1. My advisor told me I could register for Summer Term on Wednesday, March 22nd - because with the credits I will have at the end of this semester, I will be fully a Sophomore. Unfortunately, the On-line Registration program doesn't count the credits I will have, only those I do have and so it told me that I couldn't register until 9:00 this morning with the rest of the Freshman.
2. At 9:01, I log in to register and it says I can't because there is a hold on my account. I click on the link to find out WTF the hold-up is and it says I'm not up-to-date on my immunizations. WHAT?!?! I got two gonzo shots in January! I handed in the paperwork! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT???
3. So I call and just get an answering machine. I leave a message and decide to be proactive so...
4. I call the doctor's office and ask them to fax over a copy of what I got done in January. It is now 9:10 in the morning. They are very pleasant and act as though they will do it right away. I drop Muffin Man off at PNP and I go to my first class (starts at 10:30) and after class at 11:45 I go to the University Immunization office where I am informed that they have not received a fax from my doctor's office. The Immunization office says that the doctor must not have filled out the sheet properly since they are missing a current MMR.
5. I call the doctor's office. Am on hold for 4 minutes. They say they will get to it as soon as they can. I reiterate that I cannot register until they send the fax.
6. I go to my Women and Work class where I discover that in all the aggravation this morning, I have forgotten my assignment. It is on my desk at home. I will have to e-mail it.
7. I have lunch and return to the Immunization office at 2:00. Still no fax. I call the doctor's office again and get attitude from the receptionist. I tell her I'll wait on hold until she faxes it. She does so.
8. My records do not show an MMR given in January. What? But I got everything I needed to be up-to-date!
9. I ask the nice nurse at the Immunization office if I can get an MMR there. "Only Mondays and Wednesdays" she says. She gives me the number for the Public Health office.
10. I call. They don't do immunizations on Thursdays but I could go in tomorrow.
11. I call my doctor's office. They can't do immunizations today because they are short staffed. One of the doctors is on vacation.
12. I take another look at the immunization form. The field for MMR is blank. BUT...the fields for Measles only, Mumps only, and Rubella only are filled in. Don't they count?
13. I bring the form over to the nice nurse and ask her. "Yes" she says. "They count. But they have to have been given after your first birthday."
14. I look. The form says, "Measles: 2/10/70, 4/17/77; Mumps: 3/19/70; Rubella: (some date or other in '72)" and it specifies that they have to be after the 1st birthday AND after 1967. Well, I had my last shots of all of these after my first birthday! I'm golden! I bring it back to the nice nurse. "No." she says sadly. "You had to have gotten ALL of your shots after your first birthday. Any shot you received before then doesn't count."
"And there isn't any way you can give me an MMR shot today so that I can register?"
Long pause. She reaches behind the counter and gets some forms.
"Fill these out. The shot costs $45.00."
So, I am now sporting a bandaid and am registered for Summer: 1st half: Intro to Creative Writing and General Linguistics, 2nd half: Micro-economics and Social Psychology.
Years go by. Things change.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
My college is going crazy
Because apparently our uh...volley ball?...team is doing rather well. And oh, yeah, our basketball team is going to the prom or something. No, seriously...our basketball team is in the Sweet 16, and our volleyball team is also in the top ranks. I'm trying not to pay attention, 'cause the moment I do, they'll both lose badly. I mean it. (Did I ever tell you about the time I went to see the 1977 Yankees play against the Blue Jays?)
So the campus has gone nuts. News crews everywhere. People wearing the school colors. The bookstore is selling out of sweatshirts, I went in to check the bargain book bin and the line was out the door with people buying school logo paraphenalia - I decided that no bargain would be worth waiting on a line 200 people long.
It's sure chasing away the "After Spring Break" blahs.
So the campus has gone nuts. News crews everywhere. People wearing the school colors. The bookstore is selling out of sweatshirts, I went in to check the bargain book bin and the line was out the door with people buying school logo paraphenalia - I decided that no bargain would be worth waiting on a line 200 people long.
It's sure chasing away the "After Spring Break" blahs.
I'm going to take just a moment to brag...I hope you don't mind
Psychology Midterm: 95. This gives me a 93.5 for the course so far.
Women and Work Midterm: 94. The highest score in the class. I'm about to plotz.
Seriously, people. I am not--absolutely not--the same person I was 18 years ago.
Women and Work Midterm: 94. The highest score in the class. I'm about to plotz.
Seriously, people. I am not--absolutely not--the same person I was 18 years ago.
A conversation
"Muffin Man, would you like a hard-boiled egg for breakfast"
"Oh! Yes, my dear. I would like a hard-boiled egg, if you please."
Where the heck did that come from?
Another conversation:
"Are you my big, big, Muffin Man?"
"No!"
"No? Well, who am I kissing then?"
"Oh! Yes, my dear. I would like a hard-boiled egg, if you please."
Where the heck did that come from?
Another conversation:
"Are you my big, big, Muffin Man?"
"No!"
"No? Well, who am I kissing then?"
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Good thing, since I'm in college...
| You Passed 8th Grade Science |
 |
Saturday, March 18, 2006
It's my party and I'll cook if I want to.
37.
Yup.
Me.
Happy Birthday!
The menu: Osso Buco, risotto, kale, and triple chocolate cake with vanilla icing and vanilla ice cream.
The guests: Me, Mr. Spock (he made the risotto and the kale, I made the o.b. and the cake), Muffin Man, Mr. Spock's sister and her husband.
The verdict: Delicious. Lovely evening. Lots of good chatter. Muffin Man regaled us with songs.
The aftermath: not too bad, most of the dishes are in the dishwasher and the pots and pans just need a quick rinse before I rub them down with oil. (Cast iron, God's cookware.)
I took pictures, but I used actual film so I won't be able to post them until tomorrow sometime.
Yup.
Me.
Happy Birthday!
The menu: Osso Buco, risotto, kale, and triple chocolate cake with vanilla icing and vanilla ice cream.
The guests: Me, Mr. Spock (he made the risotto and the kale, I made the o.b. and the cake), Muffin Man, Mr. Spock's sister and her husband.
The verdict: Delicious. Lovely evening. Lots of good chatter. Muffin Man regaled us with songs.
The aftermath: not too bad, most of the dishes are in the dishwasher and the pots and pans just need a quick rinse before I rub them down with oil. (Cast iron, God's cookware.)
I took pictures, but I used actual film so I won't be able to post them until tomorrow sometime.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
This is how we've been getting ready in the morning...
Pajamas off
doo do di do do
Pajamas off
Doo do di do
Pajamas off
doo do di do do
di do do di dah dah dah di dah
Underpants off
doo do di do do...
Go make a pee
doo do di do do...
And wash your hands
doo do di do do...
Put on your shirt
doo do di do do...
And underpants...
doo do di do do
Put on your socks
doo do di do do...
Put on your pants
doo do di do do...
Put on your shoes
doo do di do do
Put on your shoes
Doo do di do
Put on your shoes
doo do di do do
And now it's breakfast time.
doo do di do do
Pajamas off
Doo do di do
Pajamas off
doo do di do do
di do do di dah dah dah di dah
Underpants off
doo do di do do...
Go make a pee
doo do di do do...
And wash your hands
doo do di do do...
Put on your shirt
doo do di do do...
And underpants...
doo do di do do
Put on your socks
doo do di do do...
Put on your pants
doo do di do do...
Put on your shoes
doo do di do do
Put on your shoes
Doo do di do
Put on your shoes
doo do di do do
And now it's breakfast time.
The Magic 8 Ball's cousin, The Pioneer 300 disc Carosel
(With 264 discs inside!)
Via APL
Go to your music player of choice and hit shuffle (or in my case, random). Say the following questions out loud and press play. Use the song title as the answer to the question. NO CHEATING!
How does the world see me?
Mozart, "Die Zieberflote: Overture". Huh? I'm a magic flute?
Will I have a happy life?
Front Street, "The Beginnings".
Uh-oh. This is a song by a band from Pittsburgh. Not a particularly happy song.
What do my friends really think of me?
Marlo Thomas and Friends, "Dudley Pippen and the Principal" (off the Free to Be You and Me CD).
Am I Dudley, whose teacher didn't believe he didn't tip over the sand table? Or am I the principal who is so understanding and plays a wonderful tune on his flute? And does it wierd anyone else out that a flute is prominent in both this and the first answer?
Do people secretly lust after me?
Crash Test Dummies, "I Think I'll Disappear Now".
Oooh! Good one!
How can I make myself happy?
The Christmas Revels, "Aro Que Nostre Seign Es Nat" (off the Sing We Now of Christmas CD).
Yes, celebrating Christmas makes me very happy.
What should I do with my life?
The Wizard of Oz soundtrack, "Wicked Witch Theme/Toto runs away from Mrs. Gulch"
Hmmmm....Maybe it has to do with the fact that I've left a career I was unhappy in, and am going to school to get into a career I'll like more?
What is some good advice for me?
First came a song off of one of Mr. Spock's cds. I couldn't find the album cover, so no clue as to what song it was. I decided to try again and came up with:
Sting, "Shadows in the Rain" (from Dream of the Blue Turtles).
Someone else is gonna have to figure this one out. It's beyond me.
How will I be remembered?
David Bowie, "Diamond Dogs" (from the Changes album)
Beats me.
What is my signature dancing song?
Stravinsky, "Lullaby" from The Firebird.
Is this the Pioneer trying to tell me that it's no use trying to find a tune with some rhythm 'cause I can't dance anyway?
What do I think my current theme song is?
The Day the Earth Stood Still soundtrack, "The Glowing/Alone/Gort's Rage"
Ahhhh...so true.
What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
REM, "Strange"
Doesn't this fit nicely with the previous answer?
What song will play at my funeral?
k.d. lang, "Mind of Love"
What type of men/women do I like?
Women: John Fogerty, "Rock and Roll Girls". Rock on!
Men: Steeleye Span, "Twa Corbies". Ick, Pioneer thinks I like rotting dead knights?
What is my day going to be like?
Annie Lennox, "Walking on Broken Glass"
Very true. Allergies are giving me a sinus headache. (BTW, this is the one song of the whole list I stopped and listened to the whole way through. And I bopped up and down. Made me feel a whole bunch better.)
What one thing could I not live without?
Woody Allen, "European Trip" (from his Standup Comic cd, recorded in 1965 before he was a complete asshole.)
Via APL
Go to your music player of choice and hit shuffle (or in my case, random). Say the following questions out loud and press play. Use the song title as the answer to the question. NO CHEATING!
How does the world see me?
Mozart, "Die Zieberflote: Overture". Huh? I'm a magic flute?
Will I have a happy life?
Front Street, "The Beginnings".
Uh-oh. This is a song by a band from Pittsburgh. Not a particularly happy song.
What do my friends really think of me?
Marlo Thomas and Friends, "Dudley Pippen and the Principal" (off the Free to Be You and Me CD).
Am I Dudley, whose teacher didn't believe he didn't tip over the sand table? Or am I the principal who is so understanding and plays a wonderful tune on his flute? And does it wierd anyone else out that a flute is prominent in both this and the first answer?
Do people secretly lust after me?
Crash Test Dummies, "I Think I'll Disappear Now".
Oooh! Good one!
How can I make myself happy?
The Christmas Revels, "Aro Que Nostre Seign Es Nat" (off the Sing We Now of Christmas CD).
Yes, celebrating Christmas makes me very happy.
What should I do with my life?
The Wizard of Oz soundtrack, "Wicked Witch Theme/Toto runs away from Mrs. Gulch"
Hmmmm....Maybe it has to do with the fact that I've left a career I was unhappy in, and am going to school to get into a career I'll like more?
What is some good advice for me?
First came a song off of one of Mr. Spock's cds. I couldn't find the album cover, so no clue as to what song it was. I decided to try again and came up with:
Sting, "Shadows in the Rain" (from Dream of the Blue Turtles).
Someone else is gonna have to figure this one out. It's beyond me.
How will I be remembered?
David Bowie, "Diamond Dogs" (from the Changes album)
Beats me.
What is my signature dancing song?
Stravinsky, "Lullaby" from The Firebird.
Is this the Pioneer trying to tell me that it's no use trying to find a tune with some rhythm 'cause I can't dance anyway?
What do I think my current theme song is?
The Day the Earth Stood Still soundtrack, "The Glowing/Alone/Gort's Rage"
Ahhhh...so true.
What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
REM, "Strange"
Doesn't this fit nicely with the previous answer?
What song will play at my funeral?
k.d. lang, "Mind of Love"
What type of men/women do I like?
Women: John Fogerty, "Rock and Roll Girls". Rock on!
Men: Steeleye Span, "Twa Corbies". Ick, Pioneer thinks I like rotting dead knights?
What is my day going to be like?
Annie Lennox, "Walking on Broken Glass"
Very true. Allergies are giving me a sinus headache. (BTW, this is the one song of the whole list I stopped and listened to the whole way through. And I bopped up and down. Made me feel a whole bunch better.)
