Do you ever wonder why some prolific bloggers just seem to drop off the face of the earth? I've been wondering this now for a few months about this blogger and finally just removed him from my adventures list last month.
So...just so you know -- in case you visit the site in the next week -- I haven't dropped off the earth's face yet, I'm just taking the week off to do a little 'fishin' with the family. See you soon. :)
PS: Beans update: he's doing much better and hobbling around on his own. Thank goodness for small miracles.
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Friday, February 20, 2004
My Inner Child
So I took this quiz and really figured that with all the stress and concerns I’ve had lately, my inner child would be calculated using dogs years. Turns out I was wrong – who’d da thunk it?
My inner child is one year old!
Everything is new to me. I like watching the world
go by around me, and I don't sweat the small
stuff--or the large stuff, either. Just so long
as I stay warm and safe and dry, life's pretty
good.
It’s days like today, when I wish I could really be as old as my inner child.
My Inner Child
So I took this quiz and really figured that with all the stress and concerns I’ve had lately, my inner child would be calculated using dogs years. Turns out I was wrong – who’d da thunk it?
My inner child is one year old!
Everything is new to me. I like watching the world
go by around me, and I don't sweat the small
stuff--or the large stuff, either. Just so long
as I stay warm and safe and dry, life's pretty
good.
It’s days like today, when I wish I could really be as old as my inner child.
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Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Serving up Lemons
Lately life is serving up a lot of these lately and the stress monitor is going up. The new boss starts work tomorrow, but other then having to clean up my office I haven’t really stressed much about this at all. What is causing a bit of stress is the Beans situation and an upcoming trip to Seattle next week.
Monday’s vet appointment turned out to be a full day of tests affair with the outcome still unknown. What is known is that Beans is doing poorly – very poorly. He’s lost about 25 lbs (his normal weight hovers around 100), not walking at all on his left hind leg (the muscles have apparently atrophy from lack of use – mostly likely nerve damage) and his bladder is oversized and not functioning properly (basically Beans dribbles instead of pees). All in all not a good sign for a dog who is ten years old. The good news is that he doesn’t seem to be in pain and is still eating well, the bad news is that he’s falling quite frequently and often needs David’s assistance to walk. With four days left until our scheduled departure, David and I are praying for miracles so that we won’t have to make that dreaded decision. I can’t talk about this rationally any more, it’s just too upsetting for me to think about right now. Gotta go… there’s a sweet dog lying in my kitchen that needs a little lovin.
Serving up Lemons
Lately life is serving up a lot of these lately and the stress monitor is going up. The new boss starts work tomorrow, but other then having to clean up my office I haven’t really stressed much about this at all. What is causing a bit of stress is the Beans situation and an upcoming trip to Seattle next week.
Monday’s vet appointment turned out to be a full day of tests affair with the outcome still unknown. What is known is that Beans is doing poorly – very poorly. He’s lost about 25 lbs (his normal weight hovers around 100), not walking at all on his left hind leg (the muscles have apparently atrophy from lack of use – mostly likely nerve damage) and his bladder is oversized and not functioning properly (basically Beans dribbles instead of pees). All in all not a good sign for a dog who is ten years old. The good news is that he doesn’t seem to be in pain and is still eating well, the bad news is that he’s falling quite frequently and often needs David’s assistance to walk. With four days left until our scheduled departure, David and I are praying for miracles so that we won’t have to make that dreaded decision. I can’t talk about this rationally any more, it’s just too upsetting for me to think about right now. Gotta go… there’s a sweet dog lying in my kitchen that needs a little lovin.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Panter Fags
The homeboys may have lost the big game two weekends ago, but there are still many fans celebrating this past season's achievements. For Jessie, the Black-n-Blue fever has had one major lasting effect... everywhere we drive her eyes are peeled for that elusive sighting of a "panter fag." Whenever she sees one, the cries come out "Momma, Look! Panter fag, Panter fag."
Now in case you’re not familiar with 2 year old speak, you might be wondering just what a panter fag is? No, it's not an out of breath homosexual, it's just a flag. Most of the time, a black-n-blue one that is sporting a NFC championship logo. But as the sightings of panther flags have decreased within the last week, Jessie has broadened the definition to include most any flag... including the good old red, white & blue. :) Long live panter fags!!
