This week was really tough in many ways, but mainly because it was my first week back at work (2 days a week) AND the eldest is not in school yet. So I had all three kids all day Monday, Thursday, and today, and worked Tuesday and Wednesday and then had all three kids after work both days.
My brain is mush. I'd love to write something meaningful and interesting, but I just can't.
Friday, August 29, 2008
McCain/Palin
My gut reaction? Smart. He's going for the womens' votes, the ones who were bitterly disappointed with the results of the Democratic primaries, the ones who are on the fence about voting for Obama.
My later reaction? He's shooting himself in the foot choosing someone with so little experience. Or possibly, he's shooting America in the foot.
My later reaction? He's shooting himself in the foot choosing someone with so little experience. Or possibly, he's shooting America in the foot.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
foot weirdness
Tuesday morning, I woke up with a terrible pain in my foot. It radiated across the top of my foot and up into my ankle. Putting on a shoe and attempting to walk made it almost unbearable. By that evening, my foot appeared quite swollen, and I noticed a red, itchy bump on the arch of my foot.
This morning when I woke up, the bump still itched, but my foot felt like nothing had ever been wrong with it.
I wonder if the bump was a spider bite?
This morning when I woke up, the bump still itched, but my foot felt like nothing had ever been wrong with it.
I wonder if the bump was a spider bite?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
kari's baby
How could I forget to mention that Kari's baby was born yesterday, and he's in the NICU but basically fine? His name is Isaac. He's tiny and perfectly formed. She made it to 28 weeks and 2 days, against all the predictions of the doctors.
Matriarch
A week ago tonight, my great aunt Lillian passed away at age 94. She was the oldest of my grandmother's remaining siblings. At one time, they numbered eight, but now there are only 3 left. The first to go was Laurence, who died on the day of my dad's 10th birthday party. He committed suicide in the home he shared with his wife, Sally, across the street from my grandparents' home. At that time, all of the siblings lived in the same area. As they grew up and married, their parents gave them parcels of the land that had belonged entirely to them when they first settled in the area. So by the time I was born, there were still six of them living right there in that one neighborhood. Hugo, the eldest, had moved with his second wife to Galveston, but we still saw him frequently.
Robert and Rachel lived next door to my grandparents; on the other side was Aunt Beber's house (her real name was Vivian, but we didn't call her that). Behind those homes, on the opposite side of the block, my uncle Lee Roy and his wife Doris and my uncle Donald and his wife Betty (and their kids) lived in homes they'd built. In between all of the homes stood the homestead, where Mom and Pop had lived. The home was, for all of my lifetime, occupied by my Aunt Lillian.
Now that she is gone, the home stands empty and it is left to the three remaining siblings to decide its fate. Much sentimentality and emotion surrounds this decision, and my grandmother is caught in the middle of a few somewhat heated arguments of the kids and grandkids. I'm hoping she can just slough all of that off and just really make the best decision for her and her two brothers, because they are all that matter in this. After all, it was their childhood home.
The funeral was the most celebratory I've ever attended. The music was inspirational, and included a song written and performed by one of my second cousins. The preaching was dynamic and exciting. The storytelling was heartwrenching at times, hilarious at others. I learned that my aunt hired the first black woman ever to work at County Memorial Hospital, where I was born. I learned that she used to write checks for people to be able to get medical treatment when they came in with no money and no insurance. I learned that she had left her husband behind to be a missionary in Mexico City for 3 years, and that he had divorced her while she was gone; and later I learned that my grandmother had always been angry at her for that.
She was buried in the old town cemetery, which is not where most of my relatives from that area are buried. Her parents, her brother Laurence, and her sister Vivian are all buried there, and apparently my grandparents and Donald & Betty have plots there as well. It's a beautiful cemetery, on the banks of a creek, with plenty of mosquitos to keep the graveside services short.
I didn't get a chance to go through the house, but my grandmother was telling everyone to go through and take whatever they wanted. It was kind of a sad free-for-all in some ways, although hopefully people took things that really mean something to them.
If they sell the house, it will be the first time that anyone that's not family has ever lived in it. My great-grandfather built it himself. I think it might just be time to tear it down.
Robert and Rachel lived next door to my grandparents; on the other side was Aunt Beber's house (her real name was Vivian, but we didn't call her that). Behind those homes, on the opposite side of the block, my uncle Lee Roy and his wife Doris and my uncle Donald and his wife Betty (and their kids) lived in homes they'd built. In between all of the homes stood the homestead, where Mom and Pop had lived. The home was, for all of my lifetime, occupied by my Aunt Lillian.
