hours - and I've accomplished little. I'm just in recovery mode.
Later ...
***These are from more than a day ago - technical difficulties. Stupid Internet.***
What happened to the weather?
Our lovely spring days are over; yesterday was bright and sunnny and 70, and today is 35, windy, and sleety. It was beautiful while it lasted.
We've done tons more touristic things here in our nation's capital: Ford's Theatre, Washington Monument, Natl. Portrait Gallery, Museum of American Art (or some name like that), and on and on. Today we visited Mount Vernon and drove past the Pentagon and Arlington - it was just too cold and wet to get motivated to walk around. I seem to remember driving through back in the 70s ...
Yesterday we visited the House of Representatives. We sat in the gallery and watched them vote on some small appropriations bill. There were - I kid you not - about 12 people on the House floor when we got there. I as underwhelmed and hoped the girls wouldn't leave with the wrong idea. However, as the vote went on, the place filled up. Biggest disappointment: Nancy Pelosi was not in the speaker's chair. I had wanted the girls to see her, but it wasn't going to happen. But it was fun, anyway, to see the Chamber, see where the state of the union is made each year, see the big electronic voting scoreboard.
My feet hurt less today, but everyone is chilly. I checked the weather before we left and knew what to expect; we all packed properly and I made sure everyone brought gloves. But after a year in Texas, 35 and sleeting is cold. Damn cold.
One more day ... I don't want to go home!
We've done tons more touristic things here in our nation's capital: Ford's Theatre, Washington Monument, Natl. Portrait Gallery, Museum of American Art (or some name like that), and on and on. Today we visited Mount Vernon and drove past the Pentagon and Arlington - it was just too cold and wet to get motivated to walk around. I seem to remember driving through back in the 70s ...
Yesterday we visited the House of Representatives. We sat in the gallery and watched them vote on some small appropriations bill. There were - I kid you not - about 12 people on the House floor when we got there. I as underwhelmed and hoped the girls wouldn't leave with the wrong idea. However, as the vote went on, the place filled up. Biggest disappointment: Nancy Pelosi was not in the speaker's chair. I had wanted the girls to see her, but it wasn't going to happen. But it was fun, anyway, to see the Chamber, see where the state of the union is made each year, see the big electronic voting scoreboard.
My feet hurt less today, but everyone is chilly. I checked the weather before we left and knew what to expect; we all packed properly and I made sure everyone brought gloves. But after a year in Texas, 35 and sleeting is cold. Damn cold.
One more day ... I don't want to go home!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Things I've learned this week
Where to begin - I suppose I should start with, oh, say, ... I'm loving it here. The weather is fabulous, the sites amazing, the lines short, the admission free. Everything is going well - a fantastic vacation.
I love Washington. I think I've said that already, gushed about my adoration of the architecture, the very urbanity of it all. I love it. Love it. I want to relocate here. Sadly, there are no job opportunities for the mister, at the moment. But I guess you never know, huh? It's good to dream big, and big things can happen.
Yesterday we walked. And walked. Went to the zoo - it's a very nice zoo, and we loved seeing the pandas. But enough was enough - I am not here to look at animals. So we headed off to the memorials. And we walked all the way through the city: from the Smithsonian, up to the Washington Monument, up the Mall to the World War II memorial, to the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial. Stopped for a snack, then crossed the mall to the Roosevelt Memorial then around to the Jefferson, back up the Mall to the Smithsonian Metro.
It's a lot of walking. But first things first: The memorials are amazing. I loved them all, for different reasons. Vietnam was moving - I'd never seen it, as my last visit here was in 1972 (except for visits to demonstrate, when there is no time for sight seeing). All those names ... and people had left mementoes along the wall, were making rubbings of names. At the Lincoln they have the spot marked where Martin Luther King stood as he made the I Have a Dream speech - wow. The FDR is done very well; critics love it, and I can see why. And the Jefferson - I'm a big fan of Jefferson and the amazing fortitude he had when writing the Declaration of Independence. Plus he was a Unitarian - gotta love that. In short, it was a very moving day.
But my feet hurt. I very wisely only packed two pair of shoes. But they're boots, with a bit of a heel, and while they look chic and stylish and go with all my outfits, they hurt my feet. I was actually prepared to buy some tennis shoes, but the shops had closed by the time we got back last night. However - joy of joys - I discovered that my middle daughter's extra pair of shoes fit me. She was sweet enough to lend them to me, and the eldest lent me some white socks (not a big fan of the dark socks with tennis shoes look - I have to maintain some fashion integrity).
So today my feet feel much better, even though we did not walk as much. Went to the Capitol, took the tour, and even scored tickets for the House gallery, which we'll go back and visit tomorrow. Today we wanted to be at the Holocaust Museum by 1 p.m. so we could see the speaker. It was good. The museum itself? Yes, it's good, but I'll be honest - it's really not that much better than the Houston museum. Just bigger. They did have a nice children's section, but the Houston museum is actually done very well for being as small as it is. Just my personal opinion ... we spent way too long there, and there wasn't a ton of time to see much else today.
So we headed over to Georgetown for dinner. Another fantastic area - once again, judging by the upscale shopping, it's pricey. But charming. We found the Kennedy's house from his time in the Senate - you know the one, the house Joe used to buy off Jackie so she wouldn't leave Jack and thwart his political ambitions. And - now this is exciting - we saw the steps from the Exorcist! It's been so long since I've seen it I can't remember the context they're in, but I remember the steps. If someone can fill me in, please do ...
I'm exhausted. But having such fun. As a family vacation, I highly recommend DC. And we still have three whole days left! Yay!
I love Washington. I think I've said that already, gushed about my adoration of the architecture, the very urbanity of it all. I love it. Love it. I want to relocate here. Sadly, there are no job opportunities for the mister, at the moment. But I guess you never know, huh? It's good to dream big, and big things can happen.
Yesterday we walked. And walked. Went to the zoo - it's a very nice zoo, and we loved seeing the pandas. But enough was enough - I am not here to look at animals. So we headed off to the memorials. And we walked all the way through the city: from the Smithsonian, up to the Washington Monument, up the Mall to the World War II memorial, to the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial. Stopped for a snack, then crossed the mall to the Roosevelt Memorial then around to the Jefferson, back up the Mall to the Smithsonian Metro.
It's a lot of walking. But first things first: The memorials are amazing. I loved them all, for different reasons. Vietnam was moving - I'd never seen it, as my last visit here was in 1972 (except for visits to demonstrate, when there is no time for sight seeing). All those names ... and people had left mementoes along the wall, were making rubbings of names. At the Lincoln they have the spot marked where Martin Luther King stood as he made the I Have a Dream speech - wow. The FDR is done very well; critics love it, and I can see why. And the Jefferson - I'm a big fan of Jefferson and the amazing fortitude he had when writing the Declaration of Independence. Plus he was a Unitarian - gotta love that. In short, it was a very moving day.
But my feet hurt. I very wisely only packed two pair of shoes. But they're boots, with a bit of a heel, and while they look chic and stylish and go with all my outfits, they hurt my feet. I was actually prepared to buy some tennis shoes, but the shops had closed by the time we got back last night. However - joy of joys - I discovered that my middle daughter's extra pair of shoes fit me. She was sweet enough to lend them to me, and the eldest lent me some white socks (not a big fan of the dark socks with tennis shoes look - I have to maintain some fashion integrity).
So today my feet feel much better, even though we did not walk as much. Went to the Capitol, took the tour, and even scored tickets for the House gallery, which we'll go back and visit tomorrow. Today we wanted to be at the Holocaust Museum by 1 p.m. so we could see the speaker. It was good. The museum itself? Yes, it's good, but I'll be honest - it's really not that much better than the Houston museum. Just bigger. They did have a nice children's section, but the Houston museum is actually done very well for being as small as it is. Just my personal opinion ... we spent way too long there, and there wasn't a ton of time to see much else today.
So we headed over to Georgetown for dinner. Another fantastic area - once again, judging by the upscale shopping, it's pricey. But charming. We found the Kennedy's house from his time in the Senate - you know the one, the house Joe used to buy off Jackie so she wouldn't leave Jack and thwart his political ambitions. And - now this is exciting - we saw the steps from the Exorcist! It's been so long since I've seen it I can't remember the context they're in, but I remember the steps. If someone can fill me in, please do ...
I'm exhausted. But having such fun. As a family vacation, I highly recommend DC. And we still have three whole days left! Yay!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Day One in DC
Now I remember why I hate the suburbs; I am definitely an urban kind of gal. I am completely reveling in all that is Washington DC. It is one of my top five cities in the world; they're not ranked, but they include New York, London, Paris and San Francisco.
So, needless to say, it's been a good trip thus far. We arrived yesterday - despite the very early wake-up (thanks, daylight-saving time) we all got up and were ready to go plenty early. Flight was delayed briefly, but we arrived at the hotel before 4 pm. We're staying in Chevy Chase (and you're not - tee hee), which, judging from the local retail is quite the tony address: Tiffany, Cartier, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vera Wang, and Brooks Brothers are all just up the road (as are the Gap and Cheesecake Factory ...). And the metro is just a couple blocks.
Today was just sight-seeing: walked up the Mall, checking out the Capital, Washington Monument, ellipse, White House; we spent some time at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum - not really my first choice, as aviation history isn't necessarily my thing, but it houses the temporary collection from the American History Museum, which includes Archie Bunker's chair, Seinfeld's puffy shirt, the Woolworth's lunch counter from Greensboro, Thomas Jefferson's desk, Abraham Lincoln's hat and - the piece de resistance for my girls - the ruby slippers. You know - THE ruby slippers, along with the Scarecrow's costume. Then we went to the National Archives, where we waited in a long line, but it was well worth it to see the actual Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I'd never been before on previous trips - not sure why - and I tell you, it was truly moving. Sadly, the Bill of Rights is not currently on display .... but hey, the rest was worth it.
I've become a more aggressive traveler in major urban areas. When the woman on the very full Metro car had her bags taking up a seat, I told her I wanted to sit. And the couple trying to cut in line at the museum, they were told to get back in line. The people trying to push in front of us at the Declaration of Independence? I told them where the line was. Everyone else queued up to see it - why should these people get to push ahead? I cannnot stand it when people act as if their time is somehow more valuable than the rest of ours.
Maddie and I were entertained by the woman wearing the very bad capri pants ensemble - you know the kind, with the icky embroidered flowers on the hem. Worn with short socks and running shoes, it is quite a look. Where are the fashion police when you need them? We may start writing our own citations.
Ate dinner at a charming diner near DuPont Circle. Fun area. It is full of delightful little brownstones, cool shopping, lots of ethnic restaurants. Kinda cool and funky.
I must move away from the suburbs. Must. Must.
I'm beat - night night.
So, needless to say, it's been a good trip thus far. We arrived yesterday - despite the very early wake-up (thanks, daylight-saving time) we all got up and were ready to go plenty early. Flight was delayed briefly, but we arrived at the hotel before 4 pm. We're staying in Chevy Chase (and you're not - tee hee), which, judging from the local retail is quite the tony address: Tiffany, Cartier, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vera Wang, and Brooks Brothers are all just up the road (as are the Gap and Cheesecake Factory ...). And the metro is just a couple blocks.
Today was just sight-seeing: walked up the Mall, checking out the Capital, Washington Monument, ellipse, White House; we spent some time at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum - not really my first choice, as aviation history isn't necessarily my thing, but it houses the temporary collection from the American History Museum, which includes Archie Bunker's chair, Seinfeld's puffy shirt, the Woolworth's lunch counter from Greensboro, Thomas Jefferson's desk, Abraham Lincoln's hat and - the piece de resistance for my girls - the ruby slippers. You know - THE ruby slippers, along with the Scarecrow's costume. Then we went to the National Archives, where we waited in a long line, but it was well worth it to see the actual Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I'd never been before on previous trips - not sure why - and I tell you, it was truly moving. Sadly, the Bill of Rights is not currently on display .... but hey, the rest was worth it.
I've become a more aggressive traveler in major urban areas. When the woman on the very full Metro car had her bags taking up a seat, I told her I wanted to sit. And the couple trying to cut in line at the museum, they were told to get back in line. The people trying to push in front of us at the Declaration of Independence? I told them where the line was. Everyone else queued up to see it - why should these people get to push ahead? I cannnot stand it when people act as if their time is somehow more valuable than the rest of ours.
