kt moxie

Wordless Wednesday: Couch potatoes

2012-01-25T13:22:00.000-05:00

Huzzah! Reason has prevailed in my school district!

2012-01-23T15:10:00.000-05:00

So, my school district has made national news... again. A recent candidate for school board -- Mike Dame -- and his wife decided to cause a hullabaloo. I think he was just upset because he LOST the election, but I don't have any proof of that.

Ahem.

Anyway, they are up-in-arms because of two books being taught in their daughter's English class. They believe the content of these books is obscene and inappropriate for our schoolchildren, and should be not be taught.

So, when Mrs. Dame came to this conclusion, do you think she went and spoke to her daughter's teacher? Or even her daughter's school principal?

Nope -- she went straight to the Superintendent, Dr. Jeremy Hughes, a fellow who just started his new job in September. She read him out-of-context excerpts from the books in question, and then asked him to respond.

And what did HE do? Maybe...um... following school policy for reviewing curriculum? NOPE. He called the teacher and told him to stop teaching the books.

Oh... did I mention the class? Advanced Placement English Literature. Yes. A class for college-bound high school Juniors and Seniors. They are supposed to be reading college-level fiction.

Oh... and did I mention the books? Both are award-winning novels: Beloved by Toni Morrison and Waterland by Graham Swift.

I haven't read this, but it's now on my "to read" list!

I read this back in the early '90s, and LOVED it.

Geez. What decade is this? Banning books? Really. REALLY????

Well... these two parents sure did cause a ruckus. An emergency meeting was called. Over 100 parents and students showed up... standing room only.

And guess what? Almost everyone who spoke defended keeping the books. Defended our students' rights to READ and THINK.

Hallelujah.

The committee assigned to review the objection recently decided that Beloved is acceptable for the class curriculum, and is still reviewing Waterland (I'm guessing they required the entire committee to READ the books before passing judgement... imagine that!).

As for this fellow and his wife who started this witch hunt? Well, I think he showed his true colors at the hearing. If we didn't already question Mr. Dame's motives, he announced, "if any of this was offensive to Allah or the Hindus it would never be in our school district." By the way... my school district has a large number of Indian (as in from India) and Muslim students. His comments sound a little prejudice to you? Ya, me too.

But I'll leave you on a positive note. Here's what high school Senior said after taking the class where he read the "controversial" books, as quoted from the Patch.com:

Matthew Bugajski, a senior at Plymouth High School who read Waterland in AP English during his junior year, said he never had issues with other classmates or teachers imposing something he and his peers felt was uncomfortable.

He said students who take AP English treat the class as a college course.

"If we're treated like children, how do we expect to be treated in class?"

He said Waterland was "one of the most inspiring" books he's ever read that prompted intelligent discussions.

"This is not vulgar," he said. "This is not pornographic. This is literature and art and it should be treated as such."

Amen.

Reading takes you places... like Monster Jam!

2012-01-22T21:27:00.000-05:00

Last October, my son's preschool had a book fair (just like everyone else's school, I'm sure). Just like all the other ~~guilt-ridden~~ good moms, I let my son pick out a few books. I was surprised when he pulled out a "Monster Trucks" book, as it's never been something he's shown any interest. However, after seeing all the glossy pictures of big, pretty trucks, I could see what attracted my 4-year-old to this book.

At bedtime, we read this book... many times. He *LOVED* it. It gave technical details on how the trucks were build, such as the size of the tires, the horsepower of the engines and the types of wheel axles. It described the different trucks like they are characters with personality. It provided real life biographies of drivers pursuing their dreams of building and driving monster trucks, including several women. Who knew?

I mentioned my son's new love to my brother, his uncle, his eyes lit up.

"There's a Monster Jam coming to Detroit in January!"

(My brother is a fan of the big trucks, too.) So, it was a date. Uncle, daddy, and my big boy went to Monster Jam 2012.

The Red Ninja Turtle truck shows it's stuff in the stunt portion.


Big boy with his gun ear muffs. Monster trucks are LOUD!

The line up of trucks ready to show off.

A happy son and daddy.

Review of 2011 meme

2012-01-20T14:36:00.001-05:00

Ok. It took me a couple of weeks, but I finished this meme. Hey... there were a lot of questions!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

We cancelled cable last year. It's been fabulous.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't make new year's resolutions. Just one more thing for me to do! However, I have a new theory. What if I make a resolution to FAIL? I bet I could definitely achieve that in the next year! And I may sound all pessimistic, but really I'm not. It's not the end of the world to fail, right? We should allow ourselves to fail every once in a while. We learn from our mistakes, and can move on. So, here's to failure!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My cousin just had a baby, but she waited until the new year. Does that count?

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My dear puppy, Annabelle, passed away in June. She was our first dog. Also, two of my close friends lost parents this year. Sad face.

5. What countries did you visit?

Canada! I don't think that really counts if you are from Michigan, but it did require a passport. Which is just weird.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

More time. Hey... it's leap year, so I WIN!

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Few dates are ever etched into my memory. I doubt any from 2011 will make it into long term memory either.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I hate these "-ests." Then, when I pick something, it's got to be the better than everything else. So much pressure! However, I did get a nice job promotion, so I'll go with that. You can just call me "the man" now. I guess that's really "the WOman."

9. What was your biggest failure?

Again with the "-ests!" Ok. So our big project to restore my dad's (now my) 1967 Microbus has become a giant money pit. I thought we would already have a working bus, but it's still in pieces, though it looks beautiful. I'm hoping we'll get there sometime in 2012.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing major, but I did have a recurrence of my back injury last August, and that has put a major damper on my yoga plans. It has also increased my visits to the Chiropractor; he's a godsend, but I'd rather just be pain free. My doctor has now scheduled an MRI, but I'm not expecting much to come of that but more tests.

I also realized in the spring of 2011 that I have some minor hearing loss because of a hole in my left eardrum. I have had "Eustachian tube dysfunction" for a number of years; about five years ago I had ear tubes put in, but those have since fallen out. My left ear decided to "resolve" the problem on its own -- with a more permanent hole in my eardrum. This has caused some hearing loss, but not enough to warrant a hearing aid. However, it is enough that I ask "Say again?" a lot in loud restaurants, and tell my kids to "Talk to my face!" when they are speaking. That drives me nuts now!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

We bought our trip to DisneyWorld, which is still upcoming in February. The kids are so excited!

12. Where did most of your money go?

I keep meaning to ask the bank goblins that... I'll put that on my list for 2012.

Bank goblins... not pleasant. Sheesh.

13. What did you get really excited about?

Telling the kids

"We are going the DisneyWorld!"

14. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Anything by LMFAO.

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

Still cold, but buried in less snow.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Yoga. Stupid back.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Taking my dog, Annabelle, to the emergency vet.

18. How did you spend Christmas?

Hanging out with friends and family.

19. What was your favorite TV program?

It's a toss up between "The Walking Dead" and "Breaking Bad." I think Walter should kill some zombies. That would ROCK.

I *heart* Daryl.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?

The Hunger Games has to top the list. Can't wait for the movie this year!

21. What was your favorite music from this year?

Pitbull is always fun, and I love Eminem's new stuff. (Gotta represent the "D.")

22. What were your favorite films of the year?

I really liked Hanna and The Muppet Movie. Strange extremes, huh?
If you haven't seen Hanna (and you are into violent films), you DEFINITELY should.
I can't believe it's been passed over for awards.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

We probably went out to eat (see -- I don't remember anything!), and I turned thirty-something. That's all you need to know.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

"Immeasurably" is a strong word. But, I would have liked another vacation with my family. That would have been nice.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Simple and comfortable professional. Most of my outfits usually involve something black and/or something purple.

26. What kept you sane?

Yoga, date nights, dinner at the table with hubby and kids, visiting with family and friends.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

My back was not meant to bend THAT way. Ouch. Just because the skinny girl next to me in yoga class is doing it doesn't mean I need to try. I don't need to prove anything to her.

Wordless Wednesday: Angry Kids

2012-01-18T10:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, we have an obsession with Angry Birds around here.

Here's what Garrett thinks of the Angry Bird.

My boy is 5!

2012-01-18T00:02:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe, but my "big boy" is 5 years old. His Montessori preschool has a wonderful tradition of "walking around the sun" for each year on a child's birthday. He gets to be the Earth (that's why he's holding the globe), and a friend is chosen to be the sun. Here's a couple pictures of his walk.

We're going to DisneyWorld!

2012-01-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

Yep. We are! In about a month. We told the kids on Christmas. Enjoy this video of them finding out.

Wordless Wednesday: Funny or wrong?

2012-01-11T13:39:00.000-05:00

You decide. This was our new dog Garrett's Halloween costume last October.

And he thought he was done racing...

Click on this link!!!!

2012-01-10T14:20:00.001-05:00

Be Positive Mom gave us a great reminder to be good cyber secure users. That's a great reminder. Thanks!

As an IT worker, we often make jokes about how easy it is to access to other people's networks. We even make fun of what you named your network.

'Cuz we know... and we're nerdy like that.

A couple of my favorites? "Mompickthis" and "Imnotwearingpants."

True.

By the way -- it's really *not that hard* to be secure. Usually it's just turning the security software ON that is already given to you with your wireless network, or remembering to set passwords. So... do it!

Oh -- and if you get hacked? Don't worry too much. It happens to even the best of us! Just reset your passwords and move on.

And please, PLEASE, DON'T click on that NEW!!!!! You Won't Believe This! We have a Million Dollars for you!!!! or This one girl did something crazy!!!! link.

... just don't do it! I know it's sooo tempting. Just don't. Really. Don't. It's always a mistake.

Garret the Greyhound

2012-01-06T23:22:00.000-05:00

Earlier last year, our beloved puppy, Annabelle, passed away. She was our first and only dog until...

Introducing... Garrett the Greyhound!

Garrett entered our lives last October. He is a rescue from a Greyhound rescue group, and until June of 2011, he was a racing dog in Florida. He is now retired from that life, and gets pampered with lots of doggy beds, toys and love at our house.

Can't resist the eyes, can ya?

After our Annabelle passed away, I knew we would get another dog, but we needed some grieving time. So we waited a few months. During that time, we saw a few rescue greyhounds at some festivals and events we visited during the summer. After a few chats with the volunteers, and meeting a few greyhounds, I was in love.

I knew I wanted another medium to large sized dog, but our last dog was a bit (OK, quite a bit) hyper. Considering everyone in my family tends towards the "anxious" side of the scale, and we are a two parent working household, we needed a calmer canine presence. Little did I know that most greyhounds are among the laziest, calmest dogs around! They sleep most of the day, and think a 5-minute sprint around the backyard is a *big* workout!

Garrett shows us a quick workout. He flopped down soon after this picture. Catching that toy is a lot of work!

So, we contacted a nearby greyhound group, and they introduced us to Garrett. He's four years old, and the whole family already adores him.

A rare moment with his ears up. Greyhounds usually keep them back, but it's not a sign they are upset like other dogs.

Since Garrett is new to living in house, there's been a learning curve. He has already put a head-sized hole in our screen door (sorry mom! I didn't know that was a door!). He also had to figure out how to walk up the stairs (he can now bound up them in four leaps!).

My daughter snuggles with Garrett. He just loves attention.

Daddy is still figure out how you wrestle with a greyhound. Garrett doesn't quite get it either.

If you are curious about the racing, we actually get access to his track history. He raced in 40 races, and won two; his racing name is Sweet Garrett. Most greyhounds are retired between ages two and five either because they are not winning enough or because of injury. Prior to all the rescue groups forming in the last 20 or so years, the tracks just killed the dogs that were passed track age. However, the winners are kept past racing age for breeding. The dogs are considered livestock, not pets, at the track (just like horses).
Here's one of Garrett's races (most were not recorded). He's in gate 6, and came in 3rd.

Wordless Wednesday: A boy with a plan

2012-01-04T16:58:00.000-05:00

We just don't know what his plan is...

Hi Blog! Did you miss me?

2012-01-03T16:04:00.002-05:00

KT: Hi Blog! Did you miss me?

Blog: DUDE! Where have you been? It's like you fell off the planet!

KT: Sorry... I've been busy and ... stuff. You know how it goes. Being a working mom... I got a little overwhelmed, and something had to give...

Blog: Ya, ya... nice excuse. So, I guess I'm not really all that important in your life. So, what have you been up to in the past THREE FREAKING MONTHS?

KT: Wow. Has it been that long? Geez. Make me feel all guilt and stuff. That's why I didn't want to come back. I KNEW you'd make me feel like I abandoned you, but I just had to prioritize...

Blog: You DID abandon me.

KT. Ouch.

Blog: Feel the guilt.

KT: Thanks. Ok. Are you done? You are worse than my ... NOPE. I'm not going to fill in the blank. Anyway. My current tally of the past three-ish months:

One job promotion
One wedding
Two funerals
Six birthday parties
12 Chiropractic visits
One new dog
18 soccer games
47 living room wrestling matches
Five events hosted
Two Christmas trees
$1700 worth of minivan repairs
86 other things I've forgotten or missed.