Now that she is gone, the home stands empty and it is left to the three remaining siblings to decide its fate. Much sentimentality and emotion surrounds this decision, and my grandmother is caught in the middle of a few somewhat heated arguments of the kids and grandkids. I'm hoping she can just slough all of that off and just really make the best decision for her and her two brothers, because they are all that matter in this. After all, it was their childhood home.
The funeral was the most celebratory I've ever attended. The music was inspirational, and included a song written and performed by one of my second cousins. The preaching was dynamic and exciting. The storytelling was heartwrenching at times, hilarious at others. I learned that my aunt hired the first black woman ever to work at County Memorial Hospital, where I was born. I learned that she used to write checks for people to be able to get medical treatment when they came in with no money and no insurance. I learned that she had left her husband behind to be a missionary in Mexico City for 3 years, and that he had divorced her while she was gone; and later I learned that my grandmother had always been angry at her for that.
She was buried in the old town cemetery, which is not where most of my relatives from that area are buried. Her parents, her brother Laurence, and her sister Vivian are all buried there, and apparently my grandparents and Donald & Betty have plots there as well. It's a beautiful cemetery, on the banks of a creek, with plenty of mosquitos to keep the graveside services short.
I didn't get a chance to go through the house, but my grandmother was telling everyone to go through and take whatever they wanted. It was kind of a sad free-for-all in some ways, although hopefully people took things that really mean something to them.
If they sell the house, it will be the first time that anyone that's not family has ever lived in it. My great-grandfather built it himself. I think it might just be time to tear it down.
Monday, August 25, 2008
prayer for kari
gasping for your first precious breath
lungs expand, working hard against all fear
life-giving, life-bringing, life-living
you are strong
defying all the odds so far
why quit now?
lungs expand, working hard against all fear
life-giving, life-bringing, life-living
you are strong
defying all the odds so far
why quit now?
Monday, August 18, 2008
sinking fast
Ok, so maybe I'm not drinking enough good coffee or something. I'm really having a tough time these last few days. Today I accidentally stole something from Target because I totally forgot that I put it underneath the stroller. Geez. I have no clue when I'll be able to make it back to the store, either. I'm starting to have to say "no" to things now, which is something I haven't done in a while. I'm actually saying "no" to some things I've already committed to, even, just because I can't handle the extra pressure right now. It's been a while since I've felt this fragmented, and I really don't like it one bit.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Ok, is anyone really surprised that this is getting awful reviews? When I first read about it, I thought, hm, maybe this is going to be good. But then I saw a preview and knew immediately that Georgie's gone even further in the wrong direction, continuing the downward spiral that began with Jar Jar Binks and was only momentarily halted by the release of Episode III.
I've heard people say things like "Well, the original Star Wars was made for kids too, and it has the same silly humor as Episode I & II. You people that grew up in the 70s and saw it when you were kids just romanticized it and ignored all the dumb parts." Um, no. Watching all of the episodes again as an adult didn't change the fact that Yoda was incredibly Zen, voiced by Frank Oz, and his only supposedly annoying characteristic is transposing his sentences. And you're comparing that to the fart jokes in Episode I? And Jar Jar Binks was voiced by...who? And was his speech pattern really necessary? Oh, and let's not forget Hayden Christensen's extremely wooden performance in Episode II, which after seeing Episode III I would have to blame almost entirely on the director. Yes, I mean Georgie.
Spielberg has managed to become more relevant as he ages; Lucas has managed to sink into more and more idiocy, for...what? I don't really see how he thinks that this schlock is going to make more money than the earlier, better stuff.
I've heard people say things like "Well, the original Star Wars was made for kids too, and it has the same silly humor as Episode I & II. You people that grew up in the 70s and saw it when you were kids just romanticized it and ignored all the dumb parts." Um, no. Watching all of the episodes again as an adult didn't change the fact that Yoda was incredibly Zen, voiced by Frank Oz, and his only supposedly annoying characteristic is transposing his sentences. And you're comparing that to the fart jokes in Episode I? And Jar Jar Binks was voiced by...who? And was his speech pattern really necessary? Oh, and let's not forget Hayden Christensen's extremely wooden performance in Episode II, which after seeing Episode III I would have to blame almost entirely on the director. Yes, I mean Georgie.
Spielberg has managed to become more relevant as he ages; Lucas has managed to sink into more and more idiocy, for...what? I don't really see how he thinks that this schlock is going to make more money than the earlier, better stuff.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Update on unhandyman
I was right, I was right, I was right! Picture me dancing around in a sort of whoopish victory type dance, wearing a tshirt and sweatpants and looking rather disheveled. That's how I spent most of my Saturday, although it wasn't initially supposed to be that way.
It took the husband from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to install the microwave.