Panter Fags
The homeboys may have lost the big game two weekends ago, but there are still many fans celebrating this past season's achievements. For Jessie, the Black-n-Blue fever has had one major lasting effect... everywhere we drive her eyes are peeled for that elusive sighting of a "panter fag." Whenever she sees one, the cries come out "Momma, Look! Panter fag, Panter fag."
Now in case you’re not familiar with 2 year old speak, you might be wondering just what a panter fag is? No, it's not an out of breath homosexual, it's just a flag. Most of the time, a black-n-blue one that is sporting a NFC championship logo. But as the sightings of panther flags have decreased within the last week, Jessie has broadened the definition to include most any flag... including the good old red, white & blue. :) Long live panter fags!!
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Monday, February 16, 2004
Old Dog
We knew this day was coming… we just didn’t expect it to happen so fast. Only last week, Beans bounded around on the deck plying for treats and attention with his usual zeal. But today, it’s evident that is 70+ dog years are finally catching up with him. His back legs wobble when he attempts to stand up and there is a profound limp in his walk – a clear sign of advanced arthritis.
David and I always thought that Fritz would probably be the first eventually to go. After all he's about 10 years old then Beans in dog years and has worn a white beard for the last 5 five human ones. But after observing Beans in the last two days, it doesn’t look that way.
It’s hard to see our “first children” grow old and enter their senior years. Both our boys are the gentlest of dogs and the best of companions. I know that it will be hard to say goodbye to them when we eventually have to... In the meantime, we’re hoping that good drugs and visit to the vet on Monday will give Beans some much needed relief so that he can still enjoy all that life still has in store for him. He most certainly deserves too!
Photo: Beans towers Jessie (11 months old)
Old Dog
We knew this day was coming… we just didn’t expect it to happen so fast. Only last week, Beans bounded around on the deck plying for treats and attention with his usual zeal. But today, it’s evident that is 70+ dog years are finally catching up with him. His back legs wobble when he attempts to stand up and there is a profound limp in his walk – a clear sign of advanced arthritis.
David and I always thought that Fritz would probably be the first eventually to go. After all he's about 10 years old then Beans in dog years and has worn a white beard for the last 5 five human ones. But after observing Beans in the last two days, it doesn’t look that way.
It’s hard to see our “first children” grow old and enter their senior years. Both our boys are the gentlest of dogs and the best of companions. I know that it will be hard to say goodbye to them when we eventually have to... In the meantime, we’re hoping that good drugs and visit to the vet on Monday will give Beans some much needed relief so that he can still enjoy all that life still has in store for him. He most certainly deserves too!
Photo: Beans towers Jessie (11 months old)
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Sunday, February 15, 2004
What's your spauzie pillow?
Today's post can be found at Dotmoms.
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Kathryn has a small, pink satin-covered pillow that she simply just CAN'T go to sleep without. It was a gift from her Grammie when she was just 6 months old. Although we didn't really let her have it until she had graduated from the crib to her big girl bed, once we did it quickly became her best nighttime friend.
"Spauzie pillow, spauzie pillow" she'd whimper and cry, begging us to locate her lost friend (for some reason this seemed to be a nightly occurrence). Of course, as sleep-deprived parents, we'd go to any extreme to locate the said pillow, even if it meant flying to the moon. Neaarly two years later, the spauzie ("special" in one-year-old speak) pillow is still one of her constant bedtime comfort companions.
Last night, Kathryn must have sensed I needed a little comfort, too. "Momma, you can sleep with my Care Bear tonight." "Thanks," I told her with a smile. Although I don't normally sleep with cuddly security companions (unless you include the hubby), her sentiment and thoughtfulness got me thinking.
As a child, it's common to have comfort items that we attach ourselves to -- I, myself, had a little pink blankie with the softest of satin trims -- but what comfort items do we attach ourselves to as adults? I can think immediately of two items that come to mind for myself: the faded green goose grain ribbon that has been attached to my key ring since middle school (whenever I'm out, my keys are constantly in my hand with the ribbon wrapped around my fingers) and a favorite family piece of furniture (whenever we've moved, it's felt like home -- once the corner hutch has found the perfect place).
