August 7, 2008
For You
Thank you, WonderAunt, for the charming books-- and the millions of other little packages you pop in the mail for the kids that I forget to thank you for. They really love having something special just for them from the mailman. It makes their day, just like it did mine all those years back. You really are a Wonder.
Love,
Me
PS- -Check out Czarina's new 'do. Cute, yeah? And, oh my sakes, isn't HeroBoy a little Indian these days?
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:06 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
July 13, 2008
The Backroads
I think I left without saying goodbye, didn't I? I've been in the great state of Mississippi for the last couple of days visiting kinfolk. I ate tomato sandwiches for lunch every day. Went fishing with a cane pole. Drank gallons upon gallons of sweet tea, sometimes sun tea. Swatted mosquitos and picked figs and watched westerns. Attempted (but failed) to camp out with my 3, 5, and 7 year old. Went through old photos and quilt pieces, lazed in the porch swing till midnight. Fell asleep listening to a symphony of crickets and frogs every night. Got sunkissed, overfed, much hugged, and a little bit spoiled.
It was exactly wonderful.
And now I'm back, bone-tired and happy to be in my own bed, but already missing those who've loved me longest.
Tomorrow, I'll get life all back to normal, and in a few weeks, I'll strow it all up again with another summer trip somewhere. Isn't that the best way to pass the season? I love the freedom of summertime.
Anyway, I know I've been a little abbreviated with my blogging lately, but don't give up on me. I've still got the heart for it, I promise. Always more to say than time to say it... but I'll catch us up this week, mkay?
Okay, I'm off. Sleep tight, moonlight. See you in the bright and early.
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July 3, 2008
Love Always
Nothing feels as good as an Old Spice hug from my papaw. I don't even mind sharing it with Chipmunk.
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June 9, 2008
Third Daughter
If we were a royal Chinese family, that's what we'd call my little sister, Brittany. (I learned this from the movies. See? You never stop learning as long as you keep watching t.v.)
So anyway, she's blogging! And this time, she means it. We won't mention the thirteen other blogs she started and promptly abandoned fifteen minutes later. I think she really means it this time- she's posted for like, four days in a row now! So, hop over and give Third Daughter some love if you have a moment.
Xie xie.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:22 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
April 1, 2008
The Funny Man's Wife
How cute are they? That's who I want to be in 40 years, even the matching outfits. And I could be, God willing, because I am married to a funny man. It was one of the reasons I was initially attracted to him, that easy laugh, the twinkle of humor in his eyes. (Not to mention his winning smile, killer dance moves, and the truck. But back to the topic...) I am drawn to people who are lighthearted, but serious minded. He is the perfect combination of those things.
But you don't want to read my love-letter to my husband do you? Boundaries, people. Ha.
Anyway.
This is about being the wife of a funny man. A how-to guide, if you will. If I leave something out, please do add! We've got to pool our resources here, dears. Circle of sisterhood and all that.
And now, the list.
1. You don't always get to choose what he finds funny, specifically, YOURSELF. You will amuse him more often than you think (or probably even more than you're aware of). This is a very nice way of saying, be prepared to be the butt of his jokes. As long as his jokes aren't ABOUT my butt, I've learned to accept my lot in life. To be honest, I give him plenty of material, and I can't blame the guy.
2. You're a captive audience, so you might as well give over and laugh along with him. Let him regale you with as much funny as he wants, because my sister, you probably need it. After you've spent all day in the real world (whether it's changing poopy diapers or filing the umpteenth paper), you need to RE-LAX. Nothing loosens muscles and soothes a weary body like a good chuckle. You know it's true. Don't fight it. Don't let your bad mood cause a joke to fall flat- when it's the very thing that will chase away that late day grumpiness. (Or is that just me?) Besides which, it's not just about something YOU need. He needs it, too! Listening, enjoying him, is a way to nurture who he is. You're giving him a gift, too- you give him someone to share the humor in life with. You are the one he wants to make laugh. Let him.
3. Let his humor infect you. Be funny! The temptation of the funny man's wife is to let him do all the hardwork, all the entertaining. I know, because I certainly find myself riding his coattails if I'm not careful. But if you married a funny man, then there is humor in you, too. We seek out compatibility in our mates- like to like. You may not nurture it much, but it's right there under your skin. Humor takes risk- maybe somebody else won't think your joke is funny, maybe you'll tell it wrong, maybe you don't want all eyes on you. Be brave! Causing someone to laugh, even if it's at your utter corniness, is delightful. Don't get lazy because your man does all the heavy lifting. And who better to appreciate a funny woman than a funny man? He'll love it. And he'll love YOU for trying. Step out. Crack a joke. See what happens.
4. Lastly, (and don't you know it's bothering me that I couldn't end it on #5? Me and my OCD) thank God for bringing this blessing into your life. Laughter is the sweetest expression of joy we have. It battles sadness, stress, even poor health! It makes even the worst moments endurable. Poor as dirt? Laugh. You'll be richer for it. Gobble it up, be a glutton. It's more filling than the best laid table. Depressed? Let laughter penetrate that haze, let it in, even though you don't want to. Depression thrives in isolation, desolation. Laughter is it's archenemy. Each small smile, tiny chuckle, is a blow against depression. Grieving? What soothes us more than laughter in the midst of grief, what gives us a moment of respite from our loss? Steel Magnolias, anybody? Laughter carries us through, gives us wings. Not to get overly-poetic, but I can't think of a better description. So thank God. Seriously. You are a lucky woman. God has given you a lifelong source of amusement, a steady supply of joy and laughter. He chose you to be a Funny Man's Wife, and you are blessed beyond measure for it.
Well, that's my how-to guide, what I've learned along the way. Aside from a lifetime's worth of Three Stooges trivia and W.C. Field's quotes. Ah, tis a good life.
Next post: The "Why Would I Stop and Ask Directions When I'm Not Lost" Man's Wife.
