And you may say to yourself: this is not my beautiful wife!

Man, I really fell down on the contest this year, right? Well, one more try before the month is out!

I've been majorly stressing over this whole Japan thing. And I think, think that we aren't going to go after all. It doesn't feel FUN! It feels like work and stress. So, fuck that. We can go when it's fun. In the meantime, California awaits. Just gotta figure out our housing situation there. Know anyone who wants to swap for a month in the Hudson Valley?

Speaking of the Hudson Valley- I appreciated having a proper winter this year, but I'm realllly ready for spring now. Cold is good for wearing stuff I've knit, but it's also, well, cold. My poor body wants to put on a little extra layer of fat for protection! And frankly, I think chocolate wants me too also. Why else would it be so tempting and delicious?

Finally, I'm working on a new tattoo plan. I'm excited, but I'd be over the moon if I felt really good about the artist. I want Karen in Texas to do it, but, well, she's in Texas. Talked to a guy here about it today and he seems nice enough, but the promised phone call from the appointment maker hasn't materialized. There are some artists I'd be thrilled with in Manhattan, but I'm going to need 3-4 sessions to complete this baby and I know I won't want to haul my ass down there. What's a girl to do?

Don't know what a sliderule is for

I sold a lot of yarn this week- 7 skeins! Think that's not a lot? Well it takes me approximately 6 hours to create 1 skein. So that's a whole week's worth of work, and I've been scrambling to put more stuff up in my shop. Not that I'm complaining...I'm thrilled that people like and buy my handspun yarn!

Yesterday we went to Harlem with a friend and had chicken and waffles. YUM. Seriously, why don't we go more often? It was all of a 40 min trip. And I really like fried chicken. Or nearly anything fried, really. We also ordered some fresh lemonade, which the kids enthusiastically guzzled. After his second sip Zion cheerfully announced that, "Lemonade is fucking delicious!". Our (childless) friend said it was the cutest thing she'd ever heard.

We also had a fun time keeping a watchful eye on our bank this week. They misplaced a check I deposited at the beginning of the month, and that took a few phone calls and trips to the bank to resolve. Happily it is resolved now, according to the letter they mailed me. The banker says the money will show up in my account on Monday, so I'll reserve final judgment until then. That'll teach me to go to human teller instead of an ATM.

Streets are uneven, when you're down

Don't worry, I'm not actually down :) Well, maybe just a little, because the kids have been sick. Again. I can't wait for spring!! Poor Zion has such a bad cough...he was lucky to go 2 minutes without coughing today, and I wish I were exaggerating. Exhausting for him, me, and Liel. I made him a cough syrup out of apple cider vinegar, honey, water, cayenne, and ginger. At first he complained about it burning his throat (it does a bit- I tried it first) but when it became apparent that it actually gave him a few minutes of rest from the coughing he started telling me how much he liked, "the spicy cough medicine".

So anyway, as you probably guessed we didn't do much today. I skeined some yarn, spun some yarn, read some stories, made some soup. I talked to Leslie, and discovered both kids had fallen asleep, a clear indicator of their health. We didn't even get any good mail! Though yesterday's haul (including the roving I'm currently spinning) ought to have made up for that. How quickly I forget the mail of yesterday...

We had to turn down two social engagements today, too! I don't think we've ever even been OFFERED two social engagements on the same day since we've lived here. Wait- does that make us sound like social lepers?

Why don't we do it in the road?

Pop culture trash bitch-fest here. WHY oh why does the Bachelor (the TV show, not the guy) insist on playing "craaaaaazy person!" kinda music when anyone with New Age spiritual beliefs starts talking about them? Why? Is it SO hard to show a little tolerance? Or, barring that (cause I like to make fun of others as much as the next girl), is it so hard to give everyone crap? Cause when someone announces that s/he is a virgin saving him/herself for marriage (yes, there have been both genders of this type on the show), or when someone's dad starts quoting the Bible and explaining how Jesus is the only way the producers do not play the "I'm a crazy whack-job!" music. No, thier beliefs are treated with respect. But when a bachelorette explains her use of positive visualization, or a mom talks about past lives all bets are off.

Phew, glad I got that out of my system ;) And yes, for the record, I was raised New Age, lmao.

Just me and my horsie and a quart of beer

Yesterday's was tricksy, no? Most of you know the song....it's by the Counting Crows. Yesterday's- not today's, lol. Today's I made easier ;)

Since yesterday I've finished the Twilight series (unless she publishes more of course. And I expect she will). I read #4 today and all you FB users will have to forgive my bragging again, but I read it at 125 pages an hour! That's fast, even for me. I thought I averaged about 100 pages an hour. Now I'll want to keep better track. Cause I'm a dork like that.