What's your spauzie pillow?
What's your spauzie pillow?
Today's post can be found at Dotmoms.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kathryn has a small, pink satin-covered pillow that she simply just CAN'T go to sleep without. It was a gift from her Grammie when she was just 6 months old. Although we didn't really let her have it until she had graduated from the crib to her big girl bed, once we did it quickly became her best nighttime friend.
"Spauzie pillow, spauzie pillow" she'd whimper and cry, begging us to locate her lost friend (for some reason this seemed to be a nightly occurrence). Of course, as sleep-deprived parents, we'd go to any extreme to locate the said pillow, even if it meant flying to the moon. Neaarly two years later, the spauzie ("special" in one-year-old speak) pillow is still one of her constant bedtime comfort companions.
Last night, Kathryn must have sensed I needed a little comfort, too. "Momma, you can sleep with my Care Bear tonight." "Thanks," I told her with a smile. Although I don't normally sleep with cuddly security companions (unless you include the hubby), her sentiment and thoughtfulness got me thinking.
As a child, it's common to have comfort items that we attach ourselves to -- I, myself, had a little pink blankie with the softest of satin trims -- but what comfort items do we attach ourselves to as adults? I can think immediately of two items that come to mind for myself: the faded green goose grain ribbon that has been attached to my key ring since middle school (whenever I'm out, my keys are constantly in my hand with the ribbon wrapped around my fingers) and a favorite family piece of furniture (whenever we've moved, it's felt like home -- once the corner hutch has found the perfect place).
What's your spauzie pillow?
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Friday, February 13, 2004
Me Me
Kathryn has begun annoying habit, which is literally driving “me” nuts. Perhaps that’s her intent -- to put Momma in the monkey house – but whatever the reason, I’m pretty sure it’s a habit she acquired from some me-schief maker at school.
“Me want some milk”… “Me need a kiss”… “Me want to give you hug”
What I counter with is often “I’m sorry I don’t understand bad language” or simply silence. But I what I want to say is "Me don’t like it when you talk that way. Me prefers a big girl with good grammar.” :) But then me thinks better about it and me knows that it probably wouldn’t work.
PS: Want to make your own candy hearts?- go here.
Me Me
Kathryn has begun annoying habit, which is literally driving “me” nuts. Perhaps that’s her intent -- to put Momma in the monkey house – but whatever the reason, I’m pretty sure it’s a habit she acquired from some me-schief maker at school.
“Me want some milk”… “Me need a kiss”… “Me want to give you hug”
What I counter with is often “I’m sorry I don’t understand bad language” or simply silence. But I what I want to say is "Me don’t like it when you talk that way. Me prefers a big girl with good grammar.” :) But then me thinks better about it and me knows that it probably wouldn’t work.
PS: Want to make your own candy hearts?- go here.
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Thursday, February 12, 2004
Working forPeanuts BRaS!
My W2 came in the mail last week and when I looked at the recap of what I had actually taken home last year, I realized that I indeed do literally work for peanuts.
See since David is an independent contractor, I’ve carried not only the benefits for everyone in the family, but also retirement investments, supplemental insurance and every other type of pre-tax deduction you can think of. I, of course, won’t share with you what I actually earn, but I can share with you what didn’t make into the checking account last year:
So I guess this begs the question, “Why do I work?” Well besides loving my job, the answer is simple – for BRaS. No not, booby shields (although the last time I shopped for them I was blown away by the price) but rather Benefits, Retirement and (a little) Sanity! –with a very large emphasis on this last letter. :)
Working for
My W2 came in the mail last week and when I looked at the recap of what I had actually taken home last year, I realized that I indeed do literally work for peanuts.
