As you may have read in the previous post, it was the nephew's birthday. It was actually last week, but the family celebrated it on Sunday. My brother created a fine Bob the Builder cake. Of course, it was yellow cake baked in a bowl (trust me – it's the best cake you can have). He cut off the top inch of about half the cake to make Bob's face smaller than the hard hat. It seriously looked just like Bob. It was brilliant.
When we arrived, there was one whirling dervish nephew with dark circles under his eyes. At 3 years, the birthday joy was apparent and the kid was totally high on adrenaline and sugar. He ran, he hardly ate (except cake), he got excited about presents, he hated curling ribbon on packages, and he loved the huge Tonka dump truck he got. It even came with a hard hat. Now he has two hard hats, so his cousin could wear one too and they were ready to work.
The best part of the party was that the nephew, in spite of his energy and sleep deprivation, seemed to have a great time. He didn’t have a meltdown (while we were there at least – who knows what happened after we left). He didn’t cry. And, he shared his toys (mostly). I think he even liked the Cootie game I gave him, but who could tell after the Tonka truck arrived?
I, on the other hand, have been a bit sleep deprived for a few weeks now and had to have my own breakdown. I think I need to call in sick to work and just sleep all day.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Fly Like an Eagle
Sunday was the nephew's birthday, so the DH and I drove from our place in Seattle to the nephew's place in Redmond. We went over Lake Washington via the SR520 bridge. On a Sunday afternoon, it's usually a breeze (unlike my commute, which is never a breeze). This time was different. I've had a lot of experience in how SR520 backs up and we had the oddest slow-down. On a Sunday afternoon you wouldn't expect any slowing at all, in the first place. In the second place, it doesn't usually happen when you're already two thirds of the way across the bridge.
As the traffic slowed, the DH and I commented on what a strange place it was for traffic to slow. We could see out ahead and there were no accidents and it didn't look like there was anything in the road that people had to drive around. Nothing. Until we got even closer. It looked like a big seagull at first, but as we got near, it was a young bald eagle. The eagle was riding the wind right above the bridge and it was breathtaking. Traffic slowed considerably in both directions to view the amazing bird just hovering not more that fifteen feet from where we were in our cars.
The most astounding thing to me is that this eagle spotting was in the middle of a rather large city. It was the same feeling as seeing a flower growing out of a crack in the concrete. So beautiful and so unexpected that it just makes you feel privileged to see it.
As the traffic slowed, the DH and I commented on what a strange place it was for traffic to slow. We could see out ahead and there were no accidents and it didn't look like there was anything in the road that people had to drive around. Nothing. Until we got even closer. It looked like a big seagull at first, but as we got near, it was a young bald eagle. The eagle was riding the wind right above the bridge and it was breathtaking. Traffic slowed considerably in both directions to view the amazing bird just hovering not more that fifteen feet from where we were in our cars.
The most astounding thing to me is that this eagle spotting was in the middle of a rather large city. It was the same feeling as seeing a flower growing out of a crack in the concrete. So beautiful and so unexpected that it just makes you feel privileged to see it.
Monday, March 20, 2006
The Buzz on Movies
I've seen a couple of movies since the DH had his surgery, but I think I like the one we watched last night better than most. We watched Elizabethtown even though he thought it sounded suspiciously like a chick flick (and he outright refused to watch Pride and Prejudice even though I batted my eyelashes a whole bunch).
The story is about a guy who creates the worst shoe fiasco in the history of making shoes and decides to kill himself over it. Unfortunately, his dad died in Kentucky, so he has to go take care of his dad's funeral plans instead of dying. It's then about his road to self discovery. (Sorry if that sounds like it wouldn't be any fun to watch -- I promise it is.)
We both really enjoyed it and have looked into getting the soundtrack. It was really good too.
We also watched The Brother's Grimm, which was only mediocre and Serenity, which was very cool. If you like Asian films, you'll love Serenity. It was also just beautiful to see. I would have enjoyed seeing it in the theater.
The story is about a guy who creates the worst shoe fiasco in the history of making shoes and decides to kill himself over it. Unfortunately, his dad died in Kentucky, so he has to go take care of his dad's funeral plans instead of dying. It's then about his road to self discovery. (Sorry if that sounds like it wouldn't be any fun to watch -- I promise it is.)
We both really enjoyed it and have looked into getting the soundtrack. It was really good too.