I believe that totals up to one tired working mom. I'll try to be back tomorrow (or the day after) ...but no promises.

400 random things about me.

2011-09-28T12:38:00.002-04:00

So, this is my 400th post. That is crazy, huh? So, I'm NOT going to post 400 random things about me. But here's some random stuff anyways. First, some other random stuff about the number 400, then a meme from Life Candy (thanks!).

400 is the square of 20.
Prime Factors of 400=2x2x2x2x5x5.
400 is HTTP status code for a bad client request.
The 400th wealthiest person in the U.S. is Peter Lewis (O.K., he shares the spot with 3 other guys). Peter is in his late 70's, is chairman of Progressive Insurance, and spends his pocket change ($200K here, $200K there) on efforts to legalize marijuana. He smokes pot regularly to reduce pain from leg amputation.
"The Four Hundred" -- In the late nineteenth century Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor, the wife of William Astor, used her position as the heir and wife of a wealthy man to become the arbiter of New York high society and the protector of the status of family and old wealth against the claims of the nouveau rich. Her annual January ball was the social event of the year. In 1892 Mrs. Astor, finding that her list of guests exceeded her ball-room's capacity, asked Ward McAllister, a well-known socialite, to reduce it to four hundred. McAllister afterward boasted that "there were about four hundred people in New York society." The number had no significance because new millionaires soon received the social recognition to which, by American standards of conspicuous spending, they were entitled. Rather, "The Four Hundred" became a cliché denoting social exclusivity.
.400 (2 hits out of 5 at-bats) is a numerically significant annual batting average statistic in Major League Baseball, last accomplished by Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox in 1941.

And now, a meme...

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. Alyson Hannigan was born on the same exact day as me. Damn -- she even looks adorable pregnant.

2. What has been your favorite age so far? 29. I'm still 29. Oh, wait -- I was pregnant when I was 29. Doh.

3. Where did you meet your husband? My husband and I met by him asking to live with me. OK... he was actually finding out if there was space in the college co-op (where I lived), but the first way sounds so much better!

4. How many children do you have? Two, unless you count the two fur ball kitties and our soon-to-be adopted doggie. We consider them part of the family, too.

5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? I was in choir as a kid, and I've been dragged up for Karaoke under duress.

6. What’s the first thing you notice about your preferred sex? Shoulders. Unless they are wearing kilts. Teehee.

7. What really turns you off? People who walk like ducks. For real.

8. What do you order at Starbucks? I don't. I don't think I've been in one in years.

9. What is your biggest mistake? I don't make mistakes. Ever. Mwahahahaha.

10. As a child, what did you want to grow up to be? A teacher. But I tried that, and it wasn't for me.

11. Say something totally random about yourself. I have a comforting habit of rubbing my thumbnail. My thumbnail is very shiny.

12. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? Of course. I love iCarly, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Phineas and Ferb.

13. Did you have braces? Yep. And yet, my lower teeth are still all jammed together...

14. Favorite Social Network? I frequent Facebook, that doesn't mean I'd call it a "favorite."

15. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you? My hubby has done a lot of romantic things, but I'll just mention that he often brings me flowers for no reason.

16. When do you know it’s love? When you just know.

17. Do you speak any other languages? In theory, I'm "proficient" in Spanish. But I'm not.

18. Have you ever been to a tanning salon? Have you seen how white I am? That would be instant cancerous death.

19. What magazines do you read? The Week.

20. What is playing on your iPod right now? Nothing. I rarely pick it up. I do listen to Pandora, and it usually plays a mix of techno, hip hop, rap, trance, Bollywood pop, and anything else with a good dance beat.

21. Have you ever ridden in a limo? Yeah, it's not all it's cracked up to be.

22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away? My dog passed away in June. And yes, that counts.

23. Do you watch MTV? I don't even have cable.

24. What’s something that really annoys you? Whining. Especially when adults do it.

25. Which television show were you sad to say goodbye to? Detroit 187.

26. Can you dance? I like to dance, but that doesn't mean I can dance. My son usually says "Stop dancing!" whenever I start.

27. What’s your favorite place in the world? Where ever my family is. Aww... *puke* Or... my bed.

28. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room? No, but I have been rushed to the ER by my T.A. (teacher's assistant) in her truck.

29. If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be? Let's go with Cleopatra. Cuz it would be pretty cool to meet a woman from that long ago with that much power.

30. If you could change one thing in the world for your child, what would it be? No more asthma, thank you very much.

This post was ALSO prompted by "30 days of shamelessness." I'm planning to get through the whole list, in order, but not necessarily in 30 days. Enjoy. Feel free to steal and join in the fun.

~~1.declare your love for an uncool TV show.~~
~~2.look a fool.~~
~~3.eat. Whatever you feel like eating.~~
4.waste time.
5.declare your love for an uncool movie.
6.act “girly” or “manly” in a way you’d normally avoid.
7.share your efforts at something you don’t think you do well.
8.sweat.
9.expose something messy or dirty you’d usually hide.
10.declare your love for an uncool band.
11.dress to show some skin.
12.share about a health struggle.
13.speak up about something crap that was done to you.
14.hold yourself accountable — not guilty — for something crappy you did to someone else.
15.dress, walk, and act like you know you’re all that.
16.spend money on a non-necessity or share a financial struggle.
17.discuss the reality of your work situation.
18.brag.
19.share details about a bodily function or fluid.
20.talk about sex
21.express a strong feeling.
22.set a boundary.
23.air one of your secrets.
24.share a struggle you have yet to “just get over.”
25.ask for help.
26.make a mistake.
27.express a dissenting opinion.
28.discuss a failure.
29.look a fool.
30.name 3 more ways you can live shamelessly and commit to doing them…

Super-hubby strikes again.

2011-09-26T15:40:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend -- Saturday specifically -- I overbooked myself. I had planned to have a table and sell stuff a "Mom-to-mom sale." For those who are un-initiated, a Mom-to-mom sale is like a giant rummage sale at a church or school; each mom purchases a table space (usually for about $25), and sells used kids' clothes, toys, etc. It's a great way to get rid of old stuff and make a little money. And a great way to buy used kid clothes at great prices!

Anyway, the first thing I figured out was that I was going to need help setting up at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning. I have herniated disc in my lower back, and it has been acting up lately, so lifting is a no-no. Hubby said he'd come with the kids at the crack of dawn and help set up. Good hubby.

Then, earlier in the week, I found out I needed to attend a funeral for the passing of my friend's dad. And I wasn't missing that because of my mom-to-mom sale. I have my priorities straight! So, hubby said that he would arrive at the sale (kids in tow, again) at about 11 a.m. so that I could get home to change, then go to the funeral. Great hubby.

So, I considered this busy Saturday, but my hubby reconsidered these crazy logistics. He came back to me and said, "This plan doesn't make any sense. I'd have to come to the mom-to-mom sale TWICE with the kids. I'll just do the mom-to-mom sale by myself. Just drop off the kids before you leave for the funeral." Introducing... Super-hubby!

Yes, my husband ran a table at a mom-to-mom sale all by himself. And... he made MORE MONEY than I EVER made at ANY mom-to-mom sale (and I've done a LOT of sales!). He had the magic touch!

His friends wanted to know if he got any single moms' phone numbers...

He claims innocence...

Mommytography 260-266

2011-09-23T00:19:00.002-04:00

Doh! Life is really overwhelming me lately, and I haven't even picked up my camera in the past week. That's OK. I'll cheat, and you can enjoy some random photos that I've taken in the past couple of months -- ones that didn't make the cut for a previous Mommytography!

260: Friday is Mohawk Day!

That's official from my 4-year-old. He wants the spikes on Fridays and special occasions only. The preschool teachers think it's adorable.

261: Hubby Rooster!

Hubby was showing my daughter some rock star moves... like the puckered lipped rooster.

262: Fountain in Marshall, Michigan

Pretty, huh?

263: Rainbow clown

She's one happy gal. From the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival.

264: Three lights

These were in a corner at a restaurant in Stratford, Ontario. I just liked them.

265: Doggie has a boo-boo.

My son's lovie needed some first aid.

266: Jurassic glow

We played glo golf, and this was one of the holes.

YUM! City Chicken

2011-09-22T13:04:00.002-04:00

So, Mama Kat prompted me to share one of my favorite recipes from when I was young. I immediately thought of an easy comfort food that my mom made. This recipe is so simple and so yummy you just have to try it! City Chicken. And guess what? It's not chicken! It's pork that's cubed, skewered (like a shish kabob) and then dipped in egg and bread crumbs. I like it pan fried, but it can also be baked. Easy peasy and yummy, huh?

Boy, was I excited when I found prepped City Chicken at a couple of local grocery stores!

A little history on City Chicken (sometimes called Mock Chicken) -- this dish is regional to what used to be call the "rust belt" -- Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan. (I'm originally from Ohio, and moved to Michigan as a teen.) It's a working class family meal that dates back at least to the Great Depression, when chickens were hard to come by in the city. Hence the name City Chicken. Here's an advertisement for City Chicken from 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA:

I was amazed that the description and preparation is exactly the same back in the Depression era, over 75 years ago (but not the price!).

This post was prompted by Mama Kat's writing workshop.

This post was ALSO prompted by "30 days of shamelessness." I'm planning to get through the whole list, in order, but not necessarily in 30 days. Enjoy. Feel free to steal and join in the fun.

~~1.declare your love for an uncool TV show.~~

~~2.look a fool.~~

3.eat. Whatever you feel like eating.
4.waste time.

5.declare your love for an uncool movie.

6.act “girly” or “manly” in a way you’d normally avoid.

7.share your efforts at something you don’t think you do well.

8.sweat.

9.expose something messy or dirty you’d usually hide.

10.declare your love for an uncool band.

11.dress to show some skin.

12.share about a health struggle.

13.speak up about something crap that was done to you.

14.hold yourself accountable — not guilty — for something crappy you did to someone else.

15.dress, walk, and act like you know you’re all that.

16.spend money on a non-necessity or share a financial struggle.

17.discuss the reality of your work situation.

18.brag.

19.share details about a bodily function or fluid.

20.talk about sex

21.express a strong feeling.

22.set a boundary.

23.air one of your secrets.

24.share a struggle you have yet to “just get over.”

25.ask for help.

26.make a mistake.

27.express a dissenting opinion.

28.discuss a failure.

29.look a fool.

30.name 3 more ways you can live shamelessly and commit to doing them…

Wordless Wednesday: Young fools!

2011-09-20T22:35:00.000-04:00

My daughter and I dress as clowns for my younger brother's birthday party -- it was a circus theme. Half the crowd came dressed as clowns. I tried to convince my son to dress as a clown, too, but I found out he doesn't like clowns (who knew?). Instead he asked if he could bring his light saber to the party and dress in his "Jedi uniform" (I just finished a new Renaissance costume for him that had a Jedi-like quality). We let him wear his costume and bring his weapon; he proceeded to kill all the clowns at the party. Hmmm... bad parenting choice?

Young fool... Only now, at the end, do you understand...
Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the Dark Side.
Now, you will pay the price for your lack of vision!

This post was prompted by "30 days of shamelessness." This was Day 2: look a fool. I'm planning to get through the whole list, in order, but not necessarily in 30 days. Enjoy. Feel free to steal and join in the fun.

~~1.declare your love for an uncool TV show.~~

~~2.look a fool.~~

3.eat. Whatever you feel like eating.
4.waste time.
5.declare your love for an uncool movie.
6.act “girly” or “manly” in a way you’d normally avoid.
7.share your efforts at something you don’t think you do well.
8.sweat.
9.expose something messy or dirty you’d usually hide.
10.declare your love for an uncool band.
11.dress to show some skin.
12.share about a health struggle.
13.speak up about something crap that was done to you.
14.hold yourself accountable — not guilty — for something crappy you did to someone else.
15.dress, walk, and act like you know you’re all that.
16.spend money on a non-necessity or share a financial struggle.
17.discuss the reality of your work situation.
18.brag.
19.share details about a bodily function or fluid.
20.talk about sex
21.express a strong feeling.
22.set a boundary.
23.air one of your secrets.
24.share a struggle you have yet to “just get over.”
25.ask for help.
26.make a mistake.
27.express a dissenting opinion.
28.discuss a failure.
29.look a fool.
30.name 3 more ways you can live shamelessly and commit to doing them…

Hubby, daddy, Hollywood -- I mean Bollywood? -- stuntman!

2011-09-19T10:39:00.000-04:00

My hubby just finished up some stuntman work over the weekend in western Michigan. He played a mercenary bad guy in The Spirit of Mumbai. This film is a mixed Hindi/English action thriller about the kidnapping of a Bollywood star (starring real Bollywood star Pooja Batra).

