« September 2004 | Main | November 2004 »
October 31, 2004
To Do
This week, I will:
- Start Nanowrimo.
- Question my sanity.
- Fold the Mt. St. Helen's of laundry on my living-room floor.
- Swear never to let it get that out of control again.
- Start a mini-St. Helens by Friday.
- Pick up the Short Ones who've been on holiday with the grandparents.
- Begin the "despoiling" of the Short Ones.
- Pay the bills.
- Put 2$ in the swear jar.
- Begin packing for the New Years move.
- Unpack those same boxes, because I need that.
- Get some late birthday presents in the mail, PRONTO.
- After I go buy them. Which I plan to do, like, tommorow. Seriously.
- Excercise.
- HA.
- Make my Christmas list.
- Check it twice.
- Blog about something substantial.
- Or get somebody else to do it for me. (Please?)
I'm tired already!!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:10 PM | Comments (1)
October 30, 2004
Max Headroom
I can't resist a quiz with such a celebrity icon. I'm weak, what can I say?
Oh, BTW, did you guys see him in Dawn of the Dead? His part was... brief. On account of the zombies, and all. Nasty little creatures.
Continue reading "Max Headroom"
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:49 PM | Comments (1)
Savoring the Sweet
I've admitted it, I love Halloween. And in honor of the chocolate binge sure to occur around my house late Sunday night, I am reposting "Chocolate Lamentations", an oldie, but a goodie.
Ahem.
Your siren call comes in the night
When none else will satisfy
No salty, bitter, or fruity sweet
Will answer your endless cry!
A moment on the lips, they say,
I've heard a thousand times,
So lock me in my house of shame
For all my chocolate crimes.
Tongue in cheek, I end this prose
With more than a heavy heart,
For others may suffice in day,
But chocolate rules the dark.
~WonderGirl~
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:45 AM | Comments (1)
October 29, 2004
Bothered
[Soapbox]
I've said it before, but I've got to say it again.
Be nice to your kids. Just. A. Little.
If they accidentally bite their tongue and start crying, have some sympathy. It hurts! Don't jerk them by the arm and tell them that they deserved it because they talk too much anyway. I know this is really hard to grasp, but children actually have feelings, and they are capable of being hurt. Why don't you just give them a hug? Is that so freaking hard? If they cry louder than you want, it's probably because you WON'T PAY ATTENTION TO THEM. Even a dog needs a bone every now and then. And if you can't swing a hug because you're totally coldhearted, just reach down, pat their heads, and tell them it will stop hurting in a minute. Take a second to care for somebody other than yourself.
And while we're on this topic, stop telling your kids that the policeman is going to come get him if he steps out of line. Argh! Can you see why this is wrong? No? Well let me tell you. You're making him afraid of cops and authority, for one thing. You're teaching him that a policeman is a scary thing, not someone to be trusted or called for in help. What happens when your kid gets lost or in an emergency situation? Is he going to be happy to see a cop coming? Secondly, you're trying to get someone else to do your dirty work. Your kid needs to do what you say because YOU'RE the one saying it. If you teach them to respect you, which means setting boundaries and consequences, being consistent, and get this-- MUTUAL respect (even to a preschooler), you won't need to call in somebody else to do this for you. You don't want a cop parenting your child, do you? I promise you that won't be good. Do it yourself, or that kid's going to end up disliking cops for a reason.
Good grief, people. It's so easy. And it matters so much. Get it right.
[/Soapbox]
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:34 PM | Comments (5)
Engrish is So Hot
Again, I cannot express how much I love this website.
They have Bad Boys in Japan too, ya know. Watch out. Wild like the buffalo.
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:14 AM | Comments (3)
October 28, 2004
Getting My Priorities Straight
Work is seriously interfering with my blogging.
I should just quit, right?
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:22 PM | Comments (5)
October 27, 2004
Does My Blogroll Intimidate You?
Does it make you cry like a wittle girlieman?
It has taken on a life of its own, I'll admit. It demands more and more of me each day. Read me, you weakling, it yells. Put down your work and feed me! More blogs, I must have more!!