(See, I can be funny.)
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:00 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
March 19, 2008
Homeward Bound
Today, we rejoice that King Pen's grandfather has been reunited with his sweetheart in heaven, together worshipping in the presence of our Holy God. It is a sad day for those saying farewell, but a glorious day for Clyde Cartlidge, who begins an eternity of joy and peace with his Savior.
Please pray for King Pen's family as they say goodbye.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:07 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
March 15, 2008
Beginning a Life
I'm Aunt WonderGirl again! At 12:01 a.m. this morning, the ides of March, John Austin came into the world weighing 7 lbs. and 7 oz., 20 inches long, and with a headful of dark hair. Congratulations, Trey and Katie!
This is their first baby, and I was thrilled to make it in time to hang out in the waiting room with my sister, the aunts, and poor old Dad (who was vastly outnumbered by womenfolk). We played Uno, ate junkfood, and as delirium set in, we harassed Czarina's baby doll. She was not amused. (the doll or Czarina.)
Proud papa, with (proud) Grandma in the background:
And the night wouldn't be complete without "It's A Boy" bubblegum cigars!!
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February 26, 2008
Birthday A La Mode
Today is my sister's birthday.
Let me tell you why my sister is so special (besides putting up with me, obviously).
Ashley is a good friend. She calls, she listens, she cares. She remembers birthdays and special times in your life, she is always there when you need her. She is kindhearted, always has been. She has the gift of empathy, seeing the needs in others and feeling them acutely. She befriends the friendless, in a quiet way, with a natural instinct to bring people into the fold. I have always admired this about her.
Ashley is a wonderful mother. I always knew she would be. Adler is a happy, well-adjusted little fella because he has a mother who loves him and nurtures the best in him. I see her earnest desire to do it right, to do everything right, and I know her children (for there will be another soon, I'm sure of it!!) will count her as the biggest blessing in their young lives. I love seeing her as a mother, sharing in the joys and trials of it together.
Ashley is a great daughter. She has stuck by my parents during some difficult years. She really cares about them, wanting the very best for them, but she also is the least demanding child they have. She has been gracious, and giving, not withholding her affection when she probably slipped into the middle-child slot more than she liked. She has been a steady force in their life, and I think that was more encouraging than she can ever know.
Ashley is a terrific person. She is witty and fun, intelligent and real. She is entertaining, with just a smidge of sarcasm to spice things up. She can be serious, she can be lighthearted, she can be spiritual, she can be just what the moment calls for. I always enjoy myself anytime I am with her, and I am always sad to say goodbye.
Ashley is a lovely sister. She was my first sibling, my first friend. She's put up with a lot from me, and loved me anyway, and I appreciate that. She's a pillar in my life, one of the things that holds me up, though I don't know if she knows that. She represents my entire childhood, sharing the memories, sharing the clothes. (ha) I don't know who I'd be without her today.
I thank God for her.
Happy Birthday, Ash.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:07 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 16, 2007
Things That Need Sayin'
Sunday night, facing the last week in Birmingham. Aw! But yay! -sigh-
As I look around the house, piled high with boxes, I must take a moment to thank my in-laws. They had three of my kids all week last week, and it was a tremendous help. There's no way I could have accomplished all this without them.
As a matter of fact, the truth is, there is much we couldn't have accomplished over the years without them. I think, I hope, they know how much I appreciate them, but in case they don't, I am going to embarass them, and brag on my blog. I can't help it- I am a big believer in public displays of affection!
Continue reading "Things That Need Sayin'"
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October 18, 2007
A Wrinkle In Time
| "Do you know how lucky you are?” She smiled at him wryly. “Not most of the time.” |
Oh, how do I love Meg, how do I love this book! It was the first piece of literature that caught my imagination on fire. I remember reading it as a child in utter amazement that there could be stories so fantastical, so adventurous. I was in awe at the idea of worlds different from my own, of creatures and things brought into existence only with an author's words. Madeleine L'Engle hypnotized me with her story, entranced me with her characters and language. Before I read this book, I understood sentence structure and plot lines and happy endings. I understood card catalogs and main points and "the moral of the story". But I had never been swept away, never cried along with the storyteller. I had never felt my heart pounding with excitement and fear, never before walked to school with my nose stuck in the pages, leaving my feet to find their way alone on the gravel road.
This is the book that called me by name.
It's why I want to be a writer.
But more importantly, it's why I want my children to be readers. I want them to discover what words can do, where they can take you. I want them to be swept away, to cry, to laugh. I want them to live on different worlds with strange creatures. I want them to sail ships, and fight dragons, and rescue the needy. I want them to befriend monsters, and discover treasure, and ride dolphins.
What better gift to give?
I don't know who put A Wrinkle In Time in my hand. I don't know if was a birthday present, or a Christmas gift, or a hand-me-down. But I do know who gave me the love of reading- my parents. My mother, who pulled us onto her lap and read Dr. Seuss, and Giving Away Susanne... my dad, who read passages from The Hobbit, who used scary voices for giants, and deep and wise voices for wizards. My parents, who let us, all four children, get our own library cards. Who took us faithfully every week to the Summer Reading Program. My parents, who insisted we learn the meaning and spelling of words, who cared about our English grades, and spelling tests and book reports. My parents, who gave (and read) me books of all sorts, knowing that eventually, one would be the key that unlocked a lifetime of reading.
Thank you, Mom and Dad. What you did for me, not all parents do. Thank you for taking the time, for caring. It is a heritage I will pass along to my own children, and they will have their grandparents to thank for it.
"Do you know how lucky you are?" asks Calvin O'Keefe.
Oh yes. Yes, I do.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:00 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 1, 2007
Oh, That's Wrong and I Don't Even Know Why.
King Pen has a knack for finding and summing up the essence of things. He does it with jokes, impressions, drawings... he's really good at it. I'm not bragging on him, it's just true. They aren't always the most useful summations (sorry, Honey), but they are always funny. Or, creepy, as the case was the other day, when he purposefully came up with the worst name ever for a resturaunt.