My hubby can turn into a real bad boy, huh?

Mommytography 239-259

2011-09-15T23:15:00.000-04:00

Holy moly! I've got some catching up to do... Here's a bazillion pictures. Enjoy.

239: Zombie party girl

My daughter decided we needed a zombie at my brother's birthday party.

240: Did I mention it was a wake birthday party?

Oh, yeah. My brother wanted a wake for his 40th birthday. We obliged. I mean 35th birthday. I mean 11th anniversary of his 29th birthday. Yeah.

241: Zombies can rock it.

Our zombie just needed sunglasses, and POOF! Instant rock star.

242: Second generation Star Wars geek.


I pulled out MY Ewok (from 1984) after the kids finished watching the Return of the Jedi. They were smitten.

243: Look what I do for my sister!?!?!

My big boy sits patiently while he is a guinea pig for my daughter's latest obsession -- nail painting.

244: Eek! Spider!

I visited the Fred Meijers Garden and Sculpture park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It it really a hidden treasure of Michigan and the United States. If you are in the area -- CHECK IT OUT.

245: Orange thing a-ma-bob

I don't know what it is, but it's orange. Very orange.

246: I speak for the trees!

Another sculpture at the Fred Meijers park. I love how they integrated the sculptures into the surroundings.

247: Now that's a horse!

The Fred Meijers garden is worth seeing just for this horse sculpture. It is freaking huge!

248: Trout hatchery

I stopped by Paris, Michigan. They had a trout hatchery in a public park. Very cool!

249: When in Paris...

Paris, Michigan that is! Yes, they have an Eiffel Tower. Who knew?

250: Right across the kisser!

Daddy shows the big boy how to fake a punch.

251: Daddy P90X


Daddy gets in some arm curls.

252: You let your son do WHAT with his hair?

Yes, that's a mohawk. He asked if he could get it cut that way, and I said sure. It's just hair. He loves it.

253: Rebel Jedi

I made my son a Renaissance costume this year, and he thought it turned out like a Jedi uniform. He might be right.

254: In remembrance of 9/11

At a local (Fenton, Michigan) firestation. A beautiful tribute.

255: Giraffe face painting.

My daughter gets her favorite animal, a giraffe, painted on her face.

256: Joust!

We watched the joust at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. That's our knight in red. He won!

257: A Renaissance family

At the Renaissance Faire. Ten points if you can figure out the symbol on my son's tunic.

258: ARRR. Turkey leg!

No Renaissance Faire is complete without my hubby getting a turkey leg.

259: Clowning around

My younger brother had a circus themed birthday party, and we all came dressed as clowns. Well, except for my son. He said he doesn't like clowns. So, instead he brought his light saber and killed all the clowns.

How a naked kid saved the day

2011-09-15T15:52:00.000-04:00

It's bath night. I've already put my little guy to bed, and now I'm having some nice quality time with my 5-year-old daughter while she scrubs and splashes.

"Why do we have belly buttons?"

"Look ma! I can blow bubbles!"

"I want daddy to come home from his business trip NOW."

"I'm a fish!"

Interrupting our titillating one-way conversation, our dog jogs into the bathroom. This is rather unusual for her, since she dislikes the tile floor. Then I see that familiar stare, butt waggle, and tail going 40 mph. It's the doggy potty dance.

"Do you need to go outside?"

The dog does a doggy nod.

I hate "breaking the rules" and leaving my daughter unattended in the bath, but the dog is desperate. I tell me daughter I'LL BE RIGHT BACK (futile words). I'll just let the dog outside quick, then come back to check on my daughter (then go back to get the dog and come back upstairs... like my own little relay race... fun!).

I hurry downstairs, and let the dog out through the back sliding door. We have a fenced back yard, which is fortunate since our dog would love to wander the neighborhood given the chance. As the dog dashes for her favorite pee spot, I notice that the gate is wide open.

Crap.

I run outside in my socks, and close the gate. Then I realize my fatal error. We have a trick sliding door. If you slam it closed, the latch slips down and LOCKS.

Double crap.

I'm now locked outside with my dog, while my two children -- one asleep, one naked in the bath -- are inside. Both of the other exterior doors are, of course, also locked.

Holy crap.

And my husband is hundreds of miles away out of town.

Crappity crap.

I debate what to do. I can go to a neighbor's house, and ask them to call my parents or a friend that has a key to my house, or I can start banging on the door like a crazed woman and hope my 5-year-old hears me.

I vote for the crazed woman option.

After a few minutes (it felt like 20 minutes, but it was probably 3 or 4), I spot my naked 5-year-old wandering down the stairs. She sees me, and opens the sliding door.

"Why are you outside momma?"

She was not frightened, but a little confused about why I was so panicked. She said she heard the racket from the bath, and wondered what was taking me so long. I praised her up and down for coming downstairs. She was officially the hero for the day.

Our bath time hero.

------------------------------------------------------

The story was prompted by Mama Kat's writing workshop. The prompt was "Locked out."

I remember...

2011-09-11T23:26:00.000-04:00

So I took a short break from my blog because of a vacation, and well, a needed break. Life just caught up with me. Too much work, too much to do. But I'm back.

And it is September 11th, ten years later. Initially, as the anniversary approached, I didn't think I would post anything on the subject as there is already so much out there -- what do I have to contribute? But, then I thought about how we talk about the major events in history, and how everyone who experiences those events remembers what they were doing at the time. And I thought my experience was worth writing down. Though -- after ten years -- I wonder how much of my memory has been shaded by the events that have taken place since? Human memories are not something locked away in time, frozen. They are part of our living experience, and can fade and change over time.

But this is September 11, 2001 as I remember today.

The morning of September 11th, I went to work at my technology company (not my current company) in Southfield, Michigan. I worked in a small hi-rise in a small cluster of hi-rises in downtown Southfield. My husband had also gone to work in Dearborn, Michigan. He had just returned on Sunday night from a trip hanging out with his college friends in New York City. One of his friends lived in Manhattan; most friends had left on Sunday, but one friend stayed for an extended vacation.

While sitting at my desk at work, I remember someone saying that a plane had struck a skyscraper in New York City. I remember loading up a news website, and having a hard time keeping it up. My coworkers and I commented that the news sites were getting pounded with user traffic, and could not keep up. (This was my techie hat). Shortly thereafter, several of the news websites changed the formatting of their front pages to allow faster load times. They removed all the ads, and all extraneous stories. I was impressed at how quickly several of the news sites responded to the increased user traffic.

I remember commenting to a coworker that there was no way they could "fix" that skyscraper. It was too damaged. I remember discussing with coworkers about this bizarre accident, and commenting "That was no accident. A plane can miss a skyscraper. That was done on purpose."

I remember hearing about the second plane hitting the World Trade Center, and stating to a coworker, "They gotta bring ALL the planes down. NOW." I thought about the logistics of getting down all the planes currenting in the U.S. I thought about how many more planes in the air could be flying bombs.

I remember that they announced all the planes in the U.S. were being told to land immediately, and there were a few planes not "listening."

I remember calling my husband. He wanted to find his friends who were still in New York. He had not heard from either of them yet.

I remember looking out the windows of our small hi-rise (we were probably on the 5th or 6th floor) and saying "Someone needs to make a decision to send us all home." Shortly thereafter, some of our leadership announced that we should all go home.

I remember seeing the images: those little specs outside the towers an debating if those were really people jumping or falling (I didn't believe it), the towers coming down, and the thousands of dusty people walking out of the city.

I remember hearing about the Pentagon being hit. I remember thinking "That it. We are at war. Now, who is attacking???"

I remember hearing about the plane crashing in Pennsylvania, and the media announcing that they did not know if it was related, and I thought "Yeah, right. Of course it is related. Would the Air Force really shoot down a commercial airliner?" After hearing this was really an uprising from the passengers, I was very reassured. I was proud that other Americans would take matters in their own hands when they realized the stakes.

I remember my husband trying for many hours to locate his friends in NYC, and make sure they were OK. Finally, we had confirmation of their whereabouts. His one friend was a trained EMT, and had volunteered his services at the hospital where he worked as a researcher; the hospital was in the "quarantine" zone of Manhattan. In the end, his services were not really needed as there were not the huge numbers of injured expected (since the towers fell). His other friend, the visitor in town, had talked about going to the financial district for some tourist stops that day; fortunately, he never got out of bed that morning, and missed the whole thing.

I remember that we had a planned trip to Washington, DC the week after 9/11. We were going to a friend's engagement party. Several people said we should not go. We debated what to do. In the end, we decided that terrorists would not be stopping us from living our lives; not even now. We drove to Washington, D.C. We could not get within several blocks of the Pentagon, but we had a wonderful time seeing friends, and seeing the Capitol.

Here is a picture I took of the Capitol building from our trip to DC in September 2001, with the Capitol's flag at half staff.

I remember how quiet the skies were without commercial aircraft in the sky. I remember one evening a couple days after 9/11, and hearing a jet, and being very startled. After realizing it was an Air Force jet from Selfridge Air Force base, I knew things had changed overnight.

I remember thinking "Who is THAT?" when the names Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden were announced as the likely masterminds of the attacks. When I understood this was a Muslim extremist group, I immediately felt protective and uneasy for my Muslim friends and Detroit-area Muslim community. I knew there would be small-minded people who would assume guilt by association, and want to take their pound of flesh. I wish I was wrong about that premonition.

I remember people saying that they didn't trust the world anymore, and didn't know what was worth pursuing. But this is not how I felt. I suddenly felt that we needed to pursue the important things, the good things. After years of people asking "when are you guys going to start having kids?" and me giving a standard answer of "5 years or so...", suddenly I was thinking "I wanna start having kids now." Our first child, our daughter, was born in 2003 (hey, these things still take time!).

I DO believe in fairies. And mortgage refinance.

2011-08-26T13:20:00.003-04:00

Yes, after years of getting the run-around from my mortgage company, they actually contacted me (what?) and said I was eligible for a refinance. Ya know that Obama-fied help-underwater-homeowners legislation that was passed ... um... years ago? Yeah, they said I'm eligible under that, even though they wouldn't help me the other umpteen times I've called them about the same thing in the past.

At first, I was sure it was a trick, but last night we signed all the documents. And it only took two attempts to do the closing (those bankers are still sneaky).

I do believe in fairies.

Our closer said she is convinced that our mortgage company has gotten some kind of financial incentive recently, motivating them to allow all these refinances to go through. I tend to agree.

I DO believe in fairies.

To quote my mortgage broker, who was pleasantly surprised by our home's worth after the appraisal came back,

"I have hope for Michigan yet!"

I replied, "So do I... So do I."

I DO BELIEVE IN FAIRIES!!!

Mommytography 365/231-238

2011-08-26T00:01:00.001-04:00

231: This shark will swallow you whole.

The kids loved this bouncy slide at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival. My daughter said the shark kept throwing her up.

232: Pizza Orange Dragon Love


The boy loves orange. And now he has an orange dragon. He named it Pizza Orange Dragon. 'Cuz it only eats pizza.

233: Pink feathers

My daughter heard about the latest craze -- feather hair extensions. I'm not so keen on the idea for my 7-year-old. So, we compromised with a feather clip. Reminds me of the ones I won at carnivals when I was young.

235: Flying boy

This is the boy's latest "fighting stance." I call it flying preschooler.

236: I see you!

Our kitty Buttercup peeks out from behind a door frame.

237: Master Shifu bows out

My martial arts boy bows like Master Shifu from Kung Fu Panda.

238: Nail designs

My daughter shows off her design work on her nails.

Wordless Wednesday: Zombie Transport

2011-08-23T21:08:00.002-04:00

This is my brother's truck and trailer. He has decided to start a new business: Zombie Removal & Relocation. He claims it is a growth industry, and he's looking for a few good employees.

Are you good with a shovel or a chainsaw?

P.S. Have you seen the Zombie Engagement Photos? They rock!

You will rue this day, Carly Shay! Rue it!

2011-08-22T13:11:00.009-04:00

I admit it. I like iCarly. Yes, the tween TV show by Nickelodeon about 3 kids who have a web show. I'm not embarrassed. Mostly.

How did this happen?

First, there is very, very few shows that are whole-family friendly anymore. Once you get beyond America's Got Talent and American Idol, there are basically no primetime shows that we can watch as a family. That leaves shows from Disney and Nickelodeon. And I give lots of credit to both channels for providing quality (-ish), family-friendly programming. I really do. But...

Nickelodeon does iCarly, a family-friendly show, with a little more irreverence than your average Disney sitcom. Can we say dancing bras, spaghetti tacos, and a girl (Sam) who loves -- I mean LOVES -- fried chicken, ribs and ham?

Hey, they even slimed a kid named Nevel!

