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September 30, 2005
The Squeeky Wheel
Gets the grease, right? My mom complained today that there is no way to look at all the pictures of the kids and/or family on this blog at once. So, I meticulously went through all my old entries and added a new "Picture This" category. Now you can click that (under "Categories") and voila. Easy squeezy.
This should guarantee my nomination as "Daughter of the Year". And there better be a tiara in there somewhere. I deserve the very best fake diamonds that money can buy! And it better be BIG.
And no, I didn't stamp my foot. That's not a very grown-up thing to do.
Anyway, at the very least, this is further proof that I do, indeed, rock. Or that I'll do anything to get out of folding laundry.
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:36 PM | TrackBack
Hee-Haw
I didn't know that I wanted a baby donkey, but I do. Oh, I really do!
Please.
Can I make a joke about the whole cute a** thing? No?
Okay then. You're the boss.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:41 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Reprieve
It's 12:25 p.m. and I still haven't turned on my air conditioner today. Hallelujah! Fall might FINALLY be here!
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:23 PM | TrackBack
Memelicious
Lazy day, so let's do a Friday Five, for old time's sake!
1. What kind of computer do you have? (Mac, iBook, Dell, etc.) Toshiba Satellite laptop.
2. How old is it? Are you happy with it? One year old- and we're still crushing on it!
3. How many computers are in your household? (at home if you are away at school) Just the one.
4. What are your favorite games/timewasters on your computer? Spider solitaire is my favorite absolute time waster. Difficult level - I only win it every couple of months. My favorite game would be Sims2, if I'd go ahead and load the thing!
5. If money were no object, what kind of computer would you like to have? Like the Macs, so probably a top of the line desktop of their's.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:37 AM | TrackBack
September 29, 2005
No Go
For those of you standing by for news of the cars - let's just say, I've got a knot on my head. From pounding it against the wall. Still no definitive answer on the Family Car. Two mechanics say the same thing- there's nothing wrong that they can tell. The only hope for it is if it acts up while they have it hooked to a machine or while they are driving it. Sigh. So, what are we supposed to do? I can't drive it with the kids, obviously. I can't drive the carpool, either. Lovely.
And the Red Car? They STILL haven't gotten to it! The guy said he tried to crank it just to move it, and it sounded like the timing belt? We know for a fact the radiator is busted, so who the heck knows how much is wrong with it or how much it will cost, or WHEN it will be fixed (if it can be!). I've got that gut feeling that the Red Car has seen it's last days.
So.
My only solution is to invest in some lotto tickets or but a bicycle built for 5 (!).
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:18 PM | TrackBack
ING One Year Later
Last September, I shared my ING. Let's do it again!
ING for Today:
Reading: The Runes of the Earth, Stephen R. Donaldson.
Drinking: Diet Dr. Pepper.
Listening: Mix CD by PlayDo Brittany.
Feeling: Perky!
Watching: Survivor!
Snacking: Apples - but I really want some Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate. Dangit.
Humming: The Nokia Ringtone. Help.
Wearing: Workout clothes - see my dedication?
Cooking: Broiled tilapia!
Posing: As a stay at home mom, but I'm actually undercover CIA.
Paying: For car repairs. Urgh.
Dreaming: Of graduation - 7.5 months!
Smelling: Soap and coffee. Yum.
Loving: My bald headed baby.
Anticipating: Trip to Baltimore, and Margarita Night with the girls!! Yip!
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:52 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 28, 2005
Abundance
There are moments in my life when I stand in the center of all the good things - alone in the field of my happiness, and I want to hold out my arms and spin until I'm dizzy. The blessings of my life surround me like wildflowers, and they become a bright blur as I turn faster and faster. Nothing touches me there, no troubles or dark thoughts dare to intrude.
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:51 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Wonderings
My day improved with a Diet Dr. Pepper (which really DOES taste like the regular ones) and realizing that it's Wednesday and Lost night!!
Still waiting to hear from the mechanics working on BOTH cars, no luck so far. The influx of evacuees from south LA has really impacted businesses down here. Everybody is busier! I even called around checking on rental cars and could barely find any. I had to walk (!) to two different stores just to get the drink I wanted. It's like this all the time now, but we're getting used to. I suppose the economic boom isn't bad for BR, but I hate that it's the result of such a tragedy.
So... I went to the ASLA website yesterday, looking at potential jobs for King Pen. Well, it's a little premature - he still has eight months until he will be on the market, but I wanted to get an idea of what's out there. Looks pretty awesome! Lots of openings in CA and FLA, and quite a few in Atlanta and on the eastern coast... basically from one end of the country to the other! It's so hard to decide where we want to live! I don't know if we should decide on a city, then try to find a job there, or the opposite.
Whatever we do though- we need to start thinking about it. I'm the detail oriented one, and not knowing is killing me! By now, I usually have a few boxes packed and a moving truck reserved. This will be a test of faith for me, I do believe.
Well, I don't have much to say today. I'm going to plop on the couch for a while and read my book.
Aaahh... the life of a stay at home mom.
That is so a joke.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:55 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Befuddled
Why do I feel like I drank a bottle of tequila last night? I didn't - I swear. My head is POUNDING.
Am I getting sick?
That doesn't explain the nose ring I woke up with, though.
This has got to stop.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:31 AM | TrackBack
September 27, 2005
Conundrum
Okay, so I've mentioned our upcoming trip to Baltimore in November. It's just five weeks away, and I'm so excited I could pass out - except for one matter. The Duke.