Anyway, I don't want to say too much about Twilight since I know some of you have read any/all but are planning to. So there. I am glad to have that crack out of my hair tho ;) Now I can go back to my normal addictions, like spinning and knitting. So much more productive! I have a thing at the end, instead of a headful of someone else's stories :P

Oh and wanna hear something else odd? Zion appears to have independently invented the idea of a cloaking device for spaceships. We've never read or shown him anything with this idea in it and he suggested it to Robert today. Kinda dorky, but cool.

We just look a lot better in blue light

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you all did something happy and pleasing today :)

I spent the morning reading the 3rd Twilight book. So far the first is def my favorite...but, they all have that enjoyable, anguished teen love thing going on that most of us can related to. If your teen love was unbelievably gorgeous, superhumanly strong, and wickedly dangerous, that is. Rawr.

After my bout of self indulgence I took the kids to a Valentine's Day party at our friends house so Robert could get a well deserved rest and do some work. That paper he's giving in Japan isn't writing itself, you know ;) The party was fabulous, loud, sweet, had plenty of wine available, and nearly all my favorite people in town were there so it was a good time. One friend, who travels often with her children (ages 6 and 4 years) assured me that the 14 hour flight to Tokyo would be "no problem". Her kids have rather different personalities than mine, but I did feel somewhat hopeful after talking to her. Shortly afterwards I mentioned the trip to another friend. He looked slightly horrified and said, "That flight is gonna be hell". How can you argue with a father of 4?

Speaking of hell (it's loosely related, trust me!), Zion has been forming "best friend" bonds among his various toys and action figures lately. This morning he showed Robert two Lego knights who are, apparently, best friends. "See, this one follows this other one around a lot", Zion explained. "Kind of like a pet. Or a demon".

She'll only come out at night

For those 8 of you who aren't on Facebook, here's my news for the day: I'm reading the Twilight series. Holy shit, that's some good, clean, mindless fun. At least, the first book was. The second is a little too mystery-ish for me. That, and not enough tortured vampire lust. Makes me wonder how I've lived all this time without some tortured vampire lust of my own. Am I missing out on something? The books clearly point to "yes".

Which brings me to interesting fact #2 (c'mon, you know my love affair with vampire lust books is interesting!): apparently most men do not believe a woman when told that they are attractive. However, a far greater percentage- perhaps even a majority, my memory is weak (but I bet Robert will correct me in the comments :P)- will believe a woman when told that they are dangerous. Dangerous, vampires, lust...it all adds up, methinks. Deliciously, I might add.

The good people of the world are washing their cars

So, no more book clues, I think, yesterday's didn't work out so well :) Back to music! It's in the post title, as usual.

This morning as I was getting ready to walk the kids to school Zion came in and said, "Mommy, Liel drew on the wall."

I came skidding out into the hall, and yes, he was correct- purple crayon on the wall. "Liel", I said, "Is it OK to draw on the wall?"

"I didn't!", she howled. "Zion did." This, I knew, was about as likely as pigs flying. Zion has little interest in crayons or markers and has some of that first-born rule lovingness in him.

"Liel", I said. "Is it OK to draw on the wall?"

Liel threw herself on the floor. "Zion drew on the wall!", she wailed.

"She also drew on your bookshelf", Zion interjected helpfully. "But, that's OK because the bookshelf is dark".

"What?!" Rushed over to book shelf. Yes indeed, one shelf with a large patch of blue crayon, another with a small area of black crayon, and a third with a dash of green marker. "That isn't OK, either! Crayons and markers are for paper, not walls, or furniture, or clothes."

"Zion did it!", Liel shrieked.

"Liel", I tried again, "I know that you are sorry and wishing you hadn't drawn on the wall and the bookshelf, but that doesn't mean that Zion did it. Now, is it OK to draw on the wall?"

It's a wonder we made it to school on time.

Isn't it pretty to think so?

Good morning! Today's clue (hopefully today's FIRST clue, but I'm learning not to make these kinds of promises) is in the post title BUT! I have a hint for you: this is from a BOOK, not a song.

Last night was the monthly board meeting for the nursery school co-op to which we belong. I'm feeling fretful about the board next year as 7 of the 10 board members will be leaving. And thus far no one has stepped up to replace them! I mean, I know we have some months yet, but geez. Nerve wracking. I seem to be more anxious about this than anyone else, so hopefully their zen is correct (and will rub off on me). In the meantime I suppose I should start accosting other parents in the halls and insisting that they tell me which position I can count on them to fill. After all, some of the positions are more labor intensive than others! Yup. This sounds like a good strategy to me.