What one thing could I not live without?
Woody Allen, "European Trip" (from his Standup Comic cd, recorded in 1965 before he was a complete asshole.)
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
We're back!!
The good news:
1) Bitter is the New Black was an awesome read. Go. Get it. Now.
2) We had a good beach day. Took pictures. May post some.
3) Lobster. Tiramisu. Yum.
The bad news:
1) The flight down. Supposed to leave IAD at 3:00. Left (finally!) at 5:30.
2) The flight up. The second leg from Charlotte was supposed to leave at 1:30. We finally left around 6:30. We got home tonight at 8:30. We'd been in transit since before 10:00 AM.
3) As discussed earlier.
I'll go whine in the proper forum now.
Glad to be home.
1) Bitter is the New Black was an awesome read. Go. Get it. Now.
2) We had a good beach day. Took pictures. May post some.
3) Lobster. Tiramisu. Yum.
The bad news:
1) The flight down. Supposed to leave IAD at 3:00. Left (finally!) at 5:30.
2) The flight up. The second leg from Charlotte was supposed to leave at 1:30. We finally left around 6:30. We got home tonight at 8:30. We'd been in transit since before 10:00 AM.
3) As discussed earlier.
I'll go whine in the proper forum now.
Glad to be home.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Wheeeee!
Spring break!
Tomorrow we head off to my MIL's until Wednesday. Am I bringing the homework I have to do? I am not.
Instead, I'm bringing this.
And the presentation went well. I am so glad that's over...but there's plenty more to come after the break.
I am so looking forward to wearing summer clothes for a few days.
Tomorrow we head off to my MIL's until Wednesday. Am I bringing the homework I have to do? I am not.
Instead, I'm bringing this.
And the presentation went well. I am so glad that's over...but there's plenty more to come after the break.
I am so looking forward to wearing summer clothes for a few days.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
I'm ready
I have to do a presentation with a small group of my classmates tomorrow in my Communications class. Basically, we have to teach the class for 20 minutes. I just finished putting the finishing touches on our hand-outs and--after e-mailing them to the group, the professor (Prof. LooksLikeSheMightBeJo(e)), and the department as required--I printed out 30 copies.
Our topic is Cultural Stereotyping. My little section is on the benefits for the stereotyper. What are the benefits, you ask? I'm so glad you asked!
One of my team-mates will be doing the drawbacks. Of which there are many. We have a pretty good activity for the class to do, as well.
And then....Spring Break!
Our topic is Cultural Stereotyping. My little section is on the benefits for the stereotyper. What are the benefits, you ask? I'm so glad you asked!
The benefits of cultural stereotyping are as follows: They help you predict what will happen and they help you behave appropriately with people from other cultures. If, while walking down Central Park West on the 24th of December, you saw a man wearing a yarmulke, you would probably refrain from wishing him a Merry Christmas and, instead, express your hope that he would have a Happy Hanukah. If you saw a man wearing a yarmulke in Rome, you'd probably kiss his ring. Stereotypes are shortcuts, roadmaps that can assist us in unfamiliar territory.
One of my team-mates will be doing the drawbacks. Of which there are many. We have a pretty good activity for the class to do, as well.
And then....Spring Break!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Today is blog against sexism day
And I'd participate except that I'm studying for my Women and Work exam tomorrow.
The exam is on various historical instances of sexism in the American work place, including domestic labor, factory work (think Triangle Shirtwaist), unions, promotions, hiring practices, pay scales, undervalued "pink collar" work, racism (against African Americans, Asians, Irish (did you know that the Irish weren't considered "white" in the 1800's?)), etc. etc.
The exam is on various historical instances of sexism in the American work place, including domestic labor, factory work (think Triangle Shirtwaist), unions, promotions, hiring practices, pay scales, undervalued "pink collar" work, racism (against African Americans, Asians, Irish (did you know that the Irish weren't considered "white" in the 1800's?)), etc. etc.
Monday, March 06, 2006
A quick post after homework
Tonight I came home to a wonderful aroma. Mr. Spock was baking potatoes for our dinner. We had chicken, baked potatoes and spinach and I was happy.
Muffin Man asked for, received, and ate a whopping pile o' spinach. He ate his potato too. The chicken, not so much. And then, my friends, then he ate not one but TWO bananas. I sense a growth spurt.
I spent most of the weekend working on an lit review for my adv. comp. class. It didn't turn out too badly. Saturday afternoon I went to a test prep class for my Psych midterm on Thursday. I'm prepared. Didn't really need the review, but I figured my professor's giving up his weekend...and I'm always sitting in the front row, and he might notice if I weren't there. Don't want to piss him off. It would undo the good sitting up front and center does me.
Tonight I got some stuff ready for my communications class - I'm meeting with a group of my fellow students tomorrow. We have to teach the class for 20 minutes together on Friday. And I looked over my notes for my Women & Work midterm (also Thursday).
So, if you folks don't hear from me until Friday, don't be alarmed, okay?
Muffin Man asked for, received, and ate a whopping pile o' spinach. He ate his potato too. The chicken, not so much. And then, my friends, then he ate not one but TWO bananas. I sense a growth spurt.
I spent most of the weekend working on an lit review for my adv. comp. class. It didn't turn out too badly. Saturday afternoon I went to a test prep class for my Psych midterm on Thursday. I'm prepared. Didn't really need the review, but I figured my professor's giving up his weekend...and I'm always sitting in the front row, and he might notice if I weren't there. Don't want to piss him off. It would undo the good sitting up front and center does me.
Tonight I got some stuff ready for my communications class - I'm meeting with a group of my fellow students tomorrow. We have to teach the class for 20 minutes together on Friday. And I looked over my notes for my Women & Work midterm (also Thursday).
So, if you folks don't hear from me until Friday, don't be alarmed, okay?
Thursday, March 02, 2006
My slippers
He loves wearing 'em. Here he is playing on one of our laundry baskets.
More pix in this series on Flickr.
More pix in this series on Flickr.
Sleepy...
Muffin Man woke me 4 times last night.
1. "I need to go pee." Well, couldn't he have done that without waking me up?
2. "I'm pooping. I need a diaper." Okay, I wish he'd just poop in the toilet already, but that's just me.
3. "I need you to change my diaper." Fine. I saw that one coming. I really need to teach him how to change his own diaper and wipe his own butt.
4. "There are monsters in my room." No. No there aren't.
"Spray my room." Awwww....I really don't want to.
"Pleeeeeeeease?" Oh alright, alright. But if you wake me one more time there will be no tv tomorrow.
I'm beat.
1. "I need to go pee." Well, couldn't he have done that without waking me up?
2. "I'm pooping. I need a diaper." Okay, I wish he'd just poop in the toilet already, but that's just me.
3. "I need you to change my diaper." Fine. I saw that one coming. I really need to teach him how to change his own diaper and wipe his own butt.
4. "There are monsters in my room." No. No there aren't.
"Spray my room." Awwww....I really don't want to.
"Pleeeeeeeease?" Oh alright, alright. But if you wake me one more time there will be no tv tomorrow.
I'm beat.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
I'm a bit blue
create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.
It seems I pretty much stick to the East Coast, with just a few exceptions. And, like Phantom, there's at least one state out there I'm never going to visit.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Adventures in test-taking
Last Wednesday I took my first test in Statistics. I went in pretty confident. I knew my stuff. I was even excited about it.
I left an hour later feeling like day-old warmed-over puke. I knew nothing. I was a complete and total fraud.
Today we got our tests back. The average score out of a possible 99? 44.
I got a 77.
I am a rock star.
And on my Psychology test two weeks ago? 92. My Communications test wasn't quite so hot, but I did better than the average shmoe in my class. So I'm pretty happy.
I can't believe that my two best subjects are science and math. I think maybe that I might have gone to the right high school after all.
I left an hour later feeling like day-old warmed-over puke. I knew nothing. I was a complete and total fraud.
Today we got our tests back. The average score out of a possible 99? 44.
I got a 77.
I am a rock star.
And on my Psychology test two weeks ago? 92. My Communications test wasn't quite so hot, but I did better than the average shmoe in my class. So I'm pretty happy.
I can't believe that my two best subjects are science and math. I think maybe that I might have gone to the right high school after all.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Blogger meetups everywhere you look!
Saturday: APL and Corndog, live at Jammin' Java. AB was there too, and he just gets more adorable everyday...
...a fact which I've proved conclusively today, Sunday: APL and Halloween Lover, live at a nearby Barnes & Noble. I brought Muffin Man along to play with AB. And though the two little people made discussion among the three big people a little difficult, we did talk about nothing and everything up to and including the weather (cold and windy). Halloween Lover is even more lovely than she appears on her blog and I hope she truly didn't mind having the little people along.
Muffin Man wanted to bring home EVERYTHING he saw, but I managed to keep it to a somewhat sensible 2 items: a stencil set with magic markers (on sale) and a set of Disney Princess playing cards (crazy 8's, go-fish, and old maid - also on sale)
We played go fish when we got home.
A very good weekend!
...a fact which I've proved conclusively today, Sunday: APL and Halloween Lover, live at a nearby Barnes & Noble. I brought Muffin Man along to play with AB. And though the two little people made discussion among the three big people a little difficult, we did talk about nothing and everything up to and including the weather (cold and windy). Halloween Lover is even more lovely than she appears on her blog and I hope she truly didn't mind having the little people along.
Muffin Man wanted to bring home EVERYTHING he saw, but I managed to keep it to a somewhat sensible 2 items: a stencil set with magic markers (on sale) and a set of Disney Princess playing cards (crazy 8's, go-fish, and old maid - also on sale)
We played go fish when we got home.
A very good weekend!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
Consequences
Muffin Man loves to play on his computer. And he hates to get dressed in the morning. So the rule is, no computer on school days until fully clothed for the day. Sometimes, he gets the concept - other days, not so much.
Today was one of those days. "I WANT TO PLAY ON THE COMPUTER!!"
"You took too long. I told you that you were using up computer time."
"I WASN'T! I'M DRESSED NOW!"
"Yes, but you took a long time to get dressed. When you take too long, you end up not having enough time to play on the computer."
"I WANT TO! I WANT TO PLAY!"
Let the sobbing begin.
Today was one of those days. "I WANT TO PLAY ON THE COMPUTER!!"
"You took too long. I told you that you were using up computer time."
"I WASN'T! I'M DRESSED NOW!"
"Yes, but you took a long time to get dressed. When you take too long, you end up not having enough time to play on the computer."
"I WANT TO! I WANT TO PLAY!"
Let the sobbing begin.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
This means you. And you. And you. And you.
If there is someone on your blogroll who makes your world a better place just because that person exists and who you would not have met (in real life or not) without the internet, then post this same sentence on your blog.
As seen in tons of places.
As seen in tons of places.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Annika Updates
Courtesy of Phantom Scribbler.
Annika's COTA page is up. Please donate generously. Annika, stay strong.
Annika's COTA page is up. Please donate generously. Annika, stay strong.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Baking with Muffin Man
Oy, it's been a long time since I posted. Homework and two exams...Got another one on Wednesday.
Last night Muffin Man helped me make dinner. Today we baked Butterscotch Bars (recipe fromo Weight Watchers). They came out pretty yummy. I think they'd be better if they had chocolate in them, but then what isn't better with chocolate?
Thanks to Genevieve's recommendation, we ordered Pretend Soup - a cookbook for kids. It looks really good and fun, but we haven't made anything from it yet.
Muffin Man had a great time helping me measure and stir. And last night he breaded the cutlets all by himself. First in the milk, then in the breadcrumbs, then on the plate all ready for me to saute with garlic. He only took one bite of the cutlets, but he was very proud to see Mr. Spock and me have seconds.
Breaded veal cutlets with spaghetti was the first meal I made all by myself...I remember being the breader for years before my mom let me loose with the frypan.
The first thing I was ever allowed to help with on the stove was Campbell's Tomato Soup. Either that or My-T-Fine chocolate pudding (not the instant stuff). Probably it was the soup. I'm looking forward to cooking many, many meals with my boy.
Last night Muffin Man helped me make dinner. Today we baked Butterscotch Bars (recipe fromo Weight Watchers). They came out pretty yummy. I think they'd be better if they had chocolate in them, but then what isn't better with chocolate?
Thanks to Genevieve's recommendation, we ordered Pretend Soup - a cookbook for kids. It looks really good and fun, but we haven't made anything from it yet.
Muffin Man had a great time helping me measure and stir. And last night he breaded the cutlets all by himself. First in the milk, then in the breadcrumbs, then on the plate all ready for me to saute with garlic. He only took one bite of the cutlets, but he was very proud to see Mr. Spock and me have seconds.
Breaded veal cutlets with spaghetti was the first meal I made all by myself...I remember being the breader for years before my mom let me loose with the frypan.
The first thing I was ever allowed to help with on the stove was Campbell's Tomato Soup. Either that or My-T-Fine chocolate pudding (not the instant stuff). Probably it was the soup. I'm looking forward to cooking many, many meals with my boy.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
One year ago today...