But, to his credit, we do have a very nice, very well-installed microwave now.
To add to the day's excitement, my daughter decided to throw up twice that morning, and had a Major Diaper Incident(TM) at about 5:30 that evening. Plans were canceled, sitters were unhired, and sleep was not to be had.
But we do have a microwave!
It took the husband from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to install the microwave.
But, to his credit, we do have a very nice, very well-installed microwave now.
To add to the day's excitement, my daughter decided to throw up twice that morning, and had a Major Diaper Incident(TM) at about 5:30 that evening. Plans were canceled, sitters were unhired, and sleep was not to be had.
But we do have a microwave!
psychological damage fund
I once heard someone say that they were planning to put a quarter in a jar every time they did something or said something that might potentially damage their childrens' psyches (i.e. yelling at them, locking them in their rooms, spanking). The contents of the jar would then be gifted to their adult children to help pay for therapy.
I'm thinking I should have taken this advice to heart, considering my three-year-old already needs it. Therapy, that is.
Anyone got an antidote for mommy guilt? I've got a bad case.
I'm thinking I should have taken this advice to heart, considering my three-year-old already needs it. Therapy, that is.
Anyone got an antidote for mommy guilt? I've got a bad case.
Monday, August 11, 2008
therapy and medicine
I'm spending some cash and time on my son's behavior issues this week. Tonight was a session with my favorite family therapist, and tomorrow's a doctor's appointment. I'm going to ask her to test him for allergies and sensitivities, so we can rule those things out. I don't think there's anything wrong with my boy, per se, but I do want to help him get a handle on his emotions. He's just so volatile. Wonder where he gets that?
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Chillin wit da homies
Last Saturday evening found me and my husband enjoying the musical offerings of the illustrious Snoop Dogg and 311. The concert was held at The Backyard, a venue that will soon be closing. This was my first time there, although I did have tickets to The Smashing Pumpkins' rescheduled 2007 show, which fell on the date I was put on bedrest for my twin pregnancy. But that's another story for another post.
We missed the opening act, Fictionplane, which apparently is Sting's son's band and gets halfway decent reviews. We opted for food instead. We arrived just as Snoop was taking the stage. I couldn't wipe the big goofy smile off my face. Snoop played all da hitz, from back in the day to his more recent offerings. I haven't had that much pure, silly fun at a concert since I saw The Beastie Boys back in 2004. He had the (mostly white) crowd doing all the hip hop moves the entire time he performed. I was right there along with them. He closed with a version of the classic, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye; instead of the word "Goodbye" in the interminable chorus, we sang "Snoop Dogg".
311 took the stage around 10:00 p.m., so we were already watching the clock a bit. They put on a great show, with a very effective lighting display and a perfect setlist. Unfortunately, by the time they came out for the encore, we were feeling the need to leave, to avoid the crazy parking situation. If we didn't have kids, or if my parents hadn't been our sitters, we might have stayed a bit longer. As we walked across the Best Buy parking lot to make our way to the dirt trail leading to the "parking lot", we heard the strains of their second encore tune, which happens to be my favorite 311 song, Beyond the Grey Sky. I was disappointed that I missed it, because it was one of two songs I'd really hoped they would do. At least I got to hear the first one, their cover of Lovesong by the Cure.
We returned home at midnight to non-sleeping babies and tired grandparents, but it was worth every bit of sleep I lost that night.
We missed the opening act, Fictionplane, which apparently is Sting's son's band and gets halfway decent reviews. We opted for food instead. We arrived just as Snoop was taking the stage. I couldn't wipe the big goofy smile off my face. Snoop played all da hitz, from back in the day to his more recent offerings. I haven't had that much pure, silly fun at a concert since I saw The Beastie Boys back in 2004. He had the (mostly white) crowd doing all the hip hop moves the entire time he performed. I was right there along with them. He closed with a version of the classic, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye; instead of the word "Goodbye" in the interminable chorus, we sang "Snoop Dogg".
311 took the stage around 10:00 p.m., so we were already watching the clock a bit. They put on a great show, with a very effective lighting display and a perfect setlist. Unfortunately, by the time they came out for the encore, we were feeling the need to leave, to avoid the crazy parking situation. If we didn't have kids, or if my parents hadn't been our sitters, we might have stayed a bit longer. As we walked across the Best Buy parking lot to make our way to the dirt trail leading to the "parking lot", we heard the strains of their second encore tune, which happens to be my favorite 311 song, Beyond the Grey Sky. I was disappointed that I missed it, because it was one of two songs I'd really hoped they would do. At least I got to hear the first one, their cover of Lovesong by the Cure.