Maddie and I were entertained by the woman wearing the very bad capri pants ensemble - you know the kind, with the icky embroidered flowers on the hem. Worn with short socks and running shoes, it is quite a look. Where are the fashion police when you need them? We may start writing our own citations.
Ate dinner at a charming diner near DuPont Circle. Fun area. It is full of delightful little brownstones, cool shopping, lots of ethnic restaurants. Kinda cool and funky.
I must move away from the suburbs. Must. Must.
I'm beat - night night.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Vacation!
We leave on vacation first thing in the morning. Today has been about laundry, running some errands. Went to the library, to CVS. But the kids played outside, and I read a book. So it's not been all work and no play.
And tomorrow we're headed to the nation's capital for a week of sight-seeing and relaxing. We'll get to see some friends, enjoy Gary being off work.
I'm all packed. We have to get up at 6, but it will really be 5. Urgh. I'm not a big fan of DST, especially when it starts this early in March. But it's a small thing, really.
For now, I'm loading up some tunes on the ol' iPod. I've packed some paperbacks, some magazines.
Have a fun week!
And tomorrow we're headed to the nation's capital for a week of sight-seeing and relaxing. We'll get to see some friends, enjoy Gary being off work.
I'm all packed. We have to get up at 6, but it will really be 5. Urgh. I'm not a big fan of DST, especially when it starts this early in March. But it's a small thing, really.
For now, I'm loading up some tunes on the ol' iPod. I've packed some paperbacks, some magazines.
Have a fun week!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Movies not to see
Where to begin? There are so many. Today's top not-recommendation is the remake of Poseidon - very bad. I confess, I'm a fan of that 1972 disaster flick (along with The Towering Inferno - you have to love watching the "all-star" cast and wondering who will or won't make it out alive) but the remake, even though it boasts Richard Dreyfuss among its "stars," is a true dud.
I should note that I DID NOT expend any funds to see this clunker, unless you count my HBO subscription. I caught it on a sick day. Bad dialogue, predictable action (you see the first two deaths coming from a mile away), and less-than-impressive story line - in short, not worthy of a remake if you're not going to improve on the original.
(And the kid is really annoying ...)
Another thanks-to-HBO movie I wouldn't recommend? The Family Stone. Hated it.
The only reason we have HBO is for The Sopranos. New season - the final season - starts April 8. After it's over, we'll have to rethink whether or not to keep HBO. I'm not involved at the moment with any of their other series. And even if I were, they come out on DVD and I can watch them that way (I never watched Curb Your Enthusiasm even with HBO, so I'll be resorting to DVD for it, anyway).
For the five weeks I did Junior Achievement for Sylvia's class, movies were showing that I would have loved to see on a Friday afternoon. Letters from Iwo Jima. Pursuit of Happyness. Now? A bunch of movies I wouldn't even watch for free on HBO. Surely Factory Girl will find its way out here. Hate Sienna Miller, but I'm intrigued with the way she channels Edie Sedgwick.
When I see it, I'll let you know how it turns out.
I should note that I DID NOT expend any funds to see this clunker, unless you count my HBO subscription. I caught it on a sick day. Bad dialogue, predictable action (you see the first two deaths coming from a mile away), and less-than-impressive story line - in short, not worthy of a remake if you're not going to improve on the original.
(And the kid is really annoying ...)
Another thanks-to-HBO movie I wouldn't recommend? The Family Stone. Hated it.
The only reason we have HBO is for The Sopranos. New season - the final season - starts April 8. After it's over, we'll have to rethink whether or not to keep HBO. I'm not involved at the moment with any of their other series. And even if I were, they come out on DVD and I can watch them that way (I never watched Curb Your Enthusiasm even with HBO, so I'll be resorting to DVD for it, anyway).
For the five weeks I did Junior Achievement for Sylvia's class, movies were showing that I would have loved to see on a Friday afternoon. Letters from Iwo Jima. Pursuit of Happyness. Now? A bunch of movies I wouldn't even watch for free on HBO. Surely Factory Girl will find its way out here. Hate Sienna Miller, but I'm intrigued with the way she channels Edie Sedgwick.
When I see it, I'll let you know how it turns out.
Better at last
I haven't been sick since ... well, now, since this week. Tuesday was the worst, as I didn't have time to be sick, but had to run Maddie to the doctor. Gary was busy with a trade show in Galveston, so no rest for me. But after that was over I got to come home and go to bed. And my girls are wonderful - Alison fixed dinner, Maddie and Sylvia helped clean up. I was too sick to tidy up, but not so ill that I didn't notice the clutter. My girls have their faults, but they can step up to the plate when needed.
So yesterday morning Gary did stay home and get the girls off to school so I could sleep. It was wonderful. Once I got up and took some Excedrin, to get rid of that killer headache, I felt OK. Not great, but OK. I got dressed, made a run to CVS, and changed sheets. Even washed all the blankets. But that was it. I needed - desperately - to go grocery shopping, but it was not going to happen; no dealing with food and smells.
So. Today? No idea. Tidy up a bit, try to figure out why the year-old refrigerator doesn't appear to be working, pick up my library book, start packing for vacation.
The thrills never cease around here.
So yesterday morning Gary did stay home and get the girls off to school so I could sleep. It was wonderful. Once I got up and took some Excedrin, to get rid of that killer headache, I felt OK. Not great, but OK. I got dressed, made a run to CVS, and changed sheets. Even washed all the blankets. But that was it. I needed - desperately - to go grocery shopping, but it was not going to happen; no dealing with food and smells.
So. Today? No idea. Tidy up a bit, try to figure out why the year-old refrigerator doesn't appear to be working, pick up my library book, start packing for vacation.
The thrills never cease around here.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Lessons learned
Among other things, I learned, today, Monday, that all the shops in Old Town Spring are, on Monday, closed.
Bummer.
A friend and I took the day to go check out one of the few areas around here that has actual charm. "Charm" is, naturally, an elusive quality - difficult to define, even more difficult to achieve in such a way that we, the public, are all sufficiently "charmed."
However, I doubt many people would disagree that a strip mall - even a lovely strip mall (and there are some) - encompasses "charm" to any degree. Nor a mall. We have shopping malls here in Houston that are elegant, glamorous. Very high-end. But shopping malls they are; they all retain that rather sterile quality that comes from housing chain stores. Whether they are very ordinary mall stores, or very high-end stores, they all possess a ubiquitous property, one of sameness: they have no desire for variety.
Old Town Spring is a hodgepodge of antique stores, of trinkety shops. Not somewhere I'd recommend if you need a pair of socks or some jeans. But it's a fun place to browse, to look for gifts or kitsch. And the shops are outdoors, under the tress. On a perfect March spring day, it was just the place to be. We were all set to spend our day browsing, looking for artwork, for decorative accessories.
Alas - there were none to be had. Nor lunch. So, in an ironic turn, we ended up at the Woodlands Mall. It is one of the nicer malls in Houston - full of the afore-mentioned medium-end mall stores - and we enjoyed our time in Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. Didn't even make it to the Apple store or any clothing stores, we spent so much time in the kitchen wares.
All in all, the day wasn't really about shopping, anyway. It was about spending the day with a friend, visiting, browsing, catching up. And now we've had to keep the trip to Spring on the agenda.
Not a bad day after all.
Bummer.
A friend and I took the day to go check out one of the few areas around here that has actual charm. "Charm" is, naturally, an elusive quality - difficult to define, even more difficult to achieve in such a way that we, the public, are all sufficiently "charmed."
However, I doubt many people would disagree that a strip mall - even a lovely strip mall (and there are some) - encompasses "charm" to any degree. Nor a mall. We have shopping malls here in Houston that are elegant, glamorous. Very high-end. But shopping malls they are; they all retain that rather sterile quality that comes from housing chain stores. Whether they are very ordinary mall stores, or very high-end stores, they all possess a ubiquitous property, one of sameness: they have no desire for variety.
Old Town Spring is a hodgepodge of antique stores, of trinkety shops. Not somewhere I'd recommend if you need a pair of socks or some jeans. But it's a fun place to browse, to look for gifts or kitsch. And the shops are outdoors, under the tress. On a perfect March spring day, it was just the place to be. We were all set to spend our day browsing, looking for artwork, for decorative accessories.
Alas - there were none to be had. Nor lunch. So, in an ironic turn, we ended up at the Woodlands Mall. It is one of the nicer malls in Houston - full of the afore-mentioned medium-end mall stores - and we enjoyed our time in Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. Didn't even make it to the Apple store or any clothing stores, we spent so much time in the kitchen wares.
All in all, the day wasn't really about shopping, anyway. It was about spending the day with a friend, visiting, browsing, catching up. And now we've had to keep the trip to Spring on the agenda.
Not a bad day after all.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Welcome to March
Our neighborhood has signs that say, "Drive slowly. We love our children."
Of course. As if other people in other neighborhoods don't love theirs.
Sigh. Kicked off Welcome to March with a shopping trip. Went to Macy's because it's convenient, and I'm still trying to figure it out. I liked it better when it was Famous Barr/ Ayres/Foley's. Currently, in order to find clothes, you must be either 18 or over 70. Lucky for me, I found the one tiny little corner of the store that has clothes not designed for either of those demographics.
And that ... well, that is about the highlight of my day. I have to pick up from Brownies, go to soccer. Fun.
I'm reading one of those Jennifer Weiner books. They're entertaining enough, a quick read. She's a decent writer. But I'm growing bored of the amazing fat girl as heroine. We get it: Heavy women can be smart, funny, beautiful, and charming. This I know - two of my best friends fit this profile. One, a friend since grade school, was voted most popular girl in our senior class, was our valedictorian. So, enough. And why must all the skinny women be stupid and superficial? Doesn't seem quite fair; once again, we're applying stereotypes ... but it's an entertaining enough read.
And now, the carpooling begins.
Of course. As if other people in other neighborhoods don't love theirs.
Sigh. Kicked off Welcome to March with a shopping trip. Went to Macy's because it's convenient, and I'm still trying to figure it out. I liked it better when it was Famous Barr/ Ayres/Foley's. Currently, in order to find clothes, you must be either 18 or over 70. Lucky for me, I found the one tiny little corner of the store that has clothes not designed for either of those demographics.
And that ... well, that is about the highlight of my day. I have to pick up from Brownies, go to soccer. Fun.
I'm reading one of those Jennifer Weiner books. They're entertaining enough, a quick read. She's a decent writer. But I'm growing bored of the amazing fat girl as heroine. We get it: Heavy women can be smart, funny, beautiful, and charming. This I know - two of my best friends fit this profile. One, a friend since grade school, was voted most popular girl in our senior class, was our valedictorian. So, enough. And why must all the skinny women be stupid and superficial? Doesn't seem quite fair; once again, we're applying stereotypes ... but it's an entertaining enough read.
And now, the carpooling begins.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
End of February blues
Thank god it's nearly March. The weather here is ... dare I say it ... it's fantastic. It is sunny and in the 70s, no humidity.
Yet I'm in a cruddy mood.
It's the 'burbs. It is so not me. We even discussed - briefly - moving into the city. But I think we'd be trading one set of problems for another. I'm not sure I have the energy to deal with schools, security, and safety. The traffic would be different, but traffic, none the less. No carpooling for Gary. Property would cost more (we get a lot of house for our money out here), and property taxes could be even higher. (Folks in Missouri would be stunned if they knew what we pay here in Texas; land of no personal income tax more than makes up for that lack of revenue by sticking it to us in property taxes. They get it from you one way or another, my friends.)
The plan is to stick it out here in the short term; our long-term goal would be to live elsewhere. Where is elsewhere? Not sure, but it's not here. Europe? Maybe ... we shall see.
All the things I see as advantages to Houston are far away. Inside the loop is 30 minutes on a weekend with no traffic, more like 45 minutes to an hour during the week. It is all but inaccessible for me. Makes it tough to take advantage. But with Gary's job being where it is, this is where we need to be on a daily basis.
But I'm really struggling. On a daily basis. Thank goodness for our library (such as it is) and a few good friends. A surprise mid-day phone call can do wonders (thanks, Helen!) Even if it wasn't about me, it was nice to talk to her. And I hope I helped her feel better as she goes through a very stressful time in her life. Illness of a parent is tough.
The trials we all face. I should probably stop complaining and thank my lucky stars I have what I have.
Done!
Yet I'm in a cruddy mood.