I read Corndog's blog for the first time. It was the post on bad cover songs, taking nominations on the Worst Cover Song Ever. Joel Achenbach led me there.
After I nominated Adam Ant's cover of "Hello, I Love You", I read Corndog's archives. Then I read through his blog roll.
Eventually (in April), I stumbled on a blog that wouldn't let me comment if I didn't have a blogger account. I believe it may actually have been someone I found through Falling Down is Also a Gift, because I was thinking of Annika when I came up with my password.
So, Corndog, thank you for that post. Thank you for being smart and funny. Thank you for being there and leading me to Angry Pregnant Lawyer and Phantom Scribbler and by extension, everyone else on my blog roll.
I love you guys. I love this community. Big hugs and kisses to you all.
After I nominated Adam Ant's cover of "Hello, I Love You", I read Corndog's archives. Then I read through his blog roll.
Eventually (in April), I stumbled on a blog that wouldn't let me comment if I didn't have a blogger account. I believe it may actually have been someone I found through Falling Down is Also a Gift, because I was thinking of Annika when I came up with my password.
So, Corndog, thank you for that post. Thank you for being smart and funny. Thank you for being there and leading me to Angry Pregnant Lawyer and Phantom Scribbler and by extension, everyone else on my blog roll.
I love you guys. I love this community. Big hugs and kisses to you all.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Helping hands across the internet
Annika, who I spoke of below, is a five-year-old girl with congenital liver disease. She's had two liver transplants in her young life and is currently having serious health problems after a few years of relatively good health. You can read all about her and her little sister Frankie on their mom's blog, Falling Down is Also a Gift.
The per-year limit on their insurance - One Million Dollars - has already been reached for this year. It's the middle of February! As of today, they may have no insurance to cover Anni's hospital bills.
All over the internet, people are coming together to raise money. Andrea of Beanie Baby is keeping the complete list. As soon as they are up and running, I'm going to have buttons with links over here to the right -->
There are so many good ideas: a cassarole campaign, raffles, auctions.
So much love, so many prayers. If it is at all possible to make someone healthy by an effort of many wills, then Annika's prognosis must be excellent.
The per-year limit on their insurance - One Million Dollars - has already been reached for this year. It's the middle of February! As of today, they may have no insurance to cover Anni's hospital bills.
All over the internet, people are coming together to raise money. Andrea of Beanie Baby is keeping the complete list. As soon as they are up and running, I'm going to have buttons with links over here to the right -->
There are so many good ideas: a cassarole campaign, raffles, auctions.
So much love, so many prayers. If it is at all possible to make someone healthy by an effort of many wills, then Annika's prognosis must be excellent.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Just to say
Annika.
Annika, I wish for you what I wish for my son. I wish for you to outlive your parents. I wish for your parents to be at your 60th birthday party. I wish for your life to be happy and easy from here on out.
God knows, you've been through enough.
I wish for you to have a lovely prom dress and a handsome prom date. (I'd wish for Muffin Man to be your handsome prom date, but that's geographically infeasible)
I wish for you to have a goofball freshman year in college and then buckle down and get to work.
I wish for you to kiss the toes of your own little baby.
Big hugs and kisses to you, Annika. Get healthy. Stay stubborn.
Annika, I wish for you what I wish for my son. I wish for you to outlive your parents. I wish for your parents to be at your 60th birthday party. I wish for your life to be happy and easy from here on out.
God knows, you've been through enough.
I wish for you to have a lovely prom dress and a handsome prom date. (I'd wish for Muffin Man to be your handsome prom date, but that's geographically infeasible)
I wish for you to have a goofball freshman year in college and then buckle down and get to work.
I wish for you to kiss the toes of your own little baby.
Big hugs and kisses to you, Annika. Get healthy. Stay stubborn.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Hey you guys!!!!
I just found out from Danigirl that The Electric Company is being release on DVD! It was released today!!!
Silent E! LY! Letter Man! Holy guacamole, I need this DVD.
I've put it on my wish list. It's at the top. My birthday is next month.
Can I possibly wait that long?
Silent E! LY! Letter Man! Holy guacamole, I need this DVD.
I've put it on my wish list. It's at the top. My birthday is next month.
Can I possibly wait that long?
SNARK!
Boy howdy! The entire class just got an e-mail that was just intended to go to the prof (I hope it was just intended to go to the prof.) It's from a girl who dropped the class and basically asks to be removed from the prof's mailing list. And it is SNARKY with a capital Snark.
It would, however, have been more effective as a slap-down if she had actually capitalized appropriately and used better grammar, but we can't have everything.
Am I evil that I am gloating over this? Yes. Yes, I am evil. I hate me.
No, actually, I don't. I am evil, but it is not affecting my self-esteem one bit.
It would, however, have been more effective as a slap-down if she had actually capitalized appropriately and used better grammar, but we can't have everything.
Am I evil that I am gloating over this? Yes. Yes, I am evil. I hate me.
No, actually, I don't. I am evil, but it is not affecting my self-esteem one bit.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Advanced Composition Haiku
My teacher is nuts,
Disorganized, phrenetic.
Classmates are dropping.
Despite good reviews,
previewed online, enjoyment
is beyond our reach.
E-mail this, print that
Post the other on-line now.
Respond by Monday.
We are never sure what
we need to send where or when
any of this is due.
Writing this haiku
Is very theraputic
Now for the essay.
Disorganized, phrenetic.
Classmates are dropping.
Despite good reviews,
previewed online, enjoyment
is beyond our reach.
E-mail this, print that
Post the other on-line now.
Respond by Monday.
We are never sure what
we need to send where or when
any of this is due.
Writing this haiku
Is very theraputic
Now for the essay.
Blogging with Muffin Man on my lap
Hectic weekend. We had a party for Muffin Man's birthday. Three of his friends came over with their parents (plus MakesBooksForGrandkids, SingsLullabyes, my SIL and her husband) and we all had a really, really good time. Unfortunately, I forgot to charge the camera before the party, so I have a little video and two pictures of MM's friends, but no cake picture. And the
cake was HUGELY POPULAR.
Can anyone guess what frickin' character was on the cake?
That's right! Tt(f)TE!!!
I think we will be having leftover cake for breakfast.
MakesBooksForGrandkids lived up to his name! Muffin Man has a book that's all about him.
cake was HUGELY POPULAR.
Can anyone guess what frickin' character was on the cake?
That's right! Tt(f)TE!!!
I think we will be having leftover cake for breakfast.
MakesBooksForGrandkids lived up to his name! Muffin Man has a book that's all about him.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away
God said "Let there be lips!"
Trivia question: Whose lips were they?
Trivia question: Whose lips were they?
Fives Meme
Dr. Four Eyes tagged me for this last week.
Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.
1) zerodoll
2) Overread
3) BrightStar
4) dr four eyes
5) Mystery Mommy
Next select five people to tag:
I'm only doing one, since I think everybody else has done this, if you haven't, feel free to tag yourself: 1) Musiclover Marc
What were you doing 10 years ago? February 1996:
I had just quit my job at Murder Ink after the robbery. I was living with Mr. Spock in a two-room apartment on West 96th Street, and we were planning our wedding.
What were you doing 1 year ago?
Celebrating Muffin Man's 3rd Birthday. Happy 4th Birthday, Muffin Man!
Five snacks you enjoy:
1) Smoked and salted almonds
2) Hummus (w/pita)
3) Guacamole (w/cornchips)
4) Take5 candy bars
5) Ritz Bits cheese-flavored sandwiches
Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:
1) Every song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Plus call-backs)
2) It's a Small World After All (and how I wish I couldn't)
3) Every song off the Aladdin soundtrack (ditto)
4) Every song Tom Lehrer ever recorded (And will sing them at the drop of a hat, just try me!)
5) Dona Nobis Pacem (Not that that's any great feat, the title includes all the lyrics)
Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
Like Dr. Four Eyes, I'm assuming this means multi-millionaire...
1) Pay off the house (and our sisters's houses and our parents's houses - if they wanted us to)
2) Get all the landscaping done
3) Put lots of money into Muffin Man's college fund (and his cousins's)
4) Spend lots of time in Kauai.
5) Send Mr. Spock back to school for his PhD if he wanted.
Five bad habits:
1) Chewing my fingers
2) Procrastinating
3) Messiness
4) Ordering out too much
5) Watching too much tv
Five things you like doing:
1) Reading
2) Blogging
3) Playing with Muffin Man
4) Snugglebunnies
5) Lazing in the sun like a lizard.
Five things you would never wear again:
1) My Frankenfurter outfit
2) My Columbia outfit
3) A size 4.
4) Dr. Scholls
5) Dayglo.
Five favorite toys:
1) The DVR
2) The digital camera
3) A deck of cards
4) Muffin Man's TtTE train tracks.
5) Muffin Man's Trax marble race.
I love setting up 4 and 5 into different configurations for Muffin Man to play with.
Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.
1) zerodoll
2) Overread
3) BrightStar
4) dr four eyes
5) Mystery Mommy
Next select five people to tag:
I'm only doing one, since I think everybody else has done this, if you haven't, feel free to tag yourself: 1) Musiclover Marc
What were you doing 10 years ago? February 1996:
I had just quit my job at Murder Ink after the robbery. I was living with Mr. Spock in a two-room apartment on West 96th Street, and we were planning our wedding.
What were you doing 1 year ago?
Celebrating Muffin Man's 3rd Birthday. Happy 4th Birthday, Muffin Man!
Five snacks you enjoy:
1) Smoked and salted almonds
2) Hummus (w/pita)
3) Guacamole (w/cornchips)
4) Take5 candy bars
5) Ritz Bits cheese-flavored sandwiches
Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:
1) Every song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Plus call-backs)
2) It's a Small World After All (and how I wish I couldn't)
3) Every song off the Aladdin soundtrack (ditto)
4) Every song Tom Lehrer ever recorded (And will sing them at the drop of a hat, just try me!)
5) Dona Nobis Pacem (Not that that's any great feat, the title includes all the lyrics)
Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
Like Dr. Four Eyes, I'm assuming this means multi-millionaire...
1) Pay off the house (and our sisters's houses and our parents's houses - if they wanted us to)
2) Get all the landscaping done
3) Put lots of money into Muffin Man's college fund (and his cousins's)
4) Spend lots of time in Kauai.
5) Send Mr. Spock back to school for his PhD if he wanted.
Five bad habits:
1) Chewing my fingers
2) Procrastinating
3) Messiness
4) Ordering out too much
5) Watching too much tv
Five things you like doing:
1) Reading
2) Blogging
3) Playing with Muffin Man
4) Snugglebunnies
5) Lazing in the sun like a lizard.
Five things you would never wear again:
1) My Frankenfurter outfit
2) My Columbia outfit
3) A size 4.
4) Dr. Scholls
5) Dayglo.
Five favorite toys:
1) The DVR
2) The digital camera
3) A deck of cards
4) Muffin Man's TtTE train tracks.
5) Muffin Man's Trax marble race.
I love setting up 4 and 5 into different configurations for Muffin Man to play with.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Seen EVERYWHERE
I saw this first at Phantom Scribbler's and please note, her name is up front and center, bold and beautiful, just like her.
Click here if you want your own.
Psychology Haiku
As the AV guys
work on the projector, I
stare at the blank screen
Strange dichotomy:
Chalk boards, computer screens and
wireless connections
work on the projector, I
stare at the blank screen
Strange dichotomy:
Chalk boards, computer screens and
wireless connections
As seen at R2K's
A new version of 23rd and 5th.
Instructions:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that cool or intellectual book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
To the left of me: Disposable Domestics: Immigrant Women Workers in the Global Economy by Grace Chang.
I'm just gonna give you the fifth sentence, 'cause boy howdy is it ever wordy.
Again, just the 5th sentence, 'cause I've got to get back to work.
Instructions:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that cool or intellectual book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
To the left of me: Disposable Domestics: Immigrant Women Workers in the Global Economy by Grace Chang.
I'm just gonna give you the fifth sentence, 'cause boy howdy is it ever wordy.
"They reflect these women's clear recognition that their land, products, labor,To the right of me: The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis (not this edition, though)
and lives are extracted for other people's profit through these programs."
Again, just the 5th sentence, 'cause I've got to get back to work.
"Shasta, half mad with horror, managed to lurch towards the brute."
Friday, January 27, 2006
The answers to numbers 5 & 12 below
#5 is Angela. A friend from my job which I celebrated a week of freedom from today, by going to my Communications class. Excellent class. I think it's being taught by Jo(e). Beautiful long hair. Passel of kids. Excellent sense of humor. Talks with her hands.
But I know it's not Jo(e) because Jo(e) lives somewhere that has had snow in the last year and Mrs. Aptonym lives in Woodbridge.
#12 is a message from Mr. Spock. And I'm not sayin' what it says.