Uncle Fingers.
Ew. I don't want a THING from that joint.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:30 PM | TrackBack
July 29, 2007
My Sister is a Funny Girl
and here's the proof.
I sent her an email a few days ago about modeling for some pictures on my website carrying her baby, Adler. Here is her response:
I am so in, but I am going to need 3 dozen pink lilies, two bowls of m & m's, all pink, and a case of pink Snapple in my dressing room. Also, Adler requests 12 jars of squash, Gerber organics only, a break every thirty minutes to eat and take a nap, and a personal massage therapist. He also only works to the tune of Baby Einstein, so please have several BE cds to choose from during the shoot.
Just let me know when!
Love- Ash
Sister, I love you. Your humor always catches me offguard.
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:11 PM | TrackBack
June 8, 2006
Stort tack
... as they say in Sweden. Thank you very much! Ah, the Swedish. Such an amusing people.
Anyway, yes, THANK YOU. I want to publicly express my appreciation to my mother-in-law, who watched my children for an ENTIRE WEEK so that I could pack and plan this move. She is a lifesaver. Literally. There is no way King Pen and I could have done this on our own, and I don't just mean relocating. His parents have been a tremendous support to us while he was in school, and my gratitude knows no end! They are phenomenal people.
And to Aunt Vickie, Mike, and Nanny who had the U-haul unpacked by the time I got here, stort tack to you, too. It was a great help, and I want you to know how easy it made the transition into the new place. Thanks for giving up a Sunday for us.
And Brittbratt-- thank you for coming the next day to entertain my kids while I organized. They loved it, and I got a lot done because you were here distracting the masses. And Czarina loves the toe polish, by the way. Next time you come, I promise we'll hang out at the pool so you can check out the cute guys.
And to Aunt Janet, Papaw, and Mae, who swept in today for a few hours to check out the new place-- thank you for the goodies, and especially the chocolate cake for King Pen's birthday. I promise I'll save him a piece of it! Thank you for being so thoughtful.
There have been countless loved ones and friends who have stuffed money into my purse without me looking, or given in other anonymous ways ($500 from one such a person!) or paid for my gas or a car repair or something... and I don't even know how I could thank you properly. Thank you for being so generous.
Everybody--- goodness-- you've all done a lot for us, all of you. So many of you have come to my rescue over the years, gotten us out of this bind or that one, and I can't even begin to tell you how much that has meant. Now, finally, we are there, we're done, and it's in large part because of you. As things get situated, we hope to return those small favors, and big ones (though it may take longer on those) because we love you and want you to know we appreciated your help and support through the years.
Well, that's all for now. Just thinking today about the people who helped us get here, and wanted to acknowledge them. Have a good day, everybody!
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:46 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 11, 2006
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
April 22, 2006
Patriarch
You can't trust my dad. Seriously.
Today, we headed out to the shed, where a certain box of memorabilia with my name on it was stored. My dad unlocked the door, and peered in, scoping out any wasp nests. It looked all clear, so he stepped aside in a gentlemanly fashion to let me do my hunting. I took one step inside, still fearful of the wasps and gripping my bug spray in a trigger happy hand- and before I know what's happened, hell's bells start ringing. I let out a very loud, very undignified, VERY girlish scream and hit the ground like we were in the middle of an air raid.
And there's my dad. With an air horn. Laughing his cruel, sadistic little heiney off.
Luckily, I've picked up a trick or two from him along the way. Watch out, WonderDad...
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:25 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
April 10, 2006
Great Expectations
Attention! Yes, is this thing on? One-two?
Ahem.
I have composed a little something in honor of my sister, Ashley.
Two hearts beat
Within your frame.
Two tiny feet
Play kicking games.
Two little arms
That wait for you.
Two blinking eyes
Seeing new.
Two ears to hear
Your words so sweet
Two cheeks to kiss,
Two souls to meet.
My little sis is gonna be a little momma! I'm so proud! Like, "huggy and teary, where did the time go, you're gonna be so cute pregnant, I can't wait to touch your round belly, for petes sake get the epidural" proud! A babbbby---- squeeeee!!
Give her some love, everybody. Ashmeg is all growed up and in the family way. *sniff
Now, as the rockinest aunt of all time (next to me, of course) says, "Enough of this. Now let's all go in and have a glass of whisky."
Auntie Mame knew how to do it right, I tell ya.
I love you, Ash. And I'll make a valiant effort not to drink hard liquor around your baby. Beer will be just fine while I'm babysitting.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:24 AM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
October 22, 2005
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
September 22, 2005
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 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)
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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 1, 2005
I'm A Lot of Things
One of them is "Aunt WonderGirl". At first, that seemed pretty strange to me. It sounded funny, a tad contrived and forced. My niece and two nephews were so young when I married into the family, they probably don't even remember a time when I wasn't "Aunt WonderGirl". Eventually, as the years passed, I got more comfortable with the title. More little folks came along to call me "Aunt WonderGirl". I learned the ropes of the job: baby-holding, birthday pool-parties, filling sippy cups. I'm good at it sometimes, it's really not that hard! I do tend to be a bit late with the birthday presents, but they know it's coming.
But I don't get to spend enough time with them. That really bothers me.
So I thought I'd do something about that.
Tonight, I took the oldest three to see Willie Wonka. Bless their mother for letting me take them on a school night-- she bent the rules for me and I appreciated it. We have such a large family, sometimes it's easy to lose folks in the shuffle. So I really just wanted to take three of them, the oldest ones, and spend some quality time with them. (Next time, it'll be the younger ones. I'm fair.)
So, when I got there, they answered the door each wearing a t-shirt I had given them some time ago. It almost made me cry. These three kids, who nine years ago initiated me into aunthood, were excited to hang out with me. Yeah, I sweetened the pot with a movie on a school night, but who cares. They still wanted to be with me. And on top of that, they wanted ME to feel good so they did something they thought would make me happy.