See since David is an independent contractor, I’ve carried not only the benefits for everyone in the family, but also retirement investments, supplemental insurance and every other type of pre-tax deduction you can think of. I, of course, won’t share with you what I actually earn, but I can share with you what didn’t make into the checking account last year:
- Health and dental insurance for the family
- Company Retirement
- 401K contributions
- 457 contributions
- Supplemental life insurance
- United Way donations
- Arts & Science Council contributions
So I guess this begs the question, “Why do I work?” Well besides loving my job, the answer is simple – for BRaS. No not, booby shields (although the last time I shopped for them I was blown away by the price) but rather Benefits, Retirement and (a little) Sanity! –with a very large emphasis on this last letter. :)
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Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Seeking: One VooDoo Washing Machine Doll
For the past few days now, I’ve been following Amber’s washing machine saga and I have to admit I’m a bit jealous. Not only was she clever enough to foil her husband into getting her a new machine, but she ‘fessed up to it too! (well, sorta if you count a blog confession). Last night as I found myself leaning on the machine to keep it from vibrating off its platform during the spin cycle, I found myself wishing I had the guts to do the same.
See we’ve had this washer for ten years now and even when we got it, it was used – a trade with a friend for a piece of stainglass. At the time I thought we made out better on the deal. David and I were newly married, living in a rental house and surviving on my measly salary while he returned to school. Back then the machine was a blessing, but now it’s a curse. Now, it seems no matter how light the load is that I put into it, it rocks and shakes violently like the Challenger before take off. And more often then not, I find myself rocketing in response to the laundry closet in an effort to avoid a Maytag liftoff.
In a way, I think I need to put it out of its misery and retire it to greener pastures (the city dump sounds green enough to me), but my frugal upbringing can’t seem to shake the “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” mentality. The machine still works, it’s just old and occasionally needs some hand holding to make through the spin cycle. In the meantime, I guess I’ll be happy for Amber and her new washing machine as I pray for mine to experience a quick and swiftful death. :)
Seeking: One VooDoo Washing Machine Doll
For the past few days now, I’ve been following Amber’s washing machine saga and I have to admit I’m a bit jealous. Not only was she clever enough to foil her husband into getting her a new machine, but she ‘fessed up to it too! (well, sorta if you count a blog confession). Last night as I found myself leaning on the machine to keep it from vibrating off its platform during the spin cycle, I found myself wishing I had the guts to do the same.
See we’ve had this washer for ten years now and even when we got it, it was used – a trade with a friend for a piece of stainglass. At the time I thought we made out better on the deal. David and I were newly married, living in a rental house and surviving on my measly salary while he returned to school. Back then the machine was a blessing, but now it’s a curse. Now, it seems no matter how light the load is that I put into it, it rocks and shakes violently like the Challenger before take off. And more often then not, I find myself rocketing in response to the laundry closet in an effort to avoid a Maytag liftoff.
In a way, I think I need to put it out of its misery and retire it to greener pastures (the city dump sounds green enough to me), but my frugal upbringing can’t seem to shake the “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” mentality. The machine still works, it’s just old and occasionally needs some hand holding to make through the spin cycle. In the meantime, I guess I’ll be happy for Amber and her new washing machine as I pray for mine to experience a quick and swiftful death. :)
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Tuesday, February 10, 2004
You can’t blame this on bunnies…
Saturday morning’s shower was interrupted by a knock on the stall door.
You can’t blame this on bunnies…
Saturday morning’s shower was interrupted by a knock on the stall door.
- David: “Know what this is?” [holding a small brown dried up mass the size of a bottle top]
Me: “Looks like dried caca.”
David: “Yeah… Guess where I found it?”
Me: [eyes raised]
David: “In side the cabinet behind your computer.”
Me: “Uggh!”
David: “I think we both know who the culprit is.”
Me: “Yeah Katie… Oh God, I hope there’s not any other surprises lying around the house.”
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Monday, February 09, 2004
Family Portrait
Ok, I know I’m late… but I finally stumbled across the tool that makes those cheeky family portraits that I’ve seen on several other blogs. Don't get me wrong, I think the portraits can be cute and it’s a perfectly nice piece of programming... but I was a little dismayed to find it so limiting. Where is the option to add the family pet snake, the disgruntle meddling mother-in-law, the teenage daughter sporting a nose ring and tattoo, or the ex and his stripper girlfriend who live in the garage?
Fortunately, I don’t have any of these in my family… but I know that there are many families that do. Anyway, here’s the closest I could come to building my *angelic* family portrait.