We returned home at midnight to non-sleeping babies and tired grandparents, but it was worth every bit of sleep I lost that night.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
unhandyman
(disclaimer) That title sounds a lot more derogatory than it's meant to be.
Last Thursday, I killed the microwave. Decimated it, even. Actually, I just burned four chicken nuggets in it, so black they were unrecognizable as having ever been a food product. The smell was impossible to get rid of, so we decided it was time for a new microwave. One that fits above the stove, so we could have more counter space. We've been looking at that type for a few years now, but it never seemed the right time to buy one. So on Sunday we plunked down the cash at Best Buy and brought one of them home with us.
It's been sitting near our front door in its nice large box ever since. Tonight, my dear husband (I need to come up with some kind of bloggish name for him, I guess, but there's not one floating in my head yet so it'll have to wait till I'm a bit more awake) decided that he was going to do the "preliminary work" on getting it installed.
Two hours later, he informs me that there are several minor obstacles to said installation, and one major obstacle. The minor obstacles involve purchasing pieces of wood and mounting them under the lip of our cabinetry and along the back wall where the tile does not extend to the bottom of the cabinet. The major one? Umm, installing an electrical outlet in the back of the cabinet.
He thinks he can get all this done on Saturday by 4:30, in time for us to keep the commitment we have for that evening.
My response? Probably very un-wifely of me, but I suggested that we hire a handyman. Ouch.
Last Thursday, I killed the microwave. Decimated it, even. Actually, I just burned four chicken nuggets in it, so black they were unrecognizable as having ever been a food product. The smell was impossible to get rid of, so we decided it was time for a new microwave. One that fits above the stove, so we could have more counter space. We've been looking at that type for a few years now, but it never seemed the right time to buy one. So on Sunday we plunked down the cash at Best Buy and brought one of them home with us.
It's been sitting near our front door in its nice large box ever since. Tonight, my dear husband (I need to come up with some kind of bloggish name for him, I guess, but there's not one floating in my head yet so it'll have to wait till I'm a bit more awake) decided that he was going to do the "preliminary work" on getting it installed.
Two hours later, he informs me that there are several minor obstacles to said installation, and one major obstacle. The minor obstacles involve purchasing pieces of wood and mounting them under the lip of our cabinetry and along the back wall where the tile does not extend to the bottom of the cabinet. The major one? Umm, installing an electrical outlet in the back of the cabinet.
He thinks he can get all this done on Saturday by 4:30, in time for us to keep the commitment we have for that evening.
My response? Probably very un-wifely of me, but I suggested that we hire a handyman. Ouch.
kari's child
holding my breath
inside my stretched lungs
i try to imagine the life of you
swelling,beating heart against your mother's
precious imagination
yet so real, so true
just a little while longer
please hold on, please linger
do miracles happen?
because if they do, i'd like to see one
just this once
in this space surrounding you
--july 8, 2008
My friend has had an extremely difficult pregnancy. I wrote this poem the day that they thought she was going to lose the baby. Today, she is 25 weeks and 4 days pregnant, in the hospital under supervision, and possibly having the baby at some point in the next 24 hours. I'm just praying for her and hoping for the best for everyone.
inside my stretched lungs
i try to imagine the life of you
swelling,beating heart against your mother's
precious imagination
yet so real, so true
just a little while longer
please hold on, please linger
do miracles happen?
because if they do, i'd like to see one
just this once
in this space surrounding you
--july 8, 2008
My friend has had an extremely difficult pregnancy. I wrote this poem the day that they thought she was going to lose the baby. Today, she is 25 weeks and 4 days pregnant, in the hospital under supervision, and possibly having the baby at some point in the next 24 hours. I'm just praying for her and hoping for the best for everyone.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Finally, a blog
So a week ago, I decided to start a blog. Only I couldn't figure out what to call it. Bits and pieces of song lyrics kept floating around, asking to be chosen. I found myself rejecting each and every one, perhaps for no other reason than I didn't want to pigeonhole myself.
This blog is not just about music. It's not just about kids. It's not just about life in general, nor is it just about religion, politics, television, marriage, or the 311 concert I attended last night. No, it's really about coffee. Delicious, hot, steamy beverage that keeps me plugging away at life on a daily basis. Because, without coffee? There wouldn't be any of those other things to balance, since I'd just be sleepwalking through life.
This blog is not just about music. It's not just about kids. It's not just about life in general, nor is it just about religion, politics, television, marriage, or the 311 concert I attended last night. No, it's really about coffee. Delicious, hot, steamy beverage that keeps me plugging away at life on a daily basis. Because, without coffee? There wouldn't be any of those other things to balance, since I'd just be sleepwalking through life.
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