I-- well, I'm scared. And so I do what it says. Here are 3 tasty selections I've just added. Blogroll is pleased. It says I am a very good girl and that good girls don't get hurt.
That's... comforting.
Debby- writing Joy in Vanity. She's a pal o'mine, so give her some love.
Michelle: blogging at Modern Motherhood. She made me laugh, and milk came out my nose, which is gross, but also complimentary in a way. Right? Cause that's what I told her, but I think I weirded her out.
Snidget: That's Ms. Snidget, actually, and her graphics entranced me. Seriously, I think there's some voodoo in that code, cause I couldn't quit looking at her layout! While I'm there, I read her posts, too, which are quite fun.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:18 PM | Comments (6)
Don't Mind the Rats
The latest, coolest (but not trendy of course), uber-alternative, in-your-face activism to get involved in? Why that would be freegans. Nothing guarantees you more attention (not that that's what your after, of course) than this newest craze. If you hike the Appalachians in your barefeet like Nature intended, don't shave your legs because it objectifies women, and will only bathe in natural bodies of water, then this might be the podium you've been looking for.
Your political statement: that we waste too much in this country. You're right, we do. So what better way to change the world than to quit your job, squat in an abandoned house, and eat everybody else's garbage? That's right. All you have to do is dig through the trash bins, find discarded food, and eat it. Don't be confused by the "egan" sound of the word, you don't have to be a vegan. Oh no. You can eat old, half-eaten jelly donuts, and Applebee's Riblets if you're lucky! Anything goes, as long as you don't pay for it, and there are no hobo fights over trash rights. Be careful of those dudes, they take their turf pretty seriously. But hey, you're ready. You've got your social commentary all prepared, and you just can't wait to shove it down somebody's throat!
You rock.
Oh and hey, shoplifting, employee theft, and returning items you didn't actually buy at stores are all a-ok for freegans. So is peeing on stuff that makes you mad, too!
Cool, huh?
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:33 AM | Comments (2)
October 25, 2004
Memo To the Hormones
To: The Endocrinology System
CC: Cerebellum, Brain Stem
From: The Cerebral Cortex
Date: Week 9 of Fetal Development
We need to have a talk.
First off, I want you to know I appreciate all that you do for this company. The pituatary, excellent work there. Hypothalamus- top shelf. You really seem to know your business, and I don't even have to tell you what to do anymore. You've truly learned your way around the office, and that's terrific.
However. I do want to bring up the mood swings. We've had some complaints, that you're a little unpredictable. And that you're developing a rather blunt vocabulary. For the record, it is not appropriate to tell anyone to stuff anything (i.e. the remote control) anywhere on or in their person. This is simply not an acceptable response, no matter how fast they are clicking through the channels or what the volume level is set on. And, it is good to note, that people around you still have feelings, and you should refrain from calling them nutjobs, freaks, and &^#@$. You can see how this will benefit local communication and partnership, and increase pleasant interactions overall.
It's also been brought to my attention that you have developed a severe reaction to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. While I cannot forbid you from outside interests, I do encourage you to seek hobbies that don't leave you sobbing inconsolably. I really don't get why you're crying anyway, but it's becoming a spectacle, and I think even Ty would admit to that. Perhaps it is best to avoid programs of this nature altogether for the next seven or eight months.
And lastly, I wish to address the levels of nausea that you've provoked in several of the vital organs, such as the stomach and esophagaus. I am unaware of a pre-existing conflict that would cause so vicious an attack on these gentle components, but if there is a problem, we need to discuss it. If you are unable to resolve this issue on your own, please see me in the restroom and we can review the contents again. And I shouldn't have to remind you that dry heaving and heartburn fall into this gastric category.
You're doing a great job in many other areas, and I'm sure that if you apply yourself, you'll improve in these as well.
Please don't point that finger at me. This is precisely the type of behavior I am referring to. It's not nice.
Sincerely,
The Cerebral Cortex
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:10 PM | Comments (9)
Look!