I also like that the characters are portrayed how kids would write them -- silly and a bit extreme. Most of Disney's sitcom shows which feature main characters, both kid and adult, that are good-despite-their-flaws (think Wizards of Waverly Place or Suite Life On Deck or Sonny with a Chance). However, iCarly features the truly evil Nevil (Carly's arch-nemesis), Freddie's neurotic, over-protective mother, and Gibby -- the chubby boy who walks around shirtless for no apparent reason. Plus, crazy side characters like Sam's cheating boyfriend (whom she super-wedgies), and the super-fan girl that quacks like a duck. Yes, we want real people to be good, but TV show people are way more fun with a dash of crazy.

And I love -- yes love -- Spencer, Carly's man-child older brother and legal guardian. Who wouldn't want a guardian who is less mature than a tween?

I'm sure anyone who doesn't watch this show (which is most of you) thinks I'm insane now.

Finally, I blame my 7-year-old daughter. She loves the show -- and so does my 4-year-old son. Hey... so does my husband. It's freaking hilarious. We laugh together as a family. It's great.

Here's a few choice quotes. I hope you'll get a laugh, too.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carly: Why can't you read at your house?
Sam: Cause my mom keeps screaming at the cat to get a job...yeah, I don't know.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carly: So where's our couch?
Spencer: YOU KNOW THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN COUCHES, OKAY?
Carly: What?
Spencer: I don't know...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sam: ...I know that look. That's your thinking look.
Spencer: Oh, I'm thinking. You thinking?
Sam: Yeah, I'm thinking we think of the same thing?
Spencer: We are, if we're thinking about a way to give Nevel a vehicle that's never been state registered and can go 25 miles an hour.
Sam: Oh...no. I was thinking about fried chicken.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carly: What's wrong with you, Nevel?! Why is your lifelong dream to get rid of iCarly?!
Nevel: It's not. My lifelong dream is to open my own haberdashery.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nevel: (on the ground, facing them) YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS, CARLY SHAY! I DECLARE THAT YOU WILL RUE THIS DAY! YOU'LL RUE IT!
Carly: Give me the guacamole. (Freddie and Spencer give her a large pail of guacamole) RUE THIS, NEVEL!
Nevel: Wait, what is she...oh no. (the guacamole falls from the window and right on him)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Principal Franklin: Before I announce the winner, I feel compelled to tell you the worst guess, which was 5. [holds up a piece of paper with Gibby's name and the number five on it]
Gibby: I won?! I won! [starts taking off his shirt]
Principal Franklin: No Gibby, you didn't win. In fact, your guess was so far off that we're calling your parents and having you tested.
Gibby: Again?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This post was prompted by "30 days of shamelessness." I"m planning to get through the whole list, in order, but not necessarily in 30 days. Enjoy. Feel free to steal and join in the fun.

~~1.declare your love for an uncool TV show.~~
2.look a fool.
3.eat. Whatever you feel like eating.
4.waste time.
5.declare your love for an uncool movie.
6.act “girly” or “manly” in a way you’d normally avoid.
7.share your efforts at something you don’t think you do well.
8.sweat.
9.expose something messy or dirty you’d usually hide.
10.declare your love for an uncool band.
11.dress to show some skin.
12.share about a health struggle.
13.speak up about something crap that was done to you.
14.hold yourself accountable — not guilty — for something crappy you did to someone else.
15.dress, walk, and act like you know you’re all that.
16.spend money on a non-necessity or share a financial struggle.
17.discuss the reality of your work situation.
18.brag.
19.share details about a bodily function or fluid.
20.talk about sex
21.express a strong feeling.
22.set a boundary.
23.air one of your secrets.
24.share a struggle you have yet to “just get over.”
25.ask for help.
26.make a mistake.
27.express a dissenting opinion.
28.discuss a failure.
29.look a fool.
30.name 3 more ways you can live shamelessly and commit to doing them…

Mommytography 365/224-230

2011-08-18T23:36:00.000-04:00

224: The Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario

While daddy and the kids went to Great Wolf Lodge, I caught *three plays in two days* in Stratford, Ontario. It was fabulous.

225: Monarch butterfly

I love monarchs.

226: A real black swan, not the movie kind.

He posed for his photo shoot with me. He was beautiful.

227: Pierre St. Pierre

A street performer in Stratford, Ontario.

228: Jedi Son

A boy and his light saber.

229: Daddy -- attacked from all sides.

Big boy attacks daddy at close range with a light saber, while daughter provides cover with the Nerf gun.

230: Real life Angry Birds

Yep. We put together the whole game so that we could play a real-world version. Fun, but harder than the iPod version!

The house is on fire! The house is on fire!

2011-08-17T14:48:00.003-04:00

(we are pretending here... work with me...)

The family has already collected at the lamppost across the street from our house (our pre-determined meeting spot). Our two cats have strolled out as well. They knew the emergency escape plan, too.

The loved ones are safe and sound.

I look down and realized I grabbed three items on my way out the door...

Shakey doggie, my son's lovie
A small stuffed giraffe, my daughter's lovie AND
My kids's blankies

...what a loving mother

No I didn't. I look down again. I really grabbed...

My blackberry phone
My Nook AND
My laptop

...what a geek. She can't live without her technology.

No I didn't. I look down again. I really grabbed...

Every picture in my house
Every photo album
My camera

...how sentimental. I must have my memories!

No I didn't. Who am I kidding? I can't carry all that crap. I really, really grabbed...

My shoes
A sweater
Some snacks

...how, um, practical. And, uh, likely. After all...it's going to be a while until we go back home again, so I need the shoes. I'm always cold, so I need the sweater. And the kids will be hungry soon... hence the snacks.

This post was prompted by Work, Wife, Mom, Life's Working Mom Wednesday prompt:

2. What three objects would you save first if your house caught fire?

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy/kids trip to Great Wolf Lodge!

2011-08-17T11:37:00.000-04:00

Daddy and kids had their annual trip to Great Wolf Lodge last weekend. Here's a couple of pictures he sent me as evidence they were having a good time!

That is a wolf in a bathrobe, and a horse in a football uniform. Interesting choices...

Mommytography 365/217-223

2011-08-11T23:10:00.000-04:00

217: One upping the birthday girl

218: Birthday party pink

219: It must be a good game when...

The birthday girl plays her new Leapster game, and everybody is interested...

220: Canine invader

No, we haven't adopted a new dog (yet). We dog-sat for a friend. This is Ronnie, the crazed Jack Russell!

221: Battle scene on a couch

Big boy acts out a giant battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons over and over again...

222: Angry Birds glow

My son playing Angry Birds on my Nook.

223: Benihana chef

We went to Benihana, the Japanese Steakhouse, for our anniversary. The kids had a blast.

14 years

2011-08-09T12:29:00.002-04:00

14 years, 9 months ago I went out dancing with a cute guy I knew. I was smitten.

14 years, 7 1/2 months ago we got engaged to be married. We were penniless college students, but starry-eyed in love.

14 years ago, I married my true love and best friend.

In those 14 years, we have lived in two states, 3 apartments, and 2 houses. We have worked for at least 8 organizations between the two of us. We have a smart and precocious 7-year-old daughter, and a clever and rambunctious 4-year-old son. My husband has become a Master in martial arts, and an aspiring movie star. I have completed my Master's degree and started a side business in photography.

And I'm still married to my true love and best friend.

Happy Anniversary, hubby.

P.S. Sorry for the sap. I promise it will be replaced by something geeky, silly or sarcastic in the next few days!

The Last Straw in a haystack

2011-08-08T16:10:00.000-04:00

My daughter is devastated and frantic. Somewhere between spending last Wednesday evening at our friend's house, and coming home, her Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 3 (The Last Straw) has gone missing.

The entire household -- and my friend's household -- is on the lookout. But, no luck.

It's Thursday evening. She is now experiencing full-blown RDS -- Reading Deprivation Syndrome. It's time to go to bed, but she doesn't have her book. And she likes to read before bed. She wants to find out what Greg, our wimpy kid, will do next.

She goes to bed without her book. Without knowing what mess Greg has gotten into lately. She is very upset.

What if we don't find her book?
Will we buy her another one?
What if she never finds out what happens to Greg, Rowley and Rodrick???

Friday night -- we head back over to our friend's house for a birthday party. After most of the guests leave, an all-out search begins. Three adults and one panicked 7-year-old scour under and behind couches, in bedrooms, under ottomans. No book.

Then, our friend announces "Wait! I think I know where it is!"

She removes the couch cushion, and reaches into a small ripped seam in the side of the couch. And pulls out the prized Wimpy Kid The Last Straw book! That sneaky book had slid inside the couch! Our friend said that she realized the ripped seam existed after she lost her cell phone down the abyss a couple of months ago.

Since finding the book, our daughter's RDS symptoms have disappeared. And she has already finished Book 3 - The Last Straw.

Mommytography 365/210-216

2011-08-04T22:46:00.000-04:00

210: Kickin' it at swim lessons

My big boy was rocking his kicks at swim lessons.

211: Peek-a-boo!

My daughter tries to play a game with me so that I can't get a picture of her with her eyes open. Gotcha!

212: The Henry Ford Museum

Taken when we stopped by for the Detroit Maker's Faire.

213: Beep! Beep! Cupcake coming through!

A cupcake vehicle seen at the Detroit Maker's Faire.

214: Can I keep him?

We had another bunny visit overnight from the Real Life Farm (the kids' day camp). This little guy's name is Coconut. No, we did not keep him.

215: Halloween in July

Day camp had a week of "holidays," capped off by trick or treating last Friday.

216: Boing

Big boy found some bouncy time.

Nothing. I just wanted to be sure of you.

2011-08-04T13:35:00.001-04:00

OK. I'm usually all witty, geeky and goofy around here, but this time I'm actually going to be sincere and serious. Bare with me.

I have been friends with my now best friend since high school -- a startling 23 years (or something like that)! Sometimes we barely kept in touch, sometimes we talked daily. We don't always agree with each other, but we always keep talking. We joke that I couldn't get rid of her if I tried. And that's a good thing. She's the friend you need when the going gets tough. And she married a guy who bucks up, too (OK, maybe she gives him a little shove sometimes!).

A few years back, I gave her a call in the middle of the night, in tears, because my husband had not returned home when I thought he should have. She stayed with me until he did show up.

More recently, my dog had been very ill with cancer and eventually passed away. She not only cared for my ailing dog on several occasions, but one night -- the night my puppy could no longer tolerate the pain -- she came to my rescue again. She sent her husband to babysit my kids while I took my dog to the emergency vet to end her suffering. My friend stayed on the phone with me until I was calm.

And so, this post is for you Nicole. You already know you are the best. But now everybody else knows, too.

------------------------------------------------

This post was prompted by Mama Kat's writing prompt about a time when someone saved the day.

Wordless Wednesday: Sinner!

2011-08-02T23:31:00.001-04:00

I took this picture at the Detroit Makers Faire. It was part of the set-up for a local group called Theatre Bizarre.

Post-it Tuesday: iPhone meditation

2011-08-02T12:01:00.000-04:00

Snarky tips for new bloggers

2011-08-01T13:43:00.000-04:00

Since all the nice bloggers out there are providing lots of useful advice for new bloggers, I thought I would provide some advice that you don't need.

Mwahahahaha.

1. Tell us everything. Please -- tell us about the color of your kid's boogers, what your dog threw up last night, and every single thing you've eaten for the last three weeks. We really, really want to know. That's important stuff for posterity.

2. Don't forget the good stuff. Oh, but what we really want to know is details about that fight you had with your mother/best friend/husband last night! They don't go online anyway, right? They'll never see that you bad-mouthed them on the Internet, right? A blog couldn't break up a marriage, could it?

3. More is always better. Please add every button, every award, every ad you can think of to your blog. Plus, add a huge busy picture to the background. Because visitors don't really need to be able to read your blog... just be blinded by it.

4. Prioritize. Your blog should be your #1 priority in your life. More important that getting sleep, making dinner, going to work... And kids? They are just around so that you can have something to write about!

5. Blogs are better with theme music. Just like movies, blogs need theme music. Make sure the music starts playing once a visitor loads your page. They will come back again and again just to hear the music. I promise.

6. Use your kids to sell crap. Your kids are cute. Cute sells. Blogs exist to sell stuff. It's an easy equation. Get selling!

7. Use blog visitors as your therapists. Because who needs professional counselors? Blog visitors are free, and are always willing to provide advice. I'm sure their advice is just as good as going to counseling when you have real world problems like depression or anxiety.

8. Expect everyone to like you. No matter what you say on your blog, expect everyone to agree with you. That's what the "blogging community" does. We support each other with blind acceptance of every one's cockamamie ideas.

9. Don't comment... complain. Please, don't comment on others' blogs. They don't really care if you show them that you are reading, and provide thoughtful feedback. But when no one comments on your blog posts? Complain. Write a long post about how no one listens to you, and no one cares, and no one comments....

10. When all else fails, beg for attention. We all know who really gets the most attention in the room. You remember what "that girl" did in high school. Act like that. And then still expect everyone to like you (see #8).