It's the 'burbs. It is so not me. We even discussed - briefly - moving into the city. But I think we'd be trading one set of problems for another. I'm not sure I have the energy to deal with schools, security, and safety. The traffic would be different, but traffic, none the less. No carpooling for Gary. Property would cost more (we get a lot of house for our money out here), and property taxes could be even higher. (Folks in Missouri would be stunned if they knew what we pay here in Texas; land of no personal income tax more than makes up for that lack of revenue by sticking it to us in property taxes. They get it from you one way or another, my friends.)
The plan is to stick it out here in the short term; our long-term goal would be to live elsewhere. Where is elsewhere? Not sure, but it's not here. Europe? Maybe ... we shall see.
All the things I see as advantages to Houston are far away. Inside the loop is 30 minutes on a weekend with no traffic, more like 45 minutes to an hour during the week. It is all but inaccessible for me. Makes it tough to take advantage. But with Gary's job being where it is, this is where we need to be on a daily basis.
But I'm really struggling. On a daily basis. Thank goodness for our library (such as it is) and a few good friends. A surprise mid-day phone call can do wonders (thanks, Helen!) Even if it wasn't about me, it was nice to talk to her. And I hope I helped her feel better as she goes through a very stressful time in her life. Illness of a parent is tough.
The trials we all face. I should probably stop complaining and thank my lucky stars I have what I have.
Done!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
The envelope, please
It's Oscar night. This is one of those times when I am thrilled to have only daughters - we snuggle up on the sofa, get our snacks, and watch the awards. We enjoy the gowns, the hair, the jewels, and the celebration of all that is Hollywood. It's one of our traditions, and I love it.
(But what was Meryl Streep thinking with that outfit?)
We're big movie people. I have lots of time these days, so I watch a lot of films. Thanks to Netflix, TCM, HBO, and AMC, I see everything. I love the movies ... well, more specificially, I love good movies. I'm not going to sit through something that will waste my time. However, on the right day, I would see that Sandra Bullock/Keanu Reeves movie, what's it called, The Lake House? Would it entertain me for 90 minutes? Good enough.
I like foreign films, good book adaptations, and quality movies for children. I try not to be elitist about what I like, or arrogant. I just like a good movie.
In short, I'm a fan. So I like to see the best performances honored.
At the same time, I think the Academy Awards are a bunch of crap. What do they really mean, anyway? I can barely remember who won last year - who did win best actor, anyway? Best supporting actress? (It was Rachel Weisz, and I think George Clooney - I know he won one year - but I honestly can't be certain.)
There are so many deserving people who don't win: Felicity Huffman should have won last year, not Reese Witherspoon, and Annette Bening deserved to win for Being Julia over Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby - she was that much better.
And there are bunches of people who should never have won. Helen Hunt? Cher? Marlee Matlin? Don't mean to focus on only women, but those are the ones who spring to mind.
I know the awards are supposed to be for a specific performance, but they aren't always. It's political - Henry Fonda didn't win for Grapes of Wrath, so when he did win - for On Golden Pond - it wasn't about that performance. Jane Fonda didn't win during Vietnam, so she won later. If Martin Scorcese wins tonight, it's not about The Departed.
The list of talented people who have never is very long, full of notable names: Barbara Stanwyck, Richard Burton, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Johnny Depp, Lauren Bacall, Annette Bening, Kevin Bacon (he's underrated), Martin Sheen, William H. Macy, Donald Sutherland, John Cusack, Julianne Moore, John Travolta, Joan Allen, Robert Altman, Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorcese (?), Peter O'Toole (?).
And come on - Rocky? over All the President's Men? Shakespeare in Love over Saving Private Ryan?
No Citizen Kane?
But I am going to defend Crash over Brokeback Mountain; liked them both, but Crash really was the better film (though the cinematography in Brokeback was breathtaking). And I'm also going to defend Grace Kelly beating Judy Garland, simply because I've loved Grace Kelly ever since visiting Monaco in 1976. Can't help it.
It's all subjective - that's the bottom line. And it's entertainment. Yes, films have value, but they are not as important as they like to think they are. It's just an award. I'll bet no one can name five winners of the Oscars the year they graduated from high school, but you can name every one of your grade school teachers.
Exactly. In the end, they just aren't important. But they're still fun.
(But what was Meryl Streep thinking with that outfit?)
We're big movie people. I have lots of time these days, so I watch a lot of films. Thanks to Netflix, TCM, HBO, and AMC, I see everything. I love the movies ... well, more specificially, I love good movies. I'm not going to sit through something that will waste my time. However, on the right day, I would see that Sandra Bullock/Keanu Reeves movie, what's it called, The Lake House? Would it entertain me for 90 minutes? Good enough.
I like foreign films, good book adaptations, and quality movies for children. I try not to be elitist about what I like, or arrogant. I just like a good movie.
In short, I'm a fan. So I like to see the best performances honored.
At the same time, I think the Academy Awards are a bunch of crap. What do they really mean, anyway? I can barely remember who won last year - who did win best actor, anyway? Best supporting actress? (It was Rachel Weisz, and I think George Clooney - I know he won one year - but I honestly can't be certain.)
There are so many deserving people who don't win: Felicity Huffman should have won last year, not Reese Witherspoon, and Annette Bening deserved to win for Being Julia over Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby - she was that much better.
And there are bunches of people who should never have won. Helen Hunt? Cher? Marlee Matlin? Don't mean to focus on only women, but those are the ones who spring to mind.
I know the awards are supposed to be for a specific performance, but they aren't always. It's political - Henry Fonda didn't win for Grapes of Wrath, so when he did win - for On Golden Pond - it wasn't about that performance. Jane Fonda didn't win during Vietnam, so she won later. If Martin Scorcese wins tonight, it's not about The Departed.
The list of talented people who have never is very long, full of notable names: Barbara Stanwyck, Richard Burton, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Johnny Depp, Lauren Bacall, Annette Bening, Kevin Bacon (he's underrated), Martin Sheen, William H. Macy, Donald Sutherland, John Cusack, Julianne Moore, John Travolta, Joan Allen, Robert Altman, Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorcese (?), Peter O'Toole (?).
And come on - Rocky? over All the President's Men? Shakespeare in Love over Saving Private Ryan?
No Citizen Kane?
But I am going to defend Crash over Brokeback Mountain; liked them both, but Crash really was the better film (though the cinematography in Brokeback was breathtaking). And I'm also going to defend Grace Kelly beating Judy Garland, simply because I've loved Grace Kelly ever since visiting Monaco in 1976. Can't help it.
It's all subjective - that's the bottom line. And it's entertainment. Yes, films have value, but they are not as important as they like to think they are. It's just an award. I'll bet no one can name five winners of the Oscars the year they graduated from high school, but you can name every one of your grade school teachers.
Exactly. In the end, they just aren't important. But they're still fun.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Houston: City of advantages
I knew there was something I liked about Houston. Spring in February must be it.
In order to protect myself from an onslaught of evil thoughts from those in the Midwestern tundra, I'll not say what the temperature is here today. Suffice it to say, the mercury has climbed high enough for me to feel very, very good. I need a good pedicure - any pedicure, for that matter - before I'll be seen in sandals (which I could be wearing today, if I chose). But I'll settle for tennis shoes.
The weather, however, is the only thing I'm liking about Houston these days.
We've been here for a year. Hard to believe. And it's hard to believe I feel as unsettled as I do. This is not home. It's where I live, but it's not my home. Where that is, exactly, I can't say. But this ain't it.
But I can find things to like:
• The theatre. There's a reason people love the theatre. And we're not talking community theatre - the professionals, baby. Not just down in the city (though we have tickets for 12 Angry Men Friday; where else can you see washed-up TV talent like George Wendt and Richard Thomas? Kidding, kidding ... seriously, I think Richard Thomas is seriously under-rated as an actor. Several years on a television series will do that to you.), but out here in the 'burbs, where we have season tickets to the Texas Repertory Theatre. Their production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, abridged" had me rolling in the aisles. Loved it so much that I'm going again, taking my parents and my husband, who gave up his seat for Alison.
Anyway, bit city, big names, big shows. We're jazzed to see Spamalot; we'd see Wicked, but Alison and I are going to meet friends in Chicago.
• The opera. We have tickets for Aida in April - another show I can't wait to see. Should be amazing. Haven't done season tickets yet, but I'm thinking about it ...
• The symphony. In a smaller city the symphony is OK, but here? In Houston? It's amazing. And they have a full pops program - I LOVE the pops. Shallow, maybe, but I love it still.
• The Progressive Forum. They bring in big names on big issues a few times each year. We've seen Al Gore and Molly Ivins, missed Frank Rich (weeknight - it's tough with kids), and I'm passing on Garrison Keillor, only because a) already seen him and b) it's a weeknight. But whoever they bring in is thoughtful, relevant, and worth the ticket price.
• Concerts. Last year, had I cared to, we could have seen Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, or Steve Miller perform. We saw none of them - we have three children, you know, and $85 tickets are hard to justify these days. But it's nice to know they come here. If I ever hear of someone I am just DYING to see, I'll fork over the cash. I'll know when the time is right.
• Shopping. What does Houston have? The easier question would be what does Houston not have? Out here by us, the mall is slightly more upscale than the Tippecanoe Mall (more like Keystone in Indy), with Williams Sonoma and Ann Taylor, along with the other standard mall fare. (The Galleria is supposed to be really high-end, but that must mean their Kirklands is bigger than ours - the Galleria has all the same bourgeois mall stores, juxtaposed with Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, Prada, and the Hello Kitty emporium.) Over in Champions they have World Market and the Container Store - I feel as if I've gone to heaven.
On the downside, many of these events are - you guessed it - down inside the loop, a 30-minute drive without traffic. Indy was an hour, but I never felt as if it was in the same city. Sometimes I feel as if I am being deceived; yes, we're part of Houston, but we're not really IN Houston. It's a cruel hoax.
But the best thing, the thing that I see every day? The Houston Chronicle. Two full op-ed pages every day, a full section on weekends. Parade magazine. Two sections of world/national news some days. The Star section with four pages of comics/puzzles. Miss Manners on Thursday.
It's a catch-22, though, as the Chronicle is what informs me of all the events I live too far away from.
Cruel, cruel world.
In order to protect myself from an onslaught of evil thoughts from those in the Midwestern tundra, I'll not say what the temperature is here today. Suffice it to say, the mercury has climbed high enough for me to feel very, very good. I need a good pedicure - any pedicure, for that matter - before I'll be seen in sandals (which I could be wearing today, if I chose). But I'll settle for tennis shoes.
The weather, however, is the only thing I'm liking about Houston these days.
We've been here for a year. Hard to believe. And it's hard to believe I feel as unsettled as I do. This is not home. It's where I live, but it's not my home. Where that is, exactly, I can't say. But this ain't it.
But I can find things to like:
• The theatre. There's a reason people love the theatre. And we're not talking community theatre - the professionals, baby. Not just down in the city (though we have tickets for 12 Angry Men Friday; where else can you see washed-up TV talent like George Wendt and Richard Thomas? Kidding, kidding ... seriously, I think Richard Thomas is seriously under-rated as an actor. Several years on a television series will do that to you.), but out here in the 'burbs, where we have season tickets to the Texas Repertory Theatre. Their production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, abridged" had me rolling in the aisles. Loved it so much that I'm going again, taking my parents and my husband, who gave up his seat for Alison.
Anyway, bit city, big names, big shows. We're jazzed to see Spamalot; we'd see Wicked, but Alison and I are going to meet friends in Chicago.
• The opera. We have tickets for Aida in April - another show I can't wait to see. Should be amazing. Haven't done season tickets yet, but I'm thinking about it ...
• The symphony. In a smaller city the symphony is OK, but here? In Houston? It's amazing. And they have a full pops program - I LOVE the pops. Shallow, maybe, but I love it still.
• The Progressive Forum. They bring in big names on big issues a few times each year. We've seen Al Gore and Molly Ivins, missed Frank Rich (weeknight - it's tough with kids), and I'm passing on Garrison Keillor, only because a) already seen him and b) it's a weeknight. But whoever they bring in is thoughtful, relevant, and worth the ticket price.
• Concerts. Last year, had I cared to, we could have seen Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, or Steve Miller perform. We saw none of them - we have three children, you know, and $85 tickets are hard to justify these days. But it's nice to know they come here. If I ever hear of someone I am just DYING to see, I'll fork over the cash. I'll know when the time is right.