After Zion is done with school today we're going out to buy Valentine making supplies. And yes, I realize we are rather behind on this, especially since we have so much far-flung family who surely deserve Valentines. And they will get them, just several days after the holiday has past. I like to think that will make my children's creations all the more special, cause I'm good at finding the positive spin like that.

I walk through her hills cause she knows who I am

Today was a total tease as far as weather goes. We've been promised this warm up. It was going to be in the 50s! Robert tells me it was in the 60s in Chicago yesterday! And it was sunny here. So this afternoon we took the kids outside to walk to the park. We got as far as next door before we realized we didn't have Fluffy. Robert ran back to get him while the kids and I continued up the block. 4 houses further on and the wind was so biting that Zion announced he was cold, and wanted to go back for his down coat (he had on a wool sweater and a windproof, fleece lined jacket). So we went back just as Robert came out with fluffy and we all put more clothes on.

But it was STILL freezing. And yes, I know I'm a total wuss about cold. But the wind! So we just went to the track up the block and visited the flock of Canadian geese who were browsing around for bugs there. That was fun until I noticed that that there was goose shit everywhere. After that it was pretty gross, and cold. Did I mention cold? Then Liel dropped Fluffy and since the whole field was apparently nothing but one big goose toilet he fell in goose poop. Much to our surprise she immediately agreed to my suggestion that he should be washed and Robert shooed my off home with Fluffy in hand before Liel could change her mind. I was delighted. I got to be warm AND wash Fluffy, who had really been needing it for a while.

She was surprisingly patient during Fluffy's wash/dry time. Normally she spends the whole time he's in the wash asking when he will be done and moping around the door to the downstairs. Today she played with play-doh (she made footprints in the play-doh with every toy she could find) and we read poetry. Around dinner time she got a bit antsy, but not too badly. And after dinner it was wicked cute to watch her rush downstairs and come bounding up squealing, "Fluffy jumped into my arms!"

How bizarre

I thought you all loved me. *Sniffle* and now no one except Val (who clearly DOES love me...kisses to Val!) is playing my game? *sigh*

OK, got that out of my system :) Sorry I forgot to post another entry yesterday! It was a day full of small business. First off it was our turn in Zion's classroom, as I bitched about on Thursday. It was really fun being in his classroom (it always is) but it eats up the entire morning, yk? Then I had to run to Target for my meds, which I narrowly managed to get since it turns out that the entire pharmacy shuts down for lunch. Who knew?? By then it was 2pm and my fundamental laziness kicked in. So we decided to go to the new burger joint in town (the Nyack Burger Hop! Such a nostalgic name! LOL) for dinner. It was good...but slow. But, it's new, so I imagine and hope it will speed up. Also annoying: no pickles. Who gives me burgers with no pickles (and, I was told there would be pickles! Feeling a little like Milton now... :P)?? Of course, they would've paled compared to Erica's so I probably shouldn't complain.

All of this reminds me: I need to order meat from Alan! Oh Alan, how we love you and your tasty, tasty cows....

Bow down before the one you serve

Late tonight! My boy is sick- ear infection, I think. He was really sick mostly while Robert was at work. At bedtime he was feeling a little better so we'll see if school is in the cards tomorrow or not. Annoyingly someone (me) will have to go to school tomorrow whether or not Zion does cause it's our participation day. I gotta tell you, as much as I love the fact that our nursery school HAS mandatory parent participation, it's kinda wearing on me a bit this year with 2 kids at the school. Seems like I'm in there ever other week. And it's going to be that often if we go to Japan cause I'll have to swap our May and June days for days in April and March. Meh. At least when we homeschool I won't have to actually GO anywhere to participate.

Also, to clarify: you don't have to be the first person to post the correct answer. If you know, post! You'll get credit :)

PS I really really want one of these bags from Bayan Hippo. I'm just sayin'. Really. A lot.

It might not be that bad, you were the best I ever had

Did I say I'd post in the mornings? Cause I must have meant afternoons :P

Robin asked about lifelines yesterday and I did allow them last year. So I'll allow them again this year! Only rule is that you must TALK to your lifeline- no emailing/iming/texting, k?