He'll be a week shy of 6 months at that time, and I'm not sure if I am ready to leave him for five days. I never left Czarina and HeroBoy for that long - not until they were at least a year old.
One the one hand, this trip would be a lot easier without him. On the other hand, what if he isn't ready for that kind of seperation? The last thing I want is for him to be a thousand miles away and needing Mama! And then there are the Babysitters to consider. I trust my mom and mother-in-law implicitly, but these three can be a serious handful! Especially if you are on your own with them. King Pen and I have to tagteam to get through the day - I can't imagine that our mothers would still be sane after dealing with them all alone. I don't want to put them in a bad situation, or take advantage of them.
But the thought of lugging all the baby gear around an airport - trying to find a place for naps- and sightseeing with him in tow.... well - that's daunting.
I would love- truly LOVE- to spend some time alone with my husband, but maybe that's a luxury I can't afford just yet. Is it selfish of me to want that? Is it wrong to choose something that I want more than my child would probably want?
Thoughts, people. Give me something to chew on here.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:19 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
toozday
*yawn*
Good morning, everybody.
What're we doing today?
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:07 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
September 26, 2005
Adoption
*blatantly stolen from G
Life just didn't seem complete without a duck.
| adopt your own virtual pet! |
And don't ask why he's green. He's a little touchy about that.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:15 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Woebegone
Wow. Today was abysmally bad, even for a Monday. May I? We started off sleeping through the alarm, and waking with 15 minutes to get out the door. Have you ever tried to rush a sleepy 5 year old? It's no picnic. But we manage to leave on time, and pick up the two girls that carpool with us in the morning. About ten minutes from the school, the car starts to overheat. Yay. Remember now, the Family Car is already in the shop. This is not good. I manage to limp the Red Car (King Pen's car) to the school, stopping once to put some water in it.
We get there (riding my frantic prayers all the way), and lo and behold, I've forgotten Czarina's bookbag, and lunch. Super Yay. While my car cools down at the school, I borrow the TEACHER's car (sigh) and dash madly to the grocery store to get Czarina a lunchable. But the store is completely empty. I'm serious. No meat. No cheese. No bread. Barely anything at all - I guess they haven't had a chance to restock since the hurricane this weekend. I put together an admittedly bad lunch, but it was the best I could do. So I get that to her, and feeling sufficiently confident that the car was cool (having refilled the water also), I head off to Debby's to drop something off. Her house is on the way home - but as I drive, it's getting hot AGAIN. So I stay there, cry, fill it up again, and try once more to get home.
Nope. That wasn't in the cards today. I got close, but no cigar. It dudded out on me about a block from the car repair shop where the Family Car was already waiting patiently for some TLC.
I sat there, crying a little more, wracking my brain for a plan. (Notice the crying? What is up with that? I HATE crying!!) Anyway, Red Car, at this point, was dead. D-E-A-D. The battery had gone out - why, I don't know. I was honestly just surprised it hadn't blown up at this point. I thought I might could push it to the shop, but even my herculean muscles weren't up to the task. So I walked to the shop, called King Pen, and waited for the mechanic to fix the Family Car so that I could drive home, get King Pen, and bring him back to view the Red Car in it's death throes.
Several hours later, Family Car is ready to go because the mechanic COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING AMISS. He's wrong, of course. Something's up with it, and I guarantee that just when I have a car full of kids, it will rear it's ugly head again. But, desperation drives us and faith sustains us, so I guess it will be alright. At least until Red Car has been repaired, or declared DOA.
We end up pushing the Red Car to the shop with the Family Car. It's a bit like the blind leading the blind. We take the lesser broken of the two back home - and make plans to be a one car family for a few days at least. (We're just crossing our fingers that we won't be a NO car family.)
Finally, I got back home - dirty and hungry and cranky beyond belief. So I did what any self respecting woman would do. I grabbed my book, put on my fat pants, and ate everything in the pantry. Luckily, the damage was minimal, because I keep my pantry void of chocolate for this very reason.
Then I took a shower and a little nap, and now I'm much better.
And that was my Monday, in all it's glory. From now on, I think it would be simpler to WALK.
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:23 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
September 25, 2005
Dies Solis
Sunday and the boys and I are not going to church. Why, you ask? Well, when I went to pick up Czarina from school on Thursday, the family car went kaput on me. On the interstate. The kind with the concrete walls and NOWHERE to pull over. After a healthy little panic attack, a nice guy in a truck pushed me to an off ramp, and I walked from there. Pushing The Duke's stroller - in 98 degree heat.
Ack.
I sat at Joe's Crab Shack and had a coke and generally felt sorry for myself. Debby picked up Czarina for me, and King Pen made his way to me and our untrusty steed. The old girl is currently sitting at the repair shop as the mechanic tries to figure out how to rob us blind get her up and running again.
So being a two car family on Sundays, the boys and I are sitting this one out. I'll be honest, church with a 5 year old, 2 year old, and 4 month old sans nursery can be challenging. Our service is over an hour and a half, and sometimes it's difficult to hear even a modicum of the sermon!
But I need it. It's the prelude to my week. It gives me what I need to be the mother and wife I'm called to be for the next six days. Singing with my family, sharing the Lord's Supper, bowing our heads together- those are the things that refuel me, prepare me, balance me. Without them, I am off kilter. I am a beat behind.
It's a good thing that you don't have to be in church for God to hear prayers, though.
The car - all I want is for it to be reliable. I don't mind if it's not new or could stand a paint job or even if it makes crazy noises. I just want it to not break down on me.