And it did.
I hope they remember tonight, because I sure will. But, if this is one of those childhood memories that fades away, well, I won't worry. There will be more to remember, more times to giggle and joke and play.
Memories are there for the making. And I intend to be an aunt worth remembering.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:13 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
August 21, 2005
From Here to There
“Oh, you don’t want to see that old picture,” she said, quickly flipping the page of the faded photo album.
“I most certainly do, “ I replied. “Don’t hold out on me, Aunt Betsy!”
She laughed as she turned back to the picture she knew I wanted to see. “I was hoping you’d miss this one,” she confessed. “It was a long time ago.”
I recognized the young woman in the picture by her smile. Aunt Betsy wore the same mischevious grin now as I sat across from her. She had been beautiful, in that handsome sort of way that women were during World War II. She was fresh faced and utterly refined, even sitting under the canopy of an ancient oak tree in a grass skirt. I was entranced with the image, with the perfect capture of her life before me. The photograph proclaimed her youth and spirit, something that still radiated from her, even at eighty-three years old.
She traced the black and white photograph lovingly. “This was taken out at Lake Washington.” I watched her face as she revisited the memory, and it was as compelling as the photograph. In her mind, she left the confines of her modest home, and traveled back to that sunny day so long ago.
“We snuck out into the woods to try that skirt on,” she confided in me. “We didn’t want to boys to see us, and of course, Papa would have had a fit if he’d have known. That was my girlfriend, Evelyn, right there,” she said, pointing to an identical picture of another young girl. “I don’t know where we got that skirt, but we wanted to see how it looked on us. Only place to go was out in the woods. So long ago,” she said with a sigh.
I imagined Aunt Betsy and her cohort, sneaking off to don the forbidden grass skirt, and I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Yes, it was a long time ago, I thought, when something so innocent as a grass skirt was the height of rebellion.
“Thank you, Aunt Betsy, “ I said as I hugged her tightly. “That was a neat story.” She looked away quickly, blinking back tears. “Look at her,” she said, tapping her image smiling up at us . “So young. So long ago. Evelyn’s dead now, you know. Almost everybody in this book has passed on.”
“But you have the pictures,” I reminded her. “And you have the memories. But most of all, you have the hope of reunion with all these friends and family one day.”
“True, true,” she agreed.
“And you know the other good thing?” I asked her.
“No, I don’t reckon that I do.”
“No dresscode in heaven. You can wear a grass skirt every day if you want. As a matter of fact, I think it’s mandatory on Fridays.”
She chuckled as she closed the book. “Thank you for coming to see me,” she said. "You don't know how much it meant."
“It was wonderful, Aunt Betsy. Thank you for sharing these things with me.”
As I left that day, it was with a new appreciation for Time. Time propels us into our youth, and out of it, until finally, time has no meaning or power at all. Death is not so much the demise of our physical bodies as it is the evaporation of Time itself. We do not cease to be, nor do we lose the things that make us who we are. But we are no longer bound by the rising and setting sun, by the passage of minutes or hours or years. We are preserved, perfected, and untouched by Time.
The memories that built our earthly lives, they are not gone, they are merely our stepping stones into eternity. And when we are there, when time has disappeared- we will all find our grass skirts once again. And that will just be the beginning of something that will never, ever end.
*Aunt Betsy is actually my grandfather's cousin, whom I met on my recent trip to north Mississippi. The story is true, but the telling of it was slightly embellished. (Cause I'm a Big Shot Writer, and we get to do that occasionally. Ahem.)
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August 15, 2005
Brittany in Mediums
If you come to my house, you get to do all kinds of cool stuff. Just ask Uncle Jokey. We let him play with playdoh - and he created "Playdoh Brittany". The resemblence is truly eery.
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:14 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Schoolin'
Somebody forgot to tell me not to be excited about Czarina's first day of kindergarten. I didn't realize she would cry, which would make me cry.
Boo.
I should have known by the timid smile I got in the "before" pictures:
If you think of it, say a quick little prayer for her- she was pretty upset when I left today, poor thing.
UPDATE: When I picked her up this afternoon, she was grinning from ear to ear. She had a great day, and is happy to go back tomorrow! She told me that she was sad at first, but then she just gave up. That sounds so sad, but I think she meant she decided to get over it and be happy. Anyway, her day definitely improved, thankfully!
Here are a few more pictures I've snapped over the last couple days-
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August 8, 2005
Wrapping Up A Weekend
I am the only soul awake in our house this morning, for a few more minutes at least. I got up early this morning and jogged (!) and got back and read a book for half an hour (!) and now I'm uploading-downloading-whatever the pictures off my camera from this weekend. I rock. Well, I rock very, very quietly, so nobody else wakes up.
Anyway, on Friday we went on a spur of the moment trip to Monroe, to visit King Pen's family. We visited with all the nieces and nephews, and had a great time. My sister Brittany also drove over from Vicksburg for a few hours, and that was really nice.
Here are some pictures, cause you know I can't resist! To make it easier to load, I am putting them as individual links.
Britt taking it easy.
HeroBoy hitching a ride with Rachel.
Czarina gets a turn, too.
Shelby and Jackson playing roofball.
Batter up, Bronwen!
Gareth in gear.
<HeroBoy and Bronwen and icecream.
Mamasue and Sophie, Amy (in the bloom of pregnancy) and Jude, our newest sweetheart.
HeroBoy and the ropeswing.
Mamasue, Daddywalt, and allllll their grandkids!
King Pen kicked back.
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July 8, 2005
Glimpses of The Recent Past
Here are just a few images of the last several days. (click the link for more)
Continue reading "Glimpses of The Recent Past"
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:30 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Zen of Ten Part Two
Ten days. Some of them on the porch, rocking and swinging. Some of them on couches, listening and learning. Some of them on the front steps, crying and laughing. Some of them at the table, smiling and eating. Some of them in the backseat of the car, giddy and giggling. Some of them at the creek, wet and relaxing.