My blog got a new do! Hugo is still making changes, so it's not entirely finished, but doesn't she look spiffy?
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:53 PM | Comments (4)
October 24, 2004
The World Is Ready for You
Finally! And you can get the bottoms to match, but my blog doesn't do undy shots, you naughty readers.
Is it wrong to link to undergarments on a Sunday?
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:37 PM | Comments (9)
October 23, 2004
When Blogs Explode
I signed up a few days ago at Blogexplosion, at the estimable Mr. Fitch's suggestion. Basically, you surf other people's blogs, and the more you do it, the more other people will visit yours! And since I've got a whole buncha free time, this is just the tool for me.
That was a joke. Free time isn't so free, as Christin so eloquently blogged the other day. I am, of course, spending way too much time browsing around. It's extremely addictive.
And like any good addict, I try to spread the love, cause a junkie hates to be alone. Go. Sign up. And tell 'em I sent ya.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:58 PM
NaNo-what?
I'm taking the plunge. Into the icy cold depths of commitment. And I'm not talking 'bout the marrying kind, because I've been there, done that, and this scares me more.
I've signed up for NaNoWriMo, at Jeannette's prompting. NaNoWriMo may sound like an adorable little Pokemon character, but it's not. (Sorry to the 12 and under set. You may find this quite boring, so I'll refer you here in the meantime. Come back later for more rubber chicken silliness.)
NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. From November 1-31, the goal is to write 50,000 words, or 175 pages.
EEEK!!
Here's an exerpt describing the event:
"The ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.
Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that's a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down.
As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel Writing Month participants are going through the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic Novel."
I can't begin to tell you how much I DON'T want to do this, which is precisely why I must. I have developed a phobia of the ending of my stories, because I'm a big fat chicken! This will force me to complete the process, no matter how bad the plot or characters. I'm not aiming for publishable material, I'm just going for that big finish line that says, "THE END".
Anyway, here's my icon for the event. See the brave squirrel in his acorn helmet? He really should be out gathering nuts, but he's hoping this will be his big break. The Viking horns are pretty intimidating, methinks.
I am worried that he's blue, though. Is he cold? Did his electricity get cut off because he got fired because he spent too much time writing? And where's his computer? Did he have to pawn it to pay his bills, because he can't hold down a real job? Where's his family? Did they abandon him because he quit making them dinner and washing their clothes? Oh Squirrel, is it worth the loss of everything you hold dear to finish this novel?
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to grab you like that, Squirrel. Of course you'll be fine. There, see, I put your hat back on and everything. All better. Write away.
Lord help me.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:21 PM | Comments (3)
October 22, 2004
The Measure of My Wealth
If you're a longtime reader of my blog, you know that my husband decided to go back to school four years ago. That decision has lead us down some tight paths financially, and I'm sure you've read a few "woe is me" posts along the way. But when the money gets tight, the life lessons start flooding in, and I can't help but be glad for the things I've learned.
1. Beans are good, and cheap, and filling, no matter what that song says.
2. I hold my breath when someone opens a Christmas present I've made, and their reactions are the ones I treasure the most.
3. Make no room for envy in your heart, because it will steal it all.
4. When someone presses a twenty dollar bill in my hand as I'm leaving, or even a hundred, I am stunned by their generosity. Their gift is more than monetary, because the desire to be generous is contagious.
5. The ability to laugh at circumstances, laugh at myself, makes me rich.
6. Happiness can't be found in the type of car you drive, but humility can. And it's not a bad lesson to learn.
7. The sun still shines if the bills are late. The electricity might not, but it's not fatal, and you keep on breathing.
8. Playing in the park costs nothing. But it makes priceless memories.
9. A husband's love doesn't notice last season's fashions.
10. Dreaming can get you anywhere.
The last one, it sounds corny, doesn't it? So cliche, I realize that. And yet, it's the dreaming that brought us through these years, hopes for the future that eased our path.