And to give a re-cap of my week: My favorite class so far is Statistics, followed VERY closely by Communications, followed by Advanced Composition, Psychology, and Women & Work in that order. Pray forgive me if my posting goes WAAAAAAY down, I'm gonna be writing my ass off for these classes.
Did you folks know that students have to bring their own Scantron sheets to tests? Isn't that like asking Lady Jane Grey to bring her own axe?
But I know it's not Jo(e) because Jo(e) lives somewhere that has had snow in the last year and Mrs. Aptonym lives in Woodbridge.
#12 is a message from Mr. Spock. And I'm not sayin' what it says.
And to give a re-cap of my week: My favorite class so far is Statistics, followed VERY closely by Communications, followed by Advanced Composition, Psychology, and Women & Work in that order. Pray forgive me if my posting goes WAAAAAAY down, I'm gonna be writing my ass off for these classes.
Did you folks know that students have to bring their own Scantron sheets to tests? Isn't that like asking Lady Jane Grey to bring her own axe?
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Stolen from CCW
25 Questions meme
As seen at ccw.
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
What the heck happened to my hair?
2. How much cash do you have on you? In my pocket? $0. In my purse? About $100.
3. What's a word that rhymes with TEST? Vest
4. planet? Earth
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list? My phone is downstairs, I'll check and get back to y'all tomorrow.
6. What is your favorite ring on your phone? What CCW said, the one that just rings.
7. What shirt are you wearing? This one in Evening.
8. What do you label yourself? Short.
9. Name the brand of shoes you've recently worn. Reeboks.
10. Bright or Dark Room?
11. What were you doing at midnight last night? Like CCW, I was sleeping.
12. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? My phone is downstairs, I'll check and get back to y'all on this tomorrow.
13. Where is your nearest 7-11? Uhhhhh.....maybe across from Karate Bagels?
14. What's a saying that you say a lot? Holy Guacamole!
15.Who told you they loved you last? Muffin Man.
16. Last furry thing you touched? Probably something at the petting zoo.
17. How Many Drugs Have You Done In The Past three Days? 3. Zyrtec, Tricor, and baby aspirin.
18. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? None. It's all digital now, babe.
19. Favorite age you have been so far? 32.
20. your worst enemy? Uncomfortable bras.
21. What is your current desktop picture? There are several, this is one of them.
22. What was the last thing you said to someone? Night-night, sweetheart. I love you.
23. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly, which would you choose?
24. Do you like someone? Yes, I like many someones. Not so much myself tonight though.
25. The last song you listened to? Orphée aux enfers (Orpheus in the Underworld), operetta Can Can, Composed by Jacques Offenbach, Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (track #15 from the Beethovan's Wig CD.) Muffin Man and I sang the words.
As seen at ccw.
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
What the heck happened to my hair?
2. How much cash do you have on you? In my pocket? $0. In my purse? About $100.
3. What's a word that rhymes with TEST? Vest
4. planet? Earth
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list? My phone is downstairs, I'll check and get back to y'all tomorrow.
6. What is your favorite ring on your phone? What CCW said, the one that just rings.
7. What shirt are you wearing? This one in Evening.
8. What do you label yourself? Short.
9. Name the brand of shoes you've recently worn. Reeboks.
10. Bright or Dark Room?
11. What were you doing at midnight last night? Like CCW, I was sleeping.
12. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? My phone is downstairs, I'll check and get back to y'all on this tomorrow.
13. Where is your nearest 7-11? Uhhhhh.....maybe across from Karate Bagels?
14. What's a saying that you say a lot? Holy Guacamole!
15.Who told you they loved you last? Muffin Man.
16. Last furry thing you touched? Probably something at the petting zoo.
17. How Many Drugs Have You Done In The Past three Days? 3. Zyrtec, Tricor, and baby aspirin.
18. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? None. It's all digital now, babe.
19. Favorite age you have been so far? 32.
20. your worst enemy? Uncomfortable bras.
21. What is your current desktop picture? There are several, this is one of them.
22. What was the last thing you said to someone? Night-night, sweetheart. I love you.
23. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly, which would you choose?
24. Do you like someone? Yes, I like many someones. Not so much myself tonight though.
25. The last song you listened to? Orphée aux enfers (Orpheus in the Underworld), operetta Can Can, Composed by Jacques Offenbach, Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (track #15 from the Beethovan's Wig CD.) Muffin Man and I sang the words.
I am ashamed
Single parenting again this weekend starting tonight and ending Sunday.
I'm kind of tired from hauling my under-exercised butt from class to class today (10,400 steps) and when I picked up Muffin Man from PNP, he was kinda Tigger-ish. So we went out for fast food and a game of tag at Booger King (one of the ones with a habitrail for kids). And when we got home he was just NOT LISTENING. NOT. LISTENING. And we managed to spill mineral oil on the floor which he then STEPPED IN AFTER I TOLD HIM NOT TO.
And so I yelled at him. Loudly.
Not my best moment.
I'm kind of tired from hauling my under-exercised butt from class to class today (10,400 steps) and when I picked up Muffin Man from PNP, he was kinda Tigger-ish. So we went out for fast food and a game of tag at Booger King (one of the ones with a habitrail for kids). And when we got home he was just NOT LISTENING. NOT. LISTENING. And we managed to spill mineral oil on the floor which he then STEPPED IN AFTER I TOLD HIM NOT TO.
And so I yelled at him. Loudly.
Not my best moment.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Just dropped in to say "Hi!"
I have time for the quickest of quick posts before I dash off to write 500 words on three different topics for my Advanced Composition class.
I love school. LOVE IT! Statistics: We're doing sets. Who knew that developing databases would have useful applications in academia?
Advanced Composition: Lots and lots and lots of writing. Loving the class, fearing the work.
Psychology: Both the lab and the lecture look good so far.
Women & Work: I'm interested in the subject matter, but I wish it were less about the contemporary (which NPR has given me a good grounding in) and more about the historical. Though we are going to talk about the Triangle Shirtwaist fire on Thursday.
I don't have my communications class until Friday.
General impressions:
1. Lots of walking. I'd forgotten how much walking one does, going to and from classes.
2. COMPUTERS. Ohmigod, what a difference 16 years makes. Many of our assignments are being given to us on-line. We're e-mailing assignments in, chatting on discussion boards with our classmates.
3. As I'd already gathered from Scrivener and others, plagiarism is a big issue. BIG.
Again, to sum up, I LOVE SCHOOL. Me. I can hardly believe it.
Gotta go now, to write non-bloggy stuff. (Why is that always less fun?)
I love school. LOVE IT! Statistics: We're doing sets. Who knew that developing databases would have useful applications in academia?
Advanced Composition: Lots and lots and lots of writing. Loving the class, fearing the work.
Psychology: Both the lab and the lecture look good so far.
Women & Work: I'm interested in the subject matter, but I wish it were less about the contemporary (which NPR has given me a good grounding in) and more about the historical. Though we are going to talk about the Triangle Shirtwaist fire on Thursday.
I don't have my communications class until Friday.
General impressions:
1. Lots of walking. I'd forgotten how much walking one does, going to and from classes.
2. COMPUTERS. Ohmigod, what a difference 16 years makes. Many of our assignments are being given to us on-line. We're e-mailing assignments in, chatting on discussion boards with our classmates.
3. As I'd already gathered from Scrivener and others, plagiarism is a big issue. BIG.
Again, to sum up, I LOVE SCHOOL. Me. I can hardly believe it.
Gotta go now, to write non-bloggy stuff. (Why is that always less fun?)
Sunday, January 22, 2006
A good weekend...
Starting with today:
Blogger Meet-up!!! So the Fish Said... and I met up at a nearby Italian chain for Sunday Brunch. She's just as nice in person as she is on her blog and her daughter is just the sweetest 6 month old. We had a great time talking and eating. Muffin Man showed off and flirted and Mia was enthralled by all the things to see and forgot to be annoyed that her teeth were bothering her. I hope we can do it again soon!
Yesterday:
SoupAndBread, followed by shopping for a new train from the Tt(F)TE collection (Emily and her tender, if anyone's interested). And then I got to go by myself to LL Bean to spend a gift certificate I got for Christmas. Did you know that they're having a sale of their winter stuff?
I got this in Evening and Chocolate, this in Dark Mulberry, this in Navy (not shown), and two pairs of pants, one Chocolate brown and one mustard-y chino. And I also bought a tin of mints. Total cost: $95.00. I handed over my $100 gift certificate. I got five bucks back. YAY!
Blogger Meet-up!!! So the Fish Said... and I met up at a nearby Italian chain for Sunday Brunch. She's just as nice in person as she is on her blog and her daughter is just the sweetest 6 month old. We had a great time talking and eating. Muffin Man showed off and flirted and Mia was enthralled by all the things to see and forgot to be annoyed that her teeth were bothering her. I hope we can do it again soon!
Yesterday:
SoupAndBread, followed by shopping for a new train from the Tt(F)TE collection (Emily and her tender, if anyone's interested). And then I got to go by myself to LL Bean to spend a gift certificate I got for Christmas. Did you know that they're having a sale of their winter stuff?
I got this in Evening and Chocolate, this in Dark Mulberry, this in Navy (not shown), and two pairs of pants, one Chocolate brown and one mustard-y chino. And I also bought a tin of mints. Total cost: $95.00. I handed over my $100 gift certificate. I got five bucks back. YAY!
Friday, January 20, 2006
Big Sister Brag
My sister and her family are doing something incredibly wonderful. I can't give you the details, because it involves someone else, but I can't help but shout to the world how much I love, admire, and look up to them.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Hurrah!
Mr. Spock is coming home today
Hurrah, hurrah!
He's on a plane, he's on his way
Hurrah, hurrah!
He's coming home 5 days early
Muffin Man will squeal when he
Sees that Mr. Spock is
In the living room
Hurrah, hurrah!
He's on a plane, he's on his way
Hurrah, hurrah!
He's coming home 5 days early
Muffin Man will squeal when he
Sees that Mr. Spock is
In the living room
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
My new schedule
Monday/Wednesday classes from 1:30 until 4:15 (Math(Statistics) and English (Advanced Composition))
Tuesday recitation from 9:30 until 10:20 (Psychology)
Tuesday/Thursday classes from 10:30 until 1:15 (Psychology and History (Women and Work))
Friday class from 9:00 - 11:40 (Communications (Interpersonal and Group Interactions))
To sum up: 5 pretty short days. 2 Mornings battling traffic. 4 classes that look pretty darn interesting and the 1 that's not so darn interesting at least looks pretty darn useful. 3 100-level courses, 2 300-level courses. 15 credits total.
I'm on my way!
Tuesday recitation from 9:30 until 10:20 (Psychology)
Tuesday/Thursday classes from 10:30 until 1:15 (Psychology and History (Women and Work))
Friday class from 9:00 - 11:40 (Communications (Interpersonal and Group Interactions))
To sum up: 5 pretty short days. 2 Mornings battling traffic. 4 classes that look pretty darn interesting and the 1 that's not so darn interesting at least looks pretty darn useful. 3 100-level courses, 2 300-level courses. 15 credits total.
I'm on my way!
I saw the towers
Over Sting's shoulder in the video for "An Englishman in New York".
It's always a shock to remember that they're gone.
It's even worse when I remember that I always thought they were a blight on the landscape.
It's always a shock to remember that they're gone.
It's even worse when I remember that I always thought they were a blight on the landscape.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Doo doo didoo doo
Laid Off Dad was talking about the word "phenomenon" and repeated it over and over. Now I'm got it in my head to the tune of "Mahna Mahna".
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Oooooh! Shopping!
My giftee for the Holiday Extravaganza was Jen at MUBAR. So I did my research and came away with a few ideas...
Christmas Dreams
Silver and gold and ice blue
Warm and toasty
Pretty shiny happy
Yummy
Small
Surprising
It was clear, what with the price limit, that cashmere was not going to be on the agenda. But to me, cashmere says comfort. A fondness for silver and gold crayons, for ice blue and pretzels, for chocolate and buying organic....
From the beginning I was thinking of a mug. But it had to be the right mug. It couldn't be too Christmasy because that smacked of sappiness, and sappiness was out. But on the other hand it couldn't be a plain mug, 'cause where's the fun in that? I couldn't find the mug I was looking for. It wasn't at Wegman's. It wasn't at Nearby Mall. I looked and I looked. And finally, while on a totally different errand, I found it. White with a silver rim and a silver snowflake. It was The Mug.
Meanwhile I had bought the other elements of the package. The silver earrings were hand-made by a friend of mine. The chocolate-covered-pretzels were bought fresh at Wegman's (and so was the hot cocoa for use in The Mug.) I looked for organic hot cocoa mix, but their choices didn't look...cashmere...enough.
And then I packed the package. The tin I already had on hand. I love collecting little boxes and tins for just such occasions.
And then I mailed the package. And as I was driving home I said,
"DOH! I FORGOT TO TAKE ANY PICTURES!!!"
so you'll have to check out Jen's post about receiving it if you want to see them.
It came in the mail...