And now I expect lots of positive, friendly comments... because you all like me.

P.S. Any long-time blogger is guilty of one or more of these transgressions. Don't worry. I'm not keeping track. If I did, I'm sure I would be the first knocked off my pedestal.

Detroit Makers Faire

2011-07-31T16:21:00.002-04:00

We had a fabulous time at the Detroit Makers Faire at The Henry Ford. It was geeky, fun, and family friendly all at the same time. Right up our alley. Enjoy a few pictures -- and a really awesome video of the Coke and Mentos show.

Coke and Mentos show

Yes, this is "those guys" who put up all the videos on YouTube. And it is that impressive. They even explained the science of how it works before the show.

Making bouncy balls

The kids got to make their own bouncy balls. I was all nostalgic when the instructor started explaining how the polymers (the crystals that they were pouring into the ball molds) would get excited when dropped into water and stick together. You see -- my grandmother used to have the same kinds of conversations with me!

You think I kid... but I don't. Nerdiness runs deep in my family.

My brothers and cousins are probably laughing right now because they remember my grandmother adamantly explaining to us that "plastic" was a misnomer, and "polymer" was the correct term.

Life size mouse trap

Some guy spend ten years putting this together!

Detroit represents in the races!

The best... and slowest.. vehicle by far. It had an awesome sound system, though. Area code 313 representing!

I3 Detroit was one of the top racers.

Android phone operated robot!

This was one of the coolest inventions we saw. My husband and son controlled this robot after hubby downloaded an Android app onto his phone.

Cool stuff ... and I'm not even sure what it is...

How would you feel if you were passed by a cupcake?

Yes, the Time Machine!

Mommytography 365/203-209

2011-07-28T23:46:00.000-04:00

203: Tanks and ducks

I made a bunch of cakes for the cake walk at my neighborhood's picnic. Yes, that's an army soldier cake and a pink ducky cake.

204: Let them eat cake!

One of the cakes didn't make it to the picnic...

205: Window shopping

This is Cindel, our "shy" cat. I finally caught her for a photo.

206: First aid for shakey doggie

My son said that his lovie needed some band aids after taking one too many flying leaps.

207: Detroit Ink

My daughter went a little crazy with the tattoos at the township music night.

208: Climbing wall

My daughter gives the climbing wall a try. It was harder than she thought!

209: Sir Buzz/Woody/McQueen/Shifu

Big boy was excited to make his shield at the township Ice Cream Social, and had to pose for a picture after we got home.

Working moms vs. Motor moms!

2011-07-28T15:52:00.003-04:00

I can't wait for school to start up again, because then we get the list of all the school volunteer opportunities.

Motor moms -- What the heck is a motor mom do you ask? I keep imagining a biker chic, but apparently it has something to do with gross motor skills. Who knew!
Classroom parent aides -- every suburban classroom has gotta have one... or two!
School materials get-togethers -- Moms gather at Starbucks or Panera and put together classroom materials for teachers. Always during school hours; never an evening event.
PTO fundraising events -- Forget bake sales. It's the big time now! Glossy brochures, monthly orders, pledge sheets...

My kids bring home these volunteer sheets like they are certifications of Mom Guilt. Here you go Working Mom! Evidence you are a Bad Mother!

Daughter: "Mom, why don't you ever help out in the classroom, like Aiden's mom?"

Bad Mom: "I have to work."

Daughter: "EVERY DAY?"

Bad Mom: "Yes, every day. Do any dads come and help?"

Daughter: "No, just the moms. So are you going to help with something? Anything?"

GAH!

Then, just to pile the guilt on some more, I get a calendar sent home with every-good-mom's assigned volunteer dates and times -- a confirmation that I'm a Bad Mom.

Thank you, sir! May have have another!

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This was prompted by Mama Kat's world family writing prompt. She wanted to know what I missed about the school year!

Bath time routines at my house

2011-07-27T13:37:00.004-04:00

"OK, kids. Bath night!"

A herd of elephants tramples up the stairs. Do I really only have two kids?

I follow at a snail's pace, and gather towels and robes. I see clothes strewn about, providing a chaotic path to the bathroom.

But no kids.

"Hmmm... I thought I had two dirty kids around here."

Muffled giggles.

"I wonder where they went. I swear I heard two children run up the stairs..."

I start my hunt for the missing children, and the muffled giggles continue. I stoop down, and lift up the bed skirt to my bed, and this is what I find:

I know... this is only one of them. My daughter is usually tucked back in the far corner.

This series of events is repeated at my house every bath night.... because routine is important for kids, don't you know!

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This post was prompted by Working Mom Wednesday over at Work Wife Mom Life. Somebody wanted to know what was under my bed.

Wordless Wednesday: Spidey?

2011-07-27T10:57:00.000-04:00

We had a Velcro wall at our neighborhood picnic. Hubby decided to give it a try. (Sorry for the low quality picture... I only had my cell phone available).

Flashback Friday: A little relief from the heat wave

2011-07-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

With this heat wave in the Midwest, I thought we all needed a reminder that it will get cold again.

As we often say here in Michigan, "Don't like the weather? Wait a minute."

We also say there are two seasons in Michigan: winter... and construction.

So, when you are complaining about the heat -- think about all those construction workers!

These pictures were taken in February of 2010, when our doggie Annabelle was still with us, and still had four legs.

Mommytography 365/196-202

2011-07-22T00:51:00.002-04:00

196: Off to Girl Scout Camp

This is my daughter's "You can leave now, Mom" face.

197: Pumping iron

My daughter's water source for the week.

198: Leaving camp

The path outta the camp.

199: Piggyback ride

Lucky boy talks daddy into giving him a ride.

200: A new fight move

I'm not sure what to call this one? Full leg wrap? Silly boy ATTACK?

201: Kid Yoga

Big boy shows has some major yoga skillz.

202: My little baker

I had to bake some cakes for our neighborhood picnic. Big boy "helped" by licking the beater. Notice no shirt... again???

Driving while ....

2011-07-21T16:52:00.005-04:00

I am a Very. Good. Driver. I'm very proud of that. In my lifetime, I have received zero -- yes zero -- speeding tickets. I did get pulled over twice in one day for having a headlight out (bless their hearts), and I've been pulled over a few more times for "driving a little too fast," but I've always managed drive away with a warning. I chalk it up to my politeness and my good track record.

On the other hand, my husband (that cute Asian guy) has racked up a few tickets here and there, making me gasp every time I see our insurance on his car. We have a running joke that he is trying to collect a ticket for every new state he visits.

Take our visit down south a few years back: we went to Charleston, South Carolina to see a few friends, including a native of the area and a friend stationed there in the Navy. After hanging around the gorgeous and friendly city of Charleston for a few days, we decided to take a trip to Savannah, Georgia. This required driving through some back country, but no problem -- we took our rental car and were on our way. On our way back to Charleston, my husband was driving along a country route, and I had nodded off in the front passenger's seat. As I felt the car decelerate, I realized we were being pulled over.

As the policeman walked up to the car, I thought "We are nice folk. As long as my husband is polite and considerate, I'm sure this nice policeman will just let us off with a warning (just like every other time I've been pulled over), right?"

Then the cop leaned in, with his crisp Stetson hat and shiny badge, and took one cool look at my husband. Then he looked across and squinted at me. He spoke to us slowly, as if my husband didn't speak English, in a thick southern drawl.

And then I realized... We are NOT. Getting. Out. Of. This. Ticket.

My husband was polite and considerate, just as I would expect, as he received his ticket for $180. Ouch. The cop didn't even reduce the speed (don't they always do that? You know... by 5 MPH or something?).

After we got back to Charleston, we told our friends about our run in with the law. Our friend in the Navy, also an Asian American fellow, said to check the ticket. He said attitudes change pretty quickly from the city to the countryside in South Carolina. He said he could guess the county where we were pulled over. We checked the ticket... he guessed right.
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This post was prompted by Mama Kat's writing prompts.

The prompt was YELLOW.

Wait for it... did you figure it out yet? Do you feel bad that you figured it out? Do ya? Mwahahahaha.

Soapbox rant: Michele Bachmann is on drugs!

2011-07-20T14:59:00.007-04:00

If you don't want to read a rant, please leave now.

Ahem.

Presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann has opened a can of worms.

No, I'm not going to rant here about Tea Party conservatives or female Republicans. I'm up on my soapbox because -- despite all the legitimate reasons why Michele Bachmann should not be the Republican nominee -- some press, pundits and politicians have decided to call out her migraines as a reason she is unfit to lead.

Really?

As a severe migraine sufferer myself, this just burns me and makes my head boil.

{ouch that hurts}

There are accounts of her numerous "hospitalizations" and "stress-related health problems" and "heavy pill use alleged." Here's what key inside source said:

“When she gets ‘em, frankly, she can’t function at all. It’s not like a little thing with a couple Advils. It’s bad,” the adviser says. “The migraines are so bad and so intense, she carries and takes all sorts of pills. Prevention pills. Pills during the migraine. Pills after the migraine, to keep them under control. She has to take these pills wherever she goes.”

Yep, that all sounds about right. And I have all those pills, too. My friends call me "the pharmacy." Anyone who has migraines or knows a migraineur will understand that medications are very helpful for living with migraines. We use them to function -- and live our lives. Fortunately, the pills available now -- within the past 10-15 years -- are amazing; so much better than what was available in the early 1990s and before. Please don't assume we're addicts because we carry around a bunch of pills. Migraines are monsters; medications are one weapon against the monsters.

And yes, prevention IS the best medicine. I know my triggers -- certain foods, smoke, changes in pressure, alcohol. The list gets longer every year. I don't drink, I don't smoke, I make sure to get 8 hours of sleep EVERY night. I have to eat every 4 hours. I do these things EVERY DAY to make sure I do not trigger a migraine; it works most days. Any long-term sufferer does his or her best to avoid triggers, but sometimes the migraines win.

OK, I know the media attack on Michele Bachmann is really just an attempt by the politicians to get rid of another candidate. To remove of someone they don't think has a good chance of winning the election. I get that. "All is fair in love and war..."

But we, the public, are tired of the games. If you want to get rid of a bad candidate, then get rid of them based on the real issues -- not because they suffer from migraines, or diabetes, or have purple polka-dotted skin. I really don't give a flip.

Geez. My head hurts...

{walks into a dark room to bury her head}

Wordless Wednesday: No pictures please.

2011-07-19T23:51:00.000-04:00

It's hot. Damn hot!

2011-07-19T12:09:00.000-04:00

It's hot. Damn hot! And I just sent my little girl off to sleep-away Girl Scout camp for the whole week. During a heat wave. I hope she doesn't melt.

You know how hot it is? Roosevelt will tell you...

Flashback Friday: Naked baby alert

2011-07-15T10:12:00.000-04:00

What is it with boys and nakedness? It seems like boys are a little more obsessed with being naked than girls. Every bath night, I have a little guy who just loves to run around naked. And he loves to take off his shirt for any reason -- like it is some manliness symbol.

Anyway, here's a picture of my big boy when he wasn't so big. But he was very naked -- and very happy about it. I might get censored.

Mommytography 365/189-195

2011-07-15T00:09:00.002-04:00

189: Pretty in purple

A beautiful car at the car show at the Elvis Fest in Ypsilanti.

190: 4-year-old daredevil

Yes, that slide is as steep as it appears. There were rings at the top to hold onto before the drop. My big boy went down at least 5 times!

191: Almost world famous phallic symbol of Ypsilanti

This is the "famous" water-tower of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Remind you of anything?

192: Shrinky dink Girl Scout S.W.A.P.s

My big girl is going to Girl Scout camp next week, so we made some Shrinky Dink S.W.A.P.s for her to bring along.

193: Battle-damage

Big boy did a face plant, and met the cement at Day Camp this week. It was a bloody nasty affair, and he still has some battle scar scratches.

194: Jazz in the Village

Our township sponsored some music nights nearby our neighborhood. These jazzy guys were great for a summer evening out.

195: Horses down on the farm

A couple of the horses at my kids' day camp.

The Working Mom and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2011-07-14T14:37:00.000-04:00

Working Mom fell asleep exhausted with her laptop on, and now her laptop battery is dead and when she got out of bed this morning she stepped in cat puke and then she dribbled toothpaste on her good blouse while brushing her teeth and dressing her Son at the same time and she could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day.

Then she finds her daughter screaming in the kitchen because there isn’t any Lunchables left, and mom promised she would buy more, and now Daughter is going to starve and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich will not do because some kids are allergic, and Daughter will have to wash her hands after lunch if she touches peanuts and she hates doing that. Terrible, horrible day.

No sooner than the lunch catastrophe is thwarted with a turkey and cheese sandwich, Son comes downstairs half naked, stating that he will not be wearing a shirt today because shirts are hot not cool. Son hates shirts, and will no longer be caught dead in them. Working Mom wants to know why it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day?