Somehow, I just don't feel poor, no matter what my bank account says. I hope that stays with me always, no matter how my wealth is measured.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:25 PM | Comments (6)
October 20, 2004
My Fascination With Rubber Chickens
Continues with Bob, who is currently traveling the world. He's the most well traveled inanimate object since the yard gnome (who is vastly overrated in my opinion, anyway. Stupid pointy hat.)
This picture is simply begging for a caption, people. You did such a good job the first time, I know you can do it again.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:16 PM | Comments (6)
October 18, 2004
Your Company's Computer Guy
won't make house calls unless you pay him. The sorry sucker.
So being poor and stubborn, we're attempting to fix our very sick computer ourselves. (note, this is quite possibly a Very Bad Idea.) I can only blog from work right now *looking around nervously*. So, I'm gonna have to take a break for a few days until the old girl is up and running again, if she can be revived at all.
A quick and easy solution to this problem (and one I'm heavily encouraging): Buy me a new computer! This guarantees you non-stop, hip-hop, cutting-edge my blog action, 24/7. Beck and call, baby. I'll blog till the break of dawn, I'll blog like it's 1999. You can't stop this blog machine because I'm crazzzzy cool.
Okay, okay, I'm going. You're not even going to miss me, are you?
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:05 PM | Comments (6)
October 17, 2004
Since I Don't Want to Be Left Out
I'll do it, too.
|
personality tests by similarminds.com
I'd agree with this. Now go put your sweater on, it's cold outside. And don't run with those scissors!!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:07 PM | Comments (2)
October 16, 2004
Thing One and Thing Two
Working in the midst of doctors and nurses can be a great thing. If I need some lab work ordered for me, there's a doc handy to sign off on it. (The hypochondriacs dream come true!) And bored nurses? They'll do sonograms for me! Had one today, as a matter of fact, and it nearly turned all my hair gray right on the spot.
There were two blips on the screen.
The nurse, Ann, who is also a fellow church member and dear friend, leaned over and stared at the screen. "Um... WonderGirl? Do you see what I see?"
"No," I said, in full denial. "That is NOT two. It can't be!!"
So, four nurses and one doctor later, we put that fear to rest. No, not two heartbeats. Just an optical illusion.
They're pretty sure, anyway.
Pretty sure?? Pretty sure?
Actually, the doctor seemed confident, so I guess I'll relax now. But let me tell you, I turned white as a ghost and I was shaking like a leaf. I was in shock at that idea! I could only think, my mom is going to have to move down here. Dad'll have to learn to live without her, cause I'm gonna need her!
I go sometime in the next week or so for an appointment with my real doctor, and he'll do another one that should be easier to read. Hopefully no more "optical illusions"! I don't think I'll fully be over the possibility until then... because sometimes even doctors make mistakes. (Don't tell 'em I said that though.)
What a day! *laughing shakily*
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:31 PM | Comments (3)
October 15, 2004
Longings
I miss being at home.
Working is something I have to do now, because that's just the way it is with King Pen in school. Don't get me wrong, there are things about work that I enjoy. Adult conversation. Paychecks. Insurance. Those are all nice perks.
But everyday, it's harder to walk out the door now. I miss the evening ritual, making good meals and washing shiny faces, and that sweet scent of clean hair when I get a hug. I miss bedtime stories and the family devotion, and quiet prayers.
I miss being in the room with my husband and not being tired, I miss sitting on the couch with him laughing at Headlines. The more I am here, the more I wish I was there. I don't need the validation of the working world, I don't need to know I can hold my own in the dog-eat-dog pace, I don't care about any of that. My biggest contribution is not at this computer, at this job. My legacy to the world is at home right now, tucked into bed, dreaming sweet dreams of princesses and ballerinas, or in the next room dreaming of cars and balls.
So, I count the days, I mark them off in my head, each one bringing me closer to where I want to be, where I should be.
I may sound like I'm complaining, but I'm really not. I'm grateful. Not all mothers can stay home with their babies, and that's hard. This brief seperation, which will total just a year for me, has been wrenching. And yet, some women find themselves in situations that stretch much farther than a year. Some women don't have the luxury of being home ever.