Ten days to say hello and goodbye, ten days to live outside myself. Ten days to see the past, ten days to remember my place in the world. Ten days to frame my memories, ten days to feed my soul.
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:22 AM | TrackBack
June 8, 2005
Hope It's In the Genes
Isn't my mom gorgeous?
As an aside, I swear, I am GOING to blog tonight. This is driving me nuts! I only have the laptop every other day, and it's hard to find the time right now on the days I DO have it. But I miss it, so I need to figure out how to get on here more...
PS-- You can see exactly what HeroBoy thinks of having to pose for this picture, can't you? Funny. Czarina, however, never minds a photo op. The Duke is just mad because he's wearing a dress. (baptismal gown actually, but he was convinced it was girly)
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:47 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
April 18, 2005
We're Ho-Ome.
We're back from our brief, but very productive trip to Monroe. The weather was gorgeous, visiting was laidback, eating was voracious, and yard work was vigorous (mmm, not by me, but still.) Here are a few pics I snapped of the kids, and even one of me, in all my pregnant glory.
Okay, I'm out for now, laundry to wash and such. I'll write more later.
(Click the extended link for the pictures)
Continue reading "We're Ho-Ome."
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:59 AM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
April 12, 2005
Even Cowboys Need A Nap Sometimes
Someone pointed out that I haven't put enough pictures of the Little Guy up here lately. He's not as cooperative as Czarina is when it comes to photo ops, so I have to catch him like this:
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:15 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Gator Wrangling
We start them young in Louisiana.
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April 8, 2005
High In The Tree
Lives this little monkey.
What you don't see is the "after" picture, which involves a tree limb breaking, a bloody nose, gash on the cheek, scratch on the eye and chest, a four hour visit to the ER, and three stitches.
Poor Czarina. What a trooper.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:45 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
March 11, 2005
Camera Ready
The very first one.
It only took me one week to figure out how to take, download, and edit it. Super.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:33 AM | Comments (4)
February 28, 2005
It's A Crazy World
We interrupt this post to bring you the following:
In a startling turn of events, Cinderella, of glass slipper fame, has married Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spiderman, in a grand ceremony conducted by our resident four year old, Czarina. Spiderman, in full uniform, was fashionably late because he was busy saving an unidentified person from a monster. Reports indicate "a little blood, but not too much, because that's scary."
The groom was sizably larger than the bride (who was stunning in a white designer gown by Disney), but fortunately, his bendy knees allowed him to crouch for the proceedings, amid giggles from the officiator. In attendance were Polly Pocket, Arthur, and two cast iron dinosaurs.
Mary Jane and Prince Charming could not be reached for comment at this time, but insiders say that the ceremony may be a breach of the "happily ever after" clause. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of this breaking news.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled blogging.
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:01 PM | Comments (3)
February 27, 2005
Ramblings
After a week of aloneness, I am now reunited with the kids and King Pen. A school trip took King Pen into the craggy mountains of North Carolina for seven days, and the kids stayed with my helpful in-laws for the majority of the week, so I wouldn't have to sell plasma to pay the babysitters. (Oh, and they also spent one night at my parents house, then my mom brought them back to me--- thank you Mom!) By Saturday night, everyone was back, and the world seemed right again. I did manage to sleep an extra few hours while they were gone, which was nice, but hey, sleep is sleep. I'd rather have the crew around. *yawn*
I've heard it said that women need thirteen meaningful touches throughout the day to feel loved. I calculate that I was at least sixty-five low. (!) However, I have snuggled thoroughly, and am happy to report that warm and fuzzy feelings have returned to their normal operating levels.
King Pen had a fantastic time, which I am so glad for. He camped out, utilizing an assortment of gear he has collected since infancy (ah, the life of the country boy). He hiked and explored and sketched and designed and laughed and made a thousand funny memories with his friends. I imagine it was the highlight of his LSU experience, and he deserved it. He's worked harder than any man I know, balancing school and work and family. Honestly, it's stressful. It's hard. We're sick of it. But we're almost through, and I'm glad he had this fun little blip along the way.
So, another week begins, normal in the way that life always seems un-normal for us. Comfortable chaos, I'm beginning to see-- the routine of the unexpected. One day, I think and I fantasize that life will be cookie cutter predictible for us... but maybe not. Maybe we're destined for newness and differentness because that's what life is for us. I don't know. And at the moment, I don't mind. I'm just glad to go home tonight to a house with lights in the windows.
Life is good.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:00 PM | Comments (1)
February 15, 2005
A Fairy Tale for a Land Baby
Czarina and I are reading "The Waterbabies" , one of my favourites as a child. In my copy, there are only a few simple pen and ink illustrations that accompany this old story, and I love that. The absence of a defined image compels her to stretch her imagination to "see" Tom, the dirtiest chimney sweep in London, and the Irishwoman, who is really the Queen Fairy, and Ellie, the little girl in the clean, white nightgown. And I can't wait to get to Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby and Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid.
I love to look at her face as she listens to the story. She's not necessarily watching me, but she's there, in that imagined world of caddises and trouts and dragonflies and waterlilies. Layer upon layer, the words build the world, and her only map is the sound of my voice.
I love that the story isn't over, there's no "the end" to settle her imagination. She is free to consider what Tom may do next, what strange creatures he might
meet, what fun may be had in the nights of reading to come. Later, as she drifts to sleep, I know she's thinking about what if she was Tom, and one day she turned into a waterbaby.
Strange, that over twenty years ago, I was dreaming the same things as this curly haired little girl that I call my own.
I put the book away,with promises for another chapter tomorrow. I bend down, and kiss the soft, smooth skin of her forehead, and pat down those unruly locks, and smell that unique little girl bouquet of soap and sweetness-- and I know, sometimes imagination doesn't even come close. No words could capture that moment, no book could hold the reality.