Okay, so that's it. Time to get out of my pajamas and get life in gear.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:57 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
September 24, 2005
Saturday Stand Up
In preparation for yesterday's hurricane, we gathered up our candles, flashlights, and lanterns. King Pen's favorite one, of course, was the headlight. He let HeroBoy play around with it a little bit, and he was in heaven. Unfortunately, heaven for little brothers usually involves a little bit of hell for older sisters. He was doing his usual amount of pestering and general aggrivation, pointing the light directly into Czarina's face. Finally Czarina had enough and appealed to us.
"Mo-om!" she whined, "I don't want HeroBoy to glow in my dark!!" Which immedietely brought giggles from Mom and Dad, a satisfied smirk on little brother, and confusion from big sister.
Gotta love that unscripted humor.
Oh, and the hurricane - mostly just made a big mess for us to clean up. Leaves, limbs, debris. Electricity flickered some during the worst of it, but it was nothing compared to Katrina.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:14 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 23, 2005
Babyzilla
His appetite is insatiable.
And some more---
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:49 PM | TrackBack
September 22, 2005
Squares to Spare
Here, take it! Take it all!
I am back from my dash to the grocery store for a few essentials before Rita sashays onto the coast. Okay, so maybe she's not that light footed. And maybe I didn't buy just a "few" things.
The grocery store is a happening place before a hurricane, I tell ya. Nothing hypes me up like joining the throngs of folks furiously buying peanut butter and Chicken Corn Chowder. The excitement is palpable, and I am one of the first to be swept up in the mania. I start eyeballing other people's carts, to see what they are buying. If they buy it, well, that settles it. I am, too. Cause I need it. Storm's coming. I have to fight the urge to sweep everything off the shelf into my waiting (and already full) buggy.
So I bring back stuff I haven't eaten in fourteen years. Fig newtons? What the? We don't eat those! And what on earth am I going to do with pickled garbanzo beans? The Cheese Whiz was a big hit with King Pen, but it didn't go over so well in my conservative pantry. The "regulars" don't take to well to outsiders, and their foreign spraying habits. It started out with whispers and glares, but it's escalated. I swear I heard some trash talking and rumbling around in there. I'm just staying out of the way. What happens in the pantry, stays in the pantry.
And the toilet paper, oh help me. It's ridiculous. There will be no purchase of Northen Quilt in our home until well after the New Year. And that's if we are outrageously wasteful. I'm racking my brain for other uses, and so far I've come up with a few awesome Christmas presents. (Look forward to it, friends. I'm talking some seriously top notch gifts here.)
I mustn't forget the water. Aah, the WATER. Well, everybody else had so much... It would have been irresponsible NOT to buy enough to drink, and cook, and bathe us (and the cat). And gargle. I mean, you have to do that everyday. And mop? Well, the floor can get awfully dirty with all that mud. And we might need some entertainment, so we'll probably do some water balloons or something. Oh, and heck, let's fill the pool up, too - cause I BOUGHT EIGHTY THOUSAND GALLONS.
And for crying out loud, why did I need three tubes of hydrocortisone cream and a shower cap? That's just weird.
Two days from now, when I am surrounded with all these unused items, I shall feel quite silly indeed.
But better safe than sorry, right? Yeah, that's exactly what got me in this mess.
Well, I will end here. I'll try to write tomorrow, as long as we have power. Now, I have to finish putting away the last bit of things. Let's see, that's twelve bags of ginger snaps, some tweezers, and the economy sized box of dryer sheets.
It seemed reasonable at the time, trust me.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:18 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Bbbring!
I've just recently come into the cellular world - remember the bird incident? Anyway, I had a Tracfone for a long time, and spent what I would for a small island in those dumb prepaid cards. So Super Mom comes to the rescue, and puts me on her Cingular family plan. Now I get a humungous amount of anytime minutes that had built up on her plan because nobody was using them. I'm kinda stingy with those, though. Yes. I have hoarding issues, but I'm seeking professional help even as we speak.
Anyway.
The thing I love about it is that I can call anybody with a Cingular phone for free, anytime. Yeah - I know you already know that, but this is new for me. Indulge me.
So, I'm calling up ANYBODY I know with a Cingular phone. My best friend from fourth grade, the mailman, our old auto insurance people - I'm out of control. But it's free.
It is cool though that my sister and mom, and aunt all have Cingular. I'm calling like two, three times a day.
I don't have a lot to do around here.
That's a lie, I have plenty to do, but none of it is as fun as playing with my new toy. I haven't talked this much on the phone since the ninth grade!
If you have a cingular phone, hit me with your digits and I shall also bug YOU two or three times a day with nothing in particular to say.
Ain't it great to be my friend?
PS- My phone welcomes me with "Hello, Beautiful!" which totally cracks me up.
Okay, I programmed that myself. What can I say? I like compliments.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:28 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Mmm... IPod...
The new IPod Nano. Yummy.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:41 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Developing the Day
A few pictures taken this afternoon, while hiding out from the massive pile of laundry in the living room.
Scary.
Continue reading "Developing the Day"
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:19 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 21, 2005
Verbs and Nouns and Such
Once upon a time, I wrote this. Now, I've cleaned it up a bit since that rough draft, and get this - actually submitted it to a magazine. Yikes. That's my first little tiptoe into the publishing world, so we'll see how it goes. I won't hear from them for a few months, though, so I'm not looking for results any time soon.
Whatcha think?