As I thank God for His blessings, I count this as one. I thank Him for a husband who understands me, and wants me to be happy, and appreciates me. If I told him right now that I couldn't take it anymore and just wanted to quit, he'd make it happen, no matter what. He loves me in ways that humble me.
That makes walking out the door a little bit easier.
But, it makes walking in the door all the sweeter.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:44 PM | Comments (7)
October 13, 2004
Names In the Running
People are already asking me what baby names I'm thinking of. That's okay, I don't mind the question, but I feel woefully unprepared to answer it. I really only have two I like right now, but I haven't put a lot of serious thought into it just yet.
For a girl, I like Rowen.
For a boy, I like Lex. King Pen says that's too Lex Lutherish, but I stand firm. Sounds cool to me. And cool is what it's all about, after all.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:28 PM | Comments (17)
Argh!
He's no Johnny Depp, but he's got the rakish grin. (Watch out for the breath, though! Whew!!)
Buy him here.
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:17 PM
October 12, 2004
Who Needs Coffee?
Nothing jumpstarts your day like fresh throw-up down your shirt. Ew-Wee.
Good news though, I think the worst of HeroBoy's bug has passed. Now waiting to see if Czarina gets it.
I'm wearing a poncho tomorrow. I'm a quick learner.
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:22 PM | Comments (5)
October 11, 2004
The Lights Are On, But Nobody's Home
If I had a bowl of soup, I'd be falling asleep in it right now. I'm so tired- it's silly, really. I've done the normal amount of things I usually do, but I feel like in addition to that, I've run a marathon. And built a house. And single-handedly towed a barge up the Mississippi River. With my teeth, people. It's nuts!
I'm guessing that as a result of my fatigue, I am low on blogjuice tonight. I just can't think of what I want to write! I've started and stopped about a dozen times and nothing seems to flow. Hate it when that happens! I feel dim. Not so bright. A few cards short of a deck. A... uh... well, you get the idea.
Hopefully, this will pass. A day off from work, and a quick trip to the library tomorrow should (crossing fingers) stimulate the gray matter, and I'll be back to my average, not-necessarily-a-rocket-scientist-but-can-carry-on-a-decent-conversation-and-occasionally-make-good-joke self. (once I got started on the slashes, I had to follow through, but SHEESH that took me forever to type.)
If anybody else has any ideas, I'm open for them. I'm the one sitting in the corner over there with the blank stare. Help a girl out.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:48 PM | Comments (2)
G'Morning Lovies
*yawn* Sleep was wonderful last night, and much needed. I actually feel rested this morning, which is a rarity these days! I've got to make the most of it and do some things around the house while I feel energetic! Like blogging. Hahaha!
You know, I'm ready for cold weather. I am ansy for it. I do love sweatpants, after all. Hopefully a few more weeks, and I'll be pulling out my faves. Which includes, but is not limited to, a wide variety of fairly holely and worn out sweatpants. Oh winter, I love your fuzzy fabrics!
I don't have any organized things to say this morning, just wanted to pop out a hello before starting my day. Hope everyone has a great Monday, and I'll write in the p.m.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:23 AM | Comments (1)
October 10, 2004
Understatement of the Weekend
"It's raining."
All the things I mentioned that I was looking forward to (state fair, volleyball, horseshoes, and did I mention S'Mores??) all went kaput. It was like the sequal to Noah's Ark the entire weekend.
And of course when I get home, it stops entirely! Murphy!! You and your laws!! Leave me be!
But, I had a great time. Food was coma-inducing good, and we played a few rounds of dominoes, phase 10, and Mexican train. But mostly, we just talked. I was a little blue to leave. On the five hour (!!) drive home, I had plenty of time to mull over some things about my family.
I am so thankful for a place in this world. To be surrounded by people who love me and are happy to see me, and know me in a way the rest of the world can't- it's such a blessing. To be part of this fabric, woven of all the quirks and stories and memories-- what an amazing thing! Because woven we are- for better or worse, we stick together. Our lives may spread out, but there is a closeness that distance never seems to touch. Mom says that we have my great grandmother (who passed many years ago) to thank for that.
