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October 30, 2005
Sunday Smalltalk
Oh people. WonderGirl has so much to do. Tomorrow is going to be Busy Beyond Belief. (don't you just LOVE alliteration??) Seriously, I have gobs of things to do, seeing as it's the LAST day before we leave for Baltimore! Yip, yip, YIP!! Do you see me doing my happy jig? Oh, I am. I'm all a-bubble about it - all of it. Even the flying. I've flown twice (once as an infant), and the other time about seven years ago. So, it's kind of a novelty for me. I'm nervous, but not worried. I am doing everything I can to make sure it goes smoothly, and the rest will take care of itself. I'll be glad to just sit back and enjoy the show...
Now listen. I know you are all going to be horribly disappointed, but my blog will be hibernating while I'm gone. I know, I know. It's a devastating blow to the internet community. I can recommend a few good support groups to get you through this week, and I encourage you to band together in this difficult time. This is also an excellent opportunity to immerse yourselves in the archives, which are full of yummy entries. Lotsa good stuff to nibble on till I get back. And in return, I promise to find buckets of stuff to blog about while I'm on my adventure. Lots of pictures, and plenty of stories to tell. Trust me on that one. You can't displace a genteel Southern belle such as I into the heart of DC and Baltimore and not have a few good stories to show for it.
Well darlings, I should run. My baby birds have their mouths wide open at me, and I have to go scare up some worms or something.
I'll blog again before I leave Tuesday, but in the meantime, here's the picture I promised of the Snaggletooth.
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:24 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
October 28, 2005
Uploaded, Downloaded, and Resized
Okay, after all that hard photography work, give WonderGirl some LOVE. She's about to keel over!
Oh, the lengths I go to to keep my my bloggers happy!!! (and brag about my kids. there is that, after all!)
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:16 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Pixelating
The Lady Czarina
Friar HeroBoy
Playing in the hay!
The Duke and his little buddy:
Repent, ye wicked folk! says the monk:
Two of the four costume winners!
All brought to you courtesty of WonderGirl.
Posted by WonderGirl at 3:46 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
The Original Diva
Behold, mine sister, PlayDo Brittany, who is definitely too cool to be related to little old me.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:40 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 27, 2005
She Speaks!
Okay, ye neglected and forlorn readers! Have you all abandoned me yet, fickle hearts? No? Oh good. Sorry I disappeared there for a while. I will spare you the list of things that has kept me busy this week, because I care about you, and I don't want to bore you to death. I'm nice that way.
Tomorrow is the culmination of my busy week. Czarina has Reformation Day at school, which is the celebration of Martin Luther's nailing of the 95 Thesis to the church door, and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. They are all dressing up as Renaissance characters and we're having a feast and games and whatnot. I predict cuteness in exponential amounts. HeroBoy is going as a monk, and Czarina as a princess. I so wanted to get The Duke done up as a jester, but I wasn't able to fit that in. Still, they'll all be cute, and I'm going to take lots of pictures.
Also, I haven't forgotten about getting Czarina's new snaggletooth smile up here, I just haven't had a chance yet. And if you even THINK about griping at me, you can come over and fold some clothes for me and wash some dishes while I blog. Sound good? Great. Turiff.
Ha.
Anyway, I got out our suitcases tonight, and put the first few items in for our trip to Baltimore! We leave this coming Tuesday, and to say that I am excited is a serious understatement. You know, five days of solid smiling may actually injure me. But I have a feeling that's how it's going to be. It's going to be such a great trip! And yeah, you know I'm taking pictures. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I will tell you that they'll be a few pictures of me that you will NOT want to miss. Oh yeah!
Well, I hate to do it, but I gotta shut this baby down for the night. My feather bed calls.
I shall write again, and soon, just bear with me folks. MMkay?
Happy Friday!!
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:27 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 26, 2005
Not In Hiding
Wow. Extremely busy day, but good. You guys know I'm internetless from Tuesday till Thursday, so be patient! Blogging to come later in the week.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:31 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 25, 2005
Baby Teeth
Czarina lost her first tooth today, eating an apple at school.