Hugged and kissed, she goes to sleep, dreaming of those fanciful things. Hugged and kissed, I go to sleep, knowing those fanciful things.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:31 PM | Comments (6)
February 2, 2005
Compliments
"Mom, your hair is sooo pretty!"
"Aw, thanks sweetie."
"It's the color of brown bananas!"
She does have a way with words, I admit. Must've gotten that from me.
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:43 PM | Comments (1)
January 26, 2005
All Dudded Up
I woke up this morning to find my (nearly) two year old wearing only his diaper, a pair of sandals, his winter jacket and dad's ski cap.
Heh? I could have sworn he was in pjs when he went to bed last night.
The funny part was that you could tell he thought he looked pretty awesome.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:29 PM | Comments (1)
December 19, 2004
Sound the Alarm
Saturday morning, we heard sirens in our neighborhood (which, sadly, is not that uncommon for our 'hood - don't ask). It got louder, and closer, and finally I was curious enough to see what was up. We were about to leave for the grocery store anyway, so I loaded up the kids and peeked my head around the corner to see what the hub-bub was. I caught a glimpse of Santa up on a firetruck, waving and throwing candy to kids in the neighborhood. Being the excellent mother that I am, I peeled out of the driveway, determined to chase him down so my kids see him, too. I caught up with him at the stopsign, and the Short Ones were thrilled, and I basked in motherly self-delight.
It was all worth it as we pulled away, and Czarina said matter-of-factly, "I guess something must be wrong with his sleigh, Mom."
And HeroBoy dramatically exclaimed, "Oh NOOOO!!!!"
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:55 PM | Comments (5)
December 13, 2004
Time
Tommorow, Czarina has school pictures. What?? When the heck did she get old enough for this? Maybe it's the hormones (what isn't these days?) but this has the very real potential to make me cry. And not a pretty little tearing up. I'm talking full on, red-faced bawling. I just can't believe she's that big. They'll be a class picture -sniff- with the teacher and everything. She'll be smiling, and cute, and way too grown.
And she's not the only one. Poor HeroBoy has been simply smothered in mommie-love the past few weeks, because I looked at him and realized, he's not going to be my baby anymore! With a new one on the way, his days are numbered as "the baby". It makes me sad. It happened too fast!
Hormones. Definitely the culprit here.
I need something chocolate. Like now.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:35 PM | Comments (3)
December 8, 2004
Scoot Over!
I use my kids to get to Santa, I'll admit it.
Santa informed me that they can't help get me off the Naughty List, though. Shucks.
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:14 PM | Comments (3)
December 4, 2004
No Rest for the Weary
Well, Santa wasn't eating milk and cookies like she expected, but that didn't stop Czarina. The Man in Red & White was on his lunch break in the cafeteria, in between photos at the holiday expo at my hospital. However, he cheerfully put down his cheeseburger, and listened as my four year old politely explained that she'd like a dollie for Christmas, and that she had, in fact, been a very good girl.
Santa is a full-time position, you know. I had a good laugh though-- it would be MY kid to find the poor guy on his break.
(Picture to follow, I promise.)
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:54 PM
November 16, 2004
Brothers and Sisters
HeroBoy and Czarina- beginnings.
WonderGirl and gang- middlings.
Posted by WonderGirl at 3:02 PM | Comments (2)
November 14, 2004
Valiant Effort
If my husband makes a run to the library (FREE books, people! why buy?), and I am out of reading material, I'll ask him to pick me one up, too.
Something akin to wild panic flickers across his face. "Um... okay, I guess. Just write the title and the author down and I'll-"
"Oh, no," I interrupt. "Just pick me out one. Something that looks like me." I hide my smile.
He stares.
I stare.
And with a dejected sigh, he leaves to face what is surely "Mission Impossible". Because no matter how hard he tries (and he does try, readers- he sweats blood on those dusty aisles), he inevetibly comes back with something absolutely, stunningly perfect... for him. I don't know how he does it. He starts off in the right direction. He knows I like fantasy themes (so recently exposed in the Dragon Storm fiasco). And somehow, he finds the one book in the libary that is fantasty themed in a comic book. Sweet.
I love this man.
I don't really expect him to come back with The Nanny Diaries, or Girl With a Pearl Earring. I don't expect him to see that I am, embarrassingly, JUST that girlie occasionally. But he tries, and he is always hopeful that he'll find that one, perfect jewel for me, no matter how many times he comes back with a book that makes me just burst out laughing. He is so good to me, and for me- and I just wanted to say thank you. You rock, honey.
Next time I'll write it down, I promise.
And feel free to go ahead and read the comic book, I mean, graphic novel. It's all yours.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:48 PM | Comments (5)
November 1, 2004
Ho Hum
WonderGirl's not happy. I don't usually blog when I'm unhappy, but I'm indulging myself at the moment. Blame the hormones.
King Pen found out that a mandatory school trip, which is normally scheduled for the week of Spring Break, has been rescheduled for the summer, and extended to 3 weeks. They leave May 22 and return June 7.
I'm due June 3.
There's no way out of it, and the professor is being a hard case about it. No trip, no graduation. End of story.
So what's a girl to do? Well, she has a nice long cry about it. Then she picks herself up-a little prematurely- and she has another nice long cry.
I honestly don't know what I'm going to do. If I were to be induced (shudder), he could be there for the birth, but then he'd miss the first 3 weeks of the baby's life! If he leaves and I pray that I go past my due date, I run the risk of him missing the birth all together, but not missing so much afterward.
-sniff-
Both stink.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:14 PM | Comments (7)
October 15, 2004
Longings
I miss being at home.
Working is something I have to do now, because that's just the way it is with King Pen in school. Don't get me wrong, there are things about work that I enjoy. Adult conversation. Paychecks. Insurance. Those are all nice perks.