My family is far from perfect. I would even say that our roots are pretty dysfunctional. But God had a plan for my family, and He has drawn us to Him despite those imperfections. Those stories are incredible, how one by one, aunts and uncles have come to know the Lord- and changed their lives and their children's lives. Without Him, I shudder to think where we would be now. I am so grateful for the covenant He kept before we even knew who He was.
That's what the family reunion is for me. It's not just meeting up with cousins I haven't seen in a while. It's seeing what God is doing in their life, and how they are growing. It's about sharing the hard things, praying about them, encouraging each other. It's laughing and eating and fellowshipping with family- and being bound by so much more than blood.
I am rich beyond counting.
**
Psalm 66
To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm.
Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,
Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.
I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.
Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
**
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:37 PM | Comments (3)
October 7, 2004
Sleeping Bags and Bug Spray
Okay. I'm headed out for a few days to do the family thing. If I can get my hands on Joey's laptop, I'll blog live from Leroy Percy Park. (the hub of family reunions in the delta, I assure you.)
OOohh, he has a digital camera, too! Maybe I could snag that also and take pictures of the cut-throat dominoes game Saturday night! It gets pretty ugly. I'll just say, last year, somebody ended up with a black eye and ten stitches, and it wasn't me. If you think that's bad though, you should hear what happened at the horse-shoes game! We are a very competetive people. We also get drunk a lot.
*note from my mother: WonderGirl, people are going to think you're serious!! You can't write that!!*
For the record, I am kidding. We are not competetive in the least. We do drink a lot though.
*second note from my mother: You know that's not what I meant!!*
I love you, Mom.
Anyway, this is it for now- check back in a few days and hopefully I'll get to post a little something. If not, we'll be back to regular business hours next week.
Have a good one!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:35 PM | Comments (3)
October 6, 2004
I Should Move To Wisconsin
Do you people know how good cheese is? Do you?
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:07 PM | Comments (5)
October 5, 2004
Thoughts of the Random Kind
Sweatfest Swampfest was great. The Audubon Zoo is the perfect place to take cool pictures. I think it would be fun to have your engagement photos done there, but I'm 8 years too late with that brilliant idea. Thanks, brain. As a side note, the zoo is possibly not the best place for those of us with Super Smelling Powers. *gag* (You'd think that having ANY super power would be great, but this is just not the case.) Still, fun was had, crawfish was et.
This coming weekend is a big one- it's family reunion time. We start out Friday with the Young Folk and hit the State Fair in Jackson, MS. After a night of carnie lovin', we drive out to Leroy Percy Park where the rest of the family has set up in the cabin. We eat gobs of home cooking (oh THERE are those five pounds I lost!), and lug out the dominoes, horse-shoes, volleyballs, and cards. We also bring a bag of marshmellows for the alligators. (Since that's what they like, after all.) Actually, the alligator population is a bit creepy out there. A thousand glowing eyes staring at you across the lake at night can be a bit unnerving. And I won't even start on the mosquitos! Still, I am really looking forward to it. I'm still pushing for the "reunion t-shirts" but so far, no takers.
Let's see... what else? I am quite literally dying from the want of a digital camera. I get a twinge. A numbness. A twitch. When, oh when, will my parents get a new digital camera so I can inherit their old one???? Those new models are fantastic, Dad!! Don't you want one? You really need it. Seriously.
I keep thinking of the great photo ops I've had the last week or so, and I did use the old 35mm, but it's not blogger friendly. It's really not friendly in any way. And since the scanner is on the fritz (why do all my things hate me!!), my words remain imageless. Wah.
Sorry nothing provocative tonight. I've been going at it pretty hard this week and my brain is on autopilot. I don't know where we're going, I'm just sitting back with a gin and tonic until the flight is over.
That's all, folks. Yup. Show's over. You don't have to go home, but ya can't stay here.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:32 PM | Comments (4)
October 4, 2004
So It Begins
Bleh.