Her baby tooth. Sniff. Gone. Muffled sob.
I don't wanna talk about it right now.
(Pictures tomorrow.)
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:01 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Over My Coffee
Good morning, mates!
Ya know, I don't normally cuss. We've had that discussion before, whether WonderGirl should or should not have a potty mouth. The consensus is that she should keep it clean, so mmkay. I'm down with that. But sometimes, like YESTERDAY, I need some way to express the sheer horrible-ness of a day... so what do I do? What particular words are available to convey just how YUCKY a day was? (See, "yucky" just makes me mad.) Anyway, there isn't an appropriate word to say just how ungood Monday was. Let's just say it was filled with doctors, shots, cats on the roof, traffic, crying babies, and fluctuating hormones.
Scary.
So THANK GOODNESS, it's Tuesday. Yippee!!! One week from today, I will be finishing the last frantic preparations for our trip to Baltimore, and we'll fly out at 3 pm. Hooray!!
Okay, I have to hurry up and scoot off here, because King Pen is taking the computer to work.
Miss me, guys. Miss me like crazy.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:00 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 24, 2005
I Do What I'm Told
Jessie tagged me, and who am I to fight my destiny? So here goes.
1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Post the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.
So here's mine:
"When we got home, the kids were in bed, the clothes were folded, dishes washed, and mom was passed out on the couch."
Nice. I like how it leaves you wondering if Mom got into the Scotch.
Anyway, I now tag...
Snidget
Debby
Vickie
Christin
Fi
Go. Meet thy destiny.
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:08 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Commentary
Oh, the pain of 6:15. Somebody HELP.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:39 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
October 22, 2005
You'll Do It, Too.
Ganked shamefully from David, here's my latest quiz. I can't seem to not take these things... I don't know what that says about me. Maybe there's a quiz out there that addresses that issue. HA.
Anyway.
Squirrels are quick and cheerful animals who spend their time scurrying, scavenging, and playing. As a squirrel, you are often seen jumping happily from branch to branch up in the treetops. Squirrels are foragers searching for nuts and seeds, and they are social animals often seen chasing and playing with other squirrels.You were almost a: Pony or a Monkey
You are least like a: Turtle or a GroundhogDiscover What Cute Animal You Are!
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:47 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Forget-Me-Nots
Doesn't she know I don't need a reminder? She is always there in my mind and heart; she is a part of my soul. I am surprised that she doesn't know this fundamental truth, that mothers always love their daughters. How can she not know that? It's as sure as the sunrise.
So I gather up these little notes, a harvest of need and sweetness. They are my reminders, reminders to use every moment I can to tell her I love her, that she's special, that she will always, ALWAYS have a place in my heart. She can't go far enough to get away from Mama's love. Hear that, baby?
Your trail has been blazed with little yellow love notes, and I'll never lose your path.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:22 AM | TrackBack
October 20, 2005
Chit Chatty
Good morning, peoples. What's on the docket for today? What are we up to? Are we doing lunch today? Grabbing drinks after work? Hooking up later for a movie or some dancin'? What's the dealio? Speak to me.
Oh. FINE THEN. We're not really doing anything. There. Are you happy? Thanks for ruining the fantasy.
---
Okay, I'm over it. I've actually got plenty to do today, beginning with cleaning up this table that we got the other day. It's going to be pretty awesome when I get done with it. And it's a BIG table. I'm actually sort of worried now that it won't fit in my dining area, but we'll see. It's yellow marbledy looking, with chrome sides and legs. It's in very good condition, and it's sturdy, which is a selling point when you have three kids. It's like testing things in hurricane force winds. My stuff has to withstand some punishment, or it's out of here. Anyway, I'll have to get some different chairs eventually, but that can wait.
We also have to assemble the bunkbeds, which is a scary thing. It's in about twenty pieces, and we have NO instructions whatsoever. We didn't even get to see what it looked like put together, so we're flying blind. That should be interesting.
Well, this is it for my internet access for the rest of the day, so I'll end here. Hope you guys have a great day!
