The Bromance continues....

The boys hit the park.

Then they clean up with a bath.

Noah was NOT amused when the wolverine started putting bubbles on his head. It seems even in the bath Noah likes order and neatness.

300

So THIS is what a large part of Americans want to spend their free time watching.......................

uh, ok.

Am i the only one who thinks a movie about a small group of cgi-chiseled men in briefs, without a chest hair between them, running, fighting, and sweating all over each other for 2 hours is , well,.....it seems Sparta is right across the river from Brokeback Mountain.

Admit it America. Your gay.

M.I.A.

Grandmother in town.
We are off the radar until Saturday afternoon.

Obsessing

This site has some really cool facts you all should know. Go support your local Girl Scout. (and if you see my missing one tell her i really need my cookies.)

http://www.girlscoutcookies.org/

The trade off

You know what a 30 minute nap from your two year old gets ya? A toddler who goes to bed at 7am.

You know what it doesnt get ya?

Girl Scout Cookies.








Im filing an APB on my little girl scout.
Or at least on my 5 boxes of cookies.

One mothers success is another mothers failure...

So my friends son now lays down by himself and goes to sleep. "How on earth did you make that happen??!!" I asked her. "Oh well i had just had enough one day so i left him in the room to go to sleep by himself. Every time he got up i went and put him back in bed, played some Raffi and he finally went to sleep." Cut to two weeks later and she is a woman with a little freedom now.

So today I had enough. I put the wolverine in bed with his monkey, his Nemo, and his happy apple that makes music. I cleared the room of any distractions. (basically anything he could climb on, grab, pull, throw) Each time he got down i went back in and put him in bed. When he kept launching happy apple across the room i took it out. He finally decided to stay inbed, but standing. And walking. And somehow finding a way to mess with the blinds. This went on for over an hour.

So obviously i hadnt had quite enough after all. I ended up throwing stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets on top of him in a hysterical fit of laughter. Then his dad came in and roughhoused with him. So it didnt work for us today.

However, i did not nurse him. On that much i stood my ground.

Wow. Big victory for mom.

I believe my irritation is less about my childs behaviour and MORE about the fact that the girl scout who took me for FIVE boxes of cookies still has not delivered them!!!!!!! I know they are in honey. Ive seen you all at Kroger. And the other 2 girls i bought from got them to me earlier in the week. Its SUNDAY afternoon at 3:30 girlie.....prime cookie delivery hours. Where the heck are my thin mints? My shortbreads? My peanut butter patties? My peanut butter sandwiches? My **** caramel delites??!!!!!!! You live ONE STREET over.....how long could it take to walk your lazy, 7 year old touche' over here today and give me what is rightfully mine??!!!! A more desperate woman would have just picked up a couple of boxes outside Kroger and been on her way. But NO.....i ordered FIVE boxes from YOU in good faith that you would get them here the first of March and it is the 4th!!!!! I already blew through 3 boxes, i cant afford to order more. Dont you get it??? I need those 5 boxes.


Alright. How is everyone else doing today?

Whedon-verse

For all 3 of you who read this and are into Joss Whedons writings this article is good.

http://comics.ign.com/articles/769/769619p1.html


I personally am excited about the upcoming buffy comic. March 7th i believe is the date.
And did anyone else know there was a Serenity comic? And another one on the way.

Observations at weeks end.....

Swimming is a great sleep inducing activity for toddlers. Be prepared for your bundle of energy to take a 3 hour post swim nap.


When your child calls out "want mommy to come to bed" it is impossible to not climb up those stairs and into the waiting arms of your adoring tot. When he says "snugglebunnies" as you wrap your arms around him, you just cant help but smile.


Uncooked rice is an excellent item to keep the wolverine occupied with for at least 20 minutes while i cook. It is a mess , because although people say it helps to develop good "pouring" skills and mechanical development, my little mess pot likes to throw it across the kitchen. Luckily, we have his and her brooms.


I believe my refridgerator is alive, but obviously on life support. I have never heard one that makes MORE noise. Im not sure what is going on in there, but it cannot be good.


So from reading the news today ive learned that :
Republican campaigners are hoping that Hillarys Senior Thesis from her Wellesley days will somehow prove she is a socialist/commie. Proving once again that in the presidential elections its all about spin and strategy and not message and the candidates records.

Angelina Jolie is expanding her family. She must have the energy of 1,000 toddlers and a staff of help to match.

Somewhere right now people are sick, dying, starving, or alone. I am fortunate enough to not be in that group. Not right now. In my estimation that makes today a VERY good day for me and mine. Perhaps i can reflect that back out there tomorrow.

Another late night.

I need to get my schedule back to normal over the weekend. I think im working myself into a little insomnia.

I guess when you need a moment you take them whereever you can find them and lately "after hours" is the only time i can get by myself. Its nice to be up when everything else isnt. I can hear the wolverine breathing. I better get to bed myself.

Where do you guys find your time, your peace? Your space.

Santa Barbara......

ever since the mid 80s when she rocked it on an NBC soap as tragic heroine, Kelly Capwell, i have loved Robin Wright Penn. She is what all actors should be.....she serves the characters. Never one to capitilize on her stunning good looks, she tended to take on roles that played against her natural beauty. I always wanted to see her do more and wondered why on earth major motion pictureland didnt just eat her up. But it seems the call of motherhood was stronger. How cool.

No doubt her best roles are in front of her. And when they talk about Americas best, she should be mentioned even though im sure she will never win the big dance. But for me she will always be the creme of the crop.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/style/tmagazine/25trobin1.html?ref=style


I love her stand against botox and surgery.

Its like old times

im up late. I NEVER stay up this late on a weeknight. And what am i doing with my quiet, child and hubby are asleep and its just me me me time. Well im just wasting time on line. THIS is what mothering does to you. Its mindless entertainment for me. Perhaps to push away all those serious thoughts i would have otherwise.

So here is what ive been reading the last hour.

http://gofugyourself.typepad.com/ (The usual trash)

http://www.onintelligence.org/ (Careful....this one might surprise you)

http://www.aintitcool.com/ (For all my tv/movie updates and spoilers)

http://www.toolarmy.com/catalog/login.php (My former life)

And then on to this: The Bob the Builder truck collection that may or may not

end up in the wolverines Easter basket.

Alright....bedtime.

Oscar rundown

James Bond doesnt need an Oscar to validate his skill and overall hotness.

Helen looked great. But i wanted to see her in something a little less Cinderella going to the ball and a little more sleek and sexy. Because if you are over 55 and still smokin' like her you show it. Now the Queen.....meet.....

Our QUEEN!!!!! You look awesome. You know how to work it. The blond hair though.....that is so Mary J. Blige. Jodi you old pro you. Lesbians take note. Ms. Foster knows how to do it. No silly tuxedos. No pantsuits tonight. No sir......and she even brought the ladies out . She is one sexy, hot mother of two. Our hats off to you.

Portia honey. We loved you in Ally McBeal AND in Arrested Development. We love you and Ellen together. How cute. But you are still showing ribs. That worries us. *See Reese and Nicole.

Good to see Mellisa E is out and about. The lesbian crew was representing at the 2007 Oscars. But couldnt Tammy tell her that the "feminine" tuxedo look is SO overdone. Its become a total cliche. Your better then that Mellisa. Congrats on the Oscar. Take that Dreamgirls.

Jada is smoking hot. And Will knows it. Does anyone else feel like he is becoming the "black" Tom Cruise? And not in a im a billion dollar world megastar way, but more of a ....too stepford-y, nice, smiley way. Like he is just waiting to jump up on Oprahs couch declaring something?

Cheat on this Ryan! *note to Reese......please, we know the stress of a breakup is awful, but the weight loss is starting to put you in the category of the woman below in the red dress. You pale, thin women are scaring the children.

Newlywed, but underfed Nicole Kidman. For goodness sakes Keith if you could channel your addiction into her eating habits she might have a shot at making 115 lbs by next years Oscars. the red dress is cool....i commend her for putting it all out there.....but there aint much there Niki.