This morning while the kids were at school I did a little work on my newest lace project- the Juno Regina Stole from knitty. Ganked pic:



I'm knitting mine in a gorgeous green yarn (Wollmeise in Farn for you yarnies out there), and loving it, tho I have QUITE a long way to go yet. Speaking of lace, here's a pic of the shawl I asked for yarn opinions on last month! Sorry the pics are kinda crappy- I don't have one of me wearing it yet. I'm enjoying lace knitting more than I have in the past- in part because I'm knitting in fingering weight yarn (as opposed to laceweight) and in part because I've figured out which patterns are most likely to drive me batshit crazy, and I avoid them.



Wow that picture really leaves a lot to be desired. I'll try to get an action shot this weekend!

Oh Lord, Won't You Buy Me A Mercedes Benz

There's your clue for the day, kids :)

Actually, I don't really care about Mercedes. What I *would* like are some tickets to Japan! After 24 hours it's become clear that going without the kids isn't going to happen. I just don't want to leave them, and it's not clear we could actually get anyone to stay with them for a week anyway. So it's either Robert going to Japan alone, or all of us. If we all go we'll probably try to roll it into our already-planned trip to CA in June. I hope y'all like reading my angst filled musings on this subject cause I can assure that you will see them a lot until this whole thing is resolved ;)

In other news Liel has recently dubbed herself "Fluffy's mommy". In addition to being adorable she's also carrying on a family tradition; her Aunt Giselle titled herself, "Dolly mama" when she was a wee lass. Only this apparently came out "Dodgey mama" in her baby voice, and she insisted upon being addressed that way. That's one of those things that makes you feel all warm and cozy, isn't it? On the way to Trader Joe's today Liel informed me that, "there are TWO mommies in our family", because she is Fluffy's mommy. Then she rattled off an extended narrative about Fluffy's mommy and her exploits, but I didn't catch much of it over the noise of the car. I'm sure it was terribly cute.

I'm big in Japan

The title of this post is entry #2, which catches us up contest-wise (good thing I didn't forget the month for longer!).

I forgot to note that aside from today answers will need to be in before I post a new entry. I'll generally do this in the morning.

The Japan thing is really on my mind right now. Robert just had a paper accepted for a conference in Kobe in May. He's going to try to get funding from the college for his trip, and he asked me today if the kids and I wanted to come along and spend a week in Japan. The college will NOT pay for this (they probably won't even pay for R's entire trip; going to Japan is expensive).

The options, as I see them, are: 1. stay home with the kids 2. go to Japan with the kids 3. go to Japan without the kids. I'm not entirely satisfied with any of them, though for very different reasons. 1. isn't great because I love love love to travel and haven't been anywhere in ages. I'd be a little envious if Robert got to go to Japan without me. 2. isn't great because holy crap, it's expensive to fly 4 people to Japan! Plus I wonder how much the kids will really get out of such a trip. Is the money worth it? 3. isn't great because I don't want to be away from my kids for that long! And they only even have a babysitter maybe once a year, and have never spent a night away from both of us (actually, they've never spent a night away from me). I'm pretty sure Robert will veto this idea anyway, on the grounds that he isn't comfortable being so far away from our kids when they are so little.

What to do, what to do...

First

Here it is! The first in the contest. Please don't look at other people's comments until after you've posted yours, OK?

Wait, what?! aka, the Rulebook

As I was sitting here just now a little voice in my head (oh come on, I know you have them too!) said, "Oh crap, it's February!". So then I said, "Oh crap!" too. I missed a whole contest day! So, to make up for it, I'm going to post two entries or whatever they are today. OK?

So, here's the deal for this year's February contest. We all need a little something in February, right? Up here in cold land its....cold. And will be cold for this month, and next month, too. But we are tired of the cold! I know those of you in warmer climates don't suffer this particular horror, but I love you anyway. Enter: The February Dodge a Wrench Contest! Each day I will post something for you to guess at. It could be song lyrics, a movie quote, a work of art...you get the idea. If you know what the thing in question is, post the answer (or as much information as you can) in a comment. Please, for the love of whatever it is that you love, do not Google to find the answer. I might not be able to tell (or CAN I??), but it's bad karma, yo. Play honest.

Ideally I'd like to see song title/movie title/artwork title and artist/actor in the answer. If you only know part of the answer, go ahead and post that...I do give partial credit. At the end of the month I go through and tally up who got the most right answers and that person gets...a prize! Her choice of the hat or fingerless mitts I posted last month. If a boy happens to win (and I'm downing on boys, it's just that 95% of my loyal readers are girls), I will do something else for him- knit him a manly hat, most likely. The second place winner will get whatever the first place winner doesn't choose.

Good? Good. First entry coming up!