• Shopping. What does Houston have? The easier question would be what does Houston not have? Out here by us, the mall is slightly more upscale than the Tippecanoe Mall (more like Keystone in Indy), with Williams Sonoma and Ann Taylor, along with the other standard mall fare. (The Galleria is supposed to be really high-end, but that must mean their Kirklands is bigger than ours - the Galleria has all the same bourgeois mall stores, juxtaposed with Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, Prada, and the Hello Kitty emporium.) Over in Champions they have World Market and the Container Store - I feel as if I've gone to heaven.
On the downside, many of these events are - you guessed it - down inside the loop, a 30-minute drive without traffic. Indy was an hour, but I never felt as if it was in the same city. Sometimes I feel as if I am being deceived; yes, we're part of Houston, but we're not really IN Houston. It's a cruel hoax.
But the best thing, the thing that I see every day? The Houston Chronicle. Two full op-ed pages every day, a full section on weekends. Parade magazine. Two sections of world/national news some days. The Star section with four pages of comics/puzzles. Miss Manners on Thursday.
It's a catch-22, though, as the Chronicle is what informs me of all the events I live too far away from.
Cruel, cruel world.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Relief
It's official: I've resigned as editor of Cy-Fair Magazine. And all I can say is: Whew. It's as if a huge burden has been lifted from my shoulders. Since January I've been filled with a sense of impending dread, and now it's over. I can move on (already have, in fact, since I turned in some freelance work last week).
There are details - ugly and complex and unpleasant - with which I won't bore you (some of you lucky folks already know). Suffice it to say it's not been a good fit for me. I put on my game face and tried, but it was not to be. But life is full of these little ups and downs, and it has certainly been a learning experience, one that I won't forget. Plus, it will help prepare me for my next venture ... whatever that may be.
So, this week I am taking it easy. Funny - I've been planning this resignation for a month. And when I sat down to write this post - at last, for I've been thinking of doing it with some anticipation - I was almost buoyant. But now it is hitting me and I am feeling a little deflated. The tears may even hit eventually. But I know I've made the right choice, so after a transitional phase, I'll be fine, better than ever.
Onward.
There are details - ugly and complex and unpleasant - with which I won't bore you (some of you lucky folks already know). Suffice it to say it's not been a good fit for me. I put on my game face and tried, but it was not to be. But life is full of these little ups and downs, and it has certainly been a learning experience, one that I won't forget. Plus, it will help prepare me for my next venture ... whatever that may be.
So, this week I am taking it easy. Funny - I've been planning this resignation for a month. And when I sat down to write this post - at last, for I've been thinking of doing it with some anticipation - I was almost buoyant. But now it is hitting me and I am feeling a little deflated. The tears may even hit eventually. But I know I've made the right choice, so after a transitional phase, I'll be fine, better than ever.
Onward.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Busy
How is it that I am home all day, yet hardly find time to get anything important done? Like play on the computer?
I wanted to watch Ugly Betty tonight in Real Time. Which means the girls have to have all the homework done. I could see it wasn't going to happen, so I figured we would watch it at 8, after homework, baths. But I didn't realize that I would be writing Maddie's homework. So, rather than finishing up this article I am writing (to send a draft to someone to look over tonight) I had to write out a social studies project.
After that was done, the girls hit the tub while I came upstairs to finish my article. It's only 600 words, so it's not a tough job. I was up to 700, though, so I had to do some editing. Sent it off and - crap - it was 20 after 8, time to pick up Alison from Tae Kwon Do (my husband is gone this week). Got her, came back, and realized the dishwasher hadn't been loaded, trash needs to be collected, and Sylvia needs new sheets on her bed. Plus, there are clothes all over the floor in all three kids' rooms. Grrrrrr.
In short, no Ugly Betty tonight. I'll watch it here in a minute, after I take out the trash.
Something in my fridge is smelling ... must go find out what it is. Put sheets on my bed. And I'm dying to read more of my book.
Good night!
I wanted to watch Ugly Betty tonight in Real Time. Which means the girls have to have all the homework done. I could see it wasn't going to happen, so I figured we would watch it at 8, after homework, baths. But I didn't realize that I would be writing Maddie's homework. So, rather than finishing up this article I am writing (to send a draft to someone to look over tonight) I had to write out a social studies project.
After that was done, the girls hit the tub while I came upstairs to finish my article. It's only 600 words, so it's not a tough job. I was up to 700, though, so I had to do some editing. Sent it off and - crap - it was 20 after 8, time to pick up Alison from Tae Kwon Do (my husband is gone this week). Got her, came back, and realized the dishwasher hadn't been loaded, trash needs to be collected, and Sylvia needs new sheets on her bed. Plus, there are clothes all over the floor in all three kids' rooms. Grrrrrr.
In short, no Ugly Betty tonight. I'll watch it here in a minute, after I take out the trash.
Something in my fridge is smelling ... must go find out what it is. Put sheets on my bed. And I'm dying to read more of my book.
Good night!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
On waiting rooms, hauling kids
Most of my day was spent in the car, hauling kids here, there, and, well, you know. It was the day Maddie was to see the orthopaedist, so I started the day by calling to see how I was to pick up the X-rays at the hospital. Allow 30 minutes, they said. So I picked those up, then went to get Maddie from school. **Please note this is Houston, a city that covers over 600 square miles - nothing is close to us. Even things that are close mean 20 or 30 minutes in the car. It doesn't help that we live at what feels like the northernmost edge of the city, of civilization as we know it. The suburbs - or, more appropriately, where the city leaves off and hell begins.
But I digress. I picked up Maddie and treated her to lunch (I pulled her out of school early, so she missed PE class - where she can't participate anyway - sue me), then we were off to the orthopaedist. He was backed way up; he was to leave early today but they squeezed us in. Long story short, the injury is not a fracture, but it is an injury to the growth plate. In an adult, the bone would have snapped; for Maddie, it occurred in an area where there is cartlidge, where the bones have not yet fused together. However, they consider it a break and treat it the same way.
Upon hearing that she needed a cast, Maddie had only one question: Did she get to choose the color?
Her arm is ensconced in a lime green cast for the next four weeks (well, longer, as four weeks falls during spring break, and we'll be out of town). She seems animated, almost giddy about her cast; she went back to school and DI practice wielding Sharpies. All her DI friends have already signed - she even let me and her sisters have a go.
I've never had a broken bone; I have three brothers, and growing up, no broken bones. This is our first one. I'd never seen a cast put on, and it was certainly interesting. That said, it's an experience I don't need to repeat.
So. I took Sylvia to soccer. It was fre-e-e-e-e-zing out there - 45 and windy - and I"ll get no sympathy from friends in Indiana, Illinois, or Missouri. Sorry, but your reality is what it is. And for me, 45 and windy is cold. Tomorrow will be even colder. Brrr.
But I also had to pick up Maddie from DI at 7, take Alison to Tae Kwon Do at 7.20, and pick up at 8.20. Gary is out of town this week; however, even if he were here, he wouldn't be of much help. However, even with all the running around, sitting and waiting, I finished a book I started yesterday and read the new Newsweek. So all in all, not a total waste.
But I'm done. Good night, all.
But I digress. I picked up Maddie and treated her to lunch (I pulled her out of school early, so she missed PE class - where she can't participate anyway - sue me), then we were off to the orthopaedist. He was backed way up; he was to leave early today but they squeezed us in. Long story short, the injury is not a fracture, but it is an injury to the growth plate. In an adult, the bone would have snapped; for Maddie, it occurred in an area where there is cartlidge, where the bones have not yet fused together. However, they consider it a break and treat it the same way.
Upon hearing that she needed a cast, Maddie had only one question: Did she get to choose the color?
Her arm is ensconced in a lime green cast for the next four weeks (well, longer, as four weeks falls during spring break, and we'll be out of town). She seems animated, almost giddy about her cast; she went back to school and DI practice wielding Sharpies. All her DI friends have already signed - she even let me and her sisters have a go.
I've never had a broken bone; I have three brothers, and growing up, no broken bones. This is our first one. I'd never seen a cast put on, and it was certainly interesting. That said, it's an experience I don't need to repeat.
So. I took Sylvia to soccer. It was fre-e-e-e-e-zing out there - 45 and windy - and I"ll get no sympathy from friends in Indiana, Illinois, or Missouri. Sorry, but your reality is what it is. And for me, 45 and windy is cold. Tomorrow will be even colder. Brrr.
But I also had to pick up Maddie from DI at 7, take Alison to Tae Kwon Do at 7.20, and pick up at 8.20. Gary is out of town this week; however, even if he were here, he wouldn't be of much help. However, even with all the running around, sitting and waiting, I finished a book I started yesterday and read the new Newsweek. So all in all, not a total waste.
But I'm done. Good night, all.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Rain, Grammys, blah, blah, blah
Just an ordinary day here. It's supposed to be warm, but in fact is chilly and rainy. Which is OK - it is February, after all, so I can live with it. Plus I have tons of crap to do today, so I don't need nice weather distracting me.
Among the to-do items: Tidy up (as always), do some laundry, get groceries, make sure bills are paid, return the Netflix films ... ordinary stuff, nothing exciting. Such is the life of a suburban mom.
I already called to make an interview appointment with the subject of an article I've been assigned. OK - that is probaby less typical. And I called the orthopaedist to make an appointment to have Maddie's arm looked at. Yep, the middle child fell in PE class Friday and fractured her wrist. She complained that it hurt Friday but didn't want to rush off to the ER; we did that another time, a soccer injury, and it was just a sprain. Though I would have taken her. Saturday morning when it still hurt Gary took her while I picked up Girl Scout cookies (it's that time of year, and we had to go pick up our troop order).
She has a hairline fracture of her right wrist, so I have to take her tomorrow and get it Xrayed again, have the specialist take a look at it. I'm sure she'll be fine, but it hurts a bit. And since it's her right hand, she can't write. Last night she dictated and I wrote her homework; this morning I brushed her hair, put on her shoes and socks, loaded up her backpack. She'll be lucky if she can go to the restroom quickly. I e-mailed all her teachers and explained the situation, as she's not going to be able to write in class. A couple have responded nicely.
And I'm a single parent this week; Gary left for Germany yesterday. Which meand I'm alone for Valentine's Day. But I have the girls, so we'll have some fun. It could be worse.
The Dixie Chicks won at the Grammys! I'm not too into the Grammys; like all those awards shows, some deserving people win, many deserving people don't, and a lot of real nobodies take home awards. (Surely you're all familiar with the best new artist award of 1978, legendary in its selection of A Taste of Honey, the disco one-hit wonder that beat out, among others, Elvis Cosello and The Cars; it's a notorious Grammy screw-up.) But it's still recognition. I was never a huge Dixie Chicks fan, but I like them now. After their comments about W, I immediately bought their stuff. And I like it ... or maybe it's because I like their politics? Either way, I'm glad they won.
I ordered myself some music over the weekend, stuff I have on vinyl but want on CD: Alex Chilton (High Priest, Feudalist Tarts), Steve, Bob & Rich (who knew their early LP, pre-Rainmakers, was on CD? For only $14.99? Wow), and REM's Life's Rich Pageant (my Best Of CD does not include the song Superman, and sometimes, I just need to hear it). Alex Chilton never won a Grammy to my knowledge, but he rocks. Can't wait til they arrive; using the turn table is a drag.
Among the to-do items: Tidy up (as always), do some laundry, get groceries, make sure bills are paid, return the Netflix films ... ordinary stuff, nothing exciting. Such is the life of a suburban mom.
I already called to make an interview appointment with the subject of an article I've been assigned. OK - that is probaby less typical. And I called the orthopaedist to make an appointment to have Maddie's arm looked at. Yep, the middle child fell in PE class Friday and fractured her wrist. She complained that it hurt Friday but didn't want to rush off to the ER; we did that another time, a soccer injury, and it was just a sprain. Though I would have taken her. Saturday morning when it still hurt Gary took her while I picked up Girl Scout cookies (it's that time of year, and we had to go pick up our troop order).
She has a hairline fracture of her right wrist, so I have to take her tomorrow and get it Xrayed again, have the specialist take a look at it. I'm sure she'll be fine, but it hurts a bit. And since it's her right hand, she can't write. Last night she dictated and I wrote her homework; this morning I brushed her hair, put on her shoes and socks, loaded up her backpack. She'll be lucky if she can go to the restroom quickly. I e-mailed all her teachers and explained the situation, as she's not going to be able to write in class. A couple have responded nicely.
And I'm a single parent this week; Gary left for Germany yesterday. Which meand I'm alone for Valentine's Day. But I have the girls, so we'll have some fun. It could be worse.