No one can deny Jessica Biels smoking hot body....that ass.....but oh my goodness...did she send the way back machine to 1987 for that "permed" up do?????? I guess her "sytlist" wanted to do the whole 80s thing, with the fuschia dress and black belt, its, like, oh my gawd!!

That smooth fabric is a killer. You can suck in your tummy, but unfortunately not your nether regions. Didnt her stylist, or SOMEONE notice that in the dressing room????

The only interest in gwinnies dress was the BACK. Which she purposely draped her hair to the side so we could all catch a glimpse of. But the front was so dull, who bothered.

Cate....sleek, interesting fabric. Im sure quite chic. But DULL!!!!

I miss the good old days when all of Hollywood elite came out fabulously badly dressed. There were no "stylists", no "pre-show red carpet moments", no "what are you wearing". It was just a bunch of movie stars dressed up sometimes well, but more times then not....NOT.

Fast forward to 2007.

Yawn.

We Dont Need Another....

hero........what we need is more aging rock icons to look as classy and sassy as bad ass Tina Turner.

People take note. THIS is what you should aspire for when you walk out of the house and into your adoring publics arms.

God Bless You Ms. Nutbush City Limit.

Grow that brain muscle....

"orbital and medial prefrontal cortex"...........i finally see what is wrong with me.



Thanks to my sister for sending me this:
http://www.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=The+Power+%28and+Peril%29+of+Praising+Your+Kids+--+New+York+Magazine&expire=&urlID=21157633&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnymag.com%2Fnews%2Ffeatures%2F27840%2F&partnerID=73272



Those of you with children take the time to read it. Its interesting and calls into question some of the very things ive been thinking about lately. Tell me what you think and whether or not you are a "praise junkie".

This is funny

For the new "Lexington" only edition Barbie dolls go visit http://miketuttle.blogspot.com


This is priceless.

BFF

The bro-mance of the wolverine and his pal.

I am eating a yummy treat as i write....

Oh boy....another starlet. (can we call someone who hasnt been seen or heard from in a couple of years that?) has come out with her post partum "battle" to shed those unwanted pounds.

Another interview to shake the faith of thousands of mommys who are working their asses off to just look "o.k". Grrrr

"According to the pillow-lipped star, even though she's been "eating like a pig," she "just went to Marc Jacobs and I bought a red dress in a size 4. I've never been a size 4 in my entire life!" "

Egads!!!! Tell us more Liv.

"Liv, who is married to musician Royston Langdon, also has a new attitude to go along with her new dimensions, citing the "transformational" powers of mommyhood for the change.
"Getting pregnant and caring for a baby gave me a confidence I'd never had before," she tells the mag. "I really felt I'd done something well, and I can't say that about anything else in my life." "

Oh wow......say it aint so......TRANSFORMATIONAL POWERS" of motherhood.

Evidently it transformed her into a size 4. Funny my power only got my down into a size 12. And that is only if i work out 5 days a week and dont eat anything resembling a carbohydrate.

Thanks again Liv for your inspiring words.

Oops!

Usually, I would not go here. But SO much is being made of the new "do" Ms. B has that i figured why not.

So she went bald.

So what.

Maybe she just wanted a fresh start. Perhaps a symbolic gesture? She was into all that Kabbalah stuff for awhile. Maybe some of it rubbed off and she is actually having some kind of "rebirth".

Or perhaps she has just had enough and needed an outlet to express herself.

Or maybe she is saying "Please someone help me!"

Oh Bit bit. Its time to do a real stint in rehab, then sit down with Oprah and spill it to the world, and then get back to doing what you do the best. Writhing around in scant next to nothing, pro-tooling over syncopated beats, with a legion of backup dancers behind you. Get to it.

A sick child is just no fun.

The wolverine has been under the weather the last 3 days. We even went to the Dr. That seems to be happening a little too often this year. Trying to get medicine inside my childs mouth is as likely as me winning the lottery. He is crafty.

So its been cabin fever this weekend. But im trying to stay loose. He didnt go down for nap so after about 30 minutes of reading, nursing, and rocking i just called it quits. He played in his room while i made lunch. Now he is in his chair having some "water play". Big doings for him because i usually DONT allow that. He sure looks sleepy. But i refuse to spend another afternoon seeing how long it takes mommy to lose her mind trying to get a 2yr old to sleep. Im just going along for the ride today.

Daddy will be home around 3. I will gladly hand him off for awhile. Maybe he will have better luck.

So what do you all do when your child wont go down for nap?

Political Landscape

is getting more interesting.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17158406/

This of course will cause a tremor at our house, because the hubby likes The Ex- Mayor. We both have been of the mind these last several years that in the next election its "anyone but a Republican" when we vote. Now...all bets are off im thinking. At this point i have no idea who i will vote for. I know several things i will vote AGAINST. And those things are bipartisan.

I dont look forward to the politics of the next two years leading into the presidential election. But you cant be a responsible citizen OR parent if your not well informed about what is going on in your own backyard.

Butt Kickin' Lookalikes

I never noticed how much Lynda Carter of Wonder Woman fame, and Lucy Lawless of Xena the Warrior Princess, looked alike.

Almost 3:00....

and the wolverine is not asleep, nor has he been asleep. *sigh*

Do you ever feel your spending the best days of your life trying to get that toddler down for a nap. The thought of chucking it and taking him out to play in the snow, or having some scrumptious snack seems appealing. But something inside me just wont give up and go there. Are we programmed to force our children to nap. Is the struggle worth it?

So after nursing, singing, reading, rocking, leaving him to read on the bed (that was a moment of insanity), i have put him in his room with a quilt and pillow on the floor. I told him to play and if he gets sleepy to lay down and nap. Wow.....what a brilliant mom.


I need some warm weather, sunshine, and mommy time. I need a road trip full of freedom and late nights out with friends. I need to pick up a book and actually finish it. I need to put on my ipod, go the the YMCA, and run until my chest feels like exploding and my legs burn. I need a good night of emotional eating.


Yeah.....one missed nap and mommy goes off the deep end.

We can make her stronger, faster,

but better then the original, I think not. So why bother. Of course i do love Battlestar Galactica and thought that would be a silly idea for a remake as well. Notice they are calling it a "reimagining"......oh boy. Im more bothered by this then BSG because it was my FAVORITE show as a young girl. I even owned the Bionic Woman doll and blow up house/dome. Her bionic parts could be taken out. It was so cool.

So although i hate the thought of this reimagining i will have to watch it. It pains me to admit that.

Lindsey Wagner, you will forever be MY Bionic Woman. You have my loyalty.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6357649.stm

Eat my own words.....

If this turns out to be true i will be serving up myself a plate of "never say never" as i haul ass to the pole cat smelling home of my youth to squat in filth and heat with thousands of others.

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003545247




If its not true....im going to have to drive the long haul to see Tool this time out it seems.

Quickies

are a good thing. And when you have a toddler they become more a necessity and less a "itch that has to be scratched" novelty.

Also quickies are more likely to come early in the morning while your child plays in his room or during naptime on a Saturday afternoon when your hubby is on the way out to the gym.

Just remember the "quick" in quickie. Otherwise you will get cut short by that waking toddler.

My cheesy vampire fix is fulfilled.....

http://www.geekmonthly.com/features/2007/02/06/joss-whedon-embracing-the-comics-life/

Im so excited!! Although a little weirded out at the prospect of getting into comic books. I havent done that really since i was in grade school reading Archie comics. There was a brief stint in my early 20s when my younger brother bought them by the droves and we would sit up late and read them aloud. It sounds strange but it was quite amusing.

Buffy is still one of my all time favorite shows. I was pleased with how they wrapped up the ending so i was a little distressed at the thought of it continuing on again. You always worry they will screw it up. But with Joss Whedon at the helm i trust his vision.....im sure i will be entertained. Plus this way me and the hubby can finally put to rest all those conversations about "what do you think happened next??"


All of you should go watch all 7 seasons of Buffy, all 5 seasons of Angel and then buy the comics. I would never suggest this unless i was 100% sure that it was worth your time.