And it jingled. So tantalizing, so mysterious. How could I wait to open it?
Every so often after it arrived, I gave it a little shake to hear that joyful jingle.
Would I be able to cool my ardor for discovery long enough to wait for the proper time and then remember to take photos?
Oooooh! Look how pretty! Do you see the bell and the cute ornaments? I tied ribbon on the bell and the three of them went on the tree.
My secret Santa revealed: It's DANI!!!
My prezzies all together (minus one magnet that was hiding on the underside of the tin it came in, naughty magnet!!!) 4 beautiful hand-painted magnets - a moon and three stars - with that blue that I love so much featured prominently; a book clip with pretty beads and a little triad of stars hanging off it (is that not the most perfect thing?), and the bell and two ornaments.
My cup runneth over.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Fours
Self-tagged on Phantom's site
Four Jobs I've Had
1. Cashier at Wholey's fish market in Pittsburgh. You haven't been smelly until you've worked through the Christmas rush at a fish store.
2. Door-to-door Beggar for Clean Water Action Project (also Pittsburgh)
3. Waitress (donut shop in Park Slope and upscale Greek place in Pgh.)
4. Kiosk sales person for an ISP.
Four Movies I Love to Watch Over and Over
1. Casablanca
2. When Harry Met Sally
3. The Princess Bride
4. Young Frankenstein
Four Movies I'm Forced to Watch Over and Over
1. Cinderella
2. Aladdin
3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
4. Finding Nemo (not that any of these are bad, mind you, but there is a limit)
Four Movies That Haven't Hit That Limit Yet
1. Madagascar
2. Chicken Run
3. The Incredibles
4. Monsters, Inc.
Four Books I First Read as an Adult that I Read Over and Over
1. Brat Farrar
2. Pictures of Perfection
3. Venetia
4. The Blue Sword
Four Things I Cannot Do
1. Whistle
2. Touch my toes when my legs are straight
3. Turn a cartwheel
4. Word problems.
Four Places I've Lived (as a grown-up)
1. Park Slope, Brooklyn
2. Upper West Side, Manhatten
3. Pittsburgh, PA
4. Ashburn, VA
Four TV Shows I Love to Watch (that are still running)
1. West Wing
2. Gilmore Girls
3. Good Eats
4. Boston Legal
Four TV Shows We Record for Muffin Man (links are noisy)
1. Oobi
2. Higglytown Heroes
3. Little Einsteins
4. There is no number 4.
Four Things I Say Often
1. "Holy Guacamole!"
2. "Wash your hands"
3. "Did you flush?"
4. "Oh, God."
Four Places I've Been on Vacation
1. Cape Cod
2. Kauaii
3. Ottsville, PA
4. Paris, France
Four Blogs I Visit Daily That I Don't Link To In My Sidebar
1. Uterine Wars. I'm going to miss her.
2. So Close
3. Life's Jest Book. I'm going to link to you tomorrow, though!
4. In the Barren Season
Four of My Favorite Foods (that I cook)
1. Ham
2. Prime Rib (Wegman's dry aged it for me and I used my cast iron dutch oven instead of a terra cotta planter)
3. Turkey
4. Risotto
Four Cars I've owned
1. 1995 Ford Taurus Sedan (sadly, got rammed from behind by a Toyota.)
2. 1994 Ford Taurus Wagon (died an honorable death at 120,000)
3. 2002 Kia Sedona (My current vehicle)
4. There is no 4. (What? I only learned to drive 9 years ago.)
Marc volunteered to be tagged. Is there anyone else who hasn't done it yet and wants to? Consider yourself tagged.
Four Jobs I've Had
1. Cashier at Wholey's fish market in Pittsburgh. You haven't been smelly until you've worked through the Christmas rush at a fish store.
2. Door-to-door Beggar for Clean Water Action Project (also Pittsburgh)
3. Waitress (donut shop in Park Slope and upscale Greek place in Pgh.)
4. Kiosk sales person for an ISP.
Four Movies I Love to Watch Over and Over
1. Casablanca
2. When Harry Met Sally
3. The Princess Bride
4. Young Frankenstein
Four Movies I'm Forced to Watch Over and Over
1. Cinderella
2. Aladdin
3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
4. Finding Nemo (not that any of these are bad, mind you, but there is a limit)
Four Movies That Haven't Hit That Limit Yet
1. Madagascar
2. Chicken Run
3. The Incredibles
4. Monsters, Inc.
Four Books I First Read as an Adult that I Read Over and Over
1. Brat Farrar
2. Pictures of Perfection
3. Venetia
4. The Blue Sword
Four Things I Cannot Do
1. Whistle
2. Touch my toes when my legs are straight
3. Turn a cartwheel
4. Word problems.
Four Places I've Lived (as a grown-up)
1. Park Slope, Brooklyn
2. Upper West Side, Manhatten
3. Pittsburgh, PA
4. Ashburn, VA
Four TV Shows I Love to Watch (that are still running)
1. West Wing
2. Gilmore Girls
3. Good Eats
4. Boston Legal
Four TV Shows We Record for Muffin Man (links are noisy)
1. Oobi
2. Higglytown Heroes
3. Little Einsteins
4. There is no number 4.
Four Things I Say Often
1. "Holy Guacamole!"
2. "Wash your hands"
3. "Did you flush?"
4. "Oh, God."
Four Places I've Been on Vacation
1. Cape Cod
2. Kauaii
3. Ottsville, PA
4. Paris, France
Four Blogs I Visit Daily That I Don't Link To In My Sidebar
1. Uterine Wars. I'm going to miss her.
2. So Close
3. Life's Jest Book. I'm going to link to you tomorrow, though!
4. In the Barren Season
Four of My Favorite Foods (that I cook)
1. Ham
2. Prime Rib (Wegman's dry aged it for me and I used my cast iron dutch oven instead of a terra cotta planter)
3. Turkey
4. Risotto
Four Cars I've owned
1. 1995 Ford Taurus Sedan (sadly, got rammed from behind by a Toyota.)
2. 1994 Ford Taurus Wagon (died an honorable death at 120,000)
3. 2002 Kia Sedona (My current vehicle)
4. There is no 4. (What? I only learned to drive 9 years ago.)
Marc volunteered to be tagged. Is there anyone else who hasn't done it yet and wants to? Consider yourself tagged.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Jabs for school
I had to get the tetanus shot and the TB test (OUCH! My arm still hurts), but I got to skip the Meningitis and the Hepatitis B, and I pointed out to my doctor that I didn't need the MMR, because although I only had one Rubella shot back in the early 70's, according to the "Required Immunizations" form, that's all you need if you take them separately. YAY!
So I'm immunized for school. I feel like a kindergartener.
Muffin Man's gonna get a big buncha jabs the day after he turns four, poor fella.
When did they stop doing the tine test for TB? Now they use a HONKING big needle and make a swollen place in your arm that turns into a mini-hickey by the end of the day.
Last night's toy: Little People Bunny
Tonight's toy: Little People Farmer (girl)
It seems he's saving the cars for last.
So I'm immunized for school. I feel like a kindergartener.
Muffin Man's gonna get a big buncha jabs the day after he turns four, poor fella.
When did they stop doing the tine test for TB? Now they use a HONKING big needle and make a swollen place in your arm that turns into a mini-hickey by the end of the day.
Last night's toy: Little People Bunny
Tonight's toy: Little People Farmer (girl)
It seems he's saving the cars for last.
I can't believe I forgot to tell you!
Last night Muffin Man and I were going to the store on our way home (eggs, bread, and a treat for him) and we're passing by the Japanese place and he says, "Ooooh! Can we have Sushi for dinner?"
So we did.
So we did.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
New additions to the list
Those with asterisks after them belong to people with whom I have actually shared a meal.
Genevieve is up there as a place-holder for if she ever gets a blog.
You may have noticed that I've listed some folks I knew in high school below the main list. I'll post more there as I find 'em.
Genevieve is up there as a place-holder for if she ever gets a blog.
You may have noticed that I've listed some folks I knew in high school below the main list. I'll post more there as I find 'em.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Comment! Comment! Comment!
Button courtesy of Papernapkin
If you're visiting and have never commented, don't be shy - speak right up! If you're a regular commenter, say hi as well. Let's make everybody feel welcome! I'm going to comment everywhere.
BTW, I'll be updating my blog list soon. There are lots of people I read who are still not listed. And you may notice that there's a new guy over there on the right, Music Lover Marc, please go and pay him a visit - he works two cubes away from me!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
What we did today
SoupAndBread
New shoes (just like the old shoes only BIGGER!)
Haircuts (Wiggles, Elmo, Dora, and THREE lollipops)
Merry-go-Round (twice)
PIZZA!
Quiet time (bribed to stay in bed until....)
Babysitter time (he looooooves his babysitter)
****Mystery Mommy goes out and buys one small toy for everyday that Mr. Spock is gone (and file folders, wrapping paper that was on sale, coloring/work books that were on sale, and a new thing to go under the dish drying rack) Exciting, no? Uh...no.****
Mystery Mommy cooks dinner while trying to detach Muffin Man from her legs. Problem solved with "Wallace & Gromit - A Close Shave"
Babysitter leaves
Dinner time
Bath time
LotionAndScissors (dry legs, long nails)
Pajama time
Toy from the prize bag!! (Fisher Price Little People Chicken - 15 toys to go)
Story time
Bed time
He hasn't made a peep since I left his room. Perhaps it's the thought of the BIG prize he'll get if he's a good cooperator while Mr. Spock is gone?
And now it's West Wing time.
New shoes (just like the old shoes only BIGGER!)
Haircuts (Wiggles, Elmo, Dora, and THREE lollipops)
Merry-go-Round (twice)
PIZZA!
Quiet time (bribed to stay in bed until....)
Babysitter time (he looooooves his babysitter)
****Mystery Mommy goes out and buys one small toy for everyday that Mr. Spock is gone (and file folders, wrapping paper that was on sale, coloring/work books that were on sale, and a new thing to go under the dish drying rack) Exciting, no? Uh...no.****
Mystery Mommy cooks dinner while trying to detach Muffin Man from her legs. Problem solved with "Wallace & Gromit - A Close Shave"
Babysitter leaves
Dinner time
Bath time
LotionAndScissors (dry legs, long nails)
Pajama time
Toy from the prize bag!! (Fisher Price Little People Chicken - 15 toys to go)
Story time
Bed time
He hasn't made a peep since I left his room. Perhaps it's the thought of the BIG prize he'll get if he's a good cooperator while Mr. Spock is gone?
And now it's West Wing time.
Two and a half weeks
Mr. Spock left for his business trip abroad yesterday. He won't be coming back until the day after I start school.
I miss him already and Muffin Man keeps asking when Daddy's coming home.
I miss him already and Muffin Man keeps asking when Daddy's coming home.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Genevieve is soooooooo cool
We met at the Silver Diner, our kids in tow. Her son looks like what Muffin Man will look like in 2 years. We talked and talked and talked some more and then we went back to her house where her son and Muffin Man played for hours while we talked some more.
We're going to have to do that again!
We're going to have to do that again!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
As seen at Scrivenings
There's No Such Thing As Too Many Books
Here's Your Sign {pictures included}
brought to you by Quizilla
First full day at PNP
And he had a blast. He knew he was in for a good day when he walked in and the letter of the day was his favorite one. "That's the first letter of MY NAME!!!"
Then he went to Art (chickens with yellow crumpled paper feathers), and then Spanish (parehas(sp?)), and then Gym (he showed off his skill at somersaults). Lunch was tacos. That's when he decided it was okay to let me leave to go to work (I'd been leaving him for long periods during the morning "making phonecalls")
When I came back to pick him up, he was playing in the kitchen area (straight out of Pottery Barn Kids - my God, the microwave!), and he didn't want to leave.
"We'll come back tomorrow, Sweetie."
"Promise?"
"I promise. This is going to be your school for a long, long time."
Then he went to Art (chickens with yellow crumpled paper feathers), and then Spanish (parehas(sp?)), and then Gym (he showed off his skill at somersaults). Lunch was tacos. That's when he decided it was okay to let me leave to go to work (I'd been leaving him for long periods during the morning "making phonecalls")
When I came back to pick him up, he was playing in the kitchen area (straight out of Pottery Barn Kids - my God, the microwave!), and he didn't want to leave.
"We'll come back tomorrow, Sweetie."
"Promise?"
"I promise. This is going to be your school for a long, long time."
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Playdate
Muffin Man had a playdate yesterday with his best friend in the whole wide world, DeepVoicedToddler. DeepVoicedToddler and Muffin Man were in the same class at the old school for over three years. Every weekend for the last month, MM has been asking, "When can I play with DVT?"
You should have seen the joy and excitement as they spotted each other, DVT coming up the driveway, MM standing at the open door. They rushed toward each other and embraced as though they had been separated for years.