We also watched The Brother's Grimm, which was only mediocre and Serenity, which was very cool. If you like Asian films, you'll love Serenity. It was also just beautiful to see. I would have enjoyed seeing it in the theater.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
What's in a Name?
So, after reading annzy's last couple of posts, I realized that the part about blogging that I like the most is naming the post. I secretly think this is the only reason Ann blogs too. It's cathartic and fun to write, but it's even better to come up with a clever tag line. It was the same way when I wrote for a living. I was writing technical documentation and my favorite part was naming the chapters or topics. I was really good at it too. All the clients loved me. It's good for your self esteem. (Not quite as good as cleaning someone's kitchen, but almost.)
Now I think I'll have to write more often so I'm forced to think of more clever names. Of course, this could backfire and cause the mother of all writing blocks, but I don't think so.
It'll be fun. Really.
Now I think I'll have to write more often so I'm forced to think of more clever names. Of course, this could backfire and cause the mother of all writing blocks, but I don't think so.
It'll be fun. Really.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Beetlemania
Since the DH has been laid up with tummy incisions, we’ve watched a lot of movies and TV. He loves CSI and I think it’s a little too gross, but that’s part of our charm as a couple. One thing we’ve both loved is watching Beetles Anthology. I can’t rave about this enough. It’s eight 70-minute segments, so it took us a while to get through it, but I loved the whole thing.
Having grown up with only the aura of the Beetles and never experiencing the mania first-hand, it was very eye opening and fascinating to watch. I didn’t realize that the Christian right in the Southern US had Beetles record burnings after John Lennon’s offhand comment about someone telling him the Beetles with more popular than Jesus. It was also interesting that it didn’t mention the rift between the band and Yoko because Yoko had to approve all the video footage in order for them to use John’s image. I also got some great insight into how the Beetles revolutionized rock music in the 60’s. The pioneered things I just take for granted as part of rock and roll now.
The long and short of it is that I would give Beetles Anthology five stars and highly recommend it.
Having grown up with only the aura of the Beetles and never experiencing the mania first-hand, it was very eye opening and fascinating to watch. I didn’t realize that the Christian right in the Southern US had Beetles record burnings after John Lennon’s offhand comment about someone telling him the Beetles with more popular than Jesus. It was also interesting that it didn’t mention the rift between the band and Yoko because Yoko had to approve all the video footage in order for them to use John’s image. I also got some great insight into how the Beetles revolutionized rock music in the 60’s. The pioneered things I just take for granted as part of rock and roll now.
The long and short of it is that I would give Beetles Anthology five stars and highly recommend it.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Are you HIGH!?!
The answer to that question, if you are my DH, is "why, yes, I am high." It's really funny. He doesn't think he's impaired at all, but he is. The Vicodin makes him a tiny bit grumpy, a little loopy, and very forgetful. Today, I went to work for the first time since the surgery. I talked to him on the phone this afternoon and he had slurred speach, told me one story twice, and over-shared about his bowels moving. It was such a treat. The funniest part is that he doesn't think it's funny at all. He's especially grumpy when I laugh at how loopy he is or how he just told the same story twice.
The good news is that he's getting around a bit now. He's not in bed all day and he's able to sleep on his side. For anyone who might wonder, he's recovering quite well. But, he's still high.
The good news is that he's getting around a bit now. He's not in bed all day and he's able to sleep on his side. For anyone who might wonder, he's recovering quite well. But, he's still high.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Now, that's gross...
You know what's gross? Oozy incisions, that's what.
The DH had surgery today. It was for two hernias he's been carrying around for a while. It's a good thing to have taken care of, but not very fun right after. All I can really say is that I'm super lucky he didn't have too hard a time of it. There were no fainting spells and no puking. He has good drugs and can sleep now. (Oh, yeah -- he's lucky too. It's just the blog that's all about me.)
I love modern medicine. The surgery was done laproscopically through three tiny (about an inch across) incisions. Two below the belly button and one above. This reduces recovery time from 4-6 weeks down to 2-3 weeks. He won't be able to go to work for three weeks because it's heavy labor, but I'm still amazed out what can be done. The other cool thing is that they repair the hernia and then put Gore-Tex on it to keep it from herniating again. I love Gore-Tex! Who knew it could be used for such cool stuff?