Not that anyone is reading this....

but HOW do i get my IPOD working. Ive created my accound, downloaded music, but the thing just doesnt seem to hold a charge??? Its hooked in to the USB port and sitting in its dock. Its been there all night. What am i doing wrong? Grrrr....Hours of lame old music is just waiting to be heard.

Im BACK in the saddle again....

yes...we have finally replaced our waterlogged computer and are back in the blogverse.

The wolverine is enjoying a sugar free chocolate popsicle. Actually i think he is just digging the wooden sticks.

We survived mommy and the wolverines first overnight stay apart. Daddy survived too. I enjoyed my time, although i didnt sleep a wink. Figures....that mommy mode doesnt just click off....EVER....it can be exhausting...all that concern, and love, and caring, and mommying.

Oh...a special thanks to the Wu-Tang Clan for entertaining the wolverine while Daddy taught his class. And kudos to the Shopners for also kicking in and entertaining the troops while mommy was gone. What would we do without you guys??!!!!

A quick restaurant review:

The Pub.
c+ The atmosphere wasnt happening. The table was wobbly and i had to straddle a table leg. The music was loud and (according to the hubby) all wrong. The food was average. The beers were way overpriced. The dessert was yummy....but how do you get a guinness brownie sundae wrong?? For the wait time upfront it just isnt worth it. The company was excellent though...the Wu Tang Clan delivers again.

Im off to bathe the wolverine and then bedtime.....im sure i am in for a looong night of nursing.....

Well less then 36 hours later

AND I AM 3 pounds lighter. Take that GP. Did i fast? NO. Did i get a colonic? NO. Did i do some high falutin' voodoo pilates? NO.

But eating light for a day, working out two mornings in a row, and a good poo were my secret weapons for weight lost. Maybe Bazaar magazine will want to quote me on that. Modern Mothers Makeshift Weightloss Regimen.


The wolverine is asleep.

I should be.

House Poor and 3 pounds heavier

but slowly recovering from the move. The wolverine is still having trouble going down to sleep. Last night he awoke after only an hour or two and would not be comforted. He almost seemed asleep....but we brought him downstairs and he just kept saying "NO!" and running around the room throwing things and crying. Ive heard of night terrors before and maybe this is just his way of adjusting to the move. Boy i hope it doesnt go on too much longer. It is freaky.


Thanks to Melinda for letting us borrow her old CPU so we can be online until we get a new computer. We REALLY need to buy one. The last one was an "interim" loaner from Tims work which died. The one before that was a rebuilt cheapo that we got supposedly just to fill in while we shopped for something better. We tend to put off the inevitable i guess. So ive made this set up as uncomfortable as possible so we wont be tempted to just "let it ride" again!!!


I got up this morning and went to the gym at 5:30. Then went on to work. This needs to be my new schedule. It is the only way i get a workout in during the workweek. And those 3 extra pounds dont need company. I read an interview last night in Bazaar magazine (because you all know how fashion forward i am) with Gwyneth Paltrow. She said she gained 40 pounds with both her pregnancies. The first 20 she lost immediately after birth. The next 20 it took her 3 MONTHS to shed.....thats with exercise, some crazy cleansings, and special meals. I want to write that magazine and explain to them that as long as they keep printing these ridiculous post partum acheivements of the rich and glamorous the rest of us mere mortals are going to feel angry and inadequate!! Lets review......i gained about 45 pounds during my pregnancy. About 25 of that came of immediately after birth. The other 20 took almost 16 months to come off. That is without exercise other than walking and no food guru, trainer, colonics ,etc. Of course i was 30 pounds overweight to begin with.....SO add all that up and i still need to shed about 15 more pounds before i am "normal" again. Of course normal for me is 150 and a size 12. Im sure G.P. is "normal" glamour gal size 2 and about 115. At least at 36 im comfy with my body. I dont expect to ever fill out a bikini like Elizabeth Hurley. Im alright with that. But i could shoot for filling out that size12, blue Lands End tankini like a suburb living, married , mother of a toddler, minivan driving SOB.

That would rock.

Speaking of rock....Tool is coming to Columbus Ohio on Sept. 21....its a thursday. that would be so fun to roadtrip to. Wow...3 years ago i would have already have driven all over the midwest racking up Tool shows. Motherhood is not rock and roll friendly at times.

So i may miss out on this run.....but im still determined to have a rock and roll haircut by years end. If ya cant rock, you can at least look the part. and with all those badass boots in the stores this fall.....i AM going to rock in my own little way.


Good Food Co-op has a great smoky pimiento cheese. We went thru a container in 3 days. Hmm....that and the hummus may account for those extra pounds. I bet Gwyneth doesnt indulge in hot pita bread slathered in hummus and pimiento cheese. Damn her.

Lets See.....

we close on the house on Wednesday, my parents come up Thursday night, the movers come on Friday......seems everything is in order...and OH YEAH.....the wolverine has been feverish with explosive diarreha for the last two days.


*sighs

The Explorium

is a nifty little place for children. Its located downtown in the Victoria Square Shoppes building on the corner of Main and Broadway. We went for the first time last Friday and the wolverine had a blast.

So Friday at 2:30 there will be a get together at the Explorium for any and all interested. Admission is $5 or you can pony up about $75 for a year long membership which is probably a good idea if you plan on going even once a month.

The wolverine and I will be there. I believe Maria and Miranda, Rachel and Jack, and possibly Melinda and Noah have said they are in as well. Look forward to seeing you all. I enjoy our Friday playdates.

Goodnight Wolverine.....

Helloooooo Daddy!! Well its a little until 9, and we still have time for some grown up activities before we both collapse in an end of the week pile. It looks like some rented movies and Orville Redenbacher.


Tomorrow at 3 we are swimming. Any of you who are in the mood just call me. Would love to see you all.


Did anyone watch the New Edition special on VH1. Your typical behind the music fiasco. But i admit i loved these guys in their heyday.

"Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, & Mike.....cool it now."

Talladega Nights.....

best line of the entire movie...

"I'm gonna come at cha like a spider monkey!"

The End of An Era

Well tomorrow Playgroup starts a new chapter with Cara and Cerise at the helm. Good luck ladies. And to all you new mommys i hope you get as much from playgroup as i did. I met some wonderful families, made good friends, shared in the joys and stress and exhaustion of the early days of motherhood and watched them blossom over the first year and a half. I think playgroup was exactly what this mommy needed.

Now this mommy needs different things......but some things never change....the need for sleep especially.

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Well the Little Lambs sale was a success for us. We went both days and got some good deals. We bought a new rocker for the hubby....it was one of those Cracker Barrel ones. Very cool. Now he doesnt have to sit in mine that is 37 years old and built for a woman of that time. Translation...slim and uncomfortable for him.

I love getting good deals. I love buying shirts for buck. I love getting brand new items ridiculously cheap. We also donated a dollar each day to help orphan children in some African country have sweaters and pants for school. Of course while waiting in line to pay for my stack of ridiculously cheap clothing i wondered why didnt they just ship a bunch of the Little Lambs Sale clothing to the children in Africa? IM puzzled.

Anyway. The wolverine is resisting sleep as i type. Tour of Duty one by Daddy ended in the hand off to me. I nursed and got nothing. So Daddy is doing Tour of Duty number two. The wolverine actually was lying in bed with ME crying for DADDY. *sighs*

The wolverine likes to say his friends names. Its very sweet. He will say "Olivia", "Aidan"...friends. Then on to "Noah"...."Sophia"....friends...then back to "Livi" (as he calls her), "Owen"...then "sophia"...again. He says Sophia ALOT. She seems to have cast a spell on him. He also stands at our side window and says "Cole"...he knows that Cole our neighbor lives across from us. Its cool.

Alright so this month is all about the house. The next few weeks are going to be crazy im sure. The hubby starts back into fall mode this week. I go back to mornings until noon at work with a couple of evenings. *blech*

Im not big on the evening work. It disrupts our lives too much. But at least the next month its got to be that way.