Daddy comes downstairs with Son's shirt in hand. Working Mom tries to tune out the screams of terror as Daddy tackles Son and forces on a shirt. Working Mom thinks about moving to Hawaii. By herself.

One glance at the clock, and the next no-good thing is obvious: this family is running late. Everyone piles into cars, and is handed granola bars because there is no time to sit down to have breakfast today, but no one likes the flavor they got.

Working Mom hopes to leave the no good, very bad day at home.

Working Mom arrives at her desk to realize she left her laptop at home on her bed (with the dead battery.) And she has a 9 a.m. meeting and that meeting is with her boss. As Working Mom goes back into her car, she realizes she is going to have a terrible, horrible day all day long.

On her drive to work -- for the second time -- Working Mom gets a call from Son's preschool. Son has a fever, and needs to be picked up. Working Mom tries to call Daddy so that she could still meet with her boss, and have the meeting she already had to postpone once (not that she really wanted to meet with her boss, but it seemed like the right thing to do), but Daddy does not answer his phone. While driving to her Son's preschool, Working Mom wonders if she could drive all the way to Hawaii.

Working Mom finds her son playing in his classroom, with no sign of illness, but his teacher hands over the school policy -- kids with fevers are not allowed to return to school for at least 24 hours. Working Mom felt Son's head, and he feels fine. Teacher shows her thermometer with the numbers 99.2 clear as day. Son asks on the way walking out of preschool if they could go to McDonald's for lunch because he is "sick." Could this very bad day get any worse?

At home, Working Mom sets up her laptop (with a power cord, of course) and then starts responding to e-mails, and making phone calls, and doing other very-very-important-work-things and Son is not happy at all because Son wants to play with mommy.

"When will you be done Mommy?"

"How many more meetings Mommy?"

"Will you play with me NOW Mommy?"

Working Mom adds some mommy guilt to her terrible, horrible, very bad day.

Working Mom tries to make Son happy with some Mac and Cheese for lunch, but it is too hot and it is not the kind from the box and it tastes icky and he is not going to eat it. Not one bite. Working Mom wants to throw the Mac and Cheese all the way to Hawaii.

Son does not want to take his nap in the afternoon because he wants to watch his favorite movie instead, and couldn't he watch it because he is sick? Working Mom didn't really think Son is sick at all, but lets him watch the favorite movie anyway, which only lasted ten minutes before Son wants a different favorite movie.

By 3 p.m., Working Mom is ready for a nap, but she suddenly remembers Daughter has a Program at school and parents are supposed to bring in a something-the-kids-will-love-but-no-peanuts-and-no-tree-nuts-please! treat. But Working Mom did not bake a treat and does not have any time now to make something.

Working Mom runs to the store with Son, and looks for a treat, but everything says in small print "may contain nuts, or may have been made near nuts." Working Mom finally buys some Twizzlers, and runs back out of the store.

At Daughter's school Program, all the Perfect Moms have made beautiful cupcakes and cookies from scratch, so Working Mom slides her Twizzlers onto the table, hoping no one will notice but of course someone does. Working Mom wishes she was in Hawaii RIGHT NOW.

Working Mom misses Daughter's program because Son suddenly decides he really is sick, and pukes on Working Mom's purse. Son and Working Mom spend the rest of the Program in the restroom cleaning up Son, the purse, and everything else with puke. Working Mom wants this horrible, very bad day to end.

When they get home from the Program, Daughter is unhappy because she did not see Mom in the audience, and Son is crying because his tummy hurts and his shirt is messy and mommy won’t let him take it off and he hates shirts anyway.

Then Daddy walks in the door and asks "How was your day?"

Working Mom doesn't answer and just hands the sick boy to Daddy, and says, "I'm going to Hawaii."

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This post was prompted by Mama Kat's writing post "a bad day."

*This day is fiction, but many of the events, or some approximation of them, have happened to me...

**I would really like to go to Hawaii RIGHT NOW.

Wordless Wednesday: An evening in suburbia

2011-07-12T23:37:00.000-04:00

Son-isms III: The movie edition

2011-07-12T16:48:00.000-04:00

I've done a couple of posts about "son-isms" -- stuff my 4-year-old likes to say. Here's a movie inspired edition. My son has become an entertainment junkie -- just like his daddy.

Geeks get cultured.

2011-07-11T15:00:00.005-04:00

We stopped by the Plymouth Art in the Park on Sunday after yoga. Mostly we found the mind numbing pulp art that attracts suburbanites and rich old ladies...

Stuff-on-a-garden-stick.
My-grandkid-will-look-adorable-in-that!
Yet another striking picture of a flower...
Oh! Look! Something really unique! Bead jewelry!
Wait... what is the roasted almond guy doing here?

And then, the geeks saw an artist that actually peaked our attention.

And then they saw Boba Fett...

...and he was ours.

Yes, we bought the original, not a print. I'm funny that way -- I like to have the "real thing," and I'm willing to pay an artist what it's worth.

Like it? Check out more of the artist's work. His name is Iosua Tai Taeoalii (Josh) -- he's an urban style artist from Salt Lake City, and his stuff is amazing.

Oh...and Josh was super cool. He even took a picture of us with the work we bought. He said he liked to have a picture of the new owners of all of his original works.

A little more about Iosua Tai Taeoalii (Josh) ...

I am an American/Samoan artist and award winning filmmaker from Salt Lake City, Utah. I'm currently experimenting with the mix of photography, pen & ink, spray paint, stencils, acrylics and nature's wood grains to bring to fruition resolutions to my inquiries concerning the human condition. My work often comes from an intense place and although it can, at times, appear aggressive and foreboding, it is always honest and hopefully profound. It is not my goal to create anything other than that which can cause the viewer to think.

Throughout my existence I have had a beckoning passion for the arts and have tried my hands at so many of the different mediums, including tattoo, graffiti, web, graphic, illustration, sculpture, film/video, oils and acrylics.

Over a decade ago, a fortuitous meeting of my wife Adrienne, who similarly had an enchantment with the arts, provided new inspirations. Together we have recently been touring the U.S. with our 2 children, selling our creations at art festivals and we are fortunate to have been included in some of the top festivals across the nation including the Cherry Creek Art Festival of Colorado and the Gold Coast Art Fair of Chicago. In 2010 we received the "1st Place" and "Best of" Awards at the Castle Rock Artfest of Colorado, the Funky Ferndale Art Festival of Michigan, the Art in the Park of Plantation, Florida and the South Miami Art Festival. We are extremely honored that our work is appreciated across the globe and in 2011 we strive to continue pleasing the intuitions of our collectors.

Flashback Friday: Summertime fun

2011-07-08T14:09:00.001-04:00

I wrote yesterday about what my kids do all summer, so I thought I would pull out a picture from my childhood showing how I spent my summers.

I remember many days playing out in our yard and garage, inventing games. My younger brother and I played a lot of make-believe, including house, town, and carnival. Here I am in a make-shift store I built. I wonder what I was selling?

Flowers?

Groceries?

...Dirt?

Mommytography 365/182-188

2011-07-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

182: Swim class rocks!

Both kids are taking swim classes at our township pool, and doing great.

183: It's a great day to go to the park, momma!

That's what my little guy says whenever he wants to go to the park. And considering the park is across the street, I try to accommodate whenever I can.

184: Sibling scheming...

They look like they are up to something...

185: Pepper the bunny

We had an overnight visitor from the day camp farm today. The kids are allowed to take some of the farm animals home at night. Fortunately, my daughter picked a bunny and not a goat!

186: Puppy tribute stone

My daughter and I made this for our dog, Annabelle, who recently passed. She was a tripawd, so we put 3 paws.

187: Attack of the Crazy Uncle!

Those uncles are so unpredictable...

188: Sparklers

I wanna go to day camp, too!

2011-07-07T09:48:00.001-04:00

What's a working mom to do during the summer with two crazy kids? Send them to day camp! Some days I wish I could skip out on work and head on over to day camp!

For the last 4 summers, my daughter has attended a day camp near our house. My son has been there for the past 2 summers. Preschoolers to tweens can go to day camp at a fully operating farm with horse, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits and more!

The preschoolers spend most of the day in the air-conditioned preschool, but get two wagon-rides a day, back and forth to the farm. Once a week they get to eat lunch back at the farm. Every afternoon after rest time, the teachers put out the sprinkers for some water fun.

The school-aged kids get to hang out at the farm all day. Ride horses, feed the pigs and goats, do archery, do crafts and shoot BB guns. Man, I'm jealous. And, they have the option of going swimming at the local township indoor pool 4 days a week! The fifth day is for a field trip -- usually skating, or a movie, or bowling.

Every week has a theme, too. Last week was circus week. This week is patriotic. They even have a talent show later in the summer.

So, when I get those sad eyes from yet another judgemental person when I say I'm a working mom, I just have to remember how much fun my kids are having at day camp.

Don't you want to go, too?

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This post was brought to you by Mama Kat's writing prompt:
5.) It’s hot, the kids are home and crazy, our pets are panting, the days are long…share your number one Summer Survival Tip.

Wordless Wednesday: Muscles

2011-07-06T20:56:00.000-04:00

Working moms vs. the school half-day

2011-07-06T09:28:00.001-04:00

I'm sooo glad it's summer. And not for the reasons you are thinking. My kids are at day camp. Not only does that mean only ONE drop-off and pick-up location instead of two, but NO random half-days!

I never realized the luxury of my home daycare until I moved my little ones into preschool and then elementary school. And the bane of the half-day started.

Half-day on the first day of school.
Half-day on Halloween.
Half-day the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Half-day the day before Christmas break.
Half-day some random day in February???
Last TWO days of school... HALF-DAY!

What?

And half-day means 11:30 a.m. pick-up. So, not only do they get a half-day of school (I don't know what they can accomplish in that), but by the time I (or my husband) need to leave to go pick up one or both of my kids, I have barely had enough time for a meeting or two at work, let alone getting anything DONE.

Then do WHAT with the kids for the rest of the day exactly???

Any of these days my kids are already bouncing off the walls because of *insert holiday.* Now mean mommy is all "SHHH! I have to work." And the kids are all "How much longer, mommy? How many more meetings, mommy?" Guilt, guilt, guilt...

This guy clearly does not have my vacation plan.

We live by our schedules. Working parents have to. Us geek parents even have geeky schedules -- check it out.

Now, if the schools could keep some consistency by -- I don't know -- realizing all these freaking half-days are killing us!

This post was brought to you by Working Mom Wednesday. The prompt was about how much working moms plan around schedules. Or something like that!

Mommytography 365/175-181

2011-07-01T00:30:00.002-04:00

175: A giant iPod + Angry Birds + Preschooler = Danger Will Robinson!

Ok. This is NOT a giant iPod -- it's my Nook, but my daughter refers to it as the "giant iPod." And this is my son playing Angry Birds on it. What does it mean when a 4-year-old can master a game that adults are addicted to?

176: Clown day

It was "clown day" at day camp, so this was my daughter's improvised costume. I think it turned out awesome.

177: Water gun fight

It was bath night anyway...

178: What are you doing under there?

My son hiding under the bed.

179: Weeping Buddha

My weeping Buddha seemed to fit my mood this week, so he got a picture.

180: Flying Shakey Doggie!

The lovie takes flight.

181: My daughter teaches me a lesson in grieving.

She asked if she could put her pictures on our dog's crate, who passed away earlier this week. A fitting tribute. (Now you know why my mood matches the Buddha.)

You know you are a working mom when...

2011-06-29T12:05:00.005-04:00

You have to work from home because your little one has a fever.

And of course...

You have to run a customer conference call from home. Cell phone, head set, laptop -- and How to Train your Dragon playing in the background.

And during the call...

Your sick little guy crawls in your lap. You let him because -- well -- he's your sick little guy.

AND...

The sick little guy starts admiring your customer's fancy spreadsheet full of numbers displaying on your laptop.

The little man announces as he points "Oooo! I love numbers. I can count to 20! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7...."

Did I mention you can't figure out fast enough how to mute your cell phone?

And THEN...

Your customer on your conference call asks slyly, "Has someone joined our call?"

Momma hangs her head in shame. Fortunately, no one can see.

...It's a good thing I work at a family-friendly company.

Wordless Wednesday: Powdered Sugar!

2011-06-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Evidence the boy has his father's genes...

Sacredness in tears

2011-06-29T00:49:00.005-04:00

It was time to say goodbye, and end the suffering of our beloved puppy, 11-year-old Annabelle. We miss her dearly. I really don't have words for my grief yet, so I'll let others poetry and words express it for me.

The dogs who have shared our lives
By Linda Barnes

The dogs who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.

Old habits still make us think
we hear a barking at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometime, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.

And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them... and always will.

Waiting for dinner in her crate.