But everyday, it's harder to walk out the door now. I miss the evening ritual, making good meals and washing shiny faces, and that sweet scent of clean hair when I get a hug. I miss bedtime stories and the family devotion, and quiet prayers.
I miss being in the room with my husband and not being tired, I miss sitting on the couch with him laughing at Headlines. The more I am here, the more I wish I was there. I don't need the validation of the working world, I don't need to know I can hold my own in the dog-eat-dog pace, I don't care about any of that. My biggest contribution is not at this computer, at this job. My legacy to the world is at home right now, tucked into bed, dreaming sweet dreams of princesses and ballerinas, or in the next room dreaming of cars and balls.
So, I count the days, I mark them off in my head, each one bringing me closer to where I want to be, where I should be.
I may sound like I'm complaining, but I'm really not. I'm grateful. Not all mothers can stay home with their babies, and that's hard. This brief seperation, which will total just a year for me, has been wrenching. And yet, some women find themselves in situations that stretch much farther than a year. Some women don't have the luxury of being home ever.
As I thank God for His blessings, I count this as one. I thank Him for a husband who understands me, and wants me to be happy, and appreciates me. If I told him right now that I couldn't take it anymore and just wanted to quit, he'd make it happen, no matter what. He loves me in ways that humble me.
That makes walking out the door a little bit easier.
But, it makes walking in the door all the sweeter.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:44 PM | Comments (7)
October 12, 2004
Who Needs Coffee?
Nothing jumpstarts your day like fresh throw-up down your shirt. Ew-Wee.
Good news though, I think the worst of HeroBoy's bug has passed. Now waiting to see if Czarina gets it.
I'm wearing a poncho tomorrow. I'm a quick learner.
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:22 PM | Comments (5)
October 10, 2004
Understatement of the Weekend
"It's raining."
All the things I mentioned that I was looking forward to (state fair, volleyball, horseshoes, and did I mention S'Mores??) all went kaput. It was like the sequal to Noah's Ark the entire weekend.
And of course when I get home, it stops entirely! Murphy!! You and your laws!! Leave me be!
But, I had a great time. Food was coma-inducing good, and we played a few rounds of dominoes, phase 10, and Mexican train. But mostly, we just talked. I was a little blue to leave. On the five hour (!!) drive home, I had plenty of time to mull over some things about my family.
I am so thankful for a place in this world. To be surrounded by people who love me and are happy to see me, and know me in a way the rest of the world can't- it's such a blessing. To be part of this fabric, woven of all the quirks and stories and memories-- what an amazing thing! Because woven we are- for better or worse, we stick together. Our lives may spread out, but there is a closeness that distance never seems to touch. Mom says that we have my great grandmother (who passed many years ago) to thank for that.
My family is far from perfect. I would even say that our roots are pretty dysfunctional. But God had a plan for my family, and He has drawn us to Him despite those imperfections. Those stories are incredible, how one by one, aunts and uncles have come to know the Lord- and changed their lives and their children's lives. Without Him, I shudder to think where we would be now. I am so grateful for the covenant He kept before we even knew who He was.
That's what the family reunion is for me. It's not just meeting up with cousins I haven't seen in a while. It's seeing what God is doing in their life, and how they are growing. It's about sharing the hard things, praying about them, encouraging each other. It's laughing and eating and fellowshipping with family- and being bound by so much more than blood.
I am rich beyond counting.
**
Psalm 66
To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm.
Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,
Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.
I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.
Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
**
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:37 PM | Comments (3)
October 7, 2004
Sleeping Bags and Bug Spray
Okay. I'm headed out for a few days to do the family thing. If I can get my hands on Joey's laptop, I'll blog live from Leroy Percy Park. (the hub of family reunions in the delta, I assure you.)
OOohh, he has a digital camera, too! Maybe I could snag that also and take pictures of the cut-throat dominoes game Saturday night! It gets pretty ugly. I'll just say, last year, somebody ended up with a black eye and ten stitches, and it wasn't me. If you think that's bad though, you should hear what happened at the horse-shoes game! We are a very competetive people. We also get drunk a lot.
*note from my mother: WonderGirl, people are going to think you're serious!! You can't write that!!*
For the record, I am kidding. We are not competetive in the least. We do drink a lot though.
*second note from my mother: You know that's not what I meant!!*
I love you, Mom.
Anyway, this is it for now- check back in a few days and hopefully I'll get to post a little something. If not, we'll be back to regular business hours next week.
Have a good one!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:35 PM | Comments (3)
September 29, 2004
He's So Bohemian
I love that my husband sketches things in his spare time on campus, and leaves them for others to find.
Is that cool or what?
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:06 AM | Comments (1)
Swampfest
Louisiana, I love thee.
This Saturday, we're headed to the Audubon Zoo for some designated family fun time. We've been planning it all summer, just waiting for the weather to cool off a bit. It just so happens that our plans coincide with Swampfest. Oh la!!!
Listen to this.
"Visit three music stages with the finest in Cajun and Zydeco sounds from Louisiana artists. Bring home a piece of Louisiana's heritage with unique Cajun creations. Genuine Louisiana arts and crafts will be sold throughout the Zoo with a showcase of watercolor lifestyle renderings, fish print rubbings, woven cypress baskets, and more. Have you ever had cracklin, couchon de lait, fried green tomatoes, crawfish beignets, or fried alligator? These and many other fest-foods are available both weekends from some of the best restaurants and caterers in Southern Louisiana. Crawfish pasta, crawfish bread, crab cakes with crawfish sauce, fried green tomatoes, crawfish beignets, smoke turkey legs, fried alligator, Jamaican chicken, couchon du lait, shrimp po-boys, pralines, and much more.
AND Fest-goers can experience traditional Cajun music, learn how to create generation-old wood carvings, or hear about the origins of Cajun culture.
Feedings throughout the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit include alligators, nutria, water snakes, possums, coons or just about any other Swamp inhabitant there is!"