Is anyone going to restorative yoga on August 20th? I think i am. I need some restoring.

thanks melinda and donald and noah for the hospitality.

Also if anyone is into swimming on the cheap....we plan on making good use of the Beaumont pool while we still can.

Hope everyone is enjoying the last days of summer.

The Curtain Finally Closes on the Peanut Gallery

After 22 years my hubby can finally put one waking nightmare to rest.
http://www.dnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/NEWS01/60804007

A friend of his was murdered 22 years ago and the killer was finally found guilty after all this time. I know he is overwhelmed with emotion tonight. How could you not be? Ive heard about this case alot during our 13 year marriage. Ive been apart of a production of a play he wrote that dealt with events that were inspired by her death and the surrounding events. I know he has waited for this day for a long time.

I send up a prayer to her family tonight. That maybe this will finally bring closure to what must be the hardest thing a parent can ever go thru.

I love you Tim! I hope you can sleep a little better tonight. Sometimes good does prevail over evil ......even though we have to wait awhile to see it.

Im On My Way....Home Sweet Home.....

So we finally did it. After 13 plus years of marriage and a 19 month old, we have begun the process of buying our first house. Daunting. Expensive. Annoying. Relieved.

All to be done is the inspections and then if all is well...closing. Hopefully by Labor Day weekend we will be packing up this residence and settling into our new digs. Is it my dream home? Not even close. Im content to quit dreaming so much for awhile and start living. It will be a great first home. Good yard. Enough space. Good school district if we need it later. And hopefully quiet and full of good neighbors. The hood we currently call home is a shadow of its former self and we say good riddance.

Our trip to Gatlinburg, the vegas of the south, was good fun. We spent a day at Dollywood. I believe she is the only person to have a theme park named after herself. The wolverine stayed with the grandparents for the morning and then napped and we picked him up around 3 and headed back to the park. He had a blast riding rides and watching his parents, aunt, uncle and cousins act like idiots as we dressed up in western attire and had one of those old fashioned pictures made. It was a hoot. The wolverine makes an adorable cowboy. I was a little aghast when the photographer handed him a gun and said "bang bang" as she pointed it at him. If i had any doubts about how i felt about "gun play" beforehand, i dont now.

So we are back. The hubby is getting ready to start his new job. I am working overload for the next week while i can. Ive also started doing some evening massage clients again. I will for least the month of August until we move. It was kind of nice being back in my old, familiar, pre-mommy world for a little while. Although my current aches and pains makes it less then enjoyable. Oh well. Ya cant have it both ways ever.

The wolverine is covered in bumps and bruises. He fell and hit his head THREE times tonight. He has a gooseegg on his forehead. *Sigh*

Hey...is anyone going to the Little Lambs sale this weekend. I thought i might go Friday morning and see what they have. Also i will be at playgroup on Friday. I emailed Anne about getting a replacement and have talked with a couple of moms about it too. So hopefully in the next couple of weeks i will shed that responsiblity.

Welcome back Maria.

Oh yeah....is anyone planning on going and seeing Laura in Godspell?


Fug of the Week goes to the media coverage of the Mel Gibson Debacle. I for one feel bad for Lance Bass. The guy finally comes out and is one upped by some drunken smack talking antics of Rigs.

Two doors down their laughin' & drinkin' & havin' a party.....

Well we are headed to the Great Smokies tomorrow for the weekend. Friday we are going to Dollywood. The family will be there....all converging in our 8 bedroom cabin. There will be alot of eating, laughing, and trying to keep the wolverine off the MANY stairs. Should be a hoot.

Thanks to Dan, Susannah, Sophia for their hospitality and yummy grub on sunday. It was worth the 12 mosquito bites.

We are looking for a house now. Its fun to see what all is out there....of course if we had a few hundred more thousand dollars it would make the decision easier. If i think about it too much i start to get sweaty and anxious. Buying a house just seems so final....planting roots and all that. For vagabonds like ourselves its all pretty heavy stuff.

Everyone have a good weekend. We love you all dearly and are so glad we have made such dear friends these last five years.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe....

or in my case "the wine, the bitch and the wolverine"

Unless it gets rained out i will be there at the Arboretum tonight. the show starts at 8:45 so iwill probably get there around 7 and find a plavce to settle in and chow down. the wolverine will be there so i plan on spending at least half of the show trying to get him to sleep. GOOD TIMES. Im learning that sometimes the point is just showing up....even if ya dont get to see much or relax...your still doing it. And im sure he gets alot out of being out and about...seeing things...new experiences. right?


anyone who wants to join me....i will have my cell phone on. Or call me at home today. I think we may have a big group.

We did alfalfas this morning for breakfast and then ran into Dan Woo grocery shopping for the cookout at the farmers market. Looks like Mr. Woo takes his cookout duties seriously. There is going to be some fresh produce and non-lethal meats cooked up. Yummy!!

Playgroup Inquiry

So we are going to be out of town the next two Fridays during playgroup. Is anyone planning on being there...would you be available to open and close up? If not then i will just cancel until i get back.

Hope everyone is having a good week. Ive been working ALOT. And Tim is performing again this week in the Shakespeare festival. If anyone is interested in going i will be there Saturday night with the wolverine in tow.

The wolverine has been shorn. His golden locks clipped for keepsake. Who is this handsome little devil?!!!


I showed up at playgroup today at 2:45. Post nap. Long enough to let the wolverine run off some energy while trying to take Isaacs snacks away from him. *SIGHS* I know my child is very perceptive because he KNOWS that the freaking backpack is full of interesting snacks that he is not used to getting. I also walked next door to Mother Nurture and bought a cute t-shirt. I wanted to help support them. We need to get behind these small, specialized childrens shops and do our part to keep them going. We always complain about the selection here in Lexington, so now is our chance to put our money where our mouths are. The same for Dragonfly. I want these two places to succeed. Our city is better for having them.


Basic Instinct 2 sucks.




Alright....so someone told a friend of mine that "studies" have linked homosexuality to boys that breastfeed into toddlerhood and coslept. At first i blew this off like i do most things that seem aimed at criticizing my parenting choices. But the more i have thought about this the more annoyed i am. First off, this was a statement made by someone that went to church with my friend. Am i the only one who is confounded by the amount of time that so-called Christian parents spend worrying that their children will "turn out" gay? Secondly, i would LOVE to see these so-called studies. Who ran them....who sponsored them....my money would be on some agenda-laden quasi evangelical political thinktank. Oh yeah....Dr. Dobson. Its the same old same old....that somehow if we are nurturing and loving and attentive to our little boys emotional needs they are going to turn out gay. Why do people insist on "toughing up" our little boys? Is this supposed to help them somehow in the future. Havent we got enough assholes and emotionally crippled men having midlife crisis in the world already. I for one will continue nursing as long as the wolverine feels he needs it...and cosleeping....well as long as it works for our family. And if my son grows up to be a gay man it WONT be because we were loving, attentive parents.

Anyway.....thanks to Melinda, Donald, & Noah for a nice dinner out last night. We actually got a chance to talk for a change. I love our big dinners but it is definitely easier to converse with a smaller crew. The boys were pretty well behaved albeit messy. Sorry to our waiter and busboy.


The Matador must be the most popular movie in town this week at Blockbuster. We have gone by 4 times and it is always out.


So tonight i may go see some Shakespeare...although im not sure im up for the heat, the bugs, and the possible rain. Maybe i should can it and go see a movie.

Midday Magueritas

are somehow tastier then there nighttime cousins. Especially when in a festive glass. We just got back looking at some houses. Open houses are fun but frustrating. Im amazed at what seperates 5 to 10 thousand dollars. I also hate the added emotional element of seeing my son run contently through hallways and rooms. Playing hide and seek with daddy in the big spacious closets. *sigh*

We are in good company i suppose. Alot of Americans work their asses off but can save little. Alot of us have good paying jobs, decent benefits, and live just comfortably enough to miserably long for more. We have bought into the American Dream before realizing the cost. Both financially, mentally, and morally. Its hard to be raised in one mindset and then apply the brakes as an adult and switch gears. We feel like we have done everything that was expected of us, you know, we played by the rules, but somehow right when we should be reaping the benefits the rules have changed. So we live in a ridiculously overpriced apartment "community" in a ridiculously overpriced neighborhood. We are reminded daily of the discrepancies in the "system" we live within.