I dropped my bag onto the sand, and gazed out at the sinking sun. My chair sat within reach of the lapping waves, and with a sigh of relief, I settled in comfortably. My toes wriggled down in the soggy sand of their own volition, as waves flirted softly with my feet. My hands stretched over stomach, now rounded with pregnancy.
Gulls cried high above, soaring in graceful arcs. Sun-kissed children combed the shore for one last shell, as parents began to gather their now salty belongings. Crabs scuttled playfully in the fading light, and a school of tiny fish hid in the faint shadow of my chair. I watched lazily as forgotten sandcastles were slowly swept away by the relentless tide. As the waters claimed each crumbling turret, my troubles followed. My worries and fears drifted far into the sea, far from me.
Clouds abandoned their fluffy whiteness, and gleefully donned pinks and oranges and yellows. The parade of colors stretched over the ocean, filling the breadth of the sky. Sunset waited, fashionably late, until we all held our breath for her entrance.
As I sat beneath the canopy of day’s end, I took a picture in my mind. I memorized each detail, each taste and texture and smell. It's all still there, though the memory is but a shadow of the brilliance.
I left the beach knowing I'd never be able to recreate the moment, not entirely. Life was around me, and inside me, for the very first time. In that instant, I was joined with the elements and creatures in their endless cycles. It changed me. The peace and beauty imprinted on my soul. I carry that with me always, a souvenir, hidden deep within.
And now, when I look at my child, with her bright smile and golden curls, I know that I am not the only one who carries the mark of our perfect day. For she shines like the sun, and she smells like the breeze. She soars like a bird, and she has colors in her soul that rival the setting sun.
That day, so perfect and beautiful, passed swiftly into a memory. But my daughter? Her light stretches into a lifetime.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:44 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Flashback
So. This time last year - what was I writing?
Oh, I remember. Sweet, sweet Willie. He rocks hard.
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:24 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Hidden Shames
In the seventies, Stephen R. Donaldson wrote a pretty good series of fantasy books called The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. I read them a few years ago, and assumed that the story had been finished. Not so. Two more books have come out, and I started them yesterday. The plot is original and interesting, and the books are considered one of the cornerstones of the current fantasy genre.
But.
I just can't get over the name of the bad guy. It's so awful, I can barely even utter it aloud.
Lord Foul.
Oh, that's hideous. Mr. Donaldson! Shame on you! Couldn't you up with anything less... I don't know - OBVIOUS?
This is why I hide my fantasy books when company comes over.
And don't bother looking under my bed, because that's not where I stash them. Seriously. Don't look.
Trust me.
Nothing to see there, folks. Just move along.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:23 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
My Long Lost Love
Don't even attempt to call me between 8 and 9 pm tonight. My ringer will be off, friends, because Lost is on!!
Oh the happiness!!
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:57 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
September 20, 2005
Up-Up-And Away!
I'm thirty years old, and I just booked my first airline ticket.
It was so fun.
We're going to Baltimore the first weekend of November for a wedding. King Pen's childhood buddy and longtime friend, Dan, is getting married. So, we're flying up a few days early so we can do some sightseeing. We're ditching the kids and taking our first vacation in eight years! Whoohoo! And don't go feeling sorry for the Short Ones. Grandma will be coming in and they'll have their own little vacaction. Although, I admit the idea of leaving The Duke puts a damper on my spirit. He'll be six months old, but he's my little partner. I'll miss him.
Anyway, despite that downer, it's great. I am way too excited about this. I feel like such a nerd. I can't quit thinking about it! I keep wanting to call all my friends and giggle about it.
Yes. I'm fourteen. Sue me.
I have to admit I'm a little nervous, though. Not about the actual flying- that doesn't bother me so much. But the layovers and luggage and all that- that gives me a twinge of anxiety. Inexperience makes me unsure of myself. Plus all the new post 9/11 changes... Can I bring tweezers? Razors? Am I allowed to wear stilletos? Not that I want to. I'm just saying. What's considered a weapon these days?
But still, I can't wait. I keep pulling up my email confirmation and reading it, because this is just something we don't do. WonderGirl doesn't fly. (in planes. I do fly in my cape and whatnot.) Not because I'm afraid, but because, well, I just don't. It's a rule.
And since we're breaking it for the first time, like ever - it's a big occasion.
So. Any ideas on things we really should see while in Baltimore and DC?
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:19 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Bleh.
Nothing brings on the urge to vomit quite like Taradise.
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:36 PM | TrackBack
Freecycling
And I love that I am giving my things to someone who really wants or needs it. It's much more personal and satisfying than dropping stuff off anonymously at a thrift store (where someone still has to pay $ they may not really have.) Plus, I've seen a few things that were being offered that I would have jumped on if I had a truck to go get them. (like bunk beds) You just can't beat free.
Anyway, you should check your city on this site and see if there is a chapter to join. You won't regret it!
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:40 AM | TrackBack
September 19, 2005
Serving up Japanese Pop Culture
I sooooo want to eat at Hello Sushi, here in BR.
I expect the place to be filled with little kawaii lovies like this:
The perfect combo of raw fish and insanely cute animals. What more do ya need?
Oh. Maybe this, too.
He's kinda hot, though.
(BTW - Isn't Chococat too adorable? I just want to love
him and hug him and pet him and squeeze him, and call him George.)
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:15 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Rita on the Horizon
You've gotta be kidding me.
We may be okay, it's hard to say at this point. But I've got my eye on Rita. I don't trust her.
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:33 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Kinetic
"Tears are a river that takes you somewhere…Tears lift your boat off the rocks, off dry ground, carrying it downriver to someplace better."