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:52 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 19, 2005
File Under: Learning The Hard Way
Note to self. If you leave the lid off the children's sandbox, kitties will come. Evil kitties.
And they will poop.
A lot.
Ew.
(for the record, the contaminated sand was promptly thrown out, not scooped!! cause, ya know- GROSS.)
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:21 PM | TrackBack
Pumpkin Pix
My pumpkin head.
Click for more--
Continue reading "Pumpkin Pix"
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:58 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Bad Case of Apronitus
I've been on the track to domestic goddesshood for quite some time now. And let's be honest. Sometimes that's a rocky road for dear old WonderGirl. But every now and then, a madness comes over me, and I get this irresistable urge to swell above the ranks with some kicking skills in the kitchen, or some "off the wall" painting, pardon my pun. Today, it was pumpkins.
I carved 'em.
And baked 'em.
And toasted every last slimy seed.
There is now a jack-o-lantern grinning boistrously on my porch, a homemade pumpkin pie (crust and decorative leaf, too dearies) on my countertop, and a bag full of salty, crunchy pumpkin seeds in my pantry.
Oh, but that wasn't enough. Then I pompously peppered the compost pile with the pumpkin remains, pleased with my ecological dedication. Okay, so King Pen did that part - but I still felt a definite sense of superiority as I handed him the bowl of leftovers. Domestic Goddesshood, here I come.
Except that... it took me SEVEN HOURS AND FORTY MINUTES to do it all. Yes, that's right friends. Nearly eight hours of pumpkin lovin'. I'm pretty sure that factors in when you're up for Domestic Goddess. (isn't there a review board or something?) While all of you good people were at your jobs today, hard at work and bringing home the bacon, I spent the same amount of time up to my elbows in orange goo. My legs are actually tired from this activity. I think I drifted off at one point during the toasting process, and when I woke up I was cheating with the microwave because it wasn't soft enough. I used every bowl in my home, including a fish bowl and a few flower vases. My mixer, food processer, potato masher, AND the meat hammer thingy were all covered. You name it, I used it and gooked it all up. It looked like someone bombed my kitchen with pumpkins, explosions sending puree and pumpkin innards from one end to the other. Ew!! I managed not to cry, but only because I had pumpkin stuck in my tear ducts.
I've had babies in less time, people. And the truly sad thing is, there isn't a single soul in this house who even LIKES pumpkin. What was I thinking?
And yet... I still think it's pretty awesome that I threw down like that. Yay for Fall Insanity!! Surely someone will eat this stuff, right?
*collapsing*
PS- pictures tomorrow, because I am, after all, a Bogger Royale. But now it's bedtime for all little domestic goddesses. night-night, sleep tight, don't let the--- ZZzzzzzzzz...
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:24 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 18, 2005
Early No More
Okay, whew! That was crazy. I was so tired, I could barely function this morning! But I'm better now. (I should be, it's almost 2 pm!)
So, good things today - we're picking up a table that was offered on the freecycle page. It's a yellow, formica and chrome dining room table, the kind that our dear old grandmas used to have. I think it's going to be soo cool! We've been needing a larger table, and I hope this one works out for us. I have a pretty eclectic combination of stuff in my house, so I think it will fit in okay. Now maybe we can start having some people to over to eat since it seats 6-8 with the leaf! Debby? Up for it?
To get the table, we have to borrow our neighbor's truck, but that's cool cause he owes us a favor. We'll also swing buy and pick up some bunkbeds that a friend has been saving for us. I'm excited about this, too. The top is a single, and the bottom is a full. Czarina and HeroBoy will use it until the boys are old enough to take it over.
AND, more good news - my cousin Joey has come through in a pinch for us, and is going to help my mom tend to the kids while King Pen and I go on our trip. We thought for a minute there that we would have to at least take The Duke, and I had resigned myself to the fact that this just wasn't going to be one of those "grown-up trips". But, J cheerfully agreed to help, good bloke that he is, even though he doesn't get my jokes. Still. Yay!