I dont expect pity....we still live better then probably 95% of the citizens of the world. But it does make me wonder what it is exactly that we want. What is the life that we are trying to create? How can i teach my child to create something better.


And yeah....all this from just going to a few open houses. Now you see why the hubby hates wasting Sunday afternoons doing this.

Alright, im going to have another drink, and prepare myself to reenter the workforce tomorrow after two weeks off, knowing that im still just a rat in a cage running circles on the wheel.

Better late then never...

Happy 40th Birthday to the hubby.

I am married to a force of nature. If you havent been out to the Arboretum to the Shakespeare Festival to see A Midsummer Nights Dream...get thee there....my man is AWESOME!!! He had me , Melinda, and Ashely roling. Of course it could have been the wine.....it was mommys behaving badly starring me as the designated driver. Between the spontaneous laughter and applause and Ashley yelling "Happy Birthday Tim" poor wolverine couldnt stay asleep.

Sorry some of you missed it. We had alot of fun.

Better late then never...

Happy 40th Birthday to the hubby.

I am married to a force of nature. If you havent been out to the Arboretum to the Shakespeare Festival to see A Midsummer Nights Dream...get thee there....my man is AWESOME!!! He had me , Melinda, and Ashely roling. Of course it could have been the wine.....it was mommys behaving badly starring me as the designated driver. Between the spontaneous laughter and applause and Ashley yelling "Happy Birthday Tim" poor wolverine couldnt stay asleep.

Sorry some of you missed it. We had alot of fun.

Blech!!

That is how i feel right now. My tummy hurts. Over indulgence or just some bad food? I sure hope the wolverine will sleep early tonight so i can get some rest.

Tomorrow is the big day for the hubby. He is riding high since his show got a favorable review...and he got singled out. Any of you familiar with actors know that although they all swear that reviews DONT really matter to them , they REALLY do. So a big thank you to Dag Ryan of the Lexington Herald Leader for making my weekend at home a little bit easier and more pleasant.

Saturday night people.....the Arboretum....7:30. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, bug spray, picnic baskets brimming full of goodies, and wine...bottles and bottles of wine. It should be fun. Any of you interested in a preshow dinner with us to salute Tim on his 40th let me know. We will probably do a n early dinner...say around 5. IM not sure where. Will get back to you on that one.

Alright im going to lay down. Apologies to Mary Elizabeth and Ashley for crapping out on them tonight.

Summertime and the living is easy...

or so they say. Personally im pooped from having almost 2 weeks off work. After a short visit in TN & TX, followed by a visit from in laws who left today, i am exhausted. It will be nice to have our home back just to ourselves. The wolverine needs time to wallow comfortably in his usual schedule and activities like mall walking with Daddy and long afternoon naps with mommy.


We went to the Newport Aquarium yesterday at it was pretty cool. They dont allow strollers (2 years ago this would have made me cheer!) so we toted the wolverine around in a backpack. Unobstructed views are great for toddlers and rough on parents backs. The coolest thing was the shark area. They are over AND under you. *shiver*
The otters and penguins were cute.

For those parents who dont know this yet....
FOODS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR CHILDS DIAPERS A TOXIC DISASTER:
*grapes
*oranges
*cheese
*tomato
*any processed foods


CELEBRITY BOBBLEHEAD WATCH (or actors who insist they are wasting away to nothing but skin and bones even though they eat "whatever" they want)

***kEIRA kNIGHTLY
I think she is adorable and can actually act. Think Pride and Prejudice, Bend it Like Beckham, Pirates......but Blimey mates!! She is disappearing before our eyes. She was never plump...and on the notorious cover of Vanity Fair she appeared quite "willowy" *that is actor speak for skinny*...but on the red carpet for Pirates she is ghastly thin. Will someone buy her a meal please. http://gofugyourself.typepad.com/go_fug_yourself/2006/07/fugrates_of_the.html#more



Tomorrow we will be lunching at The Garden Cafe at Flag Fork Herb Farm. I love this place. The hubby get a free lunch because i signed us up for a birthday club thing with them. Yeah.

Playgroup at 1 on Friday. Im hoping some of you show. Im trying to figure out how best to handle it. Change the time or simply hand it over to someone with a younger baby. Any takers? Any suggestions? The wolverine probably wont be there because hopefully he will be napping. Speaking of naps....

am i being to schedule oriented? I really just try and respect the wolverines cues on this. He seems to nap around the same time every day so i try and make sure his schedule is clear at that time. I watch some parents who just go go go and their attitude seems to be that if their child is tired they will sleep whenever and wherever. Does this work for anyone? Ive found that if we respect the schedule, the schedule usually works for us. How are you all handling this? We love going and doing, but not at the expense of the families mental health. There are times though i think i should ease up a little and just go with the flow. *i hate that saying*


SATURDAY is Shakespeare Festival at the aRboretum...midsummer nights dream with the hubby playing the role of Bottom. *i wont make a joke here* The play starts at 8:45 but they open for seating at 7. Anyone interested let me know. Ive already lined up a sitter , but am open to taking the wolverine if need be. He has had a rough week at night so im not sure he will stand to be left behind.

That same day is the hubbys 40th birthday. WOW. I met the guy when he was 26 and still wearing silk shirts and loafers with no socks. He was in a rock band and was the most talented actor i had ever seen onstage. He drove a Ford Fiesta(?). He is still the funniest man i know.

M.I.A.

NO i havent dropped off the face of the earth. Not yet.

We went to TN last Friday to spend the weekend with my folks while Tim spent a "mid life crisis" night out with friends at the Sammy Hagar concert in Nashville. Well the wolverine and I ended up flying out Sunday to Austin TX to see my sister and her kids for a few days. It was last minute and unplanned so that is where we have been. We got back to Nashville yesterday. Today Tim drove down and we are driving home tomorrow. Its been a LONG week away from home. Its always nice to visit family but im ready to plunge back into our routine. Sorry i left some of you hanging.

Im not sure if we will make it to playgroup. I guess i will at least come open up. We are leaving bright and early so should make it to LEX by lunch. However the hubby has made plans for a pool date after playgroup at our place. He and Dan evidently came up with the plan. So if anyone else wants to come and swim with us let me know. Im thinking around 3:30 after the wolverine naps. Then perhaps some dinner.

HOpe everyone is well and having a good week.

June is Bustin' Out All Over......

this weekend in Lexington

***DRAGONFLY childrens clothing and toy store officially opened for business this weekend. Susannah, Dan & Sophia were there to welcome us with 15 % off. How awesome was that?? I bought the wolverine a bright, fun Zutano shirt and shorts and looked over and Ashley had bought Owie the same thing. Wow...i hope people dont mistake them for twins now. I also bought my niece a really cute poney. (toy..not the real thing Hope..so dont freak out and go buy a barn yet). Those of you who havent been by the store yet....get over there. They are located off Harrodsburg road in the new shopping area beside Ramseys.


***The wolverine went out to the arboretum with us friday afternoon and ran wild while Daddy rehearsed for the upcoming Shakespeare festival. I hope his penchant for running towards the stage isnt a sign of things to come. I love the wolverine and want to encourage him in things that interest him, but a life in theatre??!! Um....no.

***We also ate breakfast Saturday morning at Alfalfas. They do the best brunch ever. Then we headed over to Boyds Orchards. What fun. The wolverine wore himself out and US climbing on bails of hay, sliding, swinging, riding in wagons,etc. It was awesome. The 80 foot slide i highly recommend. Just make sure and turn before you land if your over 12 years old.

***My mom just went to a 1st cousins reunion in Alabama and found out that we are related to Jay Leno. Great. And all this time i thought all my relations were just country folk or rednecks.