The Dixie Chicks won at the Grammys! I'm not too into the Grammys; like all those awards shows, some deserving people win, many deserving people don't, and a lot of real nobodies take home awards. (Surely you're all familiar with the best new artist award of 1978, legendary in its selection of A Taste of Honey, the disco one-hit wonder that beat out, among others, Elvis Cosello and The Cars; it's a notorious Grammy screw-up.) But it's still recognition. I was never a huge Dixie Chicks fan, but I like them now. After their comments about W, I immediately bought their stuff. And I like it ... or maybe it's because I like their politics? Either way, I'm glad they won.
I ordered myself some music over the weekend, stuff I have on vinyl but want on CD: Alex Chilton (High Priest, Feudalist Tarts), Steve, Bob & Rich (who knew their early LP, pre-Rainmakers, was on CD? For only $14.99? Wow), and REM's Life's Rich Pageant (my Best Of CD does not include the song Superman, and sometimes, I just need to hear it). Alex Chilton never won a Grammy to my knowledge, but he rocks. Can't wait til they arrive; using the turn table is a drag.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Memoriam
She was a bimbo, an idiot, frankly, someone who was famous merely for being famous.
She's getting as much press as Gerald Ford got when he died, more than Molly Ivins, more than Milton Friedman. She contributed much less to society than any of the three.
Like many people, I am strangely sad, touched by the death of Anna Nicole Smith.
I wasn't a fan; I never found her all that interesting, or even worth discussing. But yesterday when I saw the news, I was stunned.
Maybe it's that her life just seemed so sad. She had a lot of money, but money doesn't buy class or sophistication, wisdom or happiness. It might be able to rent it for a time, but not permanently.
Any bit of happiness she might have had seemed fleeting.
It's sort of strange, being interested in the over-the-top life, and now death, of this quasi-celebrity.
I suppose it's because, no matter how flakey she was, she didn't deserve to die so young.
Sad, I guess, is the only word that aptly describes the sentiment. Sad.
She's getting as much press as Gerald Ford got when he died, more than Molly Ivins, more than Milton Friedman. She contributed much less to society than any of the three.
Like many people, I am strangely sad, touched by the death of Anna Nicole Smith.
I wasn't a fan; I never found her all that interesting, or even worth discussing. But yesterday when I saw the news, I was stunned.
Maybe it's that her life just seemed so sad. She had a lot of money, but money doesn't buy class or sophistication, wisdom or happiness. It might be able to rent it for a time, but not permanently.
Any bit of happiness she might have had seemed fleeting.
It's sort of strange, being interested in the over-the-top life, and now death, of this quasi-celebrity.
I suppose it's because, no matter how flakey she was, she didn't deserve to die so young.
Sad, I guess, is the only word that aptly describes the sentiment. Sad.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Overzealous
Housework is not my thing. Hiring someone to clean is not a luxury, but a necessity. It's not that housework is beneath me, I just don't like to do it.
Yet there are some tasks no one can for you, unless you have a live-in housekeeper. Or you're an heiress, or a princess. I am neither.
I was ready to start the dishwasher and realized it wasn't quite full. This, I figured, means it is an excellent time to clear all the Tupperware out of the refrigerator - all those leftovers we don't throw out because that would be wasteful, so we load it into unmarked containers and let it properly age before tossing it.
The things I found were getting scary, the way things shoved way to the back of the icebox tend to be. (Note to self: I really should tackle this more often.) I'll spare you the graphic descriptions, but trust me, it wasn't pretty.
One container I opened was so green, I couldn't even tell what its original form had been. I quickly dumped it down the disposal.
Ooops - it was guacamole from Sunday.
Yet there are some tasks no one can for you, unless you have a live-in housekeeper. Or you're an heiress, or a princess. I am neither.
I was ready to start the dishwasher and realized it wasn't quite full. This, I figured, means it is an excellent time to clear all the Tupperware out of the refrigerator - all those leftovers we don't throw out because that would be wasteful, so we load it into unmarked containers and let it properly age before tossing it.
The things I found were getting scary, the way things shoved way to the back of the icebox tend to be. (Note to self: I really should tackle this more often.) I'll spare you the graphic descriptions, but trust me, it wasn't pretty.
One container I opened was so green, I couldn't even tell what its original form had been. I quickly dumped it down the disposal.
Ooops - it was guacamole from Sunday.
Why?
My mind is plagued with questions today. Why are some in the current administration denying global warming, even when the world's scientists tend to agree the phenomenon is real?
Why did Annette Bening get overlooked in the race for this year's Oscar? Why did she lose to Hilary Swank two years ago?
What will I feed my children tonight?
Why is my Internet connection so slow today?
These and other thoughts are floating around inside my head, begging answers. Alas, I have none.
It's been a quiet, uneventful day. Spent much of the morning on the phone with my favorite friend; together we lamented the fact that it's now long distance, so we have to pay to commiserate about our errant children. We've planned a weekend getaway in Chicago, in April. Tickets for Wicked have been purchased. It will be wonderful, and it will be too short, of this I am certain.
Sylvia came home from school exhausted. She has had a cold and did not feel up to gymnastics. I'm happy to stay home with her, though I kind of like going; it's an hour when I can sit and read. Generally I do this uninterrupted, but last week someone found me. And she is chatty. It's OK; I think she and I could be friends. But since I don't know her that well, I was eyeing my book and my Newsweek longingly.
So why would I be bothered that she sat and talked at me? It's another question to ponder ... I"ll get back to you.
Why did Annette Bening get overlooked in the race for this year's Oscar? Why did she lose to Hilary Swank two years ago?
What will I feed my children tonight?
Why is my Internet connection so slow today?
These and other thoughts are floating around inside my head, begging answers. Alas, I have none.
It's been a quiet, uneventful day. Spent much of the morning on the phone with my favorite friend; together we lamented the fact that it's now long distance, so we have to pay to commiserate about our errant children. We've planned a weekend getaway in Chicago, in April. Tickets for Wicked have been purchased. It will be wonderful, and it will be too short, of this I am certain.
Sylvia came home from school exhausted. She has had a cold and did not feel up to gymnastics. I'm happy to stay home with her, though I kind of like going; it's an hour when I can sit and read. Generally I do this uninterrupted, but last week someone found me. And she is chatty. It's OK; I think she and I could be friends. But since I don't know her that well, I was eyeing my book and my Newsweek longingly.
So why would I be bothered that she sat and talked at me? It's another question to ponder ... I"ll get back to you.
Why?
My mind is plagued with questions today. Why are some in the current administration denying global warming, even when the world's scientists tend to agree the phenomenon is real?
Why did Annette Bening get overlooked in the race for this year's Oscar? Why did she lose to Hilary Swank two years ago?
What will I feed my children tonight?
Why is my Internet connection so slow today?
These and other thoughts are floating around inside my head, begging answers. Alas, I have none.
It's been a quiet, uneventful day. Spent much of the morning on the phone with my favorite friend; together we lamented the fact that it's now long distance, so we have to pay to commiserate about our errant children. We've planned a weekend getaway in Chicago, in April. Tickets for Wicked have been purchased. It will be wonderful, and it will be too short, of this I am certain.
Sylvia came home from school exhausted. She has had a cold and did not feel up to gymnastics. I'm happy to stay home with her, though I kind of like going; it's an hour when I can sit and read. Generally I do this uninterrupted, but last week someone found me. And she is chatty. It's OK; I think she and I could be friends. But since I don't know her that well, I was eyeing my book and my Newsweek longingly.
So why would I be bothered that she sat and talked at me? It's another question to ponder ... I"ll get back to you.
Why did Annette Bening get overlooked in the race for this year's Oscar? Why did she lose to Hilary Swank two years ago?
What will I feed my children tonight?
Why is my Internet connection so slow today?
These and other thoughts are floating around inside my head, begging answers. Alas, I have none.
It's been a quiet, uneventful day. Spent much of the morning on the phone with my favorite friend; together we lamented the fact that it's now long distance, so we have to pay to commiserate about our errant children. We've planned a weekend getaway in Chicago, in April. Tickets for Wicked have been purchased. It will be wonderful, and it will be too short, of this I am certain.
Sylvia came home from school exhausted. She has had a cold and did not feel up to gymnastics. I'm happy to stay home with her, though I kind of like going; it's an hour when I can sit and read. Generally I do this uninterrupted, but last week someone found me. And she is chatty. It's OK; I think she and I could be friends. But since I don't know her that well, I was eyeing my book and my Newsweek longingly.
So why would I be bothered that she sat and talked at me? It's another question to ponder ... I"ll get back to you.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
A day of what?
Not much. I love how the task fits the time allotted. Today, since I had very little on the agenda, I made doing very little fit all day. I had a hair appointment (I wish someone would come blow dry my hair for me every day), and I did some laundry. And since I had some time, I watched The Mirror Had Two Faces. I put it on my Netflix Queue after I read an interesting bio of Barbra last summer; it's a good movie to watch when Gary's not around. We get three movies at a time with Netflix, so I get one for the kids, one for me and Gary (a grownup movie), and one for just me - a classic, or something Gary won't like.
Next up: Marty. 1955 Oscar winner with Ernest Borgnine. (And, for you trivia buffs, the answer to the question Herb Stempel had to throw in the Quiz Show scandal of the 1950s.)
In Lafayette today, a two-hour delay for schools, due to the cold weather. It is 70 here today. I hesitate to point this out, for fear of upsetting friends in Lafayette. But I'm just saying how it is; can't help it. Don't worry, we'll get ours this summer when it's near 100 and humid.
Gary is out of town, at a meeting in Peoria. It is very cold there; he had to dig around and find some gloves and a scarf. Me, I haven't worn gloves since we moved here.
Our governor, Ranger Rick Perry, has signed an executive order requiring girls entering sixth grade to get the HPV immunization. He's getting flack from the right wing, who say it will encourage early sexual activity. I am so tired of abstinence-only folks, who want to use scare tactics to discourage kids from having sex. The problem with this attitude is that kids will one day become sexually active; it is normal and, in the right circumstances, healthy. Thus I think education is the better tool.
But my concern with the HPV vaccination is about the motivation. Why are people not looking closer at the ties of Perry's aides to big pharmaceuticals? Merck & Co. is bankrolling efforts to pass these laws, requiring girls to get their vaccine; it costs $120 a shot and takes a three-shot regimen.
And Merck has hired a lobbyist: none other than Mike Toomey, who once served as Republican Perry's chief of staff. Any conflcit of interest here?
Merck stands to make millions. There's no doubt that protecting girls from cervical cancer is a good thing. But I don't think the motives here are entirely altruistic. Plus, this vaccine is relatively new, and I'm not sure enough time has elapsed to expose so many young girls, when we don't know for certain what the future implications are. In the late 50s and early 60s thousands of women took the sedative thalidomide to combat morning sickness; nearly 10,000 children were born with severe malformities. Perhaps an ounce of discretion might be in order.
Next up: Marty. 1955 Oscar winner with Ernest Borgnine. (And, for you trivia buffs, the answer to the question Herb Stempel had to throw in the Quiz Show scandal of the 1950s.)
In Lafayette today, a two-hour delay for schools, due to the cold weather. It is 70 here today. I hesitate to point this out, for fear of upsetting friends in Lafayette. But I'm just saying how it is; can't help it. Don't worry, we'll get ours this summer when it's near 100 and humid.
Gary is out of town, at a meeting in Peoria. It is very cold there; he had to dig around and find some gloves and a scarf. Me, I haven't worn gloves since we moved here.
Our governor, Ranger Rick Perry, has signed an executive order requiring girls entering sixth grade to get the HPV immunization. He's getting flack from the right wing, who say it will encourage early sexual activity. I am so tired of abstinence-only folks, who want to use scare tactics to discourage kids from having sex. The problem with this attitude is that kids will one day become sexually active; it is normal and, in the right circumstances, healthy. Thus I think education is the better tool.
But my concern with the HPV vaccination is about the motivation. Why are people not looking closer at the ties of Perry's aides to big pharmaceuticals? Merck & Co. is bankrolling efforts to pass these laws, requiring girls to get their vaccine; it costs $120 a shot and takes a three-shot regimen.
And Merck has hired a lobbyist: none other than Mike Toomey, who once served as Republican Perry's chief of staff. Any conflcit of interest here?