The only funny part about the laproscopic surgery is that they fill the cavity with CO2 gas to do the surgery and it can make things puffy or cause pains in weird places, like the shoulders. It can't get out of the body like normal gas, so it goes crazy places. It's harmless, so we can laugh about it.
The DH had surgery today. It was for two hernias he's been carrying around for a while. It's a good thing to have taken care of, but not very fun right after. All I can really say is that I'm super lucky he didn't have too hard a time of it. There were no fainting spells and no puking. He has good drugs and can sleep now. (Oh, yeah -- he's lucky too. It's just the blog that's all about me.)
I love modern medicine. The surgery was done laproscopically through three tiny (about an inch across) incisions. Two below the belly button and one above. This reduces recovery time from 4-6 weeks down to 2-3 weeks. He won't be able to go to work for three weeks because it's heavy labor, but I'm still amazed out what can be done. The other cool thing is that they repair the hernia and then put Gore-Tex on it to keep it from herniating again. I love Gore-Tex! Who knew it could be used for such cool stuff?
The only funny part about the laproscopic surgery is that they fill the cavity with CO2 gas to do the surgery and it can make things puffy or cause pains in weird places, like the shoulders. It can't get out of the body like normal gas, so it goes crazy places. It's harmless, so we can laugh about it.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Are you OK, ma'am?
I think I broke my toe, but I didn't admit it right off. That would have been too humiliating.
So, when the security guard heard a huge BIFF just behind him, he stood up and took notice. That's what happened yesterday. I was at a conference center with one of my co-workers, walking through the lobby, when I did a little face plant. I just tripped over the transition from tile to carpet. (I know most of you can't even imagine, but those transitions are hard to get over.)
I was carrying a laptop, notebook, and my wallet. All of them went flying. I just stayed on the floor for a few moments while I checked to ensure that nothing was broken. My co-worker and the security guard were very concerned with my well-being. I said I was fine, got up, and walked out with my head held high. I got a good laugh out of it with my co-worker as well.
When I got back to my office, the throbbing started in my toe. It's the one next to my baby toe on the right foot. It just kept hurting worse and worse. Then I started getting concerned that I wouldn't be able to drive home. I sucked it up and got home just fine though.
Then I told the DH about it and he got a good laugh about it too (after the obligatory sympathizing). Now he knows how really clumsy I am. And I really am clumsy.
So, when the security guard heard a huge BIFF just behind him, he stood up and took notice. That's what happened yesterday. I was at a conference center with one of my co-workers, walking through the lobby, when I did a little face plant. I just tripped over the transition from tile to carpet. (I know most of you can't even imagine, but those transitions are hard to get over.)
I was carrying a laptop, notebook, and my wallet. All of them went flying. I just stayed on the floor for a few moments while I checked to ensure that nothing was broken. My co-worker and the security guard were very concerned with my well-being. I said I was fine, got up, and walked out with my head held high. I got a good laugh out of it with my co-worker as well.
When I got back to my office, the throbbing started in my toe. It's the one next to my baby toe on the right foot. It just kept hurting worse and worse. Then I started getting concerned that I wouldn't be able to drive home. I sucked it up and got home just fine though.
Then I told the DH about it and he got a good laugh about it too (after the obligatory sympathizing). Now he knows how really clumsy I am. And I really am clumsy.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Lucy is Crabby
I am crabby. Do you want to know why I'm crabby? Well, I'm going to tell you anyway. First of all, I'm a Cancer, so I'm supposed to be crabby. Second of all, I can't seem to get enough sleep or enough exercise. The worst part is that I can't blame this on anyone and everyone. Being crabby, I want to cast blame. It's what I do. I'm really good at it.
Did I mention that I'm not getting enough sleep? It's this crazy marriage thing -- and don't go there. I don't mean that. It's going to bed at night and getting up in the morning with someone else in the bed. And he doesn't need as much sleep as I do. And his alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m. Did I mention that it's 5:00 a.m.?!? No one should be awake that early. But I am. Everyday. Theoretically, I can go back to sleep. Theoretically, that is. And of course, let's not forget the wicked, wicked commute. It's not as bad when I leave earlier. That gives me a reason to get up early. And that's bad.
That brings me to the exercise problem. It's the commute. I spend 90 minutes a day driving. You don't get much exercise driving. And the drive is on top of the 10-hour day. When I get to work at 7, I just want to go home at 5:00. Then it's 6:00 by the time I get home, and I really want to spend some quality time with my husband. Who would have thought? And then I'll just add that I'm seriously ready for bed by 9:00. I'm pathetic. Where does the exercise come in? If I go straight to the gym from work, then I get home around 7:30. That gives me time for a late dinner, a few minutes with the husband, and time to brush teeth.