For the next 4 hours they played and snacked and coloured and talked and read books and played some more. And there were only two meltdowns (over a Matchbox double decker "school bus" and a Melissa and Doug mailbox MM got for Christmas). Other than that, the sharing of the toys was flawless.
They played so nicely together that I was able to sit in the comfy chair and read a bit while they made noises like "brrrrrppppbbrrrppp", "woooooowoooooo", "roaaaaarrrr", and "look out! We're going to crash!"
And during one of their 3 or 4 snack breaks, DVT said in his really quite gravelly voice, "I like your mom. She's almost as nice as mine."
I feel like I could be given no higher compliment. I can now consider myself a hostess extraordinaire.
At the end of the visit, they gave each other big hugs and blew kisses until they were out of sight. "Can DVT come back and play tomorrow?" MM asked as we closed the door.
DVT's mom and I enjoyed a good gossip when she came by to pick him up. She's looking into sending DVT to PNP. Muffin Man would be so thrilled!
You should have seen the joy and excitement as they spotted each other, DVT coming up the driveway, MM standing at the open door. They rushed toward each other and embraced as though they had been separated for years.
For the next 4 hours they played and snacked and coloured and talked and read books and played some more. And there were only two meltdowns (over a Matchbox double decker "school bus" and a Melissa and Doug mailbox MM got for Christmas). Other than that, the sharing of the toys was flawless.
They played so nicely together that I was able to sit in the comfy chair and read a bit while they made noises like "brrrrrppppbbrrrppp", "woooooowoooooo", "roaaaaarrrr", and "look out! We're going to crash!"
And during one of their 3 or 4 snack breaks, DVT said in his really quite gravelly voice, "I like your mom. She's almost as nice as mine."
I feel like I could be given no higher compliment. I can now consider myself a hostess extraordinaire.
At the end of the visit, they gave each other big hugs and blew kisses until they were out of sight. "Can DVT come back and play tomorrow?" MM asked as we closed the door.
DVT's mom and I enjoyed a good gossip when she came by to pick him up. She's looking into sending DVT to PNP. Muffin Man would be so thrilled!
Monday, January 02, 2006
AFI's top 100 films
As seen at Mrs. Coulter's. I've seen all but 28 of them.
1. CITIZEN KANE (1941)
2. CASABLANCA (1942)
3. THE GODFATHER (1972)
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)
6. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)
7. THE GRADUATE (1967)
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
9. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)
10. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)
11. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
13. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
15. STAR WARS (1977)
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950) (I'm watching it next week, while Mr. Spock is abroad)
17. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)
18. PSYCHO (1960)
19. CHINATOWN (1974)
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
21. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940)
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)
23. THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982)
26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)
27. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)
30. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
31. ANNIE HALL (1977)
32. THE GODFATHER PART II (1974)
33. HIGH NOON (1952)
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)
37. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
42. REAR WINDOW (1954)
43. KING KONG (1933)
44. THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915)
45. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)
46. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)
48. JAWS (1975)
49. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937) (3 times in the last 3 weeks)
50. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)
51. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
53. AMADEUS (1984)
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
56. M*A*S*H (1970)
57. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940)
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
61. VERTIGO (1958)
62. TOOTSIE (1982)
63. STAGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
66. NETWORK (1976)
67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962)
68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)
69. SHANE (1953)
70. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994)
72. BEN-HUR (1959)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
74. THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990) (and oh, by the way, IT SUCKED!!!)
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)
78. ROCKY (1976)
79. THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
80. THE WILD BUNCH (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936)
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986)
84. FARGO (1996)
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969)
89. PATTON (1970)
90. THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964)
92. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
93. THE APARTMENT (1960)
94. GOODFELLAS (1990)
95. PULP FICTION (1994)
96. THE SEARCHERS (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
99. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)
1. CITIZEN KANE (1941)
2. CASABLANCA (1942)
3. THE GODFATHER (1972)
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)
6. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)
7. THE GRADUATE (1967)
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
9. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)
10. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)
11. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
13. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
15. STAR WARS (1977)
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950) (I'm watching it next week, while Mr. Spock is abroad)
17. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)
18. PSYCHO (1960)
19. CHINATOWN (1974)
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
21. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940)
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)
23. THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982)
26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)
27. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)
30. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
31. ANNIE HALL (1977)
32. THE GODFATHER PART II (1974)
33. HIGH NOON (1952)
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)
37. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
42. REAR WINDOW (1954)
43. KING KONG (1933)
44. THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915)
45. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)
46. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)
48. JAWS (1975)
49. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937) (3 times in the last 3 weeks)
50. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)
51. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
53. AMADEUS (1984)
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
56. M*A*S*H (1970)
57. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940)
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
61. VERTIGO (1958)
62. TOOTSIE (1982)
63. STAGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
66. NETWORK (1976)
67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962)
68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)
69. SHANE (1953)
70. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994)
72. BEN-HUR (1959)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
74. THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990) (and oh, by the way, IT SUCKED!!!)
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)
78. ROCKY (1976)
79. THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
80. THE WILD BUNCH (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936)
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986)
84. FARGO (1996)
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969)
89. PATTON (1970)
90. THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964)
92. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
93. THE APARTMENT (1960)
94. GOODFELLAS (1990)
95. PULP FICTION (1994)
96. THE SEARCHERS (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
99. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)
Sunday, January 01, 2006
New Year's Resolutions and Rememberances
Resolutions:
My sister-in-law and her husband gave us gift certificates to a movie theatre and a promise of free baby-sitting when we go to the movies. Thus one of my resolutions for the year is to see at least one non-G-rated film before it comes out on DVD.
We're losing my income this year since I'll be going to school full-time, so another resolution is to take my lunch at least 3 times a week, and to cook ahead more often.
Exercise more.
Rememberances:
APL has a post about 2005 and the events in her life during that year.
So I thought I'd copycat off her and list mine too.
* Achenblog led me to Corndog who led me to APL who led me to Phantom Scribbler and I knew I'd met at least three people I'd like to keep as friends for life. Many more now. And I also met APL (and AB) and Corndog in person.
* Muffin Man learned what toilets are for, and matured in lots of other ways - he constantly amazes me.
* I applied and got accepted to my first choice of college. I'm really looking forward to finishing my Bachelor's Degree.
* We got a screened-in porch built on the back of our house.
* My husband and I, like APL, gave more money to charity than ever before, for the same reasons.
* I quit a job to take a new one simply to cut my commute by more than half.
* I took Muffin Man to see his first film in a theater and thus went to the movie theatre for the first time since the first Lord of the Rings film.
My sister-in-law and her husband gave us gift certificates to a movie theatre and a promise of free baby-sitting when we go to the movies. Thus one of my resolutions for the year is to see at least one non-G-rated film before it comes out on DVD.
We're losing my income this year since I'll be going to school full-time, so another resolution is to take my lunch at least 3 times a week, and to cook ahead more often.
Exercise more.
Rememberances:
APL has a post about 2005 and the events in her life during that year.
So I thought I'd copycat off her and list mine too.
* Achenblog led me to Corndog who led me to APL who led me to Phantom Scribbler and I knew I'd met at least three people I'd like to keep as friends for life. Many more now. And I also met APL (and AB) and Corndog in person.
* Muffin Man learned what toilets are for, and matured in lots of other ways - he constantly amazes me.
* I applied and got accepted to my first choice of college. I'm really looking forward to finishing my Bachelor's Degree.
* We got a screened-in porch built on the back of our house.
* My husband and I, like APL, gave more money to charity than ever before, for the same reasons.
* I quit a job to take a new one simply to cut my commute by more than half.
* I took Muffin Man to see his first film in a theater and thus went to the movie theatre for the first time since the first Lord of the Rings film.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Defiant Socks
As requested by Running2Ks, my defiant socks.
They are made of warm, machine washable, knitted silk. My grandma sent them to me last birthday. I love them.
They are made of warm, machine washable, knitted silk. My grandma sent them to me last birthday. I love them.
9:01 PM, New Year's Eve
I'm the only one awake in the house. The only noise is that of my computer keyboard. Muffin Man's classical lullabye CD stopped playing about a half-hour ago and the dryer stopped 2 minutes ago (Wait a sec while I change loads. Done.)
I owe you folks some pictures:
Here's our tree as it looked a week ago.
Here's Muffin Man opening Madagascar from BigSister and her family.
We've watched it three times already. And as you can see behind him, he got lots of other presents as well. He's a very happy boy.
I hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year.
I owe you folks some pictures:
Here's our tree as it looked a week ago.
Here's Muffin Man opening Madagascar from BigSister and her family.
We've watched it three times already. And as you can see behind him, he got lots of other presents as well. He's a very happy boy.
I hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year.
Friday, December 30, 2005
He likes it! He likes it!
Muffin Man went to visit PNP this morning and stayed through lunch. I'm happy to report that he:
Went to art class (I'll post the picture later)
Went to Spanish Class
Went to Gym (BIG BEACH BALL!)
Ate all his apples and carrots and had two bites of the sloppy joe
Enjoyed himself thoroughly and can't wait to go back!
Yay!
Most of this was with no parent in view of Muffin Man. MM could be seen on the closed circut tv (viewed on a flat-screen monitor the size of Wyoming) in the lobby.
Went to art class (I'll post the picture later)
Went to Spanish Class
Went to Gym (BIG BEACH BALL!)
Ate all his apples and carrots and had two bites of the sloppy joe
Enjoyed himself thoroughly and can't wait to go back!
Yay!
Most of this was with no parent in view of Muffin Man. MM could be seen on the closed circut tv (viewed on a flat-screen monitor the size of Wyoming) in the lobby.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Uncle-Tandem-Bicycle
I have so many aunts and uncles that I'd insult about 20 people if I said that one or the other was my favorite, but just between you and me, Uncle-Tandem-Bicycle is my favorite.
He's the one who gave gift certificates for Haagen Daz for all occasions. He's the one who had great toys and would get down on the floor with me and play. He's the one who biked across country, through Europe, up the east coast.
He and Aunt-Tandem-Bicycle adopted my cousin Sweet-and-Shy from Russia last year. I can't think of anyone more cut out to be parents than these wonderful people. Seeing them with their daughter, the three of them so glowing and happy, makes me get all choked up.
And he's also the one who taught me to sing "Herman the Hanukah Candle" instead of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" so I wouldn't offend elderly conservative aunties and uncles during candle-lighting time.
For all of you on this fourth night of Hanukah, here are the words:
Herman the Hanukah Candle
had a very shiny light
and if you ever saw it
you would even say it's bright.
All of the other candles
used to laugh and call him names
they never let poor Herman
join in any Hanukah games
Then one rainy Hanukah night,
the rabbi came to say,
"Herman with your light so bright
won't you be my shamash* tonight?"
Then how the candles loved him
And they shouted out with glee
"Herman the Hanukah candle
you'll go down in history!"
* the candle that's in the middle of the traditional menorah. On all menorahs it's placed on a higher spot than the rest. You light it first and then light the other candles with its flame.
He's the one who gave gift certificates for Haagen Daz for all occasions. He's the one who had great toys and would get down on the floor with me and play. He's the one who biked across country, through Europe, up the east coast.
He and Aunt-Tandem-Bicycle adopted my cousin Sweet-and-Shy from Russia last year. I can't think of anyone more cut out to be parents than these wonderful people. Seeing them with their daughter, the three of them so glowing and happy, makes me get all choked up.
And he's also the one who taught me to sing "Herman the Hanukah Candle" instead of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" so I wouldn't offend elderly conservative aunties and uncles during candle-lighting time.
For all of you on this fourth night of Hanukah, here are the words:
Herman the Hanukah Candle
had a very shiny light
and if you ever saw it
you would even say it's bright.
All of the other candles
used to laugh and call him names
they never let poor Herman
join in any Hanukah games
Then one rainy Hanukah night,
the rabbi came to say,
"Herman with your light so bright
won't you be my shamash* tonight?"
Then how the candles loved him
And they shouted out with glee
"Herman the Hanukah candle
you'll go down in history!"
* the candle that's in the middle of the traditional menorah. On all menorahs it's placed on a higher spot than the rest. You light it first and then light the other candles with its flame.
CD recommendation
Christine Lavin has a holiday CD that I received for Christmas. Half the songs on the album have grabbed hold of me and won't let go, and I've forced others to listen to them too. This is some of the prettiest a capella music I've ever heard. Highlights include "Dona Nobis Pacem" and "Tacobel Canon" (beautiful and tasty!), and "A New Year's Round".
The CD also includes two stories I'm probably not going to listen to again, and 5 songs that are good, but not great. But the other 7 songs, those songs are being played over and over. So peaceful, so glorious.
The CD also includes two stories I'm probably not going to listen to again, and 5 songs that are good, but not great. But the other 7 songs, those songs are being played over and over. So peaceful, so glorious.
How nice is PNP?
PNP is beyond anything I've ever seen.
* It has 4 full-time directors (as opposed to last daycare which went through 7 directors in less than 4 years)
* Included in the price are daily half-hour sessions in music, computers, art, library-time, and movement with their own dedicated rooms and teachers.