***Congrats to Mike and Erin who should be married by now.

***Sympathies go out to Melinda. She knows why.

I love this time of year in Lexington. There is so much going on. Too bad i will be working all week. Of course i was informed this weekend by a young mom that money makes the world go round. I didnt have the heart to let her in on the whole gravitational pull thing.

The Week Recapped

Well ive been waaaay out of the loop this week. My increased work hours are kicking my backside. Nice to know some things never change....i STILL think working a full day sucks. Im glad its a four day work week or i think i would collapse.

So what does all this work mean exactly???

Well it means the moment i get home its nursey nursey. The wolverine expects my full attention and follows me around the rest of the afternoon and evening. If i go into a room without him and close the door he has a meltdown. So its been a long week. He actually fell asleep last night at 6:30 and at 3:15 am woke up saying "EAT,EAT". Poor guy....we are still in a bit of a transition to the summer schedule. But he and daddy are having a good time together.


BIRTH....

For any who havent heard, Anne Rust and her hubby are the proud new parents of a baby girl who was born this week in Corbin KY. Congrats go out to them. Anyone from playgroup interested in pitching in and doing something for them just let me know.


DEATH....

My sister called to tell me a guy she graduated from high school with died this week. He was only 39, married, had two very young daughters. Devastating. At their 20th class reunion last year he was the life of the party. Sanjiv, peace and love.



HOpe your all having a good week. I need to catch up on all your blogs. Some of you have had ALOT to say this week it seems.

Hope to see alot of you tomorrow.

Toro, Tequila, Toddlers....

Well its coming up on friday and i think you all know what that means.

Yes its time for another friendly, family, fajita filled friday gathering at El Toro on Nicholasville Rd. We will be waiting for you all around 5:30 at a really large table. We hope many of you can come. The wolverines parents really need some adult conversation, as well as some food that someone else cooks and a couple of drinks.
Is that too much to ask for??!!

Let me know if you are in so i can reserve space.


ON another note.....why is Lyndsey Wagner of Bionic Woman fame shilling on TV for some orthopedic bed company??!!! IM amazed an actress of her stature and talent cant do better. Oh Jamie Summers you were my hero...what has become of you?


Our well wishes are with Noah this week who has been going thru some tremendous teething trials. We hope he and the parents are having a better day. Stay strong Melinda!

Longs weekends have a way of

catching up with you, dont they? Especially when you are living with a teething, tempermental toddler who doesnt seem to know exactly WHAT he wants. I know what i want.....some uninterrupted sleep.

The weekend was nice if for no other reason then the hubby and I got to spend some "quality" time alone together. That is married speak for dinner and a movie. Granddaddy was kind enough to watch the wolverine while we went out. Evidently he has the magic touch because they had a blast AND the wolverine went down for a nap. So hats off to gramps!!! And all this time we thought grandmother was the only one who knew what she was doing.

We saw X-Men The Last Stand. It was a decent popcorn flick. (even though we couldnt get popcorn because the theatre we went to evidently was a timewarp back to 1989 and they didnt take cards at the concessions stand.) The movie was cheesy with an absolutely horrid soundtrack that just about crushed any real reaction i might have felt. Evidently some directors feel that if you just pump up the volume of the music in a scene the audience will be forced to respond the way you want them to.

Alright...moving right along.

IM tired people. These last few days have been rough. My sweet, compliant, laid back little boy has been replaced by some cranky, ill tempered toddler who runs on pure adrenaline and no need of sleep. Can some one just wake me when this faze passes.

For you politicos out there....check out our friend Ryans blog......very funny....


And if your not tired yet of taking quizzes and tests that are useless....here is another
I scored a dismal 67, which just proves what the hubby has always said about me and lyrics to songs.

Its oh so quiet......

Shhhhhhh!!

I love getting up early before the guys wake and just enjoying some peace and quiet. I can just mill around and do whatever. Its nice. The two of them look so cute together asleep in bed. The wolverine likes to drape his leg over daddy and occassionally kick him....its very funny....although not so much for daddy.

I have the worst kink in my neck.....looks like i will be visiting the chiropractor today if i want to be able to turn to the left.

Wasnt that storm last night amazing? It moved in so fast. We had the blinds up on our living room windows so we could watch. The wolverine woke up at one point and we were laying together listening to the thunder. I was talking to him about thunder and asking if he heard it. He was so interested he fell back asleep.


Ive been thinking alot lately about behaviour and discipline...obviously ....i have a toddler who is testing the boundaries and finding who he is a little bit more everyday . Sometimes i think im not doing that great of a job instructing him and helping him along on his journey. Here are some things Dr. Sears and Co had to say on the subject.

TOP TEN DISCIPLINE PRINCIPLES
1. GET CONNECTED EARLY
Discipline is grounded on a healthy relationship between parent and child. To know how to discipline your child you must first know your child.
2. KNOW YOUR CHILD. Know your child's needs and capabilities at various ages. Your discipline techniques will be different at each stage because your child's needs change. Know Age-appropriate Behavior. Many conflicts arise when parents expect children to think and behave like adults.
3. HELP THE CHILD TO RESPECT AUTHORITY
"Honor thy father and thy mother" is the wise and time-honored teaching; not fear them. Honor implies both obedience and respect.


4. SET LIMITS, PRoVIDE STRUCTURE
Establish rules, but at the same time create conditions that make the rules easier to follow. Children need boundaries.

5. EXPECT OBEDIENCE
Your child will be as obedient as you expect, or as defiant as you allow. When we ask parents of obedient kids why their children obey, they all answer, "Because we expect them to." When you insist on obedience and help the child to get control of himself, you are using your power over the child in a good way that helps him develop inner controls. Remember, children want limits so that they don't feel out of control, and they want parents to stand by those limits. They keep testing the limits to see if you will uphold them. When you don't, the child feels anxious that no one is strong enough to contain him. To a child, that is scary.

6. MODEL DISCIPLINE. A model is an example your child imitates. The mind of a growing child is a sponge, soaking up life's experiences; it's a video camera capturing everything a child hears and sees, storing these images in a mental vault for later retrieval. These stored images, especially those frequently repeated by significant persons in the child's life, become part of his personality—the child's self. So, one of your jobs as parents is to provide good material for your child to absorb.

It's the overall impression that your child receives that counts, not the occasional blunders or outbursts. If a parent is habitually angry, anger becomes part of the child's self. The child learns that this is the way people deal with life. If a parent models happiness and trust, with an occasional angry tirade, the child sees a healthier model: People are happy most of the time, but sometimes difficulties make you angry. You handle the situation and go back to being happy.

7. NURTURE YOUR CHILD'S SELF-CONFIDENCE
The growing person with a positive self-image is easier to discipline. She thinks of herself as a worthwhile person, and so she behaves in a worthwhile way. She is able to forgo some willful misbehavior to maintain this feeling of well-being. When this child does misbehave, she returns more quickly to the right path, with less need for punishment.

Not so the child with poor self-image. The child who doesn't feel right doesn't act right. His parents don't trust him, so he can't trust himself. No one expects him to behave well, so he doesn't. The bad behavior cycle begins: the more misbehavior, the more punishment, which intensifies the child's anger and lowers the child's self-esteem, producing more bad behavior. This is why our approach to discipline focuses primarily on promoting inner well-being in the child from the beginning. Throughout life your child will be exposed to people and events that contribute to his self-worth and to others that chip away at it. We call these builders and breakers. We will help you to set the conditions that expose your child to many more builders than breakers, and, of course, to be a builder yourself.

8. SHAPE YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR
Children are born with some behavioral traits that either flourish or are weeded out, depending on how the children are nurtured. other traits are planted and vigorously encouraged to grow. Taken altogether, these traits make up the child's eventual personality.
Most shaping of a child's behavior is a when-then reaction. (When Billy's room is a mess, Mom says "No more playing outside until it's cleaned up.") Eventually, the child internalizes these shapers, developing his own inner systems of when-then, and in so doing learns to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions. ("When my room is a mess, it's no fun to play there, so I better clean it up.") He learns to shape his own behavior.