If it should be
by Anonymous

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Untitled by Washington Irving

There is a sacredness in tears.
They are not the mark of weakness,
but of power.
They speak more eloquently
than 10,000 tongues.
They are the messengers
of overwhelming grief,
of deep contrition,
and of unspeakable love.

I told my daughter to make drawings to help express her feelings. This was one of them.

Meditations on pet loss
By Allen and Linda Anderson

I know that grief will have its day. I give myself permission to heal the wounds with remembrance of you.

I was honored to be present as you left your physical body. It takes courage to remember what it was like to be with you in your final moments. These painful memories of your death may become my greatest healing agent.

I imagine that at your death, your spirit leaped out of your body. I see you now--released and living happily without pain or suffering.

I rejoice in and accept that whatever memories float to the surface are worthy of my attention, no matter how trivial they may seem to be. The daily routines and rituals we shared will be exactly what I need to recall for restoring myself.

Another drawing by my daughter. She is walking -- or being pulled -- by Annabelle (hence the "AHHH!").

My dear departed companion, you have reminded me that we are all connected by a golden thread of love that weaves invisibly through life’s fabric.

I will now gently think about your purpose in my life.

I need family members and caring friends talking and listening to me about your love and devotion to me and to them. I will get their testimonials in writing and record them in my heart.

You know you work in IT when...

2011-06-28T15:26:00.001-04:00

You get all freaked out opening your web browser, only to realize you've been testing work applications again... for multi-language capabilities... in Czech. Fun times.

What do Screech, Jake the Snake and my hubby have in common?

2011-06-27T13:23:00.002-04:00

Yes, they really do have something in common. I swear.

Let's consider ...

Screech!

Ah, Saved by the Bell...

But, Screech did grow up... Hello Dustin Diamond!

Ok, my hubby was not a child actor, so that's out...

But he is a geek. Hmmmm....

Next, Jake the Snake!

Wrestling... with snakes! Jake... you go.

Well, that eliminates the geek idea...

No, my hubby does not have a pet snake.

Any more guesses?

They are all actors in an upcoming film!

Yes, you heard me! Dustin Diamond, AKA Screech from Saved by the Bell, the wrestler Jake the Snake, and my hubby are all in a indie-horror-comedy flick called Little Creeps!

Hubby plays a restaurant owner-turned-ninja, and they all fight zombies!

You heard me...Ninjas versus zombies!

Check out the trailer (Viewer discretion is advised... this is an indie-horror-comedy flick!!! As in funny... but wrong. Just wrong...)

PS...unfortunately, my hubby is not in this trailer. I hope he makes an updated version!

Synopsis:
Just because something is a myth doesn't make it fiction. That's a philosophy that Professor Vern Drake believes when it comes to the Demonicron, a book said to open the gates of hell. After locating the book, he decides to conjure the demons the book contains to do his bidding and get revenge on those who ridiculed him. However, when he only manages to translate half the words required to summon them, he only gets half size demons. Now the demons are anxious to prove that though they are half the size, they are double the trouble!

Mommytography 365/168-174

2011-06-23T22:31:00.001-04:00

168- Truckin'

We went to our town's festival. The orange monster truck was a big hit.

169: Ignore the marker on my face. I'm cute.

My best friend's littlest looking adorable. Marked up face and all.

170: Down for the count.

The boy fakes a knock-out.

171: Tucking in the babies.

My niece and best friend's oldest find blankies for the babies.

172: The customer service stinks around here...

I think he was put on hold...

173: Yard helpers

I get a little help cleaning up the yard.

174: Momma's summer reading club

Last year we decided the Library's summer reading club was lame, so Momma created her own. We are in year 2, and my daughter has already finished her first chapter book of the summer: A Diary of a Wimpy Kid. She loved it.

Wordless Wednesday: A boy, a girl and a turtle

2011-06-22T23:59:00.000-04:00

A picture from my daughter's recent field trip to the zoo that I chaperoned.

Great Daddy Lodge

2011-06-21T22:48:00.013-04:00

"Momma!"

It was my son calling for me. Again. I drag my butt outta bed. Again. I wander into his bedroom at 6:30 a.m.

"What do you need sweetie?" My son is very, very attached to his momma.

"Where's Shakey Doggy!!!" I find the lovie, tucked under a pillow, and walk in a stupor back to my bed. Just 20 minutes more sleep, please! I climb back into bed, and turn over to lay back down.

POP!

Something snaps... or crackles... or pops... in my lower back.

I can't move. I'm stuck. On my bed. I scream for my hubby, who has fallen asleep downstairs.

September 2009. I threw out my back by turning over into bed. Prior to the bed attacking me, I had trouble with my lower back and hips -- starting with my pregnancies. Ironically, I had just seen my chiropractor a week prior, but we had not made much progress.

But now I couldn't move. My hubby took me right away to urgent care, but really I needed rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and long term chiropractic care. My recovery took months. I still have permanent nerve damage in my lower right leg -- my knee to my toes is numb, like it is asleep.

But this story is not really about my back or my recovery. It's about a daddy who manned-up when the cards were down. You see, my back went out on a Wednesday. That weekend we had a family trip planned to Great Wolf Lodge. Yes, the indoor water park resort. The kids had been talking about it for weeks.

After the initial shock of throwing out back had passed (and I was drugged up on lots of medication), we considered what to do about the planned vacation. I talked about going anyway, and just staying in the hotel room most of the time. My husband looked at me -- a pathetic blob unable to walk more than a few steps to the bathroom -- and shook his head. No way. I was on bed rest. No traveling. No indoor water park. I thought about how to break it to the kids that the trip was canceled.

Daddy said no problem. He'll just take them by himself, and I can stay back and rest.

One man. Two kids. One giant indoor water park.

I'm not sure I would have taken that challenge. But he manned up. And the kids had a blast. They loved the daddy-only vacation.

Happy kids.

Not only did daddy and the kids have an awesome time, but they made it a tradition: an annual daddy-only trip to Great Wolf Lodge. Their third trip is coming up this August.

This was prompted by Working Mom Wednesday to talk about a special dad memory (or something like that).

Living in Ikea Land

2011-06-20T13:14:00.007-04:00

When I mention my actual hometown to another mom (rather than just saying "I'm from metro Detroit") there's about a 50/50 chance they'll say "Ooooooo... that's where the Ikea is. You are sooooo lucky!"

Yep. I'm soooo lucky that I have to avoid my town's main highway exit at all costs.

So, I broke down over the weekend, and drove the whopping 5 miles to the Swedish mecca of consumerism. I went to Ikea. Since it opened in my hometown about 5 years ago, I've only gone a handful of times -- the last time was a couple of years ago. Suburban chic Ikeans are gasping everywhere.

Now... I have an strong appreciation of the Ikea brand and the effort that goes into creating their products -- well designed, simple products at a very inexpensive price. The Ikea Corporation should be admired for their innovation and marketing skills.

However.

I can't stand going to Ikea.

Not only is it crowded, but it is crowded with those people. Cult Ikeans.

...I drove in, and I parked next to a SMART car from Ohio and a BMW from Ontario. Ahem.

I enter the store, and have to weave around all the people who have stopped. Just stopped. In the lobby -- there is no products here, but they are already being Ikea-fied by the greeters. As the Ikea sheep are directed up the escalator to the second floor -- the "showcase" floor -- I walk right past to the hidden doors that lead directly to the first floor where the merchandise really is. Bahhhh....

I dodge the sheep left and right as they "ooh" and "ahh." I use my advanced rat-in-maze training to navigate the most a-mazingly planned store ever (pun intended).

As I make my way through the labyrinth, I hear Ikeans exclaim ...

I love all this organizing stuff!
Look at this hamper! It has handles! That will make it so much easier for me to bring home my *adult son's* laundry!
Husband with zombie look: "What about this lamp?" Wife: "Do you like it?" Husband: "No, but...."
Mmmm. Meatballs.

Fortunately, I left the store in a little over an hour, and with only a few more items than I planned. Unfortunately, I got home, and my daughter asked with bright eyes and glee, "Do they have that desk lamp in PINK???" (Of course they do... it's IKEA.). I might be breaking my habits and visit Ikea twice in the same year. Ugh.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T19:34:00.002-04:00

Have fun and play with your kids. This daddy rocks almost as much as my kids' daddy (did you catch that randomly tossed compliment hubby?).

Flashback Friday: Happy Birthday, dad!

2011-06-17T00:56:00.000-04:00

My dad has made it to the big 6-5.... defying many doctors' predictions, and many other odds against him.

We chalk it up his longevity to two key factors:

Stubbornness
Belief in the mantra "He who dies with the most toys wins."

Back when he was only 12 years old, his stubbornness got him a story in the local newspaper. After getting a tent for this birthday, his proceeded to camp in the tent in his backyard for the entire summer.

As for the toys, my dad collects toy trains. And he never has enough...just ask my mom. She is surrounded by trains. My daddy thinks he's a train. Did you notice his name is Thomas?

My dad holding my younger brother. Nice perm!

My dad, AKA Poppa, holding his first grandchild, my daughter.

My parents, AKA Poppa and Granny, at my brother's wedding. Still lookin' good!

Happy birthday dad!

Mommytography 365/161-167

2011-06-17T00:32:00.002-04:00

161: Giraffe puzzle

My son works on a puzzle.

162: A little twinkle in her eye

Happy to see our puppy feeling better.

163: Shakey Doggy artwork

Chalk artwork of the famous lovie.

164: Bath boats

Fun at bath time.

165: One little monkey jumpin' on the bed

Bad momma allows jumping on the bed.

166: A boy and his toys

Sleeping with his stash. This picture was taken with the camera sitting on the dresser, and an 8 second exposure.

167: Struttin' his stuff

These geeks say goodbye to 20th century media

2011-06-13T12:57:00.002-04:00

Well, we've done it. We finally cut the umbilical cord. We've been discussing it for several months, but hubby decided it was time.

We canceled cable.

AND

We eliminated our home phone.

There were several reasons for these decisions.

Financial savings was a big factor -- spending that much on TV when we both work full-time is just silly. And we just DVR'd everything we wanted to watch anyway. And the kids? Sure, they have shows they like. But it was getting ridiculous the amount of money Comcast wanted just so that my kids could watch Phineas and Ferb or iCarly.

Second factor -- Comcast. IMHO, Comcast has the worst customer service ever for a major company. (If you don't believe me, just Google "I Hate Comcast" -- and you'll see how much customers are yelling, ranting, and begging for better customer service!) But, instead of improving customer service they just kept jacking up their prices every year. Grrrr...

So... we should just go with another cable company, right? NOT. When my new awesomely cool neighborhood was built a little over ten years ago, Comcast got a monopoly contract with the subdivision. Sounds unfair, illegal, even unAmerican? Well, it is. The State of Michigan even eventually agreed that it was an unfair and illegal practice. But, now that Comcast is established with almost every household in the neighborhood, no other cable company wants to spend the money to lay the cables. GAH!

We have been plotting ways to get rid of Comcast for several years now, but the dollars never added up. Finally, this year they did. The only catch is that we still are getting our Internet service through Comcast, but that is significantly less money going to a company I despise than before.

So, is this household of geeks just going without TV? Giggle...say that to my hubby and he might start to twitch.

No, we are not getting rid of the TV. Instead, we have re-subscribed to Netflix (we had canceled our account because we rarely had time to watch movies), and have subscribed to Hulu Plus. These two additions are under $20 a month. Much less than the $80+ we were spending to have cable! Between Netflix streaming TV shows and Hulu Plus shows, we are now able to watch about 95% of the shows we watched when we had cable. And -- we can stream whenever we want. Including all those kids shows. Plus, we've hooked up the retro-cool bunny ears so we still have all the "regular" channels -- in beautiful HD. Best of both worlds, huh?

We are now as cool as the Jetsons.

Plus, my geeky hubby is planning to wire our big screen TV to the computer so that we can view the shows that are only available over the Internet. He is devising his wiring layout as we speak. Wiring is always a fun adventure with a room full of geeks (don't worry -- we'll invite more geeks if it requires drilling through walls or floors).

Oh! But I haven't talked about the phone yet. A few years back, we moved from a traditional "land line" to an IP (Internet) phone. We used Vonage and have been very happy with their service, with the exception of some interesting voicemail-to-text transcriptions. Vonage was much cheaper than a land line, with one monthly fee that covered everything (all calls, call waiting, etc, etc.). However, with both of us working full time and having cell phones, the home phone is just... well... redundant. (I don't like talking on the home phone much anyway.) We only had two reasons to keep it: 1) a single contact number that everyone already has, and 2) our house security alarm system used that connection for communicating with the security management company. (Random aside: If you have your house broken into once, just once, and the costs of a security system seem negligible compared to your peace of mind.) As for the first concern -- geek hubby had a two prong attack:

Sign up for Google Voice, which allows you to pick a new phone number, and route it to multiple other numbers. Hubby signed us up, and both cell phones now get called from a single number. Booyah!
Only give this new number to "the chosen few." Despite being on the National No-Call List, our now-defunct home phone got so many telemarketers it made my teeth grind. I answered NO 800 or 877 numbers on the phone. We now have a "clean slate." We can stay under the radar, at least for a while!