* There's an indoor gym for inclement weather.
* There's an outdoor water-play area with sprinkler installations for summertime play.
* Not one of the toys was broken.
* The front desk is always staffed.
* You can't get into the place without being buzzed in or getting your fingerprint scanned (no more codes that don't change often enough/are changed without letting parents know what the damned code is).
* You can't get OUT of the place without pushing a button that's out of most kids' reach (no more kids escaping and running loose in the parking lot - and yes, that really happened at the old place).
* All of the kids looked happy.
* The director who showed us around knew the name of EVERY kid she saw (as opposed to the newest director at the old place who consistently mis-said Muffin Man's name - if his name were Larry, she'd have called him Barry or Jerry).
And did I mention that all the kids looked happy?
* It has 4 full-time directors (as opposed to last daycare which went through 7 directors in less than 4 years)
* Included in the price are daily half-hour sessions in music, computers, art, library-time, and movement with their own dedicated rooms and teachers.
* There's an indoor gym for inclement weather.
* There's an outdoor water-play area with sprinkler installations for summertime play.
* Not one of the toys was broken.
* The front desk is always staffed.
* You can't get into the place without being buzzed in or getting your fingerprint scanned (no more codes that don't change often enough/are changed without letting parents know what the damned code is).
* You can't get OUT of the place without pushing a button that's out of most kids' reach (no more kids escaping and running loose in the parking lot - and yes, that really happened at the old place).
* All of the kids looked happy.
* The director who showed us around knew the name of EVERY kid she saw (as opposed to the newest director at the old place who consistently mis-said Muffin Man's name - if his name were Larry, she'd have called him Barry or Jerry).
And did I mention that all the kids looked happy?
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Jane! Jane! Stop this crazy thing!
*Muffin Man's new bed arrives January 3rd (a week from tomorrow)
*Posh New Place (the daycare designed by Disney) called and he can start January 4th.
*Mr. Spock will be abroad on business for three weeks starting January 7th.
I'm having an asthma attack.
*Posh New Place (the daycare designed by Disney) called and he can start January 4th.
*Mr. Spock will be abroad on business for three weeks starting January 7th.
I'm having an asthma attack.
It's here!
My Holiday of Your Choice Gift Extraveganza present arrived yesterday all the way from Canada. It jingles!!! I can't wait to open it. January 14th is sooooooo far away!
That's my boy
The day before Christmas we went over to Uncle-He's-Younger-Than-Mr-Spock and Aunt-She's-Two-Years-Older-Than-Me's house to celebrate and shmooze. Muffin Man had a good time playing with his cousins (really, my cousins but they're 8 (adopted daughter of different aunt and uncle), 7, 5 and 3) and their cousins (5, 3, and 10 months)
Sometime during the afternoon, TellsDonaldDuckStories, Uncle-He's-Younger-Than-Mr-Spock, 7-year-old cousin, Aunt-She's-Two-Years-Older-Than-Me's brother and brother in law all started up a touch football game. Muffin Man watched for a while and then joined in, the only one of the three three-year-old boys to want to play with the "Big Boys".
The first time Muffin Man got pushed down, he ran crying to me. I asked him if he was hurt, he answered "No, but they PUSHED me!!!"
"You're playing football, sweetie. Pushing is okay in football. It's not okay other times, but it's okay in football." He stopped crying immediately, hopped off my lap and went back into the game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The day AFTER Christmas, we went to pick out a big boy bed for him (a gift from my MIL). He looked at all the choices and ran straight to a dark walnut sleigh bed. "I like THIS one!" He shouted. "IT'S PINK!!!!" And indeed, it had a pink comforter and pink pillows shaped like hearts.
Unfortunately, it did not have extra storage underneath or in the headboard, which is something I'd like him to have. So Mr. Spock looked at the other choices and we tried to guide Muffin Man over to a more practical choice. "NO! I want the PINK ONE!!!"
Suddenly, I had a flash of inspiration. I pulled the pink comforter and pillows off the sleigh bed and put them on the captain's bed. "What do you think, now? Do you like this one?"
"Yes! This one! This one!"
So my little manly football player is going to have a little manly captain's bed with cubbies and drawers and pink sheets with pink heart-shaped pillows.
That's my boy.
Sometime during the afternoon, TellsDonaldDuckStories, Uncle-He's-Younger-Than-Mr-Spock, 7-year-old cousin, Aunt-She's-Two-Years-Older-Than-Me's brother and brother in law all started up a touch football game. Muffin Man watched for a while and then joined in, the only one of the three three-year-old boys to want to play with the "Big Boys".
The first time Muffin Man got pushed down, he ran crying to me. I asked him if he was hurt, he answered "No, but they PUSHED me!!!"
"You're playing football, sweetie. Pushing is okay in football. It's not okay other times, but it's okay in football." He stopped crying immediately, hopped off my lap and went back into the game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The day AFTER Christmas, we went to pick out a big boy bed for him (a gift from my MIL). He looked at all the choices and ran straight to a dark walnut sleigh bed. "I like THIS one!" He shouted. "IT'S PINK!!!!" And indeed, it had a pink comforter and pink pillows shaped like hearts.
Unfortunately, it did not have extra storage underneath or in the headboard, which is something I'd like him to have. So Mr. Spock looked at the other choices and we tried to guide Muffin Man over to a more practical choice. "NO! I want the PINK ONE!!!"
Suddenly, I had a flash of inspiration. I pulled the pink comforter and pillows off the sleigh bed and put them on the captain's bed. "What do you think, now? Do you like this one?"
"Yes! This one! This one!"
So my little manly football player is going to have a little manly captain's bed with cubbies and drawers and pink sheets with pink heart-shaped pillows.
That's my boy.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Alton Brown is a god.
Truly. His method of cooking Prime Rib makes, bar none, the best piece of cow flesh I've ever eaten.
And I was not alone in this assessment. My mother, my stepfather and Mr. Spock all passed out from the glory that was this perfect standing rib roast.
Wegman's gets kudos, too. Their meat department surpasses all others.
And the rest of Christmas went well too.
Pictures to come later.
And I was not alone in this assessment. My mother, my stepfather and Mr. Spock all passed out from the glory that was this perfect standing rib roast.
Wegman's gets kudos, too. Their meat department surpasses all others.
And the rest of Christmas went well too.
Pictures to come later.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
The tree is decorated, the presents wrapped...
QuiltsAlot is reading aloud to Muffin Man. He is in his jammies, brushed and washed and ready for bed.
We put out grain for the reindeer and cookies for Santa. All that's left is the stockings and Santa does that!
Merry Christmas to you all and Happy Hanukah too. And big hugs. Lots of them. Especially for Phantom Scribbler.
We put out grain for the reindeer and cookies for Santa. All that's left is the stockings and Santa does that!
Merry Christmas to you all and Happy Hanukah too. And big hugs. Lots of them. Especially for Phantom Scribbler.
Friday, December 23, 2005
All done except the tinsel.
*Buy a few more presents - All done!
*Wrap about 20 packages
*Ship one or two things
*Change the sheets in the guest and put clean towels in the guest bath
*Clean house
*Decorate. Seriously. The tree isn't up yet. Good: my parents want to do this with us. Can wait for Saturday.
*Shop for food for the weekend
Yippee!
*
*
*
*
*Decorate. Seriously. The tree isn't up yet. Good: my parents want to do this with us. Can wait for Saturday.
*
Yippee!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
...and shorter
*Buy a few more presents - Just one left!
*Wrap about 20 packages - Still only five wrapped.
*Ship one or two things - Whew. Hopefully my present for the Winter Holiday of Your Choice Gifty Extravaganza will show up where it's supposed to be on time.
*Change the sheets in the guest roomMake sure I have clean sheets for the more-comfortable fold-out couch downstairs and clean towels in the guest bath (Hi Mom!)
*Clean house
*Decorate. Seriously. The tree isn't up yet. Good: my parents want to do this with us. Can wait for Saturday.
*Shop for food for the weekend - Aside from the Roast Beast we're having potato latkes and braised brussells sprouts. Now I need to figure out what we're going to eat the rest of the weekend and go shopping. Also we need vodka and lime. Tonic we've got, as well as the other beverages our guests like best. Oh! Can't forget bagels! Though TellsDonaldDuckStories often likes to take the trip to go out and get them so that he can also get a copy of the NYT and an espresso.
*Wrap about 20 packages - Still only five wrapped.
*
*
*Clean house
*Decorate. Seriously. The tree isn't up yet. Good: my parents want to do this with us. Can wait for Saturday.
*Shop for food for the weekend - Aside from the Roast Beast we're having potato latkes and braised brussells sprouts. Now I need to figure out what we're going to eat the rest of the weekend and go shopping. Also we need vodka and lime. Tonic we've got, as well as the other beverages our guests like best. Oh! Can't forget bagels! Though TellsDonaldDuckStories often likes to take the trip to go out and get them so that he can also get a copy of the NYT and an espresso.
Happy Birthday!
To three of my favorite on-line people:
Purple Kangaroo turns 29 today, Chloe is three, and Frances is TWO!
And here is a birthday card for all of you.
Purple Kangaroo turns 29 today, Chloe is three, and Frances is TWO!
And here is a birthday card for all of you.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Can you tell me what time it is?
(bump)
(creeeeeeaaaakkk)
(thumpThumpTHUMPthumpThumpTHUMPthumpThump
THUMPTHWAPThwapthwap)
(ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss)
(WHOOOOOSHHHHHH)
(thwapThwapTHWAPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP)
"Mommy? Is it morning?"
answer: 6:30 AM. That's my good boy.
And yes, I sent him back to wash his hands.
(creeeeeeaaaakkk)
(thumpThumpTHUMPthumpThumpTHUMPthumpThump
THUMPTHWAPThwapthwap)
(ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss)
(WHOOOOOSHHHHHH)
(thwapThwapTHWAPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP)
"Mommy? Is it morning?"
answer: 6:30 AM. That's my good boy.
And yes, I sent him back to wash his hands.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Meme of the senses (as seen at R2Ks)
Favorite Sound(s): My son laughing. The sound of small waves lapping at the shore of a lake or pond.
Favorite Colour(s): That blue that they use to make those fancy bottles of water. The chocolate brown of my son's eyes.
Favorite Image: My son snuggling with my husband.
Favorite Tactile Sensation(s): The feeling of flannel against my skin. Hugs and kisses from my boys.
Favorite Scent(s): The top of Muffin Man's head. Good things cooking in the kitchen
Well the list is getting a bit shorter
*Buy a few more presents - Two more to go.
*Wrap about 20 packages - I've gotten 5 wrapped.
*Ship one or two things - Whew. Hopefully my present for the Winter Holiday of Your Choice Gifty Extravaganza will show up where it's supposed to be on time.
*Change the sheets in the guest room and the towels in the guest bath (Hi Mom!)
*Clean house
*Decorate. Seriously. The tree isn't up yet.
*Shop for food for the weekend - Aside from the Roast Beast we're having potato latkes and braised brussells sprouts. Now I need to figure out what we're going to eat the rest of the weekend and go shopping. Also we need vodka and lime. Tonic we've got, as well as the other beverages our guests like best. Oh! Can't forget bagels! Though TellsDonaldDuckStories often likes to take the trip to go out and get them so that he can also get a copy of the NYT and an espresso.
*Wrap about 20 packages - I've gotten 5 wrapped.
*Change the sheets in the guest room and the towels in the guest bath (Hi Mom!)
*Clean house
*Decorate. Seriously. The tree isn't up yet.
*Shop for food for the weekend - Aside from the Roast Beast we're having potato latkes and braised brussells sprouts. Now I need to figure out what we're going to eat the rest of the weekend and go shopping. Also we need vodka and lime. Tonic we've got, as well as the other beverages our guests like best. Oh! Can't forget bagels! Though TellsDonaldDuckStories often likes to take the trip to go out and get them so that he can also get a copy of the NYT and an espresso.
Monday, December 19, 2005
As promised
Muffin Man at his new computer, playing Tt(F)TE: "Trouble on the Tracks".
He is so happy, he can't wait for it to be turned on in the mornings.
Check out his cool robe, a hand-me-down from his cousins. LL Bean, y'all.
He is so happy, he can't wait for it to be turned on in the mornings.
Check out his cool robe, a hand-me-down from his cousins. LL Bean, y'all.
Attention: New maturity alert!
At about 5:45, Muffin Man came in and wanted to snuggle and I brought him back to his own room (after asking if he needed to go potty and him saying, "no") (our rule is everyone in their own bed until after 6:30). And then at 6:30 he came back in, went straight into the bathroom, pee'd, flushed, turned out the light and went back into his own room WITHOUT ANY ASSISTANCE FROM ME. He didn't even know I was awake. Granted, he didn't wash his hands, but I'm not asking for miracles here.