Family Portrait
Ok, I know I’m late… but I finally stumbled across the tool that makes those cheeky family portraits that I’ve seen on several other blogs. Don't get me wrong, I think the portraits can be cute and it’s a perfectly nice piece of programming... but I was a little dismayed to find it so limiting. Where is the option to add the family pet snake, the disgruntle meddling mother-in-law, the teenage daughter sporting a nose ring and tattoo, or the ex and his stripper girlfriend who live in the garage?
Fortunately, I don’t have any of these in my family… but I know that there are many families that do. Anyway, here’s the closest I could come to building my *angelic* family portrait.
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Sunday, February 08, 2004
Boohbah- Smoohbah
Anyone seen that new show on PBS yet - Boohbah? To me they kinda look like over stuffed Teletubbies (get a load of those tubbie guts) from outer space. Anyway, the girls and I caught a brief glimpse of the show last week and thankfully they weren't interested. (Disney movies, like Spirit and Pocahontas, are the rave now!)
But even if your not a fan of the the show, you still must take a look at the Boohbah Zone. It's definitely designed with little ones in mind -- my girls giggled for an hour straight last night -- but it also will appeal to the easily amused (and *yes* I'll admit it, that includes me. :) )
Move over Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Lala & Poe ... the Boohbah's are here!
Boohbah- Smoohbah
Anyone seen that new show on PBS yet - Boohbah? To me they kinda look like over stuffed Teletubbies (get a load of those tubbie guts) from outer space. Anyway, the girls and I caught a brief glimpse of the show last week and thankfully they weren't interested. (Disney movies, like Spirit and Pocahontas, are the rave now!)
But even if your not a fan of the the show, you still must take a look at the Boohbah Zone. It's definitely designed with little ones in mind -- my girls giggled for an hour straight last night -- but it also will appeal to the easily amused (and *yes* I'll admit it, that includes me. :) )
Move over Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Lala & Poe ... the Boohbah's are here!
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Saturday, February 07, 2004
Mother May I
Kathryn has taken to calling me “mother” in the last few days. Although I’m not sure what provoked the changed, I am certain about this, it sounds strange- at least to my ears.
See, in the past four years I’ve grown comfortable hearing ‘Momma’ spoken from little voices and it’s a sound that I like! But ‘Mother’ sounds so formal and authoritative to me, like when you use a child’s full given name to reprimand them for a bad behavior, only this time the meaning seems in reverse - like Katie is trying to corral me.
I’m not sure how to correct it or even if I should. She doesn’t really say the word with any negative inflection in her voice, so I guess I shouldn’t be alarmed by it. I am her mother after all, but it just sounds strange to actually be called it. :)
Mother May I
Kathryn has taken to calling me “mother” in the last few days. Although I’m not sure what provoked the changed, I am certain about this, it sounds strange- at least to my ears.
See, in the past four years I’ve grown comfortable hearing ‘Momma’ spoken from little voices and it’s a sound that I like! But ‘Mother’ sounds so formal and authoritative to me, like when you use a child’s full given name to reprimand them for a bad behavior, only this time the meaning seems in reverse - like Katie is trying to corral me.
I’m not sure how to correct it or even if I should. She doesn’t really say the word with any negative inflection in her voice, so I guess I shouldn’t be alarmed by it. I am her mother after all, but it just sounds strange to actually be called it. :)
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Thursday, February 05, 2004
Why I Blog?
I've been reading a lot of great posts lately that explore the various reasons why people blog and thought perhaps I should add my two cents worth for those who are curious.
My blogging adventure actually began in 2002 as a exercise in developing better writing skills (I had just signed a contract to write a technical book) and to transfer my weekly journaling (I've kept a journal for both girls since birth) to a broader platform that I could share with family. My very first post now seems so very long ago, but there are times when I still sometime feel like a baby-blogger every now and again.