9. RAISE KIDS WHO CARE. Being a moral child includes being responsible, developing a conscience, and being sensitive toward the needs and rights of others. A moral child has an inner code of right and wrong that is linked to his inner sense of well-being. Inside himself he knows that "I feel right when I act right, and I feel wrong when I act wrong." The root of being a moral child is sensitivity to one's self and to others, along with the ability to anticipate how one's actions will affect another person—and to take that into account before proceeding. one of the most valuable social skills you can help your child develop is empathy—the ability to consider another person's rights and feelings. Children learn empathy from people who treat them empathetically. one of the best ways to turn out good citizens is to raise sensitive children.

Besides teaching children responsible behavior toward others and toward things, also teach them to take responsibility for themselves. one of the most valuable tools for life you can give your child is the ability to make wise choices. You want to plant a security system within your child that constantly reminds him: think through what you're about to do. By learning to take responsibility for their actions in small things children prepare to make right choices when the consequences are more serious. our wish for you is to help you raise kids who care.

10.TALK AND LISTEN
Communicate with your child so she doesn't become parent deaf. The best authority figures specialize in communication with children. oftentimes re-phrasing the same directive in a more child-considered way makes the difference in whether a child obeys or defies you. Wise disciplinarians know how to open up a closed-off child and consider the Golden Rule: talk to your children respectfully.

Besides learning how to talk to a child, it is equally important to learn how to listen. Nothing wins over a child (or adult) more than conveying that you value her viewpoint. Being in charge of your child doesn't mean putting her down.

Each of these discipline points depends on the others. It's hard to be an authority figure, a good model, a behavior shaper and obedience teacher if you and your child aren't connected and you don't know your child. You may know the psychological principles of behavioral shaping, but shapers won't work if you can't communicate with your child. And even a connected relationship doesn't guarantee disciplined children if you fail to convey your expectation that your child obey you. These ten interdependent building blocks form the foundation of the approach to discipline on our site. Put them all together, and you have a blueprint for raising children who are a joy to be with now and who will make you proud in the future.




QUIET TIME IS OVER THE BOYS ARE AWAKE.

Lost Finale

is 10 minutes away. It will be nice to have the summer off from this show.....no more mid-week head scratching, wondering what on earth all these people are doing on this God forsaken island. Its been like 2 months people.....either start building some civilization or figure a way off the island. Come on....a doctor, an ex-military guy, a con artist, a faded rock star, an on the lamb murderess, an old married couple, an artist/engineer, a kid with telekinesis, a dog......these people cant pool their resources and find a way back to the real world?????

Happy Birthday Ashley!!!

I hope you have a fun night out with the hubby and maybe you can have a little "me" time at some point to. I remember "me" time.....peaceful, relaxing, solitude, reflection. Those are like foreign words to me now. I no longer speak that language. Anyway, enjoy the "Mad Housewife".


IF you havent already check out the FUG today at http://gofugyourself.typepad.com/

That stuff just makes me bellylaugh.

It figures......

Your Stripper Song Is

Master and Servant by Depeche Mode "There?s a new game We like to play you see A game with added reality You treat me like a dog Get me down on my knees" Yawn, dancing is so boring without a little spice.

What Song Should You Strip To?

Maybe this explains a little too much about my personal issues........AHA!

Our town

Funny how you can live in a place and know so little about what it has to offer. Maybe its the spring weather or maybe its being a parent to an adventerous little wolverine that has found us wandering outside of our Lexington "comfort" zone. We decided to make a day of it and explore some of those things that make our city a unique and interesting place to live. Dont we owe ourselves that.....heck, dont we owe the wolverine that since this is "his hometown". So here we go....

Last night we started things off with our favorite Mexican eating establishment El Toro Cantina & Grill. We had a big group that included 2 children and 5 babies. After dinner the daddys took the little ones homes and left the mommys to spend some much needed quality time at the bar. It was a blast and i for one really needed the girl talk. I hope this is the beginning of at least a monthly get together.

This morning me, the hubby, and the wolverine got up and went downtown to the farmers market where we milled around for awhile and bought some peach jam from the Three Toads Farm for my moms birthday. Its a little pricey at $6 for 8 oz. but is is DELICIOUS. We then bought some wonderful smelling homemade soap for the mother in law from HerbNRenewal. The hubby bought some smoked ham for breakfast tomorrow from .

Next stop was The Lexington Cemetary . I had never been before and didnt even know it existed until i opened up my Southern Living magazine this month and saw an article on it. Evidently its one of the premiere cemetery gardens in the U.S. It was really beautiful. Full of gorgeous flowers and trees and cool old headstones and mausoleums. There were several funerals going on so we drove around a bit, used there restrooms, and were gone. It did get us to thinking about how the two of us would like to go out. And the cemetary website led me on an info extravaganza as far as options go. I still like cremation. And the hubby likes a mix of cremation with a "final" resting place that family and friends can visit. I thought this would really be cool and a nice way to literally become one with the ocean.

Then it was off to Equus Run Vineyards for their 8th anniversary celebration. We traded off watching the wolverine so we could both do the wine tasting. The hubby purchased a nice cabernet . The wolverine really enjoyed getting to run through the fields of grapes and frolic on the grounds. The two of us even found a nice secluded, quiet spot in a gazebo to nurse. It was so peaceful...you could hear the birds singing and we just relaxed for a bit. Then it was back to running and finding rocks to try and put in his mouth. This place will great for summer picnics.

We then headed back into town to the Garden Cafe at Flag Fork Heb Farm for lunch. Its in a quaint old bungalow house full of antiques, art, and knickknacks. Its very small ..only seating about 50. The hubby was apprehensive at first thinking it was going to be too "girly". But once he tasted our beer cheese appetizer he settled down. I had a cup of dark chocolate raspberry decaf that was heavenly. I so rarely get to enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Our entrees were delicious. I had the asparagus,swiss,mushroom quiche with fresh fruit and pumpkin bread. And the hubby had a country ham sandwich with tomato bisque rosemary soup and fresh fruit. YUMMY. We topped it off with a major indulgence.....the lemon crusted yellow pound cake...ooh la la..it was still warm AND the chocolate raspberry cheesecake....WWHOOOEEEE!!!! Afterwards we walked around out back in the herb gardens.

After this we headed back to the casa for naptime. The wolverine was wiped and slept like an angel while i caught up on email and the hubby played hoops with a buddy. Then for dinner we packed up a picnic and headed over to the arboretum. It was overcast and cool. It was babies first real picnic and think he got a real kick out of it plus he got to run around outside again. The arboretum is just the best place and we are lucky to have it.

then it was home again. After the baby went to sleep we settled in to watch some t.v.! Now we dont get to do this often so perhaps we had just forgotten what a wasteland saturday night tv was. We eneded up watching ANCHORS AWAY....an old movie with Gene Kelley and Frank Sinatra. If you have never had the pleasure i feel sorry for you....they just DONT make movies like that anymore........*if youve seen it you know why. Interesting tidbit....Dean Stockwell is the little boy who wants to join the navy.....yes honey THAT Dean from Quantum Leap.

What a day.
I think we may have to start doing this every Saturday. Its like treasure hunting in your own backyard. I call it our perfect day in Lexington.

Toro Toro Toro.......

Tonight a large group of mommys, daddys, and babys will be converging at El Toro which has become our center of the universe. We are meeting at 5:30 so come on out if your in the mood for salsa, tequila, and babytalk. The babies wont be allowed to drink though.....

More goofiness

In a Past Life...

You Were: A Blind Fortune Teller. Where You Lived: Spain. How You Died: Dysentery.

Who Were You In a Past Life?

One of those goofy tests....

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have low conscientiousness. Impulsive and off the wall, you don't take life too seriously. Unfortunately, you sometimes end up regretting your snap decisions. Overall, you tend to lack focus, and it's difficult for you to get important things done. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Wednesday....