How could this NOT be fun? (well, except for the cracklin'. Ew.)
Louisiana has to be the coolest state, though. Seriously, it's too much fun down here!
Where else in the country can you buy beer at a zoo? Awesome.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:35 AM | Comments (4)
September 19, 2004
Let's Play "Predict My Future"
I hope you're a little better at it than I am.
For those of you who don't know, my husband is in his 4th year of school for Landscape Architecture. We've been trying to figure out what our plans are for the 5th (AND FINAL!!) year, which involves an internship.
Well, he talked to the head of the L.A. internship program last week. We learned a few things, the first one being that they don't offer internships in the States. Secondly, he doesn't necessarily have to intern, he could just study at a different school for a semester. Or, he could just stay here and do what amounts to a semester's worth of "busy work" with about ten other students. Note, the internship is a paying position, the other two we have to pay for.
Careerwise, an internship abroad is the wisest thing, because this looks great on the resume. Plus, it gives him five months of actual job experience and an opportunity to make some good employment connections.
The second choice would be studying at a different university, and I'm not sure if that means in the States or not. It's not as useful as the internship, but still makes the resume a little more interesting.
The last option is staying here, which is the least appealing. It's basically a waste of a semester, and nothing is accomplished to further your employment/education.
Sooo. Having a family makes the first two choices much harder than the last one. We could all go, or he could go, or none of us could go. Financially, OUCH. It's not cheap. We've been advised that the least expensive place to intern as a family would be Thailand, probably Bangkok (where they speak English a lot). King Pen is corresponding with a guy that went with his family last year, so we'll have more info on that soon.
Options are nice, but I'm a little overwhelmed. I don't want him to miss an important aspect of his education, but I'm not sure how to make this work. The thought of just sitting here for five months when we could be somewhere amazing is too depressing. Grr... what to do, what to do?? I wanna stamp my passport, dangit!
Anyway, that's the latest update in the Internship Dilemna. I'll post more as the complications increase.
I do like challenges though. Good thing for that!
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:50 PM | Comments (8)
September 16, 2004
Party Down
Today, one of the Short Ones became a little less short. Czarina turned 4. In celebration of the event, we are NOT having a hurricane. Hoorah!! It barely, no wait, it didn't EVEN rain here! Traffic going back into N.O. was nuts- schools closed just because of that- but that's a small complaint in light of things. Now, what to do with the fifty gallons of water and twenty-five cans of tuna? Man. We just finished using all our Y2K stuff*. If it's not preparation for one apocalypse, it's another!
Anyway, we took Czarina to the toystore to spend her birthday money from her Papaw (all Southern girls have at least one papaw, you know), and it was fun. I'm not being sarcastic- it actually was fun! She was excited about the utopia of toys, and HeroBoy was beside himself in the car section. She had ten dollars to spend, and she decided on a Strawberry Shortcake doll, which we all agreed was an excellent choice. On the sly, King Pen bought her a Big Wheels and we'll surprise her with it at her party on Saturday. (ugly subject/verb agreement in that sentence. Apologies to all the grammar sensitive types out there. Please don't send me hate mail again.) While we were there, we saw My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite, Transformers, and Carebears. Flashbacks aren't just for druggies anymore, compadres. Apparently, the 80's are alive and well, and taking over toystores everywhere. No peyote necessary for this little trip down memory lane.
It does bring up a question, though. Can they not come up with anything new that's cool? Don't get me wrong- I love that Czarina's playing with some of the same great toys I did. But our toy designers are totally cashing in on the Old School. Suspiciously, they show up for work at 11 am everyday. And aren't they taking some excessively long lunch breaks? And is an atari really considered a "business expense"? I think not. Something's a little funny there, my friends. Funny indeed.
But on the flipside, I don't want my kid idolizing Brats either. Sorry to state the obvious, but what an attitude problem! Tell me, who do you think is gonna give you some lip? Sweet little Strawberry? Or the Brat? I'll give you a hint. She's slathered on some lip gloss in preparation to run off at the mouth. Guess.
And hey- is the Brat giving me the hand? That little such-and-such! And it's clear that she just dissed Strawberry about her shoes. "Those boots are SO 1988. Pullease," she sneers.
Poor Strawberry.
Is it wrong to shake a doll, until, like, her head pops off? No? Fantastic.
Well, that's the minutia of the day. Fascinating material isn't it? I mean, doesn't that make you want to visit my blog every single day? I'm really quite surprised myself. I'm an endless fount of relevent, cutting edge, thought provoking material, yesiree!
Next post, something diff. Something dazzling. Something you absolutely don't want to miss.
Now I have to go. My atari hand is killing me.**
*This was just a joke. We used up all our Y2K supplies by 2002.
**This, sadly, is not a joke. I had an atari-related injury in the 4th grade that acts up in damp weather. Dang you, Frogger!!! I'll get you yet!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:16 AM | Comments (4)
August 25, 2004
The Cool Preschooler
Czarina, who will be four in a month, started school last week. I was probably more excited than she was about it, and I was dying for the details when I picked her up the first day. Unfortunately, information was not forthcoming. Instead, this is what I get.
Me: How was school sweetie?
Czarina: *blink blink*
Me: What did you do?
Czarina: um...nothing.
Me: Really? The whole time? You didn't do one single thing?
Czarina: I didn't.
Me (trying another tactic): What was your favorite part?
Czarina: poopy.
Me: Poopy? Poopy was your favorite part?
Czarina: yes ma'am. (hysterical giggle)
Me: I'll never know what you do in school, will I?
Czarina: poopy.
Ah, the joys of being (nearly) four, when "poopy" is the wittiest response to any question you don't feel like answering.
I talked to some of the other mothers, trying to find out what their kids learned, but they all just rolled their eyes and said, "All I could find out was poopy."
Yay. I can see that tuition money at work already.
*I will be posting pictures soon.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:06 AM | Comments (3)