Hello, morning sickness. I wondered when you'd show up.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:02 PM | Comments (1)
I'm "Unique" Is All
Now it's time for our favorite game, "Quirks and Confessions". I'll go first.
1. I hate it when people ask if you want the good news first, or the bad news. It throws me into an absolute conundrum! Agony!
2. I like word problems in math. Enough to buy a book of them, and do them secretly so nobody knows what a big old nerd I am.
3. Some of my favorite words start with "L" and are quite naughty. Lascivious, luscious, liscentious, lavish. I wish I could use them more often, but I get Looks.
4. I simply cannot write on wide-ruled paper, no matter how hard I try. I just can't. I feel like a little kid writing in a giant's notebook.
5. If I'm waiting and bored, I will kick my foot. (not so weird). But, I'm also spelling my name with the movement. (a little weird). I try other words occasionally, but they don't jive right.
6. I like to come up with the perfect descriptive word for the hair colors of people sitting in front of me. I like it even better if the words for all the people are in the same set- like spices (ginger, salt-and-pepper, saffron). Or icecream toppings (caramel, chocolate, honey, etc).
7. I love mail that's waiting to be sent. A pile of fresh, crisp envelopes, stamped and eager to go really makes me happy.
8. When I work on Saturdays, I feel justified in wearing my hair in pigtails. I know it's not professional but in my opinion, they're lucky I came in at all. For the record though, they're understated. Well, as much as pigtails can be.
9. I can't wear socks if they get wet in the least. If I step in a puddle the size of a nickel, they're gone. Fast. Like it was a poison puddle.
10. If your eyebrows are wild and bushy, I can't look at you when we're talking. I try, I realize it's rude not to, but it frightens me. Please wax. Or pluck. For the sake of our friendship!
Okay, people. Make with the confessions.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:50 PM | Comments (4)
October 3, 2004
Lessons We Learn
When Czarina was about two years old, we used a phrase quite regularly with her. "Get happy."
Sulking, whining, fit-throwing, she wasn't allowed to indulge in that kind of thing. Sometimes it took a little disciplining to go along with it, but in the end, there was a watery smile on her face, and the return of a cheerful heart.
We adults are not exempt from this particular lesson. It's tempting to give in to the misery we imagine ourselves in. Wallow in our myriad discomforts and pains. But what does that accomplish? Nothing. It merely perpetuates the negative- nothing good comes from it. The more we wallow, the worse we feel.
So now, HeroBoy has arrived at that stage, where I am beginning to say, "Get happy" again. The parental directive, designed for his own good, the restoration of a good spirit and gratefulness, is familiar to me. I am reminded of the times I felt that same firmness as a Christian, the times my Father sent that message to me.
Get over yourself.
Stop whining.
You've got a lot to be grateful for, and it's time to let your anger and frustration go. Don't indulge your weaknesses, your complaints. Be the thing I created you to be. Enjoy the things I've given you, count your blessings. Be grateful, for I have given you everything when you deserved nothing.
The thing about this parenting technique is that the order imposed by the outside force, will become genuine. When Czarina and HeroBoy surrender to that command, in a few short moments, they truly ARE happy. And when I surrender to God in that way, I find that I am truly happy, too.
And that, after all, is what He wants.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:14 PM | Comments (5)
October 1, 2004
The Tonight Show 2009
Is Leno so hard up for publicity these days that he has to make his resignation announcement five years in advance?
I'm actually glad though, because I originally had plans that night, and now with such early notice, I can reschedule! Or at least set my VCR, if it's not obselete by then. Maybe I should use my teleporter to get home in plenty of time, just in case. Unless it's acting up again, which I'm pretty sure it is, because knowing me, I bought a "reconditioned" materialization device. (I predict sad stories about the family teleporter.)
But I have to cut corners somewhere, especially if I ever want to afford one of those holographic interactive entertainment centers I keep seeing everywhere.
I'm not Jane. Gotcha.
PS: I would like to express my absolute horror at the results when I searched for "The Jetson's pictures". EW! Sick sick sick world. Shame on you!!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:42 AM | Comments (5)