So, I'm done complaining for now, but if you have any ideas about how I'm going to get more sleep or more exercise, I'd really appreciate it. Really. Because, I'm kind of crabby.
Did I mention that I'm not getting enough sleep? It's this crazy marriage thing -- and don't go there. I don't mean that. It's going to bed at night and getting up in the morning with someone else in the bed. And he doesn't need as much sleep as I do. And his alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m. Did I mention that it's 5:00 a.m.?!? No one should be awake that early. But I am. Everyday. Theoretically, I can go back to sleep. Theoretically, that is. And of course, let's not forget the wicked, wicked commute. It's not as bad when I leave earlier. That gives me a reason to get up early. And that's bad.
That brings me to the exercise problem. It's the commute. I spend 90 minutes a day driving. You don't get much exercise driving. And the drive is on top of the 10-hour day. When I get to work at 7, I just want to go home at 5:00. Then it's 6:00 by the time I get home, and I really want to spend some quality time with my husband. Who would have thought? And then I'll just add that I'm seriously ready for bed by 9:00. I'm pathetic. Where does the exercise come in? If I go straight to the gym from work, then I get home around 7:30. That gives me time for a late dinner, a few minutes with the husband, and time to brush teeth.
So, I'm done complaining for now, but if you have any ideas about how I'm going to get more sleep or more exercise, I'd really appreciate it. Really. Because, I'm kind of crabby.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Church Callings
Well, the DH and I both got called into the office over the last couple of weeks. I hate getting called into the office. Usually, it's the Bishop's office. Not this time. Not for either of us.
Last week it was DH's turn. It was a counselor in the Stake Presidency. He asked to advance DH to a High Priest and asked him to be the first assistant to the High Priest group leader. It's a cool thing. Much less work than Elder's Quorum president. It has to be a good thing. Plus, the group leader is a good friend of ours that we both really like and respect. All good.
Then, another call came. This time, for the Stake President. The DH already had his call and he wouldn't get something else a week later. The writing was on the wall. It was all about me. I have to admit, I was really concerned. It turned out OK though. I got called as the Education Counselor in the stake relief society presidency. I don't know the president or the other counselor, but I guess I'll get to know them soon.
I'm actually sad about losing my other church job though. I really liked teaching Gospel Doctrine class. It was kind of fun and really interesting to prepare for. So much for that. Of course, both mom and sister said I could continue preparing to teach. Funny.
Last week it was DH's turn. It was a counselor in the Stake Presidency. He asked to advance DH to a High Priest and asked him to be the first assistant to the High Priest group leader. It's a cool thing. Much less work than Elder's Quorum president. It has to be a good thing. Plus, the group leader is a good friend of ours that we both really like and respect. All good.
Then, another call came. This time, for the Stake President. The DH already had his call and he wouldn't get something else a week later. The writing was on the wall. It was all about me. I have to admit, I was really concerned. It turned out OK though. I got called as the Education Counselor in the stake relief society presidency. I don't know the president or the other counselor, but I guess I'll get to know them soon.
I'm actually sad about losing my other church job though. I really liked teaching Gospel Doctrine class. It was kind of fun and really interesting to prepare for. So much for that. Of course, both mom and sister said I could continue preparing to teach. Funny.
New Year's Resolutions
Every year, I make resolutions. It's sort of one of those things that Dad had his hand in, and I just can't seem to shake it. Maybe it's because he was right. It really is a good thing to do. I just hate it when other people do.
About 2 years ago, or just a little over, I decided to get more fit. I started going to the gym and losing some butter. I started my new program in October, not January. So this month, I'm a bit peeved, as I always am in January. My Weight Watchers meeting had 15 minute lines and was standing room only, so I didn't end up staying for the meeting. My Saturday morning spinning class was full and I got the very last bike, in the front row (which I HATE), even though I showed up at the time I always do and usually get a nice back row seat.
I know it keeps these industries going for most of the year, but I hate people who only diet and excercise in January. Of course, I'll be over it in a couple of weeks, when I'm still going to Weight Watchers and the gym. I'll laugh a little with the instructors. We'll all roll our eyes a bit over the fact that no one keeps their resolutions.