Merck stands to make millions. There's no doubt that protecting girls from cervical cancer is a good thing. But I don't think the motives here are entirely altruistic. Plus, this vaccine is relatively new, and I'm not sure enough time has elapsed to expose so many young girls, when we don't know for certain what the future implications are. In the late 50s and early 60s thousands of women took the sedative thalidomide to combat morning sickness; nearly 10,000 children were born with severe malformities. Perhaps an ounce of discretion might be in order.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Random on Monday
I finally - finally - made it to the post office today, to mail some odd-sized envelopes. Nothing pressing, just on the list of things to do. The line is always so lo-o-ong. And it's not as if no one is working; they had four windows open. You have to wonder what some of those people are doing there. As I was leaving I overheard some woman say to her son: This won't take long. So I leaned over and said, Don't mislead him.
It is sunny and nearly 70 today. Lifts my spirits. On Friday the teacher told me they've been staying in for recess because it's so cold out. Cold? IT WAS 50! Good grief - these people wouldn't last 10 minutes in the midwest.
And the Colts won the Superbowl - yippee! Though I'm not that into it and don't really care. I watched the ending, the awarding of the trophies. I like Tony Dungy, but I didn't like that he said the Colts won by the grace of God or something like that. What does that mean, anyway? Did the players pray harder? The fans? Or does God play favorites and doesn't like the Bears? I find comments like that insulting and I think they belie the true purpose of religion.
Caught part of School Ties on TV today - I love that movie. I like Brendan Frasier, like those prep-school-in-the-50s movies, like Dead Poets Society. But not that stupid one with Julia Roberts, Mona Lisa Smile. It was stupid.
My Land's End order arrived today. This is what we get for purchasing beds in Germany: an obligation to special-order bed sheets. Not convenient.
That's the excitment around here today. Only nine days til Valentine's Day! Will you be mine?
It is sunny and nearly 70 today. Lifts my spirits. On Friday the teacher told me they've been staying in for recess because it's so cold out. Cold? IT WAS 50! Good grief - these people wouldn't last 10 minutes in the midwest.
And the Colts won the Superbowl - yippee! Though I'm not that into it and don't really care. I watched the ending, the awarding of the trophies. I like Tony Dungy, but I didn't like that he said the Colts won by the grace of God or something like that. What does that mean, anyway? Did the players pray harder? The fans? Or does God play favorites and doesn't like the Bears? I find comments like that insulting and I think they belie the true purpose of religion.
Caught part of School Ties on TV today - I love that movie. I like Brendan Frasier, like those prep-school-in-the-50s movies, like Dead Poets Society. But not that stupid one with Julia Roberts, Mona Lisa Smile. It was stupid.
My Land's End order arrived today. This is what we get for purchasing beds in Germany: an obligation to special-order bed sheets. Not convenient.
That's the excitment around here today. Only nine days til Valentine's Day! Will you be mine?
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Go, Colts!
Yippee - the Colts won the Super Bowl!
Except that, secretly - or not - I'm not so into the NFL. I like NCAA sports, and I kind of like MLB. But as for the NBA or the NFL ... not so much. Even the prospect of Super Bowl commercials doesn't turn me on.
But I rooted for the Colts, out of loyalty more than an actual preference. But only barely. Though I did tell Sylvia's friend - they're from Chicago - that if she kept showing a preference for da Bears that I might not let Sylvia play with her anymore ... hahaha.
Today was beautiful outside. I assisted in the assembling of our swing set (we didn't get official neighborhood approval - ssshhh). We've been here nearly a year, and it's just now going up. To be fair, pool construction waylaid us a bit. But for the other seven months of delay? Laziness is my guess. But it's getting done; best to do it before Sylvie outgrows it.
I managed to squeeze in finishing one of those stupid Anita Shreve books. Sometimes she's OK, but this one was a dud. The Last Time They Met; I'll spare you the plot spoilers, but it didn't live up to the hype. Not sure I'll read anything else by her. I need to get this predilection for bad literature out of my system.
On a side note, I really appreciated the anonymous comment from a couple weeks ago. Not sure who left it, but it was very sweet and very flattering. I'll just bask in the glory and wonder privately who is secretly following my expurgated exploits.
Though if these are exploits, then my life is secretly very dull. Ah well, better than the alternative.
Except that, secretly - or not - I'm not so into the NFL. I like NCAA sports, and I kind of like MLB. But as for the NBA or the NFL ... not so much. Even the prospect of Super Bowl commercials doesn't turn me on.
But I rooted for the Colts, out of loyalty more than an actual preference. But only barely. Though I did tell Sylvia's friend - they're from Chicago - that if she kept showing a preference for da Bears that I might not let Sylvia play with her anymore ... hahaha.
Today was beautiful outside. I assisted in the assembling of our swing set (we didn't get official neighborhood approval - ssshhh). We've been here nearly a year, and it's just now going up. To be fair, pool construction waylaid us a bit. But for the other seven months of delay? Laziness is my guess. But it's getting done; best to do it before Sylvie outgrows it.
I managed to squeeze in finishing one of those stupid Anita Shreve books. Sometimes she's OK, but this one was a dud. The Last Time They Met; I'll spare you the plot spoilers, but it didn't live up to the hype. Not sure I'll read anything else by her. I need to get this predilection for bad literature out of my system.
On a side note, I really appreciated the anonymous comment from a couple weeks ago. Not sure who left it, but it was very sweet and very flattering. I'll just bask in the glory and wonder privately who is secretly following my expurgated exploits.
Though if these are exploits, then my life is secretly very dull. Ah well, better than the alternative.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Welcome to February
Winter in Houston must mean rain. The days are grey, the weather is dreary.
But it's really not all that bad, not in the way that bone-numbing cold is. I'm from the Midwest, and we're a hearty stock. We're used to temps in the single digits, those days when the cold and wind are so sharp that it takes your breath away. I grew up this way; i can handle it. But I don't miss it. It will be 50 today, and that is a chilly day. It's cool enough for me to wear my sweaters and haul out the leather jackets, cool enough to enjoy a hot beverage and using the fireplace. But I don't have to wear gloves, and my children wear hoodies instead of jackets, much less coats. I held onto my dress coat, but if we stay here long-term, I'm not sure I want to dedicate the space (closet space being a valuable commodity ... and if you saw how big our closet is, and even heard the suggestion that it isn't big enough, you would be horrified ...)
We began the month by getting up early early early (before 6 - that is early for me) to attend Maddie's honor roll breakfast (which consisted of: donuts AND donut holes - what happened to healthy eating? Blech). It was nice - not so much the food, but the idea that they had it, and that all her friends were there, and we were both there. I like her to know that we care. At the high school they do nothing for honor roll kids; too bad, because they need some recognition, too.
Little Sylvia was a grouch; she doesn't usually get up until 7, but today she had to go next door at 7, so she was up around 20 til. She was in a snit because the sweatpants she wanted to wear were not clean (she wore them Tuesday, and the other pair yesterday). But I had all her Brownie stuff together, got her breakfast, her toothbrush, and her friend next door was excited to have her. (When I told her and Isabelle on Tuesday that Sylvia would go over there and catch the bus with Isabelle on Thursday, Isabelle said, you might want to call my mom and tell her - funny girls!). But Sylvie was better when Gary dropped her off.
Gary is off to Denver on a quickie trip, some business this and that. I would move to Denver in a minute, but I didn't tell him that; don't need him to appear over-eager in the meeting (!). Then I would definitely need my coat.
Snippy e-mails from my boss. However, to balance that out, I got a freelance recommendation. I think I can handle the karma trade-off.
So here I am, trying to decide whether to go to the movies today, or get my writing clips in order. Tough call ... seriously.
Ugly Betty tonight - a new one. Wheee. And Gary is gone, so it's girls' night, which I love. Girls Inc. has Ugly Betty t-shirts; I may order them for the girls for Valentines Day. Gary may have a business trip, so I'll be without a Valentine. Not the first time since I've known him, but for the most part, I've had a Valentine every year since 1985, and it will be sad to not have him here.
He'll owe me. Big time.
And February is off to a rockin' start.
But it's really not all that bad, not in the way that bone-numbing cold is. I'm from the Midwest, and we're a hearty stock. We're used to temps in the single digits, those days when the cold and wind are so sharp that it takes your breath away. I grew up this way; i can handle it. But I don't miss it. It will be 50 today, and that is a chilly day. It's cool enough for me to wear my sweaters and haul out the leather jackets, cool enough to enjoy a hot beverage and using the fireplace. But I don't have to wear gloves, and my children wear hoodies instead of jackets, much less coats. I held onto my dress coat, but if we stay here long-term, I'm not sure I want to dedicate the space (closet space being a valuable commodity ... and if you saw how big our closet is, and even heard the suggestion that it isn't big enough, you would be horrified ...)
We began the month by getting up early early early (before 6 - that is early for me) to attend Maddie's honor roll breakfast (which consisted of: donuts AND donut holes - what happened to healthy eating? Blech). It was nice - not so much the food, but the idea that they had it, and that all her friends were there, and we were both there. I like her to know that we care. At the high school they do nothing for honor roll kids; too bad, because they need some recognition, too.
Little Sylvia was a grouch; she doesn't usually get up until 7, but today she had to go next door at 7, so she was up around 20 til. She was in a snit because the sweatpants she wanted to wear were not clean (she wore them Tuesday, and the other pair yesterday). But I had all her Brownie stuff together, got her breakfast, her toothbrush, and her friend next door was excited to have her. (When I told her and Isabelle on Tuesday that Sylvia would go over there and catch the bus with Isabelle on Thursday, Isabelle said, you might want to call my mom and tell her - funny girls!). But Sylvie was better when Gary dropped her off.
Gary is off to Denver on a quickie trip, some business this and that. I would move to Denver in a minute, but I didn't tell him that; don't need him to appear over-eager in the meeting (!). Then I would definitely need my coat.
Snippy e-mails from my boss. However, to balance that out, I got a freelance recommendation. I think I can handle the karma trade-off.
So here I am, trying to decide whether to go to the movies today, or get my writing clips in order. Tough call ... seriously.
Ugly Betty tonight - a new one. Wheee. And Gary is gone, so it's girls' night, which I love. Girls Inc. has Ugly Betty t-shirts; I may order them for the girls for Valentines Day. Gary may have a business trip, so I'll be without a Valentine. Not the first time since I've known him, but for the most part, I've had a Valentine every year since 1985, and it will be sad to not have him here.
He'll owe me. Big time.
And February is off to a rockin' start.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Anxiety
Yes, there's stress. No, it's not that bad - ie, no one is dying, or even ill. Just some stuff going down. When it's all over, I'll fill you in. But for now, I am engaging in a lot of deep breathing, biding my time until the situation is resolved. Til then ... I'm hanging in there.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Not much, you?
There is so little of interest in my life at the moment. I could babble endlessly about Campaign '08, about what movies I've seen, what the kids are up to. But I don't have the energy. Even though Houston isn't really cold, the dark days of winter are upon us. When the skies brighten, I'll have something to say.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The ice storm cometh
No school today. The big storm, slated for yesterday, hit today. The girls were all geared up to be home yesterday, and I kept warning them, you may have school. I slept badly Monday night, waiting to hear the rain and ice. Nothing. Got up around 4 a.m, looked outside, and the pavement was dry.
So they delayed the ice til this morning. It was tough to get the girls in bed (Gary's birthday was last night, so we ate out, had cake, opened gifts) so I was worried they would all be pooped today. But their dreams came true, and school was canceled.
Consequently it is 11 a.m. and I am still in my pajamas.
On second thought, I'm wondering how this is any different than a normal day ...
We're just hanging out, not doing much. If I can get my act together, then I'll work on painting Sylvia's cabinet. Or I can do laundry. Or read my book.
I kind of like a surprise day off in the middle of the week. Though it does crack me up, this Texas reaction to what amounts to a very small bit of ice. In the midwest, where I'm from, all systems would be go. Here, we are in major panic mode. The TV news shows six reporters stationed all over the greater Houston area, ready to pounce on each bit of reportable "news." The grocery shelves are empty as if Armageddon were on its way. Makes me snicker.
So they delayed the ice til this morning. It was tough to get the girls in bed (Gary's birthday was last night, so we ate out, had cake, opened gifts) so I was worried they would all be pooped today. But their dreams came true, and school was canceled.
Consequently it is 11 a.m. and I am still in my pajamas.
On second thought, I'm wondering how this is any different than a normal day ...
We're just hanging out, not doing much. If I can get my act together, then I'll work on painting Sylvia's cabinet. Or I can do laundry. Or read my book.