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:37 PM | TrackBack
Side Bar
I'm sure you've noticed the ongoing dialogue started in my post Crossing Lines.
Let me explain something here, in case there is some question about if I should be writing those things or not.
It sucks. It just does.
My blog is my diary. It didn't start out that way - it began as a fun place to link and post the quirky thoughts that often cross my mind. It was light and easy and entertaining.
Now, maybe not so much. I get serious here, and I realize I've probably lost readers along the way who don't want to get into that heavy emotional stuff. But that's okay. My blog has evolved into exactly that, my blog. It works for me. It is exactly what I need, when I need it. Sometimes it makes me laugh, sometimes it makes me cry, sometimes it feeds my creative monster, and sometimes it doesn't. I've come to love it for what it is.
But it does, occasionally, get me in trouble. If you've been here long enough, you'll remember some of my more spirited controversies, all carefully preserved in the archives. Remember when WonderGirl experimented with some colorfol language- and barely lived to tell the tale? Aah, good times.
Anyway.
I knew I took a big chance writing this very personal experience with drug addiction in our family. But I felt that we needed some kind of forum to deal with it. So yeah - I took the reins in my own hands and put it out there.
It's ugly.
It's painful.
It's embarassing.
But it's also therapeutic, and liberating. It's okay to say it. We're off, we're dysfunctional, we've got serious issues. But are we so different from everyone else in the world? No. We're just louder. And maybe that will help other people be braver, too. Maybe it will give someone else the courage to face their own Bad Stuff, and start to rebuild and repair what's broken in their own life.
To my family - sheesh. I'm sorry. I know it's hard. I know you don't want our business splashed across the internet. But you need to remember, that these are my friends here. These are the people who love me, and pray for me. And when I write about this here- they love you, and pray for you, too. Nobody is judging you or gossipping or laughing. They are hurting for you, interceding for you...
To my mom and dad, I know this is especially difficult for you. You both try so hard to protect everyone else from just how bad it really gets. I respect that. You want the circle of fire to be small, so less people are affected. We weren't raised to air our dirty laundry, and the fact that you haven't thrown my laptop in the lake is a testament to your love for me. Thank you for letting me do this my own way. Even if it is, sometimes, the wrong way.
We will get through this. We will be okay. I believe that. So many good things have happened, even in the height of the storm. Relationships have bloomed, love has deepened, and we have found the ties that bind us are unbreakable. We have been forged in fire, born to strengths we never knew. I am proud to be part of this family, proud to see the changes and maturity and growth of the last year. I am glad to know that I can pick up the phone and be showered with love and encouragement in a matter of seconds. There is never a shortage of love to go around - and that is what will see us through this valley.
I'm done now, I think. I'm tired. I need a break from the emotional weight for a little while, so I'm off to play with the paperdolls again.
You should try it. I am totally in the running to be Jennifer Anniston's new stylist.
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:51 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
September 18, 2005
On the Occasion of Her Fifth
Here are a few pictures from Friday night, when we threw down for Czarina's fifth birthday party. We partied at Monkey Biz (party heaven for five year olds, trust me) for an hour and a half with ten friends and their moms and dads. It was so much fun, I didn't even have time to be sad that my baby is such a big girl now. Well, maybe I had a few moments... in between all the crazy. A few shots of whiskey kept the tears at bay, though. Nobody even noticed Mommie's flask, don't worry. I'm very good.
Anyway.
Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. You have been our sunshine since the day you were born, and I am so proud to be your mom.
The best part. (Hey, notice my new auburn do. Likey?)
Taking a break.
Debby and her little guy.
Too busy for a picture, Mom.
5 years as Dad. (and still a hottie)
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:14 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Saturday Night Wrap Up
My body is tired, and begging to go to bed, buy my brain is being stubborn. Sigh. Dumb brain.
We've had a really busy weekend. My sister, Play-do Brittany, came into town Wednesday. My mom came Friday. Czarina's 5th birthday party was Friday night - which was an absolute blast. We had another birthday party to go to Saturday morning for one of her friends. When we got back, around noonish, all us girls went shopping till supper time. Came home and ate, got the kids all cleaned up and in bed, then hit a late movie at the theatre.
Holy Moly.
I'm beat! But we had such a good time!
Pictures to follow. But now, bed time.
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September 16, 2005
Crossing Lines
His fist trembled inches from her face, and she held her breath, waiting. Eyes that should hold love, were filled with hatred instead. Go ahead, she thought. Just do it. And tomorrow when I walk around with a black eye, everybody will see it. And everybody will know what you really are.
Continue reading "Crossing Lines"
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September 15, 2005
Slump
Okay... so I've been slacking. I admit it. You know it, and I know it. Should I just call it a day, and bid the blog adieu? I'm just sorta... bored, I guess. I don't feel very entertaining anymore. I'm short on funny these days, and I miss it! I miss writing things that cracked me up. I miss having too many things to blog about! I'm not sure what to do about it, honestly. How to put some life back in the old girl? (And by that I mean, my blog, not me, thank you very much.)
Feedback, please. Help a sister out.
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Change is in the Air
Czarina informed us tonight that she wants to be called "Petunia". Not to be outdone, HeroBoy has decided that from this day forth, he shall be known as "Tuna."
Nice.
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Sock It To Me
WonderGirl's trippy moment for the day: The multicolored hotwax at the carwash. Am I the only one who gets all Woodstock as the colors drip down my window?
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Early Risers
Oh Yay. 5:30 is the new 6:30 around here.