The only issue with this is that I may be in the doesn't-keep-her-resolutions pack too. I don't want to be, but sometimes I am. I mean, even with fairly valiant efforts early on in the program, I didn't finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year like I meant to. And let's not even talk about the reading of the New Testament that I planned on starting at the beginning of this year. I still think I'll get to that one, but not today. (How bad does that sound?!?)
The one that I'm hoping to keep is planning meals and shopping only once a week. I'm two weeks in and really like it. That's the thing that will help me stay on it. I really do like it. I like knowing what's for dinner before I leave the office. I especially like it when the DH has it all ready when I get home. It really is lovely. Oh, and cheaper too.
Here's to keeping at least one New Year's Resolution this year!
About 2 years ago, or just a little over, I decided to get more fit. I started going to the gym and losing some butter. I started my new program in October, not January. So this month, I'm a bit peeved, as I always am in January. My Weight Watchers meeting had 15 minute lines and was standing room only, so I didn't end up staying for the meeting. My Saturday morning spinning class was full and I got the very last bike, in the front row (which I HATE), even though I showed up at the time I always do and usually get a nice back row seat.
I know it keeps these industries going for most of the year, but I hate people who only diet and excercise in January. Of course, I'll be over it in a couple of weeks, when I'm still going to Weight Watchers and the gym. I'll laugh a little with the instructors. We'll all roll our eyes a bit over the fact that no one keeps their resolutions.
The only issue with this is that I may be in the doesn't-keep-her-resolutions pack too. I don't want to be, but sometimes I am. I mean, even with fairly valiant efforts early on in the program, I didn't finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year like I meant to. And let's not even talk about the reading of the New Testament that I planned on starting at the beginning of this year. I still think I'll get to that one, but not today. (How bad does that sound?!?)
The one that I'm hoping to keep is planning meals and shopping only once a week. I'm two weeks in and really like it. That's the thing that will help me stay on it. I really do like it. I like knowing what's for dinner before I leave the office. I especially like it when the DH has it all ready when I get home. It really is lovely. Oh, and cheaper too.
Here's to keeping at least one New Year's Resolution this year!
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Make a list and check it twice (or even three times)
It's time to make a list. It really is the thing to do this time of year. I love making Christmas lists, even if I don't get anything on the list. It's just fun to think about all those lovely thoughts people are having and wondering what to buy to show just how they feel. I love giving gifts, especially when I've found something unusual that just fits the person I want to give it to.
Here's my wish list for 2005:
1. A Queen Bee Creations Cloudy Trukette bag
2. A Carmen De Anguis necklace or earrings
3. The CD "Details" by frou frou
4. Even though it doesn't sound that cool, I'd like Teachings and Commentaries on the Old Testament from Deseret Book. It will help me teach Gospel Doctrine class.
5. I know other people think they're lame, but I'm always up for gift cards for stores I shop at regularly, like Barnes and Noble or Eddie Bauer.
6. Of course, I'll never get one, but I still want a black 60GB iPod. Maybe some day [she said wistfully].
That's all I could think of, but it's a decent list. Now go buy something nice for someone you love!
Here's my wish list for 2005:
1. A Queen Bee Creations Cloudy Trukette bag
2. A Carmen De Anguis necklace or earrings
3. The CD "Details" by frou frou
4. Even though it doesn't sound that cool, I'd like Teachings and Commentaries on the Old Testament from Deseret Book. It will help me teach Gospel Doctrine class.
5. I know other people think they're lame, but I'm always up for gift cards for stores I shop at regularly, like Barnes and Noble or Eddie Bauer.
6. Of course, I'll never get one, but I still want a black 60GB iPod. Maybe some day [she said wistfully].
That's all I could think of, but it's a decent list. Now go buy something nice for someone you love!
Everybody's doin' it, doin' it, doin' it
Since everyone else I know has a blog, it's about time I got one. My favorite blog is Feminist Mormon Housewives, as much because of the clever prose as because of my love for the feminists, the Mormons, and the housewives of the world. I long to be as clever in my writing as fMhLisa. I, on the other hand, am a former technical writer with only pipedreams of being a famous novelist. It could still happen. Only then I'd have to actually write more than a blog. This will never make itself into a novel.
So, this is my first foray into the blogosphere.
Wish me luck!
So, this is my first foray into the blogosphere.
Wish me luck!
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