At 7:00, he came back in and we worked on our respective computers (did I tell you that Mr. Spock set up a computer for Muffin Man? He did. Pictures to follow) for 20 minutes and then got dressed and dropped him off at school (perfectly happy) and got me to work (counting down to my last day!)
At 7:00, he came back in and we worked on our respective computers (did I tell you that Mr. Spock set up a computer for Muffin Man? He did. Pictures to follow) for 20 minutes and then got dressed and dropped him off at school (perfectly happy) and got me to work (counting down to my last day!)
Sometime over the next week I must:
*Buy a few more presents
*Wrap about 20 packages
*Ship one or two things
*Change the sheets in the guest room and the towels in the guest bath (Hi Mom!)
*Clean house
*Decorate. Seriously. The tree isn't up yet.
*Shop for food for the weekend (Roast beast. I placed the order yesterday at Wegman's)
What I did this past weekend:
*Went to a party at church (I made the ham.) Had a great time.
*Went Christmas shopping with Muffin Man.
*Made and painted bread dough figures with Muffin Man (pictures to follow)
*Went shopping at Wegman's (all three of us. We LOVE Wegman's)
*Ordered stuff from Amazon.
I'm trying not to feel stressed about all the stuff I wanted to do this past weekend (see top list) that I didn't do. Time just ran out on me.
*Wrap about 20 packages
*Ship one or two things
*Change the sheets in the guest room and the towels in the guest bath (Hi Mom!)
*Clean house
*Decorate. Seriously. The tree isn't up yet.
*Shop for food for the weekend (Roast beast. I placed the order yesterday at Wegman's)
What I did this past weekend:
*Went to a party at church (I made the ham.) Had a great time.
*Went Christmas shopping with Muffin Man.
*Made and painted bread dough figures with Muffin Man (pictures to follow)
*Went shopping at Wegman's (all three of us. We LOVE Wegman's)
*Ordered stuff from Amazon.
I'm trying not to feel stressed about all the stuff I wanted to do this past weekend (see top list) that I didn't do. Time just ran out on me.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
DayInCountry
This is a picture of the day Muffin Man saw a wild turkey while visiting TellsDonaldDuckStories and QuiltsAlot at their house in the country. It was drawn nearly a month after the event.
Must have made an impression, eh?
Must have made an impression, eh?
SparklyFlower
Muffin Man makes an occasional foray into multi-media. This is sparkly paint on newsprint paper with foam flowers.
It is a flower made of flowers.
It is a flower made of flowers.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Well, that's a relief
Muffin Man and I walked into Miss G.'s classroom this morning, his fourth day at his new school. I took off his coat and, as I turned to hang it up, he ran to Miss G. yelling, "I'm wearing my watch!"
He barely wanted to take the time to give me kisses and push me out.
I guess you could say he's settled in.
He barely wanted to take the time to give me kisses and push me out.
I guess you could say he's settled in.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Muffin Man's World has Changed
Muffin Man started at a new daycare yesterday.
He'd been at his old one since he was 10 weeks old. His first teacher, Miss A., was so special. His second-to-last teacher there, Miss M., was also really wonderful. Other teachers who are no longer there made his every day a joy.
But there's the rub. Those teachers are no longer there. Miss M. is leaving soon too. Miss A. was making noises about not liking where the center is going.
The problem is they've had 5 directors in the time we've been there. And the current director is going on maternity leave next month. And her replacement isn't getting along with the teachers. And she's constantly forgetting the kids' names. The place is starting to come unglued and we're not willing to put MM through that again (the last time it happened, they lost two-thirds of their teachers and had to close the toddler room for lack of staff. MM was dividing his days amoung the crawling babies and the rambunctious two's and three's - a blended class also due to lack of staff.)
So we've moved MM to a different center. And it was hard on him yesterday, but today he came home really happy. Talking about the silly songs his teacher, Miss G., sang and the sign-language movements she did with the song (he particularly liked her rendition of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer")
And we're loving the "what I did today" reports she sent home yesterday and today. They're very detailed (mostly xeroxed, but with hand-written notes specifically about our son) and very cheerful with snowflakes and snowmen in the margins. His old school wasn't too big on daily reports. Except in the very young classes.
There are other things about this new center we're not liking so much, but we've got him on a waiting list at Posh New Place (daycare designed by D1sn3y! Not really, but that's how it looks.)
He'd been at his old one since he was 10 weeks old. His first teacher, Miss A., was so special. His second-to-last teacher there, Miss M., was also really wonderful. Other teachers who are no longer there made his every day a joy.
But there's the rub. Those teachers are no longer there. Miss M. is leaving soon too. Miss A. was making noises about not liking where the center is going.
The problem is they've had 5 directors in the time we've been there. And the current director is going on maternity leave next month. And her replacement isn't getting along with the teachers. And she's constantly forgetting the kids' names. The place is starting to come unglued and we're not willing to put MM through that again (the last time it happened, they lost two-thirds of their teachers and had to close the toddler room for lack of staff. MM was dividing his days amoung the crawling babies and the rambunctious two's and three's - a blended class also due to lack of staff.)
So we've moved MM to a different center. And it was hard on him yesterday, but today he came home really happy. Talking about the silly songs his teacher, Miss G., sang and the sign-language movements she did with the song (he particularly liked her rendition of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer")
And we're loving the "what I did today" reports she sent home yesterday and today. They're very detailed (mostly xeroxed, but with hand-written notes specifically about our son) and very cheerful with snowflakes and snowmen in the margins. His old school wasn't too big on daily reports. Except in the very young classes.
There are other things about this new center we're not liking so much, but we've got him on a waiting list at Posh New Place (daycare designed by D1sn3y! Not really, but that's how it looks.)
Monday, December 12, 2005
The horror, the horror!
This picture was taken Christmas morning a looooooooong time ago. I couldn't find any pictures of this perm that didn't show my face....
Please note that not only do I have the typical late-eighties spiral perm, I also have BANGS. Can you say, "poodle"? Or perhaps, "Portugese Water Dog" or maybe "Puli"?
I thought I looked Mahvelous.
Please note that not only do I have the typical late-eighties spiral perm, I also have BANGS. Can you say, "poodle"? Or perhaps, "Portugese Water Dog" or maybe "Puli"?
I thought I looked Mahvelous.
Friday, December 09, 2005
The essay I wrote for Nearby U.
We spend time together almost everyday: Josephine, Margaret, Frances, Georgette, Dana, Jane, and I. One-on-one, we share lunch or that quiet time after my son Muffin Man is in bed. Every time I see them, I experience something new. There are others I have lunch with, or spend those quiet hours with, but Josephine and the others are my core-group of companions. We take trips together. We meet on visits to the doctor’s office. Often, one will go with me when I get the oil changed in my car.
Aside from Frances, they are a different set of friends from those I had when I was young. Back then it was Frances, Laura, Lucy, Paula, Noel, and Agatha. They rode the subway to school with me. I sat with them at lunch and recess. My fifth grade teacher actually had to limit my time with them, because my other friends were feeling left out.
In bed at night I used to hide under the blankets with a flashlight just to steal one more half-hour with one or another of them. My mom learned pretty quickly to come and check on me often. "Lights out, Little Miss Mystery Mommy. Put the book away. It’ll still be there in the morning."
Joesephine Tey, Margaret Maron, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Georgette Heyer, Dana Stabenow, Jane Austen. Such wonderful writing, such fascinating worlds: The United Kingdom during the Regency Era, the Victorian Era, and between the World Wars; Our own present-day heartland, cities, and wilderness. I fall in love with the places as much as the people. And when I come back from reading or re-reading one of their books, I get a new appreciation for my own small world, seeing it through fresh eyes.
More than any one person, these authors have influenced who I am and what my morals are. From Laura Ingalls Wilder I learned to be grateful for what I had - how could I complain when she had subsisted on hand-ground whole-wheat bread for an entire winter, twisting hay into sticks for the fire? From Noel Streatfeild I learned about how war affects children and that even children can help their families earn enough money to keep afloat. Paula Danziger taught me to face disappointment with humour and that my family’s odd arrangement of four parents and joint custody might not be so unusual after all. Agatha Christie (and before her, the authors of "Nancy Drew") taught me to pay attention to the littlest details. And that "humour" is spelled with two u’s.
I said that these authors are my companions, but really it’s their books that have been my friends. Their books have taught me and nurtured me, comforted me and helped me to grieve. Beloved old familiar books, intriguing newly discovered books. Used books that smell of pipe tobacco. New books with shiny fresh covers. Library books, reluctantly returned. Memoirs, mysteries, science-fiction, histories - how delightful just to read, and laugh, or weep. And now that I’m a mother - with a young son who needs me rested every morning - how strangely sweet it is to say to myself sometimes, "Lights out, Mystery Mommy. Put the book away. It’ll still be there in the morning."
Aside from Frances, they are a different set of friends from those I had when I was young. Back then it was Frances, Laura, Lucy, Paula, Noel, and Agatha. They rode the subway to school with me. I sat with them at lunch and recess. My fifth grade teacher actually had to limit my time with them, because my other friends were feeling left out.
In bed at night I used to hide under the blankets with a flashlight just to steal one more half-hour with one or another of them. My mom learned pretty quickly to come and check on me often. "Lights out, Little Miss Mystery Mommy. Put the book away. It’ll still be there in the morning."
Joesephine Tey, Margaret Maron, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Georgette Heyer, Dana Stabenow, Jane Austen. Such wonderful writing, such fascinating worlds: The United Kingdom during the Regency Era, the Victorian Era, and between the World Wars; Our own present-day heartland, cities, and wilderness. I fall in love with the places as much as the people. And when I come back from reading or re-reading one of their books, I get a new appreciation for my own small world, seeing it through fresh eyes.
More than any one person, these authors have influenced who I am and what my morals are. From Laura Ingalls Wilder I learned to be grateful for what I had - how could I complain when she had subsisted on hand-ground whole-wheat bread for an entire winter, twisting hay into sticks for the fire? From Noel Streatfeild I learned about how war affects children and that even children can help their families earn enough money to keep afloat. Paula Danziger taught me to face disappointment with humour and that my family’s odd arrangement of four parents and joint custody might not be so unusual after all. Agatha Christie (and before her, the authors of "Nancy Drew") taught me to pay attention to the littlest details. And that "humour" is spelled with two u’s.
I said that these authors are my companions, but really it’s their books that have been my friends. Their books have taught me and nurtured me, comforted me and helped me to grieve. Beloved old familiar books, intriguing newly discovered books. Used books that smell of pipe tobacco. New books with shiny fresh covers. Library books, reluctantly returned. Memoirs, mysteries, science-fiction, histories - how delightful just to read, and laugh, or weep. And now that I’m a mother - with a young son who needs me rested every morning - how strangely sweet it is to say to myself sometimes, "Lights out, Mystery Mommy. Put the book away. It’ll still be there in the morning."
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Mine
Sometimes we argue over whose son Muffin Man really is.
"Yours." I say, when he's being extra silly.
"What do mean? He's totally yours!"
There is no doubt tonight, however, over whose kid he really is. Upon checking on him 2 hours after tucking in and lights out, this is what we found.
Light on.
Sleeping on top of the covers.
Face down on a book.
Mine.*
*There continues to be some disagreement about this.
"Yours." I say, when he's being extra silly.
"What do mean? He's totally yours!"
There is no doubt tonight, however, over whose kid he really is. Upon checking on him 2 hours after tucking in and lights out, this is what we found.
Light on.
Sleeping on top of the covers.
Face down on a book.
Mine.*
*There continues to be some disagreement about this.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Snow in Northern Virginia
Always such a joy. My normally 15 minute commute took 45 minutes at 4:00 PM. I'm so glad that I'm not still working at my old job. Tonight the temps are supposed to dip and the snow is supposed to keep falling. By tomorrow morning the roads are going to be a complete mess.
You'd think people would slow down and give more follow distance when the weather's like this, wouldn't you? But no...that'd mean admitting that it's actually! snowing!
You'd think people would slow down and give more follow distance when the weather's like this, wouldn't you? But no...that'd mean admitting that it's actually! snowing!
Why the heck isn't it Wednesday yet?
My cubicle is f-f-f-f-freezing. Seriously.
I'm wearing my coat and g-g-g-gloves (difficult to type, but I'm making do) and my scarf and I'm starting to lose feeling in my t-t-t-t-toes (encased in winter boots)
And for once, it's not just me - the men I work with are complaining too. You know it's cold when the men start complaining!!!
Gotta get back to work. B-b-b-bye!
I'm wearing my coat and g-g-g-gloves (difficult to type, but I'm making do) and my scarf and I'm starting to lose feeling in my t-t-t-t-toes (encased in winter boots)
And for once, it's not just me - the men I work with are complaining too. You know it's cold when the men start complaining!!!
Gotta get back to work. B-b-b-bye!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Big day here
I got some good news (early, I was not expecting to hear for another two weeks!), I'm going back to college!!!
I'll be entering as a full-time undergraduate at Nearby University!
I'll be entering as a full-time undergraduate at Nearby University!
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