Those of you who read my site on a regular basis know that I still have a long way to go on my first objective for I'm a notoriously bad speller -- I can't thank my college roommate & best friend (an English major) enough for getting through school -- and am even worse in proofing and editing department. But despite all my efforts I somehow still make mistakes and regrettably, this hasn't really changed in the last 30 odd years. :(
In second grade I remember my grandmother returning a 'thank you' note that I sent to her with all my errors highlighted in red (she showed a little restraint and at least and didn't grade it!). Granted my grandmother was English professor at MSU and was concerned about my progress at school, but her actions struck me as being a bit harsh and insensitive. I was only eight or nine years old at the time, surely I should have gotten brownie points for taking the iniative to thank her? Looking back, I know my grandmother had a good heart and didn't mean for her assistance to be interpreted as such, but it's how I felt as a child and in some ways how I still feel today. Nuff said. :) - It’s just proof that I’ve always suffered from this writing malady and I guess in some ways always will.
So you ask why I blog? – well you can see I'm still working on item #1 and as far as item #2 goes? Well, I hope my girls will one day be old enough to appreciate my parental ramblings and perhaps will find some similarity to my thoughts in experiences of their own.
In the meantime, thanks for bearing with me on this journey. I truly appreciate your forgiveness for my blunderings and your ability to read through my mistakes.
PS: If you see any glaring errors in this post - please do me a favor and keep it to yourself. :)
Why I Blog?
I've been reading a lot of great posts lately that explore the various reasons why people blog and thought perhaps I should add my two cents worth for those who are curious.
My blogging adventure actually began in 2002 as a exercise in developing better writing skills (I had just signed a contract to write a technical book) and to transfer my weekly journaling (I've kept a journal for both girls since birth) to a broader platform that I could share with family. My very first post now seems so very long ago, but there are times when I still sometime feel like a baby-blogger every now and again.
Those of you who read my site on a regular basis know that I still have a long way to go on my first objective for I'm a notoriously bad speller -- I can't thank my college roommate & best friend (an English major) enough for getting through school -- and am even worse in proofing and editing department. But despite all my efforts I somehow still make mistakes and regrettably, this hasn't really changed in the last 30 odd years. :(
In second grade I remember my grandmother returning a 'thank you' note that I sent to her with all my errors highlighted in red (she showed a little restraint and at least and didn't grade it!). Granted my grandmother was English professor at MSU and was concerned about my progress at school, but her actions struck me as being a bit harsh and insensitive. I was only eight or nine years old at the time, surely I should have gotten brownie points for taking the iniative to thank her? Looking back, I know my grandmother had a good heart and didn't mean for her assistance to be interpreted as such, but it's how I felt as a child and in some ways how I still feel today. Nuff said. :) - It’s just proof that I’ve always suffered from this writing malady and I guess in some ways always will.
So you ask why I blog? – well you can see I'm still working on item #1 and as far as item #2 goes? Well, I hope my girls will one day be old enough to appreciate my parental ramblings and perhaps will find some similarity to my thoughts in experiences of their own.
In the meantime, thanks for bearing with me on this journey. I truly appreciate your forgiveness for my blunderings and your ability to read through my mistakes.
PS: If you see any glaring errors in this post - please do me a favor and keep it to yourself. :)
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Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Here we go again…
I can’t believe I’m contemplating this again. I mean it’s barely been four months since I skipped my way back from the FedEx box, *so* relieved to have the experience finally over with. (I should confess that even so I'm still in over my head with laundry). But a phone call from Neal-Schuman yesterday morning with a query about authoring another book didn’t take too much arm-twisting.
I'm not sure why I'm excited about it. After all, I'm not the best of writers -- it definitely doesn't come easy to me -- nor do I really have the time. I already find being a mom full-time after putting in my 40 hours at my day job is more than enough to fill my plate. Can I really make time to pen another extracurricular project? I guess you can just call me 'crazy' - for I think David definitely is. :)
Anyway... I’ll know more in three weeks when I meet the editor in Seattle for breakfast. In the meantime, I need to desperately start my long over due house project list. For I know once I dive into this book project, it will probably be another eight months before I will be able to resurface again.
PS: Yesterday’s mail also delivered my page proofs for book #1. You know, May 15th is beginning to seem closer than ever. :)
Here we go again…
I can’t believe I’m contemplating this again. I mean it’s barely been four months since I skipped my way back from the FedEx box, *so* relieved to have the experience finally over with. (I should confess that even so I'm still in over my head with laundry). But a phone call from Neal-Schuman yesterday morning with a query about authoring another book didn’t take too much arm-twisting.
