The rear windshield of the van broke mysteriously on Wednesday. Our best guess is that a small chunk of ice must have flown out of the snowblower while J was clearing the driveway. The windshield was pretty impressive, shattered into a trizillion pieces but still "intact." The perimeter of the glass blew out and I was pretty sure I wasn't going to be able to drive it anywhere to have it fixed.
I did the whole insurance bit and a mobile unit came out on Thursday and replaced the window. It was amazing. In less than an hour, the entire window was set and they installed new wiper blades, too. The tech assured me that I wouldn't have been able to drive anywhere for repairs, so I was glad that I wasn't being overly cautious (he needed to get into the van for something when he first arrived and, upon closing the driver side door, the entire center of the glass shattered into the back of the van.
Phew! Glad that's done! Let's hope it doesn't happen again...
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
I Must Always Be In Control Of The Remote From Now On
J put on Dancer in the Dark, thinking it would be a "throwaway movie" (read: one he could just have on in the background while he read). Good Lord! I totally got sucked in and am now bawling my eyes out! And I don't even really like Bjork! Ugh!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Some Things Should Be Emailed...
I quickly popped into Facebook this morning and one of my friends (let's call her M) noted in her status update that she isn't feeling well. A couple of people, including a mutual friend (let's call her T) who also isn't feeling well, commented on M's status and I decided to write some well wishes, too.
About 10 seconds after I post my comment, M comments on her own status. In particular, she wrote directly to our mutual friend, T, thanking her for her comment and then proceeding to ask: "T, how's your uti?"
T's a pretty open person, but, personally, I would've emailed that one.
I'm just saying...
About 10 seconds after I post my comment, M comments on her own status. In particular, she wrote directly to our mutual friend, T, thanking her for her comment and then proceeding to ask: "T, how's your uti?"
T's a pretty open person, but, personally, I would've emailed that one.
I'm just saying...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Uncommon Movie Review
Because we knew J would be working from home today (in light of the weather, natch), we decided to finally watch one of our Netflix picks last night, even though we had to start it late (I didn't get home from the gym after the kids were in bed late...kind of planned it that way).
We watched The Kite Runner which was very good. I enjoyed the book a great deal when I read it years ago, but don't remember how sympathetic I was to Amir at the time. Even though I knew how it all ended, I was pretty bummed out throughout most of the movie and ended up not liking Amir very much. I've always been an emotional/sympathetic person, but find that I take stuff differently since becoming a mother. I can be moved to tears and disbelief in what we as humans can do to one another much more easily than my pre-kid self could (yes, I recognize that it was fiction...but still), and the little boy playing Hassan just about pulled my heart out.
J, on the other hand, who hardly ever pays attention to a movie when it's on, was riveted. (High praise indeed!) His asessment of the film: "so it could have been called Amir grows a pair, eh?"
That pretty much sums it up.
We watched The Kite Runner which was very good. I enjoyed the book a great deal when I read it years ago, but don't remember how sympathetic I was to Amir at the time. Even though I knew how it all ended, I was pretty bummed out throughout most of the movie and ended up not liking Amir very much. I've always been an emotional/sympathetic person, but find that I take stuff differently since becoming a mother. I can be moved to tears and disbelief in what we as humans can do to one another much more easily than my pre-kid self could (yes, I recognize that it was fiction...but still), and the little boy playing Hassan just about pulled my heart out.
J, on the other hand, who hardly ever pays attention to a movie when it's on, was riveted. (High praise indeed!) His asessment of the film: "so it could have been called Amir grows a pair, eh?"
That pretty much sums it up.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Cross Post From Facebook
I suppose this is post cheating, in a way. I've kind of been waiting to be tagged to do the 25 random things about me list on fb for a while. I finally was today so here's what I had to say...some of it is a little redundant from previous mentions on here, but here goes.
1) I don't drink coffee or alcohol. Not for any reason other than I don't like either. I am, however, *hopelessly* addicted to Diet Coke.
2) I never would have joined a gym if I hadn't had children. Not only is it a major sanity saver, but it's my responsibility to be the best me I can be for my family and working out helps me work towards that goal.
3) I am totally addicted to going to the gym and usually end up feeling antsy on the one day a week that I take off. It amuses me how much I love hitting the gym. I was the most athletically ungifted person in the universe when I was younger.