Wah.
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September 14, 2005
Seeing Beyond the Addiction
Drug addiction doesn't explain everything. Sometimes you have to look deeper, even if it means going places you really don't want to.
Continue reading "Seeing Beyond the Addiction"
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September 13, 2005
Trickses
Groovy. See this little trick, picked up from David at BLTB? I now call it mine. Mwahahaha.
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Say It With Me: Biloxi
To our dear friends north of the Mason Dixon line, it's "Buh-luck-see", not "Bee-locksey".
Just so ya know.
I read this a few days ago, and wanted to post it here. This is why I love La.
Dear America,
I suppose we should introduce ourselves: We're South Louisiana.
We have arrived on your doorstep on short notice and we apologize for that, but we never were much for waiting around for invitations. We're not much on formalities like that.
And we might be staying around your town for a while, enrolling in your schools and looking for jobs, so we wanted to tell you a few things about us. We know you didn't ask for this and neither did we, so we're just going to have to make the best of it.
First of all, we thank you. For your money, your water, your food, your prayers, your boats and buses and the men and women of your National Guards, fire departments, hospitals and everyone else who has come to our rescue.
We're a fiercely proud and independent people, and we don't cotton much to outside interference, but we're not ashamed to accept help when we need it.
And right now, we need it.
Just don't get carried away. For instance, once we get around to fishing again, don't try to tell us what kind of lures work best in your waters.
We're not going to listen. We're stubborn that way.
You probably already know that we talk funny and listen to strange music and eat things you'd probably hire an exterminator to get out of your yard.
We dance even if there's no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and laugh too loud and live too large and, frankly, we're suspicious of those who don't.
We put Tabasco on stuff without tasting it first.
But we'll try not to judge you while we're in your town.
Everybody loves their home, we know that. But we love South Louisiana with a ferocity that borders on the pathological. Sometimes we bury our dead in LSU sweatshirts.
Often we don't make sense. You may wonder why, for instance - if we could only carry one small bag of belongings with us on our journey to your state - why in God's name did we bring a pair of shrimp boots?
We can't really explain that. It is what it is.
You've probably heard that many of us stayed behind. As bad as it is, many of us cannot fathom a life outside of our border, out in that place we call Elsewhere.
The only way you could understand that is if you have been there, and so many of you have. So you realize that when you strip away all the craziness and bars and parades and music and architecture and all that hooey, really, the best thing about where we come from is us.
We are what made this place a national treasure. We're good people. And don't be afraid to ask us how to pronounce our names. It happens all the time.
When you meet us now and you look into our eyes, you will see the saddest story ever told. Our hearts are broken into a thousand pieces.
But don't pity us. We're gonna make it. We're resilient. After all, we've been rooting for the Saints for 35 years. That's gotta count for something.
OK, maybe something else you should know is that we make jokes at inappropriate times.
But what the heck.
And one more thing: In our part of the country, we're used to having visitors. It's our way of life.
So when all this is over and we move back home, we will repay to you the hospitality and generosity of spirit you offer to us in this season of our despair.
That is our promise. That is our faith.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:17 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 12, 2005
Cheers From The Innerchild
Oh Fi. What have you done to me?
Me and about fifteen billion girls aged 8-14 spent all night here. Well, Fi was there, too. We were... uh... just "chaperoning", you see. All very respectable. We're not actually participating. We're just there to make sure everything is running smoothly and the girls don't fight over the clothes or anything.
Now go away.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:43 PM | TrackBack
September 11, 2005
'75
So, I'm thirty. An amarreto sour seemed appropriate.
And here's a shot of us on the town. Looks wild, doesn't it? Okay, so I used the "party" feature on my camera to spice it up a little. Sue me.
We went out to eat, and to Barnes & Nobles before the movie. I love that our nightlife includes a humongous book store! Ha! Times, they have a-changed.
Anyway- we had fun! It was the first time in ages that we've been out without any little tagalongs. We saw Skeleton Key, which was a good movie but would have been better if we weren't surrounded by ten thousand hoolagins. Honestly. They nearly ruined it running in and out of the theatre, talking on cell phones, and making out right next to me! Seriously- the two next to me were in a hot and heavy lip lock the entire two hours of the movie. I was impressed, actually. That kind of kissin' takes real commitment, and extrordinary lung capacity.
So thirty feels pretty dang awesome. I've spent a lot of time this last week reflecting on the first thirty years of my life. And my conclusion? Life rocks. I have three amazing kids, a devoted and loving husband, my health, my creative juices, good friends, a special family, a solid church, walls painted my favorite colors, hopes and dreams for the future, and way too many blessings to count.
You know, the twenties were good. I'm not knocking 'em. But thirty feels incredible. I finally get it. I am comfortable being me, I'm happy with all the parts of WonderGirl. I know who I am, and what I want, and what's important. It's so awesome.
I'm glad this birthday wasn't hard. I am glad that it wasn't about a new wrinkle, or a gray hair, or a saggy rear. It was just a pause on the journey - standing on a cliff ledge of life. I look down at the path I've trod, and up at the miles that still stretch before me, and I'm happy. I've come a long way. And there's plenty more to go. More heights to reach, more views to be had.
This life, it's a good thing.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:04 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
September 10, 2005
Odds and Ends
Confession: I can't not watch Dharma & Greg. Yeah, I know. It disturbs me, too.
Obsession: Bloglines. My good friend, Wil Wheaton turned me on to it, and my life has changed forever. Okay, so maybe he's not exactly a good friend, but we could be if he'd just return my calls and emails and letters and faxes. Come on, Wil! I could be your very best friend if you'd just give me the chance! [/stalker] Anyway. I am this close to removing my blogroll altogether, but I have a feeling people are using it to browse, so I better not. But bloglines is awesome! I know when all my favorite blogs have been updated, AND I can view them all on the same page. Groovy.
Anticipation: Tonight. Babysitter is a'coming, and celebration is pending. On the eve of my 30th birthday, King Pen has a surprise. Oooh. A surprise!! Do you know how much WonderGirl loves surprises? Oh she does indeed. Yippee!
Discoveration (?!): Remember Black People Love Us? If you haven't read it, follow the link and pay attention. It's not a racist thing, it's actually the complete opposite, but some people don't get that. Oh well. Anyway, it's hilarious. And I found out who made the website! He is one of the founders of Contagious Media, which is a really cool idea. He also happens to be the husband of a longtime read of mine, Andrea. I don't know Andrea, and we disagree on practically everything, but she is funny and posts great pictures of NY and animals. So, she's on my mental blogroll.
Okay, that's all for this Saturday. Now I must commence the traditional Frantic Cleaning So the Babysitter Doesn't Think Badly of Me. To be followed closely by the Oh My Gosh Is There Anything For Her To Drink and Eat in the Fridge Panic.
Fun.
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Comfort Thy Self
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Last Juices of Summer
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September 8, 2005
And Uploading Some More
Big Eyes
Gufus Maximus
Continue reading "And Uploading Some More"
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:02 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Uploading
Before Katrina, we were in Atlanta for my aunt's wedding. And naturally, I had camera in hand.
The stunning bride.
Glam Ashley and Eric.
Flowergirl and Ringbearer at your service.
Grandma and a sweet package.
The girls.
Always daddy's girl.
Piggie noises with Nanny Mae.
A dance to begin it all.
A flipflop reception.
A matched set.
I have more, but I'm tired and going to bed.
zzz.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:49 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 7, 2005
In The Margins
I wanted to write a follow up on my post-fasting condition. Last night, after I ended the fast, I felt FANTASTIC. Like all my cells have an extra boost of oxygen or something. Sweet!
Today was not bad. I spent less time in traffic, and that's a good thing. The mayor addressed the city today and promised that help is on the way. They are going to rework the stoplights, and probably add extra lanes in some of the heaviest areas. That's encouraging. Our traffic is comparable to downtown Atlanta right now, and I kid you not.
I wish I had more to write about at the moment, but I'm just chilling right now. Sometimes you have to ride the current, ya know? I'll write more when the mood hits.
PS: 30th Birthday - 4 days and counting. Hello 30!
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:41 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
September 6, 2005
A Wake of Changes
Baton Rouge traffic has just gotten totally out of control. You know how I feel about the hurricane victims- the same as you. We all feel terrible for them and we're doing everything we can to help them. This is not a bash on these folks. But our traffic has gotten really, really bad. I spent an extra TWO HOURS in traffic today. With three kids in the car. With the price of gas and an already very busy schedule, this alarms me! We didn't move to a huge city because we wanted to avoid this type of life, and now there is nothing I can do about it. The town of Baton Rouge has changed in the last ten days, some good ways, some bad, but definitely it's not ever going to be the same again. We suddenly have twice the number of people in the city, and only half the needed roads, stores, police force, EVERYTHING. It's going to take a long time to comfortably accomodate all the people who stay permanently in BR.
Please, don't yell at me. I am not being ungrateful, I realize that this is inconsequential compared to the Big Picture. But this affects me, too, and I am frustrated. I suppose it's something that I have to adjust to, that we all have to adjust to. Sometimes I wonder if life will ever be normal around here again. I have avoided the news just to have a break from the tragedy of it all, but that is difficult because it's everywhere you look. I am reminded at every turn that Louisiana has suffered a crippling blow. It's depressing.
Well, that's it. Enough whining. I needed to vent, and now I have, and I feel better. King Pen is fixing up his bike to ride to school, and we are walking to the stores nearest us when we need to. Trips into town have been severely cut back, and I guess we'll wander out only when it's absolutely necessary. We all have to make changes.
Hopefully, some of them will be for the better.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:04 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Day 3 Evening
Today wasn't bad. Still had the tightness in my shoulders, and a few hunger moments, but overall, good.
My goal was 3 days. This is the first time I've fasted, so I didn't want to go overboard with it. So tonight, I broke the fast with some soup. I probably should have just eaten some fruit, because the soup was really too heavy. I felt queasy and broke out in a cold sweat. Ew. But, after an hour or so, I feel much better and back to normal.
I am really glad I did it. I mean - YAY! I'm proud! If you guys know me personally, you know I likes to eat. I'm not overweight, but I enjoy food. This was a real test in self discipline for me, and the feeling of accomplishment is pretty awesome. I feel cleaner and lighter and appreciate food a lot more now! I hope that the benefits will last a long time - until the next time I do it. I think I will try to do this every six months, maybe for 5 days next time. I'd eventually like to work up to 7 days and keep that habit for the rest of my life.
So that's it! For those of you interested, I lost a total of 4.5 pounds, though that wasn't my goal. I imagine that I will gain at least 2 of those back, which is just fine. I have heard the average loss is around 8 pounds for the first seven days, and if you go longer, it's supposed to level out to about a half a pound a day.
Anyway, hope that was helpful!! It was a neat experience for me, and fun to record here. If anybody decides to do it, I'd love to hear how it goes for you.