Drew knows what its like to answer the phone, and realize it's another telemarketer.

As for the security alarm, we spoke to them, and it turns out that they do not need a phone line to communicate with our system. They can do it through the Internet now! So, we are going need to switch over some equipment, but then we'll be free of all that 20th century media.

...as long as you don't count the TV and the bunny ears.

Flashback Friday: Girl Scout Bridging

2011-06-10T08:25:00.000-04:00

I was a Girl Scout all the way from Brownies through Seniors (high school). I loved Girl Scouts and took advantage of everything they had to offer. Here's a picture of me at a bridging ceremony when I was in Brownies. (There was no Daisies when I was little.)

I'm the blond with glasses on the left.

I was so excited when my daughter not only showed interest in Girl Scouts, but is very enthusiastic about it. Here is her recent Bridging ceremony from Daisies to Brownies.

Mommytography 365/154-160

2011-06-09T22:56:00.002-04:00

154: Purple camels

From my daughter's recent trip to the zoo that I chaperoned.

155: Pillow Pet Love.

Yay! I picked the right gift!

156: Sprinkler park

running through the sprinkler circles...

157: Pampering the puppy

Our puppy gets some doggy ice cream. We are in pamper mode with our ailing pup.

158: Go Blue!

Big boy had a sports theme day at school, so daddy wore a shirt to match. We are both U of Michigan alums (we met there).

159: Popcorn and couch tents

Always a good time.

160: Our yard sale find

My daughter loves air hockey, and was so excited when a neighbor was selling her table. We got it for a good deal. It was quite a challenge to get it in the basement, though!

Wordless Wednesday: Montessori mappin'

2011-06-08T16:33:00.002-04:00

A picture that a teacher took while my son was at his Montessori preschool. Any "Montessorian" will recognize the tools! I thought this was a cute shot because my 4-year-old loves telling me about the continents now.

Recently, my daughter had pulled out some cards from the game "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" The question was "On what continent is the largest rainforest in the world?" My 7-year-old was dumbfounded, but the 4-year-old yelled out "South America!"

PC Load Letter resurrection!

2011-06-08T10:45:00.001-04:00

For Working Mom Wednesday, Work, Wife, Mom... Life recommended resurrecting an old post. I recently had to get copies for an upcoming Social Committee event for my neighborhood. The same event that inspired this post from a year ago, so I thought it was a fitting resurrection. By the way, I did not go back to the maximus of office supply stores for my copies. I went to the place that rhymes with Winko's and had a very pleasant experience!

"PC Load Letter"? What the &%#! does that mean?

As part of my duties as the Social Committee chair for my HOA, I needed to get 500 flyers printed today at the maximus of office supply stores. In order to save my little Village as much money as possible, I head on over to the self serve copiers, but I first confer with the copier department person.

"If I need two-sided copies, do I have to pay nine cents for each side, or is there some kind of discount." Says me, hoping you get some kind of credit for not wasting paper...

"Nope. Nine cents per copy, per side. Forty nine cents per copy if you use the color copier over there."

Ouch. Oh, well. I head over to the black and white copier (I knew I couldn't afford color). I take out my grayscale flyer that I printed out on my inkjet at home. I do a test copy. UGH. It looks like crap. I thought copiers were supposed to have improved in the last thirty years????

Back to the lady-who-should-not-be-bothered.

"Excuse me. I'm trying to copy my flyer here, but the quality is very poor. Can you help me? The last time I was here, the guy [at the copier department] set me up at the color copier with it copying in black and white." I try to move things forward, without seeming like I'm doing her job.

She seems a little annoyed now. "Those copiers should work fine for black and white. You might have to adjust the contrast."

"Can you help me?" I try to look pathetic.

She comes over, takes my flyer, and does a test copy. It looks like crap. She adjusts the contrast 2-3 more times. It still looks like crap. She adjusts the contrast one more time -- and I think she whispers something in Parseltongue to the copier. The next copy looks OK, but the edges are still fuzzy. She proudly displays her work. "That's about as good as you'll get!"

How inspiring.

I cave, and decide to go with the fuzzy version. I get my preferred copy paper -- shiny happy orange -- and put it in the copier. I cautiously select to print 300. They start. I check the first 30. They have streaks through the entire page. I cancel the print.

"So sorry, but I need your help again. Now there are streaks through the copy." Considering I think she has already spoken to the copier in snake language, I'm hoping she will not pull out a wand and want to duel. But now I'm getting a little annoyed myself. Snake lady looks at me in disbelief. Like I changed something -- on purpose -- to ruin my copies. She removes my shiny happy orange paper, and prints out another test page on white paper. Streaks. She moves over to the next black and white copier. She prints out 3 or 4 test copies.

Guess what they look like? Hint: it rhymes with map, and smells bad.

At this point, snake lady studies my flyer original. She mumbles something about how it is really blue, not black and white, and that is confusing the copiers. I explain how I printed it out in black and white on my home inkjet, but she just sneers. I didn't know copiers could be confused.

She now announces she has a solution! She will just put me on the color copier, and set it to black and white.

What a novel idea! Don't you love it when people announce they have a great idea... and give you back the one you gave the less than an hour ago?

First test copy -- perfect. I get my shiny happy orange paper back, and I'm rolling. Verrrrrrry sloowwwwwwly. The color copier grinds through my 500 copies at a snails pace, but I finally get to the end of the first side. Then, I take my stack and put them back in the paper tray. And I'm rolling again! One hundred flyers are done! Ahhh.... finally making progress!

But, wait. The copier stops. Is it out of shiny happy orange paper? No. It says...

"Error. Replace consumables."

WHAT???? What is this copier consuming? Maybe it is a snake... and it's hungry!

Great. Now I have to call back the Parselmouth.

After giving me the "What now?" look, she comes and reads the screen, then reads a few more screens.She opens up the belly of the beast. Is it consuming an ink cartridge? Nope. She announces, "I have to replace a drum." Copiers have drums? Replaceable ones? I guess so.

First, she fumbles with the "drum" trying to pull it out, then she realizes she has not flipped some unlocking mechanism first. She finally gets the drum out. Then she looks for a replacement. Then she looks some more. Then she wanders around aimlessly for a while. Then she looks some more.

Really? Making copies should not be this difficult.

She announces she'll have to go in back for the part. I already know the part is not back there.

I wait ... and wait... and wait. I think about being rambunctious and pulling out the rest of the "drums," but I leave the copier alone. Impatiently waiting.

Finally, her coworker tells me that she's coming back (they've got those earpieces in), and will finish the job on the full service copiers.

She just figured that out? Blah. I'm so over this!

I hand her my flyers and explain that they just need the second side copied. She looks at me with disdain, "Oh, well you should have just set up the printer for two-sided then."

Yep. That would have solved all my problems.

I now watch as she takes my flyers back and forth between 4 different copiers. She announces that paper should not go through copiers twice. She shows me how the copiers have chewed up the paper that has been run through twice. I say, in as meek a voice as possible, that I had already ran 100 flyers through the color copier on the second side and they came through fine.

I think I'm starting to hear the Parseltongue more clearly now. The copiers are talking directly to her. They don't like me! I want to run, but she has my flyers!

"I'll have to start over your job from scratch. I'll do it on my machines. It will go fast." She announces with some pride in her voice.

I really don't have a choice, do I?

Start over. I've been imprisoned here with the enchanted copiers and the snake lady for one and a half hours. And now she is starting my job over.

Plus -- all my shiny happy orange paper is gone. Used up. Eaten by the snake charmed copiers. I'll have to make due with day-glo green.

I wait. She finishes my job. She gives me a fancy box that says "Impress" on the top. I'm not sure how to take that. She doesn't give me a receipt.

"Do I need a receipt?" I ask, trying not to look her in the eyes.

"Just tell the cashier you have 500. And you can keep those 100 orange ones. I don't care." She shushes me away. I just lost two hours to this god-forsaken place -- those extra free copies sure made up for that!

Then a chilling thought passes over me: maybe she was really protecting me from the copiers -- not controlling them?

I'll never know.

Post-it Tuesday: What's a Puffle?

2011-06-06T22:49:00.000-04:00

This is a Puffle. Any ideas? I got none.

Tough week and decisions for our furbaby

2011-06-06T13:48:00.004-04:00

We've had a emotional and trying week and a half with our 11-year-old puppy Annabelle. She's been to the vet 4 times, and had a 24-hour stay at the Emergency Vet over the weekend. Twice we thought we were going to have to make that decision.

But she is still with us -- begging and snuggling. We plan on giving her lots of love considering that her current, tentative diagnosis does not lend towards a long lifespan.

We brought her to the vet a week and a half ago with symptoms of lethargy, overall weakness (stumbling), dehydration and incontinence. (She is already a 3-legged dog from an amputation because of a nerve sheath tumor (cancer) last year.) The vet ran all the regular blood tests, but everything came back normal. Then he did x-rays and ultrasounds looking for cancer, but found none. He initially decided that she was suffering from a severe form of arthritis in her spine, pinching nerves and causing neurological problems such as the incontinence and weakness. We did 2 acupuncture treatments for the arthritis, and that got us through Friday. The vet said we should see improvement by the weekend.

By Saturday, she was much worse. She stopped moving, was frequently incontinent, and stopped eating. We spent 4 hours at emergency animal hospital, and we honestly didn't think she would be coming home. However, the ER Vets recommended a steroid (prednisone) treatment, fluids and 24-hour stay. We got a call Sunday morning and they said she's already doing a lot better!

Annabelle is back home, and is significantly improved: eating, walking and begging, but still wobbly. The ER Vets have given a tentative diagnosis of paraneoplastic syndrome -- secondary neurological symptoms to cancer.

We are followed up with her regular vet, and he said the only way to confirm cancer would be a $2000 CAT scan. And the only purpose of that would be further treatment, such as chemotherapy or surgery. We do not want to put her through that level of invasive treatment, and plan to only do supportive and pain management treatment at this point (assuming the diagnosis is correct). We plan to wean the prednisone in 10 days, and see how she does, and we'll go from there.

She's lived a good 11 years, we are just going to do our best to make her retirement days happy, loving and pain free. For as many days as she has left.

Mommytography 365/147-153

2011-06-03T01:32:00.002-04:00

147: My neighborhood

My neighborhood. My house is the green one, second from the left.

148: Hulk, the sequel

If you have been following my blog and pictures, you've seen the Hulk Hands before. With all the sequels this summer, I thought we needed a sequel for the Hulk.

149: Heels

Big girl found my shoes.

150: Snow angels?

That's what he said he was doing when I found him on the table. Snow angels.

151: Father and son.

Awww.....

152: Flooding

This is actually the day after there was major flooding in my hometown. They called it "100 year flooding." This was a major intersection. The day before it had 4 feet of water and floating cars!

153: Tae Kwon Do Testing (more than one photo! I cheat!)

My son says he's Master Shifu from Kung Fu Panda. No, not Po the Panda -- that's Daddy. 'Cuz he eats a lot. According to my big boy (and the movies) Master Shifu has focus and inner peace.

My son is on the left with the orange belt. The only one yelling. :)

Master Shifu has focus.

More game face.

New belt!

Proud Master Shifu.

Six words -- Tae Kwon Do testing

2011-06-01T22:29:00.003-04:00

Big Boy Breaks Board.

Momma Proud.

This post was prompted by Mama Kat's writing prompt "Six Word Memoir: Write about a significant time in your life in just six words."

Wordless Wednesday: Flying cat

2011-05-31T22:56:00.001-04:00

Orange feather must die!

Mommytography 365/140-146

2011-05-26T23:03:00.000-04:00

140: Like peas and carrots

My daughter was so excited to learn how to peel a carrot. She's been snacking on them ever since.

141: Kid graffiti

It's hard to get mad at your daughter for writing on your mouse pad when you find this.

142: Cats and dogs living together... mass hysteria!

So, the cat was on the bed first, but that green blanket is the dog's "spot." The dog settled in, and both were too stubborn to move. Neither one wanted to be that close to each other. *Bonus points if you can name the movie that I named this photo after...

143: Spring Montessori program

My big boy all dressed up for his Spring program from preschool.

144: What's in the box? Take 1

The kids have been playing with large boxes this week -- which are clearly the Best. Toys. Ever. *Bonus points if you can name the movie I named this photo after!

145: What's in the box? Take 2

Big boy has his own box. *Bonus points if you can name the actor who said the quote that I named this photo after!

146: What's in the box? Take 3

The cat decided that the kids aren't the only ones playing in the box. *Bonus points: WHAT'S IN THE BOX???

Wordless Wednesday: What's going on in there?

2011-05-25T14:52:00.000-04:00