4) Just about everyone I know tries to alphabetize the kids' names and it pretty much drives me nuts. Even though I'm all for alphabetization (and order in general), Liam was my Baby A and so his name always comes first in my mind..."Ella and Liam" just doesn't sound right to me.
5) I won't dangle my feet over the edge of any bed because of a scene in the movie Pet Sematary where the kindly neighbor (aka Herman Munster) gets the back of his heel slashed by brought-back-from-the-dead Gage.
6) I always knew that I'd have twins. I'd like more children, but we'll see what the universe has in store. Sometimes, I think I'm being greedy for wanting more.
7) I'm starting to care a little more than I'd like to about wrinkles and moisturizing and grey hair.
8) My ultimate dream would be to open a bed and breakfast.
9) I don't believe in the death penalty under any circumstance.
10) I miss my former best friend. A lot.
11) My favorite season is autumn. Followed closely by winter. The beach in winter is the best.
12) I have a thing about even numbers. It still bothers me that Liam and Ella's birthday is on an odd day. I'm crazy. I know.
13) However, 5 is one of my favorite numbers. Go figure.
14) I block my nose when I sneeze. It's such a habit now that I can't sneeze with my nose unblocked. It hurts.
15) I want to travel to England, Scotland, Ireland and Iceland. Paris would be kind of cool, too.
16) J and I eloped after having only known each other for 4 months. 12+ years later, I'd say it worked out pretty damn well.
17) I finally gained genuine confidence once I became a mother.
18) I have a thing for Darth Vader.
19) I never understood recreational shopping. Until I became a stay-at-home-mom.
20) I mute commercials religiously. I also keep the computer on mute. If someone has turned the sound on and forgotten to re-mute it? Pretty much a good way to annoy me.
21) The "clean/dirty" magnet on my dishwasher actually says "virgin/slut." It amuses me, but I know the day is coming when I'll have to remove it.
22) I love my nose piercing. My nose? Not so much.
23) My favorite colors are green, cranberry and blue.
24) Even though I was pro-circumcision the entire time I was pregnant, I decided not to have Liam circumcised. (NOTE: So as to avoid any controversy...this was a *personal* decision and in NO WAY stands as a judgment call for people who choose to have their son(s) circumcised.)
25) I must always sleep with a fan on. If the power goes out in the middle of the night, I wake up *instantly* from the lack of white noise.
1) I don't drink coffee or alcohol. Not for any reason other than I don't like either. I am, however, *hopelessly* addicted to Diet Coke.
2) I never would have joined a gym if I hadn't had children. Not only is it a major sanity saver, but it's my responsibility to be the best me I can be for my family and working out helps me work towards that goal.
3) I am totally addicted to going to the gym and usually end up feeling antsy on the one day a week that I take off. It amuses me how much I love hitting the gym. I was the most athletically ungifted person in the universe when I was younger.
4) Just about everyone I know tries to alphabetize the kids' names and it pretty much drives me nuts. Even though I'm all for alphabetization (and order in general), Liam was my Baby A and so his name always comes first in my mind..."Ella and Liam" just doesn't sound right to me.
5) I won't dangle my feet over the edge of any bed because of a scene in the movie Pet Sematary where the kindly neighbor (aka Herman Munster) gets the back of his heel slashed by brought-back-from-the-dead
6) I always knew that I'd have twins. I'd like more children, but we'll see what the universe has in store. Sometimes, I think I'm being greedy for wanting more.
7) I'm starting to care a little more than I'd like to about wrinkles and moisturizing and grey hair.
8) My ultimate dream would be to open a bed and breakfast.
9) I don't believe in the death penalty under any circumstance.
10) I miss my former best friend. A lot.
11) My favorite season is autumn. Followed closely by winter. The beach in winter is the best.
12) I have a thing about even numbers. It still bothers me that Liam and Ella's birthday is on an odd day. I'm crazy. I know.
13) However, 5 is one of my favorite numbers. Go figure.
14) I block my nose when I sneeze. It's such a habit now that I can't sneeze with my nose unblocked. It hurts.
15) I want to travel to England, Scotland, Ireland and Iceland. Paris would be kind of cool, too.
16) J and I eloped after having only known each other for 4 months. 12+ years later, I'd say it worked out pretty damn well.
17) I finally gained genuine confidence once I became a mother.
18) I have a thing for Darth Vader.
19) I never understood recreational shopping. Until I became a stay-at-home-mom.
20) I mute commercials religiously. I also keep the computer on mute. If someone has turned the sound on and forgotten to re-mute it? Pretty much a good way to annoy me.
21) The "clean/dirty" magnet on my dishwasher actually says "virgin/slut." It amuses me, but I know the day is coming when I'll have to remove it.
22) I love my nose piercing. My nose? Not so much.
23) My favorite colors are green, cranberry and blue.
24) Even though I was pro-circumcision the entire time I was pregnant, I decided not to have Liam circumcised. (NOTE: So as to avoid any controversy...this was a *personal* decision and in NO WAY stands as a judgment call for people who choose to have their son(s) circumcised.)
25) I must always sleep with a fan on. If the power goes out in the middle of the night, I wake up *instantly* from the lack of white noise.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Want More
I want to know more. Of pretty much anything, but here's what I really want to delve into.
- I want to read a good, concise history of the world.
- I want to read the Bible (but, seriously, it puts me to sleep right now since I haven't gotten anything resembling decent sleep since before Liam and Ella were born).
- I want to read a history of the Catholic church and gain a deeper understanding of my faith.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Maybe I Need To Have My Eyes Checked?
Despite being a finicky eater, I love Top Chef.
One of the contestants, though, is the the Chef de Cuisine at the DiLido Beach Club in Florida.
Every time they show his place of work I read it as "Dildo Beach Club." Every. single. time.
One of the contestants, though, is the the Chef de Cuisine at the DiLido Beach Club in Florida.
Every time they show his place of work I read it as "Dildo Beach Club." Every. single. time.
Upgrade
My cell phone was the unwitting victim in a Daddy-toddler wrestling match recently, necessitating the purchase of a new phone pronto. It'd been 5 years since I'd last bought a phone, so I was definitely due for one, but the choices were almost overwhelming. Add to that the fact that the Verizon store is, I believe, one of the circles of hell, and I wasn't thrilled with the idea of having to get a new phone. But, I needed one fast so I had no choice.
Normally, I like to at least get into the store to test out how the phones feel and to see what features I like and which I don't feel comfortable with. I didn't have the opportunity to do so, but I'd had my eye on the LG enV2 for a while so, after much research online, I went with it. Because he was due for an upgrade as well, J also got a new phone. I did everything online...ordered the phones, activated them and even managed to run the backup assistant correctly for J's phone (I screwed it up on mine, but know how to do it for future upgrades). It was so easy!
I'm still learning all of the bells and whistles (considering that I was still learning features on my old phone up until recently, I'd say I'm doing pretty alright), but I'm a little bit in love with the phone. Liam is too, and has set my ringtone to be frogs and chirping crickets...if he could, he'd play that alllll day long.
Normally, I like to at least get into the store to test out how the phones feel and to see what features I like and which I don't feel comfortable with. I didn't have the opportunity to do so, but I'd had my eye on the LG enV2 for a while so, after much research online, I went with it. Because he was due for an upgrade as well, J also got a new phone. I did everything online...ordered the phones, activated them and even managed to run the backup assistant correctly for J's phone (I screwed it up on mine, but know how to do it for future upgrades). It was so easy!
I'm still learning all of the bells and whistles (considering that I was still learning features on my old phone up until recently, I'd say I'm doing pretty alright), but I'm a little bit in love with the phone. Liam is too, and has set my ringtone to be frogs and chirping crickets...if he could, he'd play that alllll day long.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day
I didn't cry during the oath itself. When the cameras first cut to Obama walking through the halls, on his way to be announced, and he looked so calm and yet also entirely aware of the gravity and awesomeness of the moment...that's when the tears just flooded my eyes.
I am so thrilled to be an American right now.
*****************
"And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.
...
I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.
...it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.
These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure."
I am so thrilled to be an American right now.
*****************
"And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.
...
I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.
...it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.
These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure."
- from Barack Obama's letter to his daughters, Parade Magazine, January 18, 2009
"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
- from Elizabeth Alexander's Inaugural Poem, January 20, 2009
*****************
"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
...