Well, that'll be all for now folks. The dishes have staged a revolution in the kitchen, and things are getting a little out of hand in there. They're disgusted with the conditions they've been living in, and frankly, I don't blame them. But still, I wish they'd stop leaving these ugly little notes all over the place. Seriously. Not cool. And hey, is that written in blood? Sheesh.
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:03 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Early
Umf. Six thirty.
Must. wake. up... Must.blog. Quick! To the coffee!
Oh, it's no use. *yawn* I'm too tired. Ya'll are gonna have to entertain yourselves today.
Let me know how that works out for ya.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:44 AM | TrackBack
October 16, 2005
i learned to dance from my mother
who swung me around to fats domino and aretha franklin and all those greats that i never knew. she was spontaneous and gorgeous and perfect and mine. she pulled me into a place that stands outside the rules - she wasn't a grown up and i wasn't a kid, we were just people for the very first time. the years between us were suspended, as we danced in the living room in the middle of the day beside the vacuum cleaner and the speakers and orange shag carpet. the whole world was right here and for a minute i saw her exactly as she is, how she was, how she'll always be on the inside. she let me in, she let me see, and i never knew why but i didn't ask. as she twirled me around to make me laugh, i loved her as i'd never loved anyone in my whole little life. she was sunshine and motion and i'll never forget it.
stream of conciousness-- i love where it takes you. back home, so long ago, when all seemed right and new and amazing. and home, now, which is also right, just right for my own wide eyed little girl who dances with her mother in the middle of the afternoon. we twirl and laugh and i remember, and i know we are all exactly where we should be.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:29 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Peekaboo
I see you.
You don't want to know all the lame one liners I came up to caption that photo, but I resisted my inner corniness. And yes, you're very welcome.
Here are two more pics, including one of HeroBoy since I left him out in the last batch. I've been feeling kinda guilty about that. Bad mom. No cookie!
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:45 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
A Bowlfull of Silence
Ya know... sometimes I wish I had a little more anonymity 'round here. If I did, I would be free to tell you all those juicy secrets that are just begging for the light of day! But, too bad- you all know me too well, and my secrets will have to stay put. Locked away forever in the Vault.
And no, peppermint schnapps is not the key to the Vault, though you're more than welcome to try. (Please, at least try.)
So. What could I tell you that wouldn't get me in too much trouble? You know how when you're a kid and you go to a slumber party, and it's all games and fun and secret telling? And the worst secret you tell is who you have a crush on, or that you practice kissing your pillow in the dark? And then the next girl tells how she was molested when she was eleven? Yeah. Yikes.
I hate those kinds of moments. And I feel like my secrets would be like that right now.
Continue reading "A Bowlfull of Silence"
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:46 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
October 14, 2005
Swept Up in the Simple Pleasures
Ya know, it's not often that cleaning supplies send shivers of excitement coursing through my body. (I know, unbelievable, right?) But this... this little piece of domestic equiptment has got me all a twitter. I admit, I even let the kids eat chips in the living room in hopes that a few crumbs would need my eager attention. I simply cannot be in a bad mood with this in my hand. I've tried. It's impossible.
And it's all thanks to my sister-in-law, Amy - who heard me go on and on about seeing it at World Market and remembered it for my birthday. This causes me to think two things. I think I need to draw up a list of appropriate (read NOT INSANELY BORING) conversation topics for future reference, and secondly, that I have an awesome s.i.l. for totally getting me. She's so sweet, especially since I'm sure she got some weird looks while having it gift wrapped. Bless her.
Now if I can just find some kind of amusing laundry basket, my world will be complete. (close, but still looking.)
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:29 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
A Few
Seriously, I said it was just a few. Sorry.
Pigtails for school!
My HUGE five month old. Sniff.
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:48 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Slip of the Tongue
A school chum of King Pen's, let's call her "Em" for the sake of being all mysterious and whatnot - related a very funny story to me that I must blog. Must. I've literally been laughing about this all day.
(Sorry, Em. This has to be done, for the good of the country.)
She's in China interning in Beijing, and aside from the lovely pictures and goodies I'm sure she's collecting, she's also busy establishing an international profile as Ambassador of Embarrassment. (ooh, you like that? I just made that up on the spot. I am SO good! Shut up.) Her new position may not be good for her, but it's great entertainment for the rest of us.
Em's been taking a taxi everywhere, and needed to know what to say to the driver to get him to stop. She was told to say, "Daul Sol" or something - I sooo don't remember what the actual phrase was. Anyway, whatever it was, it worked, they stopped every time.
So, she's in a massage parlor one day (hey, it's Beijing. You do that there.) And this guy is giving her a massage, but he's getting a little intense and mashing down on her a bit too hard in his zealousness. So Em squeeks out, "Daul Sol!" to get him to stop... and he falls out laughing. Yeah. You know that's not a good sign. Em is confused, but the massage ends and problem is solved.
Later, she's telling this to some of her Chinese friends over dinner, and they all have the same reaction the guy did. Noodles may or may not have come out their noses, I don't know. In between desperate gasps for air, they gleefully inform her that "Daul sol" does not actually mean "stop".
What poor, dear Em yelled out at her surprised masseur was, "I have arrived!"
Nice.
Internship in Bejjing: 12,000 yuan.
Traditional Chinese Massage Service: 600 yuan.
Humiliating yourself in a foreign country: priceless.
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:30 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Irreverent.
Okay. My three wishes?
1.) World peace.
2.) An end to hunger and poverty.
3.) Fifteen minutes alone with a pair of scissors and Ryan Cabrera's hair.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:34 AM | TrackBack
October 13, 2005
And On My Way Out...
Am I the only Survivor fan who's oh, I don't know, BORED TO TEARS this season?
Can the Survivor with the most personality please step forward? Oh, no takers? Nobody there? Nope? Nothing to give? Not even a little? Bored, are we? Awake? No? Oh. Well, then. Mmkay.
(And that, friends, was my homage to Stewie. Thank you, thank you - yes, I know, brilliant. Grazie.)
Now, go to bed, all of you.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:09 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Why, Jeebus?
I think the grossest thing in the whole world is when people let their dogs "kiss" them on the mouth. I'm sorry, but THAT'S REVOLTING. You know what they do with that tongue. I know you know.
So, just - ew.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:08 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Mr. Bustamante
Just noticed the date.... the 13th. Today The Duke is five months old, the little scamp!
I need to get some pictures up again, don't I?
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:32 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Going, Going, Gone.
Wow! What happened to me yesterday? I woke up with a crick (?) in my neck, and it got worse throughout the day. By 7 pm, I was so cranky I was getting on my OWN nerves, and King Pen gently suggested a little nap before Lost.
Twelve hours later, I come to.
Whew! Sakes! Now, one side of my neck/shoulders is better, but the other is still all messed up. Will soak in hot tub and take meds to see if I can make a dent in it. *crossing fingers*
So, sadly, I missed Lost. :(
But I feel extremely well rested. Ridiculously well rested! I really, really needed the sleep, too. I've been short on sleep too much lately, which is why I think I totally crashed at the first opportunity.
Anyway, that's that. Hope you all have a lovely PreFriday!!
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:18 AM | TrackBack
October 12, 2005
In the A.M.
Three minutes before I have to wake up Czarina for school. Wow, my time is really sliced fine these days! C'est la vie.
So, unfortunately, I am finding that life without internet access on these three mornings of the week are strangely, inexplicably, productive. Yesterday, I got the bathtub five shades whiter than I've ever seen it. It glowed in the dark when I got done with it! Today, I'm eying the hardwood floors, oh yes. Gleam, they will.
I am sad to admit that, gasp, my domestic attention wanes a bit with the computer blinking silently at me. No excuses for that one, really. I'm easily distracted by the bright colors, and frequently updated blogs. Sue me.
But lest I get carried away with this whole housecleaning thing (heaven forbid), I have been working on a few pieces of fiction. By hand. Yes dearies, WonderGirl has been sitting down with a PEN clutched in unwieldy fingers, writing it all out the old fashioned way. And to be honest, it's pretty dang weird. I'm much more of a typist than I am a...pennist? My handwriting is pitiful. I mean, I can write nicely when I want to, but after two hours, it ain't pretty. My hand cramps and rebels and won't play nice. But, I will admit that it's nice to stack up page after page, even if it is a bit illegible.
Well, that's it, friends. Time to iron Czarina's uniform and begin my day.
P.S.
Is it terribly wrong to be glad that my kid's favorite breakfast is cold pop-tarts? Seriously- they WANT that. It's not me.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:26 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
October 11, 2005
With a Wave and a Kiss
When I die, there is a very good chance you'll have to pry this computer from my cold, dead fingers. Gruesome, I know. But true. I love this hunk of metal, and I hate to be parted from it for more than a few hours at a time. (On second thought, maybe you should bury it with me. Yeah. I like that idea.)
But my baby has grander duties beyond my simple browsing and blogging. It must accompany King Pen out into the Wide World of Making Money on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Sob.
I accept my fate, though. Go with gusto, my sweet computer, and carve out a living for us.
But promise you'll come back to me. I stand on the shores, day after day, scanning the horizon for my internet access...
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:45 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 10, 2005
You're Telling Me!
Quote for the moment:
"This isn't mere exercise, I tell her silently.
This is desperation."
from The Time Traveler's Wife
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:10 PM | TrackBack
Composed
Yesterday evening, I ran.
I ran past houses with warm lights in the windows, mothers in kitchens, fathers in yards, and children darting between the two. I peeked into their life and soaked up their happiness, their normalcy, their comfortable routines.
There was one home that was particularly poignant to me. It was no different, really, than the scores of other houses I passed, but for one thing. The view through the window showed walls and walls of shelves, filled with books from one end to the other. Ahh, I thought. Readers.
What kind of books do they read? Who reads them? Are they trophies or pillars?
As I thought these things, I wondered what people see through my windows. They don't see books. This is strange if you know me, because books prop up my life, keeping the bits and pieces balanced, harmonic. You would think my house would be overflowing. But it isn't. The few books I own are usually ones given to me that I've read but haven't had a chance to donate to the library yet.
Why is that?
Well, it's because I am not a collector of books. I am a collector of words. I hunt and gather words like a literary savage. They are crowded into my brain, archived in a messy chaos that only I can navigate. They wait patiently for employment. Innoculate. Puissance. Gratuitous. Fathomless. Melancholy. Conspicuous. These words beg for utterance, for a chance to exist, and I am sympathetic to their plight. I am helpless against their pleas, I can't bear the dying of words.
So when I saw that house, those shelves and books, I gloried in the thought that those words had found a home. They are read over and over again, until they are polished and shiny from use. With each reading, they are resuscitated from obscurity, guaranteed a few more years, a few more breaths.
My run carries me away in seconds, my glimpse into their home abbreviated by my speed. My legs move faster and I am fueled by satisfaction. There is purpose in my effort, in my tending of words. Someone cares. As writers, we release our much loved words into this wide world, hoping and praying that they find their way. We watch them wobble out, new and eager and impossibly innocent. We fret nervously and helplessly as they find their own fates.
And then it happens. Magically. Surprisingly. Someone finds them, and loves them, and gives them a home.
There are few moments in life when I am speechless, when words fail me. A blessing and a curse to be sure, this propensity to articulate my entire life. It's gotten me in more trouble than I care to remember. But in this, words fall short. They can't contain the joy they invoke in my life. Ironic, isn't it?
It's a funny thing, this love affair with words. It's bottomless, insatiable, and yet incredibly fulfilling.
It's just... wonderful.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:33 AM | TrackBack
October 9, 2005
A Hint of Hibernation
I feel snuggly weather around the corner. Chili dinners, hot chocolate mornings, socked feet, my trusty college sweatshirt, books to read and books to write - they all blink in the distance, promising their company in just a few short weeks.
Joy!
With that thought, I'm off to bed,
As dreams of winter dance in my head.
G'night, lovies.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:23 PM | TrackBack
No. Just no.
Do not, under any circumstances, ever buy my children a Bratz toy. (You know how I feel about them, right?)
ESPECIALLY the new Bratz Boys, who have a "passion for fashion". A passion for fashion? I can't even begin to tell you what's wrong with that.
And button up that shirt, short stuff. You ain't all that.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:13 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
October 8, 2005
Recapping
After a week of pitiful blogging, I am seriously behind. We've been more than extremely busy, and now that King Pen takes the computer with him three days of the week, writing has been sparse. So let's catch up, shall we? Please get comfortable. This could take a while. Go on. Get a sandwich or something. Go to the bathroom before we get started, too, just in case.
Let's back it up to last weekend. My sister, Ashley, drove in Friday night for a weekend of WonderGirl hoopla, and we had so much fun. I honestly can't remember the last time just she and I hung out! So we had about five years worth of topics to cover, and we stayed up until about 2 a.m. Friday night yapping. We went to Whole Foods Market on Saturday, World Market, and um... oh yeah, we spent about an hour in traffic. Yay. But Whole Foods... ohmygosh. I just want to live there. Rent's too high, though. And they frown upon squatting in grocery stores, even the organic ones.
That night after the kids went to bed, we went to see Into the Blue, which was a decent movie. Won't win any Oscars, but it sure inspires me to work on my tan and a flat stomach. And date treasure hunters. King Pen is so getting a metal detector for Christmas this year. Anyway - obviously neither of us goes to the movies very often because we got that giddy-silly thing going. The longer we stood in line for popcorn, the less distinguishable we were from all the fourteen year olds behind us! Then Sunday morning, we drove to my parents house, where I comandeered one of their vehicles to get us through our transportation pinch last week. Actually, they graciously offered a car, I swear there was no violent persuasion or anything. When I got back, King Pen had left to borrow yet ANOTHER car, since Fate had decided to double whammy us, sending both of our cars into mechanical purgatory. Thanks, Fate. Seriously, thank you.
It was a great weekend, though. I was so happy to spend some time with my sister - we rarely get to do that one on one, and it was so nice and relaxed and comfortable. I will definitely be making more of an effort to do that when we can.
The busy weekend set the tone for the week, I guess, because we've been rocking and rolling since then. Wednesday, Joey came in and stayed the night, and got up early the next morning to head into New Orleans to salvage whatever belongings he could. He was in seminary down there for about a week before Katrina, and thankfully, lived on the second floor of the student housing. His stuff was okay- but the first floor was a total loss. I feel bad for those people, but I am so glad that he had the great fortune of being on an upper level.
And then Friday morning, my uncle came in with a trailer to gather about a hundred chairs from our church that were donated to his church in Gulfport. And... earlier in the week, remember that I said something really nice happened to us, but I didn't give any details? Well, when Uncle Clinton and Kim came in, they brought us a car! It's a black 97 Nissan Altima, and it's cuter than any of my children. Okay, so maybe not THAT cute. But it's totally awesome, (I say in my best teenage voice). I was absolutely floored when he called us last Sunday with the news. I mean, what do you say to a gift like that? I tried to talk him out of it, because it's just too much - but he refused to hear me. It's a done deal, he said. And the men in my family are known for their notorious stubborn streaks, so it is what it is. I was, and am, totally blown away by their generosity and kindness. It was amazing to recieve a love gift like that!
There is no thank-you big enough when someone does something like this for you. The best we can do is pass it forward - hope that one day we see a similar need in somebody and be able to meet it. I am blessed with a family (and especially an uncle) that has taught me the value of giving to one another. Blessed, indeed. I have taken a few pictures, and will post them tomorrow, since I am not writing from home at the moment. (I'm at my inlaws house in Monroe.)
After they left us with the new ride, we decided to come to Monroe to return King Pen's grandmother's car that we had borrowed. I'm actually kind of sad to see this baby go. It's a Park Avenue Ultimate, and let me tell you, it's luscious, with a capital L. I can TOTALLY drive a grandma car. It's got big, squishy seats, and buttons that control the very fabric of reality. I feel like I'm driving a limo or something. It was really nice of her to let us cruise her sweet ride around, but alas, all good things must come to an end. Good bye, lovely Park Avenue. I'll see you in another life. Give my regards to Uncle Jack's Lincoln!
So, now we head back this evening and hopefully have a day of rest tomorrow. I'm still feeling a bit rundown for some reason, and I have this feeling I'm carrying around some kind of bug that will rear it's ugly head any day now. Urgh.
Hope everyone has had a good weekend, and I'm sorry I've been so piddly this last week. Will make grand attempts to earn your forgiveness and approval in the coming week.
Ciao!
Posted by WonderGirl at 3:27 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
October 7, 2005
Yummy
The sky looks like apple pie today, which makes my heart go pitter-patter.
Yay for Fall!
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:37 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 6, 2005
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Okay kiddies. I need some help. Remember the wedding in Baltimore that has spurred our upcoming vacation? Well, King Pen will be right up there with the groom as the best man, and we need a ZOOT SUIT!!! Fun! But, I need to do this as inexpensively as possible. Ideas? Anybody have one we could borrow or tips on where to get one that's not too costumey for a formal occasion?
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:24 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Where is the sun?
Olie cow. Who can blog at six in the morning? My brain is too numb for higher functioning, but this is the only time I'll have the computer today. I have to make the most of it. So don't be surprised if I write this at an eighth grade level... I'm no poster child for a college education until WELL after that first cup of coffee. Even then, I'm faking it most of the time. Ah, thesaurus. You rock.
Anywhoop. (Yeah, I said that. See? I shouldn't be anywhere near a computer when I've been awake for only three minutes.)
So, today is Thursday! Yippee! I love that "pre-Friday" feeling of Thursday. It's like, hold on guys! Friday is on it's way! And here's Survivor to getcha through till then. Thursday is often also Pizza Night round these parts. Yum. I can so deal with a Thursday.
Well, this was entirely too short and pointless, but I have to get Czarina ready for school. The day awaits! Enjoy preFriday, everybody!
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:48 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
October 5, 2005
Looking Up
Okay, so today was LOTS better. No time to blog right now, but I will later tonight. After Lost, of course.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:07 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 4, 2005
The Sum of All Parts
Aww dangit. I just can't do it.
The minute I say I am NOT going to blog, I feel like I'll implode if I don't!
In four short weeks, we will be on our vacation, and sweet heaven, we need it.
Continue reading "The Sum of All Parts"
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:47 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Absentia
Taking a few days off, fellas. See ya this weekend!
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:48 PM | TrackBack
October 3, 2005
Ungood
What is wrong with me today?
I am in a big old FUNK, and I don't even know why! I am so tired, way too tired. I don't want to go in there and make supper, I don't want to give the kiddos a bath, I don't want to do ANYTHING but crawl into bed and wake up days from now.
That is not normal for me. Usually, I have so much energy! And it's not just that. I've been grouchy and depressed all afternoon, and I seriously don't know the reason.
Maybe it's just the lack of sleep. We've had about a week or so of The Duke and HeroBoy waking up in the night - and I finally had to seperate them. The Duke's in a room by himself, and Czarina and HeroBoy are back to sharing one. I sure hope that works out. We'll see, I guess!
Anyway, I'm gonna crash early tonight if I can, and maybe tomorrow will be better.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:05 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
All Piled Up
Anybody have some bunkbeds they want to get rid of?
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:42 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
October 2, 2005
Shut Eye
This weekend passed in a blur - and I'm too tired to even write about it. Suffice it to say, we have (temporary) transportation for this next week, as our car issues get worked out. And something quite lovely happened tonight, but I'll save that for later.
Gotta leave 'em wanting more.
For now, I shall drop heavily into my bed and dream the blank dreams of exhaustion.
See ya's tomorrow.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:58 PM | TrackBack
October 1, 2005
Ben Lee Knows
2 a.m. and I'm acting like I don't have to get up in about four hours. Have I completely lost my mind?
Must-Sleep-Now!
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:15 AM | TrackBack