I kind of like a surprise day off in the middle of the week. Though it does crack me up, this Texas reaction to what amounts to a very small bit of ice. In the midwest, where I'm from, all systems would be go. Here, we are in major panic mode. The TV news shows six reporters stationed all over the greater Houston area, ready to pounce on each bit of reportable "news." The grocery shelves are empty as if Armageddon were on its way. Makes me snicker.
Monday, January 15, 2007
New look, new room
Spent much of the weekend giving Sylvia her new room. She's not a baby anymore, and it is high time to let her graduate to a big girl room. So we cleaned Saturday, getting rid of toys, games, books, clothes - all stuff she has outgrown. We did this when we moved last year; we did it when we listed the house, when we packed, when we unpacked. And still, there was scads of crap to bag up and haul out.
It was also time to, sadly, let go of things she has just outgrown. Her room still held many remnants of the nursery it once was. So, gone are the baby quilt that hung on her rocking chair, the multi-colored clown from the dresser. When we moved here she wouldn't even put up some of the wall hangings, like the Pooh characters or the balloons; those I packed away for sentimental reasons, along with the crib bumper that I made. We're getting rid of the toy box and the primary-colored storage bins; we may have even sold them, giving me just enough to buy the artwork she wants for her new room.
She wanted purple, so purple it is. She chose a bed set in different shades of lavendar, geometric shapes. The walls are lavendar, and we found the perfect curtains (sadly, they only had one, so we'll have to wait until more come in - they have sequins ...). To replace the toy box and bins we bought an armoire at IKEA, which we are painting white. We'll shop for some accessories here in the next week or two.
I suppose it should make me sad, this very palpable marking of the passage of time. My youngest child is 8; she is growing up. There will be no more babies here. Intellectually, I know this; I made this concious choice. And it had to be. On some level, though, there is a grieving, a sense of loss. But it's fleeting. More of me is able to accept what must be.
But I held onto the Pooh house, the Legos, select baby toys. They'll be packed away.
I suppose my complacency has to with being so profoundly disturbed by the story in the news last week, where the parents surgically altered their brain-damaged daughter so she wouldn't grow anymore. Since I don't live their lives, I shouldn't pass judgment. I have three healthy daughters. But you have to let your children be who they are. Even when they're brain damaged, you can't stop time, arrest your child's growth where it's easier and more convenient for you. Critics say it smacks of eugenics, and I have to agree.
Thus I can deal with Sylvia growing up; it's all part of the natural order of things. Birth, life, taxes, death. Teenagers. Angst. Sigh.
The room will be cute. I love how happy it makes Sylvia. Her exact words? "I love it."
Makes it all worth it.
It was also time to, sadly, let go of things she has just outgrown. Her room still held many remnants of the nursery it once was. So, gone are the baby quilt that hung on her rocking chair, the multi-colored clown from the dresser. When we moved here she wouldn't even put up some of the wall hangings, like the Pooh characters or the balloons; those I packed away for sentimental reasons, along with the crib bumper that I made. We're getting rid of the toy box and the primary-colored storage bins; we may have even sold them, giving me just enough to buy the artwork she wants for her new room.
She wanted purple, so purple it is. She chose a bed set in different shades of lavendar, geometric shapes. The walls are lavendar, and we found the perfect curtains (sadly, they only had one, so we'll have to wait until more come in - they have sequins ...). To replace the toy box and bins we bought an armoire at IKEA, which we are painting white. We'll shop for some accessories here in the next week or two.
I suppose it should make me sad, this very palpable marking of the passage of time. My youngest child is 8; she is growing up. There will be no more babies here. Intellectually, I know this; I made this concious choice. And it had to be. On some level, though, there is a grieving, a sense of loss. But it's fleeting. More of me is able to accept what must be.
But I held onto the Pooh house, the Legos, select baby toys. They'll be packed away.
I suppose my complacency has to with being so profoundly disturbed by the story in the news last week, where the parents surgically altered their brain-damaged daughter so she wouldn't grow anymore. Since I don't live their lives, I shouldn't pass judgment. I have three healthy daughters. But you have to let your children be who they are. Even when they're brain damaged, you can't stop time, arrest your child's growth where it's easier and more convenient for you. Critics say it smacks of eugenics, and I have to agree.
Thus I can deal with Sylvia growing up; it's all part of the natural order of things. Birth, life, taxes, death. Teenagers. Angst. Sigh.
The room will be cute. I love how happy it makes Sylvia. Her exact words? "I love it."
Makes it all worth it.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Name that tune
Today in the car, I flipped through the presets. I had my choice of: Harry Nilsson, Everybody's Talkin'; The Clash, Rock the Casbah; or J. Geils Band, Angel is the Centerfold. Three songs I like - amazing. Which would you choose? I'll reveal my choice at the end of the post ...
First, to explain: The Clash is the the Clash, very cool, even if they did get Top 40 play in the mid-80s. J Geils Band? Yea, I know, but they remind me of high school. We had a dance one year with the theme Angel is the Centerfold and each class had to elect their class Angel. I was chosen by my class; though it might have been meant as a joke ... and Harry Nilsson has his moments, even if he is a little early 70s smooth.
If I get tired of classical in the car, and it's too early for All Things Considered, and I don't have the energy to change the CDs, I listen to one of three oldies stations. "Oldies" now translates to "music I heard when I was in high school." I change the dial for the following, no exceptions: Air Supply, REO Speedwagon, Beach Boys, Phil Collins, Supertramp, post-1980 Chicago, Styx, Journey, Foreigner, any heavy metal. And the Rolling Stones. I know, I know - don't yell. Gary loves them, too. I don't hate them, just not usually in the mood. I'm sure there are others, but those spring immediately to mind.
Certain songs always make me smile; they evoke a mood, a memory. None of these springs immediately to mind; I guess I have to hear them, spontaneously, to remember. Though I do remember hearing - inexplicably - Martin Briley's Salt in My Tears in St. Louis one time - that's a song I never get to hear. Didn't get much airplay at the same either, though it should have.
I always crank up Steve Miller Band, Tom Petty, and Boston. Not sure why. The Police, Bruce Springsteen, and U2, but I do know why. Most other stuff I liked doesn't quite make the oldies lists (Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Smiths, Aztec Camera, Game Theory, They Might be Giants, Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Beat Rodeo, Billy Bragg, Lone Justice, Violent Femmes ... that college/alternative sound of the mid-80s).
I'm getting old. Damn.
And the answer? I chose the Clash, of course. Wouldn't you?
First, to explain: The Clash is the the Clash, very cool, even if they did get Top 40 play in the mid-80s. J Geils Band? Yea, I know, but they remind me of high school. We had a dance one year with the theme Angel is the Centerfold and each class had to elect their class Angel. I was chosen by my class; though it might have been meant as a joke ... and Harry Nilsson has his moments, even if he is a little early 70s smooth.
If I get tired of classical in the car, and it's too early for All Things Considered, and I don't have the energy to change the CDs, I listen to one of three oldies stations. "Oldies" now translates to "music I heard when I was in high school." I change the dial for the following, no exceptions: Air Supply, REO Speedwagon, Beach Boys, Phil Collins, Supertramp, post-1980 Chicago, Styx, Journey, Foreigner, any heavy metal. And the Rolling Stones. I know, I know - don't yell. Gary loves them, too. I don't hate them, just not usually in the mood. I'm sure there are others, but those spring immediately to mind.
Certain songs always make me smile; they evoke a mood, a memory. None of these springs immediately to mind; I guess I have to hear them, spontaneously, to remember. Though I do remember hearing - inexplicably - Martin Briley's Salt in My Tears in St. Louis one time - that's a song I never get to hear. Didn't get much airplay at the same either, though it should have.
I always crank up Steve Miller Band, Tom Petty, and Boston. Not sure why. The Police, Bruce Springsteen, and U2, but I do know why. Most other stuff I liked doesn't quite make the oldies lists (Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Smiths, Aztec Camera, Game Theory, They Might be Giants, Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Beat Rodeo, Billy Bragg, Lone Justice, Violent Femmes ... that college/alternative sound of the mid-80s).
I'm getting old. Damn.
And the answer? I chose the Clash, of course. Wouldn't you?
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Sad for Sylvie
Didn't feel good when I woke up today, so I sent Sylvia out to the bus on her own. There are 10 other kids and at least 5 or 6 other adults out there, it's right outside our door, and I can sit in the living room and watch. So I didn't feel too guilty, even though it meant that I wasn't there to wave at her.
Slept on the couch til I felt better, then, to redeem myself, I hopped on the elliptical. So now I truly feel good. I am eternally optimistic about how much more I am going to exercise, how I am going to eat better. And today, I've taken a step. Yay for me.
It was a very sad day for Sylvia yesterday. She was allowed to take a stuffed animal to school, so she chose one that her sister gave her for Christmas, a little moose that came with a pair of fuzzy socks (she left the socks at home). She didn't put it in her backpack, preferring to carry it and hold it. When she got off the bus in the afternoon, she was in tears; she had left it on the bus that morning, and it is gone. Poor thing cried all afternoon; at one point she was worried that Maddie, who gave it to her, would be upset with her (not the case).
Poor girl. I held her, and talked to her, hugged her some more. In the end, there's nothing I can do. I called the school, called the transportation office. But it's gone. Hard lesson for her, and it's a bad time to say, You know you should have put it in your backpack; somehow, it doesn't help.
So, in a small attempt to make her feel better, we went to look at some bedspreads for the redecorating of her room. She was jazzed and chose one, though we didn't buy it yet; I can't start a new project until I finish a couple of others. But we have a start.
Watching your children struggle with disappointment, or loss, is tough. I don't imagine it will ever get easier.
Slept on the couch til I felt better, then, to redeem myself, I hopped on the elliptical. So now I truly feel good. I am eternally optimistic about how much more I am going to exercise, how I am going to eat better. And today, I've taken a step. Yay for me.
It was a very sad day for Sylvia yesterday. She was allowed to take a stuffed animal to school, so she chose one that her sister gave her for Christmas, a little moose that came with a pair of fuzzy socks (she left the socks at home). She didn't put it in her backpack, preferring to carry it and hold it. When she got off the bus in the afternoon, she was in tears; she had left it on the bus that morning, and it is gone. Poor thing cried all afternoon; at one point she was worried that Maddie, who gave it to her, would be upset with her (not the case).
Poor girl. I held her, and talked to her, hugged her some more. In the end, there's nothing I can do. I called the school, called the transportation office. But it's gone. Hard lesson for her, and it's a bad time to say, You know you should have put it in your backpack; somehow, it doesn't help.
So, in a small attempt to make her feel better, we went to look at some bedspreads for the redecorating of her room. She was jazzed and chose one, though we didn't buy it yet; I can't start a new project until I finish a couple of others. But we have a start.
Watching your children struggle with disappointment, or loss, is tough. I don't imagine it will ever get easier.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Monday, Monday
Not my favorite day of the week, no matter how you look at it. And waking up with a heachache doesn't help.
Bunches of stuff to do today: groceries, post office, finish up some work stuff. Get some cards in the mail, photos for the grandparents, paper to recycling. Pick up from auditions after school, drive to music lesson. Trip to Bed, Bath & Beyond, the hardware store to look at paint colors. Get check to soccer sign-ups.
Start researching spring break trip. Just the usual.
Exciting stuff.
Bunches of stuff to do today: groceries, post office, finish up some work stuff. Get some cards in the mail, photos for the grandparents, paper to recycling. Pick up from auditions after school, drive to music lesson. Trip to Bed, Bath & Beyond, the hardware store to look at paint colors. Get check to soccer sign-ups.
Start researching spring break trip. Just the usual.
Exciting stuff.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Messy rooms, fighting kids
How I hate when the weekend turns into a struggle over the state of the kids' rooms. But it must be so. I have to resort to withholding of allowances; nothing motivates these girls like cash. And I hate to be all controlling, but it is my house. And I really can't stand the mess. I secretly (well, not that secretly) want the house to look perfect all the time. But do I really have the energy to maintain that look? That, my friends, is the $64 million question (inflation hits everywhere, cichés included).
It's a goal, though a rather unattainable one. Yet I persevere. So now I am off to the hardware store, to peruse paint colors, and to Bed, Bath & Beyond, to look beyond.
Just finished the book Say When by Elizabeth Berg; wouldn't recommend it. Not terrible, just slightly predictable. It takes you on a long meandering journey to nowhere. Give it a pass.