I'm not sure why I'm excited about it. After all, I'm not the best of writers -- it definitely doesn't come easy to me -- nor do I really have the time. I already find being a mom full-time after putting in my 40 hours at my day job is more than enough to fill my plate. Can I really make time to pen another extracurricular project? I guess you can just call me 'crazy' - for I think David definitely is. :)
Anyway... I’ll know more in three weeks when I meet the editor in Seattle for breakfast. In the meantime, I need to desperately start my long over due house project list. For I know once I dive into this book project, it will probably be another eight months before I will be able to resurface again.
PS: Yesterday’s mail also delivered my page proofs for book #1. You know, May 15th is beginning to seem closer than ever. :)
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Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Toy Nazi
It only took a few minutes and its path was unannounced….but sometime during Saturdayafternoon back to back hurricanes struck the den by the names of Jessica and Kathryn (Funny, I never really noticed before that their names followed each other alphabetically until just now). When David and I went to inspect that damage, we decided it was probably a good time for the oy Nazi to pay another visit.
Although we playfully call the semi-annual process of combing through the toys and separating them into keepers and give-aways as “playing Toy Nazi”, it’s really not painful or torture at all.
See the girls are already very use to this weeding process and in fact seem to actually enjoy passing on their unwanted toys to children who may not have as many. Normally the girl’s daycare or Goodwill have been the primary recipients of the Katie & Jessie’s generosity, but on Saturday they made us proud by presenting our close friends with a bag full of toys for “Baby Kate.’ The largest item was one of these. (a toy that the girls still do find amusing from time to time, but they gave it to Kate without complaints).
It makes me so proud to see that Kathryn and Jessica are developing a sound sense of compassion for other children and an unselfish attitude towards their possessions. And, after seeing the disaster that four little girls created out of the mountains of toys found in the Carder kids rooms yesterday, I’m proud of David and I for initiating this ritual. It clearly saves our sanity. :)
BTW: Faith told me proudly that she had not 7, but 71 Barbies! And from the looks of the room, I would guess that most of them were buried somewhere beneath the remains of the twin towers.
Toy Nazi
It only took a few minutes and its path was unannounced….but sometime during Saturdayafternoon back to back hurricanes struck the den by the names of Jessica and Kathryn (Funny, I never really noticed before that their names followed each other alphabetically until just now). When David and I went to inspect that damage, we decided it was probably a good time for the oy Nazi to pay another visit.
Although we playfully call the semi-annual process of combing through the toys and separating them into keepers and give-aways as “playing Toy Nazi”, it’s really not painful or torture at all.
See the girls are already very use to this weeding process and in fact seem to actually enjoy passing on their unwanted toys to children who may not have as many. Normally the girl’s daycare or Goodwill have been the primary recipients of the Katie & Jessie’s generosity, but on Saturday they made us proud by presenting our close friends with a bag full of toys for “Baby Kate.’ The largest item was one of these. (a toy that the girls still do find amusing from time to time, but they gave it to Kate without complaints).
It makes me so proud to see that Kathryn and Jessica are developing a sound sense of compassion for other children and an unselfish attitude towards their possessions. And, after seeing the disaster that four little girls created out of the mountains of toys found in the Carder kids rooms yesterday, I’m proud of David and I for initiating this ritual. It clearly saves our sanity. :)
BTW: Faith told me proudly that she had not 7, but 71 Barbies! And from the looks of the room, I would guess that most of them were buried somewhere beneath the remains of the twin towers.
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Monday, February 02, 2004
Rude Awakening
Which would you rather encounter at 3:57 in the morning? Being woken by ...
I would happily take options A,B & C combined over option D anyday night. But that didn't happen last night. No, last night Katie somehow crawled quietly into our big king size bed while David and I were sleeping and then woke us up with a rather rude awakening. - uggh! :(
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Rude Awakening
Which would you rather encounter at 3:57 in the morning? Being woken by ...
- a gentle poke from a two year old begging for a cuddle
- a big thud from slumbering child who fell out of bed
- a crying child suffering from a nightmare
- a warm wet feeling crawling across your back accompanied by the smell of urine.
I would happily take options A,B & C combined over option D any
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