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.
...
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.
...
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
...
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
...
Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
- from President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address, January 20, 2009
*****************
"What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance.
In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp -- praise song for walking forward in that light."- from Elizabeth Alexander's Inaugural Poem, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Brain Droppings
- I'm in a rut. Or a funk. Or something. Whatever you want to call it, I'm just not feeling very me lately. Life is good. The kids are funny and, even though they've been a little challenging lately, I'm finding it easier to handle the challenges. There really isn't any reason for me to not feel 100%, but I don't.
- Last night, at the gym, I watched a Food Network Challenge...for macaroni and cheese. Oh, it was so. very. tempting. It always makes me feel better to see other people watch the Food Network as they workout, too. Spread the guilt, you know?
- Liam and Ella have been coming out with some of the funniest stuff lately. Looking out of the window the other night, Liam couldn't see the moon anymore. He looked at me very seriously and told me that "the moon is off." As I was singing to Ella the other night, Liam was running in and out of their room (as he always does) and, as we finished saying the Angel of God, we hugged and kissed goodnight and Ella put her nose directly on mine and said, "Oh, Mumma, I lost my Liam!" (He was out in the hall, waiting for me to gather his lovies and tell him to get in bed.)
- I'm thinking of possibly going back to school in the fall of '10. It's all very much in the thinking phase right now, and I'm not even entirely sure that I want to go to school or go back to work (although it'd be a very different career path than I was in prior to the kids' birth). Just thinking at this point.
- I'm very much looking forward to the inauguration tomorrow. The kids like Barack Obama, so I'm hoping we won't have any issues with Mumma wanting to watch something other than Noggin.
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Converstaion At 3:30 In The Morning
Liam hasn't been sleeping well for the past couple of weeks and it's kicking my ass, but this is really about Ella.
Last night (or, really, early this morning) Liam once again woke up to tell me that he had to be changed. I brought him downstairs and changed him, but not before he had woken Ella up. When I returned him to his room, reminding him for the umpteenth-million time that he could not have a drink in bed because he always manages to spill the non-spill sippy cup all over his bed (and, as was the case yesterday morning, the floor) and also reminding him that the Christmas tree is down in the basement in its storage bag until we need it for next Christmas, Ella rushed to the door telling me that she needed to be changed, too.
I lugged her downstairs and oh my God she is so damn cute I can't stand it! She was half asleep, but very chatty and narrated her surroundings.
Ella: Hi, Mommy.
Me: Hi, Monkeybug.
Ella: I peed.
Me: I can see that. That's a very full diaper.
Ella: Why you not dressed, Mommy?
Me: I am dressed. I'm wearing my nightshirt.
Ella: Oh. Where your pants?
Me: I don't wear pants to bed.
Ella: No, Mumma. Where your na-night pants?!
Me: Honey, I don't wear pants to sleep. I just wear a big t-shirt.
Ella: Oh, but you need na-night pants! (pause) What color is your na-night shirt?
Me: Grey.
Ella: Oh. (looks around as I carry her back upstairs) I really think you need na-night pants, Mommy.
Last night (or, really, early this morning) Liam once again woke up to tell me that he had to be changed. I brought him downstairs and changed him, but not before he had woken Ella up. When I returned him to his room, reminding him for the umpteenth-million time that he could not have a drink in bed because he always manages to spill the non-spill sippy cup all over his bed (and, as was the case yesterday morning, the floor) and also reminding him that the Christmas tree is down in the basement in its storage bag until we need it for next Christmas, Ella rushed to the door telling me that she needed to be changed, too.
I lugged her downstairs and oh my God she is so damn cute I can't stand it! She was half asleep, but very chatty and narrated her surroundings.
Ella: Hi, Mommy.
Me: Hi, Monkeybug.
Ella: I peed.
Me: I can see that. That's a very full diaper.
Ella: Why you not dressed, Mommy?
Me: I am dressed. I'm wearing my nightshirt.
Ella: Oh. Where your pants?
Me: I don't wear pants to bed.
Ella: No, Mumma. Where your na-night pants?!
Me: Honey, I don't wear pants to sleep. I just wear a big t-shirt.
Ella: Oh, but you need na-night pants! (pause) What color is your na-night shirt?
Me: Grey.