It's a goal, though a rather unattainable one. Yet I persevere. So now I am off to the hardware store, to peruse paint colors, and to Bed, Bath & Beyond, to look beyond.
Just finished the book Say When by Elizabeth Berg; wouldn't recommend it. Not terrible, just slightly predictable. It takes you on a long meandering journey to nowhere. Give it a pass.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Stupid job
Yesterday was spent rewriting press releases. The schools, they do love their PR. But it has to be rewritten - some of it for timeliness, some of it to take out the gushing wordiness about how "courageously" the "talented" students won the "all-important" this that or the other competition. Just the facts, folks.
So today is spent typing in calendar entries, but it is a very specific format, full of hard returns and soft returns, and I have to refer to the cheat sheet for each and every line. I'm hoping it gets better ...
That's my day. Thank goodness I can work at home, sans shower or hair. Makes it a little easier, anyway.
So today is spent typing in calendar entries, but it is a very specific format, full of hard returns and soft returns, and I have to refer to the cheat sheet for each and every line. I'm hoping it gets better ...
That's my day. Thank goodness I can work at home, sans shower or hair. Makes it a little easier, anyway.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Merry Christmas
It's already Jan. 4, and I never even said thanks to Santa, via the blog, for the lovely Christmas. I love that moment Christmas morning when the girls see the tree and all the presents. We don't open anything on Christmas Eve; we wait til the morning. Of course we don't have everything, as Santa hasn't come yet ... we tried not to go overboard this year, and I think we succeeded. The girls were happy, Gary and I were, and I think Grandma and Grandpa, who visited us, were happy, too. The girls are so enthusiastic with their gifts - it is very sweet. They got me some candles ordered from UNICEF, and Sylvia wrote us a story about a snowman, and she made the snowman to got with out (out of fabric, not snow).
Most importantly, we had the day with the girls. We played games, ate a wonderful meal, and just enjoyed the day together.
And I learned that a dart board on the game room wall means many, many holes in the drywall. But it's fun anyway.
Most importantly, we had the day with the girls. We played games, ate a wonderful meal, and just enjoyed the day together.
And I learned that a dart board on the game room wall means many, many holes in the drywall. But it's fun anyway.
In 2006, did you:
In 2006, did you...
fall in love with someone that was just a friend? No
fall in love at all? No, just stayed there
lose any friends? No
make any new friends? Yes
make any new enemies? Not sure, but I can think of a possibility
develop any new hobbies? Yes: knitting, blogging
get older? (sigh) Yes
do anything you regret? Nothing comes to mind; I guess that's good
go to any parties? Yes - JoAnn turned ... older
accomplish anything? Yes, new job, and my reading list is impressive
make much money? No, same job
attend a wedding? No
attend a funeral? No, but sadly, I could have
get any new family members? No
move away? Big yes: Hello, Houston
gain any new perspectives? Yes again
get into a verbal fight? No
get into a physical fight? No
attend any sporting events? Baseball, football, and soccer - saw Sylvia score.
get arrested? No, thank goodness
wreck your car? No
get a new car? No, but maybe this year
make any big purchases? House, swimming pool, furniture, computer; need I go on?
get kicked out of a store, restaurant or any other kind of business? No, but it might be fun sometime
get fired from a job? No
get offered a job? Yes, same job as above
get a raise at a job? Not yet
learn anything? Tons
dump your bf/gf? I'll let him stay a while longer
get dumped by your bf/gf? He wouldn't dare
develop any new health problems? No, but I got the bifocal warning.
change as a person? Definitely
attend a concert? No, but I saw Al Gore and Molly Ivins, which is just as good. Oh - do school band concerts count?
travel out of state? Indiana 2x, Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee
read any books? Many, many
travel out of the country? No, unless Texas counts. But this year I will.
spend much money? New house, new pool, new furniture, new computer ... yes, yes, yes
download any music? Yes
try out any new looks? Yes
eat a food that you had never eaten before? Not sure, but I would guess yes
go bowling? Yes - I love to bowl
start to resent something or someone that you used to like? In fact, yes
In 2006, what was?
your favorite day of the year? My birthday
your favorite CD? Soundtrack from Wicked
your least favorite day of the year? The day we left Lafayette
your favorite movie? Tough call, but I just saw Dreamgirls, so I'll say that
your favorite song of the year? Suddenly I See
the biggest event you attended? Gary's office Christmas party, but for sheer numbers, an Astros game. Or Al Gore - sold out. Cool.
something that didn't change at all this year? Are you kidding? Everything changed.
your favorite holiday? Christmas
Misc. questions about 2006 A.D.
were you in a hospital this year? No - spent enough time there last year w/Maddie
were you in an ambulance this year? No
did you make any big confessions in 06? No
embarrassed about anything you did this year? No
what's the best thing to happen to you this year? New job, new challenges (how's that for spin?)
did you vote this year? Yes - contributed to the Democratic change in Congress
was 2006 a great year, an average year or a bad year? It was OK
what goals did you set for 2007? I have myriad aspirations, but I like to keep those private. Less embarrassing if they don't materialize.
fall in love with someone that was just a friend? No
fall in love at all? No, just stayed there
lose any friends? No
make any new friends? Yes
make any new enemies? Not sure, but I can think of a possibility
develop any new hobbies? Yes: knitting, blogging
get older? (sigh) Yes
do anything you regret? Nothing comes to mind; I guess that's good
go to any parties? Yes - JoAnn turned ... older
accomplish anything? Yes, new job, and my reading list is impressive
make much money? No, same job
attend a wedding? No
attend a funeral? No, but sadly, I could have
get any new family members? No
move away? Big yes: Hello, Houston
gain any new perspectives? Yes again
get into a verbal fight? No
get into a physical fight? No
attend any sporting events? Baseball, football, and soccer - saw Sylvia score.
get arrested? No, thank goodness
wreck your car? No
get a new car? No, but maybe this year
make any big purchases? House, swimming pool, furniture, computer; need I go on?
get kicked out of a store, restaurant or any other kind of business? No, but it might be fun sometime
get fired from a job? No
get offered a job? Yes, same job as above
get a raise at a job? Not yet
learn anything? Tons
dump your bf/gf? I'll let him stay a while longer
get dumped by your bf/gf? He wouldn't dare
develop any new health problems? No, but I got the bifocal warning.
change as a person? Definitely
attend a concert? No, but I saw Al Gore and Molly Ivins, which is just as good. Oh - do school band concerts count?
travel out of state? Indiana 2x, Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee
read any books? Many, many
travel out of the country? No, unless Texas counts. But this year I will.
spend much money? New house, new pool, new furniture, new computer ... yes, yes, yes
download any music? Yes
try out any new looks? Yes
eat a food that you had never eaten before? Not sure, but I would guess yes
go bowling? Yes - I love to bowl
start to resent something or someone that you used to like? In fact, yes
In 2006, what was?
your favorite day of the year? My birthday
your favorite CD? Soundtrack from Wicked
your least favorite day of the year? The day we left Lafayette
your favorite movie? Tough call, but I just saw Dreamgirls, so I'll say that
your favorite song of the year? Suddenly I See
the biggest event you attended? Gary's office Christmas party, but for sheer numbers, an Astros game. Or Al Gore - sold out. Cool.
something that didn't change at all this year? Are you kidding? Everything changed.
your favorite holiday? Christmas
Misc. questions about 2006 A.D.
were you in a hospital this year? No - spent enough time there last year w/Maddie
were you in an ambulance this year? No
did you make any big confessions in 06? No
embarrassed about anything you did this year? No
what's the best thing to happen to you this year? New job, new challenges (how's that for spin?)
did you vote this year? Yes - contributed to the Democratic change in Congress
was 2006 a great year, an average year or a bad year? It was OK
what goals did you set for 2007? I have myriad aspirations, but I like to keep those private. Less embarrassing if they don't materialize.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Things that are officially stupid:
• Girl Scout cookie training. I've done this before, and I'm not an idiot. Even though it was in another state; cookie sales in the Midwest cannot be all that different than Texas. Don't treat me like a third-grader; don't ask me to raise my hand, to note whether or note I've tasted all the cookies or if I've seen the Website, share why I'm here. Don't make me sit through other people's stupid questions (yes, despite what they told you in school, there is such thing as a stupid question). And don't ever, EVER, use the word "gee-gaw" to refer to the "product incentives" for the girls. I think the more appropriate terms is "crap."
• Making me rewrite perfectly good copy because you (who shall remain nameless) can't muddle your way through it. Your problem, not mine.
• Having two windows open at the Billionplex cinema on a day when school is not in session. I mean, really.
• Ditto the teen clothing stores at the mall. One register ain't gonna do it.
• The illegible note left on my trash can by the trash service. This is why there are boxes you can check with your "complaint," so I can decipher it. Your illegible handwriting has left me clueless as to your intent.
• Bringing a Christmas card with the wrong address not once, not twice, but THREE times. Yes, the house number is the same, but the street is not. How does "Whispering Pines Lane" look even remotely like "Ashland Landing Drive"? I'm not seeing it. Twice now I've stuck back in the mailbox, and a few days later, it reappears, like a boomerang. This time I used glowing highlighter on the address in the hopes that someone will read it.
If only this list were comprehensive. To be continued.
• Making me rewrite perfectly good copy because you (who shall remain nameless) can't muddle your way through it. Your problem, not mine.
• Having two windows open at the Billionplex cinema on a day when school is not in session. I mean, really.
• Ditto the teen clothing stores at the mall. One register ain't gonna do it.
• The illegible note left on my trash can by the trash service. This is why there are boxes you can check with your "complaint," so I can decipher it. Your illegible handwriting has left me clueless as to your intent.
• Bringing a Christmas card with the wrong address not once, not twice, but THREE times. Yes, the house number is the same, but the street is not. How does "Whispering Pines Lane" look even remotely like "Ashland Landing Drive"? I'm not seeing it. Twice now I've stuck back in the mailbox, and a few days later, it reappears, like a boomerang. This time I used glowing highlighter on the address in the hopes that someone will read it.
If only this list were comprehensive. To be continued.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
New Year: Day Two
It's only Jan. 2, but I'm already behind. This is because I secretly have other stuff to do. Especially with the girls home all day, every day, I have little free time for the computer. Because while I'm occupied here, they are occupied goodness knows where. And even while their father was home (he went back to work today), I just couldn't quite find the time.
I have big ambitions for the new year. These include finishing many, many projects around the house, doing some painting (walls only, no artwork), finishing the girls' rooms, doing some writing (beyond the magazine stuff; we're talking REAL writing). But I won't talk about the writing in any more detail; I don't like to jinx it. A friend from college has proposed a really big project, one that I am terribly excited about. And it, too, shall remain under wraps. But I have given it lots of thought, and I will be ready to begin soon, in earnest.
It's good to have goals, even though they may seem lofty. But I think if I get serious, get motivated, they can become reality. Just to add a little pressure, I've also decided to torture myself by throwing in the "eat better, get healthy" goal for 2007. Now that I've entered another decade, why not?
We have some travel plans: Germany, Chicago, Washington DC, plus Gary will probably drag us back to Missouri. I think he has a high school reunion this summer; after the last one I swore I'd never attend another, but I may relent. And then likely regret it. But I won't have to decide until summer; they like to celebrate in June.
I've set enough goals now, given myself enough aspirations that I should have time for little else in 2007, other than attaining the aforementioned goals. But what's life without a challenge?
Onward, 2007!
I have big ambitions for the new year. These include finishing many, many projects around the house, doing some painting (walls only, no artwork), finishing the girls' rooms, doing some writing (beyond the magazine stuff; we're talking REAL writing). But I won't talk about the writing in any more detail; I don't like to jinx it. A friend from college has proposed a really big project, one that I am terribly excited about. And it, too, shall remain under wraps. But I have given it lots of thought, and I will be ready to begin soon, in earnest.
It's good to have goals, even though they may seem lofty. But I think if I get serious, get motivated, they can become reality. Just to add a little pressure, I've also decided to torture myself by throwing in the "eat better, get healthy" goal for 2007. Now that I've entered another decade, why not?
We have some travel plans: Germany, Chicago, Washington DC, plus Gary will probably drag us back to Missouri. I think he has a high school reunion this summer; after the last one I swore I'd never attend another, but I may relent. And then likely regret it. But I won't have to decide until summer; they like to celebrate in June.
I've set enough goals now, given myself enough aspirations that I should have time for little else in 2007, other than attaining the aforementioned goals. But what's life without a challenge?
Onward, 2007!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