So last night I took part in the hubbys staged reading of his original play "Dancing With Dani" at AGL downtown. We had a nice crowd and an interesting Q & A afterwards. I really thought the play read well and the audience response was encouraging. I have to say after a five year absence from the stage, it felt good to get to do something. I was underprepared and very rusty but i had a good time. Plus we left the wolverine for the first time with a neighbor for the evening SOOOOO that was stressing me out even more then being in front of people. He seemed to do alright. I think she said he had a struggle getting to sleep AND when he woke up an hour later and realized mommy and daddy REALLY were not there he went to the front door and cried. But he recovered and was sleeping like an angel when we got home.

I know it was good for me......and probably the wolverine too.


The grandparents are coming in Friday for the weekend......whooohooooo!!!! That means I get to go out on a date with my hot piece of ass hubby.

Monday Monday....

Top of the week.

Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite days. Nothing like a day to reflect on salsa and magueritas. Thanks Ashley for the good company. What made it even more special was the hubby taking the wolverine home and Ashley & I having a drink and an hour "child free" at Max & Ermas. I almost felt like a grown up again. Ashley has suggested a monthly (at least) get together sans the children. A girls night out. I think she has a really good idea here.

I found out the grandparents are coming in this Friday for the weekend. I am thrilled. The hubby is thrilled. I think even the wolverine is thrilled.

Tuesday night I will be involved in a staged reading of a new play at Actors Guild in the Arts Centre downtown. Anyone that can come, come on out. The hubby wrote the play a few years back and is excited at the chance to have it read for an audience.

Cinco De Mayo......

The hubby and I have a sort of tradition on the fifth of May. We always go out and do the Mexican, maguerita, mayhem thing. Our favorite place "El Maguey" in Gulfport MS was complete with a prime beachfront porch and a bartender who looked like Santana and wasnt afraid to pour you some tequila. Unfortunately, Katrina wiped El Maguey off the map. We still mourn our loss.

So this year we will celebrate at our favorite Lexington two for one, El Toro.

Any of you who dont have plans and want to join us let me know. We figure on arriving around 5:30. Lets face it...once you have a baby you are relegated to the early dinner shift with the other parents and old people. But it should be lively!!!


Those of you who feel its a bad influence to drink on occassion in front of your baby or toddler....well, we mourn your loss as well.

No Show

Sorry to ashley and co. for our absence at lunch today. The wolverine vetoed the expedition in favor of MORE nursing and a nap. I believe the culprit are about three teeth coming in. Oh boy!!! This week should peachy.

I hope you guys managed to have fun without us.

Wednesday Retreat

Anyone interested in a midday sanity check? Ashley, Owie, me, and the wolverine are all headed to El Toro on Nicholasville road for lunch at 12:45 on Wednesday. If weather permits we will walk afterwards somewhere. Just doing our part to support immigrant rights this week.

Think of it as an early Cinco de Mayo romp.


Also some shameless spousal promotion. Congrats to Tim who was cast in the Lexingotn Shakespeare Festival production of A Midsummer Nights Dream. He will be playing the role of Bottom....the leader of the Rude Mechanicals. I personally cannot wait to see him in this. I havent seen him do a full on comedy in years. Finally something the wolverine can watch!!! I propose a mommy/baby outing this summer to the show. We can all pack picnic dinners and WINE. ****we know what that means for Melinda

Also Tim is supposed to do a cameo in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as Father Christmas. Although if he keeps losing weight they may change their minds.

Dances with Wolves?!!!

Ive never liked Kevin Costner as an actor and now i can also dislike him as a person. For any of you who havent heard yet, Kevin evidently thought the professional massage he received at a spa over in England recently should end with a bang. And since his massage therapist wasnt about to go there he did the job himself while he was still on the table.

This now puts him at the top of my "celebrities who are in need of a reality check" list.

Thanks Mr. Costner for treating a member of the massage therapy profession like a prostitute. Do you live in a cave??!! Dont you realize MT's are educated, trained, and licensed just like other professions. We have worked long and hard to avoid THAT SORT OF IMAGE for massage.......if you want a rub that is all inclusive go see your corner hooker. If you want massage therapy then find a massage therapist.


THE RANT IS OVER.

My big sister...

never ceases to surprise me. First of all a big WAY TO GO on her recent belly dance performance. I would have loved to have been there. I know she is not one to get up in front of others and "perform" so kudos to her. Im so proud and (secretly) envoius that she has stuck with belly dance since her girls were born. What a great way to exercise AND express yourself.

So i expect the politico stuff from her and the occassional link to bad music and silly fugly websites but todays link just made me shreik with laughter.

http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40&Itemid=54

Now i hate to tell her but i had seen this site a LONG time ago. (did you catch the pun??) She forgets that i was once quite the heavy metal grrrl.



OH- belated congrats to Julie and Ben on their expecting a baby. Yaay! I guess the German air was good for you both.


And a big old school hello to my friend Julia. Dating waaaaaay back to the 6th grade....and we just hooked back up after almost 20 years. It is so cool catching up and i hope we continue the back and forth. Its brought back so many memories. I remember her mom used to let us write inside her closet on the walls. We thought that was cool. I also remember for a time her house was located within walking distance of a neighborhood pool. Another cool thing. I also remember how cool it was to have girlfriends as sarcastic, cynical, and intelligent as i thought i was. Julia as i recall was the first person i ever knew that had a cabbage patch doll. And hers came directly from the "hospital"...a true original.

Why do we remember the weirdest little things??

Goodbye hardearned money

Naps, Taxes, Nosh, & Bunnies.....

The wolverine is down for a nap. So now its time to dig back into our tax return that i STILL havent finished. There are papers and files and schedules everywhere. Im sure the next 36 hours are going to be a blast....and im even more sure that dollar amount at the end of the 36th hour is going to be a real bummer. So instead of going into a rant about how much money our government wastes and how i hate to write them a check quarterly or yearly i will instead sent a belated passover wish to all you passover types and a happy hippity hop for all you bunny types.


This has been a long week.

WANTED

IF the weather holds is anyone interested in gettting out today? I get off work at noon. the wolverine and I cannot spend another afternoon at home. We are busting out. Just let us know and i will holler when im home.

Despite all my rage i am still just a rat in a cage....

The wolverine is into turning things over. Its his current "thing". Today he turned over the rocking chair in the bedroom. HE pushed it around for awhile and then realized he could climb up on it. He laughed, he squealed, he enjoyed this new discovery under mommys watchful eye UNTIL he slipped and his leg got caught in the slats that make up the back to the chair. At first i thought he was laughing..and maybe he was...but once he realized he was stuck he went into panic mode. He thrashed about like a trapped animal and would scream at frustration when he couldnt get his leg free. I was trying to help, but mainly had to focus on keeping him from wrenching his leg around making it worse or breaking it. It finally slipped out and he howled and cried and found comfort in mommys bosom for awhile. I had never seen him like that before. He WAS the wolverine...leg trapped...instinct set to flight. IM glad i was there to calm him down....but i think we have reached a new level of CRAZY in our house. Im not totally confident in my ability to calmly navigate these next several months as we sail towards two.




Dont ya hate earworms......those songs you hear and then CANT get them outta your ear. The Bon Jovi/Sugarland duet "Who says ya cant go home...." has been circling in my mind like a vulture ever since this morning....Thanks honey!



Lunch with a friend is a wonderful respite from motherhood. Just two gals, no kids, no diaperbags, no husbands......chatting, eating. Of course the crying baby three tables away kept interfering ....its like once your a mom you have the mom equivalent of the "Spidey sense" (Spiderman/ comic book reference for you non-geeks). A baby cries and my head starts to tingle (or in the early months your breasts let down milk) and then i wonder how i can help the baby find contentment again. Kudos to the daddy who brought his baby girl to "guys lunch". Just 3 guys, their beers, and baby girl. The hubby will be glad to know he isnt the only "modern dad" in Lexington.


GOSSIP PAGES ARE FULL OF Gwyneth and her "alleged" Guiness beer. First of all who really cares. And second if you do care and youve been pregnant before you know a beer aint gonna kill or harm the baby. Its not like shes guzzling back a 40 or doing tequila slams.....its a BEER for goodness sake. Let it go.