Ella: Oh. (looks around as I carry her back upstairs) I really think you need na-night pants, Mommy.
January is Dragging
I hate January. I really, really do. We're only 12 days into the damn month. I took the Christmas tree down Saturday night, which I wasn't particularly eager to do, but the reorganization of the ornaments was driving me insane, so I relented and just took it down. Usually, I let it stay up longer, but not this year. The front room looks bare (though larger) and the kids keep asking where the tree went.
I have plenty to say, but I'm just really exhausted lately and am also having a difficult time picking out of my head the way that I want to express some stuff.
Ah well.
I am loving the most recent snow storm. Everything is still coated in white and it feels a bit like living in a Winter Wonderland. I'm also already looking ahead and planning the kids' birthday party...which isn't even until April 19th (since the Sunday after their birthday is Easter). It will actually be here before I know it. The theme is Thomas and Friends and I've already come up with the little rhyme for their invitations. I'm a dork. I know.
I'm deeply engrossed in the Twilight series and am on the last book. It's by far the best and most maturely written. I won't be sad to finish it, though (because, of course, I already know how it ends since I went to wikipedia and read the resolution...). (WARNING: That link goes directly to the entry for the Twilight series, so don't click it if you don't want to know what happens.) I've enjoyed reading the books, but am ready to move on to one of the twenty bazillion other books that I'd like to read.
I'm pissed off with management at the gym, but that's going to be a blog post in and of itself, so I won't do it just yet. I'm waiting to work with the new trainer (my 4th trainer in 8 months...part of the reason I'm pissed!) before I rant.
I made kickass french onion soup yesterday. I haven't made it in years and oh I forgot how great it is. Will definitely be making it again soon.
This is a very rambling way of saying that I'm still alive.
Come on, February!
I have plenty to say, but I'm just really exhausted lately and am also having a difficult time picking out of my head the way that I want to express some stuff.
Ah well.
I am loving the most recent snow storm. Everything is still coated in white and it feels a bit like living in a Winter Wonderland. I'm also already looking ahead and planning the kids' birthday party...which isn't even until April 19th (since the Sunday after their birthday is Easter). It will actually be here before I know it. The theme is Thomas and Friends and I've already come up with the little rhyme for their invitations. I'm a dork. I know.
I'm deeply engrossed in the Twilight series and am on the last book. It's by far the best and most maturely written. I won't be sad to finish it, though (because, of course, I already know how it ends since I went to wikipedia and read the resolution...). (WARNING: That link goes directly to the entry for the Twilight series, so don't click it if you don't want to know what happens.) I've enjoyed reading the books, but am ready to move on to one of the twenty bazillion other books that I'd like to read.
I'm pissed off with management at the gym, but that's going to be a blog post in and of itself, so I won't do it just yet. I'm waiting to work with the new trainer (my 4th trainer in 8 months...part of the reason I'm pissed!) before I rant.
I made kickass french onion soup yesterday. I haven't made it in years and oh I forgot how great it is. Will definitely be making it again soon.
This is a very rambling way of saying that I'm still alive.
Come on, February!
Monday, January 5, 2009
One More To Go
Four years ago today, my mother underwent a partial mastectomy to remove cancerous tissue from her left breast.
She was lucky - we're all very lucky - in that the cancer was caught early and it was removed entirely. She required neither chemotherapy nor radiation and hormone therapy wasn't even deemed necessary in her case (it was recommended, but she opted not to go that route).
I love you, Big Mama, and we are so very blessed to have you.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
He'll Come Around
We finally scored an Elmo Live. Not because they were difficult to find before Christmas, but because we just couldn't justify spending $60 on it. While we were out today, we found a bunch of them for $45 and decided to pick one up. I'd gone back and forth debating whether or not to get two, anticipating that sharing wasn't going to a priority for Liam and Ella once Elmo was freed from his cardboard holding pen. Ultimately, we opted for one. At the moment it seems to have been a wise decision.
One kid is totally in love. The other, despite being so very excited the entire drive home from the store, is scared out of his mind by Elmo (but was witnessed picking Elmo up and carrying him at arm's length while off - of course, he was scared of out of his wits by his new vacuum, too, and is now happily over that).
He's standing on a chair, back up against the window, trying to be as far away from that thing as possible.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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