And now, I am in search of a snack.
Yum.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:27 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Day 3
Morning of Day 3- whoohoo! I feel like I am getting over the "hump". I got a good night's sleep, and woke up fairly refreshed. My headache is pretty much gone, the only remnant left is some tightness in my shoulders. I think a soak in the tub will help with that.
The hunger seems much more manageble today, too. You would think that with each meal missed, the hunger would be compounded until you're just starving. But it's not like that. For most of the day yesterday, I had the kind of hunger you get before a meal - I think my mouth actually watered a few times. But the more I distanced myself mentally from food, the easier it got physically. I passed up breakfast this morning without a second thought! I an honestly say, I'm not really hungry. I am constantly drinking water. I am also consuming at least 32 oz of either organic blueberry and grape juices, water with lemon and sometimes honey, or homemade juices from plums, grapes, and peaches. I haven't gotten bored with the selection so far.
I've noticed my sense of smell is heightened. When I went for a walk yesterday, I was blown away by all the stuff I was smelling! The flowers were so sweet, the garbage cans so nasty! Since I was walking at dinnertime, I could tell what was cooking all over the neighborhood- tacos, burgers, and something Italian, it was crazy. And a bit torturous too, but oh well!
Also, I smell different. It must be the chemicals coming out of my skin, because I just don't smell like me. I tried to work up a sweat on my half walk/jog to flush some of it out. I am glad to be getting rid of stuff, but it's weird to smell so foreign. Needless to say, I'm hitting the showers a couple times a day, because I'd much rather smell like soap.
I think my sight is improved, too. I notice the finer details at greater distances- but I don't know if that's because I'm concentrating on it or not. I'll give that more time before deciding.
Mentally, feeling much better than yesterday. I have more energy and motivation, and my mind is moving faster and clearer. I'm excited about today, because I think this will be my breakthrough. This is when I will start seeing the results I want.
Okay, that's all for now! Time to get some stuff done.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:46 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
September 5, 2005
Day 2 Evening
Urgh.
I am experiencing some fierce hunger pains at the moment, but I think it's because I know mentally that it's dinnertime. I feel a bit worn down, but when King Pen gets home from work, I'm going for a walk. I think that will help. I decided to forgo my usual 5k run while I'm fasting, because I think that would be pushing it physically.
I still have that mild, lingering headache. I catch myself occasionally clenching up my shoulders, and I have to consciously relax them. It's bearable, I'm not complaining. But I admit, I am a bit cranky. Poor family.
Speaking of the family, spaghetti is cooking for those of us still eating. The smell is driving me nuts! I gotta get out of here!
I haven't decided how long I want to do this. My goal was at least 3 full days. I think I will see how I feel tomorrow night- hopefully the hunger will have subsided by then. If I am up to it, I will go until Thursday night, or possibly Friday morning. I'd like to be off the fast by this weekend though, because it's my birthday, and WonderGirl wants cake!!
Mm... cake.
Anyway, focus. Another thing I noticed is that my teeth are sensitive. I can't imagine why, but they feel sort of tingly. I know for sure that I am detoxing because my mouth feels gross. I've heard that people who used to smoke have actually tasted nicotine on their tongues when fasting. Crazy.
Okay, that's all for now- will write more later.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:53 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Day 2
(If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'm fasting. Read here.)
Yesterday went pretty well, overall. I had a mild headache all day, but it was bearable. Until 3 am this morning. I woke up with a blinding, excruciating, slap-your-mama kind of headache. I thought, maybe I need a hit of juice, so I drank about 4 oz. Big mistake. My headache, which seriously may have been of migraine status, was making me nauseous. That juice didn't stay put. Ew. I tossed and turned for another hour before finally falling into blessed sleep. I woke up feeling like about three dollars. Headache was still there, and quickly getting just as bad as it was in those wee hours of the morning. I got King Pen to work on my shoulders a little, and parked the kids in front of the tv and got back in bed.
Now I'm awake and feel much better! Whatever toxins my body was working so hard to expel are now gone, or at least the headache is. I'm not hungry at all, and I'll try some juice again in a little while. I feel a tad shaky, but I think after I drink some more juice, that will go away. Oh, one other thing I've noticed, a bad taste in my mouth. I am brushing my teeth about every two hours to get rid of it, and I'm trying my darndest not to breath on anybody right now. Gross.
So that's it for now! Will post more later.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:13 AM | TrackBack
September 4, 2005
Day 1
Woke up this morning with a bit of a headache, but it's only because I went to sleep with one. My shoulders are a little tight right now, but I'll put King Pen to work on that later. :)
I made my own juice this morning with peaches, plums, and grapes. I drank about 8 oz for breakfast, and now I'm downing another 8 oz. It's very light and refreshing. (Oh, note my optimism!) I am drinking water like a fish, so that helps with the "full" sensation.
At church this morning, I walked past the do-nut plate, and for a minute I forgot I was fasting! I don't even like powdered donuts, but I guess it looked good because I was hungry. My hand reflexively reached for it and then I realized what I was doing. Tsk, tsk!
The first real test is upon me, though. Lunchtime. Everybody else is in there eating some terrific meatloaf I made the other day. And I had to prepare it all. But I'm good. I am going to work on some fiction writing to distract myself, so that's a plus, too.
I'm going to one of the shelters tonight to help out, so that should be a good distraction as well. And a Sunday nap- I'll work that in there too. Hopefully, I'll have enough to keep me busy and this first day won't be so bad.
All for now- will write again in the evening.
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:05 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack