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May 31, 2006

Not Totally Gone

Hey dudes and dudettes!

Okay, let's stop right there. The very fact that I just typed those words should clue you in as to how utterly exhausted I am. I have two brain cells left, and they are barely puttering around in there. It has been a GRUELING few days of apartment, house, duplex, WHATEVER hunting. We may/may not have found something, will know in a day or so. Which is precisely when we are supposed to move, so we'll see if it all lines up. Otherwise, our new address will be Under The I65 Overpass Next To Wendy's. Apartment B. (Apartment A has been taken by the loveliest homeless gentleman. He's so nice. He thinks he's Napoleon.)

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth-- yet. But if I do, you can be sure I'll be keeping my eyes open for a "For Rent" sign while I'm there. I hear the rates are good.

Will write when my life isn't in boxes. Hopefully that will be in a matter of days, so check back in. Dudes.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:54 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

May 24, 2006

Oh and This

I laughed out loud at this one.

Whee!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:46 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

To Mr. Abrams Regarding Lost

Hey J.J.
You're so fine,
You're so fine, you blow my mind.
Hey J.J. *clap *clap
Hey J.J. *clap *clap

And also-- what in the name of jehosophat is going on? No, don't tell me. Wait, yes, tell me. No. Yes.

I love this show.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:43 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

May 23, 2006

The JAY OH BEE

For those of you waiting with bated breath:

King Pen has accepted a job in Birmingham, AL! YippiehallelujahcallifrajalisticAMEN! I feel, literally, about a ton lighter.

We thought we'd have to go to a big metropolis to get the money and yada yada yada-- but turns out, we don't. Birmingham will fit us just perfectly, I can tell. It's close to family, it's clean and charming and rolling, all things that make me smiley.

Now. To the task at hand. Let the relocation begin!

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:55 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

King of the Caffeines

Diet Dr. Pepper is evil.

No, not that one. This one:

Her hands, fellas. Look at her hands.

Oh, it tastes good, no doubt. But this seemingly innocent little soda has a hidden agenda. Ultimate domination.

At first, it took on Sweet Tea. And crushed it.

And now- it's after Coffee.

This could get ugly.

**I think that kid in the picture is really scared, by the way. His mother keeps taking him to weirder and weirder casting calls, and he suspects she's blowing his money on booze and blackjack.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:20 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

May 20, 2006

Drenched and Loving It

After all the craziness of graduation week, we needed some down time today. So, we hung out at the Shaw Center for the Arts, playing in the fountains out front. We left when the cops finally came and chased us off. Kidding. The place was designed for giggling, squeeling children, I assure you. It was a blast.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:45 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Celebrating

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May 18, 2006

Thursday Before

Oh, coffee. Thank the stars.

The kids have had a summer cold the last few days, and I thought, rather smugly I'll admit, that I wouldn't catch it. Well. I had it coming, I guess. Got a little big for my britches with the healthy lifestyle attitude. I've been reduced to a quivering, sniffling, aching pitiful lump on the floor. Wah.

So I do what any smart grown-up does when they get sick. I drink coffee. OJ is for pansies.

I just wanna be better for tomorrow--- the big day!

BIG DAY, PEOPLE.

BIG.

DAY.

Graduation!!!!

Finally, finally, finally-- you just have no idea how happy I am about this. Even the fact that I can only breathe through one side of my nose can't steal my joy about King Pen being DONE!!!!!!!! I know I've been a bit draggy lately, freaking out about transitions and all that. Oh, okay, let's admit it- WonderGirl's been a little psycho. You've all been very nice about it-- discreetly looking the other way when I have an "episode"-- you guys are great. (or uncomfortable with psychotic breaks, I can't tell.) But today--- oh today is marvelous. I am high on life, and nyquil. And I'm certain it has nothing to do with a bipolar disorder. (okay, mostly certain.) I am just rejoicing that the last five years culminates in this moment-- that it's finally here. Oh. my. goodness. I may expire from happiness.

Well, I should get to it. Lotsa work to do around here, cold or not. I need to make these stacks of boxes presentable for company tomorrow. I'm thinking I'll do a pyramid. That would be nice.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:23 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

May 16, 2006

Watch Me

I made a little movie about the Duke's first year. Yay me!

All it required was entirely neglecting my evening chores and making a scary casserole for supper.

(By the way, I was inspired by Momma Hagrid's video and totally stole the idea. Thanks MH!!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:53 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

A Much Needed

haircut. Huzzah!

(see the evidence of my mad packing in the background? It's just a shame I still don't know where all those boxes are headed.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:37 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

May 15, 2006

The Show That Won't Die

Okay, who's out there watching Becker reruns? Hm? Because they wouldn't keep putting it on if SOMEBODY wasn't watching it.

I want names, people.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:28 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack

May 14, 2006

A Soft Goodnight

I don't do this often, but on Mother's Day, I felt it appropriate to indulge. When the Duke woke up tonight because his older brother and sister were playing too loud, I crept into his room, picked him out of his crib, and we both snuggled into the spare bed in his room. I had a bottle ready, but he wasn't interested in it. What he was interested in, was Momma. He was curious at this strange turn of events, I could tell. Normally, I have a strict bedtime policy. Momma does not play at bedtime. But tonight, I just wanted to enjoy his baby sweetness, just a moment longer. I can feel these times fading, as sure as the light through the window as we snuggled. There is a right time to break the rules, and this was it.

He patted my arm, tucked his head under my neck, and found that soft spot to lay that God only gave to mommas. As he sucked his thumb, he contented himself with a long strand of my hair to play with. I closed my eyes, and spent an hour in his world. I listened to his little noises, his babbley songs and chirps, listened as he clicked his tongue and giggled. I peeked at him out of the corner of my eye and saw him looking around the dim room, his eyes big and blinky, just watching the night come slowly upon us. Soon, I felt his body relax and his breathing become even and steady. Before long, my little love slipped into dreams of puppies and cheerios and being barefoot in the grass.

I was loathe to remove his warm little body from mine, loathe to let go. But I did. I placed his sleepy form into a cozy crib, and let him visit the land of winkin', blinkin', and nod on his own. It is the beginning of new days for him- new days for me, when being a mother doesn't mean diapers and bottles and onesies. Instead, it will mean t-ball, and sleepovers, and cups without lids. It's scary, and exciting, and fun, and sad. It's a million things, it's every thing. I never knew that. I had an inkling, a hint, before these three forces came into my life, but nothing truly prepared me for it.

I never knew motherhood gave you so much. It's ironic- this day we acknowledge our mothers and the sacrifices they've made for us, the love and support they've shown us since we turned their worlds upside down with that first cry... but the truth is, we mothers know-- we're the blessed ones. I am lucky to be here, with these three little lights flitting around me like fireflies. It is the very definition of joy.

Happy Mother's Day, everybody.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:48 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

May 11, 2006

Your Favorite Kid's Song

Okay, I'll admit it. "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid-- yeah, I sing it.

And I do the accent.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:50 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Love Letter To My Family

My family is special.

Oh, I know, yours is, too. But mine is just... super special. They're a little more special than average. Hey, don't shoot the messenger. I'm just telling it like it is.

We're a close knit family. My dad's side is a little smaller weave, there are fewer of us. My mom's side is nearly bursting at the seams. Lotsa babies on that side. Both sides have lotsa crazies. Lotsa fun. Lotsa love. (Okay, no more "lotsa". I apologize.)

There are some things we wait too long to say- how much we love someone, how much we appreciate them. We wait for a birthday or Mother's Day-- when what needs saying needs saying now. So. If we're related, I'm about to talk about you. Fair warning, this could be a long post.

I'll start with my very first friend. Ashley. I was 3 1/2 when this big eyed baby came into my world- and I adored her. She was my doll. Then she got bigger, started getting into my stuff, borrowing my clothes, tattling on me. Typical little sister trouble. Through the years, my big mouth and bossy nature has caused problems more than once. It's funny- in those moments, when my experience and age should have made me wiser and kinder-- Ashley was the one who took the high road. She sought peace between us, even if it meant extending patience when I didn't deserve it. But, while she is gentle and empathetic, she is not a placid creature. She has loyalties that run deep and burn bright. She is quick to stand up for the people she loves, for ideals that matter to her. She is passionate and unafraid. She surprises me- I never know quite what she'll do or say. She is thoughtful and generous and sentimental, sarcastic and corny and dry, affectionate and fun and joyful. She is a beauty in my life.

Trey would be next in chronological order-- coming into my world when I was six years old. This one is a little tougher, given present circumstances that most of you know. As hard as the last few years have been because of his drug abuse, there are things about him that I love, and cherish. Beneath the layers of deceit and manipulation, there really is a good heart, I believe it. It's not a denial of the facts- his behavior and attitudes in the last years are inexcusable and undeniable. But before all that, he was just my kid brother. Tagging along, stirring up trouble naturally, but really just happy to be included. In recent years, we have occasionally seen the true him, a teaser- as all good brothers are. Gentle- with my children, with old people, with others hurting worse than him. Hard working- throwing himself into a task whole heartedly. There are seeds of very good things within him, if he will allow them to grow. They are seeds of hope. But it takes time to grow in the ground he's sown- so we continue to pray and hope for him.

Brittany- last in the line, but don't let that fool ya. She's the chili pepper of the bunch. She is a constant joy to me- I love to love that little sister of mine. She's funny, way too funny for such a dainty girl. She has a direct line to my funny bone- I get her and she gets me. She is creative and imaginative-- she can't help but cover her walls in leapord print or red circles or flowers. She is vibrant, in every sense of the word. She brings energy into a room like a tidal wave. You always know where Britt stands, how she feels about something. It's one of my favorite things about her. I was ten years old when Brittany was born, and I took my role pretty seriously. I remember toting her around on my hip like a little mama. Maybe now she doesn't need my maternal instincts so much-- but I will always feel protective and proud of her. She's almost twenty one, almost, ALMOST a big girl now. I love watching her become the woman she's destined to be. It's exciting, nail-biting, page-turning, fun.

Those are my siblings.

In the next post, I'll tell you about my cousins, who have been like brothers and sisters to me, too.

Hey, this is really refreshing! Feels good to talk about the love in my life.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:21 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

May 10, 2006

Libros

Found this book at the library, The Amazing Adventures of Bathman.

It's HeroBoy in hardback. He's totally Bathman.

*mama moment*

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:40 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

May 9, 2006

Picture Day

I've been sifting through the suggestion box, and found several complaints about the lack of pictures posted lately. And I'm all about listening to the people, so today is, you got it, Picture Day.

This first set will be of interest only to a select few, as they are shots from the Anniversary and Reunion of my home church. Just hold on, all you heathens, I'll get to some non-church related pics up next. (Don't get TOO excited. They aren't THOSE kind of pictures.) You guys just smoke and drink and look menacing till I'm through here.

Continue reading "Picture Day"

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Picture Day Continued

And here are a few random shots from the last few weeks.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:19 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Bayou Sara Pictures

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May 8, 2006

Wiped

ohmywhendidtenthirtygetsolate???

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:05 PM | TrackBack

May 7, 2006

Goodbyes

I have shown our house to the future tenants several times now. They come by, measuring this, noting that... making plans. They walk through my halls, mentally removing my pictures, my furnishings-moving my life aside. They see right through what is still there.

Today, when she talked about painting over my lovely, perfect artichoke green, I nearly cried.

I know, I know. Let go of the past, surrender what is comfortable and known. There are more walls to paint, more colors to choose, yes, I know.

But it's hard.

Who knew a house could break your heart?

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:05 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Excuses

Why I Didn't Go To Church Today:

1. The Duke had JUST fallen asleep.
2. I've got a strained muscle in my back that hurts like the dickens.
3. It was pouring down rain.
4. I was going to be at least twenty minutes late already.
5. I'd have to go out of the service with the Duke, and miss most of it anyway.

I still feel bad, though. I shoulda gone.

Poo.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:50 AM | TrackBack

Knucklehead

Because sometimes one hat just isn't enough...

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:34 AM | TrackBack

May 6, 2006

The Blabby Blab

Here is another, really great clubby song-- "Raindrops" by Stunt. You guys know I'm not out there, shakin' my thing in flashing strobe lights, but I AM working up a sweat to it, when I run. The other day, I was out for a jog and the batteries went out in my MP3 player halfway through. I could barely finish! I feel like such a cheater that I have to have music to run, that's what really works for me. And I've learned- I gotta do what works. Otherwise, I'll just sit on the couch, eating cheetos and wearing mumu's at 30 years old. So, bring on the techno!

It's rainy today-- which suits me just fine at the moment. It's a comfortable rain. It's the world's Saturday bath. Look at it, all spick and span, spiffed up for churchin' on Sunday. It's cute.

Today, my little sister graduates from college. I'm so proud of her. I've watched her grow up before my eyes in the last four years- making serious sacrifices to accomplish her goals. And next week, her husband graduates, too. They both worked full time and went to school full time and did this together. They are both bigger than life to me right now-- I'm so proud. I love you Ash and Eric!

I'll add in there, that the week after Eric dons the cap and gown, it will be King Pen's turn. Not to mention the Duke's first birthday next Saturday, and my tiniest sister, Echo Johnson's 21st birthday at the end of the month! -sniff- There is much to celebrate in my family this May.

Okay, that's it for now-- I really REALLY gotta get some stuff done 'round here. Time for an SOS party. You're all invited.

(WonderMom used to try to get us kids excited about scrubbing the kitchen floor by handing out SOS pads and calling it an SOS party. Strangely, it usually worked. We didn't get out much, I guess.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:23 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

May 5, 2006

From Denver With Love

I've been waiting for The Fray for my whole life, I think.

Wow, I'm a bit dramatic, aren't I?

But they're so, incredibly, unbelievably wonderful. I could crawl up into their music and never come out.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:32 PM | TrackBack

Cinco You Know What

Hey! Margaritas at my house, people!

Well, I mean, if you bring 'em. Cause the cupboard is kinda bare around these parts at the moment.

Oh, wait- I do have the salt! Rockin'!

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:57 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Handle With Care

Black and white pictures capture the smiling faces of my babies, of my happiness- time frozen in a flash and hanging on my wall. As I lovingly and carefully pack these years away, I pause to remember who I was then, young and in love with motherhood. I am full of the little ones in my life right now- they are under me, behind me, beside me, crawling up in my lap. I am covered in their love from head to toe.

It's not always easy- nothing worthwhile ever is. But without them, I would have empty walls, an empty life. I can't be anything but grateful as I see box after box filling up with these bountiful joys. Counting my blessings has never been so easy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:49 PM | TrackBack

May 3, 2006

Emerging

Yesterday, I spent the whole day researching Bayou Sara. I drove out to St. Francisville, about thirty minutes north of Baton Rouge, and holed myself up at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum. I was in heaven.

Bayou Sara is an actual bayou (imagine that) that dumps into the Mississippi. The town of Bayou Sara was called Bayou Sara Landing and was founded in 1790 as a river port. The "Landing" part sort of dropped over the years and it was just known as Bayou Sara.

St. Francisville sits up on the bluffs above the area that used to be Bayou Sara. These two towns were peas in a pod- maybe a little competitive at times, but functioning together to create most of West Feliciana. St. Francisville was the social center, it had the churches and schools, etc. Bayou Sara was the rowdy, business area. It had the grog houses and livery businesses, and amusements for the flatboatmen. It was one of the most important ports on the Mississippi, very busy, with lots of money coming in and out. Bayou Sara Landing was the ideal crossroads- planters from the area would come in on the bayou with their goods, and merchants would load up cargo and passengers on steamboats or flatboats to tote up and down the river. Business, as they say, was good.

Until the fires.
And floods.
And the War.
And the boll weevil.

Bayou Sara is totally, absolutely gone. And entire city, burned and washed away and obliviated by circumstances almost spooky. Like it was cursed. The bluffs of St. Francisville remain, preserved and beautiful, but Bayou Sara has returned to wilderness, as if it had never been touched and tamed by man.

Anyway, there are so many amazing stories here, fiction is almost an unnecessary tool. As I begin to learn more about the people and events that are Bayou Sara- I am excited, and overwhelmed, and feel a strong responsibility to write their stories well. I love this little town already. As a writer, there is no greater thrill than loving the story.

I mean, look at this guy. How could I not write about him?

Is it me, or does he have the tiniest feet you've ever seen?

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:19 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

May 2, 2006

Nutrition Lesson #1

Coffee + tootsie rolls do not = breakfast.

Shame on me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:16 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

May 1, 2006

Movie Monday

I rented Immortel at the video store tonight. I knew it was a "questionable" decision after the following discussion.

Me: And when is this due back?
Salesgirl: Saturday.
Me: Wow- that long, huh?
Salesgirl: Yeah. No hurry.
Me: That can't be good.
Salesgirl: Actually, why don't you just keep this one.
Me: Permanently?
Salesgirl: Please.
Me: Hm.
Salesgirl: Here. (handing over the movie with her fingertips and wrinkling her nose like it's a poopy diaper)
Me: Did you just shudder?
Salesgirl: Just go.
Me: You were swallowing back vomit, weren't you?
Salesgirl: Seriously. Leave.
Me: Look, I've changed my mind, I don't want this-
Salesgirl: NO! IT'S TOO LATE- GET IT OUT OF HERE! GO, GO, GO! HERE'S SOME FREE WHOPPERS, JUST GO!
Me: Sheesh, okay, I'm going. Can I have some milkduds, too?
Salesgirl (visibly calmer): Whatever.
(Then calling to her coworker in the back aisle) Hey Carl! You're not gonna believe this- some chick just rented that movie!
[BIG CRASH]
Salesgirl: Carl?

I hope he was okay. That was a nasty fall.

Sigh.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:25 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

May the WHAT?

Wow- May 1st? You have GOT to be kidding me. I simply cannot believe this month is finally here. The Duke will be one in two weeks, this is King Pen's last week of school, and he graduates in two(ish) weeks, plus we now have 30 days to get packed and outta here.

[insert panic attack]

Okay, I'll come back to that. I need my caffeination first. As an aside, there's something very wrong about washing down an allergy pill with coffee. Ew.

Anyway- been wondering where I've been hiding out? I have been sooooo busy (notice the extra "o's"? You know I'm not kidding around when I pull out the plural vowels.) I've been booked solid for the past two weeks- this is literally one of the first chances I've had to blog. Oh the HORROR!! I've been DYING to get on here and write. I have sooooo much to write about! (hm- it's poooossible I'm ooooverdooooing the extra ooooo's.)

So, give me a few minutes for this coffee to kick in, I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere.

Seriously. Plant yourselves.
Sit, ubu, sit.
Good readers.

(see why I should really resist blogging until after coffee?)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:56 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack