July 21, 2009

Singing in the Rain

Rain again, second day in a row. A whole afternoon of it, delicious wet plops, more even than the dry, baked earth can soak up. There is plenty, a veritable feast of water, leaving big clear puddles in the yard. An oasis in the desert, and life answers the call. The grass is standing eagerly, a happy chorus of frogs chirp outside my window, birds and squirrels come out of their hiding places, our pet rabbit races around the yard, kicking up his heels... Rain, sweet rain! The sigh of relief is nearly audible, as thirsty plants, and parched animals, and desperate farmers, and dusty children, all lift their faces as the rain comes.

Something settles down in me. Something is right again, that was wrong. Some primitive need to know the rain is there, though we live a life of pipes and wells and water towers. Fill us up, lavishly fall in giant plops upon our head, baptize away the heat of the summer-- for there is no pool or tub or faucet that can rival God's own rain. It is tinged with the taste of Heaven.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:52 PM | Comments (3)

July 20, 2009

Little Dusty Around Here

Holy moly, it's been forever since I blogged! I've been neck-deep in summer activities, and just haven't had the time or energy to write. Summer is always light-blogging for me, what with all the comings and goings we do. It's been great so far-- the kids have had lots of fun activities, and we've done some good visiting with family and friends. It's hard to believe we're halfway through July already!

I am feeling much better these days, still have some lingering morning sickness, but it's manageable. Baby is growing just fine! I have a little bump that still constantly surprises me. I don't think it'll be real to me until this baby is actually HERE! We have a date for the gender ultrasound, Aug. 3. I'm really excited to know what this little one is! We don't usually find out, but this time, we need to know. If it's a girl, I have some physical preparation to do. I have NOTHING for a girl anymore. If it's a boy, then I have a bit of mental preparation ahead! Four boys! Oye vey! I'll be happy either way, but I'll be honest, I'd love to have a girl. I like the symmetry of girl, boy, boy, boy, girl. Nice and tidy. (Does this make me OCD?)

Anyway.

Besides that, not much else is on my mind these days. Looking ahead to the Fall, and schooling, and trying not to freak out about it. I told myself all last year that this coming year would be easier, because Chipmunk would be a year older, blah, blah, blah. Well, as we are counting down the days, I'm seeing that NOSIREE, this is not going to be easier. Chipmunk is one boisterous little dude. It's going to be hard to get anything done with his energy and noise level. I'm just now realizing the PROBLEM, and have not begun yet to think of a SOLUTION. I'm going to have to consult some other moms who have homeschooled large families. I know I can do this, I know it's possible, I just haven't figured out the how of it yet. It's not the teaching that scares me, it's the logistics of it all that get to me.

But, I'm trying not to let it overwhelm me. I'll get it sorted out, I suppose. One always does.

So, that's been it for me lately. I know it's fantastically boring-- which is why I haven't blogged about it. I'm just doing my thing, chugging along. I don't have much to contribute to the world at large, because my own little world requires quite a bit of me at the moment. When I'm pregnant, I just can't write. It's weird. It's like all the extra in me is being poured into this lil sprout. So, if you hear from me, it'll probably be sporadic, maybe a little blase, but, it is what it is, right? Seasons in life.

Okay, 'nuff for now. There's some chocolate in the freezer calling my name. Have a great week everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:16 AM | Comments (3)

July 9, 2009

Out and About

Hello from Summertime, USA! Once we all recovered from sicknesses, we went on with our plans for visiting. The weekend was spent in Monroe for the 4th- a fish fry, swimming, and sparklers. Then, Vicksburg, to see my new neice, eat lots of homegrown tomatos, and hang out with my folks. Tomorrow, we're in the final phase of our Get Around, with a quick trip to Mize, MS to visit my grandparents. We'll be back Sunday, in time for Girl Scout camp Monday, and VBS for the boys.

Whew!!!

Even though it sounds a little scattered, it's actually been fairly relaxing-- just visiting and taking it easy. It's good to see family! I'll admit, it will be nice to sleep in my own bed again though, when the time comes.

Nothing more to report- just wanted to pop in and say I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Just soaking in some summertime! Hope you are all as well!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:50 PM | Comments (2)

June 30, 2009

Being Green

but not in the good way.

I haven't written much lately, I know. I've just been feeling rather blah. This Friday, I'll be 14 weeks pregnant, and I'm really hoping that I'm going to start feeling more normal. Right now, I just have a very weak stomach. I can't eat much, or find the right things, or something. I don't know, it's not so much the nausea (although that does sneak up on me quite viciously at times), but it's more like you feel after you've gotten over a stomach virus. Sort of hungry, but you know nothing is going to settle right. Nothing really sounds good or tastes good. If I do manage to get something down, I almost immediately have heartburn.

So sad.

No, I'm not having a pity party, just reporting on my absence lately. A lot of the days, I'm just trying to make it through, and the other days, I'm too busy catching up! So, not much for blogging lately.

We've got plans to go out of town for July 4th-- but, the kids are all coming down with a fever virus. They feel pretty rotten, but no other symptoms, except the Duke complained that his tummy hurt. So, we definitely can't do anything until that's all cleared up. I can't bring any of them around the older folks in our family, or new baby Hazel! I'm hoping in a day or two we'll all be fit for company, and we can resume plans. Saturday, we're supposed to have a fish fry in Monroe, and I think I might cry if that falls through. But I cry about everything these days. I cried at Horton Hears a Who just today, when they stuffed poor Horton in the cage at the end. I couldn't stop myself! I cry, and then have to laugh at myself while I'm doing it.

I'm such a mess. This pregnancy has got me good. I don't know if it's because I'm 33, but I suspect that might have something to do with it. It's just not as easy on your body as you get older. You'd think, having done this a few times before would make it a breeze the FIFTH time around. But, I'm hanging on by a thread many a day. This is not me complaining!! Honestly, I'm just saying. It's all in perspective, I know it's temporary, it's worth it, all that. I wouldn't change it for anything. I'll just be glad to feel normal- to enjoy eating again.

Well, I'm out for the night. I've got to make rounds, check foreheads, kiss warm cheeks.

Goodnight, all. Hope you have a great week!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:09 PM | Comments (6)

June 21, 2009

Summer Saturdays

When we lived in Birmingham, we hiked a lot. It was our family past time, and we loved it! It was a great way to "commune with nature." Here in Louisiana, though... well, you don't hike voluntarily. It's hot, humid, the undergrowth is FULL of briars and snakes, and not to mention the mosquitos, which are often mistaken for BIRDS around here. You don't traipse around the Louisiana wilds unless Yankee troops are on your tail. Then, you 'git.

Sorry-- past life or something there.

Anyway, so, we've been missing our nature walks. However, we're recently discovered a new family activity, fishing! It's not as cardio-vascular as hiking, but you probably sweat off a pound or two in an afternoon. (A few more Saturdays, and I'll be back in my skinny jeans, pregnant or not!!) The kids are having a ball, and seem to have a lot of luck in the little pond near our house. King Pen has been busy baiting hooks and untangling lines for several Saturdays in a row now, and I do think he's a fishing convert as well.

The three oldest kids pile up in his old red Ford truck for the one minute drive to the pond, windows down, poles in the back. I follow with Chipmunk in the van so we can leave early if need be-- and here is what we do:

HeroBoy, waits patiently for his cork to bob:

Czarina with a tiny brim and a big smile:

The Duke and Chipmunk watch for turtles, or tadpoles, and amazingly, do not fall in (this time):

King Pen puts on another worm:

Chipmunk can't figure out why the fish aren't biting-- he IS wearing his fishing hat, after all:

And HeroBoy, still waits, loving every minute of it:

And me... well, I take the pictures. Although, I know what to do with a worm if King Pen's not around. I did grow up in the South, after all. But MY dad's truck was green.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:47 PM | Comments (6)

June 17, 2009

Oh Thank Goodness

The AC is repaired!! The guy made it by after hours, which I was sooooo grateful for. Honestly, I almost cried, I was so happy! Ah, hormones.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:54 PM | Comments (1)

Whining

Oh.
my.
stars.

It's so hot. Our AC has fritzed out, on possibly the hottest day of the summer so far. I can't think!! I can't move! I can't lift my pinky finger to do a single thing that needs doing.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:45 PM | Comments (0)

June 15, 2009

Ow

One of the less pleasant tasks of the day was to have my blood drawn at the doctor's office. I don't like it, but I usually handle it as well as anybody else. They find my veins right off, and just get straight to business. However, my arm has gotten increasingly sore throughout the day-- to the point where I can't bend or straighten it all the way, nor can I lift anything with my hand! What gives? I've never had that kind of reaction before, but I am in serious pain here! Did she hit a nerve? There is no evident bruising or swelling-- but this is just not normal. Anybody have a similar experience?

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:29 PM | Comments (3)

Seeing is Believing

So, finally, I saw a doctor today. Sitting in the waiting room as big bellies paraded past me, I felt incredibly out of place. I didn't realize how uncertain of this pregnancy I was until that moment. I began to think, I've just been fooling myself-- inventing symptoms-- 'cause there's no way I fit here.

At the moment of the ultrasound, I prepared myself to see an empty space. A black void, where a baby should be, but wasn't. Because, I've been there before-- expecting to see something, then not, and that is a cruel blow. Once that's happened, you're skittish. Spooked. So, I'm laying there with however much dignity one can gather up in a backless, paper gown-- and I hold my breath. Until, yes, there it is! A little human being. I am not crazy, I didn't convince myself of anything-- I really am, actually, truly, pregnant with my fifth child.

Whoa.

That's big potatoes, people. There's no denying it anymore-- life is about to change. Am I ready? Who is? I'm just trusting that God will provide us with everything we need to grow this way. Patience, fortitude, time, space, money... I'll admit, it's a little scary to me at this point. I don't want to get buried in the details of it, I know it'll all work out, so I don't think too hard on it. But there are moments, there are fears-- will I be enough? Can I stretch far enough to handle it all? I know I can't. But I do know that when I've reached as far as I can go, God goes the rest of the way. That's incredibly reassuring.

Well, that's it for now. I've got Monday to tend to. I'll be back tomorrow, because I've got plenty to write about-- I've just been holding off till this appointment was settled. Now, my brain is cleared up a bit, and I'm not in limbo anymore-- so let the writing begin!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:17 AM | Comments (8)

June 8, 2009

Back on Campus

If you think of it, please say a prayer today (and tomorrow morning) for King Pen. He's headed to LSU to take two parts of his licensing test. The section tomorrow is the most difficult- grading, and he's been studying for it for months. Many people don't pass their first time around, but he's determined (and a little stressed out.) The other part, which he takes this afternoon, is the plants section. He feels pretty good about that one, fortunately.

So, all prayers are appreciated! Specifically, you can pray for clarity, recollection, and timeliness for him. Each part is about five hours long, and that can be a little intense.

Once he's passed all five parts, he will be able to go into business for himself as a Landscape Architect. This has always been our ultimate goal, and to be at this stage of it is very exciting. We've still got a long way to go, but this is a major step in that direction.

Thanks! Hope you all have a happy week!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:46 AM | Comments (4)

May 28, 2009

Back in the Saddle Again

Whoops! I keep taking week long sabbaticals from writing, but it's entirely unintentional. We've been at my inlaws house for a few days, and they have dial-up, bless their hearts. So, instead of checking emails and blogging, I've spent my mornings sprawled out on the porch swing with a pillow, laying on my back, gazing up at the leaves shuddering on the branches. It's always breezy on the Brimberry, because they are surrounded by long cottonfields that don't block the wind. The kids played around, riding bikes or digging in the sandbox, and I just lay there, listening to the locusts and the birds and the rustling foliage. I could feel everything resetting within me. It's a delicious feeling.

We got back yesterday, because the Duke had an eye appointment. He didn't pass his eye exam at the pediatrician, so we figured he needed glasses. Yup. But only for reading, and working with things up close. He'll probably outgrow them before too long, but in the meantime, he's going to be TOO CUTE. I'll post a picture when they come in, so you can see my little scholar.

Coming up Saturday is HeroBoy's second to last soccer game. It's been a great season, lots of fun for us! My sister is coming in Friday to spend the night and see him play the next day.

So, today, that means putting the house back together! Yikes. It's a bit of a mess. Next week, the older three have vacation bible school, so I'm hoping to get some major organizing and cleaning done. I am so OVER the chaos, right now. I am in desperate need of a clean, orderly space!

Well, that brings you up on what we've been doing lately. Sorry I've been so out of pocket recently. I'm hoping things will settle back down into a routine (for a while anyway!) and I can pick up the pen again.

Have a good Thursday, everybody!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:08 AM | Comments (2)

May 13, 2009

Can't. Wake. Up.

Argh! This was one of those mornings when I had to fight my way to consciousness. Wading through that thick, syrupy sleepiness was a battle. As matter of fact, I got up and went on to make breakfast for the kids and get to my day, only to discover that I was STILL ASLEEP!! My brain out and out tricked me!! I couldn't believe my sneaky little body figured out a way to get a few more minutes of sleep, by constructing a dream that made me think I was awake. I don't know at what point I realized it, but I was appalled at the lengths my sly little self would go.

But, I'm well and truly awake now. (I think.)

So, an update on yesterday's post, my great uncle. He passed away quietly with his loved ones around him. My mom said that he opened his eyes at the end, and he was gazing off at something they couldn't see. His eyes got very wide, and then they closed, and he was gone. As my mother was telling me this, I was imagining that he must have been seeing his mother, my great grandmother Turnipseed (yes, that was her real name!!), who went to be with the Lord when I was four or five. Uncle Ben was always very child-like because of his Downs, and a reunion with his mother would be heaven indeed for him. As I was thinking all this, my mother went on to say all the same things. I rejoice for Uncle Ben today. Though his presence will be missed, we cannot help but marvel at the new body and the new mind he has at this moment-- what a homecoming!! What a glorious image of shedding this earthly form for the freedom of a perfect body in union with Christ.

So, we'll be traveling again this weekend for the funeral.

As for the rest of the week, there's school to do, some major cleaning projects, and generally trying to put things back to normal. It's been sort of chaotic lately. I need to get caught up on our regular stuff, so that I can get to the extra stuff. It's all piling up around me!!

Not much of a post today, I realize. Hopefully, this is one of those "extras" I can get to once I'm on task again with everything else.

Have a good day, everybody. Thanks for your prayers yesterday.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:34 AM | Comments (2)

May 11, 2009

Returning

Shhhh... the kids don't know I'm up yet. Be vewy quite.

So, Monday. I'm actually pretty glad to see it. Routine, order, all the things that make happy little Virgos. The last few weeks have been very chaotic, and I'm ready to get back to normal! We're not finished with school- actually, we'll be going through the summer on some subjects. I am afraid if I stop with HeroBoy, he'll lose his reading. And Czarina's math just moves too fast, so we've had to slow our pace down, spread it out some. Plus, it helps to have something to do in the day.

Aw shucks, they found me. Breakfast orders have been placed, so I suppose I should skedaddle. Have a good day, everybody! I'll try to finish up a decent post in a spare moment of the day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:28 AM | Comments (0)

May 8, 2009

Skipping the Coffee, Going Straight for the Catch-Up

Morning, everyone!

It's Friday- whoohoo! The end of a very strange week for us. Last Sunday, we had a nasty storm come in and it snapped the top of a tree off in our backyard. It fell over the powerline (and the trampoline!!) We had been planning to leave that afternoon for Monroe, so packing in the dark yielded some interesting outfits!

Anyway, we stayed in Monroe one night, and then in Vicksburg till Thursday, then back to Monroe for a few hours to deliver a Mother's Day gift. We made it back in time for HeroBoy's soccer practice yesterday, which he got sick halfway through and we left early. But, on our way, King Pen called to say his truck had broken down, so we had to fetch him.

!!!!

And to top off this weird, chaotic week, Czarina and I are going on a brownie field trip Saturday morning at 3:30 A.M! Yikes! We're going to Dallas to see the King Tut exhibit and the Dallas zoo. We'll be back around midnight Saturday.

So, with HeroBoy-- I don't know what his deal was. He had a lowgrade fever and stomach pain. But nothing else! I'm wondering if this is related to the rash Chipmunk showed up with a few days ago. We seem to come down with roseola or fifth disease or something like that every six months or so. Anyway, add that to all the confusion of the week! (And, by the way, sorry to anybody we may have exposed along the way! I sincerely hope we didn't get anybody sick.)

It was a good week, we did some nice visiting. I saw Ashley and Adler, Laura and Gus, my Aunt Dianna, Brittany in from Atlanta, my parents, King Pen's parents, and visited with my grandmother who is in the hospital.

It was a full week, but I'm glad to be home again. It's not easy to be on the road with four kids! Everybody does great, and I'm always happy to make these trips to see family, but it does take a lot out of me. It's nice to drive up to our house, and know that I'm going to be sleeping in my own bed that night. Lovely.

Well, that's a rundown of our week. Sorry for being a lame blogger lately. Sometimes, I can't believe I let so much time pass between posts, but it's unavoidable. Life right now just doesn't let me look away, you know? It requires all of my attention these days, and I just have to go with that and blog when I can.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I'll take lots of pictures during our Brownie trip, and try to post Monday.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:11 AM | Comments (0)

April 18, 2009

Day's End

A full Saturday draws to a close. HeroBoy's first soccer game was rained out, but we still did the team pictures today. After that, a trip to Wal-Mart, early enough in the day to avoid the Saturday crowd, and back home again to clean and cook. Neighbors joined us for a dinner of grilled tilapia, wild rice, and sugar snap peas. Coffee and lemon bars to top off the evening. Kids played, adults talked, everybody laughed and enjoyed themselves.

Now, red beans and rice simmers in the crockpot for tomorrow, my house is spectacularly clean, and I am plum tuckered out.

It was a very, very good day. A day at home, a day of labor, a day things got done that needed doing. But also... a night to enjoy the fruits of my effort, a night with friends and food and lovely candles burning on the mantel.

And the best part, oh the best part, is my soft bed that waits at the end of it all. Eight hundred thread count, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, the biggest personal indulgence of my life, just waiting for little old me.

Have a blessed Sunday, friends. Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:45 PM | Comments (1)

April 3, 2009

My Ladies

While in Atlanta visiting my sister Britt, she planned a surprise for us. A photo session with her friend, Heidi, who works with Our Labor Of Love. She's a pretty cool girl, and is out to get shots that are interesting and quirky. You can definitely tell that by the sample of work on her blog. She did a fantastic job of putting us at ease, and we spent the whole time laughing and carrying on. We went to some neat sites around town, and she got a lot of beautiful, artistic, whimsical shots. Here's a short slide show, with some highlights of the shoot. I'll try to put up some more as they become available to me.

If you're in the ATL area and need a photographer, seriously consider this gal. She's great! She really captured the relationship between us, and I'll treasure these photos forever. Love my ladies.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:35 PM | Comments (4)

March 30, 2009

Let's Have Our Monday Meeting

Good day, everybody! Seriously, good day. It is, isn't it? Even for a Monday, you can't help but fall in love with weather like this. It's bright and green, breezy, sunshiney. Perfect.

I've put my favorite Spring skirt on, flipflops, and a tanktop. It's my official Welcome to Spring uniform. I sometimes put it on too early, but this time, I'm optimistic. Surely this weather will stick? I even packed the heaviest jackets up today, and if I have to get them out again, I'll be surprised. And a little mad. Still, though, even if I do, I'm going to enjoy this balmy, lively weather while I can. The kids are down at the creek for a little before school fun, and I'm taking a moment to catch my breath.

It seems like forever since I've blogged. It's been a crazy busy month, running all over the place. Thankfully, we had a lowkey weekend, since we were still getting over the last dredges of illness. It was restful, and everyone is well now. (thank goodness!!)

Friday night, Czarina had her Girl Scout sleepover, and it went off without a hitch.

It's the first time she's spent a night with anybody besides family. I wasn't sure how she would do, but I shouldn't have wasted time worrying. She was awesome. She had her best bud, Tori, with her, and she couldn't get rid of me fast enough!

As hard as it is sometimes to see her growing, I am also so glad she's having these moments in her life. They are joyful to me, in a whole new way.

Anyway, besides that, the weekend was uneventful. King Pen was under the weather, so we laid low. He was better by Sunday, so we did steaks on the grill and had a lazy afternoon. Good thing, 'cause it's going to be a busy week.

We have tons of school to make up from Spring break and our sick days. It's a little overwhelming, but we'll get there.

HeroBoy has his first soccer practice Thursday. How excited am I? I can't wait. You all know I'm not a big sports person, but I come from a family that loves them. So, I'm used to sitting in stands, cheering-- and I cannot WAIT to see HeroBoy out there, doing his thing. I know how much he's going to love it, and it feels great to nurture that in him. We're doing Upwards soccer, which is a Christian program than encourages players to have strong values and positive team attitudes. I think they even do some scripture memorization. The season isn't too long, and they don't practice or play on Sundays, so it will be a nice introduction into the sports world for us. They're called The Little Flashes, and I'm sure that's all he'll be out there, just a flash of color.

What else? Oh, on Saturday, we are attending a crawfish boil with King Pen's friends from LSU. Now, that's something to be excited about! Yum, and fun! It's not far from Baton Rouge, so I'm thinking, maybe we'll stay overnight and visit our old church friends there on Sunday. (This is news to King Pen-- sorry dear, it just came to me this morning! Whatcha think?) I haven't seen Debby or Ann or any of those guys in three years. Well past time to visit!!

Okie dokie, artichokie. That brings you up to date. I'm way behind on the day, so I better get to it. Have a lovely Monday, folks, and I'll catch up with you later. I still plan to write about my Atlanta trip, just want to sit and do it justice when I have enough time. Stay with me, it's good.

PS: I just noticed, if you scroll up and down between that last picture of Czarina and the one below of me with my new haircut, we really look quite a bit alike. She's got my smile! :)

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:03 PM | Comments (4)

March 27, 2009

Difference Between Mostly Dead and All Dead

It turns out, I was only mostly dead. I have made a full, miraculous recovery! (Now we can go save the Princess and kill the six fingered man who murdered our father.)

I'm telling you, though, that was rough. Being mostly dead bites. But, thank goodness, I woke up this morning on the right side of the living. I'm SO incredibly happy to be well again. I don't think I've ever been so grateful to be over a virus.

King Pen did an excellent job of taking care of things around here while I was down (he took off a day, bless him). Honestly, he's got it all together as my significant other. Couldn't ask for any better!! I've got me a Real Man, for sure.

More blogging later, but now I've got to put life to rights around here. The house is in order, but I haven't even unpacked everything from our trip yet!

Oh, before I go: Czarina has her very first SLEEPOVER tonight. It's a brownie activity, and her best friend, Tori will be there, so I'm not too worried about her getting homesick. It's just ME I'm worried about. I can't believe my girl is big enough for a sleepover!

Okay, I'm out. Have a happy, HEALTHY weekend everybody!!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:11 AM | Comments (1)

March 25, 2009

How Goes the War?

Alas, the Duke has fallen. On a positive note, he does seem to be able to aim for the bucket more than I expected. Czarina and HeroBoy are better. I fully expect Chipmunk to join the ranks soon, though.

I really hope it doesn't work it's way UP. Wah.

PS. I typed this is .06 seconds flat. Now I'll be running back to man the bucket.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:23 AM | Comments (0)

March 21, 2009

Salut

Hello from a coffeeshop in Atlanta! I am sipping a nice, hot cuppa, and feeling like quite the hipster in my new Betty Page-ish haircut, and wifi know how. (If you saw me, you would laugh, because I am country mouse come to the city, indeed. Obvious as can be.)

Anyway, we're off to Ikea, where we'll shop and eat meatballs and wonder if there's anyway we could squeeze this or that into my mom's Commander.

It's all quite wonderful.

Well, the girls are a-calling. Off we go! Have a great weekend, friends. Wish you were here!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:13 AM | Comments (6)

March 17, 2009

Pinch Me

'Cause I must be dreaming. Is that the sun shining this St. Patrick's Day? It's been rainy and dismal for days and days, and sunshine is a welcome change. Today, we'll go to the park, get some new tires on my mom's car (for our Atlanta drive coming up), and have a movie afternoon at Ashley's house, in her totally awesome media room. It's gonna be great. And, it means we're also one day closer to Friday, one day closer to Ikea, to fabulous haircuts, to little sisters in big cities. Can't wait.

I am scooting out now, to go put something green on. I have fended off pinches with my green eyes, but I am not sure that will fly much longer.

Happy St. Patrick's day, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:33 AM | Comments (1)

March 12, 2009

Jokes and a Secret

I want you to have a good day today. So, let's start it off with a couple Chuck Norris jokes.

When the Boogie Man goes to sleep every night, he checks under his bed for Chuck Norris.

If you spell "Chuck Norris" in Scrabble, you win. Forever.

Chuck Norris's tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.

Chuck Norris isn't funny. Stop laughing.

There we go, that was a good start! And so next, my secret. This one is for the ladies. I am going to share a beauty tip that has transformed my skin, and I am NOT exaggerating. It's actually my aunt's secret, and I wrangled it out of her. She has perfect skin, amazing, soft, dewy, translucent skin. It's a very compelling sales pitch for the product she uses. It's called Enfuselle, by Shaklee. It's kind of expensive, but I wanted to try it for myself, so I splurged. I'm using the A.M. Repair, and let me tell you, the results are incredible!! I have NEVER used anything before that has made such a huge difference. It wasn't even like I had bad skin, I'm not prone to blemishes or too obvious wrinkles. But, once I started using it, I realized how KICKING my skin could be. It's, dare I say it, actually pretty beautiful these days? My skin looks vibrant, healthy, and it's nearly effortless on my part. (Feel free to comment upon it next time you see me, so I'll know it's money well spent. Ha.)

Oh, you insist on evidence, huh? Okay.

See? I'm smiley and happy, and I have devious eyebrows. Can't get more proof than that! (Honestly, excuse the slightly crazy expression. I'm normally much more serene. And in no way sarcastic.)

Anyway, that's my secret. If you want to try the Enfuselle, please contact my aunt. She sells it, but that is NOT what this is about, I promise. I'm not trying to drum her up some business. This is just girl to girl, sharing something that really works. I am seldom so impressed with a product that I actually have to write about it, but this definitely needs passing along. You won't regret it.

Mkay, friends. We have story time at the library today, and a used homeschool book sale, and Girl Scout meeting, AND a mom's night out tonight. So, I gotta move my tush. Hope you all have a good day, and I'll check in with ya later.

Oh... before I go. If you use a product of any kind that you really believe in, truly endorse with all your heart, post it!!! I'd love to hear what you're using that really works.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:18 AM | Comments (11)

March 6, 2009

Where Have All the Curls Gone?

The boys all got haircuts yesterday. HeroBoy got the pre-summer buzz-- not quite a buzz, but real tight! The Duke got his curls curtailed. His is a little longer, but nice and sharp looking. And Chipmunk, well, that poor baby got shorn like a sheep. The lady just kept cutting and cutting, and before I knew it, it was all gone.

-Sniff-

Now, you know, we are not a long-hair-on-boys kind of family. Sometimes we let the curls grow out a little, but we like them to look like little men. But I have to admit, I wasn't ready for the big boy haircut on little Chipmunk. I suppose having it coincide with his second birthday was just a bit overwhelming for me. He looks cute, he looks like a little soldier. But I'm used to his magic curls, and I miss them. I'm not ready, I'm not ready, I'm not ready....

It's become a mantra lately, with all of them.

You really can't think about it. You have to cloak yourself in denial or distract yourself with busyness, because if you stop for a minute and think about what's happening--- it hurts! Ouch! Double ouch! Owie, owie! Blow on it or something!!!

I suppose this REALLY obvious and unavoidable signal that my youngest is getting BIG, is an inescapable reminder of what I'm not ready to admit. My babies are growing, right before my eyes. My babies are almost not babies anymore.

Wahhhhhh!!

Okay, I'm stopping. Back to denial. This post never happened. I'm not crying, why would I be crying? (Defense mechanisms fully in place.)

I'll take a picture of them with their new 'dos later, so we can "not" weep together.

PS. We're celebrating Chipmunk's birthday this weekend, and I'll post about that, too.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:01 AM | Comments (4)

March 4, 2009

Upcoming

In a few weeks, I am headed to Atlanta with my sister Ashley and my mom, to visit my youngest sister, Brittany, and of course, my Aunt Vickie. We're leaving on a Friday, and we'll stay until Monday. My mother-in-law, God bless her, is watching the kids on the days that King Pen is working. (And may I take a moment here, to say THANK YOU to my wonderful husband, and his amazing mother for giving me these days all to myself. I really, really, appreciate it. Now, on with the post!)

I
am
totally
freaking
excited.

Seriously, I get a little high just thinking about it. For one, we're going to Ikea. (And you all know how I feel about that store.) Plus, we're going out, in our grown-up clothes (and kickin' shoes), with no diaper bags, on a nap-free schedule! (Unless Ashley needs a little preggo nap. She might get grumpy without one.) We're going to have a constant stream of Girl Talk. Uninterrupted. Unapologetic. UnEDITED. Nice.

I'm getting my hair cut by the premiere hair stylist of Atlanta.
There's a surprise planned somewhere in the weekend for us.
We're sight-seeing, window-shopping, girl-talking, city-living, for three glorious days.

As thrilled as I am to have a vacation, a break from the kids, a trip to the city, and a chance to shop at my favorite places--- it's not really about that. It's that I get to spend time with my two sisters and my mother- my three best friends. We won't be connected by cellphones or emails or facebook for three whole days-- we'll be together, at this intersection of four busy lives, for a little while. We spend so much of our time now just telling each other what we've been doing. It will be nice, just for a little while, to share in the doing. Spending time with them is like carbonation-- they are fizzy and refreshing, and make you go "aaahhhhhh." It's having a coke, a good, icy kind of coke with a real bite to it, after you haven't had one for a really, really long time. That's what being with them feels like to me.

Plus.
Ikea.

Rockin' trip.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:07 PM | Comments (5)

March 2, 2009

See Them, Love Them

Since Denise asked, here are the two pairs of shoes currently residing in my heart. Tell me you don't love them. I dare ya.

They are so marvelous, I have to wear one of each when I go out.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:49 AM | Comments (6)

February 28, 2009

I-shop

People, I have fallen in love with shoes. Hard, Baby, like a punch to the heart.

I don't know what happened, I suppose some of the blame belongs to What Not to Wear, which has revived my interest in fashion. I just realized, I've been walking around like a candidate for that show (poor, unknowing fashion victims are given a surprise makeover. It's a totally gratifying hour of tv watching, trust me!) So, this show helped me realize, my clothes were boring me to death. Seriously, they were launching an organized attack on my inner fashionista.

There was no pleasure in dressing, just putting on my "mom uniform" of jeans that were a little too snug for comfort (ah, denial!!) and the same long sleeve cotton shirt from Old Navy in a million different boring colors. Not a print or collar for miles. And, the tennis shoes, which I was practically sleeping in. Snore. It's understandable that it had come to this, staying at home with the kids requires a particular, basic kind of outfit. But that had turned into ALL I had, ALL I wore, ALL the time.

And suddenly, fashion has slapped me upside the head. Wake up! Check out the awesomeness! I don't know how it found me, or what I did to provoke the wake up call, but I'm loving it. This is HUGE, folks. I've never been a shoppy kind of girl. But, things have a-changed. I could shop till the cows come home. Or actually, I could go out looking for those cows, and end up with a nice leather bag at the end of the day. That's how bad this is.

But back to the shoes.... merciful stars! Who knew there were so many fabulous, adorable kinds of shoes out there? Where have I been for the last decade? How could I possibly love a pair of shoes so much, that I just want to spend time with them, get to know them, give them names, and little pats on the toes?

Something's wrong with me.

Anyway.

That's it, all I got tonight. It's been a long hard day (of shopping) and my darling shoes and I have to get up early tomorrow for church. I'd end with a "ta-ta", but I think that would be overkill. I'm not that far gone... yet.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:55 PM | Comments (5)

February 18, 2009

My TV is Overly Opinionated

So, we have digital cable. (I know, we're high rollers. Don't be jealous.)

I have a love/hate relationship with the info button. You press it, and a quick synopsis of the show will pop up. Well, I don't know who's in charge of writing these things, but they are actually a little heavy on the editorial. If they don't like it, they call it straight out. They'll define a show as a "soggy romance", a "mediocre sitcom", a "boring documentary", or a "feeble attempt by director So and So". No kidding. I'm like, I'm not paying you for your opinion here, folks. Just give me the facts. And yet, I can't seem to stop pressing the thing to see what They (those mysterious powers that be) think of it! Fiends!

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:19 PM | Comments (0)

February 15, 2009

I Love You, Now Please Pass The Bucket.

So, guess what Cupid brought to our house for Valentine's Day?

Germs.

Nice chap, that Cupid. Czarina came down with a stomach bug, but it seems to be a 24 hour thing. She's improving, fortunately. She gets so pitiful when she's sick. :( Now, we wait to see who drops next! My money is on HeroBoy, because he's currently laying on the floor doing nothing. That is NOT a good sign. He doesn't ever do NOTHING.

Anyway, don't count on seeing me 'round the internets for a day or two or twenty. I'll be manning the spit-up bucket, and believe me, that's a job that requires diligence. Do NOT fall down on that job.

Hope you all had a great (read better) weekend than moi. (Except for the first part of Saturday, which totally rocked because King Pen sent me out for some ME time!! I went shopping, and it was fantastic. I am no longer ashamed to be seen in public.)

Okay, I'm out! If you don't hear from me in a week, then somebody please come to my house. Consider it an SOS.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:44 PM | Comments (0)

February 13, 2009

Hitting the Pause, for a minute, anyway.

Good morning, world! How are you all today? (I'll wait while all 6.8 billion of you reply.)

Things are off to a good start over here. It's raining, and I'm still in my pajamas. The boys are watching a Bionicle cartoon, Czarina is reading. There are tons of things to do, but they'll all get done eventually. It's Friday, and I'm in love with the day.

We've been incredibly busy this week. It's been productive, exhausting, a little bit stressful. I have gone to sleep early a lot this week, just plum tuckered out. We've been hitting it hard-- trying to do all the extras that need doing-- and I am here to say, in case you didn't know, life with four kids is a lot of work! Squeezing in quality time with all four of them, reading books, snuggling, extra activities-- not to mention schooling and just FEEDING and CLOTHING them... it's nonstop. It gets done, but there is just nothing left over of me at the end of the day. I am not sure how to change that, but I do realize, I need some balance in my life. I'm working on it, a little bit at a time. One of the things I'm doing, (which is probably contributing to my tiredness at the end of the day!) is that I'm getting up before King Pen leaves for work, and going walking/running. The kids are still sleeping, it's dark outside, and I kind of hate it, but I'm there. I actually did enjoy it yesterday, for the first time. So, maybe I'm coming around the corner with it! Though I'm struggling to enjoy it, I am glad to be doing it. I know it's important, so I'll keep up with it, even though I miss those extra hours of sleep.

Another thing I'm doing, trying to nurture some budding friendships here in Pineville. It's not easy, you know, when you have so little free time. I want to be selfish with it- I want to hide out in the quiet spots of the day! But, no man is an island, right? So, I'm reaching out a little more. It's a good thing. I'm always happy afterwards that I've picked up the phone, or had that extra conversation with the neighbor.

Our church situation is possibly near resolution. It's been over a year, and we have bounced all over the place trying to find a church home. We'll go to a place for several months, only to discover that there is some serious issue that prevents us from settling down there. I would question if it was US, and not the CHURCH, but in my heart I know, we are desperate for a church, but we've just had a string of bad luck. I think, though, that we're about to exhaust all our options, and we'll have to make a decision once and for all. I welcome it really- I'm tired of being a visitor. We've done that for a year, and it's taking a toll on me. On our family. I can say though, that it's given me a sincere appreciation for what it means to be a member of a church. I can't wait for that! It's not something I will take for granted again.

Okay, I didn't mean this to turn into a marathon update, but I meandered into it. I suppose I must rally to the morning, and get busy. Unpause, get back in the game. I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine weekend! What a good day to count the blessings in our life-- any man with love is rich indeed. XXXs and OOOs, my dearies.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:17 AM | Comments (1)

February 4, 2009

Unwelcome Advice

HeroBoy is incredibly susceptible to marketing campaigns. Any commercial that stays on long enough is sure to convince him that WE MUST HAVE THAT THING. He is constantly telling me that I need to try out those new space bags, or that vacuum cleaner, that electric omelet cooker thing, or a Shamwow. He's told my grandmother that she should look into getting a Life Alert. (which was actually pretty decent advice.)

However, it ceased to be cute with his latest recommendation. The Body Fat Burning Pill.

Nice, HeroBoy. Verra smooth.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:00 PM | Comments (0)

Feel the Burn

Oh man. I am NOT an aerobics girl at 6:15 a.m. Nope. Nuh-uh.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)

January 8, 2009

Sicko

Laid up on the couch, watching movies and drinking Sunny Delight. That's me. I have been fighting off a bug all week, and it finally got the best of me last night. I'll be back when I'm not germy and grumpy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:08 PM | Comments (0)

January 6, 2009

God's Kind of Love

Okay, so I'm gonna get to all that housework, I am.

But last night, as I lay in bed trying to fall asleep, I "reread" a book in my mind that I read over the holidays, and I just had to tell you about it while I drink my coffee. I was home sick with the Duke on the Sunday after Christmas at my in-laws house, and I picked up this book of my mother-in-law's. It's called Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers.

This novel is a stunning retelling of the Bible story of Hosea and Gomer. You know that one? God tells Hosea, a prophet, to marry Gomer, a "not-so-former" prostitute. Their story is wrenching, as Gomer betrays Hosea over and over, but he doesn't give up on her. It is the picture of our relationship with God, how faithless and fickle we, His bride, can be. And yet, His love is unchanging, forgiving, reaching us even when we've turned away from Him. God keeps His promises, His vows, even as we are breaking ours. (I won't tell you how that story ends, because I don't want to spoil the retelling!)

So, with that Bible story as the basis for this book, we meet Michael Hosea, a farmer in California during the Gold Rush.

"Michael Hosea was a quiet man, but there wasn't anything soft about him. There was something in his look that made men treat him with respect. It wasn't just his height or the strength of his body, which were both impressive enough. It was the clear steadiness of his gaze. He knew what he was about even if the rest of the world didn't."

And Sarah, his Gomer, his tragic, fallen bride. Complicated, confused, she just can't be summed up in a single quote. This whole book is an unfolding of her tale, and I will leave it to you. I'll give you her description of the town they live in, though, as a sample of Ms. River's stellar literary skill.

"Pair-a-Dice lay in the Mother Lode of California. It was the worst place she could have imagined, a shanty town of golden dreams built out of rotting sails from abandoned ships; a camp inhabited by outcasts and aristocrats, the displaced and dispossessed, the once-pampered and now-profane canvas-roofed bars and gambling houses lined mean streets ruled by unmasked depravity and greed, loneliness and grand illusions. Pair-a-Dice was wild jubilation. It wed black despair with fear and the foul taste of failure."

It has all the elements of a pioneer tale, you know- that "something special" that made us all love "Sarah Plain and Tall"? But, it also has the depth and suspense of a gritty reality, as we learn how Sarah came to be in such a place of desperation, of darkness. The dramatic scenes are tastefully written, but still powerful and intense. And woven throughout the whole book is a message of hope, of forgiveness, of redemption--- that universal theme in our lives. When I finished this novel, I couldn't help but marvel at how much God loves me. And yet, I didn't feel like Francine Rivers was forcing it on me. She didn't have to-- because Truth is just there. She let the story tell itself.

A book that does all that, definitely deserves passing along. A book that makes you think, that makes you feel, that makes you meditate on God's goodness, is a book worth reading.

So, that's my two cents for the morning. Now, done with my coffee, the day awaits.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:24 AM | Comments (3)

January 5, 2009

Don't Look At My Brain

So, here's the perfect opportunity to blog, and I am EMPTY. I have been cleaning and organizing like a fiend, and my brain is goo. Good thing you can't see it, 'cause I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty.

Unfortunately, I really only got about halfway through the whole House Overhaul, so tomorrow will probably be a repeat of today! Including, I'm sure, the goo brain. It doesn't make for good writing.

Wednesday, though, looks like prime blogging time! So, hang in, dear friends, I'm a-coming.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:17 PM | Comments (2)

January 4, 2009

Homecoming

Yesterday.

That's when we got home from our Christmas traveling, I kid you not. There are hundreds of thousands of boxes and bags and suitcases to unpack (oh, how I wish this was an exaggeration!), so that will be my Monday. I'll take a break and blog, though, so catch me tomorrow, mkay?

Hope you all had as wonderful a holiday as we did!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:15 PM | Comments (0)

December 22, 2008

Full Bellies, Full Hearts

I like everything to be an occasion, marked by some significant element. This is our first Christmas Eve at home, believe it or not- and I'm thrilled! It changes the holiday completely for us. Anyway, since we'll be here, we will be making our own traditions as a family. Deciding what those will be is exciting, even down to the meal planning.

This is the perfect time of the year to make memories. People are baking cookies and building gingerbread houses, it's a memory-making extravaganza. And I'm no different. I see these moments as an opportunity to build a gift for my children. I want the things they taste and smell and hear all throughout their life to bring back a good memory of something in our home. I want them to say, "Oh, remember having hot cocoa as we decorated our Christmas tree?"? Or, "Remember singing the 12 days of Christmas with all our cousins?" Whatever the memories will be, we're building them now, and it's important to make an effort to create good ones for them. When they are grown, I want it to be nearly impossible for them to be sad at this time of the year, because they have a million wonderful feelings associated with it. I want them to celebrate because they can't help themselves, because they have a lifetime habit of being joyful. At Christmas, but in the every day, too. It's my goal as a mother, and sometimes I am good at it, and sometimes not. At Christmas, it's easy. It's easy to stitch together wonderful days, because it is a wonderful season.

Anyway, all that to say, I am going to make some delicious meat pies for our Christmas Eve dinner. I hope it will become a tradition, and that mouth-watering smell will fill the kitchen every year. I hope it settles into them, that warm cozy scent, and always reminds them of home and love and happy times.

I am using a recipe from Natchitoches, which is famous for it's meat pies at Christmas. (I'm nothing if not original, eh?)

Wishing you all could be here with us...

Please, if you have a minute, do share your favorite holiday tradition. I would love to hear them.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:00 PM | Comments (6)

December 21, 2008

Thoughts of Christmas on a Cold Night

Cold knocks at the windows, but we don't let it in tonight. It is warm and cozy inside, because Christmas has come to our house. The tree winks in the corner, a lucky little pine tree that isn't out in the frigid night. We chose this tree from a Christmas tree farm, cut it ourselves, and brought it home, giddy all the way. Stockings hang on the mantle, empty but hopeful. Handmade paper garland and Christmas projects from the kids are scattered about the house. Popcorn and cranberries are strung on the tree, a white dove on the top as is our tradition, and of course the ugly cotton boll angel and the Christmas pickle hang from it's bows somewhere in there. Gingerbread houses, handmade gifts, candycanes, and wrapping paper rolls turned into swords. Christmas has come, indeed.

The whole house is warm and lovely, and feels "right".

But there's something else, something different this year, that has helped us have a richer, fuller holiday season than ever before. For this past month, we've been doing Advent lessons each night (missing a few here and there). We have worked our way through the Old Testament prophesies, the waiting, the hoping, the need... and now we're into the New Testament fullfillment, the coming of Christ, the great joy of His birth. We sing a song after the Scripture reading, O Come, O Come Emannuel, or Joy to the World, or O Little Town of Bethlehem. We have an advent wreath/ nativity scene, and each Sunday we light one of the tapered candles in it, concluding on Christmas Eve, with the final story of Christ's birth. The difference it has made in the kids is just amazing to me. They really "get it" this year- why we celebrate Christmas, where the joy of this season comes from. They have learned the songs, joined in the discussion about Christ's birth, and they always look forward to what the new candle might be. (Hope, Joy, and Love so far.) It's helped us to focus on, dare I say it--- the Reason for the Season? Catchphrase extraordinaire, the best ones are always the truest.

Anyway, I just wanted to share how we've been preparing for this great day, and how full my heart is of Christmas this year. As my children learn and understand more about what these days mean to us as Christians, I am also drawn back to that humble manger scene. I am drawn back to the greatest moment in history, the moment of God's greatest glory. Helping my children to focus on Him has helped me, too.

This year, the lights seem brighter. The songs are sweeter. The cocoa smoother, the tree prettier. Because everything about Christmas is more, when everything about Christmas is Him. I'm thanking God for refreshing my sight of Him, and I hope that you're tasting the joy of the season, too.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:32 PM | Comments (2)

December 18, 2008

They Don't Call Me Coach for Nothing

One week, people! Let's hustle, hustle hustle! Get the lead out! Let me see you wrap, bake, create, shop, decorate like you mean it! I wanna see those Santa hats on your heads, I want to hear jingle bell earrings and necklaces nonstop! Hang that mistletoe, don't forget your reindeer sweater, and for goodness sake, those cookies for Santa better be moist and delicious! It's crunch time, here's when it counts, here's what you've been working for, so let me see you Christmassing like the Whos in Whoville! I want you to eat, sleep, and BE Christmas. Dig deep, pull out holiday spirit you didn't even know you had!! Go, go go!!

(With seven days to go, I thought you could use a little hard core coaching encouragement from the sidelines. Go team you!!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:55 PM | Comments (5)

December 16, 2008

MIA

My poor blog. It's been so neglected lately.

I could say I've been busy, which would be true. Who's not at this time of the year? I could say I have a little blogger fatigue, which would be true. Who doesn't after a gazillion years of blogging? I could mention all the computer/internet problems we've had, which would be true. It's a royal pain in the neck, lemme tell ya.

All those excuses would fly, but the truth is, I've just been in some kind of stasis. I needed some space to get my head back together. After my miscarriage, it seemed like the best thing to do was withdraw a little bit and heal up some before jumping back into life. For the last two months, I've just kept myself to myself, and it was what I needed. I've written a little, here and there, but I haven't given over to it. I haven't dug down deep and shared myself in a long time on this blog. And, arg! I miss it. Don't think for a second I haven't!

I'm glad to say, though, that I'm ready to start writing again. I'm ready to be real again. I like having a place to be transparent, to share the highs and lows, to connect with people on a level that is kind of rare in my day. My relationship with the mailman can only go so far, ya know? He just doesn't have the time to commit to meaningful conversation that all you slackers out there do. Ha.

Anyway.

All that to say, sorry I've been MIA. I appreciate the two or three of you who didn't give up on me and remove me from your blogrolls altogether. You're the best! Thanks for hanging in there.

Okay, duties call. A dirty diaper waits for no man. (or blogger) I'll write again soon, I promise, and it'll be just like old times.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:59 PM | Comments (1)

December 2, 2008

Secure in His Masculinity

Little known fact about Raphael, the Teenage Mutant Turtle. Sometimes, he cruises around town in the Malibu Barbie convertible. Cause, ya know. A real man -er, turtle- isn't afraid of pink.

I wonder if Ken knows about this? I'm guessing, no.

(This post must be linked to this one, for the sake of a reoccuring theme in my household. Oh, those wild and crazy turtles in a half-shell!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:29 PM | Comments (2)

November 24, 2008

It's a Dear Blog Letter

Dear Blog,

We need to talk.

I'm uninspired.

And when I'm not busy being uninspired, I'm busy being busy. So, I know you're wondering what's up with me. The truth is, I need a break. Listen, it's not you, it's me. We're just going different directions in life, ya know? I mean, it's not like either one of us wanted anything serious here. Plus, this long distance thing, it's just tough.

We can still be friends, right? You're like a journal to me, you know.

I just want you to be happy. We'll talk again after Thanksgiving. Tell your mother hello for me, alright?

Love,
WonderGirl

PS... I really will be back 12/1-- just having computer problems and a hectic life right now. I'll misssssss you guys!! Have a happy Thanksgiving!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:40 AM | Comments (0)

November 20, 2008

Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Sorry I've been a bit absent lately, guys. I've had a sick crew over here, so I've been busy taking temperatures and changing cartoon dvds. In my nursing efforts, I've turned to a tried and true recipe for the best chicken and dumplings you've ever tasted. And, why yes, I'll be happy to share it!! It's honestly much easier to make your own dumplings than you think, and it tastes so much better. Don't be skurred. Just go for it.

This recipe comes from my dear friend Amy's family. Her mother made me a cookbook filled with recipes from my family, from King Pen's family, and some of their own personal favorites. It's the one wedding present that I have used a billion times, and added to many times over the years. I'd be lost without this cookbook!

Anyway, here it is:

2 chicken thighs or breasts- deboned and torn into bite sized pieces
2 1/4 cup All Purpose flour (NOT SELF RISING!!)
1/4 c shortening
1 tsp salt
ice water to make stiff dough
1 can chicken broth, or broth from boiled chicken (actually, I usually end up with 2 cans)
1/2 to 1 cup milk (evaporated will give a richer flavor)

Mix flour and salt, cut in shortening with fork. Add water a little at a time until stiff dough is formed. Roll onto floured surface until thin, cut into strips. Drop into boiling broth (big pot). Cook one minute, then add chicken and milk. Cook until thickened, stirring often, then salt and pepper to taste.

Now, as a side note, if at all possible, try cooking the chicken in a crockpot ahead of time, because it makes the meat sooo tender. I season my chicken with some mild spices, and then I also use the drippings in the broth. It makes a DIVINE dish, I promise. Plus, with your crockpot, you can prepare chicken for lots of dishes/casseroles and freeze it until you need it. This saves me a lot of time!

Okay, that's my post for today. Please don't nominate me for Most Boring Blogger Ever. That would hurt a little. Just remember the good old days, back when I used to be pretty interesting and thought provoking. (A couple kids back, I think, in case you're wondering where in the archives that is. Ha.)

Peace out, and happy eating.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:47 PM | Comments (5)

November 19, 2008

Don't Psychoanalyze That One.

Oh, my, gosh. What is wrong with me, that as I lay in bed trying to fall asleep, all I can think about are scenes from Erin Brocovich? That's just weird.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:23 AM | Comments (2)

November 16, 2008

Unexpected

Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. You just would not believe what happened Saturday afternoon. We were invited to an evening neighborhood barbeque (boy, was it FREEZING!!), and we'd been looking forward to it all week. There are not many children around, mostly retirees, so this was a good opportunity for us to network with some folks a few streets down.

Anyway, so we load up the kids, the er, homebaked brownies, and head across the foot bridge to the crowd. I'm mingling a little, watching the kids, warming myself by the fire, and a woman walks up to me and says in amazement, "WonderGirl?" To my utter astonishment, it's an old friend from college, Audrey. She was a fellow resident assistant in the dorms with me, a wonderful Christian girl who is one of the wittiest, sharpest people I've had the pleasure of knowing. I haven't seen her in twelve years, had no idea where she'd ended up or how life turned out for her. And here she is, MY NEIGHBOR. I can see her house from my front yard. Unbelievable. Just when I had resigned myself to the fact that there were NO friends to be had for me here, God plops one down right in front of me, all ready made. Not just in the same town, but within walking distance. How's that for provision? And of all the people He could bring back into my life, Audrey is one of the best. She's genuine, and instant-- she's never met a stranger. It was like I'd just seen her yesterday.

It blows my mind that in all the places she and I could end up in this world, we both live in a podunk little town in Louisiana, just yards apart. God is absolutely the author of this coincidence. I love it when He moves in big, obvious ways-- it's such a good reminder of His love and care for His people.

I cannot tell you how my heart soared to see a friend. I've been here for eleven months without one, and I had begun to despair. We hugged in disbelief, and joy, and it was a wonderful moment.

Of course, only minutes later, this beautiful moment was eclipsed by the site of my three year old peeing in the neighbor's front yard. Right by the tabled with all the food. Directly under the street light.

Sweet.

Life's full of the unexpected, huh?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:15 PM | Comments (7)

November 7, 2008

Christmas

So, that's my goal. That every gift I give this year be handmade-- not necessarily by ME, but people like me. It feels great! It's actually pretty liberating, and exciting. I'm going to have to really hunt to find the right things. I don't want to be a dork about it, ya know-- like, I know my dad doesn't want a knitted cozy for his coffee cup. It's going to be a stretch for some of the people on my list who are more electronically, gadgetly minded. But, I guarantee, there will be more thought put into these gifts than in something I grabbed in Target.

For the kids, this is a little tricky, though. There are some very particular kinds of toys they like, and I don't want to NOT get them... but they'll get that stuff from other people, right? I just don't want them to be disappointed. Maybe I could bend the rules a LITTLE bit for them. Or, maybe this would be the coolest year of gifts, one they never forget? Maybe I could leave the brand name toy givin' to Santa. Gotta mull this one over a bit.

Anyway, just thought I'd spread the Handmade Pledge around, encouraging you to try it also. In this economy, artisans and crafters, people just like you and me, could really use your support. Wal-Mart has enough of our money, yeah?

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:41 AM | Comments (3)

November 5, 2008

I Feel Cheated

Louisiana apparently doesn't budget for the the "I Voted" stickers. I have no proof that I fulfilled my civic duties yesterday.

So, what about my free stuff from Ben & Jerries, Chik-fil-A, Krispy Kreme, or Starbucks?

Oh, wait. I forget where I live for a minute. We don't have any of those, (except for Starbucks, conveniently located inside Kroger. And what atmosphere, let me tell ya.)

Too bad the Dollar General doesn't give away freebies for voters. You can't walk two blocks without tripping over another one of those.

OOOOh, wow, I'm kinda cantankerous today!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:54 AM | Comments (3)

November 3, 2008

The List

So, tomorrow's it. Finally! For a minute, let's all not care about who wins the presidency. I'm sick of it all, anyway, aren't you? Instead, let's talk about something that everybody wants us to forget. That monstrous bail-out package. The one that is growing uglier by the day.

When you go to the polls tomorrow, remember who voted YES to the bailout bill. Remember that the American public violently opposed this bill. Remember the massive negative response, the hundreds of thousands of calls, emails, and letters, even PROTESTS, to stop our representatives from voting for this travesty. Remember that we told them what we wanted, and these elected officials DID NOT LISTEN. These people who we elected to REPRESENT us, didn't do their job. They do not deserve reelection. I don't care if it means voting against your party--- this is too important. Vote third party, vote for the new guy, write in Mickey Mouse, whatever you need to do, but let's remove these people who failed us. When we lose our power as the people, then we have nothing. The government has everything. This is too important--- don't let it get lost in the all the hype over the presidential candidacy-- remember, and use your vote to send a message to Washington. For better or worse, they should have listened, even if they thought they knew better than the poor, ignorant masses. Freedom means the right to succeed, and the right to fail. Otherwise, it's not freedom at all.

Here's a list of who voted AYE, and who voted NAY. Use it, or we lose it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:12 PM | Comments (1)

October 27, 2008

Unnecessary Photo Documentation of What Came in the Mail Today

So, today I've got something going on with my throat. It's actually been bothering me for the last few mornings, and then finally today, it didn't get better as the day rolled on. It's gotten to the point where I'm better off not talking. So, I've been whispering, gesturing, and ignoring. (Ha.) It's remarkable how odd it has made the day, though. Very peculiar. I am not sure if I'm coming down with a viral sore throat or what (hopefully NOT strep?!) I've got a red, raw throat, and bumps, and my tongue feels really thick and tender. Lymph nodes are swollen as well, and there's no way I could eat anything. But I'm not coughing. So, I don't know. We'll see.

Oh, wait, you didn't want a complete, graphic rundown of my physical status? No pictures of the inside of my throat for your expert diagnosis? Fine then. I'll just move on to another, less gross, much more adorable, topic. How about what came in the mail today? (Oh, don't look so excited. You might hurt yourself!)

My wool felt: (look at all those pretty colors! Aren't they scrumptious?)

And my Softies book, which turned out to be a kit:

It's a box that opens up, with an instruction manual:

And then individual cards with instructions for each of the 15 projects:

It even included some wool felt, embroidery floss, stuffing, and patterns:

Doesn't it look fun? Don't you hope I'm making you one of these for Christmas? I mean, who doesn't want a cute little ice cream pie guy for the holidays?

As a matter of fact, some ice cream would be great on my throat right now. Watch out, little buddy.

Anyway.

That's enough rambling from here. Happy Monday, folks. Hope everybody has a good 'un.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:59 PM | Comments (5)

October 23, 2008

WWJD? Well, Not This.

A lot on my mind these days, and none of it fits nicely in a bullet point list.

Caught an HBO documentary the other day called "Taxi to the Dark Side". (Not to be confused with "Taxi Cab Confessions". Ew.) This show chronicled the events following 9/11 concerning US interrogation techniques at Abu Ghraib, Bagram and Guantanamo Bay. And basically, how we abandoned the Geneva Convention, and brutalized human beings until finally the Supreme Court stopped the madness. It wasn't until June of this year that the first detainee was granted habeas corpus rights.

I knew it was bad. I mean, I've seen those pictures, I've heard the stories. But, until I saw it all systematically laid out like that, it didn't really penetrate. I know there aren't many Bush supporters left out there-- he's made it VERY difficult to stay on that bandwagon, conservative or not. But if there are any of you out there, please understand that I am not trying to offend you. And if you want to defend him, then you're welcome to it. But what he did, what he allowed to happen to these people in custody of the US Government-- was wrong. Atrocious. And it's not just that he allowed it-- oh no, it wasn't that passive. He is the one, along with Donald Rumsfield, that pushed for less restraint in interrogations. He's the one that included waterboarding, something that the entire rest of the world considers torture. Not to mention the sexual abuse, the dehumanization, the physical and mental torture of these people.

I cannot understand how a man who calls himself Christian, perpetuated some of the greatest indignities and tortures inflicted on another human in our country's history. I simply cannot resolve it in my mind. I know how fearful a time it was, how desperate we were for information, how much we wanted to prevent another terrorist act. But even with all that, there has to be a line we won't cross, no matter what it costs us, especially those of us who call ourselves Christians. We abandoned the Geneva Convention, no small thing. It's a code that the whole world has agreed to abide by, because we are a civilized race. It upholds the value of life, all life, friend or foe! It says, there are certain atrocities NO human deserves, no matter what the situation, be he an ally or enemy. How quickly we tossed it aside, when it stood in our way. Where is the global tribunal? Why wasn't Bush held accountable for violating the G.C.?

It bears thinking, how far would we have gone to get the information we wanted? Under the whole mindset of that moment, why not bring in their families, and torture them, too? Their children, wives? That would have gotten them talking, don't ya think? Nothing was stopping us. We needed to protect ourselves. How much more would we have justified in order to protect American soil?

When Bush was finally ordered by the Supreme Court to reign it in, and told him he must abide by the Geneva Convention, he created a loophole for himself. He quickly passed legislation that said basically, "yes, but it will be according to my own interpretation of those edicts- oh, and while we're at it, I and those in my administration can't be charged with ANY WAR CRIMES now or in the future." He pardoned HIMSELF, people. No joke.

I don't think I am overly idealistic. I do not intend for known terrorists or enemy combatants to have a cozy little stay with us. I do not love terrorists, and I do not hate America. I am not being unpatriotic. And don't dare tell me to "love it or leave it" because that is in NO way the Biblical response to these kinds of issues! (grr!!) All that being said, I do understand the value of intelligence gained from those we've captured. But, there are other ways. Information given under duress is BAD info. It's unreliable, much of the time completely fabricated!

There are others ways, more cumbersome, lengthy methods, but they work better, and the info isn't tainted. It's a fact, one that John McCain, with his first hand experience, has testified to before Congress. Torture doesn't work.

But, say you've exhausted all the non-torture methods, and the info has dried up. Well, that's it. It ends there! There have to be principles we will not relinquish under any circumstance. It's awful, I know. I don't want another 9/11, and neither do you. But we do what we can, within the confines of our faith. We obey God's commandments, and we trust Him. And we must elect leaders who will do the same. The alternative, well- rebellion to God's commands only leads to one end. Death. If we turn away from Him, we turn towards destruction. Individually, and as a nation.

Anyway, I realize this is a random, depressing sort of rant. But it's been weighing on me, and I don't know what else to do with it but yell it out. Being a Christian doesn't mean you've got to be PollyAnna all the time. I do not feel defeated by the battles of this world, but I am affected by them. I grieve over them. I think we who cling to justice, which comes from God, ought to be keenly aware of injustice. It is why we are here, to be light in the darkness.

You can yell, too, if you want. Maybe if there are enough of us, and we're loud enough, then this sort of thing won't happen again in our lifetime. Maybe, if we all send our next president one of those bracelets with "WWJD?" printed on it, he'll look down at his wrist and notice it the next time legislation like this is handed to him.

Because Jesus Wouldn't Do That.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:08 PM | Comments (2)

October 17, 2008

Just for Joy

So, my Etsy store has been a little quiet lately. I've been doing some things by commission, so it's not exactly reflective of the amount of business I'm actually doing. But, still, it's slowed down some. Which is fine by me. I am realizing this will be more of a summer and holiday business, because schooling and mothering takes up a great deal of my day.

I've got some really lovely material waiting to be turned into slings, and I'm eager to see how they turn out. I've begun experimenting with different color palettes and ribbons and things on my tote bags. I even tried my hand at embroidery for the first time on a pillow for my mom's birthday. (It came out a bit childish, but she said she liked it. Just like that popsicle house I made her that time in Girl Scouts.) I have plans for some fall dresses for Czarina, some personalized gifts for Christmas, and some items for my own home. All these projects allow me to indulge my creative side and be practical at the same time. I'm glad for that. I'll take it where I can get it.

While there are lots of ideas churning around in my mind, and my hands are itching to get to them, I have to admit, there is one project that is solely, completely, just for fun. And it's the one I am most excited- no, I'm downright GIDDY about. And that is learning how to create things from wool felt. I ordered a multipack color set, and two books from Amazon about Japanese felting. Here's the kind of stuff I'm talking about:

Once I get the technique down, I know this is something I could really, really love. I'm sure I could sell them in some form or give them as gifts, but I have to confess that's not why I want to learn how to make them. I just want to because they are SO UNBELIEVABLY CUTE. There are endless possibilities to the cuteness.

And, folks, it's nice to do something just 'cause you want to. Not because you have to, need to, ought to, or anything else. Just for the joy of it. Simply for the pleasure it brings you. Just because it makes you smile.

We need some things in our life like that, don't you think? We need playfulness. We are so wrapped up in being efficient and sensible, which are not bad things... but not all of life is so practical. If we only let in the things that are functional, those things that pay for themselves or can be counted as sound investments of our time and money and attention... well, we miss out on so much. We need fanciful, quixotic things that serve no real purpose, except to lighten our spirits. There has to be a place within us, a small spot in the back, where we can give over to the whimsy of life.

I don't need this little owl in my life. He wouldn't save me time or money. I can't eat him, or wear him, or use him to clean something in my house. He is absolutely unnecessary in any practical sense.

But, I know I need him, for that very reason.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:28 PM | Comments (3)

October 15, 2008

I'd Rather Have Ice Cream

Fee-diddle.

I've been torn over this upcoming election ever since Ron Paul dropped out. In my perfect world, I'd proudly put a check by his name on the ballot. He is awesome.

But it ain't happening.

As a matter of fact, the whole idea of voting third party throws me off a bit. I'm uncertain about whether to vote ideologically, or realistically. Things will NEVER change, we'll ALWAYS have a two-party system, unless we are willing to "throw away" our vote on a third party. For a while anyway, until everybody sees that voting third party is a legitimate option and could actually work, and work BETTER.

Besides, the two parties we have are both a mess, with very little actual difference between them. Somebody told me once, the only difference between the Republican and Democratic parties is about sixty years. Today's Republican looks a lot like yesterday's Democrat. And neither one looks like ME.

Suffice it to say, voting for the lesser of two evils just isn't very appealing. But neither is the feeling that if my vote can possibly help keep somebody I dislike more out of office, then it would be a shame not to use it. In my mind, one candidate is preferable to the other... but not by a very big margin.

It's like having to choose between strawberry flavored crud and chocolate flavored crud. I mean, I like chocolate better, but still. It's crud. I'd rather have ice cream. Can I ask for that, even if I know I won't get it?

Please, opine. I won't bite. With the weeks dwindling away towards the election, I hate being this uncertain... so do share your thoughts!

Third party, or lesser of two evils?

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:03 PM | Comments (10)

October 14, 2008

Giving Your Life

This quote comes from Brandy, who scours the net for encouraging, uplifting words for moms. She is a master of finding just the right thing I need to hear on a particular day. I really love her blog. The quote originates from this site.

Once a lady went to visit her friend. During the visit the children of the friend entered the room and began to play with each other. As the lady and her friend visited, the lady turned to her friend and said eagerly and yet with evidently no thought of the meaning of her words: "Oh, I'd give my life to have such children." The mother replied with a subdued earnestness whose quiet told of the depth of experience out of which her words came: "That's exactly what it costs."

There is a cost of motherhood. And the price is no small sum. And if you are not willing to pay this price, no amount of encouragement about the joys of motherhood will satisfy.

But the price of motherhood is not fundamentally different from the price of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. In fact, Christian mothers see their duty as mothers flowing from their calling to Jesus Christ. And what is this cost?

Christian motherhood means dedicating your entire life in service of others. It means standing beside your husband, following him, and investing in the lives of children whom you hope will both survive you and surpass you. It means forgoing present satisfaction for eternal rewards. It means investing in the lives of others who may never fully appreciate your sacrifice or comprehend the depth of your love. And it means doing all these things, not because you will receive the praise of man -- for you will not -- but because God made you to be a woman and a mother, and there is great contentment in that biblical calling.

I appreciate these words-- in a way I couldn't before I had children. Oh, I knew, it would be hard, gross even at times (and boy was I right!!). But I had no idea of the spiritual excercise that motherhood truly is. It is the hardest thing I've ever done, because it requires me to battle my selfish nature every single day. There is no doubt, motherhood is a blessing, children are a gift from God. But beyond the tender moments, the Mother's Day cards and macaroni necklaces, the blessing can come in the form of potential, possibility. Motherhood presents constant opportunities to grow spiritually-- you are given daily, hourly chances to self-sacrifice and bear the fruits of the spirit (kindness, gentleness, self-control). Sometimes, I fail miserably-- I am so far from patience or meekness that it's sad. But the blessing continues, and I'll have another chance to work on that, in fifteen seconds flat.

I needed to be a mom. My soul needed it. God knew it, and gave me four amazing children who help me to work out my salvation every day. It's hard work, but everything that's worth something is. Motherhood costs a life, but it gives you one, too.

Anyway, just a few thoughts on a midmorning Tuesday. On to the day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:29 AM | Comments (2)

October 13, 2008

I Can't Think of a Non-Sacreligious Title

So I'll just post the pics.

Thanks to King Pen, I've now officially begun my collection of Santos. He spotted a bubble gum machine filled to the brim with Saints, half a buck each. Not the football team. Oh, no, this is much, much better. These are the actual, canonized saints of the church. In itty bitty collectible format.

And who can walk away from that, folks? Seriously? So, my sweet man dug two quarters out of his pocket, and brought me home some blog material. Boy, does he know the way to my heart! I've got my fingers crossed that he'll finish out the collection on Valentine's Day.

I started out big-- I got Mary. I know- you're jealous. Try not to be- that's a sin.

I'll try to recreate the moment for you. First, in the bubble. I wasn't sure what she was at first. The cloudy plastic is a veritable veil of mystery!

And here, liberated from her bubble prison! Oh the vision!

Up close, floating in a sea of white. And I just love a good pair of strong, stout hands on a woman!

It was a beautiful moment.

Next time, I'm hoping for the Virgin De Guadalupe. I hear they only made a limited number of those, though, so I'll try not to get my hopes up too high.

You can consider the above image my official Christmas list.

(That is, if I haven't jumped from the Nice List to the Naughty List with this post. I'll admit, it's borderline. But still. Hey, look! A bird! Over there!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:09 PM | Comments (5)

October 12, 2008

Gathered

I counted, there were twenty-seven.

That's how many people were in church today. For the last few weeks, we've been visiting a reformed Baptist church, tucked away in the country. A small, nearly impossible-to-catch sign points the way down a side road, where twenty-seven people gather on a good day to worship. Last Sunday, there were thirty-five gathered, and I overheard many amazed exclamations.

They meet in a trailer church (I didn't even know they made those but apparently they do) in a big pasture. The building is smaller than my house, and could use some loving touches, but for some reason, we are drawn to them. There is kindness there, and warmth, and people who are looking in the right direction. They don't have it all ironed out yet- they are not an established church on well-trod territory. They're still figuring out what they believe and how to express that in worship and daily life-- but they are seeking.

So, here we are, after ten months of searching ourselves, and we are starting to feel a peace about this place. It would be a completely different kind of church experience for us. We've been fortunate for our entire married life, to find churches on solid ground, ones that ministered to us and honestly, didn't need all that much in return. We've benefited from the hard work of others- those founding fathers who helped lay down the foundation of excellent churches. We've been so blessed to be a part of those congregations. It was especially helpful to me in those early years as I worked out what I believed, to be in churches with sound, steadfast teaching. But this, well this is very different. It's a fledgling body, just beginning to work out the mechanisms of reformed theology. I do not mean that in a condescending way at all- it's a beautiful thing! I am encouraged by them, by their belief that if they continue to study God's word, that He will lead them in the direction He wants them to go. How fertile a field they make themselves- how can we not want to be a part of that?

Today, there were indeed, only twenty seven. But a few weeks ago, there were only twenty one. God drew us there, six bodies that filled up a single pew. And I am certain, we are only one of many families to come-- because God blesses the willingness of His people.

We'll continue to pray about His direction in our life, but we both feel good about this church. Now that we're getting past the unknown visitor stage, we're hoping to learn more about them as a congregation and denomination... and maybe, God willing, we'll have found our church home.

S'good. Because the gypsy life... we'll, she's not for me. I just wanna go home.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:59 PM | Comments (1)

October 9, 2008

Refreshing.

HeroBoy, asking for a piece of the gum King Pen and I were chewing the other day, extolled the wonders of peppermint. "It makes your voice smell so good!" he said.

It certainly does.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:27 AM | Comments (1)

Costumology

Well, it's that time of year again. Whoohoo! Halloween! This year, Czarina wants to be a Chinese Fighting Girl (which I love). She's got an authentic outfit from her uncle picked up on his travels to China, and I'm going to maker her a mask. HeroBoy wants to be Darth Vader, despite never seeing a single Star Wars movie. The Duke wants to be Batman, which is cute and easy because we already have half of that costume floating around here somewhere. And Chipmunk is completely at my mercy. Haven't decided on him yet, but I'm feeling creative. I wanna have fun with his, before he insists on being SpiderMan or a Power Ranger.

And of course, there's MY costume. What to be, what to be?

We'll trick-or-treat (cause we do that) Friday night in Monroe with some cousins, and then on Saturday, attend an All-Saint's Day Country Fair. It's going to be a GREAT weekend! Oh how I love October!

So, costumes. What are your kids gonna be-- and will you dress up, too? Do tell!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:18 AM | Comments (9)

October 5, 2008

Remember This

Tonight, I try to memorize her voice. I etch the sweetness of her high pitched, little girl cadence into my mind as she reads aloud about a unicorn named Twilight who helps to rescue a kitten named Sparkle. And when it is my turn to read, and the kitten faces the dangers of a barn fire, I can feel her heart overcome with concern. And my own is overcome with who she is right now, right in this instant. She is unicorns and kittens and rainbows... it is funny and precious, and I want to remember it exactly as it is.

I open all my senses, making myself a blank slate for her to write upon. I will my mind to make a perfect memory of her, exactly as she is at this moment. Her still squeaky voice, her shiny curls clean from a bath, her long limbs with all the bumps and bruises of a tomboy, her nimble and elegant fingers fluttering the pages... I call upon everything in me, the billions of neurons hard at work, to make no mistakes in recording my child. Please, help me, I say. This is the most important job you have.

Because, I know, oh how I know. I will want this back.

As much as I look forward to in her life, as proud as I am to see her moving and growing... I will want this back. I know it in my bones, as you know it in yours.

It is this thought that has helped me reach a decision about whether to keep blogging or not. This blog is a lot of things, but it's most important function in my life is as a Keeper. This is where I hide my treasures. This is where I squirrel away the good things in life, building up a stash of all the things I'll want back.

So, I'll keep writing. It may change tone a little. It may be less frequent. But what's here will matter to me in ten years, more than having a little extra time to read or jog or sew. I am not ready to stop writing, not when there is so much inspiration around me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:41 PM | Comments (5)

October 3, 2008

Calling Your Congressman

isn't really so difficult. I have to admit, I had never done it before. Guess that doesn't reflect well on me, but it's true. From now on though, it will be my new hobby. I will be calling all. the. time. They're gonna be totally sick of me.

Anyway, so I called last week, and I was nervous as all get out. I can't say why- I mean, I'm a grown-up. I've operated a phone before. But, still, it was like calling up Emerald City and asking for the great and powerful wizard. I was suprised somebody actually ANSWERED! I expected an automated message center, or more likely, a busy signal. But no- I spoke with a real, live thirteen-year old intern person, who listened thoughtfully, took my name and number (carefully dotting the "i's" with little hearts, I'm sure), and promised to pass on my sentiments to the Congressman. (Right after they finish watching the end of Highschool Musical 3, of course.)

Well, then.

So, if I can do it, you can, too. Here is the link for phone numbers. It's really easy, takes about two minutes.

If you are against this bail-out bill, then call! Now! This is the way to stop it. It is scheduled for a vote at noonish, so you've still got time to make your thoughts known. This is how it works- we've got to participate in this process by letting our representatives know how we want to be represented, no matter what the issue is or how you stand on it. Now is the time to stir ourselves, not just one day in November every four years, ya know?

.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:47 AM | Comments (1)

September 30, 2008

Fini?

Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. It's just... I got nothing! I mean, there are things to blog about, tons of them. But I don't seem to be interested in writing lately. I am busy, but that's nothing new, and it's not really the problem, either. I just sit at the computer, staring at the white screen and the cursor blinking... and I think, "eh."

I get that way sometimes, and I wonder if it means I'm done blogging. But then I always seem to swing back into it. It's just that this time, it's been this way for several months. Longer than it's ever gone before. I am wondering if that means I am truly cycling out of it--- which makes me really sad. I don't want to quit, honestly I don't. But my heart's not in it these days. I know you can see it too-- my posts have been pretty lackluster lately. And infrequent. I remember when I used to write every single day, sometimes twice in a day! Oh, the puppy love of blogging! I'm through the honeymoon... and now I'm left wondering if I'm gonna make it through the long haul. Five years is a long time-- my blog is no spring chicken. Is it time for retirement? What's the life cycle of a blog?

I'll have to give this some thought. Any other long-time bloggers out there know what I'm saying? What did you do when you get to this point?

Well, I'm off. In-laws are coming for a visit, school is waiting, and the house needs to be reassembled!

Don't worry, we'll chat this topic over some more. I'm not closing the doors here yet... just saying, I'm questioning if it's run it's course. Wah.

Okay, that's enough of that. Be back later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:49 AM | Comments (4)

September 18, 2008

Birth of a Blog Post

3 a.m. I'm sleeping peacefully, dreaming of no less than the gorgeous Destin beach. It's magnificent, y'all. I'm back on vacation again-- how much better can a dream get? When suddenly, I am snatched out of my slumber by the sounds of one of my children being eaten by a tiger. I know this, because of the horrific screeches and howling coming from the Duke's bedroom. So I abandon Dreamland Destin, and race to my poor helpless child's side in a surge of maternal fierceness. Mom to the rescue- back ye beastly fiend who seeks to devour my child!! I fly into his room, guns blazing.

Well, it turns out, he's just gotta potty.

Really? You let loose those ungodly screams because your bladder was a little bit full? I was pretty sure you were being eaten alive. 'Cause, ya know, that was the vibe you were giving off. Are you SURE there wasn't a man-eating, yellow-eyed predator eating you whole? No?

I left Destin for this, you know.

Gar.

So I get back in bed, thinking "oh, the wonderous, amazing, totally insane brain of a three year old. I gotta blog about that."

Then, because I accidentally noticed that it was 3 a.m. on the clock, I immediately get insomnia. I proceeded, for the next HOUR, to compose a lengthy essay on all the ways a three year old is absolutely nuts. I was wide awake- it was that weird hour that totally befuddled my body. Are we up? Am I done?, it asks. My composition was interrupted by arguements with my body, desperate pleas for sleep, and finally, a nagging, relentless sense that now I needed to get up for the bathroom.

I, of course, did not scream about it. 'Cause I'm considerate that way.

Anyway, after an hour or so of tossing and turning, I finally fall asleep again.

Do I dream of Destin again? Oh no. This time, I am a waitress, working double shifts at some rundown bar, and my feet hurt.

-sigh-

He is SO hearing about this when he has kids of his own.

PS... Oh, and that hour long post I composed in my head? Well, this is not it. I, of course, promptly forgot it the second I closed my eyes. Grr.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:03 AM | Comments (5)

September 17, 2008

What Helps

1. Declare an Emergency Cleaning Day, and cease all other activities.
2. Turn up the music.
3. Open the windows.
4. Start with the Laundry room.
5. Throw away some old, sad panties. Ha.

Seriously, after getting some emotional support from King Pen (who is absolutely the best fella for the job)-- I am getting on top of my game here. I decided we needed a work day-- that when my environment is chaotic, I simply cannot function. Maybe that's a weakness, maybe it's a bit anal or type A, but I really suffer in clutter. So, no school today, which I dislike, but it's for the best. Due to one thing or another (like a 4 hour trip to the pediatrician Monday and birthday happenings yesterday), I haven't been able to get settled from vacation. Suitcases, piles of laundry, dishes, candles still out from the hurricane, you name it. This place was on the verge of being condemned (except, it wasn't actually GROSS. Just horribly askew. My, how I love that word-- askew. Come on, say it with me.)

Anyway, just let you all know I am gonna survive Gulliver's Travels. I'm squashing Lilliputs left and right!

Oh, that's wrong.

Okie dokie- off to it! Will blog when this place is whipped into shape.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:34 PM | Comments (1)

The Little Things United

Today, I am Gulliver, washed upon the shores of Lilliput. I have been tacked down by hundreds of tiny ropes, a million miniscule tasks, and I can't manage to overcome them. At least this morning.

Coming home with a dozen suitcases and random stuff means a lot of work. Throw in the effort of restoring the house to order (inside and out) after the hurricane-- plus getting back to school, and picking up my sewing business, not to mention the looming task of editing hundreds of pictures from our trip...

well, the list goes on. It seems silly to mention them all, because truly, they are all small, achievable tasks. But there are so many. It's daunting. I had hoped that a cup of coffee would perk me up for it all, but that was overly-optimistic. Even a cup o'joe has it's limitations.

Okay, enough of that, yeah? Nothing to do, but do it-- one rope at a time. Maybe if accomplish one task completely, I'll feel better.

When I get to editing the pictures, you'll be the first to know. I have lots of good ones to share-- and I'll recap our trip, too, when I post the pics. Don't give up on me, know that I'm here, working my way through. It's just slow going. But---

I'll be back. (And yes, I said that Terminator style. Because it's a pop-culture law.)

Missing yas.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:41 AM | Comments (1)

September 5, 2008

One Last Hurrah (cane?)

We're headed to Destin tomorrow-- me and the kids (the kids and I? Come on, grammar police, straighten me out- I know you can't resist), my mom, Aunt Charlotte, my cousin Laura, sister Ashley and her family, and my youngest sister Brittany. Ashley and her crew will be staying in their RV at a campsite near our condo. It will be, undoubtedly, absolutely fabulous. Unless, of course, Ike decides to pop in for a visit. The fabulous quotient drops dramatically if he comes along.

So we're (somewhat) packed up and ready for some serious lazing around on the beach. We've got games and books and sunblock-- can't think of much more that we need than that! Maybe some margarita mix? I'll have to add that to my list of last minute items to pick up. Actually, I am a little nervous about what exactly made it into the suitcase, since I was packing in the dark as we fled Gustav. Who knows? I may very well need to buy myself an entire wardrobe while we're there. That would be just plum awful-- all new clothes. Shame, that.

I'll be taking a few days off from the Sift to enjoy this last little bit of summer. I'll try to coax my camera into taking one last round of photos-- it's on it's last leg. (Note my cavalier attitude, oh transparent bravado! I don't want you to see me cry. -sniff- She was a good camera, y'all. She was an expensive camera, and it hurts, people. It hurts.)

Anywhoo, hope you all have a good weekend, followed by a good week-- and I will see you later. You may not recognize me, with my gorgeous beach tan!

Well, we all need to dream.

Happy days, everybody. I'll miss ya.

PS... Thank you to King Pen's parents for putting us up for the last few days. It's good to know the door's always open. (Or, the window can be shimmied. Heh.) Seriously, thank you. We loves ya.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:30 PM | Comments (0)

September 4, 2008

Update

Hi all! Quick update- we rode out Gustav, which was, admittedly, fun. I enjoy storms. (Why do I feel guilty confessing that?) Anyway, we were fortunate with no damage to our house. There were trees and limbs all over the city and of course, no power. We stayed one night and then when it was clear enough, we drove up to Monroe to stay with family. We are just not equipped to go a long time without power, and with small kids, it would have been miserable! I can't fathom when the city will be put back together again-- maybe sometime next week? Anyway, we're here for the time being, until the kids and I leave on an all-ready planned trip to Destin with my mom and sisters. (We leave on Saturday for that!) Keeping our fingers crossed that Ike won't pester us for that one. Boy, I tell you, it was FUN packing for a week long beach trip in the DARK! There is no telling what is in my suitcases right now. Anyway.

In the meantime, King Pen has to report back to work, even though most of the employees don't have electricity. I guess you have to do what you have to do, eh? He'll basically be camping out at our house next week, and hopefully it will be repaired quickly.

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know we're fine. Thanks for all the calls and emails-- I appreciate your concern. I'll try to write again before we leave for the beach! Have a good weekend, and good luck with the weather.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:01 PM | Comments (2)

August 31, 2008

Hurricane Preparedness

Keeping an eye on Gustav, I bought a few supplies earlier in the week- water, candles, extra diapers. Nothing fancy, just enough to get us through a day or two of no electricity. I didn't want to go overboard, but I didn't want to be entirely unprepared, either.

Unfortunately, a flat tire yesterday prompted me to go to Wal-Mart for a repair. I had an hour to kill while waiting for it to be fixed--- and so, as I walked the crowded aisles, I caught a full-blown case of Illogical Hurricane Panic. It happens, EVERY-SINGLE-TIME. I am helpless to fight it. I remembered writing about it before during Rita, and I am reposting it, because the EXACT same thing happened yesterday, and it made me laugh all over again.

The grocery store is a happening place before a hurricane, I tell ya. Nothing hypes me up like joining the throngs of folks furiously buying peanut butter and Chicken Corn Chowder. The excitement is palpable, and I am one of the first to be swept up in the mania. I start eyeballing other people's carts, to see what they are buying. If they buy it, well, that settles it. I am, too. Cause I need it. Storm's coming. I have to fight the urge to sweep everything off the shelf into my waiting (and already full) buggy.

So I bring back stuff I haven't eaten in fourteen years. Fig newtons? What the? We don't eat those! And what on earth am I going to do with pickled garbanzo beans? The Cheese Whiz was a big hit with King Pen, but it didn't go over so well in my conservative pantry. The "regulars" don't take to well to outsiders, and their foreign spraying habits. It started out with whispers and glares, but it's escalated. I swear I heard some trash talking and rumbling around in there. I'm just staying out of the way. What happens in the pantry, stays in the pantry.

And the toilet paper, oh help me. It's ridiculous. There will be no purchase of Northen Quilt in our home until well after the New Year. And that's if we are outrageously wasteful. I'm racking my brain for other uses, and so far I've come up with a few awesome Christmas presents. (Look forward to it, friends. I'm talking some seriously top notch gifts here.)

I mustn't forget the water. Aah, the WATER. Well, everybody else had so much... It would have been irresponsible NOT to buy enough to drink, and cook, and bathe us (and the cat). And gargle. I mean, you have to do that everyday. And mop? Well, the floor can get awfully dirty with all that mud. And we might need some entertainment, so we'll probably do some water balloons or something. Oh, and heck, let's fill the pool up, too - cause I BOUGHT EIGHTY THOUSAND GALLONS.

And for crying out loud, why did I need three tubes of hydrocortisone cream and a shower cap? That's just weird.

Two days from now, when I am surrounded with all these unused items, I shall feel quite silly indeed.

But better safe than sorry, right? Yeah, that's exactly what got me in this mess.

Well, I will end here. I'll try to write tomorrow, as long as we have power. Now, I have to finish putting away the last bit of things. Let's see, that's twelve bags of ginger snaps, some tweezers, and the economy sized box of dryer sheets.

It seemed reasonable at the time, trust me.

Ah, good times.

All joking aside, we are prepared for a few days without electricity-- we are in the projected path, so better safe than sorry. By the time it gets to us though, it will probably just be tropical force winds (though it could still be a Cat 1.) I will admit, I am concerned about all the tall pine trees around us--- I just don't want one of those suckers toppling over! I'll check back in as often as possible. Take care!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:08 PM | Comments (0)

Recollecting

Ironic, isn't it, that Katrina is so fresh in our minds these last few days, as Gustav looms off in the distance? I went through my archives, and found this post that brings it all back clearly- written August 31, 2005, exactly three years ago today.

I've been holding these thoughts too closely the last few days -and needed them out in the air.

I've got that post 9/11 feeling. Know what I mean? Stunned. Disillusioned. Lucky. Guilty.

It's not my home that has been reduced to a pile of kindling. It's not my family wading through polluted waters to higher ground. It's not my baby transferred to a hospital all alone, with no idea where the parents are, or if they are even still alive. It's not the precious pieces of my life floating away with the receding tide.

Can you feel the weight of grief as thousands mourn the loss of homes and communities and lives? Their fear and worry are like physical pulls on my soul right now. And once again, my life and loves are all safe and sound. Warm, dry, fed, and clothed. Once more, I have been passed over, and others have not. Relief mingles with guilt. And fear. How many times will tragedy look past me? How long can I remain invisible to the fates? The Chinese fear to draw the attention of the gods-- because they are jealous and vindictive. In China, you never say anything is too good, because the gods will hear and take it from you. Sometimes I feel that way, even though the God I worship is the very fountain of all the good things in my life. He would not take them away in spite.

And yet, I know, my life has been strangely absent of tragedy. It scares me, because surely my number will come up soon. I'm due something really bad by now. You can't be untouched forever, right? What will it be? Cancer? An accident? Will I have the fortitude to survive my own personal Kasandra?

Tomorrow, I will probably go back to my house, which now has electricity. I will rake up the leaves, pick up the sticks, and put my life back into gear. Because I can. Because it's still there. But tomorrow- what will all these other people do? And the day after that, what then? Their lives are scattered along the coast in little bitty pieces, and I don't know how to make that any better.

But God did. God does. No matter how the winds roar or waters rise, no matter what devastation crashes upon the shores of our lives, God knows how to put it all back together again. We may lose all, we may cry out to the dark sky, we may be wounded and bleeding-- but God is there, He hears, and He heals. I know it- I know that I know that I know.

Prayers and thoughts with all in the path of this storm. God bless and preserve you- be safe.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:23 AM | Comments (1)

August 29, 2008

A Day at the Lake

View the rest of our lake pictures on Facebook! (And yes, because I'm too lazy to put them up in two places.)

Next pics to come-- first day of school!

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:01 PM | Comments (0)

August 28, 2008

Lacing Up

Well, today we become official homeschoolers.

Today, we skate.

Every decent, well-respected homeschooled kid can tear it up at a roller rink. (Or so I've been told.) This is the first time my kids have ever been, and I can't wait. I have recruited my mom to help, because there is no way I can handle four kids on wheels. (I may be good, but I'm not that good! Ha!) I'll be taking my camera-- I must immortalize these moments forever-- Czarina's long, coltish legs in motion, HeroBoy's nonchalant, James Dean attitude even on skates, the Duke's itty bitty clumsy self and big curly head, probably pulling me down! (That's right, I'll blame it on the children. They make me do all kinds of embarassing things.) All to Michael Jackson's Thriller- which hopefully, the Chipmunk will be dancing to from the sidelines. If I can get all that on film, then I will be one happy mama. Does life get any better than that?

Only if I had the pom-poms on my skates. -wistful sigh-

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:33 AM | Comments (4)

August 26, 2008

Status Report: Alive.

I am so beat. So brain-dead, I can guarantee this will be the most boring blog post EVAH.

Where do I start? With the weekend of innertubing and (attempted) wakeboarding that resulted in a frantic need for a chiropractor? (I would have kidnapped one if I could have on Monday. If I'd had use of my arms, that is.)

Should I post all our lake pictures (which need to be resized and all that first?) Or should I post the ones from the kid's first day of school today, and relate how our first day back went?

Or should I write about the rollerskating field trip on Thursday? My mom coming on Wednesday night? Or the company coming this weekend? (Can't wait, Denise!!)

Or, instead of writing, should I be folding the laundry, filing the piles of coupons waiting to be put away, washing supper dishes, or starting on the THREE tote bags that are waiting for me? Or, and shhh-- don't say this one too loud-- could I sneak back into my bedroom and read a few more chapters of that new Diana Gabaldon book that's just calling my name? Oh, the things to be done!!

At least, I've got all my school stuff ready for tomorrow. That's about the extent of my preparation for this week's activities. Scary.

I think, for the moment, I'm going to go make myself a bowl of Cocoa Puffs. And then we'll see about all that other stuff, yeah?

Just wanted to check in, letcha know I'm not dead. More blogging tomorrow! Even if it means not doing laundry. 'Cause you all mean just that much.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:06 PM | Comments (2)

August 22, 2008

Funny to Me

Yesterday, while watching HeroBoy play Webkinz on the computer, I noticed that his pet, Fang, (the striped snake, FYI) had made a huge mess in his room. Toys, books, scooters, you name it. The place was a wreck.

And I actually heard myself say, about an internet pretend place THAT DOESN'T EVEN EXIST IN THIS DIMENSION, "Whoa, HeroBoy, you have GOT to clean that up, seriously!" And when he laughed and didn't do it, I had to PHYSICALLY stop from doing it myself.

That's just what I need. Now I've got to pick up after my son's internet pet. 'Cause I've got all this free time on my hands, of course.

Also, funny to me-

Today, I was looking for a recipe in the cookbook, and for the life of me couldn't find the hamburger meat section. I looked and looked, and finally in exasperation, unintentionally demanded aloud, "Where's the BEEF??"

I was entirely too amused by that.

Then, very sad. Because, let's face it, this probably qualifies me as "old" and "confusing" to the young peoples.

Okay, I'm off to bed. We're loading up tomorrow for a few days at Lake Bruin (in Louisiana, y'all) and there is much to do and sleep is needed. I'll post lots of pictures Monday of HeroBoy waterskiing, I'm sure, and of Czarina riding very ladylike (and not at all terrified, no ma'am) in the innertube.

Hope everybody has a good weekend!

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:10 AM | Comments (4)

August 21, 2008

Arctic Blue on My Eyes

I've been poking around in my archives lately, and republishing some old entries from my first blog, A Peck of Gold. Remember that one? I still have many to sort through, but the effort has me taken me back to my blogging beginnings. Ah, the good old days, back in '03. Let's see, I was a mother of two, 27 years old, and basically clueless.

Now, a mother of four, 32 years old, and still largely clueless. Go figure.

It's funny though, reading those early posts. I had NO IDEA what I was doing. I just wrote whatever I could to fill the page. It's like seeing old pictures of myself where I'm learning to put on makeup (you can never wear too much blue eyeshadow), or fix my own hair (everybody had wings, dadgummit! Not just me!!)

Laughable, sweet, definitely embarassing. There's color on my face, sure. But, oh how inexpertly applied.

It took a long time to learn how to give over to blogging, to begin sharing how I felt and where I was-- and not just post funny (and often not-quite-so funny) links. I wonder how much of writing honestly has come from just the process of growing up, maturing-- or if it is the honest writing that has helped me to grow up. Probably both.

These thoughts inevitably lead me to think-- if I see myself as endearingly blundersome five years ago, will I see the same about these days, these posts, five years from now? How much change waits for me in the years to come? I'll be 37-- mother of four (?), and still largely clueless, I'm sure.

I certainly hope I look back at these posts and chuckle at myself, because that will mean that God is still working in me. I hope for that bemused retrospection- that today's wisdom will be tomorrow's foolishness. I hope I see blue eyeshadow.

But, lest I paint it too cheerfully, I will confess- I do not only laugh when I read old posts. I weep, too.

There are many entries that I never published that were too raw, too lost, too shameful, to ever share aloud. They came from the dark moments over the last few years, times when I was in rebellion to God, when I was running from wisdom and righteousness. I read those, and I can't help but thank God that He wasn't done with me. I can't help but rejoice in the many miles covered in the last five years, and beg Him for even more in the five to come. This blog has marked the steps. I began it for entirely different reasons, but somewhere along the way, it became a scrapbook of my life. My joy, my sorrow, my fear... it all comes out here, in some form. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

The one encouragement I would give as a veteran blogger (yikes, and as if anybody was asking in the first place!)-- is, Write honestly. Let your blog be a chronicle, for better or worse. Don't be afraid to show yourself. It's scary sometimes, because, shoot. We're all messes. I don't want you to know how offbase I can be, and I know you don't want to broadcast your own faults, either. Who wants that?

But, it is in the looking back that we can truly marvel at the distance covered. It is in knowing just what disastrous, misled, foolish notions we have entertained, that we can see how God has corrected and sanctified and healed. It is in seeing our bright blue eyeshadow and John Denver haircuts, that we can really appreciate the wonder of God's transforming grace.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."

Even a blog.
Especially a heart.

So, put it out there a little. Don't be afraid to blunder about, don't be afraid to look silly. We all do. It's a silly life. We're silly people. And anybody who says differently, well... we'll just wait for them to walk past a mirror and notice their own Arctic Blue eyeshadow for themselves.

Happy writings.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:13 PM | Comments (2)

August 18, 2008

Sunday-Go-to-Meetin'

After church, before lunch,
before playclothes
and naps

After worship, before resting,
before sandbox
and bike laps

After His table, before ours
Dressed up, soon messed up

Another Sunday, before Monday,
Communed and 'fessed up

Smiling, and cheesing in beautiful sunlight
Life is pleasing, heart is squeezing
The Lord's day held tight.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:21 AM | Comments (6)

August 5, 2008

Nothing More Infuriating

than a disposable diaper that makes it's way through the wash cycle. GRRRR, I fume, when I see the bulbous globby mess with which Pamper's has bombed my laundry. It creates a gel from hell (at least it rhymes, though) that adheres to EVERYTHING. It's like the Greek Fire of Disgustingness. Once it has established residency in the machine, and on every single item of clothing inside... well... let's just say it completely justifies an 11 a.m. glass of wine.

Can I get an amen?

As an aside, I am looking into the G Diaper as an alternative to the disposable ones. I don't want to make the full-fledged leap to cloth diapers, (because I am a little bit eco-lazy) but this seems like a good compromise.

Okay, I'm off. Gotta go get in my hazmat gear to clean up the washer. Grr.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:05 PM | Comments (9)

Home Sweet Home, Eventually.

So, work continues on the rental house in Monroe. This weekend, we pressure washed the garage and front porch, continued clearing out the shed and took a load of junk to the dump, and moved out the remaining furniture. It's nearly ready, and now the business of finding a renter and getting loose ends tied up has come. (Or so I've been saying for the past two months... it just keeps going on!!)

Here are a few exterior shots of the house, since a few people have asked about it.

Continue reading "Home Sweet Home, Eventually."

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:47 AM | Comments (3)

July 28, 2008

Case of the Missing Blogger

Oh, busy life. Busy, busy, busy. Life, life, life.

I've been trying to knock some things off my Summer To Do list before SCHOOL STARTS! Yikes! What in the WORLD happened to the summer?

So, I've been the missing blogger. My poor, neglected blog is a casualty of my now much more organized and productive life. Guess something's gotta give, huh? I'll be more talky as I mark more things off my list, so don't bail on me. Although, to be honest, I think everybody else is so busy with their own lives, they haven't missed me much. Which works out well. We're all too busy for the internet these days, right?

So, what have I been doing, you ask? (Because you're totally, geniunely interested, right?)

-sewing like a fiend lately, because I know those days are numbered. I've actually got a few Christmas gifts out of the way, if you'll believe it!)
-organized ALL our files and family papers (very ugly job, I assure you.)
-got caught up on about a month's worth of coupon clipping and filing. (oh how untorturous that sounds now. It was really quite agonizing.)
-made trips, visited family, enjoyed summerly things
-cleaning, painting, repairing a rental property that has recently come into our possession. (how cool is that?)
-potty training! That's almost three down, one more to go. Yeehaw!

Next to do, get all the school stuff sorted out, get the kids up to date on drs apts and scheduled things, finish work on the house, and find a renter!

So I'll be around, in between projects. In the meantime, perhaps you'd like to hang out at YouTube, or CollegeHumor. There's lots of good stuff there, like this little gem, The Font Conference, passed along by King Pen. It's hilarious. But do come back eventually, yeah? We'll have some coffee or something.

.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:08 PM | Comments (1)

July 22, 2008

Susceptible

As I'm going from one chore to another today, I had the following thought:

I wish I could just be on the internet in my head throughout the day. Like, be washing the dishes and browsing blogs in my brain.

Which, I deduct, makes me a prime candidate for an evil scientist somewhere who has a penchant for implanting mind-control chips in people's heads.

(But don't spread that around.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:39 PM | Comments (0)

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.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:28 PM | Comments (1)

June 9, 2008

Newer, Faster, and Sleeker

I sure wish I was describing myself, but uh, no. I'm referring to Movable Type 4.1, which the good folks at terrablogs just installed as their blogging software. It is one sweet ride, people! I'm loving it. Ah, that new blog smell! Today is the first day I've used it, and I feel like I'm cruising the blogosphere in style. Thanks, guys!! Terrablogs is really the best free blogging portal out there.

As for me- I won't say I'm old and un-sleek, but I am certainly slower today. We spent the weekend painting, and I can barely move now! It's a good kind of sore though, the kind you get after you know you've done a lot of hard work. (And while I'm on the subject, thanks to my mom and Aunt J for watching the kids so we could paint!) We are fixing up a house that King Pen had the great privilege to inherit from his grandfather. I don't say that offhand either, this is a HUGE deal to us. It is a wonderful blessing, and we are so grateful for his generosity. We'll be renting it out for a few years, until we are able to move back to Monroe and live there ourselves. We're headed back up there next weekend for Round Two of the Painting, and I'll try to remember to take some pictures as we work.

This house... well, it's an amazing thing to have happen to us. I don't think we'll ever get over the joy and appreciation that comes with a gift like this, not just the physical gift of brick and land from Papaw, but the provision and abundance that God has given. We can't do anything but thank Him for it, and pray that He will allow us to be used in other's lives the way Papaw was in our's.

*happy sigh* A house.

Well, I suppose I should get started on my verra busy week. Tonight, the grocery game. Tomorrow, King Pen's birthday celebration. And all during the week, packing for a minivacation at my folks house, and preparations for teaching four-year old VBS next week. And sewing a few slings- can't leave that out. Oh, and not to forget the weekend of painting ahead! Wow. I better get going. Looks like I'm booked solid for the next two weeks.

Have a good day, folks! I may post later tonight, as I have something on my mind sparked by Sunday's sermon.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:57 AM | Comments (0)

June 6, 2008

Happy Weekend!

(blatantly snagged from Tricia's blog)

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:06 PM | Comments (0)

June 5, 2008

Killing Me Softly

Three days.

Every twenty seconds, for the last three days, I get a little twitch in my knee. Oh, it doesn't hurt at all, not a bit. But I'm considering amputation anyway. How many twitches is that over a 72 hour period? My brain won't compute that at this hour. (I believe diminished mental capacity is related to slow, continual torture techniques.)

GRRR!

Oh, and since I'm registering complaints, I'd like to add that my man cold is nearly over. Now I'm at the Smoker's Hack phase. I fear for my lungs, they may start to think I am trying to cough them out at this rate! And honestly, I'm quite fond of my lungs. They're one of my best features, and I'd like them to stay put.

Okay, that's all. I'm going to go get my attitude adjustment coffee now!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:37 AM | Comments (2)

June 4, 2008

Survival

I'm happy to report, I'm feeling better today! Thank goodness. I don't think I could have stood another day of being pitiful. It's just so... uninteresting. I will try not to overdo it today, but I'm glad to start putting life back together a bit.

Thank you, aunts, for the TLC.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:02 AM | Comments (0)

June 3, 2008

Eeyore-ish

I've worked my way to the phase of sickness where you think you're getting better, but then ten minutes later, you want to call your mom on the phone and whine and wallow and the world seems like an awful place to live and you just wish somebody would come put you to bed because you're cranky and everything you say seems to turn into a runon sentence but you really don't care because nobody is listening anyway.

So, yeah. I'm getting better.

Ha!

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:45 PM | Comments (2)

June 2, 2008

Call 999!

Feel like I've got a Man Cold today, folks. It's bad. I don't want to alarm you, but I may not pull through this one. If I don't make it... I want Amy to have all my coupons.

WAH.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:55 AM | Comments (5)

Because Bathtubs Aren't Cheap

Oh no. Any other mothers out there staying up till midnight playing for Webkinz cash? Ashley, what have you done to me??

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:12 AM | Comments (3)

May 30, 2008

Product Endorsements

Some of my favorite stuff lately.

The Colgate 360 Toothbrush literally knocked my tooth socks off. It's like a minty party in your mouth, and everybody's invited.

I wish I had a Bobbin Saver for everything in my house. I love cute, purple, rubber organized circles!

This toilet scrubber was made to love my toilet. They're soulmates, and I'll never separate them till death do they part.

And lastly, my foot is rocking this summer slip on by Sketchers! I'm not much of a shoe girl, but this one had me at hello.

So. Your turn. Tell me 'bout your stuff.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:44 AM | Comments (9)

May 28, 2008

No Animal Exploitation Today.

Hullo world! We had an extended Memorial Day vacation, just making it back last night. Tons of laundry to wash, stuff to put away, coupons to clip, groceries to buy, and calories to burn from nonstop binge-snacking. So I'll blog lata. Hope you are having a wunnerful hump day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)

May 23, 2008

Jungle Lovin'

Have I introduced you to Tory yet? He's the rambunctious box turtle the kids found about three weeks ago, and adopted as their pet. He's great. He's very animated for a turtle, not shy at all. He eats voraciously, gazes at you curiously, and seems to enjoy contact with kids. So, yeah. I hit the pet jackpot, 'cause he is LOW maintenance, people. King Pen built him a turtle run, a big enclosed habitat that he can totally mellow in. He's a happy boxie boy.

The only thing he was lacking was a little *ahem female companionship. Until today, that is, when HeroBoy exploded with discovery, "I FOUND ANOTHER TORY!!!!" I cannot express his sheer, unadulterated joy.

So we put "Tiger" in the turtle run, and she immediately went to town on some chopped bananas. The poor dear was starved to death. Good thing she got a bite before Tory noticed her, because as soon as he saw that gorgeous little turtle shell with it's marvelous stripes and fashionable spots... well. See for yourself.

"Mama! What is Tory doing?"

They're wrestling, sweetie.

"Wow, Tory looks really happy, Mama!"

Yes, he does.

"Oh Tory is so funny! He's trying to get a piggy-back ride! "

Er-

"Why won't Tory stop, Mama?"

Um-

"Whoa, why is he wiggling like that?"

Okie dokie then, time to go have a snack, kids!

As I dragged the kids away, I swear Tiger was giving me the stink eye.

PS. I'm not even sure they're the same species, by the way. Tory looks more like a Three-toed box turtle, while Tiger looks like an Eastern Box. I just hope Tory is confident that Tiger is a girl (cause I am NOT peeking under her shell).

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:28 PM | Comments (11)

May 21, 2008

Checking in, Mon.

Well, um... er... this is awkward.

I mean, I said I'd blog. And I'm not so sure what I've done lately qualifies. But, guys!!! (Okay, I'll minus that whiney tone.) It's a real dilemma when the kids are gone. I can either be majorly productive, sewing and cleaning and organizing and running all those kidfree errands that seem to pile up. Or, I could indulge in some grownup time- watching movies, getting my hair did, sleeping till noon, eating sushi in my slippers (not sushi INSIDE my slippers, sushi while WEARING my slippers. You just gotta be difficult, don't you?) Or, I could catch up on emails and blogging and what have you. OR, I could be reading the 3rd Outlander book, which just HAPPENED to come in the mail yesterday, and which just HAPPENS to be totally rocking.

See? It's tough. Nobody should be forced to make a decision like that.

In the end, I decided to do what I felt like in the moment, which is a little bit of everything. I've run some errands, folded some clothes, watched some movies. And while doing all those things, I've just enjoyed having Chipmunk all to myself for a few days. It's been a really wonderful two days.

I've got one more to go, and then I pick up the kids on Thursday. I have to thank my mother-in-law for providing this lovely break! I really appreciate it, and have made the most of it.

If I haven't quite blogged as much as I would have hoped, well, I'm just gonna cut myself some slack. Sometimes you gotta kick back, don't worry, and be happy. That's what I've done the last few days.

And it's been AWESOME.

Now, if you'll excuse me... the ice is melting in my piña colada the next load of laundry is ready in the dryer.

Y'all have a good day, hear?

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:35 AM | Comments (5)

May 20, 2008

Youknowwhat in the City

Get. A. Room. Already.

Honestly.

PS This doesn't count for the promised blogging, by the way. Just a random observation about moving back to the deep South.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:46 AM | Comments (2)

May 13, 2008

Important Looks

Okay, I have a confession to make. I -er- watch The Hills. I can't help it! I'm sorry! I know, it's an awful show where everybody looks the same and nothing ever happens. (As King Pen feels compelled to point out EVERY single time he catches me watching it!)

What I want to know, if you watch this i.q. dropping show as well, what is up with the pregnant pauses? Do these people really give that many significant looks, or is this creative editing? Honestly, they LOOK at each other for most of the show. It's maddening! Talk! Say something! Or, is this confirmation that what they DO say is so unintelligent that the producers are forced to cut out the actual conversations? That seems likely.

But the shoes, dangit! And the belts! And the huge sunglasses! I can't quit watching the shiny clothes!!

Alrightie. I need to go scrub my brain now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:26 AM | Comments (6)

May 12, 2008

Dangerous

King Pen and I were talking last night about this movie, which I accidentally called, "No Country for Old Women".

Why does that make me burst out laughing? Cause old ladies don't cause trouble, people. At least, not in roving gangs. Unless you count the quiltin' fueds, which can get pretty vicious.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:40 AM | Comments (7)

After Midnight AGAIN.

Okay, this is me, going to bed. See? Seriously, this post is gonna be all of TWO SECONDS, I swear it.

Just wanted to remind you guys about the giveaway that starts today. I think a winner will be chosen on Thursday? Not sure. But, please, do get the word out! If you can mention it on your blog, I will owe you a coke. An icy, perfectly fizzy, absolutely delicious coca-cola. It'll be one of those amazing moments when you're totally parched, choking on the dust of a ball field, or sweating at the office picnic-- and surprise, surprise, I'll be there. Holding out the most beautiful, thirst-quenching beverage you've ever seen. All for telling your peeps to go try to win a cute babysling at Musings of a Housewife.

Okay, enough shameless self-promotion. I'm out, ya'll, before I keel over.

PS Happy Mother's Day, mamas!! Hope yours was as nice as mine.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:39 AM | Comments (1)

April 30, 2008

It's Half Past I Should Be in Bed

Oh sakes. I've gone and stayed up late again! What's the dealio? I simply cannot manage to get myself into bed at a decent hour these days. And it's not like I suddenly need less sleep, oh no. The kids have had to PRY me out of bed to make them breakfast the last few days. And I'll admit, they've been less than stellar breakfasts. I can only feed my children Pop-tarts and Nutragrain bars so many days in a row. Seriously. Child services is gonna come knocking soon if I don't get some oatmeal and scrambled eggs and toast on the table soon! (You think I'm kidding, but they don't joke in Pineville. I could be in some big trouble if we don't eat a balanced breakfast, like FAST.)

Okay, I feel a little better. Confession is good for the soul. Tomorrow morning, my kids will have freshly squeezed oj, dadgummit. (Okay, maybe not freshly squeezed. But I promise it won't be orange kool-aid. No warrants out for my arrest. Yet.)

Fortunately, (especially for my kids who like to eat breakfast), I'm getting over the first craze of being in business. I'm working out the kinks, and hopefully will move it more to the background of my life. I don't want (nor can I allow) it to be the primary function of my day. It is gratifying work, though. I know this sounds crazy, but when I sew a hem, and iron it-- when I look at the construction, knowing that I have rendered this thing with my own labor, and that my efforts will be enjoyed by someone else and bring profit to my family... oh the satisfaction! It is a big boost in my day. But, I don't want to neglect the other areas of my life, so I have to consciously set it aside and tend to other things. I'm still sorta learning how to do that, how to balance it all.

I read a really good post over at Femina the other day about creating things. It was a timely read for me in relationship to my recent endeavours. Here's a lovely paragraph from Nancy, who is talking about why we are drawn to craft objects:

"My theory is that God puts wisdom in our hearts and it comes out our hands. And when it does, we make stuff! And not only does this stuff glorify God when it is offered to Him, it gives us a soul satisfaction that is healthy and invigorating. We are imitating our Creator when we make things, and that image of God which is stamped on our soul shines a little brighter."

I love that.

I love that it's okay to indulge in making things beautiful, and making beautiful things. Not only is it okay, I believe it is a sign of something healthy and good happening inside us. I think it might be very hard to create beautiful things when your soul hurts. I know I feel unispired and uninterested in those things when I am in a dark place. Or, at least, the things born of those darker days are dark in themselves, and are weighted down in some way.

I think for the crafty person, if you look at what your hands have produced, it might give a measure of the state of your heart. Of course, I don't mean that your level of talent or particular taste equals a good spiritual condition. ('Cause that would be stoopid.) And I'm certainly not saying if you don't bake or sew or scrapbook that you're in questionable territory. It's more about what activities your hands are engaged in. What good have they wrought lately, in whatever form? Is the product of your labor a beautiful thing, whatever that may be? For me, I know that the best writing, cooking, sewing, whatever, comes when I am spiritually nourished. I think there is a definite connection there. What we harbor inside us will bear fruit whether we want it to or not. So, maybe looking over that fruit isn't such a bad idea, ya know?

Well, I didn't mean to go off on that quite so much, but I guess that's what happens when you're sleep deprived and in denial! I must hie myself to bed. I have to get up early to go milk the cows and feed the chickens.

Sweet dreams, butter beans. See you in the bright and early.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:15 AM | Comments (1)

April 25, 2008

The Christian Smell

So, in an effort to further my edumacation, I am reading Henry Fielding's novel, The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling. It's one of the first pieces of literature to fall into the "novel" category, written in 1749. I think our library had the original, judging from the musty smell and amounts of clear tape holding it together. (oh, be nice, WonderGirl!)

Anyhoo, I LOVE it. Granted, it's one of those books you have to work over a little bit. The language is familiar, but the arrangement of words and sentences is distinctly different from current fiction. I think nowadays we value efficient prose, we're very direct, cutting away the excess in our communication. But not Fielding. He is a generous writer. (Maybe there were no editors back then?) It is a hearty fare, and I am unaccustomed to such a rich meal. It's no quick swallow!

But OH, it's worth it! It is so satisfying! And FUNNY! I have laughed out loud several times so far, and I'm only a few chapters in. I have heard Tom Jones described as a bawdy, comic adventure, but I figure, it can't be all that naughty since it was written in an age of decorum- high, stiff laced collars and tight powdered wigs. People had to behave back then or "off with their head!", right? I confess though, that the varied covers for this book show old Tom chasing the ladies with great fervor. We'll see. I sure hope I haven't accidentally gone into the back room of the library! (Maybe the beaded curtain should have sent up a red flag or two.)

My favorite passage so far comes from the (overly) pious housekeeper, upon learning about an abandoned infant in her master's home. She's been going on (and on, and on!) about strumpets and wickedness and generally expressing her contempt for the orphaned infant.

"It goes against me to touch these misbegotten wretches, whom I don't look upon as my fellow creatures. Faugh, how it stinks! It doth not smell like a Christian!"

Haha!

Fielding has a talent for using dialogue to let you know as much as you need to about a character. He is also good at sneaking in a really profound thought in the midst of an outrageous and hilarious situation! Ya gotta love that.

Anyway, I'm reading in spurts, no more than 30 minutes at a time, or my attention drops. I have to take small bites, so that I can savor and digest it completelly. Which works for the current state of my life, as I have no more than half an hour to commit to any singular activity! Including blogging, so I must bid you adieu for now.

Have a good weekend, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)

April 23, 2008

It Smells Grassy

I love the smell of cut grass. It makes me hungry for nature. As in, I'd like to take an actual bite. But I don't. Because I value the freedom and movement afforded to people who are assumed to be sane. Maybe I could cloak it under Green Week, though, and everybody would think I'm just super eco-friendly.

Okay, let me chase a tangent here. Why am I so annoyed with Green Week? It's not like I don't love the earth. I do. I want to take care of it, be a good steward of it. But I am SO SICK of celebs tooting their green little horns. And companies using it as a marketing tool! If I hear one more word about how I should buy Sun Chips from Wal-Mart so I can help light up a trillion houses for one hour, things are gonna get ugly. Quit telling me to consume, and dangling the bait of self congratulations to get me to do it! It's blackmail! Here, do this, so you can assuage your guilt for killing the earth, you terrestrial scourge. And if you don't buy such and such Organic Product, you are apathetic and irresponsible, and you are the reason our children have no future. Or at least, according to the major t.v. networks, who seem to be the driving forces behind Living A Green Life. Why, if I didn't have cable, I'd never think to care about the planet! Thank goodness for the media!

Don't get me wrong. I really, truly, think we should reduce, reuse, and recycle. If I learned nothing from Bob the Builder, it was that. But there is something about the presentation lately that is rubbing me the wrong way. I just wanna say, quit hassling me already! Guilt trips, and those who profit from them, really hack me off.

*ahem

Well. Sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean to get so worked up.

I'm feeling a wild hair today. Maybe it's the liberation of shorts and flipflops? I dunno.

Well, the crew is calling for lunch, so I better skeedaddle. We're having recycled dinner. (I used to call that "leftovers", btw. But that's not green enough anymore.)

(oh, I sound bitter today, don't I? I'm really not, though.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:40 PM | Comments (5)

April 22, 2008

Yupdates

Because I know you like to be in the know.

Homeschooling: Still chugging along. I have been using A Beka, 2nd grade for Czarina, and PreK for HeroBoy. But, I'm bored. The math format is not great. I get what they're trying to do- make it interesting by covering several different topics on one worksheet- measuring, time-telling, money, etc. But it ends up being too scattered. I'd rather take one point, teach it well and make sure she really gets it, then move on! So, I've ditched the math curriculum for the time being, and I am working from a standardized 2nd grade math test. Using that as my guideline, I'm systematically going through each part, making sure she knows how to do it all. I won't let her forget what she's already learned, but I think this "unit study" method is working better. Since she's ahead on reading, we're moving on to grammar, learning about nouns and such. It just makes more sense this way. HeroBoy is still in the game, but well, his heads not in it. He's in the outfield, looking at bugs and clouds. I think next year, he'll be more into it, so I'm not stressing too much.

BohoBaby: I'm trying y'all, I really am. But it just cannot retain it's priority status for very long these days! I want it to! But something always pushes it down the list. Kids getting sick, a holiday, etc. There's pretty much nothing specific holding me back, but just life in general. So I've just got to figure out how to get it back on track.

Grocery Game: I'm saving tons. My average weekly spending is $75, which is half of what I was spending preGG. Besides spending less, I also HAVE MORE! That just blows my mind. I have a wonderful stockpile of stuff. I like to just open the cupboard and stare sometimes. Besides our improved financial and pantry state, it's also mentally satisfying. I am thrilled by my wily coupon wielding. It's like working a jigsaw puzzle, or solving a math problem. (which, I realize may not sound fun to anybody but me.) And I've learned a lot about how much things should cost, which is important, too. And have I mentioned my filing system? Oh, it's gorgeous. I have a 3 ring binder, with main categories and subcategories, and pages and pages of coupons in clear plastic photo pages. It's a work of art. It's alphabetical, and brand specific. It makes it really easy to find and file any coupon. I wuv it, and I'm gonna marry it.

Church: We've missed several Sundays now because of sickness or traveling, so this is slow-going, also. We've been hitting the Episcopal church a good bit, but I'm not settled yet. I keep hoping a good Presbyterian CREC church is just gonna fall out of the sky on our heads, but that's not likely, eh? Wah. We really need to get this part of our life sorted out, because things still feel off-kilter, like we're living among boxes. There's no permanence yet to living here, and I NEED SOME FRIENDS!!! It's sad that I look forward to smalltalk with the Walgreens cashier each week, because SHE'S THE ONLY WOMAN I SPEND ANY TIME WITH. Sorry, didn't meant to yell. I'm just lonesome.

Okay, that's a brief rundown of things behind the scenes of the Sift. I know, fascinating! You didn't know my life was that spectacularly exciting, did you? You should try living it. It's almost too much!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:45 AM | Comments (8)

April 21, 2008

Matters of Meat

Okay, I'm trying to love this veggie soup I'm eating for lunch, but it is NOT HAPPENING. It's gross! Blech! Maybe that's the key to weight loss. If it's gross, you'll eat only enough to stave off the hunger pains. Not that I'm trying to lose weight, exactly. Just avoiding the burgers and fries in anticipation of Ye Old Swimsuit Season. Blasted bikinis.

Speaking of eating and all that, I've been tossing around the idea of another experiment. Remember the No Shampoo thing? Good times. (I am washing my hair now, by the way.) Anyway, I'm thinking of a Meatless Month. Not because I have a moral dilemna about eating animals, no sirree. I'm a card-carrying carnivore, and I won't apologize for it. I'm just curious, really, about how living vegetarian would affect my mental and physical state. (And, yeah, blog material. I won't lie.) Maybe I would like veggie soup more by the end, too.

Calm down, King Pen. Put the divorce papers away. You still get your cows and pigs and chickens. I won't subject my family to a life without meat. (Which may be a contributing factor to the strained mental challenge. Cooking, but not eating? Yikes!)

Anyway, this idea scares me more than the no shampoo thing. It would be a REAL test of willpower to get through! I lika da meata.

Would I not get animal products, either? I don't know if I could go a month without cheese. That's just inhumane.

Okay, I'm gonna think on this one. Anybody want to do it with me? You know what they say... misery loves company.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:29 PM

Morning!

Well, I'm up, gulping down the coffee, ready for a brand new, sick-free, fantabulous week! (As a warning, I've gulped down A LOT of coffee, and I may have issues with exclamation points in the post. I'll try to restrain myself.)

I have SO MUCH to do. The house, well, I can't even bring myself to go into detail. I'll just say, it may be less work to just move at this point! I think we may have a 5th child hidden somewhere under the mountains of laundry. And, the legos... oh my. They're multiplying faster than bunnies, and I suspect they have been strategically placed for my bare foot.

But it's not just the house, oh no. We missed a week of school, too. Gruh!

And I really wanted BohoBaby to be up today, but I don't see how I can get to it with all this other stuff!

However, this is not a freak out post. I've got my egg timer, and my plan is to go from room to room for fifteen minutes until I just drop dead. And then I'll do it again tomorrow, and hopefully, I'll have put a decent dent in this thing. THEN, I can concentrate on the extra curriculars.

I did get to go running yesterday afternoon. It was great! Haven't been in ages, and it was lovely. So if I get all my WORK done this week, then I can PLAY a little, too. WonderGirl needs to play. I could run again, sew a bit, work on a story, and start reading Tom Jones. Hey, crazier things have happened!

Whatever happens though, it's got to be better than last week, so I am pumped! (and caffeinated, but never you mind)

Okay, I guess this stuff won't do itself, so I'm off. Have a happy morning, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:16 AM

April 17, 2008

I'm Not Complaining

much.

But last night marks a full week that we've been dealing with this sickness, and it's wearing us. The Duke woke up about midnight and his tylenol had worn off, and his fever was over 103. He was pitiful. The fever accompanying this bug is a TOUGH one. It immediately comes back in between doses, and it just ravages their little bodies. I am hoping today will be a turning point for the Duke, though. Czarina and HeroBoy have the lingering cough and congestion that seems to follow, but they are recovering. Yesterday was their first completely fever-free day. They even got to play outside for an hour, and they aren't so peakish looking anymore. Still a little weak, they get tired easily, but I can tell they're recovering.

So far Chipmunk isn't displaying any signs of it. If he doesn't get it, I'm going to be (happily, joyfully, thankfully) surprised. But before everybody got sick, we were our usual kissy-huggy-germ-sharing selves. So we'll see. I'm praying that he doesn't get it. My heart breaks when the babies get sick like that.

In other news, HeroBoy fell out of his chair this morning, and busted his chin wide open. -sigh- It's pretty bad, but I steri-stripped it, and figured that's probably all they'd do at the ER. Maybe they'd put two or three stitches in, but I think what I did will suffice. He's a boy, it's under his chin and hidden from view, and I can't bear to look at the inside of the ER twice in one week! So, Dr. Mom to the rescue. I always second guess myself later, though... I do hope it'll be okay.

Anyway, that's what's up around here. In between tending sick folks, I did manage to catch up on laundry. The rest of the house is a wreck, though. It's driving me crazy! I absolutely MUST mop my kitchen and dining room floors today, or I will perish. And I'm not being dramatic here, people. I simply cannot coexist with such sticky floors. One of us has to go. So, I'm gonna go get on that, because I love my family and want to stay in this dimension a little longer. I leave you all to keep the internet going while I'm absent. I miss you guys! I am coming back, once we get everybody well, so save my seat. Seriously. Put your jacket there or something so nobody takes it.

Mkay.

Have a good one, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:36 AM

April 15, 2008

Prognosis: Survival

I dragged the kids to the doctor yesterday, and five hours and six prescriptions later, I think we'll live. The vile stomach virus had morphed into ear, sinus, and throat infections, believe it or not.

Everybody is happier today, me included. Now, if we can keep Chipmunk well, I'll be over the moon!

I have too much to do to blog today, but maybe I'll be caught up tomorrow. Just wanted to give an update!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:00 AM

April 14, 2008

Round 2

Czarina and HeroBoy slowly (!!) recovering, but the Duke seems to be coming down with it now. Yar.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:25 AM

April 13, 2008

Ah, Saturday Night ER

I think eight hours in the ER on a Saturday night is quite possibly more effective than a good old Baptist revival. Nothing like a little taste of hell to make a sinner repent! I won't regale you with tales from the ER, because I do not want to relive that horror again. I will tell you that I was honestly praying, dear Jesus, let them call our name next, please, oh please oh please oh please-- for literally, HOURS.

But, I'm glad we went, though it galls me to say it. We had been unable to get Czarina's fever down, and she was starting to get dizzy and extremely lethargic. I was worried that she was dehydrated, and I was right. So, IV fluids, some tests, a round of antibiotics, and we eventually got home some time after 4 a.m. I woke up at noon. I am happy to discover there is no permanent damage done to my mental state.

Czarina is much better today, as is HeroBoy. So far, they're the only ones who've come down with it, so here's hoping it'll stay that way!

Okay, I'm off to enjoy the day of rest. Later, gators.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:44 PM

April 9, 2008

Not So Outlandish

('scuse the pun. It's an involuntary reflex.)

I finished Outlander last night, with (surprisingly) minimal neglect of my normal life. I made a deal with myself, that if I was going to read it, I had to at least continue feeding my children. They're good kids, they deserve it. This book has a bad reputation for causing everything else to become totally irrelevent. However, everybody ate. (I'm not saying WHAT they ate, or whether dishes got washed.)

It was really, really good.

It was one of those books that you keep thinking about after you're done, remembering passages, wishing you hadn't read it so you could read it all over again. It was well written, the plot was engaging, and the characters genuine and believable. It's very similar to a story I thought about writing (and actually finished a few chapters on), but I'm embarrassed I even thought to do it after reading her skillful execution of it. She is a master storyteller.

I mentioned there was a fair bit of *ahem, but I'd like to clarify that it was tastefully done, and within the confines of marriage. I'm going to expound on that a bit, kids, so, 18+ from here on out.

Continue reading "Not So Outlandish"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:08 AM

April 8, 2008

Killing Time

So, I have a few minutes, before the world realizes it. The kids are playing outside, the kitchen floor is drying, and Chipmunk is snoozing. A rare, unfilled pocket in the day!

*twiddling thumbs

I, uh.

Wow.

I don't even know what to do with that, anymore! I could, of course, be sewing. My self-imposed sabbatical has gone on long enough, probably. I was stressing about BohoBaby, so I took a break. I want it to be fun, and it wasn't. But I think I'm ready to jump back in. People are starting to inquire, and everything else in my life seems to be balanced again, so it seems like a good time.

Or...

I could do a few of the other extras on my To Do list. Like picking up pine cones and sticks so King Pen can mow the grass. Wouldn't that be nice of me? He wouldn't even expect it. (Unless, of course, he reads this, or you tell him, you big blabbermouth.)

Or...

I could write that letter to Amy V. I've been meaning to, so I could mail the package she's been waiting on for literally MONTHS.

Or...

I could burn my jogging mix to my mp3 player so I can be ready for a quick one this afternoon.

Or...

I could get a jumpstart on supper.

Or...

Read another chapter in The Outlanders, which is just as good as everybody says, except I'll add that there seems to be a lot of *ahem* jostling about in in the bushes, if you ken what I'm saying. (I'm not saying whether that moves it up or down on the list. Haha)

So, you see, there are lots of possibilities. Maybe I should create a poll, and let you decide. Reader interraction and all that. I'll put that on the list, "Make a poll."

-sigh-

Okay, I'm out, before the world remembers I'm over here, doing nothing. Tune in tomorrow for the exciting conclusion of "Killing Time". I'm sure you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat till then.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:45 AM

April 4, 2008

Slow Go

Okay, I'm drawing a TOTAL blank today for blogging. I have stared at this blank place for ten minutes and have nothing to show for it. Aw. Guess I should move on, and hope something dawns on me later to write about.

No, I'm not pouting.

Well, maybe a little.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:20 AM

April 3, 2008

Hup

Good morning, crew. How is every little thing today? Making it?

I'm in a bit of shock that it's Thursday. How did that happen? Week's almost over!

Here are a few random highlights from my week:

- I spent $50 on groceries Monday. (rather than my pre-GG $150!!)

- The Duke is potty training! This is sad, but he's loving that "extra" time spent with me. Poor guy- he does get overlooked more than the others. I just hate that our quality time comes on the toilet.

-The Chipmunk is having a hellacious bout of separation anxiety. I mean, purely awful. I can barely look in a different direction without him having a complete meltdown. What gives?

-Midweek, I came down with a near obsessive urge to rid myself of the ghastly, fleshy pink color of my bedroom. Like, if I don't paint over it soon, I'm going to start scraping it off with my fingernails. It's just that bad.

-Somebody (maybe, say, my evil sister-in-law, Amy) has introduced me to the Scramble application on Facebook. It's like Boggle, which as some of you know, is my achilles heel. I stayed up until 1:30 IN THE MORNING playing this game. I couldn't even think to make words, but I couldn't QUIT!

-I swept the dining room floor yesterday no less than 15 times. I kid you not. I'd sweep up the crumbs, and before I even emptied out the dustpan, there were more. I suspect gremlins.

Okay, well, I've got to get started on my day. I'll pop on later, gators!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:40 AM

April 1, 2008

Oh Sweet Latex

I would just like to say, THANK THE STARS for rubber cleaning gloves. Seriously. I don't want to think of a life before that miraculous invention.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:46 AM

March 31, 2008

Oh Ye Domestic Generals

Is the Swiffer a soldier I should welcome into my Cleaning Army? I can't decide. It seems a bit... indulgent of me. Is it really all that?

I do have a coupon. (sigh)

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:09 PM

And We're Baaaack!

Okay, am I the only one still making SNL references? I should probably quit that.

But I am back!

Apparently, I got a little carried away with my spring break vacation. We just got back in last night, after making the rounds to see family. It was great. I have lots of pictures that will take me forever to upload and edit and all that, but I'll get to it eventually. (That's my new mottto-- "I'll get to it eventually." Surprisingly liberating! ha) It was a long visit, and I was so happy to crawl into my own bed last night. S'good to be home. Now, the unpacking and reorganizing begins. (YIKES)

So, still a little to do before I can write a long entry here. I've been feeling a smidge guilty about neglecting my blog over the last two weeks, but it couldn't be helped! Are we cool? You're not mad at me are you? I promise, we'll hang out more this week. I've got lots of good blog-related stuff brewing in my head, mkay? You still matter. We've got a bond that will never- blah, blah, blah. BFF and all that.

I make the joke. You really DO matter. We're gonna get this relationship back on track, don't you worry. And I know just how to do it.

I'll make the fish face, and you can do the puffed out cheeks. It'll be awesome.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:47 AM

March 17, 2008

Closed For Cleaning

Taking a few days off, my peeps. I need to do some Spring cleaning and whatnot this week. Closets, here I come!

I'll be back, though, so don't wander off too far. I'd hate to have to hunt you down and drag you back here. (Like last time.)

Be good!*

*I always feel like I need to say this when I leave you all unattended, oh mischievous readers. No telling what shenanigans you're up to in my absence.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:11 PM

March 12, 2008

Whensday

Hullo my little dumplings!

(Oh, come on. You know you like to be called that sometimes.)

So what's on the agenda today? Any special plans this fine Wednesday? I can't believe it's the middle of the week already. The days just FLY by lately! We're still majorly off-kilter with the time change on Sunday, just can't seem to get on schedule! It's driving me crazy.

I finished The Sunne in Splendor, all 900+ pages, and it was fantastic. I was SO relieved to be done with it, though. Medieval phrases were starting to work their way into my daily conversation. I almost wished King Pen "Godspeed" when he left on an errand the other day. And I'll admit I told Chipmunk, "You be stinky, lad. Let Ma Mere change you!" (I figured I could try some 15th century colliquol phrases with him, since he speaks little English as it is.) I was eating, breathing, speaking, and wearing, Richard III. It was good though- I highly recommend Sharon Kay Penman. She's an excellent historian/writer. I simply cannot fathom what it took to write this book. It blows my mind.

Okay, well, I realize this isn't much of a post, but I really need to go get some things done. (Things sorely neglected since I picked up that durn book!) I'll write later.

Dumplings.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:47 AM

March 10, 2008

No Monday Mojo

Okay guys. I've tried, I really have, but I got NOTHING today. Zip. Zilch. I'm dry as a bone.

I blame it on an obsessive reading of The Sunne in Splendor. I tell ya, this book may kill me. It's good, but it's a tough read. One of those that takes a serious commitment to finish. I'm on page 643. Tiniest print, thinnest paper of all time. 300 some odd pages to go, and I know more about the War of Roses than I really care to.

Anyway, it's distracting me from my WHOLE LIFE. I haven't even brushed my teeth yet.

That's terrible.

And, there is an embarassingly HUGE pile of laundry that I am trying not to make eye contact with. I have GOT to get in there and do it, y'all. I really do. HeroBoy walked around for half an hour today with NO UNDERWEAR on because he's out of clean clothes.

Shameful.

Okay, nuff talking. I need to get busy before social services shows up. I'm going to climb Mt. Laundry. And then I'm going to brush my teeth.

I can do those one-handed, right?

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:43 PM

March 8, 2008

Time Change

My mother-in-law is the BEST for reminding me about this twice a year. I swear, without that, we'd be early or late for church every single Sunday following a time-change. I just never remember!! It refuses to stick in my brain.

So, in honor of her today, let me pass on the reminder...

Set your clocks forward an hour tonight!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:07 PM

February 29, 2008

Missy Miscellaneous

Oh, sweet Friday. I could kiss you. (If you had lips, weren't a day of the week, and I was that kind of girl.)

So how's everybody this morning? Making it okay? Are you as glad for the wekeend as I am? This has been one busy week for me- not bad, just FULL. I'm loving that tomorrow is Saturday, and I have nothing on the agenda. Just an easy, at-home kind of day. It might even be a do-nut morning. Oh yeah!

I've got the urge to ramble. I'm gonna go with that for a minute.

I got my sewing machine back this week, hallelujah! It's working great. I've sewn a few more slings. I've slowly and steadily built up my stock, and I'm chomping at the bits to get my store up and running! It's nearly ready- just have to put the finishing touches on the brochure and get my business cards. There are actually some other 'behind-the-scenes' kind of details to finish up, too, but I'm getting to them. It takes me about three times as long to do things around here, because I'm chasing after four kids, homeschooling two, and just maintaining the household. That's a lot. It's a challenge for me to be patient with the time frame on things, because I'm a bit impulsive. When I want to do something, I want to do it RIGHT NOW, and that just doesn't work all the time.

That isn't always a bad thing though. Sometimes, if a little time passes, what seemed like a very good idea at the moment, doesn't later. So I avoid the pitfalls of being impulsive on occasion. This has saved me from many a tragic haircut in recent years.

Okay, rambling on...

Lost last night-- anyone? Wasn't it fantastic? I finally feel like a few questions were answered! And did you catch the shadow of a city at the very end, on the Lost island logo? Have I been missing that all along or something? I hadn't noticed it before, but there were some very distinct shapes there, that made it look like some ancient civilization. Atlantis? I'll have to go check out Lostpedia on this one. Anyway, very satisfying episode.

Well, that's enough rambling for the moment. I can only stay in my pjs so long, and leftover minipecan pies are calling my name. Hope you have a lovely weekend, and I'll post later if I'm not too busy taking it easy!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:17 AM

February 28, 2008

The Coupon Train

Whooo, whooo!!

(Okay, I've officially met my corny quota for the day.)

So here's the deal. You know how I've been doing the Grocery Game. Part of the fun is the coupons. Finding them, clipping them, and of course, using them! And since I have some obsessive tendencies, I have of course, gone a bit overboard. I have decided to start a coupon train. This is how it works. We'll start with 50 coupons. I put them in an envelope, and mail them to you. You take out the ones you want, add your own coupons that you don't want, and mail it to the next person on the list. It generally works best with about 50 coupons moving along, and no more than ten people riding each train. We can start multiples if there are lots of people interested.

So whatcha say? Anybody interested? You don't have to be playing the Grocery Game to get in on this.

Come on, free coupons- and a letter addressed to you in the mailbox that's NOT requesting money? You can't beat that. Leave a comment if you're interested, and I'll get us organized.

And, yes.

We must all wear conductor's hats.

Sorry, just the rules.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:35 AM

February 21, 2008

Little Bit of This

I'm over my temper tantrum from yesterday, thank you. It's amazing what a bottle of PineSol will do! No, I didn't drink it. Or sniff it. I just used it to mop with, and I tell ya, it has miraculous rejuvenating properties. I don't know why, but I can't possibly be in a bad mood when I'm mopping with PineSol.

Weird. Maybe I am sniffing it.

My days seem strange lately without my sewing machine. (How obsessed does that sound?) It's being serviced, and I just have to wait patiently for it to come out of the shop. I have actually found myself at a few points during the day, with a few minutes of wondering... well, now what? I don't have anything to do! I didn't realize that I am literally every second of the day, DOING SOMETHING!! I am not complaining, I actually really love it. My only complaint is that there isn't MORE time in the day, because I'm still not doing even half the things I'd like to do! Do you find that to be true? It's not that life is so stressful that I can't juggle it all, it's that I have a hard time prioritizing my 'extra curricular' activities. I think this is a result of the joy I feel in my life right now. There is an abundance of creativity in my spirit right now, and deciding how to distribute it into my life is one of the most fun problems I've ever had! So much life, so little time!

I'm going to write on that soon... about joy, about where it comes from and how to nurture it, because I think it's elemental for a Christian, especially women. And it doesn't just happen by itself.

Anyway, that's another post.

For now, I need to stop eating raisenettes and get out of my pajamas. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:52 AM

February 20, 2008

Hotmail Can Kiss My Grits

Anybody else as sick of their MSN account as I am? It's so unreliable! Half the time I can't sign in, or it times out, or some other craziness. I have a yahoo account for this blog stuff, and a gmail account out there somewhere, and my bohobabyslings address for business mail. But I can't let go of the hotmail address. -sigh- I used it for all my genealogy research over the years, and it still generates a response from old message boards and whatnot. So I can't close it.

But oooooh, if I could. I'd dump it right this instant!

Mkay. Composing myself.

Moving on.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:56 AM

February 18, 2008

Listenin' But Not Feelin' the Blues

So, there are a million and one things to do this Monday morning, but for a moment, I'm just sitting. Watching the golden finches at the feeder through the window, smelling my new rasberry candle, and listening to the smooth lope of Rosco Gordon's blues. Indulging the senses for just a few before this week kicks into high gear. All I need is a big, juicy glass of red wine to top it off. Come on, 5 o'clock!

We spent the weekend in Monroe with King Pen's folks, though I drove over to Vicksburg for my sister-in-law's baby shower Saturday. Sunday, we had an early 5th birthday party for HeroBoy (WAH!!) and got back last night. It was a busy, but fun weekend. I have pics, and will post them shortly.

This week, sewing, finishing BohoBaby business stuff, baking some Thank You bread for our neighbors (who have been so exceptional lately), a haircut tomorrow (whoohoo!), and the Grocery Game, of course. Lots to do, but really, nothing that's not Life.

I like Life.

I'm happy. I'M HAPPY. I'm glad to be able to write that.

Right this minute, before the top of the sippy cup comes off, and a diaper leaks, and the dryer breaks, and a matchbox car gets flushed down the toilet, Life is Exactly Perfect.

There's nothing like fifteen seconds of perfection to make the world seem bright.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:21 PM

February 11, 2008

Overload

Oh, people. There is a very real possibility my head is going to explode if I try to cram anything else in there. At the very least, my eyes are going to pop out. (Ew.)

I need to upgrade to WonderGirl 2.0.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:09 AM

Overload

Oh, people. There is a very real possibility my head is going to explode if I try to cram anything else in.

I need to upgrade to WonderGirl 2.0.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:09 AM

February 8, 2008

It's Still Hamma Time

I wanna know... how you break it down when "Can't Touch This" comes on, and nobody's around.

'Cause you know you do, too.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:07 PM

February 6, 2008

Adult Content

(but it won't get you fired)

Continue reading "Adult Content"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:31 AM

February 3, 2008

This and That

Urgh.

Man, I am so behind on stuff. I feel like a chicken with it's head cut off these days! I have so many little details of things swimming around in my head- or not, I guess, if I'm the chicken with no head.

See? I'm mixing metaphors. You know it's bad when that happens. This may be an indication of permanent drain bamage. (ha)

BohoBaby is coming along, slow and steady. I set up my light studio for taking pictures of each sling. That was pretty fun. I have never been all that interested in photography, but I can see the allure. As an aside, for those of you with photography as a hobby- do you find yourself with a mild urge to wear a beret as your working? Just wondering if that's normal at all.

Anyway.

It was fun. I have A LOT to learn about that, and really, only a limited amount of time, and cranial space, for extra stuff. So, in with photography, and out with.. um... physics. Haven't used it in ages anyway. Just taking up space. As a matter of fact, calculus can go, too.

-subject change-

We rented "Stardust" last night- I've been wanting to see it for ages. I finally recovered enough from my husband's "Lord of the Rings" taunting to risk renting another fantasy-themed movie. And, I will confide in you, dear reader, that even King Pen liked this movie. He may not speak to me after that revelation, but it's true. My man liked this movie. I know because he only made two snide, MST3K-like remarks. If you have ever watched a movie with King Pen, then you know, this is progress. As Dolly mentioned the other day on her blog, it had a "Princess Bride" flavor to it. (And it's common knowledge that you can't be a decent human being and not like PB. It's simply mandatory.) So, go and rent, and be prepared to wish you were Claire Daines again just a little bit. (She's so loverly.)

Grocery Game update-- got my first Sunday paper to clip coupons out of, and I realize, two things. Number one, this is yet another thing for me to obsess over. Yay. But, I could save gobs, so there ya have it. At least it's a productive obsession. And number two, I like to cut things. I really do. Is that weird? The thinner the paper, the better... and the fact that I have a preference is a bit worrisome. Anywho, I'll go shopping tomorrow, so I'll letcha know how it goes.

And lastly, here are a few pics I took, playing around with lighting and whatnot. I shamelessly stole the picture frame idea from Dolly (whom I seem to be stalking these days, apparently). I'm doing the whole family, and if Dolly doesn't like it, she can just... uh... send me an email. Cause I'm stealing it, and that's that. I ain't a'skerred of her. I could take her.

(Sorry, Dolly. This is a direct result of the limited neuro-processing thing I was talking about earlier.)

(By the way, Czarina BEGGED me to straighten her hair, so don't panic, Mom. The curls are still there. My little comedian dramatically wailed after I had finished, "Oh no!! My curls are gone! That's where I get all my ideas-- now I can't think of a single thing!" I don't know where she comes up with that stuff.)

Oh, and here's a picture of a sling I took in my "studio".

Fancy, huh?

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:00 PM

February 1, 2008

Status

King Pen: recovered, returned to work today, a little draggy but fever-free.

Chipmunk: fever, a little grumpy, but otherwise okay.

WonderGirl: headache. Paranoid.

HeroBoy, Czarina, and the Duke: well and ready for fun.

And now for the inanimate:
Laundry: sky high.
Dishes: clean, waiting to be put away.
Beds: unmade.
Slings: few more done.
Diapers: changed.
Breakfast: eaten.
TV: off.
Coffee: gulped.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:06 AM

January 30, 2008

No Life?

Hey, technically, I posted FIVE times today.
That's scary.

Well, six now.
-sigh-

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:28 PM

Random FYI

Although I do not like to be subject to them, I am vastly amused by the word(s) "hissy fit".

It brings such delightful visualization to a story. (As long as I am not IN the story.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:12 PM

Yipes.

King Pen has the flu.

This is very not good, as I have been known, on occasion, to kiss this man.

Plus, poor King Pen! He is feeling like death warmed over right now.

Now, I'm off to gargle with rubbing alcohol. Don't take it personally, Hon.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:45 PM

And Now, A Penguin In Shoes

Because he wasn't cute enough before.

He had to wear those, or his ittle bitty tootsies got sore. Seriously. He should be all better by now, though. Shame. Because I think all penguins should wear shoes.

I also think I might need to go to bed now.

Yup.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:15 AM

January 29, 2008

The Dark Side

Czarina at lunch today, telling me the fun game she and HeroBoy had been playing:

Her: So we had the pony, and we put her on the bed, and then we pretended that we ate Santa's magic, and we--

Me: Wait. You pretended that you ATE Santa's magic?

Her: Yeah! So we could fly and-

Me: Hold on. You stole Santa's magic, by consuming it?

Her: Uh-huh. So we could go in and out of chimneys and-

I didn't even hear the rest. All I could think of was how disappointed Gandalf, Dumbledore, Obi-Wan, and my dad would be to know I've spawned a child of dark magic.

I'll hide it as long as I can.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:51 PM

January 28, 2008

Library SOS

You know us. We move to a new town, and we may not have a home phone connected yet, but we can't get library cards fast enough. We are a family that needs a free, steady, incoming flow of books and movies and music at all times.

So, we checked out our local branch here in Pineville, and it was S A D.

Inhospitable, even.

Walking in, there was a dead bird on the sidewalk. I should have taken this an omen. No life can exist here. There were no other cars in the parking lot, at all. Hm.

So we come to the front door, which barely looks like an entrance at all, and it's plastered with signs, the biggest being: "Due to customer complaints, we request that you DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Patrons wearing clothes that reveal an excess of skin will be asked to leave." Mm. That's welcoming.

(As an aside-- What are we in for here? For one, I just can't see this as being an actual problem in this town-- as there are only five other people living here under 35, and there seems to be an "understanding" about the liberal use of camo clothing.)

Anyway, after making a mad dash back to the car to cover up my hoochie booty, (kidding) - I open the door, and there are so many signs, you can barely see the books.

"As of Jan. 1st, social websites like Facebook, and Myspace are banned on Library computers."

"Children under 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult at ALL times. Strictly Enforced." (okay, not 18. But you could tell they really wanted that one.)

"Tropic of Capricorn has been removed from the shelf, for obvious reasons."

"To the Person Who Blacked Out Page 144 of The Diary of Anne Frank- Thank You."

"Restrooms Not Available To The Public"

"As of February 15th, this branch will revert back to the traditional card catalog, and the computers will only have typing programs available."

"Blah, blah, blah, More Rules"

As if the plethora of signs wasn't enough to suck the fun out of the public library, then the children's section alone would do it. It was about as unfriendly a place as you could get. It was the Anti-Children's Section. Overly tidy- as if a book had never even left the shelf, and no colorful, childlike ANYTHINGS. And the librarian was dogging my every step, mentioning two or three times that the children should NOT reshelve their own books. -sigh- Mkay. I get it. Let me take my four thousand, disruptive children and we're getting the hippity hoppity out of here!

I'm kinda doubting there's a storytime.

I did manage to find a few books for them (one on Good Manners, and the other on Canyons of America). I searched quickly, and quietly, so as not to disturb the other non-existent patrons. So, then I go get a few books for myself, and... well... let's just say that they had almost every V.C. Andrews book in large print. And not much else. (And hey, let's be honest- there isn't a VC Andrews book left I didn't read in the 8th grade. Ew.)

-sigh-

Okay. That was one branch though, and I'm holding out hope that we just picked the worst one first.

I'm not being insulting here, really... it's just, I guess I'd gotten ridiculously spoiled in Birmingham. Our libraries there, especially the Hoover Library, were ROCKIN'! You just would not believe how awesome they were. I wanted to LIVE at that library, but it would have been way out of my price range.

I can live without a lot of things, people. Cable. Cellphone reception. Shampoo. Alcohol. (Did I mention Pineville is DRY?) But I can't make it in a world without books. Oh, the horror!

Somebody, do something! Help me!

Where's Captain O.G. Readmore when you need him?

Oh wait, I guess that "No Library Mascots Allowed" sign scared him away.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:54 AM

January 25, 2008

Today's Burning Question

is...

What is your favorite candy, that has NO chocolate in it? Don't be shy. Delurk, lurkers, and join the fun. I won't bite. (Well, not YOU. I might your candy, though.)

My favorite:

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:20 AM

January 24, 2008

Awww!!

Don't you love accidentally stumbling across something nice somebody said about you on their blog? It's like a big, squeezy hug just when you need it.

-happy sigh-

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:58 PM

January 23, 2008

Must Be a Glitch

Okay, can anybody tell me why I had 453 hits at the Sift yesterday? (Since I usually have around 80?)

I'm a little weirded out by that.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:38 AM

January 22, 2008

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

Oh dreary days, GO AWAY!! What has happened to the sun? Vacationing in Fiji? Somebody call that slacker back because I am sick to death of cold, drizzly days!

I need me some sunshine, dangit!

*ahem.

Sorry.

Little temper tantrum there, I realize. But my mental health is in jeapardy without the option of "Go play outside!" in my vocabulary.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:42 PM

January 21, 2008

Tall Trees 'Round Me

Our first day back to normal life, and it feels.... weird.

King Pen starts his new job today, and I'm attempting to get us back on our regular schedule on the homefront. Back to school, back to our daily habits, (hopefully more good than bad!)

I still have so much to do, pictures to hang being the least of it. I haven't organized the school stuff yet, or my sewing things-- and then all those little details like finding pediatricians, etc. It's a bit daunting, starting all over like that! Kinda makes me want to crawl back into bed. At least today it does, anyway!

I'm glad to be here though- this is a very nice town. We actually live in Pineville, which is across the river from Alexandria. And true to it's name, there are pine trees everywhere. There are pine trees growing on the pine trees. So, I get horrible cellphone reception, which is driving me crazy, but oh well! And I am fearful of the spring time. I can only imagine the havoc this will wreak on my sinuses.

Anyway- Pineville is so laid back, it's unbelievable. It sort of feels like we've stumbled onto a nonstop family reunion or something. Everybody is so nice, so "visity", and even the babies are wearing camo. (What, isn't that how everybody elses family reunions are?) It's hard to describe- how the pace is different here. People don't have their phones glued to their ears all the time. They seem more content in traffic. Couples go grocery shopping together. Little things like that. We've got lots of retired folks, Baptists, and Dairy Queens. Does that give you a feel for things?

It will take some adjusting, but I think we'll fit in fine once we give up our love of good tv reception.

I joke.

Well, not really- our tv reception makes me want to cry, but that's neither here not there. We were watching too much of it anyway. (Always looking for that silver lining. Ha!)

I am happy to be here- I think it will be a great place to raise our family, and to enjoy a slower pace of life. Things are so good, I love where my children are so much, that slowing it down seems like the perfect idea. Time happens too fast as it is.

Well, those are just a few thoughts this morning... guess I should get on to my day. I'll hop on later, once I get a curtain or two hung up.

Man, it feels good to be back!!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:52 AM

January 18, 2008

Thank You

First of all, to King Pen's parents, who have done SO much to help us with this move. Letting me stay with the kids over the holidays, babysitting as we house-hunted, letting King Pen borrow the truck, being our "moving crew", and all the trips up and down getting things settled. Thank you for the couch, the bunkbeds, and the fridge. And, making sure there were groceries in the pantry and gas in the car! You have been such a blessing in our lives, and it seems almost silly to try to express that with words. I can't even come close.

And now, to the rest of the list.

Aunt Janet, and Aunt Vickie- thank you for coming to help us pack, load, and clean in Birmingham. It would have been a nightmare to do that without help- especially trying to look after the kids, too. Thank you!

Herman and Michelle- thank you for the lovely Peruvian food and the break from loading the truck! We enjoyed your company and miss you already. Thank you also, Herman, for the help loading. It was unexpected and greatly appreciated.

Laura and Jim H.- thank you for putting us up in Alexandria for the night, and for the many small, thoughtful details you've attended for us since then. It's been lovely meeting and getting to know you- your hospitality and warmth was a hearty welcome! Jim, thank you also for moving a truckload of stuff for us. That was great!

Uncle Clinton- thank you for the beautiful furniture. It's so gorgeous, and I treasure it already! Thank you for driving all the way up and down and all around to get it here. Thank you for entertaining the kids that first day as I got us situated in our new place, and for getting that first load of stuff from the storage building. Also, thanks for loaning us your DVD player when ours was packed up- it was a LIFESAVER.

Mom and Aunt Janet- thank you for babysitting for me, even though you were DOG SICK. I'm so sorry! I do appreciate it, and my carpets are nice and clean because of it.

Mom and Dad- thank you for letting us stay beyond the holidays, for accepting my somewhat random schedule, and helping out with the kids. I know it can be crazy!

Tara- thank you for your impromptu babysitting- I know it was last minute and sorta disrupted your schedule. Thank you for setting two extra places at your table! I know they had fun, and it was a great help.

Jackson, Shelby, and Rachel- thanks for giving up a precious Saturday to help us move! Jackson, the pressure washing was great, everything looks so clean. And Rachel, you are the BEST babysitter. The kids loved you. And Shelby, thanks for the muscle, man. I know we wore all you guys out, and I really appreciate it.

To Rich and Jenny, Gilbert and Cindy, and Sarah and Ryan- thanks for opening up your homes for King Pen during his last days in Birmingham. I know he enjoyed the visit with all of you, and we certainly saved a lot of money on hotels! It was very charitable of you- and we'll always remember that. Next time you head our way, we want to feed you!

To our new neighbors (who won't read this, but need to be mentioned also)- thank you for the food, the welcome, and the friendly waves. We're excited to be here, and I promise, we'll be good neighbors.

Let's see... I think that's everybody. It's hard to keep it all straight- we've had SO much help over this last month. I don't know how we'd have done it without you guys. Thank you from the bottom of my heart-- and come see us soon! We promise we won't make you babysit or paint or move furniture. :) If I missed anybody or anything, I promise it wasn't intentional. I really am grateful for your help, it's just that my mind is mush after this whole thing.

Enjoy your weekend everybody- back to normal blogging, normal life, on Monday!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:32 AM

January 14, 2008

Not Boxed Anymore

Am I blogging?

I am.

Wow. I'm as surprised as you are!

This has been the most insane week, no-- MONTH!- evah. I've never cleaned/packed/loaded/cleaned again/unpacked/unloaded so hard in my life! But, it's all (mostly) finished. There are some projects to wrap up this week, but all our stuff is here. Still boxes to unpack, a few walls to wipe down, and we haven't even touched the outside yet. But it's home. We're over the hump, and it's all downhill from here.

Which is good, because that was about all WonderGirl had in her.

I cannot express how lovely our welcome has been to Alexandria and this neighborhood. We've been swamped with kindness, and I can't wait to make my thank-yous!

Wish this could be more of a post, but honestly, my hands are just too tired. Literally. I'm making my way back to normal life though, so hang in just a little bit longer! I am like the phoenix, rising from the ZZZz....zzzz...

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:03 PM

January 9, 2008

Living Hourly

Plans seem to change for us by the hour around here. (Wherever "here" actually is at the moment!) But finally, it's come down to me and the kids heading out to Alexandria for good tomorrow, though we're a few days earlier than all our belongings. We're basically camping out in the house. We do have water and electricity and a smattering of "stuff" to keep us occupied, though.

The kitchen is move-in ready, which required quite a bit of cleaning and painting. All the carpets have been shampooed and floors mopped. The boys' room has been painted and the hall bathroom is ready for use. House and carport have been pressure-washed, leaves blown off the front yard and the roof, and outside of windows cleaned. Still to do is paint the hall (this will have to be a midnight project), paint Czarina's room, clean inside of all the windows, clean the laundry room, master bath, wipe down all the closets, and clean the stove and the fireplace. (Dreading those last two. Urgh) Still a lot of work, and a bit harder with the kids in tow, but we're getting there. I really want to have most of this stuff done by Saturday, when King Pen gets there and we're ready to unload stuff.

But, oh my hands.

They were so raw today-- Hours and hours of painting and scrubbing and scraping have taken their toll. I'm treating them to some serious r&r when this is all over. They won't so much as lift a dish for a week. Thank you, chinette.

So, that's 'nuff typing for tonight. I need to let them rest, and my eyeballs are feeling a bit cranky, too.

Few more days, guys!! Then it's all done. Sort of.

I'm working on a big "THANK YOU!!!" post for all the people who've lent a hand in this whole thing... but I'm waiting till the last box is in the house. (So, there's still time if you want to make the list. Ha.) Seriously, we couldn't have done this without gobs of people. So, early thank-you. But wait for the biggie, cause it's coming.

Hope you have a nice whatever day it is. I'm so not sure of what universe I'm even in right now!

PS: King Pen, ILYMTTCT.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:52 PM

January 7, 2008

Scattered

is how I'm feeling these days.

King Pen is still in B'ham, finishing off his last days at work, staying with friends.

Kids and I are back and forth between my folks house, and his folks, with random day trips to Alexandria to work on the house.

We live out of boxes, suitcases, gift bags, and the trunk of my minivan at the moment.

It's almost impossible to find matched socks anymore.

I miss my husband.

But--- these days are dwindling, and home is on the horizon. Reunion is six days away. My bed is six days away.

Lovely thought.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:22 AM

January 4, 2008

Hay is for Horses

But I say it anyway.

Geez Louise- long time no see! I am missing me some blogging! I have, very literally, not had a moment to blog until now. We've been house hunting hardcore, and finally, finally, it all came together. We found an incredible place- so wonderful I just want to cry over it. It had been a bit neglected by the former tenants, and so I think the potential in this house was overlooked by the landlord. We got a DEAL. A few minor cosmetic changes, and this house is a jewel. It's a four bedroom brick home, in a great, quiet neighborhood. There is a living room with a fireplace, a dining room, a breakfast area off the kitchen (and a bar), a school room/play room (what a bonus!!), and two full baths. A huge fenced in backyard, with a deck- trees and the whole shabang. Closets galore, store rooms, laundry room, just amazing. We've never lived with so much square footage- it's going to be a huge change in our lives.

The neighborhood itself is perfect for us. There are sidewalks, shady streets, very little traffic-- the kids will be able to ride bikes and I can go jogging. It's fabulouso.

-happy sigh-

So now, sad to say, there is STILL a lot of work to do, and still no real time to blog. But that will change, I just have to get all this stuff done. Don't give up on me, I'm coming back, I swear it!

Well, that certainly had a Britney feel to it, didn't it?

Okay, I'm out, guys. Back sometime next week.

Let's hope my comeback is a bit more successful than Mrs. Fedderline Spears.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:59 PM

December 28, 2007

Still Kicking

Hey guys-- just wanted to say, I'm still in the world of the living, but I'm on hiatus till after the New Year. Check back next week... after all the craziness of the holidays and house-hunting and all that.

Happy New Years!!! See y'all in '08.

(By the way... Ash, have you made up your New Year's rhyme yet?)

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:06 PM

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas, Blogland!

Enjoy the best day of the year!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:46 PM

December 21, 2007

Because We Share Everything

I find it necessary to tell you that I bruised my pinkie knuckle with my frantic energetic packing.

Just thought you should know.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled browsing.

PS: Moving truck pulls out at 7 a.m. in the morning!!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:52 PM

December 20, 2007

Commenting Elsewhere

Hey, have you guys noticed that when you leave a comment on a Blogspot blog now, you don't have the option of leaving your personal url anymore-- it's got to be with your google/blogger account, a nickname (with no linkage) or one of the other mainstream ids? How much does that bite!?

I call for a boycott. Bloggers, rise up!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:16 PM

Departures

So tonight we had our Christmas service at church, followed up with food and fellowship. This was our last service, and it was grand. Lovely singing, wonderful telling of the nativity story, good food, good friends. It was a perfect night to go out on. A perfect exit.

But, I am quite tenderhearted about it. I fought back tears several times as I made my goodbyes, especially to a few friends I've been close to. (But Dolly, you snuck out on me! I didn't get to hug your neck! Wah.) And, though I will miss the circle of women I've come to know so well, it wasn't that exactly that had me so upset. It is the loss of fellowship, of community, that is the hardest to bear. We've always gone to church, but seldom actually been a part of it. Does that make sense? Here, we've been absorbed into the body of Christ- we've worshipped together, broken bread together... and to leave that is very hard. I didn't realize how much we'd given ourselves over to these people, to this place. It was an oasis, and I am loathe to leave that spring of fellowship. It's like cutting ourselves off from a thriving, healthy body of believers, and suddenly being adrift in a void.

I have a lump in my throat just typing that.

I know it won't stay that way, I know that God goes before us and that He has a place for us in Alexandria. I believe that. But right now, the future is dimly lit, and my heart is sad.

That's okay for tonight, yes? Tomorrow I will be better, tomorrow I will look forward to changes, to beginnings- but tonight, well tonight is for goodbyes.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:20 AM

December 18, 2007

AIEEE!

Tuesday night we are hosting our building's Christmas party. Yeah. With all the boxes. But, we couldn't move without a farewell to our good friends here! The kids have all drawn names, so there will be a present exchange. I've gotten them all white tshirts and some fabric paint so that they can make memory shirts. This will keep them occupied while we adults try my first attempt at Hot Buttered Rum! Wahoo! I've been dying to make this stuff, and I've finally got the perfect opportunity.

But, lest you think we are all lushes, there is more on the menu than just booze. We'll be eating jambalaya and french bread, and for dessert- mini pecan pies. We're going for the cajun theme, just to jazz this thing up, and share a little of Louisiana with our Peruvian neighbors. Add in some beer (Abita, of course), a cheese and cracker plate, a bowl of holiday m&ms, and crank up a little Zydeco Christmas music, and you've got yourself a bonafide Creole Christmas party! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

I've also compiled a photo album of all the kids over the past year to give to my closest neighbor, Michelle. She's been great, and I will really miss her.

It will be a busy day for me tomorrow, trying to get the house presentable enough and get the food ready, but I'm really looking forward to it. It's a nice break from packing- a moment to stop and enjoy the people around me, this place and the memories we made. It seems a fitting time to say farewell, a time when we appreciate the blessings God has given us and the people He brings into our lives.

Plus. Come on. Hot buttered rum? How can that not equal fun?

I'll save you a mug.

Mkay. Time for bed. Night, folks. See you tomorrows.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:30 AM

December 17, 2007

Trouble in Threes

Hey, remember that transmission problem we were having- and I had to take it in again? Well, guess what? It's not the transmission. It's the alternator. I kid you not. I couldn't make this stuff up! In the month before Christmas, we've had to replace (or repair) the transmission, the brakes, and now the alternator.

Un-stinking-believable.

Oh well. Ya gotta have a running car, so you just suck it up.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:02 PM

December 14, 2007

Weekend Update with WonderGirl

So... exactly how high can you stack boxes? I feel like I've got a few leaning towers of pisa around here. May have to do some reinforcement before the kids get home today. My box towers wouldn't stand a chance against the ninjas, choo-choo trains, cowboys, Power Rangers, and puppies.

Speaking of which, the chirruns are rolling in around 3 today with King Pen's parents. They'll be thrilled with the strangeness of living in Box Land for a week! (The kids, not King Pen's parents.) I think his folks are spending the night with us. They'll be staying in the Guest Suite, which is conveniently located in the Living Room, with state-of-the-art Air Mattress amenities. It's the perfect getaway for traveling grandparents! Turn down service available.

And a few hours later, King Pen's sister and her kids will be here, too. They are staying in a hotel, except for two of the younger kids, who will be bunking here. On a bed of boxes. Then Saturday morning, we're headed over to Moss Rock Preserve, unless it rains. Which, unfortunately, is likely. But if it doesn't, we'll hike and show off one of B'hams hidden treasures. If it does rain, we'll probably hit the McWane Science Center. Not exactly a hidden treasure. Unless you count the loose change in the ballpit. Which we'll need, because the tickets are outrageous for this thing! Why must fun be so expensive?

Anyway, that'll be our Saturday. Everyone is leaving that afternoon, and we'll get straight to the work of our last week here. Much to do, many goodbyes to say...

Well, I must be off. These boxes aren't going to move themselves. (Except for that one over there, marked "Creature". I'm scared of that box. I don't even know where it came from.)

Okay-- Enjoy your Friday, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:00 AM

December 13, 2007

Boxes, Boxes, Everywhere

Alright! It's starting to look like we're moving around here! Left to do: kitchen, linen closet, King Pen's closet, and outside stuff. And, of course, disassembling furniture, minor repairs, and cleaning. But it seems feasible now, that we may actually be on schedule! Wahoo!

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:13 PM

Starbucks ER

I
need
coffee.

Stat.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:55 PM

Checking My Lists

There seems to be an endless amount of stuff to do around here. Do you detect that tiny twitch in my eye, the slightly higher-than-normal pitch of my voice? Just a wee bit of panic here, lads and lassies. So, naturally, this is also the time when other troubles start. -sigh- The transmission- ARGH. Yes, the one we just had rebuilt-- it's whining! The nerve! And whining is contagious-- see? It whines, I whine. It is under warranty, so it won't be money out of our pocket, but it just comes at a BAD time. I do not want to have to be worrying with this right now! I guess better now than on the road when we're moving, though. Honestly, they better fix it right this time.

Anyway, besides that, packing is going well- but a bit daunting. Six people can accumulate a bunch of junk, I tell ya. I'm throwing it out left and right. It's actually pretty liberating. I mean, who needs a couch? Beds? Chairs? Clothes? Time to let it all go, my friends. Sleeping bags and milk crates in the nude will do just fine. (I may be getting a bit carried away with the whole "purge thy possessions" thing. Or possibly, it's the delirium kicking in.)

Christmas shopping, mostly done. I am waiting on a few things I ordered online, so that'll be it. I can't complain about the shopping though-- I've had so much fun spending money! I could seriously get used to that! Ha! Not that I've gone crazy-- but when you're basically just used to paying the bills and buying groceries, then it makes the Christmas shopping a real treat. Like, how cocaine is a treat.

Trying to get planned and organized for our last week here-- we have a lot of social activities next week on top of finishing up the packing. I really don't want to spend our final days here stressed out- that's no way to say goodbye. So I'm doing as much as possible now.

Well, I'm wiped. I gotta hit the hay. (Literally-- I gave away the mattress.) Night, y'all.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:03 AM

December 10, 2007

Oh boy.

Fourteen boxes down. And it's barely a dent.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:47 PM

77° F

Shopping at the mall today, it occurs to me that only in the South can you buy short-sleeve Christmas shirts. -Sigh-

Humid Holidays, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:06 PM

December 9, 2007

Building Boxes

Whoa, hello Sunday! Snuck right up on me, didn't ya? I can't believe another week is upon me, one that must be very productive! This is do or die time. The kids are away, and I must pack, pack, pack. (And shop, shop, shop. Nap, nap, nap. Read, read, read.)

And hopefully I'll be so busy I won't cry, cry, cry. It's really starting to hit me. Part of me is very nervous about leaving the sure thing, ya know? We know every Sunday what to expect, we know that we will be well nourished, and in the company of dear folks who love us and love God. It's scary to leave that, and head into who knows what! And then, leaving our little community breaks my heart a bit, too. The kids have such good friends, and I have enjoyed the moms here in our building. We're having a Christmas/Farewell party, and I know for certain, I won't make it through without some tears.

-Sigh-

But, it's the right thing to do, I know it. This is a wonderful job, closer to family-- it's perfect. Just wish saying goodbye wasn't so tough. Wish I could take all the good stuff with me.

Anyway... blogging may be sparse over the next two weeks as I get all this in motion. Don't give up on me-- just keep popping back occasionally for updates.

Hope you all have a lovely week! Bye, bye, bye!

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:30 PM

December 6, 2007

I'm No Grinch, But...

Enough with the car repairs at Christmas already! To the rebuilt transmission, we now had to add new brakes, to the tune of $400.

I mean, it is what it is, I'm not letting this ruin my holiday-- but the unexpected expenditures have got to stop, or we'll never pull it all off- moving, Christmas expenses, deposits and all for a new place, etc. ARGH!

Come on, Santy Claus! All I want for Christmas is my two front wheels NOT TO FALL OFF.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:07 PM

December 4, 2007

Occupations

Two and a half weeks till we move... OH.MY.GOSH.

The kids leave Friday for their grandparents house (thank you, Ms. Sue, what ever would I do without you??), and I have a week to get this place boxed up. Yeah, I'm a little bit freaking out. And sad to be going. But excited, too. (I may be developing a bipolar disorder.)

Rental truck is reserved, and storage facility is a go. Now we just have to find a place to live! We're waiting till the end of Dec. to do that, and hopefully by mid January, we'll be in a place.

Details, details.

Speaking of which, who wants to watch my kids the evening of Dec 21st while we load the truck? Anyone, anyone?

I love moving at the start of a new year, though. I know 2008 holds many new exciting things for la familia de WonderGirl. Lots of memories to be made with cousins, a promising career for King Pen, and maybe, just maybe... WonderGirl's verra own house? Wouldn't it be lovely this time next year to be hanging a wreath on my own hearth? This is at least a step in that direction, and it cheers me to the bone. Bring it on, 2008.

In Christmas news... we've got most of our shopping done. Though we scaled back a good bit, I am still excited about the holidays. We don't buy our kids many toys throughout the year-- even if we had a lot of money, I doubt we would. So Christmas is an extra special time, it really is our big moment of the year to splurge on them. I can't wait to see how excited they are to see what's under the tree this year.

I really wanted to get us into more of the Advent activities this season, but with moving, it complicates things. Next year though, we will employ more solid traditions that emphasize the birth of Christ, drawing them back to the reason we celebrate this holiday. I mean, obviously, they know... but it's so easy for them to be distracted from that by such a clear cultural focus on Santa.

Not that Santa doesn't ROCK. Cause he fills our stockings to the brim around here...

But we all know the Truth behind the trimmings. Just want to make sure that comes through loud and clear with the chirruns.

Well, look, I gotta go. I have so much stinking stuff to do, it's not even funny! Hope you all have a lovely Tuesday. I'll try to get on here and post our Christmas tree pix later today. Adios!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:50 PM

December 2, 2007

Done and Done

I did it! I've completed my six weeks of no shampoo! I would like to thank the people at the water company, who so graciously provided me with extra water for thorough rinsing, and my husband, who pretended not to notice the funky days, and my friends and family, whose curiousity outweighed their disgust, and of course, God, who gave me hair to experiment on.

As for now, I will continue to go sans shampoo. I mean, why mess up a good thing? I'm not promising never to use it again, but none for the time being.

So now what? What's the next big challenge? I feel like I need something. I have to admit, it was kinda fun having a short term objective like that. Go vegan for a month? Stop wearing deodorant? Give up processed foods? Mm. Not likely. I'm open to suggestions, though.

Anyway.

Other news... you know how we were planning to move before Christmas, but then we changed our minds? Well, we changed 'em back. So now we're moving Dec. 22, which is, oh three weeks away? Yikes. I mean YIKES!!!! What am I doing blogging? *running off in a panic.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:14 PM

December 1, 2007

Love Me Some Saturday

A verra good day.Christmas presents were bought, mall pizza eaten, and a free pair of pearl earrings from the new jewelry store at the Galleria now don my cute little earlobes.  I kid you not.   I got a coupon in the mail, and I redeemed it.  No strings attached, they didn't require my firstborn child, and they didn't bully me into buying the matching necklace.  Although, I did take in my engagement ring for repair, so there's that.  But still.  We like-a the free stuff.So, that's all... just wanted to share good vibes on this Saturday night.More tomorrow!  We're putting up our tree, so there'll be pix to post.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:13 PM

November 26, 2007

Outing Myself

Okay, I can't lie to you anymore. I can't live this double life! I know you think I'm fabulously academic in my book choices. Right? You do think that, don't you? I mean, I'm in a book club, and that makes me special. (Well, not anymore. But I was at one point, and that counts for something.) I was part of that elite society, connoisseurs of fine books. We wouldn't touch a book if it was on Oprah's book list. And we certainly don't read chic lit- *shiver.

But with great power, comes great responsibility. (Spiderman? Who's that? I don't sully myself with popculture, so I do not know of this Spiderman you speak of.)

Anyway. I have obligations that come with my position as Le Book Snob. I have literary principles to uphold, and I certainly can't be seen reading this:

So I've been sneaking it.

And it's sooo good. Each chapter ends with a gun pointed at somebody, or a bomb counting down the seconds to explode, or a subterranean chamber about to flood. I can't put it down! I'm so ashamed.

Which is why, Teri, I am hesitant to sign up at Goodreads. Because then you'll all know the truth. I am not quite as blue blood as I've led you all to believe. I am not sipping Earl Grey and nibbling scones as I read Jane Austin. I'm over here, gulping down Starbucks, polishing off Halloween candy, reading James Rollins like there's no tomorrow.

I hope we can still be friends.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:03 AM

November 24, 2007

Lovely to Be

H O M E !!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:04 PM

November 19, 2007

Oh, WonderGirl, Where Art Thou?

At my folks house after a very hectic couple of days. We got about an hour and a half into our trip Friday, and our transmission EX PLO DED.

What followed is something I'd rather not re-live. Stranded on the side of the road with four kids, in the cold, waiting on a tow truck. More than one of us had to make a potty visit to the woods. Then, a night in a hotel with a 7, 4, and 2 year old, and an 8 month old. And yes, somebody slept in the bathtub, but I won't say who. Okay, not that bad. The playpen in the bathroom, but still. The kids thought it was a grand adventure, which is a much better perspective than the panicky, what-on-God's-green-earth-are-we-gonna-do state that King Pen and I were in.

Ya know when it all hits the fan? Yeah, that's where we were. But we managed. Fortunately, we were able to rent a minivan the next morning, reschedule our meeting in Alexandria, and get on the road.

So, the job is nailed down now. He'll start Feb. 1st, which means we will not move until after Christmas. That'll be much easier than our original plan to move over the holidays, so I'm glad for it. This way we can decorate a tree and all that. Assuming that we can talk our landlord into letting us stay the extra month, because our lease actually expires Dec. 31st. We'll see.

Don't know the status of the van yet, but we're predicting doom. The transmission is a goner. Which means, sadly, so is our Christmas budget. Not that there was much of a budget to begin with, but what was there is definitely gone now. That's a bummer, but there's no sense in dwelling on it. C'est le vie.

Anyway, just wanted to give an update. I'm here with WonderMom, planning the Thanksgiving menu and just enjoying the pleasures of home. I'll blog off and on this week, but for the most part, consider me on vacation. I'm clocked out, y'all!! Literally, and figuratively.

Have a loverly day!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:11 AM

November 16, 2007

I Will Not Cry

Dear Family:

When you see my beautiful, red minivan pulling into your driveway this Thanksgiving holiday, rush forward and GIVE ME A HUG. Because you have no idea what suitcase packin' day is like.

Love,
WonderGirl

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:02 PM

When Others Struggle

I only have a few minutes today, there is SO much to do. We're getting ready for another marathon trip- and that involves megapacking. On Saturday, we are meeting AGAIN with the future employer to nail down the specifics and hopefully get everything in writing so we can move forward with this move. Then, I'm spending a week with the kids at my parents house. So it's a busy day today.

But before I get to all that, I wanted to blog. My internet connection was spotty yesterday, so when I got up this morning and it worked, I had a lot of catching up to do. I love reading my favorite blogs as the kids eat breakfast and I drink my coffee. It's like my morning paper and a chat with friends all rolled into one. Most of the time, the news is funny and informative. Even the daily routines of other people cheer me. But sometimes, it's not a good day for news. Sometimes, the news is enough to break your heart.

It seems that so many of my friends and family are struggling financially right now. I can feel the full weight of that anxiety, that depression, that desperate desire to trust God but not knowing how to do that in the face of such grim circumstances. Been there, done that. Or rather, AM there, DOING that. So I get it, I really, really do. And I wish more than anything that I could help. When I read about a friend skipping meals so her children have more to eat, nothing in the world would bring me more joy than to write out a check RIGHT this instant, and be the means that God uses to provide for this week. Another friend, whose husband is out of work and is trying, trying to trust God but struggling... oh how I wish I could reach out and hug her. To see these troubles, and to really "get" it, but be helpless to aid them, it's heartbreaking.

Financial worries I understand, but when it crosses into health issues, well, it certainly puts things in perspective. I read a post from a fellow blogger this morning about her husband's cancer, and how they are looking into hospices now... oh, God. I pray for comfort and peace for them... I don't even know WHAT to pray. Saying goodbye to your lifelong love, oh my heart. That hurts.

I've told them all I'll be praying for them, and I really mean it. I will be. I hope that means something to them, that it lets them know they are cared for, that they're not alone. I hope they know it means they are remembered, their problems matter, and that their names are whispered into the Almighty's ear every day.

One day, maybe I'll be able to do more. That's my prayer, that one day God will allow us to be tools in other people's lives. That He'll give us the blessing and honor of being in a position to make a monetary difference. What a joy that would be! But I am no less content with being the one to hug, because that is a calling as well.

Anyway... those are my thought today. I realize they were a bit blue, but it is what it is. Remember those who are suffering around you today. Pray that God opens your eyes to the needs of others. Minister to those He leads in your path, even if it means just offering up prayers, and pointing back to Him. Encourage one another, lift each other up...

Okay, I'll stop before this turns into Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Have a wonderful weekend, everybody. I'll be back on Monday.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:30 AM

November 13, 2007

Reading Rainbow

I made a mad dash to the library Sunday afternoon twenty minutes before it closed. I went to the children's section, literally sweeping the display books by the armful into my bag. Then, I grabbed stacks and stacks of primary reader books- I was determined that Czarina would NOT run out of them this week. And for myself, I got the 4th Wrinkle In Time book, and two other books just because I liked the cover. (Yes, I am that shallow!) I sped to the checkout counter, a little out of breath, with library card in hand. I waited rather sheepishly as the librarian scanned my bajillion books. I felt a little greedy with all the books I had, but with four kids, it takes a lot to get us through the a whole week! I really need a wagon to tote them all around.

Anyway, as I was leaving, I was reminded again what a blessing the library is in my life. I would be a different person if it wasn't for this institution! Growing up, we certainly didn't have money to buy books. And without books... well, how much thinking would I have missed? How many character lessons would have passed me by? How many stories of bravery and loyalty and patience and a thousand other virtues would have never imprinted themselves on my little heart? How well would I have learned to see and empathize from different perspectives? Would ballet, physics, Chinese history, beekeeping, timetravel, sailing, forensics- would any of those things piqued my curiosity outside the framework of storytelling? How much of my natural optimism comes from the thousand happy endings I've read?

So much of who I am was formed in those moments I spent curled up with a book.

So that's why I make my mad dashes to the library. It's why we pile up on HeroBoy's bed, all those warm pajama'd little bodies pressed in so tightly that I can barely see the words to read. For those few minutes, we slip into the world of Miss Spider's New Car, Traction Man, and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. They laugh at the voices I do, and giggle at the silliness of a dog on a flying couch, they jump when I do the scary parts, they say "awwwww" during the adorable bits. They are as swept into the world of books as I have always been... and once again, the library changes a generation.

Books don't guarantee anything... literacy isn't a promise for a trouble-free life. But it is soil to grow amazing things. It is a rich, fertile garden, where little seeds can sprout into giant oaks.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:56 AM

November 12, 2007

Our Most Desperate Hour

So, anybody else have a kinda blah day?

Help me, Tuesday. You're our only hope!

-sigh-

Boredom is not good for WonderGirl.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:34 PM

November 11, 2007

Bleck! No More!

Okay, I can NO LONGER have this Halloween candy in my house. I'm chunking it all, I mean it, first thing tomorrow morning.

(Never mind that I already ate all the good stuff out of it.)

So, who's with me? Today, right? No more junky food, no more putting off the cardio until tomorrow? Let's go!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:59 PM

November 10, 2007

SHH!

My kids got NO respect for Saturday morning. -sigh-

I remember Saturdays when I was a kid. Friday night, my mom had breakfast bowls and cereal boxes on the table for the next morning. We kids would wake up at an indecent hour to watch our lineup, and tend to ourselves for the morning. We got our own breakfast, and settled our own disputes. We knew better than to break the cardinal rule: Do NOT wake up the parents. Not because so-and-so took your seat, or it was YOUR turn to pick the cartoon, or because you want to know if you can have that 4th bowl of Captain Crunch. And heaven help you if you intruded upon their slumbering sanctuary over the cereal prize. Heads. Would. Roll. You better be bleeding and needing stitches if you dared to break that sacred silence in the back of the house. Nothing short of an ER visit could justify poking your head in that dark, fan-whirring sleepfest.

And oooooh, do I get that now.

Right now, King Pen and I take turns on whose Saturday it is to sleep in, although I do it less in general. He has to get up earlier every day for the work week, so I don't mind letting him sneak in a few extra hours.

Hohum.

You better believe I'm counting down the days till my kids are old enough to handle a morning on their own, though. Oh, sweet, sweet day.

Okay, I'm off for more coffee. At this point, if you can't beat 'em... join 'em.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:52 AM

November 9, 2007

Last Confession of the Week

I think I may be abusing the comfort and convenience of yoga pants.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:11 AM

November 8, 2007

All is Flux

One thing I noticed after having four children is an increased tolerance for kids. Yeah, yeah, don't be a smartypants. What I mean is, for extra kids. It is a rare day when I don't have a few extra knuckleheads running around my house. It just doesn't seem to phase me anymore! As a matter of fact, I'm happy to have them here because then my children are occupied, and I can keep my eyes on 'em at the same time. Everybody knows that at 5:30, it's time to go home, and there's no fuss over it. They know they'll be welcome back tomorrow.

This is not a skill I was born with. Seriously. The idea of being in charge of half a dozen children at one time was slightly horrifying. I babysat a lot as a teenager, but that was for money. When you're sixteen and convinced that social extinction awaits the unfashionable- yeah, you'll put up with a lot to get those Guess jeans. But it was never my "calling". It was more a matter of necessity than anything else. I'm not even sure I liked kids back then.

Gee, that sounds bad.

Anyway. So, that's why this whole new, kid lovin' me is surprising.

I've changed.

Wha? Again? For some reason, it never fails - change always shocks me! I always think I'm done, I'm finally all of who I'll be in this life. And I never am! You'd think I'd get that by now.

I remember being in my early twenties, and feeling quite smug with myself, so sure that I had finally "arrived". I had it pretty well figured out. Well, imagine my surprise by my late twenties, when lo and behold, I had changed again! Turns out I had NOT learned everything there was to know at 21. I laughed fondly at that silly girl, quite smug AGAIN in my late-ish 20's, thinking, well, NOW I've got the goods on this whole thing called Life. I've got it pegged for sure.

But, no. Hello thirties! More experiences, more changing. Looking back (with wise eyes, no doubt- ha!) on my twenties, I see how far I've come. So now... what do I do? I think surely THESE are the years I will finally achieve Me-Dom!

*rolling eyes

I'll never learn. The thing is, you're never done. You never stop changing, you never get the "whole" picture... because we live life one chapter at a time. Who knows what and who I'll be when I get to the end! There are so many years ahead, so many changes waiting in those unturned pages.

But that's the fun of it, isn't it? Surprise endings are always the best.

Anyway, those are just some random thoughts on a Thursday night. Time for Leno... and a dip into the Halloween bucket.

G'night, ya'll. Sleep tight.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:20 PM

November 7, 2007

Confession

Sometimes, I vacuum my kitchen table.

Does that make me a bad person?

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:48 PM

November 6, 2007

Case of the Missing Title

Fall has crept up in my backyard, and it's so pretty. I love the changing of the seasons in B'ham. Although, we have not relinquished Summer altogether-- it was so warm yesterday, I wore a tanktop! It felt all wrong, but it was honestly hot enough for it. Today is a bit cooler, though, so maybe we'll settle into Fall for good soon.

Let's see... what have I to say this morning? Not much, really. Sorry, guys. You came all this way for nothing! Nada. Zip. Zilch. Listen, I'll make it to ya, okay? Meet me here, in say.... three hours. I'll have something for you then, honestly. Something brilliant. Witty. Relevant. On the house, mkay?

How about a picture of a cat before I go? Would that make you feel better? This one amuses me:

Now, see? Better already.

Okay, see you in few... careful out there. Don't forget your kitty.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:54 AM

November 2, 2007

The Weekly Wrap-Up

Friday, thank the stars!! It's been a doozy of a week. Having a huge kid holiday in the middle of the week can really throw things off kilter. I'm looking forward to a nice, mellow weekend, starting off with a Girl's Coffee Night tonight, with Dolly and Sarah. Yay!

How about a hair update? Or, how about not. You may not want one this week- it's been a rough couple of days. I'm on Day 12 of the No Shampoo Experiment. The front of my hair is balancing out, but the back was really heavy and oily this week. Gross. I tried not to put it into a ponytail too much, because I felt like it needed the fresh air. Ew! It's much more manageable if I blow dry it and straighten it. It's still also quite cumbersome to wash. It's hard to get my fingers through it when it's wet, but I wash it once, sometimes twice a day. Anyway, I had a moment yesterday when I absolutely LONGED for some shampoo in my hair... but I didn't do it. I perservered. It smells okay. It's an indefinable scent, I guess it's more "animal" than normal. More like fur. That sounds just lovely, doesn't it? Not like stinky wet dog... but like a soft, rabbity fuzzy smell. Yes, I promise a picture... I'll get King Pen to take one of me tonight before I leave for the Coffee Night. Maybe some dangly earrings will distract you from the questionable 'do!

Moving right along... I had a bit of a breakdown yesterday. Nothing huge, just a normal, run of the mill, "I've-got-four-kids-and-am-I-doing-anything-right?" meltdown. They usually come up on me when the house gets unorganized, and I start to feel overwhelmed by the big picture. I am also battling a cold, and feel worn down physically. I think with moving on the horizon and the holidays and all that, it just all got to me. I have guilt issues, silly ones, and it's a constant struggle to sift the good, healthy urgings of my conscience from the negative, unhelpful guilt that comes from ridiculous expectations of myself. But this is a whole blog post in itself! I'll save that one. Anyway, a good cry followed up with some reassurance and a hug from my husband went a long way to fixing it. I feel much better today. Much more in perspective.

Anyway, I'm off for a little while. We're going to the library this morning, so that means I've got to get out of my pjs at some point.

Happy Friday, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:37 AM

Mr. Thumbkins

Ow! I slept on my thumb weird. How is that even possible?

That's not all I'll blog, but I have a bottle to give now. (If I can figure out how to do it with a now non-opposable thumb.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:00 AM

October 31, 2007

Taking Back Halloween

Hello, my name is WonderGirl, I'm a Christian, and I take my children trick or treating.

Why? CANDY! And dressing up in fun costumes. And carving pumpkins into silly faces. And scary corn mazes. Did I mention the candy?

But it's more than that. I feel led to celebrate Halloween. I'll explain.

I'm tempted to just link to some other people who have given such good explanations about why Christians can (and mayhaps should) celebrate Halloween. But that seems like cheating in some way, so I'll give you the long and short of why WE celebrate, with liberal use of exerpts here and there that say it better than I can.

There are SO many misconceptions about the origins of Halloween. I won't go into them all, because that's been done quite a bit. You can read a good synopsis here. Suffice it to say, most of what the secular world thinks about Halloween is just out and out false historically.

Halloween is "All Hallows’ Eve". It is the day before All Saints Day, which is November 1. Jim Jordan gives a good run down of All Saint's Day (HT to Rich for this link): "It is the celebration of the victory of the saints in union with Christ. The observance of various celebrations of All Saints arose in the late 300s, and these were united and fixed on November 1 in the late 700s. The origin of All Saints Day and of All Saints Eve in Mediterranean Christianity had nothing to do with Celtic Druidism or the Church’s fight against Druidism (assuming there ever even was any such thing as Druidism, which is actually a myth concocted in the 19th century by neo-pagans.)"

It is not "the devil's day". It is actually the very opposite. Satan has been thwarted, Christ has won the victory, and this is a day of celebration! We remember those saints that have gone on before us, and laugh at the defeat of our enemy. More from Jim Jordan: "This is why the custom arose of portraying Satan in a ridiculous red suit with horns and a tail. Nobody thinks the devil really looks like this; the Bible teaches that he is the fallen Arch-Cherub. Rather, the idea is to ridicule him because he has lost the battle with Jesus and he no longer has power over us." Halloween is a day of mockery. It reduces the power of Satan to plastic fangs and fake blood... it is a day when the ghoulish and ghastly are really nothing more than peeled grapes in a bowl, cold cooked spaghetti. It is a day when someone says, "BOO!" and we laugh.

So, we've got this holiday that we've relinquished culturally over the years. The meaning of the day is convoluted. So what to do about that? Reclaim it. Don't be afraid of it. What have we to fear? Spooks have no power over the name of Jesus Christ! Laugh at the futile, pitiful attempts of the Fallen. Don't cower in your house, with the lights off, warding off the evil of trick or treaters. Brandy says it so well on her blog: "We are to be missional Christians. What kind of message does it send to the world we are supposed to be reaching, especially the kids, when they find a dark porch with no candy or a note that says "We don't participate in this holiday." How much better would it be if, in the midst of such a dark night, we had the brightest house on the block, decorated with tons of white lights. We could hand out the BEST candy! Full sized candy bars. And, if you have time to spare, make cool wrappers to tape around that say, "Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8" That is one night that we have a unique opportunity. When kids from non christian families in our neighborhood come to our house year after year hopefully they will remember the Christians as the most generous, the most joyous, the least fearful."

I love that!

Are there elements of Halloween that we should be careful of? Well, naturally. The Bible is pretty clear on avoiding evil and embracing righteousness. But we are salt and light, as much on October 31st as any other day of the year. We shouldn't give that day away because we are afraid. Dennis Ruport says, "While Christians should absolutely avoid pagan practices, Christian hype tends to make us overreact to benign folk elements of Halloween. We appear like zany buffoons to the world when there is no necessity for doing so. Furthermore, our groundless retreat from all elements of Halloween leaves a vacuum that wicked elements delight to fill."

So there you have it. That's why we celebrate Halloween.

(But mostly just the candy. Ha.)

PS: I am including our weekly pastoral letter in the extended entry for my own record keeping, and in case you are interested in reading a more detailed theological defense of Halloween. There's definitely a reason Rich gets the paycheck! It's great!

Continue reading "Taking Back Halloween"

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:33 AM

October 30, 2007

$1.4B Oops

Forgive me for a moment, while I completely lose it. I don't usually get political, but this just got under my skin and I can't not write about it.

[Begin Rant]

Pentagon accidentally asked for 1.4 billion dollars more than they needed in a budget proposal to Congress last week. According to the request, the money was for equipment to deal with the growing sniper threat in Iraq. The report stated that sniper attacks had quadrupled in the last year, and would only get worse if not controlled.

Well, thank goodness for USA TODAY, which noticed some glaring inconsistencies between the budget request, and in military reports in it's possession. Not only are sniper attacks down since 2006, they've dropped drastically in the last four months!

Pentagon is calling it a "misstatement". Where I come from, we call that sucker A LIE. But never fear, because now that they got busted with fraudulent expenditures have realized their mistake, they're taking action, by removing the term "quadrupled." Wow.

Dave Patterson, deputy undersecretary of Defense says it will be removed because "...it is simply incorrect."

Well, thank goodness. I feel better already!

1.4 billion dollars. Sheesh. That's a bunch of money, y'all. That's a big oops, but you sure wouldn't know it by how cool everybody is playing it. Glad to see they're not too hard on themselves about it. Not like if I'd accidentally "misstated" something on my income tax forms.

I've never seen someone slide out of a lie so smoothly. It makes me ill.

As an aside, the 1.4 billion was just a part of a $42 billion supplemental budget. They have, at least, decided to review the report closer to check for any more innocent errors.

Cost of the war on Iraq so far: $464 billion dollars. I can't even fathom that number, or what we could be doing with it instead. It just seems like our country could really, REALLY use an infusion of it's OWN money. There are leaks and holes and rust spots in our country. We've got poverty and disease and illiteracy and a homeless epidemic. Most of America is struggling to put food on the table and living without health insurance. We have needs HERE. It's just hard to know that we're in Iraq, doing who knows what (because you know we have no idea what is going on) for people who may honestly HATE us for interfering in something we barely even understand to begin with. Nobody can really tell us WHY we're doing WHATEVER it is we're doing. Am I wrong here? Am I the only one who is this clueless?

It's thoroughly depressing. I'm so sick of this war, I don't understand it anymore.

[End Rant]

Anyway, sorry to be a downer. Just needed to get that out. I'll be back to brighter topics tomorrow, as it is Halloween and we are on the cusp of candy nirvana! I will bury my troubles in caramel.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:00 PM

Those Meddling Kids

It is my opinion that Scooby and Shaggy are terribly exploited by Vanessa Daphne, Velma, and Fred. They always get the dirty jobs, the life-threatening, scary, dangerous ones. They are ALWAYS the bait.

And all for a few measly Scooby snacks?

D, V, and F should be ashamed of themselves, taking advantage of a dog and a half-wit like that.

Tsk.

Now back to less random thoughts.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:58 PM

Cross Dressing

Not a question you normally expect from your husband: "So, do you think we can work on my dress tonight?"

Well, sure babe. I don't want you walking around in an ill fitting dress.

Halloween, here he comes! And yes, I WILL be posting pictures, even if I have to hide behind a bush to take them. I can't pass up a chance to immortalize my dear old hubby in a dress and wig. It's scary on so many levels.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:49 AM

The Big Scoop

What's up, buttercup? How are y'all getting along this morning? I'm enjoying my coffee, the smell of cinnamon rolls, watching the breeze whipping through the trees outside, and being nice and cozy in my fuzzy robe and slippers. All at once. I may be close to sensory overload! I do love the Fall. There are so many things to titillate the senses!

Okay, I have obtained the greenlight on going public with a very exciting announcement. We wanted to be sure before we told anyone, so we waited a while. We are happy to share the news that we are...

...

...

Continue reading "The Big Scoop"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:20 AM

October 26, 2007

This and That

Top o'the morning to ya, lads and lassies. How's it going? Mine is off to it's usual start, except we're adding a few runny noses to the mix. Comes with the change in the weather, I guess. We'll be keeping Kleenex in business till April!

So, our weekend is shaping up nicely. King Pen gets off at 2 today, and he's swinging by the house, and picking up HeroBoy and Czarina. They're going to wrangle up his Halloween costume (for the office contest) and get a pumpkin for us to carve. Saturday, my aunt is coming in for a visit. Sunday, we have church, and then our Reformation Day party which includes a cookout and a moonwalk for the kids. We will be trick or treating on Halloween, though. I think I'll write a post on why we do that, as Christians, a little closer to the actual holiday.

Moving on.

November 1st is creeping up on me again, and I've decided to give NaNoWriMo another try. I only did it one year, and didn't get very far at all. I imagine that it will be just as difficult to stick with this year, too, but I'm going for it nonetheless! I actually have a very good story idea, one that I'm fairly in love with, and I didn't have that last time. I had no clear direction at all. So maybe that will make a difference this go round. We'll see.

Update on my hair: tomorrow will be seven days with no shampoo. Last night, I did the baking soda paste on my roots, and that tidied them up a bit. My scalp kinda hurts though! Girls, you'll know what I'm talking about- it's like I've been wearing a ponytail all day long and I've taken it out. I can't imagine why. Maybe because the glands aren't being stimulated like normal? I know in the past, when I've fasted, my teeth have hurt-- like they need a certain amount of "work" or they start to feel weird. I don't know. Just thought it was worth noting. It's still very thick, but not horribly unmanagable. It's not too bad, all told. My "flyaways" are much better, too. It smells strangely "earthy" though, and by that, I do not mean "disgusting". It's more of an absense of smell... like not fruity, or flowery-- no extra fragrance from hair products at all. We'll see what happens. I don't know that I want to give off an "earthy" aroma. That's dangerously close to "gamey" or "oh-my-gosh-what-died-in-here?!" Nothing will stop this experiment faster than a funky smell coming from my head. Right now, it's okay. I'm sure my very honest children will let me know if I start smelling like a dead horse.

Well, I have things to get to. I'll blog later, after the day gets settled in some.

Happy Friday, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:39 AM

October 24, 2007

What- I'm busy!

What am I doing today, you ask? Well, it certainly isn't watching DVD's all day. No sirree. I'm way too busy to watch the entire sixth season of Smallville back to back. As if!

Now, if you'll excuse me. I, ah, have some things to do. Very important, um... householdy type things. Like laundry. And mopping.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:58 AM

October 23, 2007

Dear NBC:

Hi. Long time watcher, first time writer. So, your show Heroes-- I like it. I mean, it's not the best thing I've ever seen, but it makes Monday night a little better. (Especially since you can't count on Jay Leno doing Headlines and doing that asinine Jaywalking bit instead.) Anyway. As a born and bred Southern girl, I feel compelled to point out that your New Orleans characters have absolutely mangled the accent. It's atrocious. Nobody has spoken that way since 1870. I almost can't bear to listen to it.

Please, make a trip down here. Come meet my Papaw and my Nanny, sit on the porch swing. Have a glass of iced tea and listen to our gentle drawl as we talk about how the corn is holding up during the drought. You'll notice that we don't talk like Scarlett O'Hara. Nobody is clinging to Tara, wearing curtains, or shootin' Yankees. It's subtle, y'all.

Okay, that's it. Just tell your actors to pull it back a little.

Thank you,
WonderGirl

PS: Loving The Office!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:16 AM

October 22, 2007

Dead or Alive

I'm rounding up a posse for my missing datebook. You can run, but ya cain't hide, ya mule-eared pile of cow chips.

In the meantime, I will be missing every important date in my life. My advance apologies to dentists/doctors, and all people with birthdays.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:55 PM

The Monday Meeting

Good morning, y'all! Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join me out here on the deck. It's a bit dreary, but there's a breeze!

Let's catch up.

We spent the weekend with King Pen's parents in Luzianne. We played hard, the kids were dirty little puppies all weekend. It's so nice to see them living it up in the country... it makes the 5 1/2 hour drive worth it. We attended my niece's baptism on Sunday, and a celebratory feast afterwards. It was lovely! (Thanks, Amy & Aaron!) We stopped off to meet my folks on the drive home, and they took Czarina, HeroBoy, and the Duke until Tuesday. So, it's just me and Chipmunk today. We have plans, oh yes we do. Plans to clean, and shop, and tickle! It'll be nice.

What else? Chipmunk got FOUR teeth yesterday. Really. There was one little tooth poking through on the top, and an hour later, there were four. Surprisingly, he was in a great mood! Easiest teething ever. But WAH!!! I am NOT ready! He's our last bebe, as far as we're planning, and every milestone is bittersweet for me. It's sad to leave the baby years behind, ya know? -sniff- I don't wanna talk about it anymore.

*composing myself

In other news, Dumbledore is not gay. She just said that for attention. He's not, he's not, he's not.

Moving on.

So, in preparation for Thanksgiving, Martha Stewart has an article on brining your turkey before roasting it. Anybody do that? Does it make a big difference? I'm all for trying it this year. I like turkey, but it's so dry. Maybe this would help.

Also, it looks like it's time to stop washing my hair with shampoo. I've been saying I was just waiting for it to get cooler... and now I've talked myself into a corner. It's cooler. And now I've got to walk the walk. *gulp

I'll be blogging it, of course. Because if I am going to have gross hair for six weeks, I want you to share my pain. It's the least you can do. Also, try not to stare at my turban during week two. And when I finally reach that hair nirvana, when my locks are shiny and fluffy and beautiful, give a sister a high five, won't ya? Then it's your turn.

Okay, I'm gonna get started on my day. I'll upload my pics from the weekend sometime later... so you can see just how dirty my kids were, and how clean my hair was, one last time.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:47 AM

October 17, 2007

Sundries

Bad things happen at my house when you don't wash clothes for four days.

No, I'm not on strike. (That hasn't happened since the Incident of '04. Don't even ask.) No, it's our washing machine. It stopped spinning on Saturday, and King Pen has been hard at work on it, but no luck so far. So, we're off to the laundry mat today. The situation is dire. There are dirty clothes everywhere, and clean clothes no where! Czarina has to wear her ballet suit today. HeroBoy is in his halloween costume. I'm wearing an old bridesmaid's dress. The Duke is in pjs, and Chipmunk... well, I'm just glad it's a warm day, 'cause he has to go naked. I sure hope DCFS doesn't happen by our menagerie today... I'd have some 'splaining to do.

In other news, I had to borrow the proverbial cup of sugar from the neighbors this morning. I stumbled to the coffee pot and put my Starbucks beans to work, only to remember afterwards that I was totally out of sugar. I was not a happy camper. I really needed it, superbad. I'm not ashamed to admit it, cause now they say it's healthy for you. Anyway, sugar is a must for me, so off I send my little courier, complete with bedhead and slippers. Thank goodness for lovely neighbors! Yay for furthering an ancient tradition! And whoohoo for coffee!! (Maybe that's enough for WonderGirl, yeah?)

Also to do today... buy diapers, sugar (!), and go pay the electric bill. I know, it's exciting, isn't it? Please, don't be so jealous. Maybe one day you, too, can live the life of a highroller like me. It'll happen, just be patient. Until then, you can live vicariously through me.

Well, I should get started. This fun won't have itself! Have a good day everybody, and I'll catch you later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:37 AM

October 15, 2007

New Category

My recipe posts have been all helter-skelter, so I've created a new category, "Feed Me, Seymour" to save them to, just as a 411.

Yous welcome.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:12 AM

October 14, 2007

I love You.... ca.

Saturday night, we had the pleasure of dining with our next door neighbors, Michelle and Germán, who hail from Peru. Michelle, whose name I had trouble with way-back-when, has since become a good friend of mine. She stays at home with her two boys, and they are big buddies with my own crew. We've got a good thing going in da 'hood. Anyway, they invited us over for some authentic Peruvian food, and I became acquainted with my new very best friend, the yuca root. She sliced it, fried it, and served it with a spicy chili dip, like so:

I think I momentarily passed out from sheer delight after the first bite. It's like french fries on steroids. It's so good, I had to resist the urge to get in the car and drive five hundred miles just to slap my mama. (Sorry, WonderMom. It's just a saying. A cruel, heartless saying that I have no business using.) I am almost frantically craving it right this instant just typing the word YUCA. I want to marry it, buy a house in the 'burbs, have little yuca babies... and then eat them all.

Okay, yeah. That's messed up. Perhaps this is one of those instances when using the "backspace" key would be wise. But I do so enjoy being inflammatory.

Anyway, we had several other dishes, but it was hard to stay focused on them when all I could think about was more sweet, sweet yuca. We drank pisco sour, a grape brandy with lime and egg white, which tasted like a very smooth margarita to me. We listened to some native tunes, talked about American/Peruvian culture and politics, drank wine when we ran out of pisco sour, and yes, gossiped just a WEE bit about the goings on in the neighborhood. Tsk. Anyway, it was lovely. And after we said goodnight, we were two steps from home! That rocked. I love not getting DUI's.

Next time, we're returning the favor and having them over for a traditional Louisiana meal. Although, that fried yuca will be a hard act to follow. I don't know if my gumbo can face that kind of competition.

So that's what we did this weekend. You?

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:56 PM

October 11, 2007

Good Morning, Moon

I'm trying to love my early morning run, I really am. And it is nice to see the moon wrapping up the night shift, getting ready to go off duty. To see the sun mosey in for the changing of the guards.

But 5:45? Eek. It's tough! I've managed to stumble out the door, bleary-eyed and kinda cranky, several times this week, though. It's that or nothing, there's just no other time to go. And there's only so much "give" in my stretch denim jeans! It's time to take action. My ankle has finally healed up enough to get back into gear, so here we go. And not a minute too soon. I refuse to relinquish my best pair of American Eagle jeans, even if they DO have a hole in the knee. That hole is cool, and you can't convince me otherwise, so don't even try, Ma.

And in this whole new better me revolution, I also decided to cut back on the Diet Dr. Pepper's. Let's observe a moment of silence. I'll admit, my addiction had gotten way out of hand. I can't even tell you how many I was drinking. It was unnatural. There really should have been an intervention of some sort. Where were you people? Don't you care about me? Didn't you see that I had a problem? STOP ENABLING ME! Ha.

Hm. I'm kind of delirious tonight. I think because I am just wiped. I've been so "on" this week-- I've been doing all kinds of stuff with the house and kids and I'm fried- fuh-RYED. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna hit the hay right this minute. It's done time.

I'm shutting up now, sorry.

Hope you have a good night- and I'll hop on here in the morning, after my cuppa. Sweet dreams, butter beans.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:17 PM

October 10, 2007

A Fine How Do You Do

The alarm went off this morning as usual, but apparently King Pen was a little more out of it than normal. 'Cause he mistook me for the snooze button, and whacked me right on the forehead! Lucky for him, I have a keen sense of humor, even semiconscious, and found it hilarious. This time. I can't guarantee I'll laugh so hard tomorrow morning, though. I'd hate to have to lay the smack down on the fella before we've even had coffee, but I'll do what's necessary! Ha!

More later. Must take out the garbage now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:17 AM

October 8, 2007

Value Voters Debate

So you have no idea who he is? I didn't either, till King Pen told me about the grassroots movement and how Ron Paul is sweeping the internet community right now. I'm telling you, this guy appeals to people-- and it's easy to see why. Here, see for yourself.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:45 PM

Hope for America?

Ron Paul ... discuss.

I think I really like this guy. For one, he wants to do away with the IRS! A man after my own heart. However, it is unfortunate that every time I hear his name, I think of this:

Not the best name association for a presidential candidate, still, I likes the guy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:00 AM

October 7, 2007

Living Vine

I wish every mother I know could have been with me at church the last few weeks. I have never been so encouraged, so admonished, so certain that my pastor must be reading my diary. Kidding. Honestly though, the sermons lately have been so overwhelmingly relevant to my life, to where I am right now, that it's spooky. He's been doing a series on the family, and of course, I've paid extra attention to the part about mothers/wives. And to be honest, I think I'd started to forget, or maybe I never fully comprehended, just how important my job is. Just how vital and high a calling I have as a mother.

There is nothing more important, no greater deed to accomplish, than doing this job well. Wow. Let that one soak in. It doesn't mean that a woman can't excel in the professional world, because obviously we can. (Cause we rock.) But, the cost is too great if it means domestic failure. There is no more noble, valuable, respectable, honor-deserving job than the one I am doing right now. I don't have to prove myself in any other thing, I don't have to have the world's validation, I don't have to make a name for myself, I don't have to distinguish myself from my role of wife and mother. Am I more than that? Of course I am. But even what small thing I contribute to the world at large is still tiny in comparison to what I am building in these four walls. What is more consequential- being a few things to all people, or all things to a few people? I may write a book, that thousands of people read, and are affected by for an hour. But in comparison to the affect I have on the four lives of my children, which is twenty-four hours a day, every day, every month, every year... which is the greater contribution? Who do I impact more? Which one of these must I excel at, which depends on my success the most?

It doesn't mean I don't want to have more definition to my life than that of wife/mother-- I do. But it is the lesser need, the lesser calling. That's not a popular concept in our American culture. We're all about our individuality and self actualization, but that's not Biblical. We're to be servants, we're called to sacrifice, take up our cross. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"--Mark 8:36. I don't want to garner the world's favor, which is ever so brief and fickle, at the cost of God's eternal pleasure. Sometimes that means putting aside some personal pursuits, being selfless. And you know what- that doesn't feel good. It wouldn't be sacrifice if it was giving up something that didn't matter. But that's what we're commanded to do. It's not that they are bad things - fishing isn't a bad thing, but Jesus commanded Simon and Andrew to leave it, and follow Him. Sometimes that's what it takes. Leave it, bury it, put it aside. And you will be honored for it, rewarded, if not in this present life, then most definitely in the next. Don't be so caught up in this moment and the daily sacrifice of motherhood that you can't see what comes after.

I don't know if you struggle with these kinds of things, but I'm willing to bet that if you stay at home with your kids, you do. We've forgotten what dignity there is in the dirty dishes. What honor is won in battling dust bunnies and soap scum. That with every household chore we do, we honor God, we model Christ to our children, we build our homes- and that is spiritual warfare. For every Christian home that remains intact, it is a strike against the foe. And we women are on the frontlines of that, everyday, armed with mops and brooms and hearts that serve. It may seem humorous, and it is, because we serve a God with a sense of humor. But it's true. Our hands further the kingdom, and our hearts preserve it.

We should believe that.

But we know it's about more than just those daily tasks. Anybody could do those- we could hire someone to come in and do all those things. It's about more than just the chores we do. It's about who we are, what we are, to our family, that makes motherhood so very meaningful, and makes us individually so important.

You are the living vine of your home, you grow and flourish in every nook and cranny. Your creativity and personality are a bouquet of colors, your breath is the sweet scent of the bloom, your body is the cool shade where they lay their heads... Your roots stabilize, your stems and branches protect and shield, even though you don't know it. You grow in and around everything, creating a rich, lush canopy that shelters and nourishes. Everything about you, yes YOU- you with your love of crossword puzzles, or mystery novels, or chamomile tea, or the color purple, or whatever those things are that make you YOU... those things matter. You matter. Everything about you creates a world for your family. Every nuance of who you are, every quirk, eccentricity- the songs you hum, the perfume you wear, the way you smile, the whole contour of your being... is completely and utterly meaningful. Like the vine, you send tendrils of yourself in every direction. You set the tone, your uniqueness grows a family that is special, different, distinct from any other in the whole world.

You don't just create a home, my sister. You are the home. And it is beautiful in their eyes.

That thought... wow. It fills a need in me, one that goes bonedeep, to feel needed and important... to know why I'm here and what God wants from me.

I hope it will do the same for you. If you want to listen to the series of sermons that inspired this post- go here. (Biblical Theology of the Family, Part 1) They're just incredible. Much of what I've said is straight from his sermons... good thing plagiarism isn't one of the seven deadly sins. Ha.

Now, I don't know about you, but I've gotta go call my momma and tell her I love 'er. Have a good one, folks.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:36 PM

October 5, 2007

BlogRoll Call

Okay guys, although I am a diehard Bloglines fan and use it for all my blog surfing, I do want to maintain my blogroll for the sake of the masses. I've been updating my list over yonder, so give it a looksie. If I forgot you OR you want to be removed, or you have a blog I don't know about, shoot me an email. If there is an error, misspelling, whatever, please do direct your complaints here. (I'm kiddin'. I do care.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:32 PM

Wrapping It Up

Hullo Friday, you big hunka burning love. I'm happy to see you.

Our weekend is blissfully empty, and I think we need it. I'm looking forward to an unscheduled couple of days. I'd like to get to the library, go for a run, sleep in... everything I want to do and nothing I don't! Lovely! Maybe a tad unrealistic as well, but let a girl dream, yeah? Whatever we end up doing though, I am just glad we're not on the road or on the clock.

This week has been good, much less stressful due to implementing a few changes in our evenings. Here's what we're doing:

First, I planned all our meals for the week on a calendar. That way, I bought what I needed ahead of time, and I could start preparing it early in the day. By 5ish, dinner is cooked and waiting. At 5:30, I get the kids in the bathtub. While they are contained in one space! bathing, I put in the Bach cd, stick Chipmunk in the highchair with some Cheerios, and vacuum, sweep, pick up toys, and set the table. I get the kids cleaned and dressed and send them to straighten up their rooms while I get dinner on the table, and feed Chipmunk. At 6:20, King Pen walks through the door to a surprisingly calm household, and we sit down to eat. Afterwards, we clean up, sombody bathes Chipmunk, and then we spend some family time together... play a game, read a book, something quiet. It's been FABULOUS. I'm SO glad to find a solution to what had become a rather hectic, unenjoyable battle. I have to link to this post (thanks for passing it along, Moriah!!) for the motivation to get our evenings together. It's made a huge difference in our week.

Well, I don't have much else to add at the moment - I need to get lunch made for the kidlings. Hope you all enjoy your weekend, and I'll blog ya later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:25 AM

October 4, 2007

Midmorning Musings

First off... why is my computer so slow today? Anyone? It's sluggish. I sure hope it's the 'internets' acting up and not my laptop. I will seriously have a conniption fit if this thing breaks on me again. And that won't be pretty, my friends. Not pretty at all. There will be stamping of the feet and breaking of the china.

Secondly... have you seen Ikea's 2008 catalog? I got mine in the mail the other day, and I have been drooling over it ever since. -Sigh- I usually avoid window shopping, because it makes me cranky. But I couldn't help myself. And now I want stuff. Lots of it. So last night, I did what all good poor people do, I prayed to win the lottery. We'll see how that works out. Maybe if I pick some ecclesiastical numbers, God would go for it. I know I could work in John 3:16. The 23rd Psalm. Proverbs 31.

Yeah, I'm thinking not, too. But you never know unless you ask, right?

We made our play-dough yesterday. And sweet fancy moses- my arm actually hurt from stirring that stuff! I had no idea it was so labor intensive. Well, it's not really, but it is pretty thick, and I am pretty much a weakling these days. We had no food coloring, so they had to settle for white, which worked out okay. They're pretending to be bakers since it looks like bread dough. It does not, however, taste like bread dough. Ack. (Yes, I did it. It was gross. I can't recommend it.)

All for now, my dearies. I'll hop on later, after I get a jump on the day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:36 AM

October 3, 2007

Captain Caffeine

Top o'the morning to ya, laddies! How are we today? Everybody up and ready to go? I'm working that second cup of joe, and it's got my brain buzzed up a bit. (That's a disclaimer for the rest of this haphazard post.)

I went to bed last night with the most ferocious neck and headache, but it is mercifully gone this morning. I slept so good- it was one of those that even as I was sleeping, I knew how good it was. I'm in the middle of a dream, during which I find out quite suddenly that I am pregnant again- (AHHHH!!), and I have a little sidenote... Hey, I am sleeping GREAT!! Oh yeah, oh yeah... then I realize I am now having my fifth baby and I'm back to crazy dreaming again.

Rambling on.

Today should be pleasant. Yesterday was a bit wild, but today, we're back to normal schedule. I'm introducing some new elements to our life that are hopefully going to smooth out some of the normal, daily chaos. It seems lately that the kids are getting wilder. Less still. More rabidly raccoon-like. That's to be expected because they're getting older... but I still need to be able to control the situation. I don't mind them playing, but there are moments that need to be peaceful and enjoyable for everybody, kids and grownups alike. We're going to try transitioning them to some activities that are quieter, calmer, at certain points of the day. We'll see how that goes. It's hard to play Candyland with wild monkey-children.

Good stuff for the day- Bionic Woman comes on again tonight, so that's something nice to look forward to. (You know I can't pass up a genetically or robotically enhanced femme fatale/ government agent show! Boy, do the networks have me pegged!) Also, it's play-do day! We're making our own in school, and the kids have been eager for it all week. Excellent photo op. I've been so lax about pictures lately... gotta be better about it. Now that the weather is getting cooler, I plan to take some good Fall shots, too. Oh the plans I have!

But I can't get to any of that if I sit here much longer in my pjs. I'll hop on later, minus my pink fuzzy slippers, and check in with all you guys then. Hope you all have a lovely Wednesday!

*I am not going to refill my coffee cup. Nope. Not gunna do it. Well, maybe I'll just top it off... just to warm it back up.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:49 AM

October 1, 2007

With Cream and Two Sugars

Good morning!! Just thought I'd throw that out there, since I could!! Aaahh... coffee and internet access. Best way to start out the day!

So, today's To Do List:

Bake bread.
Prepare babyshower gift and game.
Sewing project.
Schooling.
Make a few phonecalls.

Plus, just the general housework of the day and whatnot. So, a busy day, but a good one. I just LOVE the smell of homemade bread throughout the day. The recipe I use makes three loaves, so I keep one, freeze one, and give one away. It's a good system.

I have realized lately that I've got to kick up my organizational skills. I keep missing birthdays and important dates, and I hate that. I need a good wall calendar. Plus, I need to do something to make our evenings smoother. Dinner is the hardest part of the day for us, but I want it to be the nicest, since it's the one meal we share with King Pen. As soon as he walks through the door, it's chaos until the last kiddo is in bed. I have to figure out how to reduce the stress for that 2 hour period. I have been letting the kids play outside too late, I think. I need to get them inside and bathed before dinner- that would help.

Anyway... just thinking out loud.

Okay, my coffee is cold, and it's time to get to the day. Take it easy, cheesy. I'll blog lata.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:13 AM

September 30, 2007

Updatery

Oh the luxury of blogging! Right this instant, when I want to! I will not be taking this for granted anytime soon, I can tell you that.

So now that I have this unlimited freedom to write again, I am not sure where to begin. Maybe a rundown of the weekend? Yeah, let's start there. Friday, one of King Pen's coworkers volunteered to watch the kids for a few hours so we could go out. You can bet your sweet patootie that when somebody offers to give us a night out, we are sure gonna take it. So we got the house tidy, kids fed and bathed, kissed 'em goodnight, and we hit the bowling alley. I can't even REMEMBER the last time I bowled. Sadly, that was evident on the scoreboard. But, I had fun, and King Pen was finally able to put to use that "lesson" they had when he was homeschooled and the professional bowler came to speak. Ah, the joys of choosing your own curriculum! Ha!

After bowling, we tore up a pool table ... oh, who am I kidding. We didn't tear it up. We didn't rock it. We didn't it set it on fire, either. I'm not even sure it was aware we were playing on it at all. But fun was had, and that's the important thing. Yup.

Then, Saturday morning, the kids had a birthday party to attend. They jumped themselves silly on a big, bouncy choochoo train, and ate cake shaped like a bass fish. Only in Alabama, people. We wrapped up the day with a trip to the grocery store, a jaunt to the creek, and some hot, homebaked empanadas from our Peruvian neighbors. It was a good day.

We had to be at church early today because Czarina's choir sang in the service, so that made things interesting. Sunday mornings are a madhouse around here, but we managed to get there on time. Miracles DO happen.

After church is over every Sunday, we all usually hang around talking for a while, visiting. I was chatting with a friend, and there was a pause in the conversation. She looked out at the crowd and sighed happily. "I just love this church," she said. And I knew exactly how she felt. I've been in a lot of good churches, where the teaching is solid and the people are nice. But this place... it's hard to explain. There is genuine love for each other, and love for Christ's church as a whole. It's a tangible thing that you can see enacted in their lives every week. And the preaching- it's honest. That may seem like a small thing to say, but in this day and age, honest preaching is rare. Strong. Life altering. Satiating. And when it falls on receptive ears... wow. I love to see pulpit truths rippling out through the lives of the congregation. It's a beautiful thing.

Besides all those good things, the fact is, there are just a lot of intelligent, funny, friendly, and interesting people in our church- people I really want to be around. Friends, that feel like family. I don't mean to go on and on about it, but it's a real blessing to have that in my life. I am genuinely happy to be in this church on Sundays, worshipping with these people. I look forward to it every week.

So that was a bit off topic, but oh well!

This week, I am hoping to be very slightly more productive than normal. (Hah) Besides schooling, I'd like to take dinner over to a neighbor who just had a baby, I need to get some sewing done, a baby shower to attend, and some other odds and ends I've been meaning to get around to. I'd LOVE to go running, too, if my ankle will allow. I sorta turned it again bowling the other night-- grrr-- so we'll see. I am going to be bizzay.

Well, my evening is winding down, still a few things to get to before I turn in tonight. Just wanted to get a running start on my blog, hit the updates so I can get to actual blogging tomorrow... I am SOOOO THRILLED to be back in the saddle again!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:53 PM

September 29, 2007

Unbelievable.

Lest you think me fickle, dear readers, let me assure you that I have not given up blogging. As soon as I hit the "post" button for that last entry, POOF. I think smoke actually came out of my keyboard. So, back to the computer shop, and one new keyboard later, here we are. I've had to replace two components of this laptop in the last two months - which is irritating and kind of expensive, but what really got my goat was not being able to blog about it!! Nobody had any idea what happened to me there for a few weeks. Bah. But it's really truly fixed now, and I can write to my heart's content!! (Until the monitor falls off or something, which should happen in 5-4-3-2... NOW. Ha.)

Anyway, I know you're all watching your Saturday morning cartoons and eating Chocolate Rice Krispies, so I'll let you get back to it. I'll hop on again in a bit. For now, I have a month's worth of emails and blogs to catch up on!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:17 AM

September 19, 2007

Hey Stranger!

Back! Bless my soul, I'm back again.

The computer was salvagable, and it only cost the price of a small tropical island! Well, no, not really. But all we've poured into this laptop over the last few years could definitely have gotten us at least a timeshare. We've got to get a new computer one of these days. It's on the "to buy" list. Who knows when, but that's okay. I still have to buy that pony that's been on the list since third grade. All in good time. Right now, I've bumped a couch up to the top of the list. Ugh, the couch. It's basically two springs and a collection of scary stains at the moment. It's been through a lot, the poor dear. Don't lift the slipcover, seriously. It's traumatic.

Anyway, let's take a moment and let the joy sink in, that I have internet again!! Yippee Skippy!! Although, I'll admit, there was a certain liberation in being unavailable there for a while. I got a lot done! Baking homemade bread, keeping up on the laundry, etc. It did help me break my addiction, which was perhaps a bit excessive. It's all about balance, people. Balance.

But still.

Yippee!!

Now, to gather up my scattered audience again. Oh readers, where are you? Here, readers, readers... I've got a nice tasty blog for you...

Well, I'm going to let you all get to your business for the day, and I'm going to get to mine. Let's meet up later, huh? We can take our breaks at the same time. I'll meet you out back, and we can talk about the boss, and gripe about our salaries.

Have a good 'un.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:41 AM

September 16, 2007

Is This Thing On?

A few moments to write, and I don't know where to begin! So much has been going on lately, relatively speaking. We're busy, but it's more than that. A lot of rearranging in my head. Taking stock of things, getting my priorities straight, and all that rigamaroll.

I miss blogging. An upside though, my journal is fuller than it's ever been. I'm not really keen on the pen and paper thing, because I am too fond of my backspace key, but it's nice to see blank pages filling up. Besides writing journal style, I've been thinking about writing in general. Organizing some ideas in my head, figuring out what I want to say and why. I think that's my biggest hang-up at times. What worthwhile thing do I have to convey? It's there, I know it, it's just a matter of grabbing hold of it and giving it a good shake.

Czarina is seven today. She's such a beautiful person... She's kindhearted and gentle, goofy, but bright. She has an emotional sensitivity to others far beyond her years. I've never known a kid with a bigger heart. I'm so proud of her and who she is. I thank God for this day seven years ago when she came into my life and changed it forever.

More to say, more life to share with you guys and the clock ticktocks. -sigh- You only get an hour at the library, and that doesn't go very far. In computer news, it's at the shop, and we await the verdict. Could go either way. I need it to go the good way, so keep your fingers crossed, yeah?

Onward.

Some wonderful news- I'm happy to report that God has been merciful to my brother and he is not going to jail. This is HUGE. He's going into a longterm treatment program, and this time, he's going in with a motivation unlike any he's had before - fatherhood. There is nothing quite like knowing you're going to be a parent to open your eyes. Pray for him, that as wonderful a motivation as parenthood is, that ultimately he will depend on God alone for strength. It was miraculous that he wasn't incarcerated, seriously - and I know God isn't done with him yet.

Okay, what more? I have this checklist in my head of things to blog about, but I'm forgetting them left and right.

Britney Spears- poor gal. But I'm too late for that train, huh? You're all over it. I missed my chance. Luckily, I'm sure she'll provide me another opportunity pretty soon.

Congrats out to my sil, who just had their third child, Layla. How cute a name is that? Happy for you, Amy. Can't wait to see her. Hope you're feeling better by the minute.

Oh, and hey, I turned 32 on the eleventh. I recieved special gifts from each of the kids, which was cute. I haven't decided where to put the dollsized tea set yet, but I know it will come to me soon. They were all very sweet, and Czarina called me "the birthday girl" all day, which was fun.

We're going to Vburg for my cousin's wedding this next weekend. Congrats Laura and Adam! There's also something else going on that I can't be specific about, but it could mean some changes for casa de Wondergirl. How's that for vague and enigmatic? I know, you hate me. I'll reveal once I have the green light on that one. Anyway, this means a roadtrip, which means I'll spend most of the week trying to keep the laundry under control and all the kids injury/disease free. Duct-tape, that's all I have to say.

Egads, six minutes left! Boo.

Okay, I guess on that, I should end. I'll try and write again soon, but you know how it goes. Just look for me when you see me coming.

Have a lovely week everyone, and enjoy the first signs of Fall. (Really, especially if you live in the South, because you know it's going to be over by Thursday.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:30 PM

September 7, 2007

Goodbye Mr. Internets

Well, it finally happened. Our computer gave up the ghost. It's been in poor health for some time now, and I can't say it wasn't expected. It was unexpected however, that we were written out of the will entirely, and everything was left to the dang MOUSE. Son of a gun. Oh well.

So, this leads me to a very sad announcement. The Sift will be temporarily shut down, while I go dig around in some dumpsters for computer parts. I know, I know. I'm in mourning, too. It's horrible. I don't know what I'll do without my blog. By the time I finally get back online, the party will have ended and you'll all be gone. Wah. I'll be drinkin' alone. And that's just sad.

Looks like the soonest we can get another computer attempt to fix the laptop will be sometime in late October. So till then, it will be sporadic email checking at the library, and maybe the occasional blog post if I'm lucky.

-sniff- Be brave, WonderGirl. Be brave.

I'll miss you guys. Check back occasionally over the next few weeks to see if I'm back online, and if I'm not, then send out a search party. I'm probably laying in a ditch somewhere with no sweater and no internet access. I'll have fallen, and can't get up. I needs hep'.

Take care, enjoy the fall, and call me. I enjoy human contact.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:55 PM

September 5, 2007

Still Pasting Spaces

Love that title.

Okay, remember I was having keyboard trouble? Yeah. Still. We're working on it, but in the meantime, I'm having to cut, copy, and paste a space between every SINGLE word. Grrrr, I say.

It really sucks the joy out of blogging or emailing! And it takes about four times as long. But, the end is in sight, and I'll be back to regular writing soon. Thank goodness, because this royally STINKS. I wanna just hop on here and go to, ya know? I've got gobs of stuff to say!

Anyway, bear with me a little while longer, and I'll get back on track, mmkay?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:08 AM

September 3, 2007

Master Plan

So, I go out of town for twenty-four hours and guess what my six month old does? He pulls up to a standing position at the couch. That should be months away, folks!

I'm convinced this kid has an agenda. And I think he's secretly coordinating the other children, too. It would explain the "Handbook of Clandestine Organizations" I found the other day. Something's up, I'm sure of it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:21 AM

September 2, 2007

Back!

... water-logged, dead-tired, and mucho-happy.

Will blog tomorree.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:00 PM

August 30, 2007

Reporting For Duty

Hello from the ends of the earth! Been wondering 'bout old WonderGirl? Well, I can't tell you where I've been, because then I'd have to kill you, but I will say that once again, all is well in Metropolis. Oh, you didn't even know the world was in danger? Good. That means I'm upholding the secret superhero code. Yay me! I think I'll ask for a raise. I'm really overdue.

So, seriously? I needed a break. Had some things to take care of, and they required my full attention. You know how that goes, yeah? Sometimes you have to let everything else drop and make sure you're taking care of what's important. I needed time to count clouds, count blessings, count the days. But I'm back now, all is well, and I'm ready to take my place in the world.

So, what have you guys been up to? Any monkey business I should know about in my absence?

I'll do the quick update from my end: King Pen and I are headed up to Chattanooga this weekend, and going whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. Whoo! It was supposed to be a surprise for him, but I am TERRIBLE at that. I completely spilled the beans. Anyway, it should be loads of fun! I am starting school with Czarina and HeroBoy on Tuesday. Still making slings, but haven't started selling yet, and I baked totally homemade bread the other day. Reading Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor, Chipmunk is crawling and sitting up alone, and now sharing a room with big sis. It's hot here, ready for Fall, planning some trips back home in September, and thankful, oh so thankful for all the good things God has brought into my life.

A little scattered, but that's the jist of it.

I'm happy to be back, guys. Thanks for popping back in on me to see if I'd made it home okay. I'm here, and ready for livin'. I predict lots of good blogging to come, because I'm recharged and refocused! Good stuff ahead.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:05 PM

August 19, 2007

Hiatus

Taking a few days off, guys... blog on without me!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:17 AM

August 16, 2007

I Was Up Till Midnight With Harry Potter

---I feel sorta weird for that title.---

Anyway, it's done. Finished it.

and....SPOILER

Continue reading "I Was Up Till Midnight With Harry Potter"

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:04 PM

August 15, 2007

Wordelicious

"Scattered." It delights the tongue.

Another one... "sizzle". Dang, that's a good word!

Yours?

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:01 PM

Hook

One more then I'm done.

I just got spam from "daffy jitendra" with a subject "and then you look left". You don't know how intrigued I am. Spammers are geniuses. Of course, I know it's just an offer for Viagra or something, but still. They got my ticket.

I do wish I had a friend named Daffy. And I am just dying to know what's to the left of me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:04 AM

Randomables.

This is not me blogging. Because I have other stuff I have to do this morning. This is me... uh... organizing my thoughts for the day. Yeah.

Anyway. Wanted to share my latest internet obsession, Pandora. It's an internet radio station that you customize. You choose a song, and they will play similar songs to it. If you like it, you give it a thumbs up, and you get more of the same. If you don't like it, they hunt you up another one. It rocks. Quite literally.

So, I'm a hundred pages into Harry Potter... what a daunting book! With four kids, finishing a book of that size is a job. But it's not like I have a choice, I mean, it's Harry Potter. Gotta read it. So basically, I take several LONG baths a day, to get in all my reading time. (Shut up, you know you do it, too.) I have been covering my ears and eyes ever since it came out so that I wouldn't learn the ending before I'd read it ... so I'm glad to finally get my hands on a copy. Yay Dad! He's my book dealer. He hooks me up. The first book was free... but after that, he started charging me. Must be in the "Pusher Handbook". Anyway.

In other news, I am still carless. No, not careless. I take great care, as usual. Nope, carless, as in, sans wheels. Not that I was going to go anywhere, but I don't like my options taken away, ya know? Thank goodness we have two cars though. We'd be in a fix if King Pen couldn't get to work. Hopefully tomorrow it'll be ready and we can get back to a busy day of not getting out in this heat! Guh.

Onward.

Czarina is going to be seven in a month. She's starting to lose that squeeky kid voice, and getting her big girl voice. She makes small talk on the phone now, she carries a purse, and she tried to wear gogo boots with a pair of too-short shorts yesterday. Oh no you don't, I said, marching her back into her room to change. I blame the Bratz for that particular outfit. (Not that she's allowed to play with 'em.) She's killing me though, gettin' grown like this. It's going to break my heart. (She was happy to wear jeans with the boots, by the way. She wanted to wear boots like Dad. It was just funny to have to make her change.)

Chipmunk got two teeth, and had his first dinner last night. He was very serious about it, and licked his lips for about an hour afterwards. He loved it.

The Duke is halfway between baby and boy. He is snuggled up to me right now with his "bink" (the blanket) and sucking his thumb, but watching PowerRangers. -sigh- So big and little at the same time.

HeroBoy is totally geared up for school and asks everyday when we are going to start. (After Labor Day...forget this beginning of August business. That's crazy.)

Well, that's a synopsis of life over this way. More later, this spacebar issue is KILLING me... takes forever to type out an entry right now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:47 AM

August 13, 2007

I Heart Car Expenses. And Sarcasm.

Goodbye, five hundred bucks. Hello, new radiator.

-sigh-

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:28 PM

August 12, 2007

stuck

So,asyoucansee,thespacebarstoppedworkingonmylaptop.

Fooey.

Also,thenumbersix.

Ineedsix.

Ineedthespacebar.

-sigh-

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:10 AM

August 11, 2007

Let The Wind Blow

On the cusp of life again, when little ones fill the lonely corners of the day. They come home tomorrow, after a longer vacation than I had intended. It will be good to fill my arms with them again. I needed the break, I did, I admit it. But I will be oh so glad to have them home again! We will enjoy the last days of summer by staying cool and lazy... school is close, routine will be a welcome change, and this heat makes the Fall a worthy pursuit.

So I am good and happy, but always more than that.

I am in the eye of a hurricane of emotions today. I don't know that I can explain it, except that winds blow from all directions and sometimes I wonder if that's just how life is.

That's all I got for you today, folks. Go stay cool. I suggest iced tea and shady hammocks, a la Lazy Smurf...

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:22 PM

August 9, 2007

"Look at you, you have a baby!...In a bar."

Oh my. I have signed my life away to this business, guys. I didn't realize that was part of the deal. I'm just ready to get this end of it DONE so I can get on with things!!

Despite the massive time consumption it is right now, I am SO STOKED. The website is rocking along quite nicely. I've got people who want to get involved if needed, people who want to help me market it, people who want to buy one, etc etc. It's exciting, but a little overwhelming at the same time.

Anyway.

That's a big part of my life right now, and it's taken up a lot of my spare time. Hopefully, it will all settle down soon and I can get back to some semblence of normalcy.

Today, I'm on my way to Atlanta to PAR-TAY. Okay, no. That's not true. I am on my way to the ATL, but I won't be throwing down. I'm going to pick up some furniture and Chipmunk is coming with me. Nothing says wild and crazy like hittin' the clubs with your 5 month old! We'll be staying with my sister and I'm going to take some pics of her as a model for my website.

And uh... yeah, I'm so going to Ikea while I'm there. You don't think I could pass that opportunity up, do ya? Jealous? You know you are.

Well, I have a boatload of stuff to do, so I should get to it. Have a happy Thursday everybody. Stay cool! (Literally. It's dangerously hot out there. Hydrate.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:59 AM

August 8, 2007

Why No Blog, WG?

Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I'm still around, yo. I've just been busy, lazy, stressed, bored, overwhelmed, a little bit drunk, out of the country, washing my hair, or one of these other excuses:

Spending more time with my blender.

Waiting for my karma transplant.

Building a pig from a kit.

Detecting a disturbance in the Force.

Going through cherry cheesecake withdrawal.

Pending my patent.

Waiting for the grunion to run.

Converting my calendar from Julian to Gregorian.

Touring China with a wok band.

Reading a book called "Glue in Many Lands" that I just can't put down.

Helping a friend fold road maps.

Trying to be less popular.

Being traded to Cincinnati.

Observing National Apathy Week.

Rotating my crops.

So you see, I have been extremely occupied as of late, and well, there you have it. I'm sure you understand. And now, I have to...uh... go... over there.

(aw, poor readers. So mistreated. I'll be back, I promise. Just taking a wee sabbatical... don't go too far!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:19 AM

August 6, 2007

Still Here

I'm still around guys, I've just been busy being busy and well, being lazy, too. More later! For now, I have a sick hubby to tend.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:34 PM

August 1, 2007

You're Invited

Well, we're off to a rockin' start today. Yesterday's sprained ankle is indeed ugly. It's a little bigger than a tennis ball, which is something else considering my ankle is pretty scrawny to begin with. And sweet fancy moses, it hurts! I was really hoping I'd wake up this morning and it would be all better. I need it to be all better. -Sigh-

I was running around the track, and hit an uneven patch where the sidewalk intersects with the track, and I rolled right over my foot. I didn't fall, luckily, but I hit the ground nonetheless because of the pain. I sat there a few minutes, trying not to throw up! I was shocked! I finally collected myself enough to get back to the car, and very gingerly drove myself home, since it's my right foot I hurt.

Well, as it happened, our electricity was out because a transformer blew earlier in the day, and it was chaos coming home, and I forgot ALL about desperately needing some groceries for the next day. I elevated and iced my foot for the rest of the night, and poor King Pen had to do everything. I always feel terrible when that happens, because I know what a job it is handling all four of our precious angels. (!)

Anyway, so groceries were forgotten, until this morning, when the kids got up and we remembered there wasn't a poptart to be found, nor milk, nor juice, nor bread.

So, King Pen is late for work because he had to run to the store. I'm layed up on the couch, hurting and cranky. I took some tylenol, so that should kick in soon. But it's more about the inconvenience of it all. I need crutches, but I'll get along without them. Hopping on one foot isn't too bad because our apt. isn't huge. But I can't tote the baby. Czarina is going to have to do that for me. Erg. And the house is a wreck, and I had planned to wash laundry today because the kids are going with King Pen to his folks house tomorrow. I think I can get to most of it, at least the laundry, but it'll be tricky. And my sling biz will have to halt for a day or so, since this is my sewing foot. (Ha- that amuses me)

This is my upcoming (and extremely RARE) weekend to myself, to do various and sundry things, and it's looking pretty unfun at the moment.

But, before I send out formal invitations to my Pity Party, I am encouraged that it SHOULD start feeling better in a day or so, right? The healing time on a sprained ankle is pretty fast, from what I hear. Maybe no running for a week but if I can walk on it by the weekend, I'll be happy.

And, when you're laid up on the couch, at least there's nothing to do but work on the computer!! That ain't sounding so bad.

K, I'm off for a while to check my email and uh... yeah, just browse the net aimlessly.

More later!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:13 AM

July 31, 2007

Yowza

I twisted my ankle while jogging today. Wah. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will feel better in the morning.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:52 PM

July 27, 2007

Space on the Rocks

Man, Nasa is the place to be on a Friday night nowadays, huh? They like to partay!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:12 PM

July 25, 2007

Impatient Sandman

I passed the point of exhaustion about fifteen minutes ago. Now I'm in a full blown delirium. I think I'm actually writing this during a blackout. I'll have no recollection of it at all tomorrow morning.

I'm. so. tired.

Started out early with a speech evaluation for HeroBoy (7:30 am, people. What kind of whack society is this?). Then we met some folks at the zoo at 10:30, and stuck it out until the unholy hour of 3 pm. Five hours of zoo time is like thirty in normal time. We dragged ourselves in the door this afternoon, smelling like goats and duck food, and crashed out.

I worked on the text for my business site for the rest of the day, and now here I am at midnight, again, wondering just what in the blue blazes I'm still doing up. Somebody, pleaseeee- make me go to bed!

Good news though... my labels, and fabric are speeding their way to me as we speak. My website is gonna look AWESOME. I'm lining up models for a photo shoot (er, that would be with me as photographer, with my trusty canon powershot camera). I've got info on the business license, but holding off on that until something else resolves itself. I've got an assistant seamstress (shout out to my sister, Ashley the Fabulous). I've got "idears", big dreams, no time, lotsa anxiety, low funds, but a weird sense that this is all gonna work out just smashingly. (and I'm pretty sure I just invented that word. Blame it on the delirium.)

Anyway, I'm going to try not to let all this affect my frequency or quality of blogging, but that's a tall order. This part of it is just so time-consuming. Until I get it rolling, it's going to require a lot! I apologize in advance for the lame, disorganized and probably sporadic blogging ahead. Can we still be friends if I don't write every single day? Or is your love for me conditional and superficial?

Of course it isn't. This is real love, baby. And I can tell because you are STILL reading this mundane entry.

Okay, I gotta get. Or I'm gonna keel over right here and now. Have a happy... uh... middle of the night. I'll see you in the a.m.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:21 AM

July 22, 2007

Where's The Dang Pause Button?

I saw this movie once as a kid about a magic stopwatch that paused time. You just click it, and everything freezes but you. (I can't remember the name of that movie, to my eternal irritation!)

Anyway, I need to get me one of them doohickies.

There are so many things I want to do, need to do and so little time to do them. But this is nothing new, is it? Everybody feels that way. I think back to my pre-kid days, and I wonder what the heck I did with my time! I think I slept a lot. I remember Saturdays, and I wasn't out of the bed before AT LEAST eleven o'clock - sometimes all the way till one in the afternoon. Why did I need that much sleep? I need sleep NOW. Not THEN!

Now, I can't even remember the last time I slept past eight o'clock. And I STILL can't manage to do all the things I'd like (and need) to do. Right now, the business is eating into most of my free time - and some of my not-so-free time, too. (Thank goodness for paperplates. Seriously.)

I hope that soon I can get a grip on things though- before school starts. I don't want to be so busy that I feel guilty for sitting down for more than five minutes! Life's too short, yeah? It's to the point that I am laying in bed trying to go to sleep, and all I can think of is my internal To-Do list. Driving me nuts!

But anyway.

Lots going on in the next few days. My aunt is in town for a visit. Chipmunk has a doctor's appointment and shots on Monday. (Boo.) Tuesday, HeroBoy has a speech therapy evaluation, and then we have a zoo picnic. Plus, gobs of sewing and website design and whatnot, plus helping a distant relative with some genealogy research. AND sometime or another, I've got to start getting my homeschool stuff together. I mentioned to King Pen the other day, that I am feeling the need for a solo weekend pretty soon to tackle some of these tasks. He'll probably take El Kiddos to his mom's house so I can knock it all out sometime in the next month. It's just so hard to stay focused when all these knuckleheads are running around! Love em, but they are masters of distraction (and destruction for that matter).

Well, I'm wiped. I'm turning in before I fall asleep on the keyboard. Have a good night, all.

PS- I'll get to those pictures I've been promising everybody tomorrow, I promise. I haven't forgotten!

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:59 PM

July 17, 2007

Mama Said Knock You Out

Why, oh why, do these things never happen during normal business hours? Tonight, HeroBoy managed to knock his front tooth (not a permanent one) loose with a backpack. Yeah, I don't know how that's possible, either. If there's a way to damage yourself with a lightweight sack filled with nothing, he'll be the one to do it. After much discussion, we decided there was nothing we could do until the morning. We don't have an afterhours dental service, and since it's a baby tooth and still attached, we thought as long as it's seen within 24 hours, it would be okay. I hope that was the right decision. Anyway, it's still there, just displaced and pitiful looking. His gums are bruised and bled a lot, so I am hoping he didn't do some serious damage in there. I will feel much better after an x-ray. I also really hope it doesn't blacken his tooth! Sometimes, if you traumatize a tooth, it will do that. Wah. I don't want to lose that impish grin of his! It makes me wanna cry. I hope they can do something for him. He's got a lot of years left in that tooth, and right now it's quite crooked and potentially blackened. -sniff- Guess if that happens, then we'll have to get some bling for his grill. Might as well be stylin'.

I didn't write much today, because I was busy working on slings, and organizing a gajillion boxes of baby clothes. I'm about to turn in now, since I plan on getting up early for a run. Hm. We'll see how that turns out. I can sure talk myself out of it real quick at 6 a.m. Shame.

Oh, and by the way... my brother has an important hearing Wednesday at 10 a.m. Please pray for him, his wife, and my parents at that time. I know they'll need the peace. I'll write an update on that after the hearing.

Mkay. WG out.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:57 PM

July 16, 2007

Put Our Service to the Test

Yesterday we had dinner guests after church. Dolly and Ethan, and their two kidlings, Ruthie and Chandler. We had a great time! The children all played nicely together, we had pleasant adult conversation (quite the treat, I assure you!) and I got to set a pretty table, using my tablecloth and all that. Being a hostess is so gratifying! Anyway, I love reading other people's dinner menus, so I'll share mine for all you nosy folks out there.

Caribbean Jerk Chicken (chicken, potatoes, and sausage in it. Spicy!)
Honey-Glazed Carrots,
Toasted Walnut Salad (spring mix, romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, redwine dressing & the best crunchy topping ever!)
French Bread
Wine & Sweet tea

Then for dessert we had coffee and Strawberry Shortcake.

It was delicious! And yes, I wore my crown. Jealous, aren't you?

Next time, you can come, I promise. And there will be a tiara with your name on it. No joke.

Okay, got stuff to get to this morning. Y'all have a good day, and I'll post lata.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:34 AM

July 12, 2007

Replay

Can someone please tell me why The Mummy is constantly on? Sometimes it's The Scorpion King, but mostly The Mummy. Con-stant-ly. I mean, I like Brendan Frasier and all, but pul-lease! We're over it! Let's move on with our lives.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:41 PM

Voluble

Good morning all! How are you? I am fabulous. I am so happy to be checking my email and bloglist over my cup o'joe that I could just expire. How sad is that? It's like I won the lottery.

So, I mentioned last night that we've got strep throat around here. Well, everyone who has it is medicated, and so far I haven't seen any signs in anybody else, so maybe we'll get lucky. We're feeling better, the sun is peeking through some clouds this morning (literally and figuratively), and I am ready to get back in the game again.

Which is good, because I think I put on five pounds this week in stress eating. A sore throat doesn't slow me down, no sirree. I'll puree those snicker bars if I need to. I've GOT to get myself back on the running track again! It's a lot harder to exercise these days than it was after my last pregnancy. Life is crazier with four kids than three. I'm not complaining, but holy mackerel, it's an uphill battle to get out of here in running shoes. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and start getting up at five and doing it before King Pen leaves for work. I'm just not one of those people, though. Guess I might need to BECOME one though. Just the thought of it makes me cranky.

Maybe things will get better after everyone is well again.

Anyway... what else?

I have soooo much to catch up on now that things are getting back to normal. The house is a wreck, laundry is piled sky high, and the kids all have cabin fever. Besides all the chores, I need to get them outside and run them around a bit. The library, the park, the pool- you name it, they need it. And though I feel better, I get a little tired just thinking of all that stuff!

I've decided we're going to start a strict regiment of vitamins/minerals/acupuncture once this is all over. It seems like we've been sick ever since Christmas with something or another! I'm ready for a well family again. And if I have to poke 'em with needles to make it happen, well, that's what I'll do. I'm sure it'll be a big hit. I bet they get sick a lot less. Ha!

Well, I'm rambling a bit, do forgive. Just happy to be back! I'll be on later - but now I need to tackle the job ahead of me. Have a good day everybody.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:20 AM

July 11, 2007

Long Lost WG

Oh yippie! I'm back, I'm back, I'm back! And it only cost me an arm and a leg. (And a kidney. Thank goodness for the black market. My liver is gonna put my kids through college!)

So, didja miss me? C'mon, you know you did. Don't act all nonchalant. Aww, you're blushing! It's so cute. You missed me * You missed me* na na na nana na.

-contented sigh-

I am so unbelievably happy to be back online, with a computer that doesn't suffer from narcolepsy. What a treat! And just in time, too. I was beginning to worry for my sanity. We've had a rough couple of days. Strep throat dropped in on us expectedly, and didn't take our not-so-subtle hints to go the hell home. ('scuse me. A buck into the swear jar.) King Pen, HeroBoy, and I have it, and we're all taking antibiotics. Hopefully nobody else will come down with it, but I am not overly optimistic on that count. We're a kissy bunch. I'm sure the germs have made the rounds.

I want to do a proper update, but I am just too tired tonight. Strep really wears you down, and I need to get some rest tonight. I will write tomorrow, but just wanted to revel in internet connection for just a minute. Sweet dreams, butter beans. See you in the a.m.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:02 PM

July 8, 2007

A Thought Gumbo

I couldn't take it. I had to sneak off to the library to check my email, and my blog list.

I have a serious internet problem, I know. But let's not talk about that right now, mkay? You can stage an intervention at another time, but right now, just let me get my fix. I only have an hour on this computer, and I intend to make the most of it.

I sure hope my laptop is up and running again soon. Hopefully by the middle of the week, at the latest! I simply cannot function in this cyber vacuum.

Despite my painful wifi withdrawl, it's been a good weekend. Saturday was uber-productive. (Yeah, I said uber. And I'd say it again, too, because I am a nerd.) Got the house tip top, went grocery shopping, and checked out an estate sale down the street, where I made off with a lovely dining room table! I am giddy over this table. We finally have room to sit comfortably! It was so tight, we were about to have to start eating in shifts. So this was a good find, and at $15, it was impossible to pass up. It's a sturdy table, which is a must with boys hanging off of it all the time. (I sure wish King Pen would stop that. Ha.) Anyway. I almost slept on it last night, I was so happy. This would not be the first time I've slept on a table, but there's no way I'm telling that story in mixed company.

Onward.

We also got buckets of rain all day yesterday, which was wonderful. I love a rainy Saturday! The world looks much healthier today. Green and content.

What else? Ah! 30 minutes left. Let's speed this up a bit, shall we?

I am hunting a Harry Potter buddy to catch the new movie with me. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

My mom is in Honduras on a medical mission trip. Remember her this week, if you will. Their accomodations are very challenging, and last year there was a fly infestation that nearly drove her crazy. She'll be back Thursday, I think. If she remembers, she is supposed to bring me back some local fabric so that I can make another sling. (See, it's all about me, isn't it. Shameless.)

Tuesday, I have Girl's Night with the girls (duh) from church. We will be talking about a.) how gross boys are b.)how lame our parents are and c.)who in the choir stuffs their bra. Okay, no we won't. Well, maybe C.

Friday, I have another book club meeting, where we will be discussing Gilead. Yes, very intellectual of us, isn't it? Constantly improving our minds, we are. You never stop learning, I say. Nevermind the wine, that's totally irrelevent. This is strictly an academic gathering. Where there will be booze. And poker. Shut up.

Well, I'm outta time. Time to shut this party down. I hope you all have a swimmingly good week, and I will write again when I get the laptop back, or I have another breakdown and rush to the library for a quick fix.

Bye then. Take care.
Keep in touch, yeah?

OH HOW WILL I EVER GET THROUGH THE DAYS WITH NO INTERNET? WOE IS ME!

I'll be just fine. No big deal. LIES. ALL LIES.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:05 PM

July 6, 2007

Gone for a Few

My lovelies, I have sad news. My computer is acting hinky, and it's going in the shop today. Hopefully, it won't be a major deal and I can get it back quickly. I'll admit, I get the shakes if I go too long without it.

In the meantime, I will be playing Katamari Damacy on playstation. It's not the internet, but it keeps the cold sweats at bay. Hope you all have a great weekend, and fingers crossed- I'll be back early next week.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:31 AM

July 2, 2007

Rain Dance

Rain, rain - don't go away!!

Every day, we have a teaser thundercloud roll in, make a little noise, and then leave again without so much as a howdy-do. It's disheartening.

It's curious, isn't it, how we long for rain even when it doesn't affect us much physically? I mean, I'm not a farmer. My cotton isn't suffering. I don't have much of a yard, so my grass is okay. My well's not dry, my car's not terribly dirty, and I've got plenty of drinking, washing, and bathing water.

But still, the drought gets to me.

I miss the smell of rain, the sound of it. I wish for puddles and splashes and umbrellas. We are creatures of water, dependent on it running into the soil beneath our feet, and past our lips into our earthly forms. We need rain in the most primal way. Without it, we are dead. When the skies are dry, I think the animal in us trembles.

(Ah, let no one say I am not melodramatic!)

Yesterday we had a quick downpour, and there was almost audible relief from the parched earth outside. Ahhhh... The dirt gulped it down and then it was gone - as if it'd never come at all. You could almost hear "more, more" from the trees and grass.

I'm considering an old fashioned Rain Dance. With spins and stomps and waving of the hands. Let the heavens open wide!

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:57 PM

July 1, 2007

Botanical Blitzkrieg

You think that's Uma, don't you? As Poison Ivy in Batman? Well, you'd be wrong. That's me, currently. I came in contact with that vicious plant last week at my parent's house, and now I am fighting an almost unbearable urge to scratch, scratch, scratch. (And my hair turned bright red, and I keep having vague thoughts about going ninja on some guy named Bill. Weird.)

Anyway, I haven't had poison ivy since I was a kid, and I forgot just how horrible it is. The rash itself is not all that bad, because I have been SAINTLY about not scratching, but ooooohhhhh the agony of the itch! It makes me want to cry! I am not kindly disposed to plantlife at the moment. As a matter of fact, I should issue a warning to all the greenery in my life to tread lightly, my friends. Tread lightly. I have been crossed by your brethren, and I seek justice. (I think the righteous vengeance must be coming from Uma.)

Anway, I sent King Pen to the store for Benadryl, and though I know it will zonk me out, I must have some relief. In the meantime, I am considering buying this shirt to memorialize my suffering. I think it'd look good with my new red hair.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:57 PM

June 30, 2007

I'm Up, Are You?

So, my youngest has no respect for Saturday mornings. Bah. Doesn't he know we're all supposed to be sleeping in? Oh well. He and I are sitting in the living room watching Krypto, Super Dog, before the rest of the kids are up and at 'em.

Remember when Saturday used to be a big deal? I remember getting up at six in the morning to start my cartoon schedule. Mom would put out cereal bowls the night before, and we were in charge of getting our own breakfast. It was the only day of the week we got sweet cereal, and we looked forward to it all week. Cocoa Rice Krispies, Booberry, Count Chocula...

We took turns choosing what cartoons to watch, but we were in agreement most of the time. I'm just gonna throw out a list of my favorites (in no particular order), and let's all be nostalgic together, yeah?

Smurfs
Ducktales
FraggleRock
ALF
Garfield and Friends
Kidd Video
Moncchichis
Pac-Man
The Snorks
Richie Rich
Tom and Jerry
Shirttails
Bugs Bunny
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Rainbow Brite
GIJoe
Transformers

That list could be longer, but I haven't got all day! We were cartoon watching fools, weren't we, at least on Saturdays! I think that's the problem now, there are cartoons on ALL the time, every day of the week. Saturdays aren't special anymore, and that makes me a little bit sad.

Anyway, now it's time to make some breakfast for the munchkins. Hope you all have a wunnerful weekend.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:20 AM

June 28, 2007

Robots In Disguise

I'm not the only girl dying to see this, right?

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:06 PM

Blimey!

Mom has come and gone, and I enjoyed the chance to put my eyes on her. It's been a difficult week, and it was reassuring to see for myself that she is alright. I have to fight the urge to get in the car and drive back to make sure Dad and Katie will be alright, too. I know there's nothing I can do, but that feeling is there, just the same. I want to help, when I know that nothing I can do will really help. Except praying, yes- and I've been doing that. But you know what I mean. I want to go in and do something, even if it's just making a meal or washing a load of laundry. Anything to lighten their burdens.

-Sigh-

Onward.

We saw Pirates of the Caribbean 3 last night. (I know, I know- we're the last people in the country to see it. Oh, except for you, Dolly! Nice to know we're not the only ones who never get out of the house!) Anyway, it was great! A lot better than I expected - because to be honest, the second one was a bit disappointing. And don't you Argh! me, you know it's true! But they went out with a bang, I'll give them that. One thing occurred to me though... and stop reading here if you haven't seen it yet - but if Will is now the captain of the Flying Dutchman, and he can only see Elizabeth every ten years - will she continue to age or will she be immortal like him? That's been bugging me all day. Because if she's not immortal, too, well shoot. She got the bad end of the deal! I want my money back.

What else? Oh, Chipmunk is sick. I took him to the pediatrician today (yeah, the one who's starting to ask where his $600 bucks are), and there wasn't much to be done for the poor bebe. He's got a nasty upper respiratory bug, fever and all, but his ears looked okay. Hopefully he'll be better in a day or two. This sick kid thing is starting to get old. Can we go one week without a fever or vomiting or some weird rash? Or is this just the way it is with four kids?

Man, I'm chasing rabbits today. All over the place. Sorry about that- my thoughts seem so scattered lately.

I am sleepy... we were up a lot with Chipmunk last night. I think I'm just gonna rest my eyes here for a minute... I'll be back later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:47 PM

June 27, 2007

Twiddling My Thumbs

So here I am, house cleaned, gumbo cooking, waiting on a visit from my mom, Aunt Diana, Aunt Charlotte, and their friend, Roxanne. They've been on a girl's trip to Nashville, and they are stopping here on their way home. My mom didn't know about it, it was a surprise for her, and the timing is perfect. So, I'm just burning an hour or two on the net before they get here. So, let's ramble, shall we?

The Duke is having some serious jealousy issues. He loves Chipmunk, and his behavior isn't directed towards him. It's all about ME. He wants my attention so badly that he cries for me all day. I don't know how to help him! Realistically, I just can't drop everything and cuddle. I have to cook supper, feed the baby, etc. If I can't deal with him right away, he has a meltdown, which leads to discipline, and it's just such an ordeal. I feel bad for him, even though I'm frustrated and the whining is driving me nuts. I feel like I am not meeting a need for him or something. Advice, anyone?

In other news, we're starting to look at the possibility of moving closer to home. Our long-term plan has always been to settle down in Louisiana, near King Pen's folks. However, the job market is slim over there. So we're looking at places that are nearby, anything closer than where we are. Everytime we come back from a long family visit, the pull is stronger. It's important to us for our children to have the benefit of cousins and grandparents, and to have that, we gotta move back! Boy, I dread the thought of moving again, though. What a pain. Mostly though, I'm just really excited at the prospect of being near my family again. I miss 'em.

Well, that's all I feel like writing today. More tomorrow!

Oh, wait, one more thing. We have had a string of bad financial luck lately, and I'm stewing about it a bit. First, we get our electric bill and it's $250! For an apartment! I freaked out, of course, and called them, wondering what in the heck was going on. Well, apparently, our air conditioner, which busted on Saturday and was replaced by our landlord, has been sucking electricity down like a chocolate milkshake all month long. Wah. And then, I recieved a bill today, stating that Chipmunk's insurance wasn't in order for the first two months (because I recieved some FAULTY information on the application process!!), and now I've got a $600 bill from the pediatrician. Wah, Wah. AND, the straw that broke the camels back, was today, when I bought a card from the grocery store, and they forgot to put it in my bag. Yeah, it was like three bucks, but that was IT! I nearly had a full-blown hissy fit.

But, it comes in threes, right? That should be it. *crossing fingers

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:37 PM

June 26, 2007

Cruel Intentions

If you think I don't know who you are, you are wrong. You may have commented anonymously, but there are footprints in the sand that let me know it was you who left such an ugly, unwelcome, unkind remark. I am disappointed in you.

This is not the place for that kind of animosity, nor is it appropriate when my family is grieving and hurting. Whatever your issues are, take them elsewhere.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:20 PM

June 25, 2007

The Distant Nearby

I finally edited ALL my pictures and now they are ready to go up. But I'll get to that tomorrow, too tired tonight.

And besides... I have something much crazier to blog tonight before I go to bed.

There is a guy in the building opposite us that King Pen and I have both talked to on occasion, not often enough to know his name or anything. Just neighborly friendly, ya know. Anyway, one of his two little girls is around Czarina's age, and they've played together in the pool and the playground (not alone, but with us there). So, we have a passing aquaintenceship.

Well. It just goes to show that you don't know what is going on behind closed doors. Apparently, some time yesterday, he got into a fight with his girlfriend in their apartment, and he killed her. Then he killed himself. No joke.

A maintenance guy discovered them tonight when the girlfriend's sister convinced him to check the apartment. She hadn't been able to get in touch with her sister, and she knew something was wrong. She was screaming across the street when they found the bodies.

They are still over there right now. We can see the police tape, the lights on as the detectives work the crime scene. It's very surreal, and I can see it from my steps.

This is not a crime-riddled neighborhood. It's not the kind of place you expect something like this to happen. And I think that makes it even scarier.

Anyway, remember the daughters that are left in the wake of this terrible event. Say a prayer for them, because I'm sure they need it. And pray for this neighborhood, which has been shaken by unexpected violence. It's hard to know that death is a few doors down tonight.

That's all for this dark evening. More to say in the brightness of morning. Sleep tight, all.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:06 AM

June 23, 2007

Sweet Home Alabama

And we're back!

(Oh, Will Ferrell. You silly man.)

We made it in last night, and we ALMOST got home before someone threw up in the car. This close, I'm telling ya. We were literally pulling into our parking lot when I heard HeroBoy retching in the backseat. Wah. He's fine though. I think he just ate too much junk and got carsick or something. If he could have held off a mere two seconds, we'd have been home-free. Argh. I guess I should be grateful he threw up at the END of our trip, and not the BEGINNING. So far no one else is sick, so we'll hope it was an isolated incident.

Okay.

So where in the world do I start with the updating? We have done so much the last two weeks, and I've got zillions of pictures to resize and upload here. It's a bit overwhelming! I have about seventy pictures, and it's gonna take a few days. So, I'll get to it, but first I wanted to let you all know we are back from our meanderings.

Will blog more after I unpack!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:08 PM

June 18, 2007

Wish You Were Here!

Dear You,

Hello from M, I, crooked letter, crooked letter, I, crooked letter, crooked letter, I, humpback, humpback, I. Otherwise known as Mississippi, the crown jewel of the Southern States, as my Papaw says! We're now in phase 2 of our trip, having finished up our week with King Pen's family in dear Louisiana, and now we're visiting my folks. The kids are going to good old Vacation Bible School, and we're just hanging out the rest of the time. My sister is in town, as well as my grandmother, and we are enjoying the visit. We have a girl's night planned for tomorrow night, me, my two sisters, and my new sister-in-law. We've got our outfits all coordinated and everything. I think we'll talk about boys and probably play truth or dare. It's gonna be great.

Anywho, just wanted to let you guys know where I was and what I'm up to. I am gonna take a break from blogging this week, but I'll be back to the grind by the weekend. Hope you all have a lovely week!

Love,
WonderGirl

Oh, PS. The Vacation Bible School that the kids are going to is the same one I attended as a kid. How crazy is that? And their teachers are kids that I used to babysit. Wild.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:12 PM

June 11, 2007

Happy Trails

Yello!

I am sitting at my in-laws house at the end of the day, hair still wet from the pool, kids sleeping upstairs, and a long enjoyable week ahead. The drive in wasn't terrible, Chipmunk cried intermittently but Czarina lended a hand when needed. The boys watched SpongeBob in the backseat until the battery to the DVD player zonked out on us. They all napped off and on, and I can't complain.

We met my mom and sister for lunch as we drove through Vicksburg, and made it to Monroe around three this afternoon. The kids played outside, and I sat on the porch swing rocking the baby, and singing songs with my toddler. The afternoon was golden and green, propped up by tall corn and sunlight. The breeze blew in dragonflies and the smell of freshly cut grass. It was the kind of afternoon that makes you sigh contentedly, glad to be exactly where you are.

Tonight for supper, we had the best of the summer spread... roast and rice and gravy, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, corn on the cob, and tall glasses of iced tea. After dinner, the kids got in the back of DaddyWalt's red pick-up and we headed about a mile down the road to the cousin's house for a quick dip in the pool to wash away the dust of the day.

Ahhh... summertime in the country. There is just nothing else like it.

Tomorrow will be a full day of much of the same, and the day after that, and the day after that and the day after that. That's how you pass the season in the South.

All for now- time to wind myself down for the evening with dry clothes and a nice book.

Hope you all have as wonderful a week as we will...

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:10 PM

June 10, 2007

Une fête d'adieu

...because it's prettier in French.

Farewell Party

I'm wiped!! We had a full day. Church this morning, with very wiggly and restless children for some reason, and an afternoon of packing and cleaning. Then, a longtime friend of mine spent the evening with us, visiting and washing laundry since he is in town and in need of clean clothes. We wrapped up the day with a get-together in the backyard - a farewell party for our neighbors who are returning to Peru for six weeks. Bah. We'll miss them to pieces. Anyway, it was busy, busy, busy, but fun, fun, fun! I was happy to catch up with my pal, David, and glad that he got to enjoy our "block party", too. The kids, in typical kid fashion, put on a play for us, and we ate pizza and swatted mosquitoes until the sun went down and fireflies came out. We then hugged and said our goodbyes, and went inside to scrub our dirty children clean.

We're (mostly) all packed up to head to King Pen's parents house in the morning. If you think of it, send out some good vibrations my way as I drive the 5 1/2 hours by myself with the kids. I'm not sure how cooperative Chipmunk will be. He has impressive endurance when it comes to crying-- he doesn't give up easily. And he is not loving the carseat these days.
So, we may have a recipe for disaster on our hands, I don't know. So, happy mojo to WonderGirl tommorow, mkay?

Anyway... this week, we'll be swimming and playing, and hanging around with cousins and grandparents till they're sick of us. It's our vacation, but I'll still be blogging, so you'll be hearing from me. (In case you were alarmed there for a minute. I know how addicted you are to my blog. Ha!)

Well, I've got to tie up some loose ends around here before bed. G'nite all, and have a lovely Monday.

Oh, and King Pen is well now, thanks to my horde of antibiotics. Who says ya can't self-medicate? Silly doctors. Anyway, thank you for all your well wishes and prayers while we were sick. I 'preciate it!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:26 PM

June 9, 2007

Saturday

Well, we jumped the gun on King Pen being well. He is most certainly not well, poor man. I looked in his throat, and there were scary things happening there. If he's not over this by Monday, we're marching his heiney straight to the doc.

Despite him being sick, I made it to book club last night. I had the kids all fed and bathed, and all he had to do was tuck them in, so it wasn't too bad. And I had fun! There were only five of us this go-round, but I think more people will participate in the next book.

Lots to do today, none of it all that interesting, so I'll spare you the "To Do" list. I'll blog later this afternoon, just wanted to pop on for a minute.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:50 AM

June 7, 2007

Movies and Books and Plans, Oh My!

King Pen has recovered in record time from the Mystery Fever Disease. Which, to be honest, furthers my suspicions that my real husband was replaced several years ago with a robot. The man ain't normal.

Yesterday, he was holding Chipmunk, making him dance around a little, and sing "Don't you wish your baby was fat, like me" to the tune of that Pussycat Dolls song. He's so wrong. But it was funny.

Anyway, no complaining from my end. I'm glad he's better, because today is his birthday! Happy Birthday, Robot Husband! I love you! (processing, processing...)

So now that everyone is feeling better, I can return to my usual blogging. It's a rambling kind of day today. Ya with me?

First... we've caught a few movies lately. Last night, we watched "Apocalypto". Wow. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, though the gore was a bit over the top. (predictable Mel Gibson!) Several scenes I had to cover my eyes, because I did not want the mental image burned into my brain for the rest of my life. And, yeah, there were boobies, which was a bit distracting at first, in a National Geographic kinda way. Once you got adjusted to the occasional topless Mayan, squirting blood, and reading the subtitles, it was a breeze! The storyline was compelling, the acting stellar, and the scenery impressive.

We also watched "The Fountain" the other day, which oddly enough, also had some Mayan elements. It was a beautiful, but perplexing movie. I felt like I was on the brink of understanding it, but not quite "getting it" the entire time. Or I'd get it for just a minute, then it was gone. And no, WonderGirl was not hitting the pipe. It was all crazy on it's own. Still, a good movie.

Lest you think all we pagans watch are rated "R" movies, we also caught "The Ant Bully" with the kids. It was quite funny! It made me want to hug somebody from the Warner Brothers studio. Good stuff.

In book news, I finished reading "The Moviegoer" by Walker Percy in time for my book club meeting tomorrow night. This book is supposed to be "The Catcher in the Rye" for grown-ups. It's set in New Orleans , so it was fun to read about familiar places, but it took me a while to get into it. By the end of the book, I was used to his style of writing and could appreciate it more. I'm looking forward to our shindig tomorrow- I'm curious about what everyone else thought, and the wine and cheese is gonna go down great. Booze and books-- can't get much better than that!

The rest of the weekend is going to be busy, too. Saturday, my little sister is supposed to come into town. And Sunday we have dinner at church, and that evening, an old friend is stopping by to visit. And at some point in the weekend, I've got to get us packed up to leave for Monroe on Monday. We'll be crazy busy, but I'm just glad everyone is well now to do it all.

Well, on that note, I suppose I should get started on some stuff around here. Hope you all have a smashing day!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:22 AM

June 6, 2007

Soldier Down

Well, our last soldier has fallen. King Pen fought the good fight, serving as the primary medic when I was sick, and now he has contracted the Mystery Fever Disease also. Two weeks now we've engaged the enemy! It's worked it's way through the ranks, wreaking havoc and mayhem. It's actually quite dreadful. I was in a lot of pain as I fought my own personal battle, so I feel sorry for KP now. It's been 6 days since I first came down with it, and I STILL have soreness in the lymph nodes in my neck, and my throat!

Anyway, he's home from work, and I will be tending to him and the kids, so blogging may be sparse for a day or two. -sniff- You must go on without me. Go, I say! I'll only slow you down! That's an order, soldier! Don't look back.

(It occurs to me that I may be a bit melodramatic.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:13 AM

June 4, 2007

Back from the Edge

Oh lovely world, I am not sick any longer! I have some lingering soreness in my neck and throat, but am in much better spirits. I had become a bit arrogant in my motherly immunity to my children's illnesses, and was due a come-uppance. I return to you a meek and pale creature, thankful for nyquil and a loving, competent husband. It was a dark path I trod for three days, and I was transformed into a tragic and frail figure. Seriously. Go ask King Pen. He was there. But luckily, my story was born in the Secret Garden, and a new week brings new health.

I have a lot to be well for this week! King Pen turns 32 on Thursday, my book club meets on Friday, and the library starts it's Summer Reading Program. I must also begin preparing for our vacation which we start at the beginning of next week. Much to do!

I should start by getting out of my pajamas. More blogging later- I'll try to get to one of my (weird) Reader Appreciation topics.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:54 AM

June 2, 2007

It Was Obviously Contagious

WonderGirl isa da SickGirl.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:20 PM

May 31, 2007

The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

This has been some kind of week for WonderGirl.

I didn't mention it here, but all four of my children were sick this week with The Mystery Fever. High temps that went up and down, and Czarina actually threw up a few times. Thankfully, we're on the tail end of it.

Which is good, because I. Am. Done.

Fried.

Whacked out.

I almost turned to the bottle, my friends. Yup. You heard it. I was going down fast, thinking how nice an amarretto sour would be by 8 a.m. But then the temps broke and the whining started to diminish, and there was an itsy bitsy light at the end of the tunnel. So I sucked it up, and pushed on, and finally everyone is nearly well and Friday is almost here. I narrowly escaped a lifetime of alcoholism, again! Go me!

But now it's confession time.

I will admit to the following, so that you may feel good about yourself.

1. I seriously wanted to tell some of my precious loves to "shut it". I didn't do it, mind you, but I stared dark temptation in the face.

2. I thanked God on more than one occasion this week for not blessing me with twins. (He has a divine perception of my coping abilities.)

3. My house may never be clean again.

4. And I kinda don't care.

5. I didn't run AT ALL this week, and

6. I ate chocolate for every other meal.

7. Many days, I wore my pajamas until lunchtime.

8. And we watched cartoons until my eyeballs bulged.

9. I used my disconnected headphones as earplugs at one point.

10. I didn't mind so much that they had no appetites because I didn't feel like cooking jack.

So there you have it.

Whew. I feel better.

Now, back to being a nice, sane mommy who doesn't drink whiskey for breakfast*.

**Mom, I joke.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:54 PM

May 29, 2007

Audience Participation

Hullo, birdies! Enjoying your Tuesday? Lovely, short week we're having, huh?

I'm in a good mood today. Why, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. It's not the fourteen Diet Dr. Pepper's I've had this morning. Nope. It's because Reader Appreciation Week at Chez Sift has arrived. You didn't know? Oh yes. It's finally here.

Let me tell you how this goes down. The first time we did it, folks submitted a comment, which I used as the title of a blog post. That worked out great- it was challenging and fun. (Especially the kind hearted soul who left "Rare Asian Walrus Asphyxiates After Eating Trainer's Shoes". Nice.) So this year, we're going to build on that theme. Leave me a comment with a word or phrase that you'd like me to use. I'll write on it, and at then end of the week, we'll vote on which blog post you liked the most. Whoever submitted the title for that post shall be declared Winner and Ruler of the Visible Domain. Okay, maybe not the Ruler part. I don't have the authority to pronounce you Master of the Universe. But, Winner you shall be, and Prize you shall recieve. And not some chintzy hand written certificate. I'm gonna send you something awesome.

So, come on! Delurk, my delightful, deserving, dedicated, degenerates. (Um... sorry. Don't let my overly-caffeinated alliteration dissuade you. Ha.)

Seriously though... I do appreciate you guys. Writing wouldn't be much fun without readers. I love you all. You spin me right round, baby, right round.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:25 AM

Rock Climbers

Yesterday, King Pen took Czarina and HeroBoy to Moss Rock Preserve. (The little ones and I stayed home because the Duke had a fever.) Before they left, I snapped a pic or two, and handed the camera off to King Pen so he could do the same while they were out. From all accounts, it was a very cool day trip. We'll have to try again to get out there all together.

Continue reading "Rock Climbers"

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:28 AM

May 26, 2007

Juice Fast Day 2

7 a.m. Awake with the kids, and nausea is gone, thank the heavens. I have tightness in my left shoulder which is causing a slight headache, but it's not bad. I think after I rehydrate, it will diminish some. Besides that, I feel good! Not hungry, which is nice. You would think that with every missed meal, the hunger would get worse and worse, but it doesn't. It actually starts to diminish after that first day. Anyway, I'm drinking some water, and in a little bit I'll hit the juice. My mouth feels funky. I've brushed and flossed and rinsed and it's still feeling gross, so I must be detoxing. At this point, people who used to smoke say they taste nicotine sometimes. Ew. Anyway, that's my state this morning. Looking forward to today- I think the worst is behind me (hopefully!).

11:15 a.m. Had to make a run to the grocery store for the next week, and that was brutal. Arrgghh!! There were free samples every where I looked, and the smell of fresh bread wafted from the bakery. Agony!! My shoulders are tight, dull headache, and I'm wiped out. Luckily, we planned on doing nothing today, so that suits my energy level. Gonna juice now, and rest some.

6:30 p.m. After much up and down discussion, we decide to break the fast. We had originally intended to go for three days, but hated the idea of being so zonked out on a Sunday. Sundays are hard enough to wrangle, with getting the kids to church and all. It would have been a pretty miserable day, and it seemed best to shorten our original goal. So, we had a light soup, and revelled in the deliciousness! We slept great last night, and woke up this morning recharged. I feel terrific! I'm really glad we did it, but glad also that it's over.

Okay, all for now. More later!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:02 AM

May 25, 2007

Juice Fast Day 1

6:30 a.m. Had about 10 oz. of strawberry/banana juice- actually quite filling. I am a little groggy without coffee, but managing okay. Slight tightness in my shoulders but no headache yet.

9:30 a.m. Neck ache is beginning to turn into a slight, thuddish headache, but not too bad. Little bit hungry, but I don't eat a big breakfast anyway, so not missing too much. Drinking some water.

1:30 p.m. Things are going well! I had more juice for lunch, and I've been sipping water all day. Headache is minimal, mostly just fighting some hunger pains and wondering what to do with myself! Teeth are tingly though, which is a bit weird.

6:30 p.m. Okay, I'm officially really hungry. The kids are eating dinner, and it was all I could do to resist licking my finger as I made their plates. Neck is tight, headache is inconvenient but not terrible. I am fighting a little crankiness. We went out for a hike with the kids to get some fresh air and pass the time, so that was good. Now we're gonna veg out with a movie.

8:00-10:30 p.m. I hit the lowest point here. I got wretchedly ill, couldn't keep anything down. Every time I got sick, my head felt like it was going to explode, literally. I haven't been that sick since an unfortunate encounter with a tequila bottle a few years back. It was ugly. I finally fell into bed and slept it off.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:28 AM

May 24, 2007

Juicing

Went to Whole Foods tonight to stock up on juice for my fasting weekend. Do you know how much I love that store? Do ya? I wanna marry it. White dress and all. Sorry, King Pen. We had a good run. But I can't resist the charms of Whole Foods any longer. Just send my things to the produce section, aisle 1.

No, I'm kidding. Whole Foods already has a girlfriend anyway. Some little open art market in Soho.

On with the story. I put Chipmunk in my new fabulous sling, and I blended right in with my fellow bohemian shoppers buying their organic bean sprouts and hemp toilet paper. I was coo-ool.

Here are the juices I got, all from Bolthouse Farms:

Green Goodness
Strawberry Banana
Berry Boost
Vedge
Passion Fruit

I also got some off-brand cranberry/rasberry juice, and white grape juice to supplement in case we need it. Did I mention King Pen is doing this with me? So I needed a lot. Do not ask how much I spent. I had to work out a finance plan with the cashier. Monthly installments. But can you put a price on health? Can you?

Don't answer that.

Anyway, we're stocked up on primo juice, and I'm ready to go. I'm eager, and yet, dreading the whole thing. I know how good it will feel to do it, but man oh man, the pain you go through at first. Guh. I'm already pining for that first missed cup of coffee in the morning. Water with lemon just doesn't pry my eyes open like that beautiful brown bean of joy. Wah. I'm gonna missa my cuppa.

Well, I suppose with that thought, I should turn in. I'll be up and at 'em tomorrow, and I'll blog as I fast so you can follow along. (Since you're all just hanging on my every word. You don't have anything else to do, right?)

G'night, moonpies. See you in the morning.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:53 PM

I Heart Anthropomorphism

Hello, Thursday! You're right on time. Where's Friday? Oh, right behind you? I swear, Friday is the slow-poke of the pack. Come on, already! Get the lead out, Fman!

So. Lost last night. Who saw it? Did it rock, or what?? And now, we must endure an entire summer of wandering what the heck is going on. Again. Oh, Lost. The way you string me along is shameless.

Not much else going on today, just the regular stuff. I am not sure what our plans for Memorial Day weekend are. We thought about driving up to Chattanooga and going to the Aquarium, but then I looked up ticket prices and GOOD GRIEF! Life's too expensive! We are just not at that point where we can drop a hundred dollars for an afternoon stroll through a fish tank, thank you very much. One day, yes. But till then, we'll just look up pictures of fish on the internet. (Awww, how sad does that sound?) Seriously, though. I want to be able to do things like that when we have the money for it, it's not that I'm cheap. But sakes alive. Do I have to sell a kidney to take the fam on a little vacation? Right now, a hundred dollars might as well be a thousand. And since we are trying to get into a house, we've got to keep a careful watch on our money. So, no trips to see the fishies.

I have been thinking about using the four day weekend to do another fast. It's been a while since I did one, and I think I'm due. It's not an entirely pleasant experience though, and I do hate wasting precious vacation days on something so unfun. If I decide to do it, I'll blog it again like I did last time.

Well, I should get. Kids need dressing, dishes need rinsing, and babies need snuggling. Have a happy day, everybody! See ya on the morrow.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:25 AM

May 23, 2007

Wodnes dæg

We watched Pan's Labyrinth last night, and wow! What an amazing movie! Every scene was enthralling, though occasionally horrific. It was in Spanish, so we had to read the English subtitles, but after a few minutes I didn't even notice. As a matter of fact, I think the soft, lilting accent made it even better, more "otherworldly". It was haunting and beautiful and so compelling that I didn't want to miss a moment of it. Definitely one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Check it out.

In other news, I made it back in one piece with all the chilluns. They are happy to be home, and I'm happy to have 'em. We'll be getting back into the swing of things today. I am basically through with teaching school, I just sort of burned out on it this last week or two. We'll keep up with it some throughout the summer, but we're basically done. Hoorah! Summer's here!

Speaking of which, the pool opens this weekend, and we're all geared up for it. Floaties, sunscreen, boogie boards, and goggles. We're ready to hit the water. All except, ya know, getting me back into a swimsuit. Bah. Why must swimsuit season be nipping at my heels so soon after having my fourth child? Come on! Gimme a minute, here!

I've been running a few times a week, working my way up to 2 miles. I am starting to see it in my calves and arms, but I'm still waiting on my stomach. Not there yet. I'm also watching what I eat, so that has to be helping, right? I am back to my prepregnancy weight, but I lack the tone I once had. I guess it took ten months to get into that condition, and it will take longer than two months to get out of it. Patience, patience. I should get a swimsuit that says "I just had a baby, so quit judging me" written across the butt. There's definitely room for it! Ha! I kill me.

Okay, I gots stuff ta do. You guys take it easy, and I'll blog ya later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:22 AM

May 22, 2007

Where in the World is WonderGirl?

I've been busy!

I recovered the rocking chair:

And made these curtains that you cannot see in this picture:

And enjoyed baby loveliness:

And sewed the sling, which King Pen will have to photograph me wearing later. In addition to that, I painted some picture frames black, touched up the wall paint, and organized the kids rooms and clothes. The only thing I didn't get to was steam cleaning the carpet. Oh well. We can live with the spots a little longer.

I'm finishing up a few more things around the house, then going to pick up the kids this afternoon. It's been great- and very productive, but I miss the kidlings and am ready for them to come home.

Okay, that's all- just thought I'd pop in and letcha know I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth or anything! I'll be back in a day or so.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:46 AM

May 21, 2007

Busy as a Bee

Good morning, sunshines! How are we, today?

I am up and ready to get going. So far on this (mostly) childless weekend, I have sewn curtains, halfway recovered the rocking chair pads, reorganized the boy's room and their clothes, and picked up fabric for the new sling. Today, I will buy some paint to do touch-ups on our walls, sew a sling, finish the rocking chair, drop off some stuff at the goodwill, hit the library, go for a run, cook something yummy and adultish for dinner tonight, and catch the season finale of Heroes. It will be lovely.

I enjoy productive weekends, which is a new development that came along with having kids. Before then, my main goal for a weekend was sleeping as late as possible and uh... yeah, that was basically it. Now, those rare weekends sans the kiddos are glorious, blank days to accomplish stuff. I remember once upon a childless time, thinking that people who spent their weekends so busy were crazy. Relax, I'd think. Chill, baby. But now I get it. I soooo get it. I'm like a madwoman with a to-do list. Watch out. You could get splattered with paint.

Anyway.

At church yesterday, I recieved several comments like, "Oh, you look nice and fresh today!" While I appreciated the positive remark, it did make me wonder in just what condition I've been dragging myself around lately. Scary! But it's true, I did feel refreshed. We had a church picnic, and I got to sit with the ladies and chat AND make my own plate and eat the whole thing (no sharing!). This is quite the treat, trust me!

Well my little dumplings, I must go. I have lots on the agenda today, and I should get started. Hope you all have a wonderful, productive Monday!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:08 AM

May 18, 2007

I Spy

I'm drinking out of my official C.I.A. coffee mug this morning. Sadly, that's about as close as I'll come to using my degree in criminal justice. Oh, you didn't know? Well, yes. You don't think I'd call myself a superhero without the credentials to back it up, do you?

I started out majoring in elementary education, but I was never really into it. Then, I had a bad break-up, so I changed my hair and my career goals. (Hey, we all deal with our issues differently.) So, I decided on the ever-useful field of criminal justice. Yeah. It was a tad... random. I wanted to work for the C.I.A. I wasn't thinking very far into the future, of a family and all that. I just wanted to kick some keister. Then I met King Pen, and suddenly my expertise seemed a bit irrelevant. Unless he was masterminding some criminal activity. And trust me, I checked him out. He was clean. No ties to the seedy underworld. No need for kicking keisters.

Now here I am, with this admittedly cool, but totally useless, degree. So I drinks mah coffee, daydream about when I used to take tae kwon do, and live vicariously through the likes of Buffy, Lara Croft, and Sydney Bristow.

Sometimes I wish I'd gone to culinary school. Or the Advanced Laundry Academy, or Carseat Technical Institute. Would come in handy these days! Since knowing how to kill a man with a paperclip and a rubberband hasn't turned out to be so useful. Yet.

Okay pumpkin heads, I have stuff to do. I am packing the kids suitcases today, which means a foray into Laundry Land. A scary place when you don't have the proper degree. I'll catch you later.

Hi-Yah!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:03 AM

May 17, 2007

Evolution of Language

I think we should all agree from now on to pronounce laboratory as "Luh-bore-uh-tory."

Come on. You know it's more fun.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:35 PM

Madame Chatterly

Well, howdy do, everybody! How's it going this Thursday morning? Hard to believe it's Thursday already. Another week, come and gone. Wowza.

There's a guy here working on our sink today, and it's awkward. He's going to be here for a few hours, and I think we're gonna try to get out of here as soon as Chipmunk wakes from his nap. It's just weird to have a stranger in your house all day long. I feel like he's trying to read over my shoulder every time he walks by. Like he knows I'm blogging about him. Spooky.

Oh, okay, it's not really spooky. I'm just trying to create drama in my exceedingly undramatic day. Let me have my moment.

As an aside, why must my child come stand right beside me to toot? Seriously. Just a few feet over that a-way would be much better. Personal space, children. Personal space.

Speaking of the kids- they are going to my mom's house this weekend, did I mention that? Saturday. I. Am. Thrilled. I have about a two month threshold, and then I need a babysitter something fierce. If we lived near family, it would be different. I would have the occasional hour here or there to drop them off at Grandma's, and I'd be able to decompress more often. But that's a luxury I don't have (yet). So it accumulates until I am ready to FedEx my children to the nearest family member. Luckily, there are plenty of people willing to sign for them. Ha.

So this weekend, I plan to steam clean my carpet, touch up the paint in a few rooms, sew a new sling, frame some pictures, drink margaritas, curse, watch rated R movies, and walk around without a bra on. Whoohoo!! It's a no-kid zone for three whole days. Well, except for Chipmunk. But he's so little, he won't remember anything from the "Mom Gone Wild" weekend. Sweet.

Well that's all for now. I think I hear the baby crying, so that means we can get out of the handyman's way. I bet I come back and he's trying to check my email, though. I tell ya, the man is nosy. But he fixes a mean pipe.

Peace out.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:10 AM

May 15, 2007

On Girl Movies

I don't watch girl movies, as a general rule. Occasionally, if the opportunity presents itself, I will pile into the car with my sisters or aunts or girlfriends and we'll go catch a show that the guys wouldn't want to see. Maybe once or twice a year. It's more about a Girls Night Out, though. If they'd go get margaritas with me instead, I'd rather do that. Especially if they have chips and that good, white cheese dip.

But every now and then, I feel as if I am missing out on something, and I'll run out and rent two or three chick flicks. King Pen rolls his eyes, because it never works out the way I think it will.

Well, it hit me this weekend, and I rented "Catch and Release." I like Jennifer Garner- she's my girl. She had me at "Alias". And the back cover of the movie sounded a little like "Hope Floats", which is one girl movie I enjoyed - so I went for it. I got my Goobers, my Diet Dr. P, put on my comfy clothes, ignored the tortured sighs of my husband, and settled in on the couch for some good girly me time.

Well, I am reminded of just why I quit watching this stuff. It stunk. Like old, moldy leftover casserole in the fridge. I didn't want to admit it at first- King Pen was clearly wearing his "I told you so" look. I tried to hold out, but he was right. Again. Girl movies bite.

At least I had my goobers, though.

What's happened to me? Am I missing a chromosome or something? Why can't I enjoy a goopy movie? Or is it that they make them so poorly that nobody really likes them? Predictable plots, forgettable dialogue, underdeveloped characters. Or have I become one of those people that can't appreciate a movie unless something blows up in it? I hope that's not the case.

The next girly-type movie I am really looking forward to is The Time Traveller's Wife, in 2008. That was such a great book. If only they'd blown up a few more things, it would have been perfect. (Kidding.)

Anyway.

I guess I should get myself in gear. Stuff to do, stuff to do. Movies to watch, yada yada yada. Have a good Tuesday, everybody. Mo' blogging later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:32 AM

May 14, 2007

Grwl

Ergards. I hate waking up to fussing and fighting from the Short Ones. I come up out of bed like the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk. FEE FI FO FUM, If you're smart, you better run! And they do.

I make a beeline for the coffee pot, and try not to dole out judgements until both eyes are completely opened.

Anyway...

Coffee's ready now- I'm going to get my fix. I'll be back on later.

By the way- Chipmunk has his 2 mo. check up and immunizations today. Wah.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:20 AM

May 12, 2007

Popping In Between Yawns

What a day! The Duke turns two tomorrow, so we had a little shindig for him this afternoon. I'm wiped.

Pictures tomorrow afternoon, after my Sunday nap.

Happy Mother's Day to all... and here's a little humor to celebrate the occasion. (Cause I didn't get you flowers. I'm sorry.)

You Know You're a Mother when...

You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they
are equal

You plot to get even with the kid who broke your child's toy and
made him cry

You can remove chewing gum from just about anything

You hide in the bathroom to be alone

Someone else's kid throws up at a party, and you can keep eating

You believe finger paints should be a controlled substance

You read "Once Upon A Potty" out loud in a crowded waiting room

You hope ketchup is a vegetable, since it's the only one your child
eats

You tell your child that TOYS R US is a toy museum, not a store

You find yourself cutting all sandwiches into unusual shapes

You fast-forward the VCR through the scene where Bambi's mother gets
killed

Continue reading "Popping In Between Yawns"

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:42 PM

May 11, 2007

A Mother's Day

Time stands still for no man... or woman.

Every day, I see the signs, the long, little girl limbs of my daughter, the squaring shoulders of my sons. Time transforms them into the future right before my eyes. Some days it is sweet, and some days it stings. I miss who they were the day before, but I am proud of them today. The years begin to pile up around me, birthdays and Christmases holding more memories than will fit in my photo album. My life is full to bursting with these four people, the littlest details surrounding me like piles of golden coins. The way her hair curls, the way he runs, the freckles, the scars, the giggles, and the tears. They are my treasure, my life's accumulation.

It scares me that one day, I can't scoop them up in my lap. I can't hold that little hand to cross the street. I won't be able to lean down to kiss them goodnight and tuck them in, because they'll go to bed later than I do, and the dark doesn't scare them anymore. And one day, they'll be in another bed, in another house, in another life.

It's the natural course of things, I want those things for them. But as much as I prepare them for those days and watch proudly as they graduate from stage to stage, I mourn. Each step that brings them closer to what they will be, seems to take them farther from me.

Yes, yes I know... it is right and good, this growing up they are doing. But let me have today, let me have the tears, let me have the sadness. Because my best friends are changing, and in my heart I know that the suns that have risen around me will one day set. It is the way of things.

But not today. Today, they cast morning light, and evening is far away. Today I am the world to them, and they to me.

Today, every day is a Mother's Day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:57 AM

May 9, 2007

Jingle Torture

Tell me, please, that you are all being harrassed by that "Get Zwinky" commercial on tv, too.

It's not just me, is it?

Get it outta my head! Please, for the love of all that is good in this world, GET IT OUT!

(Nevermind the fact that I don't know what in blazes a Zwinky is. But dangit. I want one now.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:30 PM

May 6, 2007

Books & Bubbles & Bees

I made a quick trip to the library today, and I might have been overly ambitious in my selections. Somehow, I ended up with an armload of books that I couldn't bear to choose from, so I brought them all home. Craziness. I have about fifteen minutes a day to commit to reading- and that's assuming I don't drop the book in the tub. Oh come on- you know you are all out there reading your books in the bathtub, too. Don't get all high and mighty "I only take showers" on me, and "I'd never take a book in the bathroom, that's disgusting". You lie. And my friend- lies make the baby Jesus cry, so you better stop. There's no shame in the tub. No shame, I say! And if you stay in there, reading your James Patterson and Nora Roberts paperbacks till the bubbles are all gone and your fingers look like Granny's, well all the better. You and I understand each other. We are kindred spirits.

Anyway, I am pumped about the books I got. And I am pumped that I am pumped about it. Because it means that I am finally starting to WAKE UP. There's something about the pregnancy hormones that dulls my brain. It's like smoke on a beehive... I become slow and uninterested, less prone to rouse myself to anything creative. As the smoke begins to clear, I perk up. I want to write again, read again, participate in the world. Make metaphorical honey and... metaphorically sting people? I don't know. I could only make that analogy go so far.

But it's a good thing, this coming awake again.

However, that's all for tonight... no more waking or buzzing or bathing. I'm sleepy and off in search of cool sheets and dreams of bees. G'night, dears. See you in the a.m.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:45 PM

May 3, 2007

One House Down

I'm reading a book right now called "American Bloomsbury" that has me totally fascinated. Did you know that Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott, Nathanial Hawthorne, and Margaret Fuller all lived in the same town, at the same time? They had relationships with each other, pooling their literary and political interests to become the founders of Transcedentalism. They rented houses and land from each other, had brief romantic interests in one another, used each other as inspiration for characters in novels... They learned, and lived, and wrote, together. They were a community unto themselves. I had no idea! I've always thought of these authors independently. It never occurred to me that they interracted with each other. I love the concept, though. I would love to live next door to someone who wanted to exchange literary critiques, to engage in conversation about writing techniques, and in a greater sense, how to interpret life as writers. Someone who inspired me, and found inspiration in me as well. What would such fertile ground produce? When it comes down to it, yes, you sit alone with a pen in your hand, but you write with the world at your shoulder. What could you write with genius one house down?

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:57 AM

April 30, 2007

Global Pouting

Have you guys seen "An Inconvenient Truth"? Is it me, or smack dab in the middle of it, did Al Gore have a big poutfest about the election?

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:37 PM

April 28, 2007

Taking A Break

Hullo Saturday! You're stunning today. Seriously. That breeze? That golden sun? Have you been working out or something? You're fabulous.

It's been a productive morning so far. I've gotten the kids' bathroom cleaned, the kitchen, and made a start on the laundry. Still to do is my bathroom and bedroom, a trip to the library, and a quick run in there somewhere.

The door to our deck is open, and the scent of honeysuckle is wafting in. Aaaah. There is no sweeter air freshener than that.

Today, Chipmunk is two months old. In celebration, I have been replaying the day of his birth over in my head. The memory is still clear, and amazing. I count my blessings today. Four! I still can't believe I gave birth to four children.

That's all. Must don the rubber gloves again and get to work.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:23 PM

April 27, 2007

About Me:

I find it difficult to fill in this space. I have a hard enough time defining myself without words, let alone with them! But here is what I wrote for my facebook.

About Me: I can't tell you About Me, without telling you About Them.

I stay at home with my four children and that occupies my hands and heart all day. I love what I do, even when I don't, and I am happy, even when I'm not.

I am the oldest of four children, and that makes me responsible, and a little bit bossy. I have been married for ten years, and that makes me lucky, and a little bit stubborn. I've been a mother for six years, and that makes me blessed, and a little bit exasperated.

I can't describe myself without those things, who and what I am is utterly wrapped up in my family. I consider myself a writer, and they are my inspiration. They are where I point my camera, they are Kansas to my Oz. I love beautiful things, music and art and nature and food- and I strive to bring them into my home to share with my family. Some days I am better at it than others.

I believe in do-nuts on Saturdays, clover necklaces in the Spring, cyprus knots in the living room, sun hats on Easter, and marshmallows in cocoa. If I can pass along even a part of that to my children, I will be happy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:48 PM

April 24, 2007

A Place to Hang Our Hats

If you haven't noticed recently, the Sift has been kinda quiet. I've been a bit preoccupied with other things, namely, some research on buying a home. Our lease is up June 31 in our apartment, and we have been weighing our options before resigning it. We've never seriously considered anything but renting before. With King Pen in school, it just wasn't going to happen back then. And last year when he graduated, we had no start-up money for anything and credit that was slightly tarnished, so it was still not on the radar. But now, things are a little better, and we thought, well, let's just see. We had no idea where we stood at all. So, a few inquiries later, and now we know. (It sure pays to have a friend in the mortgage lending business-- thank you Christin!) Anyway, the conclusion is that we're almost ready. Yay! We've got a six month plan that I think will land us in our first house by the end of December. I know that's probably a horrible time to try to move, but that's the way it looks. I'll admit, I'd love to move right this minute- who wouldn't? But I'm cool with it. I want to do it the right way, be totally prepared and not in over our heads, and we need the next six months to get that way.

This is big. Really, really big. I don't even know how to say it better than that. We've worked hard, especially in the last five years. We hoped that life would be better one day, but we didn't want to put too many specifics on it. Our goals have been abstract, distant, a little fuzzy. And suddenly, one of those dreams is clearer than ever before. I am as excited about taking purposeful, substantial steps towards it as I will be to turn the key in the door the first time. This is really gonna happen, to us. You have no idea what a joy it is to believe that all our hardwork was worth it, that the road we took was the right one. There has always been that tiny seedling of doubt (okay, occasionally, a huge womping WEED of doubt), that maybe all we'd done was make things even worse. But then, we come around that first bend, and there is something good off in the distance... and we can see it, almost touch it. And we know we've come the right way after all.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know what was what. And also give you-my dearest friends and family, an explanation as to why you will probably only be getting a card on your birthday this year. And a homemade Christmas gift. We're buckling down, tightening the belt, and getting ourselves into a house for the holidays. You can come over for hot cider to celebrate. Heck, let's have some buttered rum instead! "Tis the season for rejoicing.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:56 PM

Alright!

It's Michelle! Way to go, Czarina! She overheard one of the other kids in the neighborhood call her "Ms. Michelle", so she ran into the house to tell me. She then waited expectantly, until I realized I was supposed to tip her.

Smarty britches.

As an aside... Michelle doesn't much sound like a Peruvian name, does it? But who cares- I'm just glad I can finally call the poor woman something!

PS-- I was kidding about Czarina and the tip... she hasn't yet figured out that we'll pay for information.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:07 AM

April 23, 2007

Olfactory Ghost

I'm sitting here, minding my own business, when I suddenly smell ketchup. Ew. I hate that smell!

I must be smellucinating.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:39 AM

Cock-A-Doodle Do

Hiddily-ho, neighboroonies. How are you all getting along this fine Monday morning?

Okay, wait. I think the coffee may have been a little strong this morning. I can always tell I've overcaffeinated when I start channeling my inner Ned Flanders. Sorry 'bout that. I'll try to tone it down a little.

So, what's on the agenda today? I'm feeling energetic and kind of artistic, so I think I'm going to work on Chipmunk's baby book. Right after I finish the Duke's, that is. I am woefully behind on all of them, except Czarina's. Her's is top shelf, I tell ya- but the others... erg. I am just glad I had my girl first, because I don't think the boys will care much when their fourth tooth came in. I was totally on the ball with Czarina's, but that was when she was my only occupation. I recorded her first EVERYTHING. Believe me. She's gonna kill me one day for it. But now I'm so busy living life, that it's hard to stop and record it all. Except here at my blog. How about I just give them the link to my blog when they ask about their empty baby books? Very maternal, WonderGirl. It's easy to see why I keep winning that Mother of the Year award. I rock.

Let's see... what else?

Went running again on Saturday. And I'm not sore! That's an improvement over Tuesday's run, that left me limping for a day or two. I love running. It's so good for me, mentally. It jumpstarts my brain! I find lots of inspiration for writing as my feet pat-pat-pat on the pavement. And it's my therapy time, too. I think about what's going on in my life, yada yada yada. I am so thankful for a husband who cheerfully takes over the house so that I can get out of it for a little while. He's great.

Well, I guess I should get to a few things around here. I know this was short, but I like to ride that coffee wave as long as I can! Laundry! Vaccuuming! Dusting! Let me at it! I'll hop back on later if the day allows. Hope you all have a pleasant Monday!

(Hm. I wonder if anybody will notice my excessive overuse of the exclamation point in that last paragraph?)

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:33 AM

April 20, 2007

Fry My Day

Oh Friday... where have you been all week? Well, never mind. You're here now, and that's all that matters. Come here, lemme give you a big old hug!

It's shaping up to be a beautiful day outside. Sunny, with a crisp breeze- a perfect, mild Spring day. Love it. It means the kids can play outside- whoohoo! And it also means a pleasant run this afternoon for me. I went for the first time on Tuesday- I ran a mile and a half, and walked a mile and a half. It was good, but also depressing in a way. My hips were killing me for two days afterwards, just a physical reminder of how much work I have to do! I was running over three miles three or four times a week before I got pregnant. -Sigh- I wonder how long it will take to work back up to that. Also, changing my eating habits is no fun. It's like any addiction, I guess. I reach for a snack when I'm stressed, which is bad, bad, bad. Because having four small kids means stress on a fairly consistent basis. Not that I'm complaining. I'm just saying... the kitchen is right there, and it's a quick fix. Ergh. But, is self-discipline easy for anybody? I think everybody probably has an area in their life that they struggle with their willpower. Temptation comes in many forms. Mine happens to come candy-coated with peanuts inside! Anyway-- I am looking forward to running again today, and that's a good sign. Positivity. Moving in the right direction. Ya know, maybe I should just hang my swimsuit up on the wall to motivate myself... put a little fear into me. Nothing like exposing ourselves to the world to whip a girl into shape. I find the threat of people pointing and laughing to be a powerful encouragement to drop that snicker's bar.

Let's see, what else can I ramble about this morning? How about the fact that I have become really good friends with my next door neighbor, but for the life of me, can't remember her name! Crap! We hang out almost every other day, watching our kids play together, and have had extensive conversations about life, our families, etc... She's from Peru and has great kids and is super nice, and now I'm sunk because I can't call her by name. Doh. It's too late now- we're way past the point when I can say, "And what was your name again?". We're practically best friends, with the bracelets and everything. She even asked me to be her children's godmother... okay, it's not that serious, but still. There's no going back now. I can't even be sly about it and ask somebody else, because nobody else is around! Just me and her. This has gone on for weeks now. But ya know, she hasn't called me by my name, either- so maybe she's forgotten as well. Hey, maybe that means we're a perfect match! This could be the start to a beautiful relationship. One where we always have to say, "Oh, girl" this and "Oh girl" that, when addressing each other. But still.

Well, I have to get to the rest of my day... hope you all have a nice weekend!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:10 AM

April 19, 2007

Gulp.

Oh, hey, Pastor. I didn't know you were reading... No, it's cool. Really. Let me just, uh, erase one or two little things... scratch through that word, and that one... oh, and definitely that one. And I'll just go ahead and delete that entire "Confessions of My Seven Deadly Sins" category. Nothing interesting there. Nope. Nothing at all.

Okay. There we go. Squeeky clean.

Whew.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:31 AM

April 18, 2007

Checking In

Every time I try to blog, something interrupts me and I totally lose my train of thought. I've got a lot of little items on my to-do list that keep distracting me this week.

I think I'll take a few days off to get my biz together. I'll be back by the end of the week. Have fun without me! Be good! Save me some cake.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:18 PM

April 17, 2007

House Buying

Does anybody have any experience with lease-options on houses? I'm so sick of renting! Is this a viable alternative until we are ready, credit-wise, to buy a house?

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:01 PM

Rumbly in My Tumbly

Man, that Lean Cuisine lunch just doesn't cut it at 3 p.m. Wah.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:39 PM

Starbucks in My Eyes

Good morning, bright world! How are you today? I'm right fine. I'm up and ready to wrangle Tuesday into something good.

My schedule has changed a lot having Chipmunk in the house. He wakes up early in the morning, around 6:15. I feed him in the bed, and then we lay there for a little while just chatting, he and I. Most of the time, we go ahead and get up after a few minutes, and he lays on a blanket in the living room while I pitter around. I make breakfast for the kids (who are not up yet), coffee for me, and watch the news, read my Bible, check my email. Orient myself for another day. It's actually quite nice- this extra time in the morning. Well, don't get me wrong, the first fifteen minutes of having to wake up are still brutal. But after that, it's really nice to look over at the clock and realize how early it is, and how much time I have to get all my morning activities done. Loving that.

Now, the night schedule... that's still tough. It seems like I am doing some chore till the very end... there is a glaring lack of free time around here. I guess that's just the way it's going to be for a while.

But I'm not complaining. Not today, or at least not this early! Besides, I've gotten very good at finding the spare minutes in the day, and I do make the most of them.

Well, I have some sticky kids to wipe up. I'll blog more later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:31 AM

April 13, 2007

Stepping Out

I feel like I've been unfaithful to my blog today. I... I've been at Facebook all day, I admit it. I'm sorry! It doesn't mean anything! We're just friends, I swear it! Nothing happened!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:54 PM

Watch Your Luck

So I'm on my own today and tomorrow with the kids. Shhh- don't tell them how vastly they outnumber me.

King Pen is going out of town to a preparation class for the Landscape Architect liscensing test. He can't take the actual test yet, but this is a good opportunity to learn what's on it so he can start studying. Oh, and there's a crawfish boil. I think that sealed the deal for him. Anyway, I will by flying solo until tomorrow night, when my sister Britt and my grandmother get here. Britt is our resident fashionista and hairstylist, and she's giving me a new 'do. I'm cutting off the 8 inches for Pantene's wig program, and the rest is mine to keep. I don't know what kind of cut I'll end up with, but I'm excited about the change. Plus, the Chipmunk keeps grabbing fistfuls of it and hanging on for dear life, so hasta la vista, baby. It's gone.

Speaking of my little guy- he's sick. We've all had colds for the last week or so, and he's picked it up. Drat it. I'm doing all I can for him, and I've talked to the pediatrician because he's running a low-grade fever. I am keeping a close eye on him, and I'll definitely take him in if he needs to get checked out. HeroBoy was about this age when he got RSV and had to be hospitalized. That was a scary time that I don't care to repeat! I hate it when babies are sick. They don't understand why you can't make it better, and you feel like such a heel.

What else is up today? It's Friday the 13th, yeah? Spoooooky.

And that's about all I have for ya. The well is a bit dry at the moment... I'll pop back on later if inspiration hits. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:20 PM

April 12, 2007

In the Appointment Book

Today's plans: a midmorning playdate for the kiddos, and some grown-up conversation for WonderGirl! Whoohoo! Thank you, Denise, for coming to us, since we're immobile today.

I'll blog later this afternoon during naptime. (The kids', not mine. I may be good, but I'm not that good!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:08 AM

April 10, 2007

This Just In

Okay, so Larry Birkhead's the father. Can we move on now?

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:36 PM

OverKill

Well, I blog, I myspace, I xanga, and now I facebook. It's not my fault, ya know. If my friends would just all get in one place, I wouldn't have to follow them all over the internet! Anyway. Because I am the masked hero that I am, I still didn't use my real name. This is a bit inconvenient at times, but I'm a stickler for anonymity. Anyway, here's what's in my internet wallet:

Atlbogs: WonderGirl and the Sift (here)
Xanga: http://www.xanga.com/mywondergirl
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mywondergirl
Facebook: Wonder Girly

Methinks the theme a bit overdone at this point, but at least it keeps things simple!

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:54 PM

Change in the Air

I've been waiting on this postpartum time like it was New Year's. Everything I'm wanting to do, to change, to quit, to improve- I put it all on this 6 week mark. My postpartum resolutions, if you will. And now that that mark is coming up (Solon will be 6 weeks on Saturday), I am turning that mental list into an actual list. That way, if I don't follow through with them, I'll be publicly embarrassed. I find shame and humiliation as a powerful motivational tool! Ha!

The first and obvious one is eating and exercising. These two go hand-in-hand for me. When I am running, I can't stand to eat poorly. There's nothing worse than blowing a good workout with a Snicker's bar! All that sweat for nothing. So I'm back on the train starting next Monday with that one. Actually, I think this will be one of the easiest resolutions to keep, because it's so straight forward. Just Do It, like Nike says.

The next ones are heart changes, which makes them tougher. I want to focus more on the spiritual needs of my family, beginning with myself. I'll admit, I've been idling in that area. I haven't been consistent in bible study or prayer. I was really hit by that during Solon's baptism... how much I need to be praying for my children. In an effort to organize myself, I want to keep a prayer journal. I haven't done that since I was a teenager, but I think it would be a good way to become more mindful of the needs around me (and in me). Along with this is somehow finding time for family worship. We used to do this when Czarina and HeroBoy were smaller. But once the Duke came along, we got busy and fell out of the habit. I honestly don't know how to make this one work, but it's on the list, because it's important.

Also on the list is being a better friend, sister, daughter, everything. It used to be easy, because I didn't have the demands on my time I do now. I could pick up the phone whenever it suited me, I had no trouble getting to the post office to mail things, my weekends were free for visits. Now, I have more factors to deal with, so I have to make a conscious effort to do those things. I don't want my busy life to become my excuse for being a thoughtless person.

Lastly, I want to nourish the creative side of myself, and my children. This means getting off my lazy behind and providing the kids with some activities. More macaroni art, more painting, more glue and glitter, and yes, MESS. But they need it, and messes can be cleaned. The tv needs to go off more often, and the construction paper should come out. I want them to grow up to be creative and imaginitive, and I have to foster that in them now. The other half of this resolution is finding time to be that way myself. That's tricky. But I miss writing! I miss sewing! I miss something, anything! Somewhere in my day, there has to be an hour for me, right? Unfortunately, it usually comes at the cost of sleep, and it's a toss up which one is more important these days. Anyway. It's on the list.

So that's it, in a nutshell. Okay, a HUGE nutshell. But I don't expect these things to change overnight- I'm realistic. Surprisingly though, I am not overwhelmed by this list. I'm excited! I think these things will improve the quality of our life, and that is an encouraging thought.

Well, I have tuned the kids out enough for one morning... they're getting a little wild on me. Have a happy day, and I'll blog again later if I have time.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:45 AM

Caffeine Me

You know it might be a challenging day when you stand in front of the coffee maker as it brews saying, "hurry, please hurry, please, please, please..." Ha!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:05 AM

April 9, 2007

Back In the Saddle

Well, drat. I was going to edit the pictures I took over the holiday weekend, but Photoshop wasn't cooperating. I'll have to put King Pen on that tonight. A girl has to have her image editor these days. Forget mascara. I want my adobe programs! (And with that, I have solidified my standing as Runner Up in the Mrs. Nerd Amercia Pageant. I won't actually win it, because I'll panic during the interview question.)

Anyway, I'll wait to give a rundown of our visit until I can put the pictures up. I will say, we had a great time- though the trip home was less than stellar. The Duke is teething, and teething BAD. He has an upper tooth coming in the back, and it's really bothering him. He perfected the low-grade whine on the way home, while Solon worked on his mad-as-a-hornet cry. Eh. We did what we could, but at some point, you just have to drive through the pain. Every town we drove through, I lamented "Oh why can't we live HERE? Then our trip would be OVER!" I think King Pen and I both said at some point, "We are NEVER leaving home again." Which is not true, of course. We'll do the same thing in a month or two, because we are gluttons for punishment that way! Nah, it's just something that's important to us- seeing family outside of the Christmas break. We want our kids to have those close relationships with cousins and grandparents, etc. The drive is unavoidable at this point, though hopefully one day, it won't be. Either we'll move closer, or somebody'll invent a teleporter. I'm hoping for the teleporter, honestly. That way we can also hit Jamaica occasionally. WonderGirl needs to work on her tan. (Trust me. It's for your own safety-- these legs will burn your eyes out right now.)

Okay, I guess I'll end here, and get started on the jinormous mess around me. It's scary. But somebody has to do it.

Ya know... let me just state for the record, how awesome I feel today. I'm happy! Normal! Not crying over something! This is such an improvement over the recent weeks, and I'm loving it. It's so good to be back.

Anyway, 'nuff said. Have a chill Monday, folks! See ya tomorrow.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:43 AM

April 8, 2007

Joy!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig! Will blog in the A.M. Hope you all had a lovely Easter!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:30 PM

April 5, 2007

I Got The Prize Egg

It's been a slim blogging week for me. Actually, I've had things to write about, but I have been on a bit of a hiatus. With 3/4 of the kids gone, I've rested a lot. My reserves were totally depleted, and this week has been one of refueling and refreshing. I feel great! I know that Monday I have to hit the ground running again, but at least I am prepared for it! For the past month, I've only been able to muster up enough strength for each day. It was like driving a car on fumes all day, then rolling in neutral into the gas station each night. (That's a weird analogy, but anyway.) I was exhausted when I woke up each morning, and I went through the whole day like that. Now I am finally caught up on sleep, and I am mentally and physically rested! Yay!

I did accomplish a few things this week. I packed away all the maternity clothes, gathering some of them to return to other people. I got out my "regular" clothes, which I should rename into "Oh my gosh, was I ever that small" clothes. Oh well. I hung them all up in my closet. I peer at them periodically through the day, my personal army of motivators. They are my cheerleading squad, egging me on.

Go, WonderGirl, Go!
Run, run, run!
We wanna see
The sun, sun, sun!

A week and a half, I say. Then I'm coming for you. I can't wait for my 6 week mark!! Seriously, I'm daydreaming about running. That's a good sign, I think. But, then again, I'm also daydreaming about Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs, and that's not a good sign. Oh well.

Let's see, what else did I do this week? I finished up last season's Smallville, and I started the last season of Sopranos. (I probably shouldn't admit to watching that show, but dangit. I'm in it, now. I have to know what happens to the Family!) I also watched Eragon, and The Pursuit of Happyness, two movies I wanted to see that King Pen didn't. So I watched them while he was at work. Mwahahaha! Oh the indulgence of a movie in the midmorning! Shame on me! It was a delicious treat, and I won't apologize for it. So there.

Oh, and I read a book! Snow Flower and the Secret Fan- sent to me by my dear sis, Ashley. Lovely. I didn't even have to stay up all night to finish it- I just read it off and on, leisurely.

What a week. I did what I wanted, when I wanted, and it was exactly what the doctor ordered. I realize things will go back to normal next week, and I'm cool with that. I'm ready. I'm like a camel. I'm all filled up and ready for the desert. Not that I view my life as a mother as a dry desolate land. I'm just saying, grown-up time is scant when you have four kids. (And there are occasional scorpions.)

Anyway, that's it for me tonight. Need to finish up some packing - we're off tomorrow for Easter at the inlaws. I won't be writing till next week, but that's okay, because you probably won't be reading till then, right? Hope you all have a wonderful holiday, lots of candy, and pretty sun hats. (Except for the fellas. No sun hats for you. Weirdos.)

Bye, everybunny! (haha - I amuse myself.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:09 PM

April 4, 2007

Midweek

I didn't mention the other day that when King Pen's parents left on Sunday, they took the three oldest with them. Since we are going to their house this weekend for Easter, it just happened to work out. So I am here alone with one little baby. Wow! I actually feel kind of guilty for lazing about, but boy did I need it. This past month has been so physically and emotionally trying, mostly because of the breastfeeding problems. Speaking of which, we've decided to transition to the bottle completely... or well, Solon decided for us. He just wouldn't nurse anymore, and I can't pump indefinitely. In a way, it's a relief to have it settled, though I still have my moments when I get upset over it. It's not what I wanted, but we don't always get what we want, do we? At least I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, I gave it my all. I tried as hard as I could. He'll be okay with a bottle, and life marches on.

So this week is my breath-catcher, thanks to my wonderful in-laws. The kids are having a blast, I'm sure, and King Pen and I are catching up on sleep. Sweet.

Since I am down to one kiddo, I thought I'd try a little shopping. Well, apparently, I have the wrong kiddo for the job. He's not into it, at all. And to be honest, I wasn't loving it either. I hate postpartum shopping. But since none of my clothes fit decently, I really do need a few things, especially something I can wear for Easter. Maybe I'll try again tonight, minus the wee one. I hate buying bigger clothes though. I don't plan on being in them for long, I'm ready to be my regular size again!! -Sigh- That's a whole post in itself.

Well, I'm getting cried at... I better go! More later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:06 AM

March 29, 2007

Stuff

Part of an email I just recieved from Kathy:

Just had to let you know that the Net Nanny blocking software we had to purchase .... blocks your site and I have to override it. It says it contains "drugs, gambling, mature content, adult content, and alcohol." LOL

Ha! Who knew the Sift was such a den of iniquity!? Hi, I'm WonderGirl, welcome to the speakeasy of the internet. Don't forget the special knock.

In other news, you are not going to believe this. You've all been dragged along for the ride so supportive on this breastfeeding thing, it's been great. But after all that work, I think I've hit the final brick wall. After my two good nursings yesterday, I noticed something. Solon was hemhawing around when I tried to feed him. I had to convince him to take it, which he eventually did, but he wasn't loving it. Well, last night, he decided enough was enough, and he went on a full blown nursing strike. He screamed and bucked when I tried to feed him. It was terrible. I was crying, he was crying. I felt like I had lost my best friend.

I knew this was a possibility when I started pumping and giving him a bottle, but I didn't have any other choice. It was the best I could do. Now he prefers the bottle, because it's easier and faster. I'm still having to do a lot of work to breastfeed, repositioning, etc. It takes several minutes to get him on right, then a few more for the letdown, and then I might have to start all over if it hurts. There are multiple interruptions until we get it going good. It's frustrating to him, and me, too, so I guess I understand him taking the easy route.

I looked up some stuff about it, and they suggest getting rid of all artificial nipples, either cup or spoon feeding if you need to continue pumping your milk. What? Good grief! I don't have time for any more extra steps here! I'm hanging on by my fingernails as it is!

Anyway. I'm gonna try again today- maybe he'll be more receptive to it. If not, I give up. There. I said it. I. Give. Up. I'll pump and feed him and decrease my milk until I can wean without too much pain. I have tried everything I know to do, and I've got to let it go now. As much as I want to, I cannot stay this focused on breastfeeding. My other kids need me too- and I hate to admit it, but I've been very unavailable to them emotionally and physically since this whole thing started. Saturday, Solon will be a month old, and if he doesn't come off his "strike" by then, at least he'll have had four good weeks of mama milk.

I sound more nonchalant about it than I actually am though. It's heartbreaking, and I am really sad about it. King Pen said he felt like somebody had died, that's how hard I'm taking it. It is a type of grief, and some of you know what I'm talking about. But I'll be okay, and he'll be okay, if this is the end. You just have to have a good cry over these kinds of things. It helps.

Well, I'm off. A million things to do today. Have a good Thursday, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:57 AM

March 28, 2007

A Random Need to Know

When you're up at four in the morning, you think about weird things. This morning, I was pondering all the different names people have for grandparents. Don't ask me why- I don't know. Who knows anything at that hour?

Anyway. I have two Nannies, one Papaw, a Grandpa, and one Nanny Mae- though I call her Mae, now. And I used to have a Granny, and a Grandma.

I think this is more common in the South, eh? I'm curious- what do you all call your grandparents? Come on, delurk. I really do wanna know.

(PS. I love how my blog topics are now born in the delirium of nightly feedings.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:35 PM

Rising and Shining

Good morning! And yes, I really mean it. It's a good morning. Despite getting to bed late last night and rising early this morning, I feel well rested and ready to go. (The coffee helps!) But mostly, it's because I have some renewed optimism, after two good nursing sessions yesterday. They were the first pain-free breastfeeding experiences I've had with Solon! The first was on the side I've been "resting" for this past week. The crack had healed over, and he didn't open it back up. I'm going to be very, very careful with it. The second good experience was on the other side, after some very careful positioning. I was thrilled and surprised. I'm eager to see how today goes- I hope the trend continues! Maybe there's hope after all!

I can't believe March is almost over. I am so out of whack on my dates and days of the week. I have no concept of time anymore! I will be glad to come out of the fog completely and be involved in the world again. I miss the world! I think the first step towards that will be this weekend, when I get my hair cut. I don't know why, but that's always one of the first signs that I am returning to life again. This will be a pretty dramatic cut for me- I've finally got the inches I need to donate to either Locks of Love or Beautiful Lengths. Long hair has been fun, in a way, but I'll be glad to see it go. It's inconvenient when you have a baby and are short on styling time. It gets in the way a lot. Anyway. Enough about my hur.

Well, I need to go eat something. I took vitamins on an empty stomach, with coffee, and I'm starting to feel gross. Bleh. I knew better and did it anyway.

I'll blog later if I have time!

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:47 AM

March 27, 2007

Missing

The scariest thing just happened in our neighborhood. Our upstairs neighbors have kids the same age as mine, and they play out on the porch together almost every day. The little boy, Sergio, is HeroBoy's age, and they play together pretty well, considering that Sergio doesn't speak much English. They are cute together. Anyway, they were all playing and somebody realized Sergio was missing. The whole neighborhood began searching for him, but he wasn't anywhere. We were all in a panic. His parents were screaming and freaking out - but I couldn't blame them. The kids were all scared to death. His big sister, who was in charge of watching him, was sobbing wretchedly. My heart was breaking for her, and I was trying not to cry myself. Someone called the police, while we all continued canvassing the neighborhood in search of him. While we were looking, I was thinking how easily it could be HeroBoy missing. He and Sergio are two peas in a pod- if somebody took one, they could just as easily have taken the other one. They even look a lot alike. I clenched their hands in mine tightly as we called for Sergio... hoping and praying that I wasn't witnessing the worst day in my neighbor's lives.

It was a terrifying reminder that the world isn't as safe as I want it to be.

Well, Sergio was not lost. He had crawled into his sister's bed, under the covers, and was sound asleep. It wasn't a place anybody even thought to look for him, but there he was, thank goodness.

My pulse isn't racing anymore, and the neighborhood isn't in total chaos, and the kids are safe at home, happily eating a snack and watching a cartoon. It's a normal day, once again, and for that I am so grateful.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:13 PM

March 26, 2007

Never A Good Idea

Oh Britt... you've got to hurry up and get here to cut my hair. I glared into the mirror with a pair of scissors for thirty minutes this morning. Scary.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:20 PM

March 21, 2007

The Rambler

I feel sorry for the Duke. He's gotten the short end of the stick lately, I hate to admit. Czarina and HeroBoy are old enough to go outside and play by themselves (with frequent checks from Mom!!), but the Duke is entirely dependent on me to get him out for fresh air. And I haven't been exactly great about that lately. Today though, I promise, I am walking them all to the playground to "run them out" a little. I can put Solon in the sling, right? The hard part about it is that the Duke requires a lot of hands on attention at the park. I am still a bit anxious about venturing out with all four of them- but I guess I have to do it sometime or another!

It really is gorgeous here. I put a baby gate on the deck door, and have kept it open all day for the breeze. The windchimes are tinkling and the fresh air is cool and refreshing. Czarina is doing her school work while the Duke naps, HeroBoy is riding his bike on the porch, and Solon is dozing in the sling while I catch up on emails and whatnot.

It still hits me throughout the day, I am a mother of four. I have four kids. FOUR. One, two, three, four. Wow. I thought three was it for us, so this has been quite a mental adjustment for me. I have my good moments, and my not-so-good.

One of the most chaotic moments of the day is supper/bath/bedtime. I need to figure out how to minimize the stress of that hour and a half. Right now, it's crazy. Dinner is wild anyway, getting plates and drinks and desserts for the three of them- somebody spills, somebody won't eat, somebody needs more of this or that-- all while trying to have a halfway decent conversation with King Pen, and juggle Solon who refuses to be put down most of the time. Then comes bathtime- which usually coincides with Solon's feeding. So King Pen wrestles three kids in the tub, and I clean up the kitchen or feed/rock Solon. Then comes pajamas and teeth cleaning, then finally tuck-ins- all times three. But you can't forget the "extras" - someone needing to go to the bathroom, somebody who is hot or who can't find their stuffed animal, etc. It's nuts. By the end of it, King Pen and I collapse on the couch, barely able to construct a coherent sentence. After an hour or so, we're able to reestablish some sanity, but by then, it's nearly bedtime for us, too. Except for Solon, who is now wide awake and is wearing his fussy britches.

Whew.

Just writing it all wears me out! But, I know there will come a time when everybody is old enough to do some of these things themselves. Eventually, we won't have to oversee every little detail, and that will be super! I'll miss a lot of special moments from this time, but I will definitely appreciate the days when they are more self sufficient.

Well, I've rambled on about nothing in particular for long enough... I need to go finish school with Czarina. Have a good afternoon, folks! Wish me luck as we take on the playground.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:01 PM

Popping in to Say:

We're off to a good start today! Yay! I haven't actually accomplished much yet, but I feel rested and capable of taking on the day. This is a good sign.

Just wanted to make a note of that, since I have been so complainy lately!

Will blog later. I need to keep my momentum going and get some stuff done.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:35 AM

March 19, 2007

We Live

We survived our quick trip home for my brother's wedding. Driving wasn't too bad, though we barely made it in time for the ceremony. Seriously, they were walking in the mothers when we got there! But we were there, and that's what matters. The rest of the visit was fast and uncomplicated, but I was happy to get home again. We were all pretty tired by the time we rolled in Sunday.

This morning, we got off to a rocky start. I intended to pick up Czarina's schooling again today, but that just didn't happen. But I am not beating myself up about it. I needed to unpack and wash laundry, and I figured one more day of Spring Break couldn't hurt. I have figured out though, that mornings for me just suck. Everything seems really bad at the beginning of the day. I look around and see all that needs to be done, breakfast and cleaning up, etc., and I'm totally overwhelmed. Plus, I'm tired, and hurting from a night of not-so-careful-nursing, and all I want is for the world to leave me alone for a little bit longer. But. Then I eat some breakfast. I turn off the t.v., put my shoes on, pick up some toys, and then I feel like I can cope again. By eleven, the world doesn't seem so terrible, and I think, okay, I can do this. I am learning not to judge the day, or my life, by the very first hours of the morning. Optimism pops it's head back up just when I need it to.

It's hard to remember that it's only been a little over 2 weeks. I know I expect too much from myself and from life, and I need to remember to take it easy. Relax. Chill. If the day doesn't line up perfectly, well, that's okay! This is easier said than done, of course, but I still have to remind myself of it. I'm such an overachiever! That sounds like a good thing, and it is on occasion- but it can be a major pain in the butt, too. Just ask King Pen. Poor guy. Somebody needs to buy this man a beer.

Well, that's all for now-- I just wanted to pop in for a minute while I had both hands free. Now I must go wrestle up some dinner. Have a good evening- and I'll write again later, maybe!

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:17 PM

March 16, 2007

Top o' the Morning!

An early start to our day today. Czarina and HeroBoy are hitchhiking to my parents house this morning with my aunt, who was driving through town on her way to my brother's wedding. Czarina is a flowergirl and HeroBoy is the ringbearer- so this way they make it for the rehearsal tonight since we're not leaving until tomorrow morning. Incidentally, it also gives me a bit of a break for the day! King Pen gets off work at 2 also, so I am looking forward to a low key day. I'd love to find a nap somewhere in there.

Although, I have to admit that last night was decent for sleep. I was so beyond tired- I think it had all caught up with me, and I slept hard. I've had some kind of light on every night so that I can feed Solon easier, but I decided I needed one good, dark night. So after I fed him, I would turn the light back off. I think it made a difference in the quality of sleep I got.

Man-- is this as interesting as this post is gonna get today? I'm sorry, guys. My brain is muckish today. And yes, I believe I just made that word up. But we're not playing Scrabble, so I'm safe. (Scrabble... I could go for a good game of Scrabble about now. Or Boggle. I think my brain is just desperate for any kind of exercise these days.)

But the belly is louder, and I'm hungry. I'm gonna grab some breakfast before Solon demands his. Happy Friday, everybody! I'll write later if I have time.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:48 AM

March 15, 2007

Vacation in My Ears

Headphones can save your sanity as a stay at home mom. Shoot... as any kind of mom. The Duke and Solon (I really need to come up with his internet name soon!) are down for naps, and Czarina and HeroBoy are munching a snack and watching some toons. So I settle in with the laptop for my fifteen minute getaway, headphones up as loud as my eardrums can tolerate. I'm having my snack, too- a tall glass of ice water and some Breyer's Swirled Yogurt. The Fray plays a private concert especially for moi, and I feel downright pampered. Sweet! Honestly, the Fray will set me straight when I am having "a moment". I don't know how they do it, but I'd be lost without this cd.

Things are going... well, I suppose. Things are just going, really. I'm not going to lie to you. It's hard sometimes. The biggest obstacle I have been facing is not the sleeping or crying or even prioritizing the needs of four children. It's breastfeeding. If we could just get that worked out, everything else would be a walk in the park. But when that goes wrong, good grief. The whole world starts crumbling. I won't go into it, because it'll only depress me and you both, but let's leave it at me needing your thoughts and prayers right now. I had the same troubles with the Duke, and it ended up with me weaning him at a month old, which absolutely devestated me. I am determined not to let that happen again. So I'm taking it one feeding at a time. It's funny- in that not really funny way-- that every day begins and ends with the desperate words, "God help me" on my lips. I'm serious. I guess it's a lesson to take from the whole thing- our days should always begin and end with that litany, no matter what. But right now, it is an especially fervent and literal prayer.

Other than that though, it's good.

Changing the subject, my brother is getting married Saturday. I haven't written about him in a long time, for different reasons. He's had a rocky road, one that we were all dragged along on for many years. It was a painful time, and recovering has been a slow process. But in the last year, the road began to even out, less bumps and bruises. He's better. It's still hard sometimes to let the past be the past, I'm just gonna be honest. It's hard to trust. But, like I said, we've come a long way. And a few days from now, he'll be marrying a sweet girl and beginning a new life, walking a new road. My prayer for him is that this one is smooth and carries them both to good places.

But since he's not getting married in my living room, this means we've got to hit the road. With a two-week old. I sincerely hope I'm not getting in over my head. We're leaving Saturday morning and coming back Sunday morning, so it's a quick trip. And I'm keeping it as low key as possible. I am putting Solon in his sling, and he'll basically stay there the entire time. Hopefully, everyone will understand why - I just can't expose him to a crowd yet. He's so teeny! And the world is so germy! I have flashbacks to HeroBoy having RSV and that's not an experience I care to repeat. Anyway...

I waffle on.

Feels good to sit here and just blah blah blah. There are clothes to fold, dishes to wash, beds to make, bags to pack - plenty I could be doing, but dang. I needed to do some mental housekeeping, too. My head gets crowded, backed up with words and thoughts that need to be swept out on a regular basis.

But my fifteen minutes has long passed, and The Fray is winding down, so I guess I should go. It was nice though. I love our little chats, they do cheer me up! I don't know what I would do without this place. The white space is always here, waiting for me to fill it up with the excess from my mind. Thank goodness for that.

Well, I'll see ya at the next intermission of my life.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:02 PM

March 14, 2007

Nutty

Last night at about 3 a.m., I looked over at Solon, who was stirring beside me, ready for his umpteenth meal. (Yes, we're cosleepers. Don't fuss unless you want a knuckle sandwich.) Anyway, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am suffering from severe sleep deprivation when the adorable little squirrel on Solon's blanket winked at me.

The scariest part is that he did it more than once.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:19 PM

March 13, 2007

Blatherings

The windows are open and the breeze is blowing, the house is (relatively) clean, baby is sleeping, and the kids are playing.

Huh?

Surely there is something else to do besides sit here and wait for somebody to need something. But, surprisingly enough, I have a minute to myself. Everything is done. I could spend this minute brushing my teeth (did I do that today?), brushing my hair (is this my ponytail from yesterday or this morning?), or trying to erase the dark circles under my eyes (I need industrial makeup to tackle that job). There's just no way around it... right now I look like death warmed over. Sleep is the only cure, and there's none of that in the near future. Thank goodness for a husband who sees me with blurry, sleep deprived eyesight as well. Ha.

Soon though, I hope to not give a frightened whimper when I pass a mirror. I'm ready for the complete postpartum overhaul. I want my nails done, a facial, a haircut and style, and some clothes that don't rely entirely on elastic to stay put. And while we're at it, let's throw in a massage! I've never been one to deprive myself!

I am ready to feel good again. Actually, it will be a challenge to wait the six weeks to get back into my full exercise routine. I'm eager to try out my new running shoes! Or... maybe we'll call them "fast walking shoes" at first. I am not really unhappy with my postbaby body- I mean, yeah, there are some areas. Areas we won't discuss or examine with great detail just yet. But, every day it's a little better. I am optimistic about getting back into shape, getting back into a healthy lifestyle. Goodbye, Snickers and peanut M&M's... I loved thee well. Hello, granola- it's been a while! -sigh- I think dark chocolate straddles the line between health and junk food though, so that's encouraging. It's got antioxidants, right? Good for your heart?

Well, I guess I really should go check to make sure I brushed my teeth today. There's no excusing poor hygiene. Gotta brush 'em if ya got 'em, right?

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:41 PM

March 12, 2007

A Note to Micheal Jackson

Dear M.J.:

So... um... how's Blanket doing? We haven't seen him in a while and well... we're all just wondering how the little guy is getting along.

No, this is not a legal document. And no, we're not interested in buying Neverland. Or the single white glove. No, seriously, stop trying to sell us stuff. We just wanna know if Blanket is okay. And the other one... what's his name? Prince Micheal or something like that?

No, we're not with child services.
Or the district attorney's office.

Sheesh, this is turning into an ordeal.

******

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:11 AM

Why Must It Be Titled?

Whoa. What a weekend.

The kids came home Friday night, and there was much rejoicing. We were so happy to have them back in the fold! However, my joy was stunted Saturday by the onset of mastitis. Horror, let me tell you. It is the ultimate nightmare of breastfeeding. I felt so terrible by Saturday evening that I could barely move, literally. Poor King Pen- he had to take care of us all, including HeroBoy who has a cough/fever thing that he is having trouble shaking. (he's been quarantined from Solon, I assure you!) Anyway, I started taking vitamin C and fluids like a madman, but by that night I needed an antibiotic. So I got something called in, and now I am feeling much, much better. It was rough though. Mastitis is no joke. I have a whole new sympathy for women who have had it before.

So, it was kind of a rotten weekend. All that, plus the transitioning for everyone with a new baby in the house, my totally unreliable emotional state due to hormones, mastitis and nursing problems, and the sleep pattern of a newborn-- yikes. I'm glad to see the end of that weekend. I am more optimistic for tomorrow. I feel so much better physically, I know it will make things easier mentally.

Solon gets circumcised tomorrow, poor fella. It's not something I am looking forward to, but at least it will be over quick enough. His umbilical cord fell off today, too, thank goodness. I didn't realize it, but because we didn't put iodine or silver nitrate or whatever that stuff is on it when he was born, it had to rot off. About a day ago, it started to smell really bad, and I called the midwife in a panic. She told me it should fall off within 24 hours of the smell, which is good, because that's about how much of it you can take. It was so gross. But now it's gone. Thank the stars.

Dang it. It's late. I want to write, really write, but there's just no time right now. Solon is sleeping, which means I need to be doing the same. -sigh-

Okay, I'll write more tomorrow if I can. Maybe I should teach Czarina to type so I can dictate blog posts to her. Hm... there might be something to that. Plus, I could pay her in cookies.

G'nite, folks.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:52 AM

March 2, 2007

And Out Like A Lamb

Well, as I halfway expected, the contractions eventually spaced out enough for me to know this was not it. Oh well! So, I'm going shopping. Maybe a little mall walking will do the trick... but if not, then at the very least I'll get a slice of pizza and a new pair of tennis shoes out of the deal.

Have a good weekend, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:03 AM

In Like A Lion

Today might be a good day to have a baby. I woke up a little before 5 with contractions, and they are around 6/7 minutes apart. They feel pretty decent- when I start to get one, I have to stop what I'm doing and relax through it, so that's a good thing. I think. I don't know, because really, I've done this a few times over this last week, and they'll just sputter out after a couple hours. So, maybe, maybe not. But I figured, hey, I'm up and just sitting here, I might as well blog about it.

Regardless, I'm really glad today is Friday. Yesterday was a bit stressful with all the bad weather in Alabama. We've lived here for less than a year, and it takes a while to get a feel for how people respond to emergencies. The last few storms that have come through have gotten a LOT of attention from the news media but they turned out to be pretty typical thunderstorms. So I was starting to wonder if maybe Alabamians are a little overly-dramatic about the weather. Any excuse to turn on the sirens, ya know? Well, apparently, their caution wasn't misplaced yesterday. I think something like eighteen people died in the tornados that swept through. Sad. Here in B'ham, we had a very brief storm pass through, but nothing like what people in other parts of the state experienced.

Well, I think I'm going to get moving around a little and see what happens with these contractions. They'll either stop, because they are those finicky prelabor contractions, or they'll stick around and turn into something interesting. I'll letcha know.

Happy Friday, everybody! Have a good morning.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:08 AM

February 27, 2007

Small Talk

The weather here is beautiful! I have the windows open and the breeze blowing in is so refreshing. I love unprocessed air! The extra oxygen is rejuvenating.

I don't have much to write about today- you'll have to forgive me. I've been reading a few good books lately and basically taking it easy, including a semi-hiatus from blogging. I mean, I'm still updating here, but I haven't invested much in it lately. I have been browsing a lot of the blogs I read though, catching up on people's lives. Oh, and I've been doing some overhauling of my old entries. Under "Past Escapades", if you click on "WonderGirl's Complete Archive", you'll find that I have gotten all the way back to about April 2004. It's taken me a while! I still am not done with them, but it's a very time-consuming process. When I moved from my old blog, I decided not to write under my real name anymore for different reasons, and so I had to go through all the entries AND comments and remove our names. I'm nearly there. I think I have one more year of entries to "sift" through, then I'm done. Maybe I'll work on that some more this afternoon! It's been hanging over my head since I moved to atlblogs, so it'll be nice to have it done.

Speaking of archives, one of my favorite things about the new layout is the "Time Warp". I don't know if you've noticed it, but every time you reload this page, an exerpt of an old entry pops on the sidebar. It is fun for me to go back and reread something I'd totally forgotten about, plus it gives new readers a chance to get to know me a little better. Which could be a good thing, or a bad thing, depending on what they read! Ha! Anyway, it's a cool feature.

Well, that's all for now- nothing much really but a howdy. Hope everyone has a great Tuesday! More later if I'm feeling it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:50 AM

February 26, 2007

Apartment Dwelling

Oh please... somebody make the fiesta music upstairs STOP. It's KILLING ME.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:44 PM

February 21, 2007

And You Shall Be Called...

It occurred to me last night, not only did we have to come up with potential boy/girl names for this baby, I also have to come up with a blog name! Feel free to help me out, folks. Throw some suggestions out there, how 'bout it?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:41 AM

February 20, 2007

Random TV Observations

Is it me, or is Oprah looking odd these days? It's like she's using her makeup to change the shape of her face or something, and it's just not working. It frightens me a little.

And also, anybody watch CSI Miami? Do Horatio Cane's poses seem to be getting more and more dramatic? The man cannot face the camera head on! He's always in profile. It's weird.

Oh, and The Hills. Yeah. I feel my brain dying when I watch that show. No more. Same for Dirt-- I'll admit, I watched a few episodes. But I had to quit-- that is some kind of raunchy show. I mean, sheesh.

Okay, 'nuff chitchat. I'm gonna go eat some breakfast now, and READ A BOOK. No more tv.

Well, until Idol comes on tonight. And Lost tomorrow. And Survivor Thursday. Ha.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:46 AM

February 19, 2007

Hormoans

I excitedly opened the box for the vacuum cleaner yesterday evening, and little busted plastic parts tumbled out around me. I cannot express my disappointment enough. I was so looking forward to vacuuming! I almost cried.

Which just goes to show how manic my nesting instinct is. Did I mention the other day my joy at seeing the dirty clothes the kids took off at bath time? I actually thought to myself, Finally! I have enough to make a full load to wash!

That is not normal. At least, not for moi.

Also not normal- the emotional breakdown I had watching Pollyanna today. I didn't just tear up, I have to admit. I all but buried my face in the pillow and sobbed like a fourteen year old girl getting broken up with.

On a brighter note, we're taking the vacuum cleaner back, tonight, so I can use it tomorrow to my little heart's content. Yay!

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:11 PM

February 18, 2007

Febrooary

King Pen's parents came for the weekend, leaving today with two giggling stowaways, Czarina and HeroBoy. It's awfully quiet now, I have to say. His parents are rowdy! No, I'm kidding. It's the absence of our two resident chatterboxes. Although, I'm sure the Duke will do his best to fill the silence and drag out the usual amount of toys! I had mixed feelings as they left... mostly just hoping I didn't send them away too early. My due date is the 26th, or more likely (and yes, optimistically), the 22nd. So, as long as I don't go past that by much, or at all, I'll be happy. But if it drags on and on and they are away from home too long, I'll feel guilty.

But not today. Today, I am just basking in the quiet! And in the awesomeness of my inlaws. Not only did they take the kids for me, they also took us out to eat last night, for some great Mexican food. I ate until I was in serious danger of popping. I was sort of hoping the spicy food would jumpstart things, but no such luck. I did get a few good tastes of King Pen's margarita though, so that was a plus. I'm sure I looked like a responsible mother-to-be, with the buddha belly and all. But hey, it was just a sip or two. So hesh up.

I feel okay, not so good, not so bad. I am ready and waiting but trying not to dwell on it too much. Which means, yeah, I'm thinking of it constantly. Shoot. It's just impossible not to! I am dying to know if we have a boy or a girl. The anticipation of the whole thing is killer. How will it go? How will I cope with labor? What will the baby look like? Questions, questions, and all I can do is wait.

One day I feel like labor is right around the corner, and the next I feel totally unlaborlike. I asked my mother-in-law if I had "that look" yet, and she said sympathetically, "Oh Wondergirl, you look too good- you don't look miserable yet! Maybe you should try to look more pitiful." So that's my technique for the week. All out pitiful. I'm gonna pout this baby out.

Anyway.

Hey, we got a new vacuum cleaner! Yeah! You know your life has changed drastically when you can't wait for the kids to go to bed so you can get out the new vacuum cleaner and see how much it rocks. Sad. But it's lime green, man. How cool is that? I get points for that, right?

Well, I don't have much else to say today. I just wanted to let everyone know how things were. No bebe, yet. But you can't be pregnant forever... it's just GOTTA happen sooner or later. Hopefully sooner than later.

Okay, I'm out. More bloggy tomorrow.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:57 PM

February 16, 2007

Sleepless

My body put me through a serious trial run last night. I got into bed at about 10ish, but I was restless and didn't sleep. I was having contractions, but figured I'd fall asleep at some point. Wrong. By midnight, King Pen had come to bed, and I was getting increasingly uncomfortable. I got up and drank some water, because sometimes that helps, but not this time. I eventually ended up on the heating pad in the living room, watching tv. I tried dozing, but the contractions were too distracting. I stayed there, unsure if I was in labor or not but definitely hurting until about 5. Around then, they started stalling out. I was so exhausted, I decided to try getting back in bed to see if I could finally sleep through them.

And I did! Yay! I slept from 5:30 till 8ish. I feel much better. A little worn around the edges, but better. I had the same thing happen when I was pregnant with HeroBoy, so I'm not surprised. I'm glad I gave it enough time to know if it was the "real thing" or not. And to be honest, I'm glad it wasn't Go Time. I needed to make it until today, when King Pen's parents come into town and take some of the kids home with them. I just wasn't quite ready.

Well, that was my night. I am happy to see the sun today! But, I won't be surprised if in the next day or two, things really get hopping. Baby is not that far away...

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:55 AM

February 15, 2007

Today's Doings

Today, the kids had a check-up with their new pediatrician, FINALLY!! We've been here 8 months and it took me that long to get my stuff together. We can file that under Bad Mom. Or maybe just... Busy Mom. Anyway, all the crew are healthy and I really like the new doctor/staff. It's two seconds from my house, which is really nice, also! The Duke had to have shots, and a little extra loving today because of it. I've been giving him motrin, which is helping, but he's still grouching around a bit. Poor kid. He's hanging in there, though. They all had fingerpricks, which Czarina didn't handle very well. Blood freaks her out. Like she turns into another child altogether, I kid you not. But we managed. Then, she and HeroBoy had to pee in a cup, a first for both of them. They thought that was the craziest thing they'd ever heard. I made sure to emphasize that this was the ONLY appropriate time to pee in cups. I've learned to be preemptive. All in all, it was an easy trip, and I'm glad I was able to get it done before the baby arrives.

As to that, I'm feeling fine today- a little lumbersome, but not laborsome. But that's okay. I had a wee nap after our outing, and I am doing good. As much as I would still like to do around the house (those fan blades really need a good touch-up!), I am trying not to overdo it on anything. I am in rest mode. Which means we're eating lots of sandwiches and poptarts these days. Eh. I'll be glad to be back to my normal energy level, so I can cook and play and keep up with these rascals around here!

In other random news, I finally efiled our taxes today. Yay! No, really. I love tax season. We always work it out so that we get a little something back, which is going to come in handy with this baby, car payments, all that. Yay for money! Mama needs a new pair of shoes!

Okay, I know it's not much of a blog post, but this will have to do for the day. I'll catch you guys in the a.m.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:01 PM

February 14, 2007

Luv

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody!

May your day be filled with chocolate, hugs, kisses, flowers, and lotsa love!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:25 AM

February 13, 2007

Chop Off Their Hands

I recieved a package today from my aunt, containing an old novel called The Outdoor Girls at Ocean View, by the author of the Bobbsey Twins. It looks like a juvenile reader that Czarina and I can read, a neat old book. But the best part is the inscription in the back handwritten by a previous owner in 1939.

Steal not this book for fear of shame,
For in it is the owner's name.
God would say on Judgement Day,
"Where is the book you stole away?"
And you would say, "I do not know,"
And He would say, "Get down below."

Wow. Bet you didn't know book theft will send you straight to hell, did you? Yup. Technically, she's right- eighth commandment and all. But yikes. Kinda persnickety, huh?

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:28 PM

What's Another Word for Misc.?

Morning, y'all. How is everyone? Ya know, this is becoming a bit of a habit, blogging first thing in the morning while the kids eat breakfast. The Duke is usually still asleep, so it gives me a few quiet minutes to catch up before the day begins. It is not, unfortunately, my most inspired moment of the day. My head's still fuzzy until at least 10 a.m., so you aren't getting literary works of genius. Sorry. I expect my schedule to change drastically once the baby is born... more night time blogging. Writing is best done in the dark, in my experience. Maybe we'll get back to some good, old fashioned, juicy blogging. Till then, though, we take what we can get.

Anyway.

Yesterday's appointment went well with the midwife. The kids were good, good and sticky. But I'm not complaining. God bless the man who invented lollipops! They sat patiently in the room with me until I needed them to step out, and then they sat out in the waiting area for a few minutes while we finished up. Even the Duke cooperated pretty well. As for me, I'm fine, healthy as a horse. (Okay folks, stop reading now if you don't want to know girly stuff.) The baby isn't as low as I'd like it to be, but I am dilated to 3cm and things seem favorable for labor. But I am just not feeling it yet, ya know? Oh, don't get me wrong, I wanna be. Each day that I wake up feeling like a million bucks, I just want to cry. I want that imminent, miserable feeling, because then at least I know it's not far off. Right now, other than some minor aches and pains, I feel like I could sustain pregnancy for another month! I'd be surprised if I went into labor right now, judging by how I feel.

But better that than feeling terrible for weeks and weeks, I guess. I should be happy to feel good, yeah?

Mmf.

Okay, I'm off in search of food. I'll write again later. Have a good morning, everybody.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:53 AM

February 12, 2007

Something in the Water

Oh, I meant to post a happy congratulations to my sil, Amy, who is expecting her 3rd bebe in September! And also my full condolences that she will experience late pregnancy in the hottest part of the summer. In the South. The poor thing. But at least her cravings will hit when she can get lots of good, fresh veggies, including ripe tomato sandwiches, oh my! Consequently, this will be the 13th grandchild on my husband's side. Whoa! Prolific bunch, they are. Check us all out at Christmas!

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:40 PM

Week at a Glance

Good morning, all. 'Sup? Everybody ready to take on another week? I think I am. I'd like to reserve judgement on that until we see how it shapes up, though.

This afternoon, I have an appointment with the midwife. Unfortunately, I am lugging along the crew, which is a minor inconvenience I am not looking forward to. I will once again be using the Mommy Glare and Lollipop approach, and hopefully that will suffice. Also to do today, find some place that has tax forms, call the pediatrician, and pick-up diapers. Fun, fun, fun.

Wednesday is storytime at the library and Valentine's Day. That actually is fun, no sarcasm there.

Thursday, all three kids have doctor's appointments, and probably shots. Bah.

Friday, early celebration of HeroBoy's 4th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. Hoorah! Pizza! And scary, robotic puppets!

Saturday, King Pen's parents are coming into town, and taking Czarina and HeroBoy with them when they leave Sunday, which I have mixed feelings about. I hate sending them away, but will appreciate the break at the same time.

So there ya have it, my week in a nutshell. At any point, the baby is invited to make it's appearance. Maybe? Hopefully? Please?

Well, I need to go get some breakfast and maybe a cup o'joe, too. I'm feeling kind of cranky this morning, and that's no good for anybody! Just ask the kids. They've been shooting nervous glances over here since I growled out of bed an hour ago. Poor dears. I need to go have an attitude adjustment, or nobody is going to have a very good day. So, coffee it is.

Okay, more later, maybe. Have a happy Monday, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:57 AM

February 9, 2007

Paper Hearts

Hello Friday!! Glad you could make it. Took ya long enough!

Yesterday was challenging, as far as the kids go. You have good days and bad days even when pregnancy isn't a factor, but being pregnant certainly didn't help matters. I am definitely more short-tempered and impatient than usual. Ugh. I'm a crankmeister. I had to apologize to Czarina at one point in the day, because I totally overreacted to something she did. True, it was a mildly irritating thing she did, but my reaction was out of proportion, and I knew it. I think it's important to treat your children with respect and dignity, too- and I didn't. It's one thing to discipline and train your children, which you MUST do as a parent, but being bigger and in charge doesn't give us the right to take things out on them or hurt their feelings. You know when you've crossed that line. It is possible to sin against your child, and when you do, you need to make it right. They need to know that even adults make mistakes, and when you do, you humble yourself and ask forgiveness the way God wants us to. We teach best by example. I don't think it undermines my authority, I think it emphasizes God's authority. What better lesson to impart than that? (This could be a whole post in itself!)

Anyway, I made amends, and tried to take deep breaths for the rest of the day. I was happy to see my pillow last night... but I told myself as I laid there in bed, I will make tomorrow better. So that's today's plan. Just be better than yesterday.

So, today, we're gonna do something the kids will enjoy. I'm gonna get the house straightened back up from the morning's activities, and then we're going to make valentines. Um, minus the glitter, because I am not that much of a glutton for punishment! But it will be fun, and different, and it makes me feel good to do something special with them. I realize how upside-down their worlds are about to be again, and they could probably do with a little Momma time, during which Momma is not a big, scary, go-do-it-because-I-said-so Monster.

Guess I should go get started on things. Hope you all have a lovely weekend! I'll take a few pictures of our work and post them, (along with the van picture) later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:16 AM

February 8, 2007

Clean as a Whistle

(Actually, why are whistles considered so clean? It's basically full of dried up spit, right? Anyway.)

I did it, I vacuumed.

Did you hear me? I vacuumed. Applause, anyone? That is some hard work, let me tell you. Before we moved into this apartment, we lived in a house with hardwood floors (oh how I miss you, dear old house!). We didn't have much need for a vacuum cleaner, so I never really invested in a good one. Our little broomvac did the job. But now that I have wall-to-wall carpet, and three children who leave a wake of crumbs and debris wherever they go, it's just not getting the job done. And it's an awkward height, and doesn't roll well, so it's quite a workout to use, even without a belly as big as Manhattan. I've been procrastinating on that chore all week, and was hoping the aforementioned fairy would show up. When it didn't, I tackled the job myself.

And now I think I'm in labor.

No, I'm kidding. I'm not. But I am totally wiped. The bad thing is, I can't seem to stop doing things around the house. I've been neurotic about the laundry lately, and it's killing me not to go in there and clean the bathrooms right now. But I am forcing myself to take a break or I really will wear myself out. This nesting instinct is a strong adversary though. As I was vacuuming, I kept eying the baseboards, because they could seriously stand some attention.

Help.

I mean, yeah, it's nice to have things clean and tidy. But it's killing my back!

Okay, enough complaining. I just thought I'd pop in and explain my whereabouts today. Don't mind me, I'm just obsessively cleaning everything I can get my hands on.

You may not want to come too close... or you may get a good scrubbing, as well. You look kinda dirty.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:41 PM

February 7, 2007

I Do Believe, I Do!

Does the toothfairy have a long lost cousin, the Vacuum Cleaning Fairy? I sure wish she'd visit my dining room while I'm sleeping.

We keep putting crumbs under the table but nobody picks them up. And I sure haven't found any dollars under there the next morning, either.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:22 PM

4 Letter Word for the Day

LOST.

Tonight.

Whoohoo!!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:16 PM

February 6, 2007

Slow Poke

Mm. How many other ways can I stall this morning's chores? Blogging?

Bah. I know, I know- work before play. Sigh. Better get to it. I'll be on later, if the laundry doesn't kill me first.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:14 AM

February 5, 2007

Observation

What is UP with "Beloved" being on every channel now? Have you seen that movie? Oh the HORROR. It has got to be one of the worst movies ever made, and I don't care if Oprah Winfrey hears me say it. (She frequently eavesdrops here at the Sift.)

Anyway.

It is on two separate channels right now, and I noticed it on yesterday, too. That's just weird.

Okay. Back to your day. Scoot.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:30 PM

February 2, 2007

Fighting It

I almost have a crick in my neck.

It's right there, waiting. Waiting for that one awkward twist so it can settle in.

Go away, you muscle bully!

Must have been all that head banging the other night.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:48 PM

February 1, 2007

Don't Tell The Boss

OOOh boy. I'm gonna be honest, folks. Sometimes, it is very, very good to be a stay-at-home mom. No lie. I don't think I'm supposed to admit that to all you hardworking office people out there- we don't want it to get around or anything, but there are days when it is totally sweet.

I woke up at about 8:30, and the big kids had already eaten breakfast and were playing happily in the living room. (King Pen had set them up before he left for work. Yay for hubbies!) The Duke usually wakes up around 8ish, but the dreary, cold rain outside prompted him to sleep in. So I crawled back into my cozy bed, intending to just lay there until I heard him stirring. He must have been cozy, too, because he didn't wake up until 10:30. Which means... I fell asleep again, and racked up a total of twelve hours of rest for the night.

Oh yeah.

That is rare, and really, not necessary even when I'm pregnant, but when it happens, it's AWESOME. I totally take advantage of it, because I know when the baby gets here, those days are gone. I'm trying to accumulate a few extra hours here and there to make up for what's to come.

Anyway - I feel like a million buckaroos.

I'm way behind on stuff for the morning, but I'm too goofy content to care. I'll catch up. Right now, I'm still basking in a totally full tank.

Being a stay-at-home mom can be super challenging, don't get me wrong. It's hard work. But don't think for a minute I don't count myself lucky to be able to do it. Especially when I still get to be in my pajamas at 11 o'clock.

Okay, I really do have to get moving. I'll blog more later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:00 PM

January 31, 2007

Colored

Oh my. I've made quite the mess. I've been dying that blanket I mentioned yesterday... from a pale, pitiful pink, to a lovely shade of wine. It's going to be perfect. Unfortunately, I now also have a wine-colored laundry room. And pants. And face.

Oopsie.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:36 PM

Oh, Mr. Postman

Bring me a letter.

When, oh when, will all our tax information get here so I can do our taxes!!! Argh!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:23 AM

January 30, 2007

Gritting My Teeth

Oh, wah.

I just made a Wal-Mart run- with all three chatterboxes (Hold your applause, please). I'm not usually that brave or energetic, but I really needed to get some Ritz dye to redo a blanket. (Where did people buy stuff like that before Wal-Mart? Sad.) Anyway, when I decide I want to do some home projecty thing like that, I don't like to wait. I wanna do it now. So, even though it's a major ordeal to get everybody in and out of the store, I did it anyway. I needed groceries, too, so I thought, I'll just bite the bullet and get everything all at once-- though I rarely grocery shop with the kids. There's a reason for that. I fended off a thousand can-I-have-thats, I managed to avoid running down any old ladies, I caught the Duke one-handed as he nearly toppled out of the buggy, and I managed to get past the gumball machines without tantrums. I came, I saw, I conquered. Yay me.

I settle into a nice, self congratulatory mood, quite pleased with myself... until I get home, and realize, I forgot the dye. Very few things will cause me to swear like my dad with the Christmas lights... but that nearly did it.

Meffer-snicken-dangitall.

Urg.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:59 PM

January 29, 2007

Really

When I'm pregnant, I have a thing for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I don't know why, but I can't stop myself from watching this show and crying like a baby every time. (Remember this?) Last night was no different. I get the sniffles just remembering it. Anyway, I guess they don't get the title "Extreme" without earning it occasionally. Last night, they did an extremely stupid thing to a 2 1/2 year old's room. They built a bed with a slide out SANDBOX. With real sand, people. For a child slap dab in the middle of what is known as the "terrible twos".

Are they INSANE?

What mother in her right mind would give her child access to SAND inside the house? Inside her DREAM house, no less?

As soon as the bus pulled out of the driveway and the cameras went off, you know that bed was curbside.

Anyway... that's not a real post. I was just so flabbergasted that they thought that was a good idea that I had to comment to the world in general.

Mo' later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:00 AM

January 24, 2007

Afternoonables

There's a point in late pregnancy when the nesting instinct morphs into an unhealthy obsession. The bad thing is, by then, you're just too tired to follow through! So it's unhealthy, without the benefit of at least being productive. Every single time I walk into the laundry room, I see how unorganized it is, and I think, "Oh sweet, merciful heavens, I have got to clean this up or I'm going to start pulling my hair out strand by strand." But by then, I'm hungry and want a snack, so I abandon the thought. And while I'm in the kitchen getting said snack, I think, "Oh sweet merciful heavens, I have got to straighten my pots and pans or my eyes are going to start twitching." But, I have my snack to eat, so I make my way to the couch. As I settle in, I look around the living room and think, "Oh sweet merciful heavens, I have got to dust my picture frames or I'm going to start screaming in German." But I have this delicious snack to eat, so...

See what I'm talking about? I'm plagued with the need to clean, but not, obviously, with the motivation to actually do anything about it. Gah. What to do, I ask, as I munch on my snack? (See, I have no problem at all following through when it comes to eating. Just cleaning.)

I do seriously need to get a few things in order. The kids rooms for one thing. We've got to reconsider who's sharing with who. (whom? I never remember which of those is correct.) Anyway--- should I put the two boys together now, so Czarina can have her own space? Should I put them ALL together, so I can have a nursery separate from the master bedroom? There are so many factors, and each solution has it's own set of inconveniences. Bah. The truth is, just like we outgrew our little sedan of a car, we're outgrowing our living space here, too. Until we move though, we've got to figure out what works best, and I think that's gonna take a little creative rearranging. We'll be in this apartment until at least June, when our lease is up. Maybe then we'll move, but maybe not. We just have to see how the moolah is lining up. I don't have a problem with the kids sharing rooms at all, I just want to have it set up to maximize the sleepin', and minimize the fussin'.

Ya know, I think I've become a bit of a rambler lately. I just write whatever comes into my head-- but I'm not worrying about it too much. I think it's just where I am right now, being pregnant and occupied with small kids for most of the day. I look forward to more organized thoughts and posts, though. That'll happen again, right?

Right?

Hey, lie to me if you have to.

Okay, I'm off to start dinner. Tonight, it's hotdogs. I know, I know. You should have been here last night though. We had crab-stuffed tilapia, rice pilaf, corn on the cob, and lemon pepper asparagus. It was a very grown-up meal. It was delicious. The kids hated it. So tonight- hotdogs. Our grown-up concession is that at least we've got chili and cheese to go along with it. Sounds pretty good, actually... but what doesn't to me lately? Man, I've become an eating machine! Scary.

Alrightie, bye for now. Be good, everybody.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:58 PM

Old Days

Hey, remember when Captain Crunch just had the pink berries in them? Those were so much better than the multicolored ones.

I'm just saying.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:46 PM

Squash You Flat

Ergh. Ever wake up and feel like you've had an elephant sitting on your head all night long? That's me this morning. (Not the elephant. The victim.) I don't know why- I just had a restless night, and woke up with a headache. I feel bleh. I'm hoping being up and moving around will help.

Speaking of moving around and whatnot, today is storytime at the library at 10:30. We're going to attempt it, since we have the minivan to get around in. Some of the moms from church meet up there, and afterwards have a sack lunch at one of their houses. I feel bad about it, but we're skipping the lunch part, mostly because I have errands to run. We need groceries- I don't even really have anything to pull together for a sack lunch, unless the kids feel like eating canned olives and cheerios. Ew. So we'll make a WalMart run, come home and eat, then do school. Not an overly busy day, but full. It will be nice to have a break in the routine.

Well, I'm gonna go hunt some tylenol, or some elephant repellenent or something. Have a good morning everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:23 AM

January 23, 2007

Consumption

Oh, you want to know what I just ate for lunch? Well, okay then. You weirdo.

Turkey sandwich on wheat with mustard and mayo.
Pringles.
String cheese.
And mixed berry yogurt.

What did you have?

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:01 PM

January 21, 2007

Charcoal Skies

Rainy, dreary Sunday afternoon, what better time for aimless writing? I owe an update, anyway.

As I said (briefly) yesterday, we did indeed get our minivan, and it's spectacular. I kid you not. I don't use that word lightly, either. I told King Pen as we drove to church in it this morning for the first time, "I think I'm a little bit in love with this car." I just want to spend time with it. Gaze into it's headlights. Lovingly trace the stitching on the big, strong captain's chair arms. I get a little flushed just talking about it.

We have a bright future together, this van and I.

Okay, so let me give you the details. It's a red '01 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport, with gray interior. It's got black detailing on the outside- the grill and the luggage rack, etc. The inside is in really good condition- it's pristine. And it's spacious... oh my goodness. We didn't even know what to do with ourselves, we had so much room this morning. It's a very cute minivan- very zippy looking.

I luff it.

I will get up a picture of us, I mean, it when it's not raining outside.

In other news, we left church early today. HeroBoy has had a nasty cough the last few days, and I thought it was better this morning. Boy was I wrong. He got so choked up during the service, it was very disruptive to everyone around us. Not to mention the fact that I'm sure they didn't appreciate us spreading all our germs around. We slipped out quietly, and kind of guiltily. I should have just kept him home to begin with. But you know, with three kids, if you stay home every time a child has a cough or cold, you'd never get out again! I feel torn about it. I don't want to infect other people, but I don't want people to think, "Oh they're out again, huh?" To be fair though, this is a really bad cough. I'm watching it closely, because I have a sneaking suspicion it might turn into some kind of bronchial infection if we're not careful.

Oh, I know something else I've been wanting to report-- one- the Prilosec for my heartburn has been a MIRACLE cure. Seriously, it's expensive but SO worth it. I have been eating anything and everything for the last two weeks, which may not exactly be a good thing, come to think of it. But at least I'm not in pain anymore! Secondly, remember when I was worried about my knee? Well, for about a week, I treated it like a queen. I babied that joint like you wouldn't believe. And it got better! So, apparently, there was nothing majorly wrong with it, which is really, really good.

Let's see... what else can I waffle on about today? Oh, how about the picture HeroBoy drew of me? He proudly presented me with his artwork this afternoon. "This is you, Mom! And your happy face!"

Really? That's my happy face? Maybe I need to work on properly expressing my emotions to my children. I know I'm not Miss Sunshine all day long, but I was hoping my smile was a little less... scary.

I love HeroBoy.

Well, that's all I got. Time for Sunday afternoon laziness... plodding around in my slippers and old college sweatshirt, snacking and reading, and watching the kids destroy the house.

Ciao for now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:40 PM

January 20, 2007

We Got It!

We have now joined the throngs of happy minivan owners everywhere! Space! It's all about the leg room, baby.

Details to follow. For now, exhaustion prevails.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:46 PM

January 19, 2007

Before Dr. McDreamy

Oh Friday! You are the coolest day of the week. Really, I feel like Ronald Miller in Can't Buy Me Love. You make me cool by association, and all I had to do was pay you a thousand dollars to hang out with me.

I love you.

So what are we gonna do first today? Go hang out at the mall? Catch that party after the big game? You tell me. You're the boss.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:41 PM

January 18, 2007

Exposed

I really wish I hadn't eaten three chocolate chip cookies for breakfast. But it's too late for regrets now. What's done is done. I haven't looked at my rear-end in about a month, what difference will a few cookies make at this point? Wonderful philosophy, isn't it? I am gonna totally kick my (big) butt after this baby is born and I have a hundred pounds to lose. Wah. Just thinking of all those miles to run makes me cringe!

So this morning started off a bit awkwardly. At about 9 this morning, a fella showed up to check out our hot water heater, which has been producing an anemic amount of hot water lately. If you know me and my bathing habits- (which, to be honest, you really shouldn't and would cause me to question the boundaries of our relationship), you'll know that I like a good soak in a steaming tub of boiling water. Anyway, he showed up and I was in my pajamas. And the house was in it's usual state of early morning messiness. Urgh. That's embarassing. I made an attempt to clothe myself decently while he tinkered around with the water heater, but I think the damage was done. Bleh.

Anyway, he made some adjustments to the heater, so hopefully that will help. If it doesn't, he said we'll need a new one, which is okay by me since I won't be the one paying for it! There are perks to living in an apartment, ya know.

Speaking of apartment living, it is looking more and more like there may be an end in sight for us in the rental world. We are taking our first step this week towards that goal by purchasing our first vehicle on credit. I've mentioned that we're in the market for a minivan- and we've gotten a loan approved! Yay! I know that may not sound like a big deal, but for us it is. Being in school these past five years has not been overly kind to our credit rating. We've always paid cash for our cars, and never spent very much on them- so this is an important step for us. It makes the idea of buying a house in the not-too-distant future much more feasible.

It's exciting! Bit by bit, inch by inch, I think we're slowly making progress financially. That's very encouraging!

As to the actual minivan itself- we're in new territory when it comes to that. I hope we don't have big neon signs flashing on our foreheads- "New Buyer: Please Sucker Me". We're doing the best we can to educate ourselves about what we're looking for and willing to pay, etc, but still. No matter how carefully and slowly we do it, it still feels like easing ourselves into a big shark tank. (No offense to all you auto salespeople out there- which, surprisingly, makes up a large portion of my readership. Kidding.) Anyway, when it's all said and done and we have our new ride, I'll proudly post a pic up here so you can celebrate with me. I think the first night we have it, I may actually sleep in it, I'll be so happy.

Well, I should get myself in gear around here before any more maintenence guys show up and pass judgements on me for the breakfast dishes sitting on the table. Hope you all have a nice day! Stay warm!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:06 AM

January 17, 2007

Zilch

I am so low on blog fodder right now it's not even funny! Argh!! I haven't seen, read, or done anything really interesting lately. I'm not complaining. I'm just saying, it doesn't make for a lot to relate to you guys.

Let's see. Let me think. There's gotta be SOMETHING!

Hm.

---

---

Nope.
Nothing.
Shoot.

Oh, I just thought of something! No, wait. I lost it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:11 PM

January 15, 2007

Fashion 911

You know something needs to change when you go out in public hoping to be targeted by the crew of "What Not To Wear".

-Sigh.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:34 PM

January 10, 2007

Tuning In

Hey, who wants to go see an Alison Krauss show with me in Atlanta in May? Come on, let's do it. Seriously.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:01 PM

January 8, 2007

Commemerations

I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a Monday. Yesterday was a rough one for some reason. I had contractions all day long, and I was achy and irritable. I spent a lot of the afternoon laying on a heating pad, which seemed to help, and finally last night, I ended up taking some tylenol pm and hitting the sack. I figured, if I was okay, I'd sleep. If I wasn't, I'd wake up. When I went to bed, I had been having contractions 4-5 minutes apart for a few hours, but I didn't think it was actual labor or anything. It was just enough to get me grumpy. So, sleep was sweet. Today, I'm great! What's up with that? I guess you just have good days and bad days in late pregnancy.

I have been wanting to put some pictures up lately, but still haven't gotten around to putting photoshop back on the computer so I can play around with them. So this photo is unsized and untouched up, but I am putting it here anyway. This was taken about two weeks ago, when King Pen and I went out to dinner for our 10 year anniversary.

Ten years.

Wow.

I can't tell you how lucky I am to be the wife of this man. Our anniversary was December 28th, which was right in the middle of the bad stomach bug that hit our family over the holidays. Everybody but me was sick. Somebody was vomiting at least once an hour. It was NOT the way I had imagined spending such an important day... and yet, it some weird way, it was perfectly okay. As exhausting and gross as those few days were, as I stroked the soft curls of my children, wiped fevered brows, and poured myself into giving comfort and reassurance, how could I not feel the breadth and width of the blessings I've had this last ten years? And my husband, who felt as terrible as they did, still trying to help and be strong... what a partner. It was truly telling of our marriage, that even through the worst moments, we are together, a team, supporting and tending to each other. I love him, I love him, I love him. I don't say it often enough- whoever does? But I would not be the person I am right now if it wasn't for him. He makes me a better, fuller person. I always envisioned spending our ten year anniversary with our family and friends, having a big party. Well, that didn't happen. It passed quietly, noted really only by me. Money and circumstance dictated it so. But I grew that day. I felt a contentment and happiness that I know not everybody is lucky enough to experience. It went beyond counting my blessings... it was an enlightenment. I've always tried to see what was really important in life, and I know it's not in big parties and trips and celebrations and gifts. So not having those things on that day wasn't a shock. The lack of them didn't belittle the significance of ten years. And realizing I wasn't as disappointed as I expected to be was liberating. I think I really do get it. I feel like I've completed a journey of some sort... I've let go of the trappings and expectations of this material world in a way I haven't before. There was no lingering bitterness or feeling shortchanged. I was happy with exactly the way my life is. What a gift.

Anyway, all that to say, Happy Anniversary, baby. These have been the best ten years of my life. I can't believe we've spent a decade loving each other, with the promise of more to come. I'm looking forward to all the good times that wait, and the bad times to weather, because we are together. You are my best friend, and I can't imagine a world without you in it.

Okay, I won't embarass you anymore, dear. Enough pda.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:12 PM

January 7, 2007

Sunday Smalltalk

Well, the Duke and I are the pagans of the house today. I'm keeping him home from church because of an ongoing fever. He woke up today with a normal temperature, fortunately, so I think he's better now. But we have a fever-free for 24 hours rule at the church nursery, and I didn't want to expose any of the other kiddies to it. One day, it got up to 104! No other symptoms of anything, though. I hate mystery ailments! He seems perky today however, so whatever it was, I think it's played out. Now he's spoiled rotten, of course. It probably won't be pretty around here for a few days as he readjusts! Poor dear. He won't know what hit him.

Let's see, how's my week lining up? Tomorrow, we have an appointment with the midwife. King Pen will be along for this one, so he can meet her and wrangle the kids, too. I'll be 33 weeks. Starting to get exciting! Then Tuesday night, the church is having a small "necessities" baby shower for me and two other expectant mothers. Things like diapers and wipes will sure come in handy- and it is so thoughtful of them to do it. You just don't expect that kind of thing with your fourth baby, ya know? Anyway, I am looking forward to it.

The rest of the week should be fairly routine. I went to the library yesterday and picked up a few promising books, including Amy Tan's latest book- Saving Fish From Drowning. I love A.T. I also got an Alison Kraus cd to listen to. So I plan on having a nice, restful (but still productive) week.

Well, I'm out. I'm gonna get lunch started, and then, I'm ashamed to admit it, I'm gonna watch Smallville. I know what you're thinking. But it's not true! The Duke really has been sick. Seriously.

*poof

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:51 AM

January 4, 2007

Boot Straps

Reading back through some old entries, I found one that hit the mark. I wrote it shortly after the Duke was born, and it was about having a good attitude and doing some positive affirmation. Boy, I'm smart sometimes! (Hey, that's not cocky. That's positivity.) Anyway, it was just the perk I needed. Today will be better than yesterday and that's that.

Already I have two good things to say. The first one is, I think we have a boy's name picked out, FINALLY!! Masculine names are the hardest to choose, in my opinion. So we wanted to get that out of the way, then work on the girl's name. Well, we have one that I feel really good about. It just feels right. Now on to the girl! The second thing, Czarina has discovered a newfound love for folding clothes! Her enthusiasm is not exactly contagious, but it's a milestone. I'm totally cashing in on it. I'm like, "Look what I've got for you, sweetheart!" and hold out the basket of clothes to which she squeels in excitement. Literally. It's great. She's done two loads so far, and I see a bright shining future filled with child labor from here on out.

Ha.

What else... oh yeah. My nesting instinct has flared up. I've been rearranging closets and organizing shelves and stuff. Trying to get things in order. I have the baby bed set up and a few blankets out, but I need to go through the infant clothes to see what I've got. I also need to get a dresser to put these clothes in! That's about it. I think I've got everything else covered in one way or another. I had gotten rid of a lot of stuff because I thought we were done with the baby scene, but I've managed to gather up most of it once more. Now I just have to find a place for it all. I'm thinking of suspending some items from the ceiling. Not the baby of course. Well, not at first, anyway.

Okay, well, the coffee's cold now, so that means it's time to get out of my pjs and start the day. School's back in session today, so we're off and running. More blogging later- hopefully Christmas pictures will go up, too. Tune in.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:12 AM

January 2, 2007

I Must Be Early.

Been quiet around here today! I keep checking blogs to see if anybody's updated, but I guess since I haven't updated either, I can't fuss. Come on guys. Let's get blogging! We can even make up a cheer if you want, like: Gimme a B, Gimme a L, Gimme an O and a G! What's that spell? Blog. Oh, you don't know what that is? It's like an online diary kind of thing where you, oh FORGET IT.

No cheer.

Bad idea.

But, we do need to get in there and write some decent stuff. I am determined to stop this updating nonsense I always seem to be doing. Don't get me wrong, it has it's place here. I want you guys to know what I've been up to and all the yada yada of my life... but I am ready for some substantial editorial, too. And I want to get back to some of my creative writing, something other than how my weekend was. I'm ready to wear my writer's hat.

Not to be confused with my drinking hat, of course.

Jealous much? You know you are.

Anyway-- I do hope to be picking up the blogging in 2007. Fresh start and all that. I am ready to have this baby and get my life together again. Back to writing, back to running, back to semi-normalcy! Or as closely approaching normal as possible with my million babies. I have a feeling I might start to resemble the Little Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe. You know, the one who had so many kids, she didn't know what to do? That could be me in two months. Completely nutso, trying to figure out how to bring in natural light and feng shui a giant boot.

Okay, I gotta run. I'm being paged over the Cry-o-com. Have a good night, folks. See ya tomorrow.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:19 PM

January 1, 2007

Hi, 2007. I'm WonderGirl.

Home, home, home!!

After nearly ten days away from the nest, we've returned to that beautiful place that has my very own bed, and my nice deep bathtub, and clothes I haven't worn again and again for a week and a half. Yay!!

I've unpacked the STUFF, but I haven't even gotten to the suitcases yet. I'm resting now- reorganizing after a trip like that is a major job! It makes me nappish. *yawn*

Anyway- we're home, and that's a good thing. I won't go into the full story yet, but let's just say, there was mucho vomito in our Christmas holiday. It wasn't pretty. But we survived.

Okay, I'm out for now. I'll put up pictures and do the whole catchup post in a while. Happy New Year, everybody!! Now go eat yer peas.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:15 PM

December 22, 2006

Last Minute Byes

Well, there was no time for blogging this week. Sorry! We are getting on the road in the next half hour, so there's no time now either. Please don't feel abandoned. I love you all. But somebody has to find all the toothbrushes and Sunday shoes and hair dryers and whatnot for this trip. I'd let the kids do the packing, but I really don't want to have to construct all my clothes out of legos and coloring books again.

Merry Christmas to you all-- I hope you enjoy the time with your families as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Will blog if I have internet access and can tear myself away from the snack table long enough.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:32 PM

December 20, 2006

Rx: Laziness

This is the official Slow My Butt Down Day. I have taxed my body too much in the last few days, and I'm feeling it now. It's really difficult for me to let go, though. I can't walk past a mess without cleaning it up. I was not always this way- but parenthood drove me to it. There is enough chaos in our normal day without living in clutter, too, ya know? I don't worry too much about the kids toys until the end of the day- but the rest of the house is kept fairly tidy. But it's not just housework- if I have a project to finish, I have a hard time walking away from it until it is complete. Anyway, with the regular upkeep of things, plus Christmas preparations, I realize I pushed it too far the last couple of days.

When I was in highschool, I had orthoscopic surgery on my knee for a tennis injury. And yesterday, that same knee started giving me serious trouble. Today I am limping, which is not a good sign. I am going to try to stay off of it as much as I can and hopefully it will feel better tomorrow. I'm crossing my fingers that it's just a strain. It could be. Pregnancy does weird things to your joints, so it's entirely possible this is not as bad as it feels right now.

Anyway, this has brought on an official Slow My Butt Down Day.

Hey, you can celebrate, too, if you want! All you gotta do is chill. Let the dishes stack up. Let those papers go ungraded, unfiled. Don't shop, wrap presents, or even get out of your pajamas all day. Don't do a durn thing.

Cool, huh?

Okay, I'm going to do just that. Nada. Zilch. Zip.

Have a good one!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:06 AM

December 19, 2006

Manic Monday

Wow, what a day yesterday! I am still a little stunned by the busyness of it all. I was a workhorse, let me tell ya. Besides all the normal activities of the day, I also did a lot of extra stuff. I got a scary amount of laundry done for packing, I went through all the kids toys, tossing some and saving their favorites, I made two batches of the sweet chex mix, I got a few Christmas presents ready for delivery, I got everybody fed, dressed, and ready for the Christmas program last night. As we walked out the door, I remembered the diaper bag, the camera, the presents, the food, AND the kids. Pardon me while I give myself a little pat on the back!

The program was nice. But loooooong. It started at 7, and we didn't get home until almost 10. It was a lot for the Duke. He was a challenge during the service, but other than that, it was nice. Our family had volunteered to light the Advent candle before the service, so we had to walk up there in front of everybody and light 3 of the candles. That went well- we didn't burn the place down, so that's a plus. And I didn't freeze up there and do something stupid- which, yes, has happened quite a bit when I have to be in front of a church. I don't know why, but I always seem to flub up when I am the focus of ecclesiastical attention. But those are other stories- I'll tell them another time. I'll save those humiliations for a rainy day!

The children's choir sang about halfway through the service, and it was really cute. I could barely see Czarina because she was standing behind a tall girl- what a shame. But HeroBoy was on the front row in full view. He was something else. The little girl next to him was a buddy, and had her arm around him the whole time. He had his hands in his pockets, and he sang all proud and animated. He seemed right at home. And no picking of the nose, thank goodness! Yippee!

Afterwards, we had a reception with a pretty good spread, and we stayed for a little while to enjoy it. We were so wiped out though, we were out of there after thirty or forty minutes.

By the time we got home, King Pen and I were totally zonked. We got the kids in bed and they went straight to sleep without a peep. We watched headlines on Leno, and then we crashed ourselves. It was quite a day.

Well, that was yesterday. I'll get on here and write an actual blog post later-- but I wanted to jot down the details of the day while I had a moment. Happy morning, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:18 AM

December 17, 2006

PreChristmas

*yawn*

Hey folks. Busy weekend over at the WonderGirl Casa. I did manage an hour long nap this afternoon though, so I thought I'd work in a blog post, too.

We stayed after church today so that I could help set up for our Christmas dinner that is tomorrow evening. I didn't do much... there were too many women for the little that actually needed doing, but I was glad to help at least a bit. Our church has welcomed us with such open arms, and I already feel indebted to them for their generousity of spirit, ya know? Anyway, I am looking forward to the service tomorrow night. Czarina and HeroBoy will both be singing in the children's choir, which should prove to be interesting. HeroBoy has never stood before a group before, let along to sing. I have no idea how he'll handle it. I am just praying he doesn't choose that moment to pick his nose. Let's all cross our fingers on that one, mkay? Cause there are no guarantees. Czarina, on the other hand, will be just fine. She'll be a little nervous, but she'll be so sweet singing. I love the look she gets on her face when she's a tad unsure about undiluted attention from a group of people. She gets the same look on her face every year at her birthday when we sing Happy Birthday.

Anyway, that's tomorrow evening. Tomorrow morning, I have my December visit with the midwife. I am now 30 weeks. 10 more to go! Yippee! I don't have anything new to report to her-- this has been a very uncomplicated, normal pregnancy so far. I always feel a tad bad when she asks me, "So... do you have any questions?" Because I don't. At all. Which is great, because that means all is well, but it makes for a boring response. Better that than the alternative though!

I have a few more gifts to pick up this week, a few more gifts to finish constructing, and I also have to start washing clothes and packing for us to leave Friday in time for my family's Christmas party. I anticipate this being a very busy week for me! But I'm excited. I love every minute of it. I can't wait to get home to meet Adler, see my family, and share in the good things of the season. Ya know. The food.

Kidding. (Kinda.)

Speaking of food, I am going to make a dessert for tomorrow night, and also for our Christmas party Friday. I'm thinking of making the Chex Mix Trash stuff, because oh my goodness. That stuff is gold. I'll let you know how it turns out. I will even go so far as to conduct a taste-test for you, dear readers. How thoughtful am I? I even impress myself with the lengths I will go to for your reading pleasure!

Well, that's all for now. I will try to blog more this week than I did last week, honestly. Last week was weak. I know it, and you know it. But I'm hoping you were all as busy as I was so that you didn't have time to check every day! Any chance that worked?

Okilee Dokilee. I'm out.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:36 PM

December 14, 2006

Hydration

Good morning, everybody!

Oh, who am I kidding? It's not good. Not good at all. And do you know why? Because I am out of tea bags. And there's no coke in the house. Not to mention no coffee, and no milk. So that means I get to drink water ALL day long.

Wah.

I'm going back to bed.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:25 AM

December 13, 2006

The Last Lamp On

Bed, bed, bed, bed....

No more browsing. Time for drowsing.

G'nite, all.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:55 PM

Hey Family

What's a girl gotta do to get a picture of her new nephew around here? Heh? Folks, I'm getting cranky. Somebody HELP the long distance aunt out, mkay?

And everybody else, pardon the rant. Innocent bystanders will not be harmed.

UPDATE: Thank you, Aunt Dee! You are SOOO on the "nice list" this Christmas!

Look at that chunky monkey! He's so cute!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:50 PM

Santa's Lil' Helper

Busy, busy, busy working on pulling Christmas together. I went shopping again last night, this time at the mall. Whew.

The best part of the night was making a stop at Spencer's. I was looking for a funny key chain- but I didn't realize just how LEWD this store has become. Oh my gosh. It's terrible. And there I am, with a big 7 month pregnant belly. I felt ridiculous. I nearly laughed out loud when one guy looked at me like I was an alien with fourteen heads. I felt like an alien. I definitely did not belong in that store. So I hightailed it out, no purchase made, and ducked into the nearest restroom to scald the heebie jeebies away. Ew. What a gross store.

Anyway- I got a lot done, but I was absolutely exhausted by the time I got home. That disturbs me. Two and a half hours of shopping shouldn't wear me out that much. It makes me realize just how out of shape I am! I am starting to miss my running days. I miss my body. I miss eating and not getting heartburn. I miss walking without wanting to rip out my sciatic nerve. I miss sleeping through the night without a bathroom break at 4 am. -Sigh-

Not to complain, though. Those things are all minor and I truly am enjoying this pregnancy. I am in the home stretch now, and I haven't lost my good humor yet. Two more months. That's barely a blink and a nod. I can hang in there. Right? Um, somebody?

Since I had my Christmas mojo going so well last night, I decided to follow through today with putting the finishing touches on some gifts I've been working on. So basically, this means we're playing hooky from school. Czarina is busy with her own Christmas project, and I've been tackling mine. Later, I'm going to wrap some gifts, too.

I'm awesome. At least according to Czarina, who enjoys Teacher Work Day like any other kid. Whoopee!

Well, that's it for now. Break's over. Man, they work us elves hard.

Not to mention how uncomfortable these pointy shoes are.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:25 PM

December 12, 2006

Welcome To The World, Little Guy

Or I should say BIG guy! My sister had a 9 lb, 5 oz baby boy yesterday named James Adler. Congratulations, Ash! I can't wait to see him!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:11 PM

December 11, 2006

In Labor

No, not me!! Two more months, thank you very much.

But my sister is hard at work, having her first baby today! Hooray! I'll post an update later, but I just wanted to put that out there so you can say a quick prayer for her.

Love you, little bean... can't wait to meet you!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:40 PM

December 8, 2006

I'm Just Saying

Okay Swiss Miss. I didn't want to make a big deal about this, but after countless winters of silence, I feel I must speak up. When you label something "Marshmallow Lover's Instant Cocoa", we expect a bountiful supply of fluffy marshmallows to plop into our steaming hot cocoa. Cause, um... we LOVE MARSHMALLOWS. Three, dried-up, puny pellets hiding in the bottom of the packet really don't count. It's actually kind of insulting. Do you not take my love of marshmallows seriously? Did you think I wouldn't notice? Well, I did. I did.

You should think about that, Swiss Missy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:52 PM

Freaky or Not, I Love Friday

Good morning! Let me take a moment to wish you a warm and sincere HAPPY FRIDAY!! Are you with me on that one? Thank you, God, for Fridays. Just when you can't take a minute more of the work week, along comes that carefree day. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and life is good. Friday is my BFF. And we have the necklaces to prove it.

We have company coming this weekend- my aunt and grandmother. Living in B'ham has been good for visiting, we see people a lot more than we did when we were in Baton Rouge. It's not uncommon to have someone stop by every other weekend. They happen to be coming when we need a babysitter, too, so all the better! King Pen's office Christmas party is Saturday night. (I plan on draping myself in the Christmas tree skirt, since that's probably the only thing that will fit right now. Hey, at least it's festive.)

Anyway, they'll be here this weekend. Then, next weekend, my sister is coming and she'll watch the kids for me when I go to see the midwife again the following Monday. And that's it. No more weekends to do last minute shopping or wrapping or whatever, because we'll be on the road to my parents house that Friday! Yay! And YIKES. I still have so much to do! There is an underlying feeling of unpreparedness that really has nothing to do with Christmas though, and more to do with the baby. I know when I get back from the holidays, I'm going to freak out a little bit, feeling that I'm running out of time before the wee one arrives. As much as I'm looking forward to Christmas, part of me is ready to get past it so I can concentrate on having this baby. But it'll all work out. One thing at a time. First, Christmas and all the trimmings. I can't wait! Oh the food I plan to eat! Fudge and divinity and peanut butter balls and little sausages and maybe a carrot or two from the veggie trays. Maybe. If they run out of the other stuff.

Well, that's it for this morning. Sorry. Nothing spectacular, I know, but hey, at least I showed up, right? That counts for something, doesn't it? Hello? Anybody?

Oh. They all left.

Nice.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:15 AM

December 7, 2006

I Do That?

King Pen and I were discussing Superman the other day because neither of us has seen the last movie. We plan on watching it in my brother-in-law's spanking new, high-tech media room over Christmas. (Oh, did we forget to tell you, Eric? And yes, we expect popcorn.) Anyway, here's an exerpt from the conversation.

King Pen: The thing about Superman is we've seen it all, you know? I mean, you can fly? So what? Super strength? Yeah, you and every other superhero around.

Me (thinking I'm all clever): Yeah. What's so super about Superman?

King Pen: *groan

Me: What?

King Pen: *rolls eyes

Me: You know, you used to love me once upon a time.

King Pen: Yes. That was before you talked in blog titles all the time.

Ouch.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:53 AM

December 6, 2006

P.S.

One more, then I'm through for the morning. I seriously have to get out of my pajamas.

I just wanted to say HEY!! I have noticed several people commenting that I haven't met before, and I wanted to say thanks! I love that you guys have found me however you did, and please feel free to join in anytime. It's very encouraging to hear from you, and I always intend to respond to your comments. I'm bad about that though. I'll think of something to say back, and then there's a potty emergency over here, or a spilled cup, or ornaments pulled off the tree. It's hard to stay focused. But I DO appreciate your feedback. I'm very happy to have you here, and I hope you find a nice comfy seat to settle into at the Sift.

Okay- I can't put off starting the day any longer... time to shed the jammies. Have a great hump day, folks!

(you know, I really hate the word "hump". It's just wrong.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:01 AM

December 4, 2006

Deck the Halls

When my mother was a little girl growing up in the Mississippi delta, there wasn't much money for Christmas. One year, it was so tight that my grandmother had to draw their Christmas tree on the wall. I always thought that was a sweet story. I don't know how my grandmother felt at the time, but I don't think her children felt a loss at her handdrawn work. Children have an innate excitement about Christmas, no matter how bright the lights or pretty the bows. I see this for myself with my own children, who happily decorated our tiny tree Saturday night.

I was content with that until yesterday, when I took a picture of HeroBoy doing his karate. In the background of the picture, our tree looked... sad. I wanted to post the picture because HeroBoy is so cute doing his "moves", but then I was sort of embarassed by the tree. I didn't want anybody to think I don't care enough about Christmas to do better than that. I worried about what people would think of me.

My first instinct is to say, oh, this tree doesn't reflect MY Christmas spirit- it isn't what I would do if I had the money. I have a whole list of ornaments and decorations in my head that I would use on my perfect tree. It would be beautiful. Fragrant. So delicious you would want to gobble it up.

But surprisingly, my thoughts led me away from that. The more I tried to envision the tree that would express my inner noel, the more I thought about my grandmother, bending over the wall with a marker, sketching out Christmas spirit for her children.

That's what our little tree is about. It's about giving something to our kids, giving the best we can. I look at the tree and see it with adult eyes- I see the fake branches and plastic stand, I see that the tip only reaches my waist. But I can also see it through their eyes- I see the excitment and memories that imprinted in their minds as we drank cocoa and listened to carols. I see their pride in the ornaments they made, in picking just the right spot to hang them. I see their joy at the lights and the sparkle. And I see that what they are seeing is the better view.

So I decided that if this tree is a reflection of me, then so be it. It's a reflection of how much I love my kids, how much I love Christmas. And I have my mother's memory to thank for this realization.

Do I judge my grandmother by the quality of her tree that year? Yes. Yes, I do. I see how loving she was, how earnest, how resourceful. I see the lengths she was willing to go to give them Christmas. She held back her pride, she smiled through tears, she gave when she had nothing to give. How precious she is in the sight of her children, and grandchildren, because of her small tree and her big heart.

If that's not Christmas spirit, I don't know what is.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:27 AM

December 2, 2006

Reluctance

One of the problems with not having much money is that when it comes time to spend it, and you actually HAVE it to spend, it's very difficult to make yourself go through with it. We have been sleeping on a mattress on the floor for about four months now- remember when I griped about the state of our bedding? Well, taking the top mattress off and putting it on the floor was the only comfortable solution we could come up with, until the money was there to replace the whole shebang. Now the money is there, but I don't want to spend it. Not because I want to go out and spend it on other, more fun things, but because I freak out anytime I have to spend money on something we can't eat or wear. It's like we've lived through the Great Depression or something. I'm spooked by the idea of money going out of my pocket, because the other pocket probably has a hole in it. Ya know? Plus, it's hard to prioritize which things need to come first- I stress out about whether it's wise to do this now, or do one of the other things that needs doing instead.

But. I'm 28 weeks pregnant now, and getting up and down off the floor just isn't going to work much longer. So, I'm trusting that it's time to go ahead and bite the bullet and fork out the dough. (look at me, mixing my idioms!) Anyway, off I go today, to get new mattresses. Wish me luck! And sweet dreams, too.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:51 AM

December 1, 2006

TMI

I think I just blew air out of my eye. Is that even possible? I was sitting here, minding my own business, and I got a little draft across my eyeball.

Ya know, maybe this is the kind of thing you don't make known to the general public. Am I right on that?

Boundaries, WonderGirl. Boundaries.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:53 PM

November 30, 2006

I Always Suspected

but now I'm positive that my child was switched at birth. I was being oh-so-generous and sharing my cookies with the kids today (hear that, Santa? Put me on the NICE list, thank you very much), and Czarina took a bite or two and said, "Oh Mama- I don't think I can eat this. There's too much chocolate!"

Huh?

It should be genetically impossible for her to say that.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:43 PM

Three Happiness

So, today is good.

I took the kids to the playground and let them "run it out". The fresh air was good for us all. The weather is weird, kinda balmy and overcast- but I know a cold front is moving in within a day or so. We needed to get out while we could. Sometimes I forget that it makes me feel better. It requires a good bit of effort to get everybody dressed and ready to play outside and it doesn't seem worth all the work when I'm tired. But it vastly improves my mood, and the kids! So I chased my laziness away today and I'm glad I did.

Besides the exercise and the breeze, three things made me happy today. The first was a gift from family- a big gift, one that was a challenge to accept. My aunt's husband owns a garage and recently came into possession of a used family car that he wants to pass along to us. I am very grateful and humbled that they want to do that for us, and to be honest, it's hard to let myself be the recipient of such a gift. Ya know? But when you are praying about something, you let God answer it how He will. This car will at least give us the means to all travel where we need to when the baby comes, even if it is in two cars. More than likely, we will use both our car and this one to trade in for a minivan. However it works out, I am greatly relieved that I have such loving and generous people in my life who are willing to meet the needs that God puts on their hearts.

The second thing that made me smile today was a Christmas present that another uncle is working on for my daughter. I won't say what it is because he may want to keep it under wraps until he gives it to her-- but I was moved by his thoughtfulness. I know how special a gift she will think it is, and I can't wait for her to get it.

And the last thing that made me smile was hearing something nice about my brother. There is someone special in his life that loves him very much, and to hear her express that made me feel good. Proud. I am not pinning all my hopes on her or anything, because that kind of pressure isn't fair to anybody. But it gave me a lift to hear positive, kind things about him. I am glad he has somebody to love him like that.

That's all, and that's enough. It's a good day, feels good to smile.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:57 PM

November 27, 2006

Ending Credits?

There are days when I think maybe I've blogged as much as I can. But I am too scared to close the door on it, because maybe that means I'm admitting that I've reached the ceiling of my creativity. But, let's face it, this blog has stunk for a while. I don't write much, and what I do write is mundane. It's more of an update email than it is a creative outlet right now. I don't know what to do with it.

Hm.

I believe that I have more to write. But I don't know if this is the right time in my life to pursue it. And, actually, I'm okay with that. I struggled with it for a while, a little taste of a midlife crisis, I guess. But then I realized that what I am doing, as every day and boring as it may seem occasionally-- is important. It's vital. I can't live my life like I'm watching the clock, waiting for the kid's bedtime. I have to be invested and present in this thing called motherhood. It's not easy. Sheesh, that's putting it lightly. I'll be honest- there are days I wonder what the heck I was thinking, becoming a mother. There are days I am way too selfish, way too tired, to be any good at it. I am as human as the next person, and it doesn't come naturally to put other people ahead of myself. But that's part of the job. I don't always do it as well as I should, but each day is a blank slate. I find hope in the fact that tomorrow I can do better than I did today. And for the bad days, there are still the good ones, when I look around and am proud of what I'm doing and how I'm doing it.

But no matter what kind of day I'm having, I am always grateful, and I know that I've been blessed. I realize how fleeting these days are. And I am content with the choices I've made- including putting aside some of my own personal pursuits while I concentrate on the task at hand.

Anyway, all that to say, I question if this blogging thing has come to an end for me. I can accept the fact that it has evolved over the years, as I have. But maybe as I focus more on my family, there is less of me to give here. It's something that's been on my mind lately, as I must soon divide myself even further, from three parts into four.

Don't worry, this isn't my announcement of retirement. It's just me, airing out some thoughts a little. We'll see how it plays out in the months to come.

Okay, I'm off to check the cornbread. Smells yummy! Enjoy your suppers.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:05 PM

November 26, 2006

November's Closing

Hello, good people! How were your Thanksgivings? Full of food and naps, I hope! Ours was really nice. Just staying in one place was quite the treat, although I'll admit having a twinge or two when I called home and could hear the party going on in the background. But, it was a good thing. Czarina helped me in the kitchen, and we made a good spread. I enjoyed every second of it.

That next day, King Pen's parents came for a visit. They just left a little while ago, after a full and fun weekend. We showed them around a bit, shopped some, and visited. Today, we also became members of the church we've been visiting since we moved here, and then we all ate dinner with a family from the church. It was a very pleasant afternoon! It was a good debut to the holiday season.

Oh, let me back up and say that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we got an unexpected surprise... King Pen recieved a lovely and generous Christmas bonus! It will go to the root canal that King Pen just found out he has to have a few days ago. Oh well! I wish it could go straight towards baby expenses, but the truth of the matter is that God answered an immediate need within days of us finding out about it. I am grateful for that, and I trust that He will continue to provide for the needs of each day. If we don't have everything settled before this baby comes (like the van and having the midwife paid in full), I have faith that it will all work out somehow in the end. He makes a way even when I don't see it coming, and I am thankful for that. God's provision in this situation was an appropriate reminder to the Thanksgiving season... it really got me focused on my attitude and God's abundance.

Well, I am going to go enjoy the rest of my Sunday afternoon before another week begins. Love and snuggles and leftover turkey to all!

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:38 PM

November 23, 2006

Gluttony

The turkey isn't the only thing that's totally stuffed today. Help.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:44 PM

November 22, 2006

Turkeylicious.

The Duke woke up this morning at about 6:30ish, which is about an hour early for him. As I lay there, hoping beyond hope that he might drift off to sleep again, I realized how numbered my nights of sleep are. Wah. Just a few more months, and there will be no more sleeping through the night, or occasional late mornings. I dread the sleep deprivation.

Okay, I'm not gonna go there.

But an early beginning to the day is not a bad thing, because I have a lot to do. I'm going to get a headstart on a few of the dishes for tomorrow, because it seems to be the thing to do. Our menu is pretty basic. Since I'm just cooking for my little family, I got a small cajun seasoned turkey breast. We'll have that, sweet potato casserole, dressing, green beans, deviled eggs, yeast rolls, and a pecan pie for dessert. Yummy! I know it will be more than we can eat, but I just can't make myself cut anything out.

Thanksgiving is an odd holiday to me. I guess because it comes so close to Christmas, I never have gotten overly excited about it. I mean, I enjoy it, don't get me wrong. I like the eating, and the not going to work or school part. That's never a bad thing. And being thankful is important. But I always feel like I'm not quite as into it as I should be. Oh well!

Let's see... what else? Oh, my midwife appointment. Since I had the kids with me, I wanted to get in and out of there pretty quick. They were good, the suckers seemed to do the trick- and she's very understanding about bringing your kids. She had a basket of toys, which kept them entertained for a while. The baby sounded just fine, all my stats were great, and all though that makes for boring blogging, it makes for a happy mommy. The midwife was able to address some concerns I have about traveling to Tennessee in the middle of the winter to have this baby-- ice storms, snow, electricity, etc. We now have a contingency plan in case we are unable to get on the roads up there. So I'm feeling good.

In other baby news, my sister is due any day now! Well, okay, she's actually due 12/9, but as far as we're concerned, that's any day now. (Oh, and I have the pictures from her baby shower last weekend, but I have yet to reinstall my camera software on the computer. Sorry.) Ash looks so cute-- I can't believe my little sister is on the cusp of motherhood. It's so fun to watch! She's going to be great. I can't wait to get "the call".

Well, I suppose I should get started on my day. I'll write more later if time permits. Otherwise, I'll catch up with you guys after the tryptophan wears off. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:33 AM

November 20, 2006

I'm Just Resting My Eyes

Good morning!! I am up! This is quite an accomplishment, considering how warm and snuggly my bed was this morning. I wore some new pjs I got the other day and they are fuzzy and hibernation inducing. They may be my downfall this winter. But not today. I fought my way to awareness, and here I am, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Kind of. Slightly. Oh, okay, my eyes are open. Let's leave it at that.

Have a midwife appointment this morning, for which I will be bringing the crew. This should be interesting. My plan is to scare and to bribe. First, I'll give them a stern talking-to before we go in (complete with a hint of the Mommy Glare). Then I'll give them suckers. Between those two things, I should be covered. Hopefully!

Okay, that's all for now. Just didn't want you guys to think I've fallen off the face of the earth. I'm still here! Sorta. *yawn*

More bloggy later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:26 AM

November 15, 2006

Chatter

Feeling pretty good about things today. I took care of some business, which is always nice. I hate having stuff hanging over my head- phone calls I need to make, appointments to schedule, etc. So I used the morning to get ahead on a few things. Yay me. I like being productive.

It's rainy here, and tomorrow it will be chilly. Winter weather is here, I guess! Something about winter weather brings out the cook in me. I put a big pot of red beans on to simmer this morning. I'll add some sausage later, and cook up some rice and cornbread and we'll be set for dinner. We like it a little spicy around here, so I might as well put a few Tums on my plate along with it. Oh the joys of pregnancy!

Speaking of such, it's hard to believe that it is again time to see my midwife. I have an appointment with her Monday morning, and I will be 26 weeks. This means 14 weeks to go! Holy moly. Where did this pregnancy go? I suppose that I have a lot to distract me on a daily basis, but I just can't believe #4 is so close now. We're thinking of names now, and more about how to arrange things when I go into labor. Details, details. I like having my ducks in a row.

What's also hard to believe is the onset of the holidays. I can't believe Thanksgiving is a week from tomorrow! This is the first one we've chosen to celebrate ourselves, at home. No traveling. After nearly ten years of spending our Christmas and Tgiving breaks living out of a suitcase, this will be a nice change. I've got our little turkey, sweet potato fixings, pecan pie ingredients, and cranberry sauce. I have a few more things to pick up, but I'm mostly set. I am going to enlist Czarina as my helper for the day, and we'll do up our own festive dinner.

As far as Christmas goes, which falls on a Monday this year, King Pen has that whole week off. So we'll do all our visiting then. I'm looking forward to a leisurely holiday- not trying to cram it all into a two or three day weekend. I am not looking forward to packing fifty million suitcases and gifts and kids AND my big old pregnant self all into our lil' Altima and driving for five or six hours, though. Bah. You know, we may actually have to strap something to the roof this time! Wow! Hey, whatever increases the leg room. I'll even stick a kid or two up there if I have to. They'd love it. Anyway, despite the minor annoyance of packing, the holiday will be great. And after all that, we can settle down and really get ready for this baby.

Well, that's all for now. Just a little chat in between chores. I'll write again later if I have time. Ciao, darlings!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:44 PM

November 14, 2006

Loose Thoughts

I've been sitting here for about five minutes, staring at the blank screen, trying to decide what to write. And I got nothing. Sorry.

I could post my to-do list, but that's boring.
I could write something sentimental about Girl's Weekend with my six year old, but I was recently told I'm a bit dramatic, so I'm pouting.
I could put up my pictures from the weekend, but I'd have to reinstall my camera software on the computer and I'm too lazy right now.
I could write about the changing leaves, the sense of Christmas coming, and the increasing movements from the wee babe... but that's all feeling a little too Chicken Soup for the Soulish.

I'll tell you what I'd like to be doing right now. I'd like to go catch a movie and then go Christmas shopping. Oh, and I'd like to go shopping for me, too, while I'm at it. I'm just saying. I need some new pants. Since it's a fantasy day, might as well include a little something for moi. Some gourmet ice cream would hit the spot, too.

-sigh-

I'm feeling ansy.

I like B'ham- you guys have heard me going on about it enough to know that. We've been here six months now, and I'm at that point where I should be settling in a little more. But I'm holding back. I don't know if it's the pregnancy or what, but part of me just doesn't want to put my roots down all the way. Ultimately, we want to live back in King Pen's hometown- that's our goal. We thought we'd be here in B'ham for at least three to five years... but that timeline is feeling less satisfactory to me these days. I wanna go home. I want the benefit of aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents! Maybe it's that I'm a little spooked by the idea of being on our own with four kids... maybe I wish our support system was a bit closer at hand. But it's not all that. I miss being around people who know me, and love me. I realize that is partly due to reestablishing ourselves in a new town- it takes time to get to know people and feel like you "belong". It actually takes work and effort on my part, and I'll be honest, I haven't tried all that hard. And we've moved enough for me to know that at the 6 month mark, I get pretty homesick. But this feels different. I'm tired of being transitional. Ya know? I want a house, in a town that we won't leave again. I want friends I don't have to worry about abandoning in a few years. I want to be in for the long haul. Part of me doesn't want to invest myself here, because I know it's not forever.

Can we stop now? Can we be done working so hard to accomplish our goals and just reach them now? We've spent five years in school, and then how many more here just so that we can move home? We want our kids to have the extended family we both had as children, but by the time we do it, I'm afraid we'll have missed so much. I don't wanna miss anything else.

Well, I didn't mean to go off on that topic. But I guess it's been on my mind more with the holidays coming up. I'll end here... no moping for me today.

Have a good Tuesday, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:30 PM

November 9, 2006

The 3 o'clock Connection

Plan for the weekend: Girl's Trip. Me and Czarina. We are going to my sister's baby shower on Saturday in my hometown, and the boys are not invited. Sorry, fellas! We are packing our pink suitcases, choosing our special stuffed animals for the car ride, and painting our fingernails for the big occasion. I predict pinky, curly, girly fun. I will be taking pictures.

And speaking of pictures, I promised a few the other day, and I am a woman of my word. Here they are: (Update- I've obviously done something wrong on the pop-up images, so don't bother clicking for the larger one. Sorry! I'll see if I can fix it... uh, later. No patience now.)

This is the gang before church:

More---->

Continue reading "The 3 o'clock Connection"

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:38 PM

Gimme a Minute

Oh, the agony of groggily making that first cup of coffee in the morning, only to find there is NO SUGAR IN THE HOUSE. It was so vexing, and that coffee was so vital this morning, and my sweet tooth is so finicky about sugar, that I dragged myself to the local pharmacy/food mart.

It wasn't pretty.

In an effort to make myself presentable, I threw some clothes on over my pajamas and rubbed my face with my hand. (See, I told you it wasn't pretty.) I growled the whole way there, kind of a low, rumbling warning to anyone or anything to cross my path. I managed to avoid human contact until the very end, where I knew I'd have to exchange some form of communication with the clerk. I tried to put out a "just let me pay" vibe, but his radar was apparently off today.

"So, you skipping school today, kiddo?" he asks cheerily.

I snort.

"Well, that's not much of an answer, now is it?"

I raise an eyebrow, and mumble something about sugar for my coffee.

"Oh, they're letting kids drink coffee these days?"

We've done this before, this particular cashier and me. It's his line, and you're supposed to be all flattered that he thinks you look sixteen. Under normal circumstances, it's a pleasant banter that leaves everybody happy. But there is no way on this green earth that I looked sixteen walking in there this morning. I looked like a grumpy, pregnant, sleepy woman who had been on the bad end of a bar fight. And we both knew it.

But I forced a smile anyway, suppressed my inner grouch, and replied through clenched teeth, "Yeah, it's part of a nutritional breakfast."

I tried not to snatch the bag from his hands in my hurry to leave.

Morning people. They just don't get it, do they?

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:04 AM

November 8, 2006

Me Lucky Charms

I've been working on my "labor music", compilations of songs that I hope keep me from throwing things and cursing like a sailor during childbirth. I've noticed that I keep coming back to celtic music. I do love me some Irish music.

What is it about Irish music that is so heartbreaking? The haunting melodies sung in the clearest, sweetest voices- it's almost unbearable. You can hear centuries of history in the notes, the struggles and endurance of the Irish people translated into stanzas. Great loves, great wars, great losses... they are immortalized in the anthems of Irish ballads.

But for the saddest, sweetest lullabies, they also produce some of the happiest, merriest tunes that lift the heart. Stomping jigs that invigorate, that compel at the very least, a smile and a tap of your foot, and at the most, a chug of Guinness and a humorous attempt to become the next Lord of the Dance. Nothing says celebration and love of life quite like an Irish song.

The Irish people aren't afraid to feel through their music, and it's one of the things that makes their songs timeless and universal. It never fails to move me in some way. I'm hoping that the happy feelings it invokes can reach through the challenges of labor as well. I may even wear green for luck.

Anyway... that's my random ending thought for the day. I'm off to bed, where I am sure to dream of pink hearts, yellow moons, and orange stars. Oh, and green clovers, of course.

Nighty night.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:06 PM

Telling of Time

How I have missed you all! I feel somewhat severed from the world when I can't come here and write. So what shall it be today? I could do the huge catch-up post, where I bring everybody up to date on what I've been doing the last few weeks. That gets so old, though. Halloween, company, yada yada yada... I mean, yeah, it's informative, and you're all dying to know how much candy I've eaten in the last few days, I just know it. But I get bored with the update. Reading it, and writing it. I'll make you a deal. I'll post some pictures in the next post- and let's call it even. At the moment, I just need to clear out my head a little.

I am sitting on the deck right now, as Czarina completes some worksheets and HeroBoy plays outside. It feels good out here, and I needed the fresh air. The fall colors are beautiful! I am hoping to absorb some of those vibrant hues, because I am feeling a bit faded lately- mentally and physically. The pregnancy is going okay- textbook, no complaints. The kids are good, homeschooling is fine, everything is really just, well... fine. But I still find myself blue on occasion. I think of taking a walk by myself somewhere, out in the autumn kaleidoscope. I think of going to a movie with my sisters. I think of making Thanksgiving dinner, finishing my Christmas projects, calling the people in my life that I've neglected lately. I think of all the things I want to do and all the things I need to do and I retreat a little because it just makes me tired. When I walk past a mirror, I can see it reflected in my face now, and that bothers me. I feel pale. Shadowy.

So I sit outside, watching big yellow leaves drifting from the trees like falling stars, and I make my wish. That the light and breeze will chase away my melancholy, and leave me with peace. Because that's what I really want. I don't want to be encumbered anymore by the past, and I don't want to be afraid of the future. I want to know there is time for everything. Time to learn to love more deeply, to forgive more completely. Time to explore and enjoy and savor life. Time to care about others more, to care for myself more. Time to do the things I want to do, time to do the things I should do- and time to learn the difference between them. Time to learn when to speak, when to listen. When to hold on tight, and when to let go.

I can't think of a way to finish that thought. So I think instead, I'll let just let it be. I'll make myself a cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy the sights and sounds that herald the end of one season, and the beginning of another.

Funny, that. Even nature answers to the dictates of time.

Good to be back, by the way. I really did miss you. More writing in the days to come... things are better and brighter when there aren't so many words stuck in my head with nowhere to go.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:31 PM

November 7, 2006

Huh?

What? Suddenly I have internet access? I so do not understand what is wrong with my computer right now!

I'll be on again in a little while if I can. Teeth brushing and tuck-ins to attend to.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:35 PM

November 2, 2006

Over Coffee

Ahh.... good morning! Sit on the couch with me and let's watch some cartoons in our fuzzy socks, mkay? (That would be the Starbucks talking. Sorry. My aunt passed along a few packages of SB coffee and now my house smells overpriced but delicious! But what's with the line forming in the kitchen? Who are those people?)

We've been hitting it hard and heavy lately. We've had lots of company, lots of events, lots of living. It's been fun! But it doesn't leave much room for blogging, unfortunately. I do have some pictures to share though! But, since we're rebuilding the computer, I can't get to them. I'll post them when I can, I promise. Sorry for the setup, there.

In other news, I've begun my hypnobirthing practice. I'm halfway through the book, and I've started listening to the cd at night before bed. It's really exciting! I have always been fascinated with the brain, and the ability of our thoughts to affect our physiological state. And I don't mean that in a new agey kind of way. I'm talking about normal, accepted concepts like flight/fight, sexual arousal, etc. How merely thinking a particular thought causes our eyes to dilate, blood to flow, etc. Wow. We are such complex, amazing beings! I'm looking forward to exploring hypnosis as a pain management technique. I'm sold. I realize it's a little out there... but there are lots of things in life that are on the edges of our understanding. It's what keeps things interesting. The unexplored. Unexplained.

Anyway. I'm taking all the exercises seriously, giving my all during the sessions, because I think to make it work, you can't half do it. I'm getting as zen as I can. I've channeled my inner buddha. I've got windchimes, sand gardens, rock fountains and incense.

Okay, I don't have all that stuff.

But I've got starbucks coffee and fuzzy socks. Hey, you zen your way, I'll zen mine. Maybe I should think about investing in an orange robe, though. You can't be truly meditative without one of those.

Onward.

I'd like to send out a shout out (oh, how I love the shout out!) to my sister Brittany, who graduates today from the Paul Mitchell Institute for Doing Hair. She dons a fashionable cap and gown, and hits the runway tonight, scissors in hand. I think there's even a dj. And who knew they made fitted graduation robes? Too cool for me.

I am so proud of Britt. *sniff* She's worked very hard and made lots of sacrifices to see this day. She already has a job lined up at a trendy little salon, and is well on her way to great things. Well done, sweetie. And when you make it big, styling runway models and celebutantes, don't forget the little people who need free haircuts at family reunions and Christmas. :)

Okay, time to get moving. Coffee's cold, and that means it's time to get started on my day. I'll post again later if I can. Have a happy Thursday, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:14 AM

October 30, 2006

B00!

Internet access is spotty these days... sorry! I haven't been able to get on all weekend, but that's just as well because we were very, very busy.

We've been having computer troubles lately, so we're attempting to reformat the hard drive over the next few days. Scary business! But it has to be done. I'll be in absentia for a little while longer, but I'm coming back. So, no funny business while I'm gone! Behave, you hooligans!

Happy Halloween!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:06 PM

October 27, 2006

*Yawn

I don't know how I'm doing it, but I've been sleeping on my ear wrong.

That's just weird.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:00 AM

October 26, 2006

Therapy of Gasoline

I love making trips by myself. I don't get to do it very often, but there have been a few times when I've been solo. I think the last time was when I went to see my sister in Atlanta earlier this year.

There's something exciting about compiling your favorite driving music, buying those weird road snacks that only you crave, and hitting the open road with your destination waiting off in the far distance.

Freedom! It's not that I'm desperate to escape my life or anything. It's just nice to be alone every now and then, to take care of no one else's needs but my own. To make spontaneous stops at flea markets, or road side stands, wherever my heart (or bladder) fancies! To be on a timetable of my own making, to be responsible for only one person. Me.

It's a lot about the music, too. Every road trip has a sound track, one that propels you through town after town. The momentum is different each time, slowly marking the miles, or rocking by in a blur, depending on your mood. I can turn my music up as loud as I want- I can play the same song over and over if I want to. I can, and do, sing along with gusto. I really don't care if the truckers are laughing as they pass, I'll never see them again. I am performing. The road is my stage.

Hours on the road alone are different than hours at home alone. At home, when I am alone for any great length of time, I feel certain obligations to accomplish things. Clean out the closet. Organize photographs. Something. But on the road, all you can do is drive, and think. There is nothing to produce with those hours, they are freebies.

And I love freebies.

They are hours to clean out your mind. To organize your thoughts. Time to sift through the backed up emotions and ideas in your head. Therapy measured in mile markers. I love it.

Well, that's the random thought for the day. Don't know where that one came from! I don't make the news, people. I just report it. Okay, I'm off. Have a good morning, and I'll blog later if I get the chance.

And hey, if you see me on the way to grocery store, rocking out, just ignore me. I take my road trips where I can get them.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:23 AM

October 25, 2006

Story of A Nice Guy

Because I am tempted today to indulge in the ever present anxiety over money... I am instead going to write about how much I love my husband.

Makes sense to me. Talking about our finances doesn't change them... and often what I end up with is a thankfulness for the man in my life who shares these struggles with me. Might as well skip right to it!

I met Patrick (oooh, I've unveiled King Pen for this post!) when I was in my second year of community college. We were in the same circle of friends- a group of really funny and unique people. I don't know how I wandered into that, not thinking myself particularly witty or amusing- but wander I did, and lucky I was. Patrick was one of the ringleaders of the fiesty crew, and was responsible for getting us into and out of trouble quite a few times. We were good friends from the very beginning, but nothing else. I wasn't interested in any kind of relationship. I had an inkling that he felt otherwise, but I didn't want to spoil the dynamics of our group... the friendship we all shared was the priority at the time.

Until.

I spent New Year's Eve out at his parent's house. They have a big bonfire every year, and he invited me. We had had a falling out over Christmas, and I think he saw this as a chance to fix things... I know I did, so I accepted the invitation. I had never met his family, or his friends from home- so it felt strange making the hour drive to his house. I had an overnight bag packed to stay with people I'd never met before. I was nervous.

I needn't have been though, because his family was very welcoming. It's one of the things I loved about them right from the start- they are excellent hosts. They were warm and chatty and made a genuine attempt to include me in the festivities.

As the light of the bonfire usurped the fading sun, the rest of his life began arriving. Unfamiliar faces to me, history to him. It was a new perspective for me. I had only seen him within the confines of my world, never in his own environment, with an identity separate from the one I'd known. In the flickering shadows of the fire, he took on a new dimension. I spent most of the evening watching him, seeing him interact with his childhood comrades. The night was filled with the sounds of laughter and music, punctuated with the staccato of fireworks. But of all the noises, it was a comment I overheard from his sister that rang loudest in my ears. A spontaneous Virginia reel was under way, and Patrick was dancing with a girl, which gave me a slight, unrecognizable twinge. And then I overheard his sister say to someone, "Hm... wonder if something's up with Patrick and **** again?"

I was shocked by the flood of emotions I felt at that simple comment. Patrick- my Patrick? Liking some other girl? I felt territorial. And afraid. And more than a bit confused. The rest of the weekend passed in a blur.

As I drove home, I thought long and hard about him. He was a nice guy. And unfortunately, sometimes nice guys don't get the attention they deserve right off. It takes a little shake. And I had gotten my little shake. I suddenly saw every wonderful thing about him- how perfect he is for me. The friendship that I had valued for these months suddenly framed something much deeper. I could love this man. Maybe I already did. Another girl in his arms, an innocent dance- I instinctively knew how wrong that was. There was only one person who belonged there, and that was me. It scared me how close I almost came to passing up the best thing that had ever come into my life.

With that realization, I knew the new year meant new things. I knew that once I told him how I felt, my whole life would change. Days later, as I sat with a pen and paper, finding the words to tell him that I cared about him, I knew that nothing I had ever written before or would write again would be so monumental. Telling him I cared would open the door to my life.

And here we are now... two months away from our ten year anniversary. Ten years as the wife of this man. Ten years that I have had claim to his heart- ten years to be the partner in his joys and triumphs, in his struggles and griefs, in all his Virginia reels. I love him more today than I ever have before.

The difficulties and challenges in life seem small in the face of that love. I've already got the prize... everything else is just the details.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:59 AM

October 18, 2006

On The Go

Boy am I glad yesterday is over! Tuesday is my least favorite day of the week. It's such a vanilla day. Limp. It has no get up and go at all, worse even than Monday, who at least embraces it's "back to business" reputation. Wednesday is much better. Wednesday is optimistic- it cheerfully reminds you all day long that you're halfway there- almost to Friday! Whoo!

So today we're up and running with the sun. We had to take King Pen to work this morning (oh the joys of owning one car!) so that I can go to my ultrasound appointment at 12:30. We're going back to pick him up at lunch, and then he's dropping me off at the clinic which is not that far from where he works. While I have the ultrasound, he's taking the kids to grab something to eat, because no children are allowed at the appointment. (Remember- it's a teaching appointment- I guess youngins would be too distracting.) Afterwards, we'll take him back to work, go home and then return AGAIN at 6 to pick him up from work. Crazy, I know. This is why I don't leave the house very often. It's just too much work! We're still working on getting a minivan, and by that, I mean we're still praying very hard because we have no idea how that's gonna happen. Four months... sweet heavens. I just don't know. We try very hard to be optimistic about our finances, but there are moments when it really gets me down. The one thing I don't want to be is hopeless, and with my increasing hormone fluxuations, that's a real battle for me.

But, it'll all work out. The sun will rise, the sun will set, and life will go on, no matter what the state of our bank account.

Well, I guess I should get to the day. Have a lovely Wednesday! And don't forget, Project Runway finale tonight... FINALLY.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:56 AM

October 16, 2006

The GingerDead Man

Out of the oven... and into your heart!

King Pen told me he saw this flick at the movie store the other day, and it sounded so crazy, I had to google it. Gary Busey... sweetie, what were you smoking?

Rotten Tomatoes had this to say about it:

"Depending on one's point of view, Gary Busey either sinks or rises to new levels of crazed weirdness in this low-budget, gore-drenched Z-movie. Busey plays deranged murderer Millard Findlemeyer, who's sent to the electric chair by brave witness Sara Leigh (Robin Sidney) after he murders her family. But his creepy, vengeful mother mixes his ashes into some homemade gingerbread mix, and when the mix winds up at the Leigh bakery, all it takes is a few drops of blood to trigger an ancient curse and bring Millard's soul to life in the form of an evil, homicidal pastry. Bloodshed ensues as Sara and her friends are forced to fight for their lives against this walking, talking, and stabbing (but oddly kind of adorable) gingerbread man."

I don't even know what to say, but wow. Killer cookies. That's a new one.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:14 PM

Happy Boss's Day!

Oh, you didn't get the memo? Yes, indeedy, it's Boss's Day.

In celebration of this momentous occasion, the firm King Pen works for is having a breakfast for their bosses this morning. Every employee is bringing something -which we both forgot about until 1 a.m. last night, when he frantically woke me up with the reminder.

I think I responded with "blerghf?"

Anyway, I must have processed it somehow, because I got up with him when his alarm went off, and made these delicious little yummies. I made a few extra for the kids, too.

Mini Ham Puffs 1 pkg. (2.5 oz) canned ham 1 small onion (optional) 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/8 tsp. black pepper 1 1/2 tsps. spicy mustard 1 pkg. crescent rolls Preheat oven to 350. Chop ham into fine pieces. Mix in cheese, mustard, onion, and pepper. Unroll crescent rolls and press into 1 large rectangle. Cut rectangle into 24 pieces. Put a spoonful of mixture into each square, and fold it in completely. Place the squares into a mini muffin pan, and bake for 15 minutes.

I left off the onion, and doubled the cheese, and they were mighty fine. And so easy! They are also quite filling, so they go a long way. I ate two, and I'm very satisfied.

Okie doke... I'm off for now. Must use this morning momentum wisely!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:10 AM

October 15, 2006

Alive and Well

Oh my GOODNESS, is it too soon to say I'm tired of being hormonal? Let's see... I'm 21 weeks, 19 more to go, and let me tell you, I'm all over the Richter scale. I don't let it show much (and King Pen agrees, don't you, honey?) but I am soooo sensitive. It's irritating. I mean, I know I'm not being reasonable, but it doesn't seem to slow me down much. I might have to give my brain a time-out. Sit it in the naughty chair or something till it straightens up.

Other than my paranoid hormonal rages, things are going really well in the pregnancy department. I feel so good! Okay, there's the heartburn, that's true. And a few other miscellaneous aches and pains. But generally speaking, I'm in a right good mood about baby #4. The baby is about ten inches long now, and kicks hard enough to wake me up at night sometimes. I still am not showing much... I don't usually until about 7 months. I feel like I've got quite the little pooch, and I'm proud of it, till somebody rolls their eyes when I tell them I'm pregnant. I'm not complaining- I know I'm fortunate to delay those super heavy pregnant days that come nearer the end. The less of those, the better! But still. Sometimes you want the belly to prove the point. I am pregnant. Now get me some chocolate.

I have an ultrasound on Wednesday... and can I just take a moment here and squeek happily-- it's free. The midwife I am seeing doesn't have an ultrasound machine, so she uses a medical school where they are training technicians. The teacher is in the room with the student while they do the scan, so I am still getting a proper ultrasound. And it's free! At five hundred dollars a pop, you can imagine why I'm hugging myself right now. I'll get to see the peanut, and I won't have to sell one of my kidneys to do it. Yay!

Well, I have a nap to take book to read, so I'm off. Enjoy your Sunday afternoon!

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:19 PM

October 14, 2006

Shortest Blog Post Evah

Feeling better! Yay!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:51 PM

October 12, 2006

Wallowing

Hey, were you aware that being sick is no fun? It's true. I know. Shocker. Being sick... bites.

I'm hurtin'.
And feeling a bit sorry for myself.

*grumble*

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:56 PM

October 11, 2006

Sincere Desire of My Heart

I wish, oh how I wish, that you could buy only the delicious nut covered raisins from Raisin Nut Bran. The bran flakes really just get in my way.

If I was rich, I'd buy boxes and boxes and then have my peons meticulously sift through each one, extracting the nuts for my eating pleasure.

I would then donate the flakes to the poor.

See? I understand philanthropy. With great power, comes great responsibility. Etc. etc.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:51 PM

October 10, 2006

Really Gets My Goat

-Sigh-

Yeah, I started with a sigh. And I'll tell you why. Ya know what gets old? People who are totally self-involved. I try not to let it bother me, but when you have somebody in your life that never asks about YOU, it just gets tiresome. I try to be patient and realize that everyone is at different stages in life, dealing with their own issues and whatnot, but every now and then I get kind of fed up with it. And no, it's not any of you out there-- you're all cool.

What else can you assume about a relationship like that but that it's all about them? You're obviously more interested in them than they are in you. Do they care about what's going on in your life? Wouldn't they inquire after you, your kids, your husband, SOMETHING, if they cared? I get virtually nothing from this person. No indication that they are even particularly happy to hear from me. If somebody else was coming to me with this problem, I'd say, cut your losses and move on to other, more productive relationships in your life. But there are people in your life you just can't do that with. So what to do? Try not to take it personally, and just suck it up? Eh. I don't know if this person realizes that they come off this way... that their lack of interest feels like a lack of love sometimes.

Anyway, pardon my little irritation. I try not to be cranky on this blog, because negativity begets negativity. But sometimes... it sorta leaks out.

Okay, I'm out like Paris Hilton in a spelling bee.

(Aw... that wasn't nice. I'm sure she'd make it through at least a few rounds. There, there, Paris... don't cry. You're an heiress- you can pay somebody to do your spelling for you, okay?)

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:08 PM

October 9, 2006

Aw, She's Using Big Words

I love listening to people speak when they have a good vocabulary. Ya know the people I'm talking about. They use words you know, but in a different way than you expect. Like letting an idea "marinate" for a while. I heard that once and it stuck with me... it's such an interesting way to use that word. Or people who use words you know, but for some reason, are rarely spoken in daily conversation. How do I do that? My vocabulary is decent- but it doesn't occur to me to employ all the unique and delicious words I know. How can I change that?

Reading helps- I know. But WonderGirl is a BusyGirl. I honestly don't have a lot of time to read, or write. Or sometimes brush my hair. I'm okay with that - it's a temporary condition. (well, not the hair thing. That's just laziness.) But, eventually, life won't be so hectic, and I'll pick up all those things again. It's nice to know that after the kids are bigger, those interests will be waiting on me. That's a new realization for me. When I turned thirty, I panicked a little, thinking of all the things I want to do and haven't done. But in the last year, I have begun to see things a bit more long term. It's not about completing this huge "To Do" list. There are moments in your life when you are able to fully concentrate on nourishing your own interests and needs. And that's great. It's necessary. But then, there are moments when it's time to give back, to focus on enriching the lives of others. Right now, I'm growing a garden of kids. I'm providing fertile soil for four little sprouts. When these days are gone, I will once again look to enriching my own ground, with my own interests and hobbies.

The amazing thing is, that then I'll enjoy not only the fruits of my own field, but also the blooms of four other unique gardens.

But I digress. (And let's be honest- I totally overworked that analogy.)

Language is different than a hobby, though. It's not necessarily physically time consuming- I think it's more of recycling and rethinking the words you already know. It's just a matter of tapping into them. And not being afraid to throw them out there, despite the occasional raised eyebrow.

I've been signed up for Dictionary.com's word of the day forever now. Maybe in an attempt to polish my vocabulary, I should make a point of actually using the words and not just absorbing them. Use the word of the day in a conversation or something. Today's word is braggadocio, which means empty boasting.

Oh, goodie. Nothing like dropping three dollar words to get yourself accused of braggadocio.

-sigh-

Well, I'll give it a go. Let me know if I seem smarter in the next week, okay? Or prettier. (Hey, who knows what the side effects will be? It could happen.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:49 AM

October 8, 2006

That's Not Relaxing.

I checked out a book on joyful childbirth from the library on Saturday, and it came with a meditation cd. So I find a quiet place in the day- the kids are playing- King Pen is jogging- I'm all comfy and relaxed on the bed. I pop in the cd, and begin to listen to the soothing, calming voice of the narrator, telling me relax, breathe deep, etc. etc. I'm working on my zen.

But something... uh, what is that?

No, relax.

Shhh.

But--- ew---

Focus. Come on- inhale, exhale.

Oh, ick. It's B.O.

The cd smells like B.O.

That is so gross. And not all relaxing. No way am I deep breathing that funk.

I don't even want to know the how or why.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:35 PM

October 5, 2006

Ouch

My sons just tried to remove me from my eyeball. Seriously. I guess they are attempting to balance out that third eye in the back of my head...

I was putting something into a trunk, and they made a joint decision to close it on Mommie's head. Nice. One of the metal brackets made a beeline for my eye socket, and the pain nearly knocked me out. I think they hit a nerve or something- because I got this immediete, piercing headache, and I just sat there and cried for a few minutes. I'm okay now, though. Nothing pierced the skin- my eyelid was closed, thankfully. Vision is just fine.

Which means I ain't taking my eyes off those kids again... I don't trust 'em. They've got some secret pact or something.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:39 PM

October 4, 2006

Admission

I just made myself a peanut butter sandwich for lunch.

And I seriously considered putting chocolate chips on it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:50 PM

Meandering

Czarina is doing some worksheets, and I'm taking my smoke break.

Yeah.

You heard it.

Okay, so I'm not lighting up, but to be honest, a little nicotine would hit the spot right now. (Sorry, Ma. I'm not actually gonna do it. I'm just saying.)

Czarina took a test a little while ago, and she made an A, but she missed a few. And it kills her. Really, truly, she's crushed when she misses an answer. I don't know what to do about it- she gets very upset and cries and it almost ruins her day, at least for a few hours. I understand that she's sensitive and hates to disappoint herself, but at the same time, I want her to be able to handle those emotions appropriately. Thoughts?

And while we're discussing child rearing and whatnot... let's talk about the Duke. Now, I realize he's not quite 18 months old yet. And I'm all about letting children go to each developmental step in their own time. But the kid will not hold a sippy cup. I put it on his tray and try to walk away, and he just bursts out crying. He will continue to cry big, desperate tears until I hold the dang thing for him. It's like feeding a baby goat. I know, I know, you'll say, just don't do it for him... and you're probably right. But you don't understand what I'm facing over here. He will ruin an entire meal. He'll cry himself into throwing up. And when he does try to hold it, he won't tilt it up to get anything out of it- so he thinks he can't do it. Argh!

HeroBoy isn't giving me any trouble this morning, which is fortunate.

And I'm okay, I'm not having a meltdown- I'm just venting a little.

In other news, I've been doing a lot of reading and research about natural childbirth lately. I've mentioned that I'm seeing a midwife- as I did with my first child. So it's not unfamiliar territory for me. But, it's been a while, so I'm getting back into the groove by reading everything I can get my hands on. I keep coming across something called "hypnobirthing' in my reading, and it has really piqued my interest. Have you guys heard of it? These women swear to nearly painless, unmedicated births using these techniques of deep relaxation and affirmations. And hey, I'm all for PAINLESS. So I'm looking into it. I've got my eye on the books/cds on ebay, and I think I'm gonna go for it. I will definitely let you know how that works out.

Czarina's birth was incredible- I mean, it was hard, it hurt- but it was so empowering. It changed me from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. I never knew what I was capable of, what beauty and strength there is in childbirth, until I experienced it, full throttle. It was an intensely spiritual moment for me. With HeroBoy and the Duke, I had hospital, epidural births- and while they were amazing and special in their own way- (how could it not be?), it didn't change me the way Czarina's birth did. I want that again, especially knowing this is most likely my last chance. I want to experience again that profound understanding of what a woman's body can do, what I can do. It's hard work, but the reward is worth it. I'm actually looking forward to labor and childbirth. Yeah- I'm seriously saying that. Crazy, huh?

Anyway- that's not to say that I'm anti-epidural- I'm not gonna get up here and blast the medical field or anything like that. We each make choices about what kind of birth we want, and that's okay. But I hate to think that women might make their choices out of fear- or doubt- or because they don't know there are other options. You are capable, the pain won't kill you, and the sense of accomplishment will change you forever. Nobody wants to be in pain. I get that. Shoot- I don't want to be in pain either. But childbirth is more than pain, so so much more. I wouldn't have known it if I hadn't taken the chance and believed in my body.

Again- thoughts? Feel free to chime in.

Okay, smoke break is way over. I gotta scoot. You may talk amongst yourselves.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:58 AM

October 2, 2006

Free Stuff is Good and Silence is Golden

Saturday morning, we went to a little Fall festival right up the road. They had pony rides, bouncy moonwalks, music, prizes and food... all for free. Yup. You heard it. Free- my favorite word. The only thing you had to pay for was a hotdog (.50) if you wanted it, or a ribeye steak sandwich ($5). They did Halloween tattoos, free massages, and demonstrations from the local dance school. There was a band playing some oldies and lots of other little booths set up with free stuff (like popcorn, and rootbeer floats!) It was sponsored by the chamber of commerce, and local businesses. Wow! I thought for sure we'd at least have to pay a buck here and there for things, so it was really nice not to have to. The kids had a blast. And I had another thing to add to the growing list of reasons I love this town.

The rest of the weekend was pretty normal.

I shopped for my journal Saturday afternoon, and spent an hour or two just browsing the stores by myself, which is a real treat. I enjoyed the quiet. One of the things I had to adjust to when I became a mother was the sense of being "touched out". Having babies crawling on you, hanging from you like monkeys, snuggled up on the couch, kissing, drooling, patting, just generally trying to crawl into your skin all the time... well, I had to learn to expand my threshhold for physical touch. And I did. I adjusted. It doesn't bother me at all anymore. Mama Possom's got nothing on me.

Now, however, the challenge has changed into my ability to process noise. By the end of the day, my ears are bone-tired. They've listened to endless questions, crying, fussing, laughing, squeeling, yelling, singing, and baby blabbing. Not to mention the normal sounds of the day, like music, the telephone, the garbage truck, t.v., the teapot, the washing machine, and adult conversation with King Pen. Oh, how that list could go on. So having a few hours to myself, with muted, simple noises of my choice... well that's heaven. I wallow in quiet.

I must be getting old.

Anyway... so that was Saturday. Sunday involved the usual helter skelter church stuff, and a lovely, two hour afternoon nap.

It was a great weekend.

Well, I can't ignore the dirty diaper smell anymore, so I better go. Doody calls. Hahaha.

Sorry.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:36 AM

October 1, 2006

Dear Diary

Journal search: victory! I found a really beautiful journal in a fresh green and brown color scheme- but no matter what I did, I couldn't get a good picture of it. It's actually really quite lovely. It has an asian feel to it (are those cherry blossoms?), and the cover has a silk fabric texture. I love it. It's rather blah in the picture, though. Hmf.

Anyway, there ya have it. Thanks for all the great journal ideas, by the way! I had already bought this one before I read them all. I'll keep your advice in mind next time, though!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:17 PM

September 29, 2006

Blank Books

I'm in desperate need of a new journal. I always know when the old one is done- not because I get to the last page, but because I just can't write in it anymore. It may take me two years, it may take me six months, but when they're done, they're done. My journals are all self concluding.

Journal selection is a serious decision for me. It's gotta be just right. The last one I had, the cover was leather and embossed with this cool bohemian design and was absolutely beautiful. But the paper was cream colored. Er. I went ahead and got it because I loved the cover so much, but I never was very happy with the paper. See how picky I am? It's ridiculous. The paper has to be lined, but the lines can't be too far spaced. And I don't like inspirational text on the top or bottom of the page. And cream- well, it's not my favorite. It doesn't match my ink. There are lots of other prerequisites for a journal making it home with me, but I'll spare you my neurosis.

I have a little birthday money I've been hanging on to, and tomorrow, I'm gonna put it to good use. I'm going journal shopping. Yay! And since I know you're just fascinated with every tiny little detail of my life, I'll post a picture of the winning book when I get home. Yes, you are lucky, aren't you?

I am such a nerd.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:51 AM

September 28, 2006

Don't Feed The Monster

Sometimes you need a place to yell, Grrrrrr!!!

I am so frustrated, and I want to say why and I can't.

Over the recent months, I've been working on this new philosophy on dealing with the frustrations in my life. I realized I had gotten to a point where I focused on what was bugging me too much. I mulled over the irritations and discomforts of life, and it made them worse. So, once I realized this, I consciously made the effort to let things go when they bothered me. Shake it off. Not think about it anymore. It works pretty good with most things, especially the small ones. It's quite liberating to shrug your shoulders and say, "eh, whatever." Water on a duck, my friend.

The potential problem though, is that I run the risk of not dealing with things that actually need resolution. I am simply ignoring them or pretending they don't exist. I'm not so sure how that's working out for me. I've got one particular issue that keeps getting under my skin, and I wonder if it means this is something I really need to sit down and address and be done with it.

-sigh-

And I can't talk about it here. It would only exacerbate the problem.

I'm also afraid that by talking about it, I'll fall back into that old habit of overthinking a problem, making it bigger and "badder" with more of my attention. Know what I'm saying? I don't want to feed that monster if it means he gets bigger.

At the same time, I know myself. I need an outlet for this one-- it's almost like the writer's itch, it will eat at me until I exorcise it.

Thus, the "GRrrrrrr!!!!!"

Actually, I do feel better after bringing it up here, despite the vagueness. Okay. Good. Progress. Now I think I'll follow up with some therapeutic, homemade chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Doctor's orders, of course.

(I don't have to feed the monster. But I should probably feed myself, right? Yeah. I mean, I'm only thinking of the baby. I have to keep my strength up and all.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:55 PM

September 26, 2006

Effective Advertisement

Yesterday, while driving to my midwife appointment (which I will expound upon later), I passed a billboard that simply said, "Call Your Parents".

That's it.

No business listed, no hidden advertisement, just call your parents.

I had to laugh-- I could imagine a group of disgruntled, Seinfeldian parents sitting around a bridge table, complaining about their grown children never calling home. Then one of them has the bright idea of starting a billboard campaign to remind their negligent children to shape up.

So of course, I called home.

I'm a sucker for imperative advertising.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:39 PM

Oh Thank Heavens

After four days without a working washing machine, it's finally fixed. Fortunately, it wasn't an issue with our machine, it was the pipes- so we didn't have to fork over any $ for it. Yay!

But do you know what happens when you don't wash clothes in four days around here? It's bad. I may not see you again till next Spring. Seriously. I can't see over this pile.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:50 PM

September 21, 2006

That's Curious.

You know those cool magnetic poetry kits all the hip people have on their refridgerators? The ones they use to create deep, three word sentences to sum up their entire life philosophy as they grab a cold soda and sliced cheese?

Yeah, we don't have those. Instead, we have the cooler, hipper, more magnetic toddler alphabet. In all twenty-six letters, my friends. Yes. We are just that awesome. And get this- we even have doubles of some of the more frequently used letters. Sweet. We reek coffeehouse cool, lemme tell ya. Berets and everything.

I was a bit disturbed, however, after discovering that my children had spelled out the words "Unit B".

I don't know what that means. And it's been bothering me all day.

It seems like a clue of some sort. Are they involved in some covert, scientific experiment I don't know about? Are they undercover? Are they sending coded messages to each other? What is Unit B? WHAT? Tell me! *banging a fist on the table.

King Pen and I tried the good cop/bad cop routine, but they wouldn't budge. They each had solid alibis, of course- each other. They didn't even break a sweat when I threatened them with no cookies or SpongeBob privileges.

It's okay, though. I've got them under survellience.

And I always get my man.

Unit B is going down.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:54 PM

Must See TV

I feel totally robbed that Project Runway was a rerun last night. However, at least tonight we have The Office premiere, and Survivor. Wait! At the same time! Oh NO!

Okay, guess this means I'll have to figure out how to program the VCR. I better start right now. It's not a dumb blonde thing- seeing as how I'm not even really blonde anymore. It's a "stupid VCR lacking a manual" thing. Grr.

Oh, by the way, have you seen the public service announcements from the cast of The Office? My sister-in-law passed e'm along to me. Funny!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:09 PM

I'm Wearing A Tent

Well, I'm officially wearing a maternity shirt. And I officially look stupid. I'd take it off if it wasn't so danged comfortable. I have three normal shirts that are still working for me, all of which I got for my birthday. So that's Mon, Tues., and Wed. You don't want to see me from Thursday to Sunday! C'est la vie. I've got three pair of normal jeans that still fit- okay, they fit before a meal. After a meal, I go redneck and unbutton that baby. I just can't stand tight stuff around my middle right now! Anyway, I'm feeling pretty silly in this shirt, but there's something to be said for the roomy cut! As long as nobody sees me, that is. Please, avert your eyes.

In other news, school was good today. I've figured out that we have to do our math first. Phonics and reading come easily to Czarina and she loves it. When we do math last, by the time we get to it, she's frustrated and restless and ready to be done for the day. So we did it first thing this morning, and it was great! I don't want to skimp on her math, so I think this change will be a big improvement. Our biggest obstacle these days seems to be the Duke. Czarina is vastly amused by anything he does and he knows it. That stinker is a major distraction. Usually, he's still asleep when we get started, but occasionally, he is awake and in full performance mode. He loves, loves, LOVES his big sister, and will do almost anything to get her attention. It's in those moments when I think about adding a newborn to the mix, and I get afraid.

In the busiest, most hectic hours, I really question my ability to juggle it all. But, in the end, I know I will because I have to, and it will all be okay. That's the way I am. It doesn't matter how difficult it can be, because what choice do you have but to deal? I am too responsible to freak out (much, anyway)- and I'm not bragging, that's just who I am. I won't have a break down, because who will clean up the mess? I'm fairly certain there's a more noble attitude to have about it, but hey- whatever gets the job done, right? Ha! Seriously though, I am thankful that God has equipped me to deal with the life we lead. He's used the past five (+) years to mold me into a more easy-going, patient, and generally content person. I think those things will come in handy with four children under the age of 6. And again, I'm not building myself up- I am overflowing with imperfection- but I recognize how God has used the circumstances of my life to prepare me for the journey ahead. It's good to know there is a point to all we go through!

Okay, I'm gonna go feed myself now. I'll spare you the weird details of the pregnant lady's menu. And you're welcome.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:45 PM

September 20, 2006

Una Buena Dia

It's amazing outside. My family tells me to quit bragging about it, but I can't help it. B'ham has awesome weather. I actually feel kind of guilty about it... and paranoid. I feel like I'm going to jinx it by over-acknowledgement. But come on--- cool and breezy AND sunny? It's too much. Moving from Louisiana, I feel like I have weather PTSD. It may take a while to recover.

I'm having a good nail day. Ever have those? Where you nails look spontaneously manicured? Trust me, it's purely accidental. They just happened to chip or break in a perfect crescent shape, cause I don't put much effort into it. Not that I'm against lovely nails, not at all. It's just not high on the priority list. I'm enjoying them now though, because if I can ever find the elusive guitar, I know they'll have to go altogether. Anyway, they look sweet.

Could this day get any better? Ha!

Rambling, sorry. King Pen is coming home for lunch, and I'm getting the car the rest of the day to run some errands and take the kids to a different park. I only had a few minutes, so I thought I'd use them for a little stream of consciousness. Apologies. I really shouldn't subject you good people to such trivial details.

I'll blog more lata, when the day is ending. I'll try to work up something a little more interesting than the state of my fingernails and the weather outside.

Project Runway tonight, by the way. Admit it. You're watching it, aren't ya?

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:45 PM

September 19, 2006

Repeat to Self

Candy corn is not a healthy coping mechanism.
Candy corn is not a healthy coping mechanism.
Candy corn is not a healthy coping mechanism.

Chocolate, on the other hand...

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:23 PM

September 18, 2006

Even Barbie Has Dirty Work

This commercial came on over the weekend, and Britt and I sat in stunned silence as we witnessed toy history. Aparently, Barbie has a dog. His name is Tanner. And he's hilarious- a real comic genius- because he poops. Feed him a "brown doggie-bisquit", and it will pop out the other end. Nice. At least Barbie is civically minded and law-abiding- she promptly scooped with her magnetic pooper scooper. No batteries required.

I wish Barbie was my neighbor. Not only would she clean up after her dog, I bet she'd even invite me to her infamous slumber parties! We'd have pillow fights and talk about how Ken tried to give her a closed mouth kiss on their last date! That jerk.

Anyway.

Yay for toys that imitate bodily functions. I bet Santa gets lots of requests for that one this year. I know it's going on my list.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:18 PM

How'd It Go, You Ask?

So much happened this weekend, I don't even know where to start!

Saturday morning, Czarina woke up to her 6th birthday, and French toast. We had a picnic lunch at Oak Mountain State Park, where we swam in the lake and walked the Treetop Nature Trail. On the way, we swung by the Freecycler's house to pick up the guitar. Unfortunately, the bridge was bowing up, and if I tightened the strings, the whole thing woulda broken. Wah. So no guitar yet.

After we got back from the lake (which boasted goose feathers and POO along the shoreline! grrr), the kids went for one last dip in the pool with King Pen. The pool is now officially closed for the season! Where did the summer go?

After an hour or two of downtime, we packed up and headed to the mall for Czarina's birthday celebration. She and HeroBoy made Build-A-Bears, and she had a little bit of birthday money to spend at the toystore. By the time we got home, Aunt Britt was here with yet more gifts to open, and Pocky for me! Yum! After a while, the kids went to bed and Britt and I got down to our way overdue girl talk. After a few hours of that, we were all caught up.

Sunday, we had church, and that afternoon, Britt broke out her hair stuff and did her thing. Yay! I am now in my fall palette. It's lovely. We played at the playground for a while, then the kids went to the creek with King Pen. Busy day, again. Britt left this morning. It was so good to see her. I love that little sis of mine.

So I have pictures, I really do. And I'm gonna edit those suckers, and get them up later, I promise. Seriously. I am going to do it. But first I have to go see if Belle and Shawn are EVER going to figure out that Claire is their baby.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:08 PM

September 15, 2006

The Extremely Edited Rant

Dear Dog Owners Of America, or specifically, MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR,

Hi.

Please, for the love of pete, clean up da poop.

Sincerely,
WonderGirl

PS- I am a dog person, you know. I'm just not a poo person. And though I have the foresight to look before I step, my children do not. Next time I have to shovel piles and piles of poop just so my kids can play outside, you can guess where I'll be replacing it.

********

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:25 PM

September 14, 2006

More of the Same

Expanding on the thought earlier today... my goodness, what a gorgeous day! We've been sleeping with our bedroom window open a little so we could hear the crickets, and this morning, there was a deliciously cool breeze sneaking into our room. Ahhhh... it was so nice. And now it is sunny and bright, but there is still a little, almost undetectable, nip to the air. Fall waits.

I'm excited to experience a new season in a new place. Fall should be longer and more vivid here in B'ham than it was in south Louisiana. I am almost giddy with the thought! I can envision the hot cocoa and fuzzy socks and piles of leaves already.

School was short today, as it was a test day for Czarina. I am happy to report she's doing very well- she scored 98 and 95 on the phonics and math tests. We are celebrating with a trip to the playground in just a little while. I will make a valiant attempt not to fall asleep on the blanket I plan to spread out. Actually, I know better than to shut my eyes with the Duke on the loose. He'd be halfway to Texas if I fell asleep!

I'd like to thank everybody for the wellwishing on my birthday! It's so nice to have people that care about you and pray about you and want you to feel special. No present is nicer than feeling like you matter to other people! So, a hearty thank-you!

Well, I suppose I should get out there and enjoy this fantastic weather, instead of just writing about it. Happy afternoon everybody! Enjoy it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:03 PM

Today's Perfection

Oh beautiful morning!
Crisp and cool and inviting.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:40 AM

September 13, 2006

Signs of Mommyness

You know you're a mom when it's standard procedure to clarify the statement, "Go wipe your nose," with "WITH A TISSUE!"

Ew.

Speaking of motherhood and such, I'm feeling the wee one making it's presence known on a daily basis now. It's such a sweet little feeling. This will probably DEFINITELY be our last go round with the pregnancy thing, so I'm trying to enjoy each sensation. I am past the morning sickness, clocking in at 16 weeks now. I feel good! Hard to believe that in a month, I will be halfway through. I packed a few of my regular clothes away, but I am still not quite in maternity clothes. I'm in that phase when I just look like I've eaten too many do-nuts. (Which I am not denying.) But still. I love the bump. Whether it's donut related or not.

In other news, it looks like I actually am getting a guitar! I've mentioned the Freecycle page before- where people basically post things they want to get rid of and things they are looking for. (How awesome is that?) Well, I sent out a message that I was seeking a guitar, and a fellow Freecycler responded. So I'm meeting her this weekend to get my very own, used acoustic guitar! I'm so excited! I don't have any selfhelp books to go along with it, but maybe I can find something at the library. Any guitar players out there with some advice? Please make with the dispensing if you do.

This weekend, my sister of the many names will be coming for a visit. Britt will be here for Czarina's birthday on Saturday. We're going to a lake that has a beach for a picnic lunch, and then that evening we'll be doing the Build-A-Bear thing. It will be a fun weekend, full of cakey deliciousness. I can't believe my girl is going to be six. It's just... wah. But not yet. I'll try to hold it in a few more days.

Well, looks like my coffee break's over. Gotta get back to work! Lunch to make, papers to grade, laundry to uh... launder.

Have a good one, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:24 PM

September 12, 2006

Digital yumminess

Hm. My computer smells like chocolate chip cookies. That can't be good.

Or, well, shoot, maybe it is. Maybe it's my lucky day, and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies are about to pop out of my disk drive. That would be nice.

Anyway- got a few substantial blog posts in the works. I'll post 'em later... after I figure out where the cookies are. I think I'll check the internet cache. Ha!

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:29 PM

September 11, 2006

31

Seriously? I am THAT old? I think I accidentally hit the fast forward button or something.

Happy Birthday, me! Put your boots on- etc. etc.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:35 AM

September 8, 2006

Key of C(razy)

Oh dear. As much as I've got going on in my life, I get an itch to teach myself the guitar.

Really.

Oh lookie! I could wear this cool prego shirt, too!

Nothing says rocking like a mama with red hair and black roots.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:00 PM

September 7, 2006

Looking For A Six Fingered Man

I'd say my nesting instinct has hit early, or I've developed OCD. Either way, I've been cleaning like a madman. But cleaning is kind of boring, so I like to spice it up a little. Today, I was Inigo Montoya. Know who I'm talking about? From The Princess Bride? I pointed the toilet scrubber at my foe with great flourish and said in a deadly calm, Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father... Prepare to DIE!

You know you're saying it in your head right now. You're even rolling your r's, aren't you? Go ahead, say it out loud. It's really fun.

Anyway, I attacked the dirty and unorganized today with great, Spanish, gusto. I got the linen closet properly submissive, the master bathroom resigned to it's fate, and the laundry well and truly tamed. I am feeling downright productive, amigos! All it takes is a little foreign accent to get the job done right. (And no one around to laugh at you when you are acting like a complete idiot.)

Okay, that's all for now. I need to go before I make one too many Princess Bride references and drive you all away. More foolishness tomorrow.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:21 PM

September 6, 2006

Washer Woman

Pardon me while I just pass out here for a little while.

Whew! With the kids out of town, my little assistant and I have attacked a few of the more onerous jobs that I've been avoiding. I organized the kids closets and dressers. I got all the clothes out that are too small and went through the boxes of clothes the next size up. Hm. That doesn't sound nearly as impressive a job as it actually was, but you can take my word for it. I'm wiped! I also went through all my maternity clothes and organized my dresser and closet, removing clothes that don't fit anymore. And in between all that, I've been doing the regular laundry and putting it away.

I'm sick of clothes.

And I'm out of hangers.

So I'm done.

The Duke was super "helpful", by the way. With his big brother and sister gone, he is dogging my trail step for step. The boy doesn't like hanging out on his own, that's for sure. But I'm enjoying it. It's hard to believe that in six months, he won't be the baby anymore. Wah. I'll take it while I can get it.

Well, I'm out. That couch over there is looking mighty fine about now. See yas tomorrow.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:12 PM

September 5, 2006

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

We rolled in last night around 10, loaded down with bags and boxes and one baby. (Well, two if you count the wee stowaway.) We had a great weekend! It was busy, but not overwhelming. The weather was out of this world. The food was delicious. And being amongst loved ones again was oh-so-sweet. I think I was more homesick than I had realized!

I did take some pictures, so I'll post them a little later on today. But now it's time for unpacking and cleaning up and enjoying a day with the Duke. Hope you all had a great holiday, too.

On again later!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:02 AM

September 1, 2006

Options

Busy, busy weekend ahead. We're leaving today around 2ish for my parent's house in MS. We'll spend the night there, and then tomorrow morning, stop by my mom's hospital for a little freebie ultrasound (it does pay to have a labor and delivery nurse in the family!), and then on to meet my sister at a campground for a few hours. She and her hubby are camping out for the Labor Day holiday, and it's not far, so there ya have it. After a few hours there, we'll head to King Pen's parent's house to spend the night. Sometime Sunday after church, we'll go see his sister's new house, then church that night. Monday, we'll head back to B'ham- minus Czarina and HeroBoy, who are staying for the rest of the week with his parents. (Czarina won't be missing school though- King Pen's mom gets to be teacher this week.)

So- wow. We're on an hourly schedule, it appears. My dilemna in planning trips back is this: my family and King Pen's family are about an hour apart. So I have two options for visiting. We can A) Spend a short time at both places, sacrificing quality for quantity; or B) Visit only one family each time, which forces us to go longer between visits. I don't like either option, really! I don't want to be in a hurry to go from one house to the next, but I also don't like the idea of going months between seeing either side! Gr. I want my cake and I want to eat it, too. Makes sense to me!

Anyway, we'll see how this goes. If it kills us, we may have to try option B. I'll be taking my camera and snapping frantically, so we'll have photographic evidence of the madness. Despite the busyness of it all, I'm really, really looking forward to seeing family and friends. I've been a little homesick for familiar faces.

Well, have a happy weekend everybody, and enjoy the holiday.

See ya Tuesday!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:48 PM

August 31, 2006

Nightly Wrapup

Egads, I'm tired. We had a good day today, Czarina has really taken to school. It takes us most of the morning to get it started up and finished, which isn't bad. After lunch, I let the kids veg a little while the Duke takes a nap- playdough or cartoons or something, then we usually go swimming when he wakes up.

Today we had a picnic lunch, which was fun, and different. A little later on we played a Carebear game and Strawberry Shortcake, and that was about it for me. I was done. Mama was tapped out. From that point on, it was just finishing my stuff for the night- dinner, dishes, prep for school, etc. and before I know it, it's 11 and time to hit the hay.

Eh. I don't want to be a mommy that just takes care of the house and their basic needs, ya know? I do want to make their days fun and different- I don't want them to be bored. But at the same time, I get exhausted after a day of entertaining them. Maybe all those arts and crafts and activities I always thought I'd do with my children are really for those a little bit older than mine. I don't know... But I feel like right now I often go from one task to the next without stopping to make those crazy and fun memories I want them to have. Sometimes I'm on autopilot, and that's an icky feeling.

I'll have to think on that one.

But not tonight- my brain is sleepy. Dreams beckon.

G'night-- sleep tight. Bed bugs, ya know the drill.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:26 AM

August 29, 2006

Oh The Decadence

... of cinnamon rolls in the middle of the afternoon. Absolutely sinful.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:40 PM

August 26, 2006

Sweet Saturday

Happy Saturday, people! Ohyayohyayohyayohyay! I needed a Saturday.

I know you're thinking I've barely blogged the last few days, but that's not actually true. I've started several posts, but they were all too heavy and overly "thinky" to actually publish. Sometimes, it's better just to zip it, ya know? So I've kept it light. And yes, you're very welcome. Ha!

Today's agenda: a nice long walk, and picture day! I have been in that first trimester fog for months now, and it's finally starting to clear. Now I wanna do some stuff! I feel involved in my life again, which is nice. I've barely taken any good pictures lately, so I need to snap some while the kids are exploring and having fun.

I love Saturdays now, I really do. It's so nice to spend time together as a family. I try to let King Pen unwind a little and not use the weekend as a chance to dump everything on him, but it sure is nice to have a second pair of hands (and eyes) around to corral this bunch. Plus, adult interraction is a nice change to the day.

Oh, I know some of you read Gypsy's blog- isn't she great? Anyway, she just had her baby- he was born one day before Jack turned one. So for one day, she had two children under the age of one! God bless her! Well, she comes home from the hospital today. She just moved to Germany a few months ago with her husband who is in the military. So, she's away from family and hasn't had a lot of time to make new friends. If you think of it, remember her in your prayers as she makes this new transition. I can imagine the challenges she'll face, and I'm sure she'd appreciate your thoughts.

Okay, that's it for now... stuff to do!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:54 AM

August 24, 2006

Castaways

I've been reading here and there that the 13th season of Survivor has plans to divide the tribes by race- white, black, asian, and hispanic. Okay. It's so irritating when a show won't die gracefully. Don't get me wrong, I've been a long time fan. But c'mon guys. Being controversial just to get ratings is tacky. And sadly, it'll probably work.

I can't see much good coming from this format. What do you think?

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:56 PM

August 23, 2006

Too Young

Okay, I'm saying, who in their right mind would let their THIRTEEN year old child get married? I don't get it. I mean, she had to have her parent's permission right, if she was a minor? And to an 18 year old? Sheesh.

Update: After looking it up- individuals under the age of 14 may not marry. So how the heck did that happen?

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:17 PM

August 22, 2006

Hiddily-ho!

Ah... Ned Flanderisms.

So lovies, been missing me? I know you're all dying to know what I've been up to this week! So I won't make you suffer any longer. Monday we started school, and as I expected, Czarina was a fabulous student. And today was even better! We finished in about half the time that is slotted in the example schedule in the books- although I'm not trying to speed through it. It took us roughly 2 hours, with a snack and potty break. I'm keeping us as focused as possible, but it is still fairly informal and casual. HeroBoy is busy with his puzzles and playdo, and I do one worksheet with him. The Duke sort of mills around, randomly causing mischief until his morning nap. In all, it's really working out great! I LOVE not having to get Czarina dressed and out the door for school, with lunch and folder and etc. It's really nice! She's doing great, and I'm not having any trouble following the curriculum or teaching the material. I've got this first grade stuff down, my friend! Pictures tomorrow, I promise.

I've been feeling pretty good, lately- naseau is starting to ease off some. Except for yesterday- which was horrible. Guh. I'll be so glad when this part is completely over! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel though-- it's better every day, so I'm thankful for that. I see my midwife next Monday, and that seems like the first milestone to get to. I'm 13 weeks now. Yippee! Clothes are still fitting me, though not quite as loose as normal. I do have a little curve to my belly if you look for it. Though, I'll admit, some of that is chocolate cake and snickers bars. Whaddaya gonna do? A girl's gotta have chocolate when she's moody and hormonal. It's in the Rules.

How about some other random facts for your reading pleasure?

Supper menu tonight: Chicken tacos. Oh the yumminess.
Unmatched socks status: Still unmatched. I'm trying, really, but my hands won't do it!
Latest unsatisfied craving: Chicken divan. Mom!! Help!
Bedtime last night: 9:30. Shamefully early.
Last person I talked to on the phone: Ashley- my pregnant sister. We talked bebe.
Something I'm too lazy to do: Besides the unmatched socks, it's change the ringtone on my cellphone, which is terribly un-me. Been bugging me for days, but I haven't done a thing about it. I disgust myself.
Latest irritation: The ants in my kitchen!! URGH! Die, fiends!
Last grown-up I personally interacted with: A grandma at the pool. She talked, I listened. I didn't get a word in edgewise, but beggars can't be choosers! At least now I am intimately aquainted with her tv schedule and where she went on vacation this summer.
Most recent quirk: I'm off books! Noooo! It's like I've got reader's block. Just can't seem to get into anything good.

Okay, that's enough for now. My services are required by the Duke, who is busy yelling demands from the highchair.

Toodily-do!

(and yes, you have permission to really dislike me for at least ten minutes for making you read "toodily-do". It didn't sit well with me, either. But you start with a Flanderism, gotta end with one. Sorry. Rules.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:10 PM

August 20, 2006

Random

I don't know why, but the other day I remembered this one kid I knew in junior high who was born on Christmas Day. He told me he went through a brief freak out in elementary school when someone told him that meant he was the antichrist.

That's so terrible. But oh so funny.

(Reminds me of that site, I Used To Believe. Hilarious!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:27 PM

August 18, 2006

Preggo Dreams

Last night, I dreamed I was attempting to homeschool a tribe of wild native people in the jungle who didn't even speak English. I woke up when they chased me with spears. I fell back to sleep, and this time I dreamed I drove up to the mall in a mint green granny car, went inside, and rollerskated around the mall in a long, flowing wedding dress!

I can't even begin to decipher that one!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:36 AM

August 17, 2006

Volunteers?

Somebody wanna come over here and match a basketful of socks for me? And while you're at it, you could put the silverware away, too.

Thanks. You're a pal!

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:15 PM

August 14, 2006

So Irritating

Okay. I can deal with the little watermark at the bottom of the screen as a network identification. NBC, CBS, whatever. It's not too intrusive. It's clear- it's stationary. But they just couldn't leave well enough alone, could they? Now they have a whole scene going on in the corner- a promo for some other show while I'm WATCHING a show already. It's so rude! It's distracting! I mean, come on, I'm already watching your channel- don't get greedy! I don't need a miniature Arnold Schwartzenegger marching across the bottm of the screen as a car explodes behind him while I'm trying to watch Harry Potter!

Jerks.

(this entry can also be filed under hormonal rants.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:03 PM

August 10, 2006

Long Lasting It Ain't.

Wow. It takes a chiclet exactly 1.3 seconds to lose it's flavor.
Spatooie!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:02 PM

Let Me Clear My Throat

One of the most undignified moments of humanity is the choke. You know what I'm talking about- you've swallowed something down the wrong way, and in response, your body does everything it can to embarrass you. You try to hold it in some, not wanting to make a spectacle of yourself. You know you're going to be alright- but you can't express it any other way than a shake of your head or wave of your hand to the concerned people around you. All conversation has stopped, and all eyes are on you. People are reviewing the Heimlech in their heads, because they're sure you're about to need it. "Are you okay?" they ask, glancing nervously at you. You are not convincing with your little wave. Your shoulders are heaving, eyes tearing up, and the sputtering, hacking cough, it's terribly undiscreet. Bits of food may even escape with each mighty burst. You are in a full body spasm, and in full body denial about it. And as much as you hate it, it just keeps going on, and on, and on. It can happen anywhere. A wedding. A restaurant. A blind date. It usually happens when you least expect it, and are most horrified at the thought of it.

But, finally, sweet mercy, it's over, and you can breathe again. You take in wobbly breaths. Everyone visibily relaxes. You squeek out a pitiful "I'm fine", and try to pretend you didn't just disgrace yourself in front of an entire roomful of people.

Or maybe that's just me.

Ahem.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:44 PM

August 8, 2006

Uncool

I feel like there is a little fairy sitting on my shoulder today, and he's built a little campfire, roasting marshmellows and weinies. I think he's singing Kum Ba Yah- and rather badly at that.

I know that's weird.

But I'm hot! And there's no other possible explanation. The AC is chugging along, the curtains are drawn, and there's plenty of ice tea. So I blame the fairy. He says to blame the baby, but I won't do that. My little bambino wouldn't dare make his mommie suffer so.

Anyway, the fairy is getting ready to tell some ghost stories, so I'm off. I don't want to miss the one about the guy with the hook on top of the car. Classic.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:42 PM

August 7, 2006

The State of Things

I don't like not knowing who to believe, who to trust. And that's how I feel about the mainstream media. And the White House. Everyone has secret agendas, hidden alliances and motivations and investments. You can't trust a man's words anymore, and that is a sad thing. And I'm not Bush hating here- it's across the board. I don't trust any of them anymore.

The world hates America, or at least, the media wants us to think that. Certainly, many people do hate us. Why? From where I stand, America is first in line to help underdeveloped countries, offer aid during natural disasters, and promote freedom and equality throughout the world. Is that accurate? We are doing those things, aren't we? Or is that just another false portrayal to keep the public docile? I sound paranoid, but something provokes the hatred and animosity towards Americans. What is it? Is it that we are a Christian nation? Or is that we are not Christian enough-- that our Western values are corruptive? Seriously, what is going on that I don't know about? Is the United States conducting itself politically and globally in a way that would horrify it's citizens if we really knew the truth? Are we really the bad guys the world believes us to be? Or is it just easy to hate America? Do the leaders of other countries use us to distract their people from their own corruption? There are a million questions, a million why's... but which one is the truth?

I've been thinking of this since the beginning of the Israeli and Hezbollah conflict. I'm honest enough to admit that I don't understand it, and I can't calculate it's impact on the United States. And I don't know where to go for an honest answer anymore.

When you don't trust anyone to tell you the straight truth, it's hard to make sense of the world.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:08 PM

August 4, 2006

Music to My Ears

I'm not a concert-goer. I love music, but I have been to very few actual performances... but there are a few artists that I'd love to see, would kill to see. Okay, maybe not kill. That's wrong. But I'd give somebody a serious frogging if it meant I'd get tickets to shows like Sheryl Crow and John Mayer together!

Oh, easy listening Nirvana!! I'd like to gather up a few of my girls- you know who you are- and we could have a Girl's Night, complete with frozen margaritas and dangley earrings.

Aw- that makes me lonesome for some friends. Still no buddies here in B'ham, yet. Where are all the cool chicks?

Anyway, I'd also love to see Alison Krauss, The Cranberries, Coldplay, The Coors, and Anna Nalick just to name a few more. Oh, and the Fray. Can't forget them.

You know, now that I look at that list, I'm not much of a hard rocker, am I? I like music I can drink my coffee to. No moshpit craziness for WonderGirl. I gotta get up early in the morning, thank you very much.

Well, I ramble. I'm just putting off the laundry, so I better get to it. Have a good weekend, all!

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:16 PM

Bound To Happen

sooner or later.

Czarina swallowed a marble today. It's at times like these that it's super nice to have an ER doctor in the family. (Go Tara! Way to marry!) His diagnosis- well, what goes in, must come out. So we'll be "keeping an eye out" for it during the next three days. Ew. But still- at least we didn't have to pay $400 to sit in an ER for eight hours!

Now. Let's try to make the rest of the weekend relatively uneventful, hm? No more swallowing of the foreign objects.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:10 PM

August 2, 2006

Ice Cream, Hold the Pickles

I didn't think I would live to see the day it would happen, but I was wrong. A few days ago, I bought some Publix ice cream called Chocolate Trinity. I was excited. Chocolate so good, it's spiritual. I love chocolate- so how about chocolate times three? Great! Fantastic! It'll be awesome! Listen to the ingredients and tell me I was wrong: Thick mackinac fudge is swirled into rich, creamy premium dark chocolate ice cream and sprinkled with mini cups of thick, delicious chocolate. Sounds heavenly, doesn't it?

Well, apparently, I am not woman enough to eat Chocolate Trinity. That stuff is like chocolate on steroids. It's big and mean and intense. I took a bite, and cocoa immediately began seeping from my pores. I even tried adding milk, thinking that would calm it down a little, but all it did was convert the milk into a thick, foamy, chocolate glob. It assimilate the milk, people. I saw it happen with my own eyes.

So what now? I mean, it's ice cream, and it's CHOCOLATE- I can't throw it out. But I can't eat it, either. It's scary. I think it spoke to me. Told me to go liberate his brothers, Dulce de Leche, Oh Fudge Oh Nuts, and Blackjack Cherry from their frozen prisons.

It's rogue chocolate, people. Dangerous. Unpredictable. Each bite may be your last.

Help. I'm in over my head with this one.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:53 AM

July 31, 2006

Money Matters

My thoughts are all over the place these days. Mostly, they revolve around how life will change for us in seven months. I have moments of peace, when I know things will all work out okay- when I realize how fortunate I am for what I've got. Then, there are other times when I am absolutely freaked out, when I don't know how we can possibly accomplish the things we need to in time for this baby, and beyond that. I go from optimistic to fearful in two seconds flat.

I have always had a healthy skepticism of the american dream. I know that happiness is not to be found in owning a home, driving a new car, or taking yearly vacations. I realize that my children don't need the cutest furniture from Pottery Barn to have a good childhood. Seriously- I get that. I like nice things as much as the next person, but I know they are extra in life. I know that what they need most in the world is two parents who love God, and love them, and show that every day.

It's not the lack of the american dream bothers me. If we live in an apartment our entire lives, it would be disappointing, but not the end of the world. If we don't travel or drive fantastic cars, I can live with it. But it's the struggle that gets to me. Living paycheck to paycheck-- not only cutting out the luxuries in life, but also the things that we really DO need. There's nothing left to cut out of our lives at this point, honestly. We have to eat. We have to have electricity. Other than that, we don't dare spend money. I don't say all this for pity or sympathy or anything like that. I think a lot of people are in the same boat as us-- it's not an unusual phenomenom. It's a reality plenty of folks can relate to, which is why I write this here. You know what I'm talking about. If you don't live this way right now, you probably remember a time when you did. We all have hard times, right?

Counting every penny is exhausting. I don't know how we can take on any more financial responsibility, and yet, we must. Somewhere in there, we must find enough to pay for a new baby (they ain't free, mister), and also, upgrade to a vehicle that will seat six, within the next seven months. It's frightening.

I do pray about it. And I know that God is our provider. So you don't have to post the bible verses. But the thing is, maybe this is the way God wants it for us, for some reason. That thought is what really scares me. That God has decided that this is the road we must take, that struggle is something we need, that we will always need. I guess I should just trust Him. If He thinks we need it, then obviously the alternative is bad. I don't want to be rich and miserable and out of His will. But, it's disheartening to think that we may struggle every day for the rest of our lives. I feel worn down already, and I have lots of years ahead of me.

Trust. Faith. Hard stuff. If it was just me, then it would be simpler-- but trusting Him with my children... having faith that He'll provide for these little people that depend on me... that is a challenge. But that's what it is going to take, because we need miracles in the months to come. Last time I checked, I couldn't take credit for a single miracle in my life. God's gotta do it. And I gotta trust Him to do it.

Anyway, those are just some thoughts swimming around today... sorry to be so serious. I now return you to our regularly scheduled, lighthearted blogging.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:26 AM

July 30, 2006

Yow.

Today's mystery ailment? Severe calf pain. As far as I know, I didn't run a marathon yesterday. There's no trophy to be found anywhere. And yet, my calves proclaim that not only did I run 26.2 miles, I also won the dang thing. They hurt people. I'm practically limping. I at least deserve an honorable mention or something. *pout*

Oh, and whining, too- wow. Sorry 'bout that. I'm going to bed now- enough with my pitiful self. I sure hope I don't wake up tomorrow with my body thinking I've won an ironman competition.

But if I do, there better be some kind of certificate of achievement laying around. I'm just saying.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:41 PM

July 28, 2006

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I know- I said I'd blog this week. And you guys don't give up on me, do ya? You come back, day after day, and there's nada. zip. zilch. I haven't lived up to our unspoken contract. Your job is to pop in from time to time, and mine is to write something worth reading occasionally.

Well shoot. I'm sorry, guys. I've definitely not fulfilled my end of the bargain lately. But the truth of the matter is, I am just downright GREEN. I am having the worst kind of nausea all day, all night. I am keeping my groceries down, at least, but I have this constant gross feeling, and the last few days have been evil. I have no appetite whatsoever-- the only thing I can stomach is really bland food. Even then, it's a chore to eat. I AM doing all the little tricks to help morning sickness- you name it, I'm doing it. But I feel horrible. And I ain't looking so hot, either. I'm literally a pale shade of green.

Anyway, it should be better in this next month, hopefully. I can't say I'll be writing as much in the next few weeks as I normally do, so please be patient. When I get a handle on this thing, I'll write more often.

Now, pass the saltines, please. And the ginger. Oh, and don't forget the B6, the seasickness bracelet, and that bag of peppermints.

Urgh.

PS: As my sister so thoughtfully reminded me the other day, extreme morning sickness can be a sign that you are carrying twins. Thanks, Ashley-poo. You're an absolute doll.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:40 PM

July 21, 2006

Things to Come

Today, I am packing Czarina and HeroBoy's suitcases for a trip to the country. We are all leaving tomorrow morning for my cousin's wedding in north Mississippi. King Pen, the Duke, and I will be returning to B'ham after the festivities, but the two oldest will go back to Grandma's house. They'll spend a night there, and then over to the other grandparent's house for the rest of the week. I am looking forward to the spending some time with my little man. He's 14 months old now, and he's such a happy little guy. We're going to have lots of fun while the other kids are playing up a storm with their cousins. It's a vacation for everybody!

I also hope to accomplish a few tasks this week during various naptimes. I need to work on baby books-- oh dear. I have to admit, I have let this fall by the wayside. I just ran out of steam! The Duke's isn't even HALFWAY finished, and I haven't updated the others in about two years. Yikes. Bad mom. Anyway, I'll be working on that, and hopefully, getting some other little projects taken care of, too. Curtains still haven't been hung, and I have a photo album that's begging for some attention. One particular errand I'll be running is quite juicy, actually... top secret for a few more days, though. I'll be unveiling it by Wednesday, so stay tuned.

I'm really looking forward to the break. I expect to have mad blogging time, too. I have a few pieces I've started and not finished, so I'll get those done and up here, too. I predict PRODUCTIVITY this week, hooray!

Anyway, that's all for now. Just popping in to say hey and let you guys know what I was up to this weekend. Have a happy one!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:40 PM

July 18, 2006

Against My Will

Have I told you about my bed? No? Well, it hates me. I don't know what happened. I don't know what I did that caused it to harbor such a vendetta against me, but every night, my bed tries to kill me. And not just me- King Pen, too. This bed is blood thirsty. By morning, we are contorted, twisted, anguished beings.

The bed must die.

We need a new mattress, in the worst kind of way. But who wants to buy a mattress? Seriously! There are other, much more important things we need to be saving for and buying--- some dumb mattress wasn't in the plan. It really ticks me off. (Get it? ticked - mattress? too obscure? oh well.) But, what can ya do? My back will not last the week if we don't do something, so we give in to the evil dictator bed. Yes, yes. New mattress. Coming, Master.

Jerk.

I hate buying boring stuff.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:38 AM

July 17, 2006

Where Art Thou, Oh WonderGirl?

Hey folks! I'm back after a long, busy weekend of doing absolutely nothing! You heard it. We didn't do a 'thang, and it was great! I know, I know, I could have been blogging, but I just didn't have it in me. Instead, I took the kids swimming on Friday after King Pen got off work. Usually, I have the Duke to contend with on our trips to the pool, and I don't get to play as much. But I left him home, so I got to do some serious splashing around with Czarina and HeroBoy. Then we had Family Fun Night that night- we watched Chicken Little and ate pizza. Good times. The kids had a teeny little bit of coke, and they were high as kites at bedtime. Finally got them settled down and put to bed, and King Pen and I watched Underworld II, which was a nice finish to the day. Saturday, we drove around downtown B'ham, just seeing some sights, until it started raining, then we came home and I took a fabulous nap. Fab.U.Lous. Sunday, we had some vague trouble getting to church (legitimate though, I promise), so it was another home day. I spent the day cozied up with a real winner of a book, Daughter of the Forest. I stayed up until 2 am last night finishing it-- I just could NOT put it down. It was one of those that after you finish it, you lay in bed thinking about it. I was dragging my tail this morning, but it was worth it! For the record, that was a 400 page book, finished in a day. Yeah. My family was feeling a tad neglected.

So today, I have to make up for my lack of productivity over the weekend. Laundry, kitchen, the works. We have one, eensy towel left- ya know the one, the thin, threadbare towel that doesn't quite wrap around you and nobody wants to use? So, must wash. I shall blog later, if time allows, but if not, don't worry, I haven't disappeared into a vat of ice cream or anything. Yet. I'm still around. I'm just busy, doing these super, mega important things.

Yeah.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:37 AM

July 13, 2006

Craving

Dove makes ice cream? Why am I just hearing about this now? And this one is called "Unconditional Chocolate".

Oh. Yes.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:41 PM

Show Down

Why is Project Runway such a guilty pleasure? It's like eating cookie dough icecream and reading a Danielle Steele book all at once.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:03 AM

July 12, 2006

Ahh.

Oh, I feel better this morning! Yippee! I woke up with a killer headache, but knocked it out with some tylenol. The important thing is my throat is better today, which is great, because eating was torture yesterday. I ate some cereal this morning and enjoyed a nice, smooth swallow. Hallelujah!

(Since you care and everything. I just realized maybe you don't, and I've been going on and on about it. How embarrassing.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:50 AM

July 11, 2006

That's So Sick

Holy moly, don't use the internet to look up illnesses you may or may not have. I mean, I KNOW this, but it's just so tempting to google a few of your symptoms... it's the lazy man's doctor.

Well, I'm dying.

Okay, I'm not. But I do have something. I'm just off. I'm run down, my throat's killing me, my glands are swollen, and my tongue-- well, it ain't pretty. I'll spare you the details- and yes, you should thank me for that. I don't know if it's a viral thing, or bacterial, or a parasite (hey, the internet told me it could be a rare, South American parasite and it wouldn't lie to me. I coulda eaten some bad mangos! I mean, you know, if I actually ATE mangos, which I don't.)

Anyway. I can hang tough a couple of days, see if I'll kick it on my own.

But if I take a bad turn, and my parasite gets the best of me, then I would like "I told you I was sick!" etched onto my tombstone. Mkay?

Now, off to eat soft foods.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:36 AM

July 10, 2006

Excursions

At the fireworks celebration July 4th, we were camped out beside a huge boulder, which the kids immediately set their sights on, despite the slippery slope. They wanted to climb. So, up goes King Pen with Czarina and HeroBoy into the dark, scaling heights that would scare most normal mothers. We had company- and the Rev's eyebrows shot up quite a bit, while I didn't even blink an eye. I'm used to their adventuring. The trio made it up a ways, but then turned back upon closer inspection. A little too slick, even for the bravest expeditioners. They did, however, find another ledge to peer into, with at least a forty foot drop. It was covered in kudzu. I comforted myself with the thought that it would have softened the fall a little, anyway. -Sigh- They are fearless, my crew.

So when we took a family hike up a nature trail the other day, I was prepared. The trail is maintained by an elementary school and leads to a waterfall, a la Indiana Jones. I shot these pictures, though it's hard to tell what's what in them. I lost all sense of perspective- drat. The water meanders down from rock to rock about 20 feet, and in places it's very steep. The rocks were amazing- I don't know if I'll ever get used to being surrounded by boulders! The water was a little "ironish"- so we didn't play in it. The greenery was lush and cool and quite lovely. There were no angry natives or snapping crocodiles though- much to the children's disappointment. Maybe next time, kiddos.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:34 AM

July 9, 2006

Domingo

I clawed my way out of the Sunday Nap just a few minutes ago- and let me tell you, it was a bloody battle. I almost didn't win. But here I am, bleary eyed and incoherent, ready to enjoy the rest of my afternoon.

We went to a MEGA church today- much larger than any one I've ever attended before. We went to the 10:55 service- there was also an 8 o'clock, and then three more services in other languages. (Japanese, Spanish, and uh... Korean, I think.) when I say BIG, I am not kidding. Somewhere around 4 to 5,000 people, no less.

We dropped the Duke off in the nursery (he had an armband and I had a beeper- high security, folks!) and we made our way into the service. Everyone was so dang cute. All these little perfect families-- ya know what I'm talking about. All the kids are wearing matching outfits- and they look like teeny Harvard-bound cutie pies. Money. Not that I'm being critical. The people were friendly, the service was nice. But I don't think it was a fit for us. I think we'd be swallowed whole. We need something a little smaller. What gets you in those big churches though, is the amenties. And let me tell you- it would be sweet in that department. They've got it all.

-Sigh-

Anyway, after our trip to Mega Church, we were wiped out and STARVING. Came home and ate a delicious dish called Caribbean Jerk Chicken. Oh my goodness, that's some yummy stuff. It has spicy chicken, sausage, and potatoes all baked together. Juicy, spicy loveliness. And then, we crashed out for a big collective, digestive nap.

Yay for Sundays.

That's all for now- I'll write some mo' later. Gotta go caffeinate if I'm gonna make it through the rest of this day!

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:58 PM

July 7, 2006

Mama Mia

I needa pizza. (in my best Italian accent)

A big, juicy piece-- dripping with cheese and sauce. Thick, buttery crust that sorta crunches when you bite into it, and steamy pepperoni that almost burns your tongue.

Please oh please oh please.

It's a culinary EMERGENCY.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:17 PM

July 6, 2006

Squeeky Clean

Okay, you all know how much I love my little city. I live in Vestavia Hills, which is not really Birmingham but part of it somehow. Anyway. It's cute. Let me give you an example. Down the hill from us is a ballpark. After a game the other night, some kids were milling around their car, not causing any trouble, but not doing anything productive, either. They were loitering in plain sight- GASP. Within a matter of minutes, a police car comes racing down the road, wheels squeeling, and practically do-nuts into the parking lot. The police officer gets out of the car, eying the youngsters suspiciously.

"What are you kids doing up here?" he says, as he looks them over.

"We had car trouble," the Brady bunch explain.

"Oh," he says. His shoulders visibly slump in disappointment. "Do you need some help?"

"No sir, our mom is on her way," they respond respectfully.

"Well then. You kids stay out of trouble, ya hear?"

"Yes, sir!" they reply, nearly saluting in their enthusiasm.

The officer jumps back in his car, and tears out of the parking lot, headed for the next hot call.

It's funny.

That's about the worst you can expect to happen on a Friday night here. This town is tame, tame, tame. Which is great when it comes to crime. But maybe not so good in the local library. Not that I'm hunting every book on the Banned List, but I would like to read something other than Reader's Digest and Agatha Christie books. There's plenty of material if you're researching osteoporosis or canyons of America, though. And there's no shortage of Matlock videos to borrow, either.

I'm betting there's no copy of Tropic of Capricorn in the Vestavia Hills branch library. No sirree. You gotta go outside the city limits to get that kinda contraband, mister.

Okay, that's all for now. Stuffs ta do. And none of it has to do with starting an underground book mobile, nope. I wouldn't do something like that. You know me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:39 AM

June 30, 2006

Three Years Ago

I just got this email from the past- I had forgotten all about it. Cool.

(The following is an e-mail from the past, composed on Wednesday, September 10,
2003, and sent via FutureMe.org)

Dear FutureMe,

If this really works, you should be reading this after King Pen graduates! Yay!
You did it! You both busted your butts and you made it through. The kids are
probably so grown up it makes you want to cry, huh? I can only imagine how
unbelievable life must seem- you'll be, what, like 30 now. You're old!

Keep on making the most of your life, of your time. Don't forget to take more
pictures, write more words, and give more love. These are the things that
sustain you through life, material things fade and rot. Try to keep that in
mind.

I hope that you are the woman you want to be. If you're not, now's the time to
work on that. Don't put it off another three years.

Good luck, WonderGirl.

Love,
The Past

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:03 PM

Movies

I wanna see "The Devil Wears Prada", if for no other reason than that I love the title! I've never read the book, don't really know what it's about, but a good title hooks me everytime.

I'm so shallow.

I also want to see "Superman", but not because of it's ingenius title. I just have an eternal crush on him. It's kind of embarrassing, actually, but what can ya do?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:25 AM

June 29, 2006

Home Sweet Home

When we moved to Birmingham, we were on a tight schedule. We had, literally, about fifteen minutes to find somewhere to live. We were lucky, and found an apartment that suited us perfectly. We plan to rent for a year, while we get our finances all squeeky clean- then buy our very first house. Yip!

It's not something I've ever considered at length before. Our goals have always just revolved around getting out of school, and keeping our cars running, which was trickier than you'd imagine. There were days I swore our cars came straight from Hell. Smoke and everything. Anyway- I'm a very simple person, I can really only handle one step at a time. Now that we've accomplished our initial goal of graduation, and the cars seem less demonic, we are suddenly faced with creating and achieving a new set of goals. Owning a home now sounds like the best thing I've ever heard. (Okay, a minivan sounds pretty dang good, too, but that's another post) I daydream about what our future home might look like, what will need to be done to it, what neighborhood it will be in, if it will like me, blah blah blah.

Now that King Pen has a job, we are able to pay our bills, which is just great. Seriously, paying bills is a thrill for me. But there is nothing left over, yet. I think each payday will be a little better, we'll inch ourselves a little further out of the red as the months pass. And hopefully, a year or so from now, I'll be picking out paint colors and packing up AGAIN. It'll be the most exciting move yet.

Can't wait for color on my walls again.

Wines and apples and pumpkins.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:07 AM

June 28, 2006

Strangeness

Why, yes, I AM listening to Christmas music today, since you asked. And it's really quite lovely.

I'm in one of those weird, upside down moods today. Wearing my shoes on my hands and my hat on my bum kinda days. Ever have them?

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:57 AM

June 27, 2006

Storyboarded

Sunday night, we watched Howl's Moving Castle by Hayao Miyazaki. It was so cool. Some of Miyazaki's other animations are: Spirited Away, Nausicaa, Princess Mononoke, and Castle in the Sky.

He is amazing.

And I know what you're thinking. Cartoons- Japanese animation--- NERD ALERT... but it's not true (the nerd alert is going off because of my pocket protector and retainer. totally unrelated.) Drop the label for a minute and be openminded. Miyazaki's work is stunning. And whimsical. And so full of life. He whisks you away into a world that is fueled by a boundless imagination. I sit there and watch it with the Short Ones and we share the same sense of awe and pleasure. It is a joy to behold. He is a master of his craft, and he tells stories about the best things in life. Bravery and peace and love and friendship-- his stories have wings. Love 'em.

Anyway.

Spirited Away is a great place to start if you've never seen anything from Studio Ghibli. Give it a try- you won't regret it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:31 PM

June 26, 2006

Hullo!

Dear Blog,

I missed you! Did you get my postcard? No? That's weird, cause I totally sent it. Anyway, I'm back in town now, so we can hang out and stuff if you want to. Cool. I'll swing by later, after some coffee.

Great to see ya again. (I can tell you got some sun- you look good!)

Later,
WonderGirl

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:48 AM

June 18, 2006

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my babies' daddy. In the wise words of Maury Povich, "Being a father is so much more than passing the paternity test. So stay tuned for our next show about child support."

Ha.

Seriously, King Pen, you are the Daddy of daddies. Enjoy your day. Love you!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:59 AM

June 17, 2006

Updatery

Sunday afternoon, the kids and I are headed to my folk's house for some summer visiting. I am teaching preschool crafts at my mom's church VBS for the week, and the kids will be going along to their own little classes. I'm excited for them-- VBS was a highlight of my summer as a kid. I expect to be worn slap out every day, but it will fun. The week will culminate in a family get together next weekend, a shower for my cousin's fiance. At some point in the week, we plan to hop over to Monroe for the afternoon to see King Pen's family. We have some belated birthday hugs to deliver. Also, I'd like to grab a bite to eat one night with my friend Catherine and her fella. And somewhere in all of that- I need to have some freon put in my car. Let's all hold hands and say a little prayer that that's all that's wrong and that it has nothing at all to do with the air compressor. We have the WORST luck with cars, seriously. It would be laughable if it wasn't so dang irritating and expensive.

Anyway.

So today, I'm running around trying to get it all together to leave tomorrow after dinner. Craziness, thy name is Road Trip With Small Children!

Will write more tonight if life allows. Happy weekend, everybody!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:43 PM

June 14, 2006

To Wash or Not To Wash

Dirty dishes in the sink, and I'm GOIN' TO DA POOL!

They'll be here when I get back, never fear. And I will deal with them accordingly, the fiends.

And for your information, I'll be wearing this:

Try to contain your jealousy, dears. I know, it's difficult.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:41 PM

June 12, 2006

Monday's Monologue

Morning, world! How are you today? Well, I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning, which was just lovely. Flipping our mattress last night helped, and I felt less like a 90 year old woman when I woke up. Yip! The kids are playing in their room, the Duke is still sleeping, and I'm having a cup o'joe. It looks to be a grand day.

This week will be a fast one, methinks. I got five free passes to the gym across the street, so I'll be doing that a few times, after King Pen gets home in the afternoon. This is good, because I've put a hurtin' on a chocolate cake we had for his birthday for days now. I have some serious calories to contend with!

This week will also be "Taking Care of Business" week. Gotta get AL driver's liscenses, open a bank account, update our new address, blah blah blah. By the weekend, I have to be packed and ready to go to my folk's house for a week. I am teaching VBS at my mom's church next week, and staying that following weekend for a wedding shower for Megan. I kind of hate leaving the house since we just got here, but that's just the way it's worked out. All this moving around has been tough on the kids, but they'll adjust. Um, right?

Speaking of kids-- yay for having them. They make renting movies like "Nanny McPhee" entirely acceptable. We started it Saturday night, and finished it Sunday afternoon. Very reminescent of Mary Poppins-- it was cute. I mean, for the kids. Ya know. I was kind of bored, being an adult and all.

Ahem.

Anyway. We visited an Anglican church yesterday for Sunday worship. It was interesting. For the first fifteen minutes, we didn't have a prayer book near us to follow along, and we were quite lost. Finally, I tapped the lady in front of us and asked her to pass us the spare one beside her. After that, it was easier to keep up. There was a lot of responsive and group reading, lots of up and down on the kneelers. There was an organist and a choir- they did some very traditional church music, they chanted a psalm, which I'd never heard done in person before. There was an altarboy, several people made the sign of the cross, it was all very Catholic feeling to me. The sermon was sterling- it really was. All told, I think the service lasted about an hour and a half. Afterwards, there were snacks and coffee and visiting, which was nice. The people were all very friendly. It was a pleasant experience, but I don't think it will be the place for us. It was neat to get the lowdown on Anglicans firsthand, though.

I love that word- Anglican. But I guess that's not a good enough reason to convert, eh?

Okay, well that's the time I got, people. I need to go feed the littlest shmoo his bottle.

I love shmoos, don't you?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:57 AM

June 11, 2006

Yeowch.

These Louisiana legs are not accustomed to Birmingham hills. I went running for the first time here a day or so ago, and ack! my poor shins. How is it possible I went uphill both ways? (Oh, and I think I passed my parent's old elementary school along the way, except it wasn't snowing.)

And while I'm tallying up my physical aches and pains, something is up with our bed. It was pretty normal before we moved, but now? It's like sleeping in the depths of hell. I screamed myself awake this morning. Yeah, it's that bad. I think we need a priest, some holy water, and a couple thousand Hail Mary's to straighten it out. But first, we're gonna try flipping it. If that doesn't help, and the Church won't sanction a bed related exorcism, that mattress is gonna eat lead. No mercy. Cement shoes. Swimming with the fishes. Yada yada yada.

Now it's time for the Sunday nap. On the couch.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:51 PM

June 10, 2006

Perfecto

Okay, it's just ridiculous how perfect this town is. Seriously. Quit it.

It's the most family oriented place I've ever lived. It's parent-utopia. The parks, the playgrounds, the pools and rec centers, heck, even the skateboard park, which is nestled right beside the police dept. Talk about clever. It's so perfect that I might be creeped out about it, in a Stepford Wives kind of way- except that I can't help reveling in it! It's clean and beautiful and safe. Crime is low, community involvement is high, and I'm loving it. I've been here six days, and I'm hooked. This town is like crack, people.

We have a pool, and a gorgeous little creek, a playground, nature trails, a waterfall, big boulders to play on, oh my goodness. It's insanely fantastic.

I'm not bragging. I'm just saying. Wow. Good stuff.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:58 PM

June 8, 2006

Coming Alive

Today is gonna be a good day, I can feel it in my bones. Thursday! Whoohoo! I don't know why I'm excited about that, but I'm gonna go with it.

So, I have my first "official" visitors today. Aunt Janet, Papaw, and Mae are passing through town on their way home to Mississippi after a trip, so I get to show off the new hizzy. It's really coming together quite well! It's bigger than our house in Baton Rouge, except for my kitchen, which is microscopic. I think I am going to have to pull out my old Barbie dishes, 'cause that's about all that will fit. I hear the plastic food diet really works though. I mean, look at Barbie. She's almost as skinny as Nicole Richie! They're on to something. Or on something, either one. Laxatives can do wonders for a girl.

Anyway. Back to the house.

Okay, it's probably the best spot in the complex, no joke. It's at the back, it's quiet and I look out my windows and see down into a very nice, wooded valley. You walk into the front door, and the dining room is on the left, and the living room on the right. Off the living room are French doors to a little deck. When you're standing at the front door, you can look down a long hall, and at the end of that is the master bedroom. The other bedrooms are off to the right of the hallway, bathroom and laundry room to the left. There is a bathroom in the master bedroom, which is lovely. We only had one bathroom at our old house, and lemme tell ya, that was getting old FAST. Let's see... what else.... it has a playground, two really nice pools, and free extended cable. Oh, and I have a dishwasher! Hallelujah!

The people were SO nice when we moved in. The apartment was immaculate- and they had even put some cokes in the fridge, filled up icetrays, and left a "welcome home" note, along with a little snack basket. I was impressed. We've never had that kind of treatment from a landlord before! It's a good beginning.

Well, I probably should get going. Plenty to keep a wondergirl busy. Have a good day, people. I'll write more later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:25 AM

June 6, 2006

From Here to There

Oh, poo. I'm still too tired to write. I am down to the piddling boxes-- ya know, the stuff you didn't know what to do with before you moved, and now is no different? Football icetrays, keys to SOMETHING but you're not sure what, and about three thousand lint brushes. Fun. Oh, and also my wall stuff. Haven't done that yet. Hanging things will be an all day event, and I like to save it for last. I like that part. It's like icing the cake. With a hammer. Wahoo!

Sorta blue right now-- tomorrow is King Pen's birthday, which has just gotten shuffled down to the bottom of the pile mentally and financially. I feel bad about that. It's not gonna be a birthday to go down in the books, I'm sad to say. I'll make up for it with the next one though. Clowns. Balloons. Pony rides. The works. Sorry, babe. Really, I am. You've worked so hard the last few months- I wish I could celebrate your day properly. I know it won't be much fun to blow out the candles in your pudding cup tomorrow. But hey, at least it's wiggly. Right?

The money thing- wah. U-huals and gas and car repairs and deposits and you name it... we're so wiped. New job- yes, FANTASTIC. But he's got to work at least two weeks to get a paycheck. It's gonna be tight. But, we know the drill. And hopefully, we're on the upswing and life will soon be all peaches. Peaches, baby. Big, juicy, scrumptious peaches.

Okay,that's all I got for tonight. If I'm not writing, you know it's cause I'm setting up house. I'll be back online in a jiff, I promise. Don't go too far.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:34 PM

June 5, 2006

Relocated

Hulloo!

Well, it's mostly done. We survived our move, BARELY. I cannot wait to tell you guys the story- you just won't believe it. Statistically speaking, it should have been impossible for two people to have as much bad luck as King Pen and I have had in the last week. I have blog fodder for years with this whole experience. It was one of those weeks that you either had to laugh or cry. I laughed, long and loud and maniacally.

I scared people.

But, the story will have to wait. I am for bed, my dears.

ZZzz...

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:50 PM

June 2, 2006

Insomnia

4 am.

FOUR IN THE MORNING.

I am SO mad at my brain right now. SHUT IT, BRAIN. Seriously. Don't make me come up there.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:28 AM

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

May 24, 2006

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

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

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

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

May 16, 2006

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

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

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

May 8, 2006

Wiped

ohmywhendidtenthirtygetsolate???

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:05 PM

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

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

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

May 5, 2006

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

May 2, 2006

Nutrition Lesson #1

Coffee + tootsie rolls do not = breakfast.

Shame on me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:16 AM

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

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

April 27, 2006

The Rambler

Wow- Alison Krauss is just awesome. Listening to "Ghost In This House", and I'm blown away. I want to scoop her up and sit her on my lap and give her a big, old hug. Come to think of it, maybe we could both use a little snuggle. (You know, I actually laugh out loud sometimes when I write stuff like that. You all probably think I'm nuts, though, don't you?)

So I went to King Pen's final presentation at school today. He has a few more class meetings, but this was the Big Deal- the one that's nearly killed us. And now it's done. I feel like crawling into the bed and coming out in October. You guys can handle things for a few months, can't you? Really all you have to do is remember to feed That Cat (yes, that's his name), and maybe water a plant or two. Oh, okay- even I don't do that, so I won't make you. All my plants hate me- they call me "The Withholder" behind my back.

The presentation went well, what I heard of it anyway. I had the Duke and HeroBoy and had to step out a few times when the Mommy Glare lost effectiveness. Most of the time, it's a great deterrent to their antics, one steely gaze and they're quaking in their naughty little boots. Sometimes not. I have to be careful not to overuse it, or they'll develop an immunity, and we can't have that.

Anyway- all that to say, we're now just days away from the conclusion of five years of my life. I'm relieved to see the end. It's been harder than we've ever let anybody know, harder really than we even realized. I'm a bit shell-shocked actually, kind of numb. I feel a crash coming.

King Pen had an interview in Phoenix on his trip- which went well, and he could probably take that job if he wanted it. He has a meeting in Memphis Saturday, which I'm kind of ambivilant about. Next week, he'll be in Nashville, which is what I'm rooting for. I've got cowboy boots that need wearin', people! Spurs! Chaps! Denim shirts with leather tassels! Giddyup!

Seriously though, Nashville would be so cool. You guys could all come over and ride my horses and hang out with my good pals Reba, Wynonna, Keith, Travis, Carrie, et al. It'll be fun. We'll barbeque. Maybe I'll even get out the old Slip-n-slide. I hear the Dixie Chicks love that thing.

Well, that's 'nuff for now. The boys are down for a nap, and I'm gonna go get comfy on the couch and watch the last bit of season four Smallville.

WonderGirl -n- C.K. forever. It was meant to be, I just know it. Lana just doesn't understand him.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:12 PM

April 25, 2006

'sup?

Good morning, bubbleheads. What's on the agenda today?

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:38 AM

April 24, 2006

She's The Blade

... and you're just paper"

So croons Sugarcult right now.

I love music, really and truly. I love a lot of things- too many things, maybe. I always had that problem as a kid- focusing one one hobby. Ballet, soccer, taekwondo, girl scouts, piano, you name it, I loved it. I hopped and skipped from one thing to the next, so that I was a jack of all trades, but master of none. I still struggle with that today- my list grows longer every day of things I want to do in this life. Taekwondo pops up periodically, not to mention genealogy, scrapbooking, sewing, cooking, and a new one- archery. Um... hello? I might be WonderGirl, but let's be realistic here. Even superheroes have to sleep.

I admire people who excel at one particular thing, though. You play the guitar? Rockin'. You're a culinary genius? Invite me over. You smock? You paint? You know everything there is to know about saltwater aquariums? Lovely. Let's be friends. I wanna hang out with you.

Actually, I have to admit, I've really settled on one thing in the last few years, besides motherhood. My writing. And I'm liking the long term relationship thing- it's working out pretty good. I'm no expert, certainly-- but it's nice to be committed to one thing.

And I just realized I'm rambling on a bit. I didn't have anything in particular to say- sorry. Why don't you all just talk amongst yourselves... I'm just gonna go over here and um... well, I have some calls to make or something.

*cough

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:25 PM

April 22, 2006

Rice Krispies

"snack, popple, and crack" - that's what I told my child that the cereal said this morning.

I really shouldn't be questioned about anything before coffee.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:06 AM

April 20, 2006

The Tenacious Blogger

This is my 1000th entry. Wowza.

I've been blogging since June of 2003. (Yeah, I know, some of my archives are still missing, but I'm working on it. It's a tedious project, and as big a fan of tedium as I am, it is, by it's nature, rather slow going. Ah, the jokey jokey.)

So. Good times. I've loved every second of it. Well, except when I had all the spam issues- that kind of sucked. But mostly, it's been a great ride! We've laughed, we've cried, we've rolled our eyes. It's been a good three years.

So, um... where are my balloons? Shouldn't they be falling from the ceiling about now?

And, not to be presumptuous, but, uh, you did bring a cake, right? And the podium? I mean, where exactly am I supposed to make my acceptance speech? For the award. You know, THE AWARD?

Oh no you didn't. You did NOT forget to get me an award.

You are all FIRED.

F
I
R
E
D.

Shame on you. Really.

*stomping off, mumbling about there not being a 1001st entry after this kind of treatment.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:25 AM

April 17, 2006

Aw! Come Here and Give Us A Hug!

Hey strangers! You been missing me? I've been packing and lounging and eating and sleeping and running and blowing in the wind for the past three days. King Pen's mum has been tending to my three little fireballs all weekend, and I am buying that woman some flowers. She is incroyable! (insert French accent)

I am headed up to join them for a few days, and then to my parent's house after that. I'll blog in between eating and doing nothing for the rest of the week. Mwahahahah! WonderGirl enjoys the vacation, yes she does.

Hope you all had a Happy Easter, and that your baskets were full of chocolatey goodness.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:16 PM

April 14, 2006

1:15 AM

Hello Friday morning! You're up bright and early. Are you here for the Insomniac Anonymous meeting? Oh good. There're donuts on that table over there.

*okay, I have GOT to go to bed now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:18 AM

April 12, 2006

Since You Care

Rocking out to "Beautiful Love" by The Afters. Good stuff. It's the theme song to 8th and Ocean, some reality show about teen model hopefuls. The fact that I've caught more than one episode of this show tells me I need to get rid of cable, pronto. I can feel my brain getting squishy.

I read the other day that watching tv is the second most popular past time, the first one being reading. (which I thought was amusing, seeing as how I was READING at the moment.) Score for the nerds! I love that. Books are food. I don't know how to function without stories in my life, and I'm baffled when I encounter people who actually dislike reading. Sorry, but it's like they've got two heads to me. How could you not like it?

I've put writing on the back burner for a little while, in order to read. There is nothing that inspires and encourages me as a writer more than reading good quality literature. I just finished reading a collection of early twentieth century poetry. (Oooh, I sound so smart! So academic! Are they buying this?)

Well, to be honest, some of it was challenging. Most poetry has a quick shelf life, in my opinion. It's just... dull occasionally. I feel bad for poets. It's a hard life. You know what I'm talking about. When someone says, "hey, will you read some of my poetry?", don't you cringe a little? It's not a genre that has a wide appeal, unless you're really, really good at it, which I do not confess to be. I'll compose little ditties here and there, like for my preggo sister a day or so ago, but I wouldn't venture into the world of publication with my anemic verses. I won't put any of us through that.

Anyway.

Where was I going with that?

Oh, yeah. So in this book of poetry were a couple poems by W.B. Yeats, who I have only a passing familiarity with. I know he was a Scottish poet, and that's about it. I liked the few selections I read though, so I'm going to look into him a little more. It's GOT to be better for my brain than "Blow Out". (Why, Wondergirl? Why do I watch that crap?)

Well, pumpkin heads, I have to go. Today I'm packing the kids suitcases for their little jaunt to the country for the weekend, and I'm packing boxes for our jaunt across the country in a month. Busy times.

Happy Wednesday folks! More bloggy goodness later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:58 AM

April 11, 2006

The Number Thing

Good morning, my dovies. Okay, it's Tuesday, let's get up and dance. Come on- get up out of those cubicles and let's shake our booties. Let's make Tuesday FUN!!

I love the pizza commercials about poor old Tuesday-- how jealous it is of Friday. It reminds me of my whole weird Number Thing. Do you guys have thoughts that make you really question if you're normal? The Number Thing is one of mine. For as long as I can remember, the numbers have had their own little personalities and conflicts... I think it was the way I learned math. I'm sure there are mathmatical reasons that make perfect sense to an eight year old for this strange personification of numbers. If I was backed into a corner, I could probably support my weirdness with formulas and equations.

Here's the rundown.

1. A very wise number. Content. Zen. Gets along with the other numbers, because if you multiply any of them by one, nothing changes. One loves everybody just the way they are, and has no aspirations to be anything but what it is.

2. Two is awesome. Everybody likes two because it gets them to their VERY favorite number. (like, four's favorite number is eight, so bada bing bada boom. Two to the rescue.) Two will help out in a pinch, cause it's just a helpful number.

3. Three desperately wants to hang out with six, who really won't give him the time of day. So, three hangs out with four most of the time. Three is impressed with five, and tries to emulate him.

4. Four is very insecure, and has an embarassing crush on six and eight. Four is disdainful of five for some reason. Four has the makings of a future diva.

5. Five is really focused. He admires and respects any number ending in five or zero. He doesn't involve himself in all the petty politics of the other numbers. That's so highschool.

6. Six is sort of airheaded, but has a fixation on nine. Is willing to use whatevever numbers he can to get to nine. Six is a little low on scruples.

7. Seven wants to be ten so bad, but it just never happens for the poor guy. Seven is eight's friend by default, and really doesn't pay attention to the younger numbers. Seven is a bit... awkward.

8. Eight is cool. He's confident and friendly to everyone, but not really close to anybody, like the class president.

9. Nine is a straight up jerk of a girl. She thinks she's too good to hang out with anybody less than her. Has a thing for ten that she tries in vain to hide. Nine is just not very nice to the other numbers.

10. Ten is away at number college. Comes back occasionally to give the other numbers pep talks, and to encourage them to keep going, because they're gonna get to ten one day, too.

So that's it.

Normal? Or not?

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:41 AM

April 10, 2006

The Pick Up

You must be a parking ticket because you got FINE written all over you.

Yeah baby.

Okay, add 'em if you got 'em!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:35 PM

April 9, 2006

My Digits

Well, I can live without my pinkie, I guess.

Gr.

Slicing veggies for a salad today, I guess my subconcious decided my little ole pinkie finger was superfluous. Downsizing and all that. So off it goes, sliced as neatly as my organic cherry tomatoes.

Okay, minor exaggeration. It's still there, but it's really cranky at the moment. I've gotten the silent treatment all night.

It's right under the nail, too- in the worst possible spot. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how to bandage the thing to close the cut. I eventually settled on some steristrips and Scooby Bandaids, which seemed to do the trick. I'm crossing my fingers (well not the wee one) that I'll still be able to drink my tea all dainty like, which is really important to me. That's really the pinkie's only moment to shine.

Other than that slight amputation, it's been a right dandy day! This single parent thing is really not as bad as I thought it would be. The kids and I have been doing a lot of playing, and I've been doing some mad spring cleaning around the house, too. Last night, I started watching "Memoirs of a Geisha"- (because I'm wild and crazy, obviously), and I've been eating tootsie rolls like they're going out of style. I'za happy girl. It really doesn't take much, does it? Oh, and I did some TaeBo, which, yeah, I know is a little dated. Kind of embarassing. But at least I didn't pull out MTV's The Grind Workout (although it is by far more fun, and I just can't bear to throw out). I had been eating tootsie rolls for like, eight hours straight, and a cardio workout was the only way to assuage the guilt.

Okie dokie pokies. You're up to date. And now, I'm out.

Sweet dreams, butterbeans!

Discaimer: Please direct all complaints concering "okiedokiepokie" to WonderMom. She seriously messed me up.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:41 PM

April 8, 2006

Crawly Things

Ew!

The grossest thing happened today- and you know I have to share it. We were at the park today, and on the sidewalk beside our picnic table was a stinging caterpillar. I always feel compelled to squash these guys, in case they get too close to my kids. So I tapped him with my trusty New Balances and instead of a flat splat- his innards shot forward in a line OUT OF HIS SKIN. So his skin was one straight line, and about a quarter of an inch in front of him was another straight line of goo. It looked like I'd scared him straight out of his skin.

It was disgusting.

And yet, I wish I'd had my camera because it was so weird you just had to see it.

*and now back to your regularly scheduled blogging

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:58 PM

Saturdaze

Okay, within FIVE minutes of having dropped King Pen off at the airport, I have my first emergency. Three drowsy kids in the backseat, pitch black outside, and I come up on what I think was part of a light pole stretched across my lane on the interstate, and no way to avoid it.

So yeah. I hit it. Hard. I drove for minute, just stunned, knowing I surely had a flat tire at the very least. I pulled over, wondering, what in the H E double hockeysticks I was gonna do, and got out to survey the damage. As I'm checking things over, another car pulls to the shoulder, too.

Yay. I mean, I need help. But it's dark, I have kids in the car, I'm a woman alone on the interstate, and I haven't had time to figure out what I'm doing. A big black guy gets out of the car and says, "hey, you need some help?"

Which I do.

This is an interesting thing. Almost every time I have had car trouble in my life, it's been a big black guy that helps me. This might get me in all kinds of trouble, but I'm just being honest when I say, this is probably the person I am likely to be most frightened of. Physically larger than me. A man I don't know. And of a different race than me. Why the heck would I say that? Knowing how horrible it sounds? Because it's true. Not because I don't like black people. But this man was different from me in every way- gender, size, and race. And different scares me in those situations. The more like me someone is, the more comfortable I feel predicting their behavior, the fewer variables to consider. However stupid, short sighted and faulty that reasoning may be, it's in there inside me.

Which is why I think every time I'm in this situation, it's this guy that God puts in my path to help me. To remind me. It's not the things outside that define us, it is those within. On the outside, this guy was a big black man I didn't know. On the inside, he was a Good Samaritan, who answered the gentle leading of the Spirit on a dark morning.

Life Lesson #437.

So. We're off to an eventful start. I sure hope Life Lesson #438 comes in a fortune cookie or something.

Okay, off to start the adventure!

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:43 AM

April 7, 2006

It's All In The Details

Good morning, my peeplings. How's it going? Are we happy it's Friday, or what!!?? Yip!

Wow- you can tell I've had my coffee this morning, huh? I did make it a little stronger than usual. Yum. Whoa. Slow it down there.

Alrightie. Stepping away from the coffee, before this happens again.

So, wanna know the run down of the next week for me? You do? Perfect. Okay, the kids and I wake up bright and early tomorrow morning to get King Pen to the airport by FIVE THIRTY. Oh help me. It goes against every natural instinct in my body to WAKE my children when they are sleeping peacefully. That's insanity. I have to work VERY hard to get them into that state, and I darn well want it to last as long as possible. Yeah. I said it. Mama likes the sleep.

Anyway, King Pen is headed to Cally for eleven days on a school trip. (I love to say "Cally". I'm just that hip.) He'll be touring a lot of landscape architectural hot spots, meeting people, seeing firms, yada yada yada. He'll be in Arizona too- hitting the Grand Canyon and the uh... desert, I guess. Job stuff will be happening on this trip. So keep the fingers crossed.

This leaves me on single parent duty till Tuesday, when my cousin Joey comes to the rescue. I am afraid for him. I don't know what condition he'll find me in, after four days alone with my little angels. He may have to duck as he walks in the door, because I'll be hurling children at him left and right. He'll be here until Thursday, where he gets a crash course in parenthood (at no extra charge!). Philanthropy thy name is WonderGirl. I am full of lofty ideals. I believe in educating the masses. I don't give them a fish, people. I teach them to fish.

Heh.

That evening, after a brief graduation ceremony for Joey, I'm meeting King Pen's precious, beautiful, saintly mother, who will take the kids for the weekend for me. Did I mention she was saintly? Awesome. So I'll spend the weekend going through things and packing boxes, and oh okay, drinking margaritas and renting movies. And sleeping in. And not cooking. Or doing dishes.

It's gonna be totally sweet.

Eventually, I'll stop drinking and go retrieve my children. (Don't cry, WonderMom. Jokey, jokey.) So, I'll spend a few days at the inlaws, doing chocolatey things, then to my folks house to do more chocolatey things. Czarina is on Spring Break for the whole week after Easter, so we've got lots of time to play around with. I don't know when we'll head back, but I know I'll probably be at least two sizes larger by then. Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs only come around once a year, you know. Carpe diem and all that.

So that's it. Things are about to get very busy, very exciting, very crazy.

I think that calls for a second cup o'joe, don't you?

*zips off

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:06 AM

April 5, 2006

An Aside

So yeah, I haven't posted a lot lately. I know. I'm sorry.

I've been a little tapped out. King Pen has been putting some serious hours in at school, so I've been pretty busy with the Shortlings. And by the end of the day, I'm just wiped. I got nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. (wow, there are a lot of words to describe nothing. That's weird.)

If you guys can just hang with me a little while longer- I promise blogging will resume in full force. See, I'll be living in some new town, which I expect to be like a foreign country to this little Southern girl for a while at least- and I know there will be plenty to write about. Plus there will be family and friends to keep updated on our new life, and we all know that blogs are the lazy man's email. And, on top of all that, King Pen will no longer be keeping the crazy hours and I am hoping for a nice, normal schedule once again. Or actually, for the first time in five years. Oh my goodness-- NORMAL LIFE!

I hope I don't get bored.

Anyway-- I know it's been pitEEfull around here lately, and I'm sorry. Don't give up on me yet. King Pen has ONE month of school left. Just one.

I sure hope it's not possible to explode from happiness.

I digress. My point is- I will be back to writing on a more regular basis soon, and I will have lots of good stuff to write about, too. Don't go anywhere, mkay? Well, I mean, you can go get a sandwich or something. Potty breaks are okay. But don't get lost. Ya gotta come back.

Wow, I'm needy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:42 AM

April 1, 2006

The WonderGirl Show

Oopsie poopsie...

Calling HeroBoy over to me tonight, intending to cut his fingernails, I accidentally said, "Come here HeroBoy. I'm gonna cut you up!"

"Yeah, no thanks, Mom. You're crazy" was the look I got.

I'm so glad that my life isn't a reality tv show. I'd be in soooo much trouble.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:38 PM

March 27, 2006

I Confess

I've given up on cleaning. I mean, what's the point, right? We're moving in two months. Who cares if there's dust on the shelves? And clothes stuffed into dresser drawers? And dishes in the sink?

*sigh*

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:09 PM

March 23, 2006

Taco Night Gone to Waste

No Survivor tonight? Wha? Who the?

Grr.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:19 PM

March 22, 2006

Boob Tube

Anybody watching Idol? I catch it here and there, when I remember it's on and I'm not busy. I've noticed this a few times- Paula just seems bored. I don't buy that she really wants to be there. I mean, yeah, she comes up with nice things to say, like "You're a thoroughbred", (which is about as rehearsed a compliment as you can get, by the way) but she seems distracted or hungry or something. Like she's just sitting there thinking about a cheeseburger. I think she might have actually laid her head down on the table at one point last night. I swear I saw sleep lines on her face.

But to be fair, I did notice she danced around during Taylor Hicks' performance. I think the producer slipped her a snickers bar during the commercial break and threatened to fire her if she didn't eat it. "Look alive, for crying out loud!" he whispered furiously. And "More cleavage, pronto!" pointing to her contract.

Anyway.

I like Mandisa. And Chris Daughtry is rockin' his way into my heart as well. Katherine McPhee is ridiculously cute, but I like her, too. So that's my final three. Hey, maybe I'm watching more than just occasionally. Sue me.

Okay, I'm off to do some things around the house. Oh, alright, that's a lie. I'm gonna go watch Walk the Line. What can I say- one of the perks of being a stay at home mom. We get to watch movies in the middle of the day. You get coffee breaks- we get the occasional home matinee. But, to make myself feel better, I will be folding eighteen loads of laundry, so that's something at least.

So long, suckers!

Mwahahahaha!

Oh wait. You do get a paycheck.
Hmf.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:40 AM

March 21, 2006

Geographical

Let's take a vote. Where should WonderGirl live?

Sacramento, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Denver, CO
Baltimore, MD
Washington, DC
Portland, OR
Nashville, TN

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:27 PM

March 20, 2006

Thoughts a-rambling.

Short Ones are sleeping, actually, King Pen is snoozing on the couch, too.

Headphones go on, and Imogen Heap croons "Hide and Seek" in a sad, haunting voice. Have you heard that song? It's almost too raw to listen to. She's plum tore up about something, but I'm not sure what. Still, pretty song.

So, March 20th. Exactly two months from yesterday, King Pen will be donning the old cap and gown and tearing down the aisle to get his diploma. Or not. There's a chance he may skip the walk (can i pause here and say i love that phrase? skip the walk. say it. it's fun.) if he gets a job where they require him to start immediately after his last class, which is May 5th. Either way, whatever. We're almost done. Two months till graduation. One and a half months until the end of classes.

Thankyouthankyouthankyou. Because I couldn't handle another year. It's much more manageable with one, maybe two kids. But three? Oh no sir. Don't even think about it. I'm telling you, no, maybe I won't. I'll spare you. Just trust me- it's enough to drive a woman to drinkin'.

So I sit here, now listening to Michael Buble going on about "Home" (I do love my playlists) and I'm wondering... what is going to happen in my life in the next months?

Same questions I've been pondering for weeks now. Still no answers, though. Phoenix? Sacramento? Denver? Austin? Nashville? Where????

Anticipa-------tion.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:26 PM

Fatty Boom Batty

"Well, you're not as thin as you could be."

Yeah.

A guy actually said that to me, once upon a time. To be clear, he was just a friend, and a bit of an idiot. But still. It stuck. The negative things are so much stickier than the positive, aren't they?

I knew I wasn't overweight, and he didn't really mean it like that. I was normal. 5'7, probably 127 lbs at the time. Just your average, everyday college girl.

Ten years later, not much has changed. Still pretty normal, still average, and still slightly insecure about my weight.

Growing up, I was slender- okay, downright skinny, occasionally. I remember a woman who I loved and respected once said, "Enjoy it, girl. One day you'll be as big as a house." She said it jokingly (hmf), but a little seed of fear nestled into my mind that day, and I always dreaded the day that I'd lose the advantage of my youthful metabolism.

So where are you now, WonderGirl, you ask?

Well, it's harder than I thought. I'll explain. I have always held to the idea that I will grow old gracefully, I will enjoy the little changes that mark the great accomplishments of my life. Motherhood, life experience, joys and tragedies... I welcomed them, in my idealistic youth. Before those marks actually started to show up, that is. Now, I find that it is indeed more of a struggle to rejoice in the physical evidence of aging. Blame it on society, blame it on vanity, blame it on the rain, I don't care. Still tough.

Almost three years ago, I decided that a fitter, healthier me was in order. So I joined a gym, lost a little baby weight. Then I dropped the membership, and started running. Had a baby. Started running again, lost baby weight again, and now, here I am. Probably healthier than I've ever been in my life- I eat good, I exercise, I take care of myself.

And yet.

Still a little part of me hears... "well, you're not as thin as you could be."

I hate that.

But, the moment is brief, and my Rational Self is quick with reassurances. Ignore that, she says. "Don't be dumb." Thank goodness for Rational Self. She's so straightforward. (She's also the one who programmed my cellphone to say "Hello Beautiful" when I turn it on, which always cracks me up.)

Why bring this up now? Well, I was thinking the other day, when will I be happy with myself? At what point will the doubts and insecurities disappear? Three more pounds? Two? And I realized something. It will never be enough-- because the problem is not the numbers on the scale. It's in my mind- it's the insecurities I've collected and indulged through the years. It's that I view myself through the eyes of other people, and not through the eyes of the God who created me.

Wham.

So I'm working on that. And if I am, then maybe you guys are, too. So I do what I do, which is publicly air all my issues for the world to see. *Sigh. Can't seem to help myself. You just about have to be an exhibitionist of some kind to be a blogger. EGADS. I'm an emo-exhibitionist. Well, that totally explains the new myspace account. Ha.

Anyway. Just wanted to share those thoughts today, as they have been dancing around in my head.

And now I'm off, to do wondergirlish things. Have a good one, my little pecan pies. Hope your day is mondaylicious!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:02 PM

I Heart the IRS

Who loves taxes? Go ahead, raise your hands. Come on now, don't be shy!

*sigh*

Aw forget it. Even optimism has it's limitations.

I was up till midnight, poring over forms and tabulations, and worksheets and schedules and blah blah blah...

But.

Money is on it's way to me now, and WonderGirl iza the HappyGirl about that.

Kay. I'll be back on in a bit. Must caffeinate.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:34 AM

March 18, 2006

Randomable

If I was a crayon, I'd be tangerine, hands down.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:37 PM

Extended Network

My kids have no respect, NO RESPECT, for Saturday morning. 6:45 am. It's just not fair.

*sniff*

Well, since I'm up (growl), might as well see who else is alive and kicking out there in bloggy world. Got my cup o'joe and I'm ready to go. Speaking of coffee, I think I'll post my playlist entitled CoffeeHouse Rock, currently spinning this morning. I don't know why I called it that, but it's all my favorite poppypunkrockybandboystuff. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and caffeinated.

She's the Blade- Sugarcult
You're A God- Vertical Horizon
I Walk Alone- Oleander
Meant to Live- Switchfoot
Where Ever You Will Go- The Calling
Think Twice- Eve 6
As Lovers Go- Dashboard Confessional
Story of a Girl- 3 Doors Down
Best I Ever Had- Vertical Horizon
Barely Breathing- Duncan Sheik
She's So High Above Me- Fastball
Slow Dance- Senses Fail
Stars- Switchfoot
Bad Day- Fuel
Vindicated- Dashboard Confessional
Memory- Sugarcult
Bitter Sweet Symphony- The Verve
I'm Going Under- Evanescence
Seeing Red- Unwritten Law
We Are- Ana
Dirty Little Secret- All American Rejects
Black- Pearl Jam
Hanging By A Moment- LifeHouse
Ever the Same- Rob Thomas
Your Body is A Wonderland- John Mayer
Buried a Lie- Senses Fail
If You Could Only See- Tonic

It takes me forever to listen to the whole thing, but ooooh, it's good. Yeah, I know a lot of it is kinda hokey. Sue me. I'm really a 13 year old girl at heart, what can I say? I might as well just go ahead and get a myspace. Well, whaddayknow- I did. I just love the internets!

That makes me just fall out laughing. I am such a dork!

Okay, things to do this fine Saturday, besides trying to wrangle up some friends on Myspace.

I'm such a needy person.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:31 AM

March 16, 2006

Beware the--Aw dang.

SHOOT. I missed my chance for an Ides of March reference! Grrr.

Now I have to wait a whole 'nother stupid year.

Hmf.










Ya know, Caesar had some serious neck veins going on there. Stress, I guess.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:38 AM

Killjoy

Self: GO. TO. BED. Right now. Pronto. Don't you know how 6:15 is gonna feel tomorrow? Turn off the coldplay, step away from the internet, go take off your contacts, and get your tired butt in bed.

*grumble*

Self: What was that? You say something?

*silence*

Self: Yeah, I didn't think so.

---------------------------

I hate it when I'm right. Grr.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:28 AM

March 15, 2006

Escaping the Event Horizon

Hello world! C'mere and let me give you a big, old squeezy hug. I've missed you! I have been totally absent lately. I haven't been writing, or reading, or returning calls or ANYTHING. I kinda sunk into a black hole there for a while. It happens to the best of us, eh? But I'm clawing my way back, never fear. I HATE black holes. They're so... dark. And that whole unseen dripping water thing is creepy. Spidery. Heebyjeebyery.

Woo! I just checked my mail, and lo and behold, there was a package from my BFF counterpart- Amy Hen. (We've got the necklaces and everything- thank you Claire's Accessories.) (Let me stop right here and say, I think the BFF reference popped up because we watched Just Friends the other day, which was painfully funny.)

Anyway- back to the story. Inside this piece of mail for me, all the way from Texas, were four (!) Reeses Peanut Butter Easter Eggs. Wow. She just gets me. I met Amy in my sixth grade Sunday school class way back when. I'd been eating m&m's steady for about half an hour (not the red ones, though. duh.), and I was H-Y-P-E-R. (Yeah, that didn't go away until about the tenth grade.) Anyway, in walks the cutest, teeniniest chick, and I knew right away, we'd have to be friends. It had to be so. Long legged me, and petite little her. Quite the duo. I have to say, we rocked the casbah of friendship. We didn't half ass it. (oops. quarter into the swear jar.) She's the only person besides family that I can pick up the phone and call and it's like no time has passed whatsoever. Really. I mean, sure- everybody says that, but I actually MEAN it. We're very different people than we were back then, and we're very different from each other, too, but somehow that just doesn't matter. She's there for the long haul, through the ups and downs and ins and outs of life. We talk when we feel like it, we visit when we can... and that's okay. We take what we can get.

At the end of the day, she's the one who sticks my favorite candy in the mail for me, for no particular reason at all, at exactly the moment I need it the most.

Love that girl.

Anyway... I just wanted to wade in and stir up the waters a little-- it's been too long since I've written. I'm sorry, dearlings. I will be writing like a fiend the rest of the week, I promise.

Thanks for the thoughts about Kim, by the way. The funeral was today, and it was beautiful and touching. And as sad as it was... I feel this lightness again- an appreciation of life. I hope when I die, I am buried on a sunny and windy day, with children playing amongst the flowers, and people smiling through tears, as Kim was.

All for now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:16 PM

March 11, 2006

Behind the Clouds

Hey everybody!

Long, long week. I just haven't felt much like writing the past few days. It's been a very emotionally intense time around here, dealing with the family stuff and job things and yada yada yada.

Kim is such a fighter- she's still hanging in there. I think it is very hard for her to let go, out of habit. She's been in and out of hospitals her whole life, and has a very tough will- which is surprising to look at her. She's the tiniest little thing, but she's got the heart of a lion. Everyone has said their goodbyes, and I am praying that she will know it's okay now, that we will all take care of Clinton the best we can. It's hard to watch her lingering in this state.

Job stuff is still coming along, hearing back from people here and there and still really no closer to a definite thing yet. I can't stand the anticipation! It's really driving me crazy. I am a planner, and this not knowing makes me uncomfortable, and nervous.

And in the middle of all that--- you know it's about the time of the semester when money problems begin. Yay. I am holding on to the fact that this is the LAST time we have to deal with this particular formula for being flat broke, but still. It's hard. King Pen has a mandatory school trip in a few weeks which really ate into our surplus (HA. Surplus). Plus he'll not be able to work while he's gone for the 12 days. So, once again, we have taken a dive from the green into the red, in a big way. Like "don't answer the phone because it's probably a bill collector" kind of way. I HATE that feeling.

All these things are the perfect ingredients for the huge, whopping Depresso Milkshake I'm currently sucking down. Brain freeze included.

WonderGirl needs a hug.
And chocolate.

Anyway, all that to say- sorry I've been kinda quiet lately. I haven't abandoned the blog... just taking a moment to catch my breath. I don't know what the coming week will hold, but I am looking for the sun behind the clouds. I know it's there, even when I can't see it.

Sigh.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:24 AM

March 8, 2006

Got It All

Another little blip with my computer, and I had no internet for two full days. And yes, there was much moping about. I am in pain when I can't check my email, various blogs, and update my site. Like, fifteen year old girl pain. Broken hearted- the world is gonna end- I'll never have a boyfriend- will I ever get boobs kind of pain.

So I ate some chocolate, listened to moody music, and looked out the window, waiting on life to right itself once again.

And lo and behold, the world didn't end, and I'm no longer broken-hearted. I have a permanant boyfriend, boobs, AND my precious internet connection.

It's a good day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:10 PM

March 5, 2006

Indifference

And the Oscar goes to...

I DON'T CARE.

Seriously.

What? I always wear a lime on my head when I'm blocking out nauseating amour-propre.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:50 PM

March 4, 2006

Gorgeous

I'm just saying.

King Pen is looking, and so am I, because in two months, it's done. He graduates, and the world is open wide to us.

One summer, I lived in Tennessee, near the Ocoee River and worked as a camp counselor in the mountains. It was stunning. I grew accustomed to the sight of those magnificent peaks on the horizon. When I left, the sky felt empty. Part of me still longs for the jagged line of mountains in my vista.

Weeks now, and it's done- we choose, we pack, we move. We leave behind the life we've known, the family and friends that have been right at our fingertips. We leave the good things, and the hard times, and I can't find the words to fit how I feel about it.

I spent long, solitary hours on the road in the last week, with these thoughts as company. Geography is so much more than the rocks and dirt around you. It is the cultural and historical fabric of the land. Will I fit here? Will we be happy? Will the love of friends and family stretch a thousand miles or will it break? Will we be the same people leaving as we are going?

This leap of faith spans uncharted distances, unknown places, memories and friends yet unmade. It is scary, and exciting, and sad.

I guess in the end though, you just have to close your eyes, and jump.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:10 PM

March 3, 2006

Welcome to the ATL.

Everybody I met on this trip to Atlanta greeted me with that hip little phrase, no matter who they were. Lawyers, waitresses, homeless guys- you name it. And they said it all cool, like rappers. A-T-L Yayuh! I think that's part of the new tourism campaign or something.

Anyway.

Let me start at the begininng, which was a bit rocky. As I was leaving Friday with kids and bags and King Cakes to give away, I learned that my mom was sick. My mom. The Babysitter. The One Who Was Making This Trip Possible. AAARRRGGHHH!! So we crashed in on my sister Ashley for the night, hoping that Mom would be better Saturday morning, when I had planned to leave. Had a great time with Ashley- whose house was suspiciously clean for having company just suddenly drop in on her. (I still don't know how she did that.) Anyway, we ate dinner and the kids didn't break anything, and we had lots of good visiting time- so it was a wonderful layover to my trip. Unfortunately, Mom was still sick the next day, but my inlaws came to the rescue and took the kids for me Sat. morning. Mom was better by Sunday, and came to get them for the rest of the time. Thank goodness for backup plans.

Now, click the link for the rest of the story- it's long, and has lots of pics, so I didn't want to squeeze it on the first page. I'm so considerate.

Continue reading "Welcome to the ATL."

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:11 PM

March 1, 2006

Absence, Heart Fonder, Yada Yada Yada

Oh, sweet blog. I have missed thee so!

I am not exactly home yet, though. I've stopped off at my mum's house to gather what were previously my children but now appears to be a pack of wild monkeys. It should be an interesting ride home.

Before I regale you with tales of WonderGirl in the big city- which I shall do at length and with photos- let me say tonight to the dear, sweet people who cared for my babies--- THANK YOU. Ashley, Mrs. Sue, Mom and Dad, Mae and Papaw, and Nanny--- I appreciate your hard work with the kids. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the gift of your time- so I could enjoy some of my own. You rockity rock rock.

*yawn*

So, this is the part where I go to bed, and promise that I will blog tomorrow.

Sweet dreams, moonbeams.

Now, off to bed with you.
Go on.
Scamper cutely.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:47 PM

February 24, 2006

WonderGirl in the Big City

My bags are packed, the car is revved, and I'm almost out the door. I am headed for Atlanta to visit my sister for a coupla days. I'll blog if/when I can, but I don't anticipate getting internet access very often. I'm gonna be way too busy befriending scary homeless guys and walking in dark alleys and leaving my car unlocked with my purse inside and driving in the carpool lane really slow and looking in general like a scared country girl come to the city.

Busy times.

So, you guys are on your own! No wild parties now, ya hear? Behave.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:28 PM

February 23, 2006

Sweet Temptation

Do you know how much I want to eat leftover birthday cake for lunch today? Do you?

Dark chocolate fudge cake, with gobs of even darker, chocolatier fudgier icing?

Maybe just one little tiny itsybitsy humongous gigantic mouthful...

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:36 PM

I'm Just Resting My Eyes

Oh.

Tired.

I'm headed for bed, and I will write tomorrow if I decide to wake up. If.

ZZzzz.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:04 AM

February 21, 2006

Updatery

Supper with King Pen's cuz: Check.

[Chicken Almondine and rice, corn casserole, and a lovely green salad. Strawberries and cream for dessert.]

Smashing.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:18 PM

One Moment to the Next

Good morning, sunshines! How are you today? Looks to be a busy one for WonderGirl. Let's look at the weekly planner, just for funsies. (You can thank my mother for that word. I don't want to use it, trust me. Genetic programming.)

This evening, a cousin of King Pen's is coming for a visit. I'm not sure if he is intending to eat dinner with us or not, so I have to whip something up just in case. Something I can make out of a can of tuna and cheerios, 'cause that's about all there is in the pantry at the moment. Yikes. *penciling in a trip to the grocery store*

For tomorrow, HeroBoy gets one step closer to being HeroMan, *sniff*, celebrating his 3rd birthday. We'll be headed to our local kid party place for pizza and fun and a mess that I won't have to clean up! Hurrah! And let's not forget Thursday, which is Open House at Czarina's school. King Pen has class that night, so he'll miss it, and a babysitter is coming to watch the boys, and I have to bring an appetizer.

And in the midst of all that, I have to pack, because Friday after Czarina gets out of class, I am taking the kids to my mom's house and leaving from there on Saturday to go to Atlanta (sans kids).

Whew!

I'm excited about Atlanta. I'm going to stay with my sister, Echo J., in her new swanky apartment. Since it's Mardi Gras here in south LA, we're out for a few days. I will head back on Wednesday.

So, yeah. Busy. I've got my europop music on repeat, because I can't slow down for minute. Anna Nalick just won't get the job done this week. Sorry, babe. We'll put you back on the spin in a few days.

You know I love it, though- the overly filled minutes. There's something about chaos that works for me. Maybe it comes from growing up in a house of four kids, I don't know. I might complain a little... but it's still a comfy state for me to be in.

Okie dokie, then. *closing planner* That's it for now. Work to do! Clothes to fold! Food to cook! Presents to wrap! House to clean! Sanity to lose!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:50 AM

February 20, 2006

Sweet Tooth

So, what do you eat when you are trying not to eat chocolate?

I go for gum. Frozen blueberries aren't bad. And golden raisins are quite tasty.

*sigh*

I still want some dang chocolate, though.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:06 PM

Arch Enemies

Okay... who's gonna tell Lisa Loeb that eyebrows are a good thing? Takers?

Well, somebody's gotta do it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:59 AM

February 19, 2006

What To See In Atlanta

So, suggestions? I am doing some sightseeing and general mucking about in Atlanta a week from today, and wanna hit some hot spots. Where should I go?

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:45 PM

Trivial Pursuits

Sunday afternoon, and while the rest of the family naps, I crawl into the comfy space of the internet. Headphones and slippers on, and I am snug as a bug on a rug. There is something about the joint solitude of the internet that is appealing to me. Each of you, out there perched in computer chairs or on a couch with your laptops- a solitary participant in the great wide world of broadband and dialups and urls and emails. It's a "come and go as you please" event, dress and tie optional. We're a 24 hour establishment, servicing every corner of the world. How cool is that?

Listening to Cascada at the moment. Know it? It's techno/dance music, but not that trancey boring stuff. It makes me want to hop up and do the Sarah Jessica Parker routine from Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Remember that? The DanceTV competition? I must have watched that movie a thousand times. She was much less horse-faced back then. And Helen Hunt- oh, she was the height of coolness. Yeah. Long time ago.

Anyway. So music. Cascada is on my Workout Mix. I always listen to techno when I run. It's my fuel. And now for fun, I'll post the whole mix, in case anybody cares. And if you don't, well. You could at least pretend.

Castles in the Sky- Ian Van Dahl
Around the World- ATC
Better Off Alone- Alice Deejay
Blue- Eiffel 65
Heaven- DJ Sammy
Rapture- iio
Breathe- Telepopmusik
Silence- Delerium & Sarah McLachlan
I Can See It In Your Eyes- Alice DeeJay
I Turn To You- Melanie C.
I Never Knew - Deborah Cox
It's A Fine Day- Multiple artists
Something Happened on the Way - Deborah Cox
Piece of Heaven- Cascada
Every Time We Touch- Cascada
Miracle- Cascada
Starry Eyed Surprise- Paul Oakenfold [cool down]

Most of this came from the Fired Up CDs, and C9 Moves Ya- great cds for cardio workouts.

Okay, I'll end here. I don't want to overload you with incredibly important, thought provoking material all at once. Let's take a break, and we'll meet back in five. Go grab a bite. Have a smoke. But don't be late, 'cause I lock the door once class starts back up.

----Don't worry. I'm rolling eyes at me, too.----

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:03 PM

February 14, 2006

Go On. Eat It.

Happy Valentines Day! I love you all more than a fat kid loves cake.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:42 AM

February 13, 2006

Morning in Pix

Hey Monday! Do you have the fever?

Continue reading "Morning in Pix"

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:51 AM

February 10, 2006

Disappointment

I thought, just for a second, that I had learned to breathe through my eyeball.

But sadly, no.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:02 PM

February 9, 2006

Monstrous

Hello, Laundry Pile. We meet again. You are a worthy adversary, indeed. But you are no match for---

*curious noise*

Oh, great. Super Growing Powers. You've mutated again. But you don't scare me. I have hidden powers myself and--

*slightly alarming noise*

Now wait just a minute, at least let me finish my sentence before tripling--

*louder, heart stopping noise*

You fiend! You will now face the wrath of--

*full on panic inducing noise*

Oh. crap.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:56 AM

February 8, 2006

Grr.

Ya know, when a chocolate craving hits, gum is just an out and out insult to my tastebuds. It really ticks them off.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:08 PM

February 7, 2006

Starry Eyed Surprise

I love music. That's original, huh? I also love books, for the record. And writing.

I'm not sure what that means about me- I think probably nothing, really. I think we have all been created with a void that can only be filled with passion. Passion for something, whether it's words, or motion, or colors, or sounds, or a cause. There is an intrinsic need to let go of ourselves- to leave who we are for brief moments and care about something else. It's like that with music for me. I want to be in the crowd, the music filling the room until there is no space for anything else. I want to dance, translating the notes and words of the song with the movement of my body, because there's no other way to say it. Does this make sense? I can't make music, that's someone else's passion. But I can dance to it.

Don't get much of an opportunity for that anymore, and that's okay, truly. I had my day. But with my headphones on, I still go there, my blood still pumps to the rhythm, and I know inside that I will always dance.

I know my passions, they are well worn friends to me. I am defined by them, I can't imagine myself without them. So as people come in and out of my life, I am interested in their passions, in what defines them, what moves them. I know people who sing, who paint, who sew, who garden, who write computer programs... their passions are varied and perfect for who they are. I think that's why the idea of the nerd as a social outcast is passing... or is that my own personal maturation? I don't know. But I think society has changed since I was I kid. I think we realize that you can love whatever you want and it's cool. You knit? Awesome. I'm just glad you love something, that you embrace life in whatever capacity. As I sit here and think about the complexity of who we are, the millions of talents and passions to be found this world over, I am just blown away. We are amazing creatures, teeming with creativity and joy and potential. There are moments when I just want to celebrate that, when I can't help but marvel at the passions we contain as mankind. Life would be so dull if everyone was just like me.

Anyway, that was a bit more random than usual, but it's all good.

Now, off with you-- go contribute something to this great mechanism we call life.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:58 AM

February 5, 2006

I Bet If You Asked Dante's Mother

...she'd probably tell you that the eighth level of hell actually involves an eternity of dried out PlayDoh, unpeelable boiled eggs, and finding something on your shirt that could be spit-up, oatmeal, or a booger. (gross)

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:46 PM

The Eatery

I should be sleeping right now. But I will spare a moment before the ceremonial Sunday afternoon nap to tell you that I am full.

Yes children, you heard me. F-U-L-L. I ate so much at lunch today that I should just be put down. Go ahead and do it. It would be the kindest thing really. I hurt.

I made spaghetti (which is properly pronounced spah GIT ie, according to Giada, who insists on saying it that way... I mean come on! It's like the jag people, suddenly pronouncing it "jag-YOU-ah". Snooty, says I! Oops- sidetracked. Sorry.)

Anyway... I browned hamburger meat, pork sausage, and onions to start with. Then I added tomato sauce, italian seasonings, and mushrooms. And the secret ingredient, an entire bottle of red wine. Then, I simmered it on low heat for about 8 hours, stirring occasionally. The alcohol cooked out completely, and what was left was heaven. Pure, burgandy red heaven. The meat was so tender and rich and perfect that I almost didn't even bother with noodles. The onions, well something amazing happened to them that I can't even describe. They evolved into some kind of culinary ambrosia that I can't even put words to. The whole dish was absolutely the best Italian meal I've ever eaten- Olive Garden included.

And then the cake... let's just say I abandoned my usual restraint when it comes to sweets, and became one with the cake. I am the cake. The cake is all around us. You are the cake, the sky is the cake, the cake is the cake.

Oh help me.

Anyway, it was all too good to keep to myself, so I had to write about it before falling into the food coma that awaits me.

Will write more later if my pudgy little fingers will work properly.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:38 PM

February 3, 2006

Jacked In Again!!

OOH THANK GOODNESS. Seriously, THANK. GOODNESS.

Three days away from the computer is about all I can handle. I had the shakes, the sweats, the munchies, EVERYTHING without my Precious.

The computer got very, very sick- and needy- and had to go see a specialist. All is better now. Except my wallet. Which is now very sick and needy, too. But, one problem at a time. At least I've got my sweet, lovin' computer back.

I just LOVE that with my last breath, I fussed at everyone for not posting regularly! Ha! Teach me to open MY big mouth again.

Anyway- I am ecstatic to be back. I should just change my name to EcstaticGirl. Makes me sound...stretchy or something.

So YIP!!! Hope everyone has a good weekend - and that you've all learned to appreciate me during my tragic absence. Ha.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:24 PM

January 31, 2006

Don't Make Me Come Over There

I really need to read some blogs that update on like, an hourly basis. 'Cause lately, my blog roll has become the place where blogs go to die. Hello! People! Look alive out there!

*emphatic glare*

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:02 PM

Oh, It Matters.

"Yahtzee" is quite possibly the most fun word in the English language. Go ahead. Say it.

No - Say it like you mean it.

Yeah! See what I mean?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:48 AM

January 30, 2006

Talk Nerdy To Me

I've been getting it a lot lately- the name calling, the teasing, the kick-me sticker on the back routine-- and I'm out to tell you, good naturedly of course, to bugger off. Nerds rule. We do. Especially Nerd Girls.

I've compiled a short list of why.

*ahem

Nerd Girls Rule Because:

1. We save the day with sweet book smarts. Lisa Simpson, anybody? Diana Prince? Willow? Those hours in the library will one day save your butt from an asteroid or a demon. Trust it.

2. Boys, you don't have to hide your secret crush on Lara Croft. Cause we already bought the tickets, baby.

3. We know exactly how MacGyver did that, and yes, we can recreate it for your science project.

4. We're a limitless resource for obscure Star Trek trivia and Vanilla Ice lyrics, which comes in handy more often than you'd think.

5. We rock the casbah with a multi-dimensional wardrobe: robes, capes, flight suits, black leather, you name it. And we're totally comfortable wielding crossbows, sabers, swords, daggers, PPG's, phasers, whatever the situation calls for. And we're happy to wear it all to the theater or a convention or a book signing, in full view of the public, with no shame whatsoever. (On second thought, maybe I should leave this one off this list...)

6. Cause this is by invitation only, and all you non-nerds don't stand a chance without us.

7. We may drive a Nissan Altima, but read the bumpersticker, pal. You know it.

8. We're very loyal to our species. Your only competition is an elf or possibly a werewolf, and since they remain fictional and probably incapable of producing offspring anyway, you're our number one guy (in this dimension, obviously.)

9. We have mad spelling skills.

10. Cause Geek Chic is 01000-01111-10100, baby. H-O-T

****
Okay, so maybe I didn't prove my point entirely. But I'll tell you this. Nerds are some of the most interesting, productive, genuine people you'll ever meet. Some of us are more well adjusted than others, and true, you may find a scary nerd here and there who only speaks Klingon and smells like cheetos-- but mostly we're just normal everyday folks. We can help you with your computer, we can find an appropriate Monty Python or Jack Handy quote for any occasion, and we can tell you a nine letter word for "complex" (intricate, by the way.)

And if you don't believe us, just ask our counterparts, the Nerd Boys. They'll tell you we're 7 of 9, Buffy, Nausicaa, Ripley, Sara Connor, Eowyn, and Dark Angel all wrapped up into one. You can't argue with proof like that. It would be downright... illogical, as Mr. Spock says.

Anyway.

Irrefutable, undeniable evidence that we do, indeed, rock.

So there.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:22 PM

Two For Flinching

Monday? Please don't hurt me.

Please.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:02 AM

January 29, 2006

Pass the Tissues

Stayed home from church today with the boys-- they were still too sick to get out of the house. Made lunch, cleaned up a bit, and then realized with a shock that there wasn't much else to do. So I plopped down on the couch and flipped through the tv stations, finally settling on a movie I'd only caught bits and pieces of in the past- Alive. You know it? Soccer team that crashed in the Andes, survived for ten weeks, ate a couple of the more non-essential players? (Okay, so that was a bit wrong of me. Sue me. You didn't think I could pass up that kind of opportunity, did you?) Anyway- my point is, it's an emotional movie, and I cried at the end. When it was over, I changed the channel, and there was the end of Simon Birch. So I watched it. And cried. Then I flipped again, and there was the end of Legend of the Fall. So I watched. And cried.

Sheesh.

And since I was on a roll, I went ahead and watched Million Dollar Baby, Old Yeller, Cold Mountain, Bambi, A Walk to Remember, Where the Red Fern Grows, Charlotte's Web, and Titanic.

Might as well get it all over with at once, ya know?

So that was my morning. Except for the severe depression, dehydration, and occasional suicidal thought, it wasn't all that bad.

(Kidding, mom.)

Now. Off to watch something insanely happy and funny and not at all involving cannibalism or little heros or tragic love.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:37 PM

January 28, 2006

Spinning the Grooves

Anna Nalick's got my attention. She's also got an old sweater of mine that I wish she'd return, ahem. Just kidding, I don't know her. But I'm loving her music. Soulful, for a twenty-year old.

And I think it was Sara McLaughlin who borrowed that sweater, come to think of it. I'm so calling that chick.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:54 PM

January 27, 2006

Is It Safe Out?

Still alive-- technically.

No, it's okay. We had a rough few days, but it's looking up. Hope to get lots of r&r this weekend, and if I'm lucky, some good blog time, too.

Now, I have got to get life pulled back together around here. It's like a nuclear fall out in this house!

To the chores! *donning safety goggles*

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:58 AM

January 26, 2006

News from the Front

Oh, and an update on the boys.

After a very bad day yesterday, HeroBoy woke up much better this morning. No fever, and he's talking to us again, so that's a good sign. I was sure I was going to have to take them to the doctor today, but I think we might be over the worst of it. The Duke takes his cues from big brother, so I think he's doing better also.

And can I send out a big thank you to Debby for being such best friend material? She called last night, offering to pick up Czarina from school this afternoon so I wouldn't have to get out with sick kids. She's so in the running for the 2006 title, Best Friend Ever! There's a sash and everything.

Okie doke- off with me. Stuff to do.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:51 AM

January 25, 2006

UP!

HEY GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!!! RISE AND SHINE! FACE THE DAY! LET'S GET MOVING!

IT'S POSSIBLE I OVERDID THE COFFEE THIS MORNING.

MAYBE.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:11 AM

January 24, 2006

A Caffeinated Life

*yawn*

Good morning, everybody. I woke up this morning with a singular thought in my head: coffee. It was of highest importance-- everything hinged on some artificial get up and go, cause there was nothing natural about forcing consciousness on my weary little body today. Luckily, King Pen had a pot brewing and I managed to drag myself towards the smell. No more midnight writing!! Oh, that's a lie. I know good and well that midnight is my happy hour. Sigh. But, I am finally making progress with some of my stuff, so the trade off is worth it. I realized something-- actually it's what they ALL tell you about writing but I somehow didn't get until recently. You have to WRITE everyday, as much as you can-- even if you have no idea where the story is going or what the heck you're doing. I had this idea that my characters needed to be fully developed, well thought out people before I put the story into motion. I spent so much time thinking, trying to establish the story line and characters, that I didn't get anywhere! Now that I've taken some of the pressure off, and just let the story go where it will, I find that I am more excited and productive. It might be absolute crap, but that's what a good rewrite is for. I am just happy that things are happening!

So much to do... seriously, how are we supposed to accomplish everything? I want to lead a balanced life, which means several things to me. I want to eat right and excercise. I want to nourish my brain with reading and writing. I want to take care of my family and my home. I want to have meaningful relationships with my friends and extended family. I want to teach my children, and I want to play with them. I want to spend time with my husband. I want to do things well- I want to sew, to scrapbook, to research my family history, to blog, to make my world beautiful....

There aren't enough hours in the day to do all those things. Obviously, there are some things more important than others. But I am greedy. There is a feast of things before me, and I want to taste them all.

So I am off to do just that. I think I'll start with breakfast. Yum. Then I'll get to the sculpture class, painting lessons, knitting, gourmet cooking, gardening, and so forth and so on.

Whew. Looks like it's gonna be another busy one!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:26 AM

January 23, 2006

Sidling Up

EEEGADS!, Eleven PM. Where the heck did you come from? Sneaking up on me like that. You coulda given me a heart attack!

Make some noise next time, why doncha?

And on an unrelated note, that Subway talking baby is starting to freak me out. Mouths don't move like that, thank you very much. No matter how good the sandwich is.

An in OTHER unrelated news, Strawberry Wine is stuck in my head. What's up with that?

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:12 PM

No Sense

Nothing reassures me quite like seeing a school bus driver with one hand on the wheel, and the other holding her cellphone, happily chatting away. With a busload of kids with no seat belts on.

Don't even get me started on that one.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:09 PM

Wah.

Wow. The Constant Gardener. Constantly DEPRESSING.

I think I'll go to bed now, since there's nothing in this world left to live for.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:28 AM

January 22, 2006

Pow!

*that's me exploding onto the scene*

Hey guys! What's up?

You must be dying to know how the movie was, right? Right? Of course you are. Well, it was great. We sat too close to the screen because it was sold out and we should've gotten there earlier. Not that I'm blaming King Pen anybody. No, really, I got a little ambitious and thought we had time to eat dinner before the show, and we were rushed. Anyway. We had GREAT seats, if you're ten years old. They rocked. Front and center-- whoohooo!!

So we were up close and personal, which meant, during the love scene, we were...um... face to face with... well, there was skin and er... whatnot. Little uncomfy. There was just no way to get away from it that close up. And my poor neck. Yowch.

Other than that, I really liked it. It was better than the first movie, which people were just way too hard on. The people who didn't like the first one probably won't like this one either, though. But that's okay. They can all go see Brokeback Mountain (which I keep calling Brokedown Palace, an entirely different and much better movie), cause I sure ain't. Gay cowboys. As if.

So that was Friday night. Had lots of fun with the cousin. We have good conversations- it's one of my favorite things about hanging out with him. We talk about really grownup stuff like capitalism and the government and yada yada yada. Good times! Aaaah.... adult interaction. Can't beat it.

He left Saturday, and we bummed around the rest of the day. Sunday was church, and it rained this afternoon as we all took our collective nap. Lovely. And now you're current on all things WonderGirl.

I have to go feed the Duke, but I will be back in a little while to upload a few pics I've taken lately of the kiddlings.

Ta ta, my darlings!

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:32 PM

January 19, 2006

Confessions

Hey, you know what? I really dig Carrie Underwood's song, Jesus Take the Wheel, and I sing it when nobody is listening. Loudly.

There. I said it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:36 AM

January 18, 2006

Revived

Hello Beautiful World!

Yesterday, WonderGirl was a bit... unbearable to be around. Ever have days like that? Ill vapors had been accumulating for a few days, until I became downright vile. Ugly, people. So King Pen gently but insistently pushed me to the door, with orders to chill in the bookstore with a cup o'joe.

Being the obedient wife that I am, I acquiesced. I left him in the company of our three wild animals, wishing him luck and singing his praises. I perused the stores, with a bag of tootsie rolls, quietly regaining my usual calm like zen (ha!). And after checking in on the homefront, I even got the go ahead to treat myself to a movie. Sometimes, going to a movie by yourself is simply perfect. I saw Tristan and Isolde, which was a somewhat mediocre performance, but I didn't care one bit. I was just happy to be there. (I really like that name- Isolde. If I ever have another little girl, that shall be her name. I declare it so.)

Anyway.

I came home after five hours of chill time, and I have to say, it worked. Today, I feel rejuvenated, ready to tackle life. Yip!

I would like to say, for the record, my husband rocks. He gets it. Thank you, babe!

And that's all for now. Must go use new found energy on the mountains of laundry... Happy Wednesday LOSTday, everybody.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:44 AM

January 16, 2006

I am a Death Dealer

Okay. So maybe not. But I could be. If I had the time. But that's a long term commitment, and really all I have is about two hours to spare. Just enough time to go see Underworld 2: Evolution. It's the sequel to Underworld, which is one of my all time favorite movies, and it opens on Friday.

Go ahead. Laugh. I don't care.

And while you do that, I'll join all the other nerds in my city (who I haven't seen since the last Tomb Raider movie) at the theatre, where we will scramble for the the best seat (directly in the middle row, in the middle seat) and exchange Underworld trivia and theories before the show starts. I'll happily munch on my eight gallon tub of popcorn, box of goobers, and 2 liter jug of coke, while living vicariously through Kate Beckinsale in her black leather gothic gorgeousness. The babysitter has been arranged, a fellow UW fan (who has forbidden the use of his real name in this entry*) has plans to join me and King Pen (who will smile and nod at my bubbly DARK enthusiasm like a good husband), and my outfit has been planned. I shall wear the coolest, blackest clothes I own, and I'll probably go heavy on the eyeliner, too. I don't have any fangs to wear, which is probably a good thing, considering the popcorn. Plus, no self respecting Death Dealer flaunts her fangs. Not because it's rude, oh no. It's just unnecessary.

Anyway. I ramble.

Let's just look at our little Kate for a second, mmkay?

She's so cool.

(In unrelated news, did I mention that I am taking up archery? No, really. I am. I'm looking for a simple bow, like the Indians used, and I'm going to start target practice in the backyard. Seriously. By the way, I don't know WHAT kind of weapon she's holding there... some kind of semi-automatic crossbow thingy? I'll need to find out before the movie so I can score some points with the nerds.)

Okay, that's enough for today. Stuff to do. Laundy to fold. Lycans to kill.

*ahem- JOEY*

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:08 AM

January 14, 2006

Descriptive Muscle

I love clever descriptions. Like this one:

"Richard Todd's fine home- the only building built of brick in all Paradise- stood on a little rise just west of the village. The house was like a dowager queen who had lost her way in the woods and settled down, ill at ease, among lesser, ruder beings."

I am fascinated by analogy, but have difficulty wielding it myself. That passage- the house- without knowing any of the details like colors and numbers of windows, etc-- you still get a rich idea of what it would look like just by the analogy. I was amused by the idea of a house uncomfortable among inferiors, which is obviously what the author intended, but at the same time, I had a mental picture of the details without having it spelled out for me.

One sentence painted an entire idea. The power of a good analogy- I don't know if it's something that can be learned or if it's innate, but I am encouraged to try harder in my writing when I read something like this.

Anyway- that's all. Just an observation for a Saturday morning. Have a good weekend, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:28 PM

January 13, 2006

Days Beginning

How decadent is it that I can be curled up in my bed with a computer? I've not indulged in this particular delight until this very moment, and for the life of me I can't figure out why. A union of two of my favorite things: comfort, and the internet. I'm in heaven.

The morning crashed in with a great roar today. I woke early in the dark to thunder and lightening and rain. One of the nicest things about my bedroom is that I have seven windows. A bit excessive perhaps, but I love it, especially during a storm. I laid there, as much a part of the storm as I could be without getting wet, and I listened. Listened to the heartbeat of nature. I listened for my children, who still launch themselves into my bed when it gets too scary. I listened to the steady rhythm of my husband's breathing. I listened and waited for my part, for my entrance into the day. And when I found the exact moment meant for me, I pulled back my covers and stepped into the morning. As I moved around in the quiet early hours, the dawning light chased away the last vestiges of the storm. Night and darkness slipped away, replaced with coffee and sleepy heads and biscuits and sunshine.

And I am reminded that dark beginnings can make for spectacular endings.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:11 AM

January 12, 2006

Excuses

The Duke is now eight months old, and has been crawling for about two weeks. Now, he's also pulling up and standing, until he becomes unbalanced and topples to the hardwood floors. So I can't turn my back on him for a minute. I am glad to see him developing so quickly and I can already see how much he is rushing to be like his big sis and brother. But I am WIPED OUT. Which is why I haven't written much lately. By the time I DO have some time to write, I honestly just don't feel like it. I am tapped out, people! I know this is just a stage, and as soon as he is more sure on his feet, it will probably be easier. Anyway, I will try to be better, but I thought I'd give you an explanation to go along with that. I am not giving up on this blog, and I expect that I will be writing a lot more starting next week, when I have the computer on a more regular basis.

Hang in there!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:46 AM

January 9, 2006

A Gold Rush

We got a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com for Christmas, and it's burning a hole in my pocket. Clear through to the skin. I need to spend it, before it does permanent damage.

I scar very easily.

Really.

Anyway- I can't decide what to buy, which is what happens when you've tightened the belt so far that you have to start drilling new holes in the strap. I only ever buy groceries, or on a more exciting day, socks and fabric softener. Certainly not music. Or a book. That's just plain crazy. But this is not a "poor me" post, oh no- this is a "gold, sweet gold!" and a "my uncle totally rocks!" post. WonderGirl happy!

So. Any ideas on how I should spend my new found fortune?

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:16 PM

January 7, 2006

Hot From the Oven

Good morning, stranger! Pull up a chair and grab a muffin. They're from a mix, but hey, at least they're hot. And free, so no complainin'. We've been a little out of touch lately, haven't we? I can explain, really. Seriously. I totally have NOT been avoiding you.

Take another muffin.

See, I've been really REALLY busy lately. I went out of town and back AGAIN this week. Czarina starts school Monday, so we wanted to use this last bit of vacation to visit. Okay? So you have no reason to be mad. I wasn't off blogging for anybody else. I was just try to make the most of the time we have since I don't know where we'll live when King Pen graduates. (Which is now five months, twelve days, and eleven hours away- YIP!) Speaking of which, we started the New Year out with a nice treat- a job offer! We aren't really interested in the location, but it was fantastic to be approached this early.

Hm. Fantastic. That word just doesn't work. Really, it was more like phenomenal. Because, let me tell you, this has been a long, rough road. Five years we've invested in this, hoping and trusting that this was the right thing for our family. We've sacrificed more than we knew we had in us, we've been humbled more than we knew possible. To see it finally, FINALLY pay off is amazing. I am incredibly proud of my husband, who has excelled in his studies and somehow has kept this family afloat while going to school full-time at the same time. He's something else. And there will be no one smiling bigger in the stands at graduation than me.

Well, I'm off to do my Saturday things. I'd tell you what they were, but then I'd have to kill you. And properly dispose of the body, which to be honest, takes time I just don't have. So I shall remain shrouded in mystery, like all good superheros.

Enjoy Sabados!

WonderGirl out. *grabbing last muffin with superhero-like flourish*

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:43 AM

January 2, 2006

Pauses

I love the blank spaces in my life. The moments that are white and empty, waiting to be filled only with my daydreams. They come at stoplights, as I'm running, when I clean... times when there is nothing else I could possibly do but think.

My hands may be busy, but my imagination is unbound, I am free to go anywhere. The past, the present, the future- they are my playground. This is where I go to find inspiration, and why I probably haven't written much lately. There has been no time for blank spaces. But, the busy season is behind me, at least for a little while.

Once again, there is time to think, to dream, to write.

What do you do with the blank spaces in your life?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:35 AM

December 31, 2005

Happy Last Day of 2005

I love December 31st. And not because we're ringing in a new year, oh no. Don't get me wrong, I like the fireworks and champagne and the kissy kissy. But what really makes the day great is those last minute indulgences. You know what I'm talking about. The chocolate. The not excercising. The messy closets. All those things you've sworn to change when the big ball drops. This is it- one last hoorah before the dieting and excercising and organizing. All those people who are going to quit smoking in the new year? I guarantee they're sucking 'em down today. For myself, I've worked out a rigorous chocolate schedule for the day. I plan to start out with some chocolate chip muffins for breakfast, followed immediately with a tall glass of chocolate milk. For lunch, I'm eating the last of my Reese's holiday candy, and I'm having a supper of leftover chocolate icing. Straight from the container. Good old Betty Crocker. And dessert? Well, duh.

And if that wasn't enough, I've also got a long day ahead of me of not excercising. I plan to start the morning out by sitting around, preferably in my pajamas, in front of the tv. Isn't there a parade or something? With people and floats all moving and busy? Not me. I'll watch it on the box, thank you very much. And around noon, there will be some serious, intense vegging out. Maybe even a nap. I am not making any unnecessary movements all day long- which is basically anything not involving chocolate. My commitment to this program is impressive, I promise you. I even astound myself with how good I am at not excercising on December 31st. It's an art form.

Here are other things I won't be doing on this last day of 2005:

-Writing more actual letters- the kind you have to mail. I won't pick up a pen today even if I am kidnapped and have to write the ransom letter. Not gonna do it. The nice, friendly kidnappers will just have to wait until 2006.

-Paying my bills on time. Nope. Not today, Mr. Electric Company. You'll just have to wait one more day. You'll do that, right? Wait on me?

-Taking calcium. Osteoporosis-schmosteoporosis. What's one more day? (she says quietly, so as not to attract the fates)

-Cleaning dust bunnies. 24 hours, then it's Dead Bunny Walking. Let them have these last few moments in hidden corners. Those cute, disgusting little things.

-Reading worthwhile literature. Oh no. Only the shallowest, trendiest, sensationalist drivel will do today. Plenty of time for Jane Austin tomorrow. Today, gimme Bridget Jones.

-Backing up and organizing all the pictures and files on my laptop. Daunting, people. It may take me ALL of 2006 to accomplish that one. I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna.

So.

There it is.

24 hours of decadence, indulgence, excess, and laziness. It's my special way of celebrating, see. I like to give the old year a good send off, ya know. A big farewell. Raise my glass and all that. Cheers and pass the chocolate kind of thing.

And now I'm off, to enjoy the last bit of 2005, resolution-free. Hope you do the same, and I'll see you in 2006- where we'll all be thinner, smarter, and more efficient. Oh, and better looking, too.

*wink*

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:48 AM

December 29, 2005

I Don't Need Ruby Slippers

to know there's no place like home.

Aaah....

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:01 PM

December 26, 2005

Fa La La La La

Oops! I forgot to wish my bloggie friends a Merry Christmas before hightailing it out for my festivities! Sorry about that! I hope you enjoyed every second of holiday chaos- we sure did! The kids and I are still swimming in presents and tinsel here at my folk's house- so I won't blog until the end of the week. I am required for the eating of the food. The pies. The cookies. The fudge. There simply isn't time to write in the face of such bounty.

I will roll my big, jolly self back to the computer January 1.

Have a Happy New Year!

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:50 PM

December 21, 2005

Addicted to Sleep

Somehow, midnight is just minutes away. This happens EVERY NIGHT. Yeah, crazy, I know. It never ceases to amaze me, this 12 a.m. phenomenon.

We went to see Santa this evening, and do some shopping at the mall. We're certifiable for doing that four days before Christmas, with three kids. But it was fun. The kids loved the lights and music, and bustle of Christmas. Czarina was thrilled to sit on Santa's lap, but HeroBoy was PET-RI-FIED. He screamed bloody murder, and Santa took a good kick to the shin. Yikes. Hope that doesn't get him on the naughty list. King Pen is going to scan the picture for me and I'll put it up here, because it is hilarious. Poor Santa. He looks totally harassed. He's quite the trooper, that Santa. And if he wants to eat a few extra cookies- well, let him. He deserves it.

The kids were in bed about two hours past bedtime, but that's okay. It was a special occasion. I'm usually a stickler for bedtime- eight o'clock on the dot. WonderMama needs her grown-up time, ya know. But we make exceptions when Santa is involved. So now, everyone is tucked safely into their beds- even King Pen zonked out on me. Strange to be up and about all by myself. But -

I'm tired.

And my bed beckons. So, I'm tucking myself in with all due haste, before the clock strikes twelve, before my gown turns to rags and my carriage into a pumpkin.

Night, all.

Bippity, boppity.

Boo.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:30 PM

December 20, 2005

Revealing

The other day, I caught a show on VH1 called Hip Hop Videos: Sexplotation on the Set. A former video model has written a tell all book about her career as a hip-hop-shake-her-butt girl, and it isn't pretty (the book, not her butt. I'm sure her butt is just fine, but I didn't look.) Candid interviews with casting directors, rappers, members of "the enterourage", and girls themselves. There were people on both sides of the issue.

I think we all know what's been going on in that world, but nobody has spoken up about it. Nobody has called it what it is- disgusting and degrading. Money keeps mouths shut, or ears deaf. Sex sells, that's their excuse. But that doesn't make it right, and it's nice to see someone say it. You could argue that this girl is motivated by money also, selling her book - but I think it's more personal than that. But to be honest, I don't care if she IS trying to make a buck or two, I'm just glad she's brought this out.

The way I see it- we have two problems. The guys. And the girls. The guys abuse their power and fame to indulge their sexual instincts. And the girls are desperate and greedy enough to do anything for money. That's what it boils down to. It's nothing new, really. We see that played out in other ways all the time. But it shouldn't be that way, consenting adults or not. Your body should be worth more to you, and somehow, these girls are not being taught that. From their mothers, their sisters, their aunts-- somebody isn't doing their job with these girls. Somewhere along the way, they learn to see their bodies as a commodity, going to the highest bidder. For the right price, they will sell their body piece by piece, making the beautiful and unique into something tawdry and lewd. Shame on the women who teach their daughters that this is okay. Shame on them for not equipping these girls with self worth and pride and tools to move ahead in this world without sex.

And the guys- what a sorry excuse for men they are. I find it funny that they sing about being masters of their domain, kings of their world- when all they are is rich. Money will buy you gold, and booty, but it will never buy the things that make a man a man. They are slaves to their passions, and master of nothing. A man has respect for his fellow human. A man recognizes that a woman's worth comes from her Creator. He sees her as the gift that she is, as Adam saw Eve. He tends to the things in his life with a gentle hand, but a protective and firm one. He teaches and guides. The only thing these guys are teaching is that women are objects. And their students? Their sons. And their daughters. They guide their children into a life of despair. And the only thing they are protecting is their self interest. Those things won't fill you up- no matter how loud the music, how bright the bling. And this girl is one of the few brave enough to tell the truth.

I was glad to see someone who lived it stand up and say, you know what? This is bull. All of it. Garbage. I quit.

Truth destroys illusion. It is a light that reveals the decay and ugliness of our sins. And that's exactly what we need to see to make changes, not only in hip hop videos - but in our own lives as well.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:59 AM

December 19, 2005

Smalltalk

Hello, Monday. Let's be friends today, okay? I know we've had a few issues in the past, but let's put that aside now. Why don't we do lunch later? Talk. Get to know each other better. Sound good?

This could be the beginning of something beautiful.

So, plenty going on today. I have my second mysterious interview this afternoon- and I'm hoping they'll include a job description. Seriously. WonderGirl needs to know these things. After that, it's my Official Shopping Day. I've got my list and checked it twice- and I'm ready to do this thing. So you can see why I need Monday to work with me.

I can't believe Christmas is less than a week away. Wow.

Well, that's all the time I have, folks. The Duke needs feeding, and I'm sure he's got a stinky present for me, too. Yay! Christmas comes early!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:26 AM

December 15, 2005

A Bit of Alright

Hey! Remember me? Tall girl with the cape? Yeah, I used to blog here, once upon a time. I was as reliable as... um... Old Reliable. Now, maybe not so much.

But here I am. So let's not hold grudges, mmkay? I'm blogging, and let's just let the past be the past. We don't need to dwell on whether someone is or isn't paying enough attention to their blog... cause it's Christmas. And Santa doesn't like whiney tattle-tales.

So. Now let's have some random news.

Today, King Pen asked me, quite snarkily mind you, why I sometimes write like I'm the love child of Snoop Dogg and Buffy Summers. Because I don't actually TALK that way in person. And I'm all like, "Yo. I so totally don't do that, Boo. Swing off."

As if. Hmf.

Okay, so maybe I do. A little. But don't tell him I said that. I guess I do it because it's fun. Can't I have a little fun? Yes. Yes, I can. I do it occasionally because you all know me, and you know I'm not the type to sling the lingo around like that, and that makes it funny. Maybe just to me, though. Hmm. Anyway, I politely responded to King Pen that when he has a blog, he's welcome to write however he would like to.

To which he even more politely responded, "It's all good, Shorty. Don't be hatin'. "

And... END SCENE.

Remember I said I had a job interview today? Well, I went (hats off to me) and sat through an exhaustive and puzzling series of questions like, what kind of animal would you be and why, what's your favorite movie, and if you were any color, what would you be--

and I still don't know what the job is for. When they asked me, what do you feel qualifies you for this position, I scrambled. I was like... um... I'm organized? I, uh... like working with people? Who need help? In some form or another?

I'm so smooth.

I really, REALLY wanted to answer the questions like an absolute lunatic, just to give them something to talk about after I left. Like this:

Describe your greatest strengths and weaknesses. Okay. I'm REALLY good at delegating work to other people, and I'd say my weakness is that I'm habitually late to work. No, wait, it's really probably that I steal a lot.

What animal would you describe yourself as? Hm. That's tough. I guess I'd go with a mouse, because I'm goal oriented and I poop on myself when I get scared.

But since I wanted the job (I think), I refrained from the crazy. I gave nice, normal, and slightly vague answers, since I still don't have a CLUE what this job is. Within an hour of being home, I got a call back for a second interview next week. I don't know what they could POSSIBLY still want to know about me, after the eleventy thousand questions I answered today-- but hey. I'm game. I like to talk about me, so it works out okay. Ha.

Oh, did I forget to tell you guys that I totally busted it at the gas station the other day? Yes, dearies. WonderGirl fell on her WonderButt for all to see. I tripped over one of those concrete parking dividers, and landed flat out in a big dirty puddle. Hard. I've got bruises on my shoulder and ribs, and probably would have cried if my tear ducts hadn't been swollen shut from that stupid allergy attack. It was not my best moment, I assure you. Thankfully, nobody mentioned my dirty, swollen, whacked out appearance when I paid for the gas. Maybe they were scared. Hey, I was a little scared of me that day.

Well, before this turns into a blogging marathon, I should go. And you- well, you better get back to work. You've been slacking a little... and who knows... I might be taking your job. Seriously. I mean, are you guys hiring? Cause I'm qualified, I think. For whatever.

Okay. I gotta jet.

Peace.

(take that, King Pen.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:41 PM

December 12, 2005

Hopped Up on Goofballs

I took some benadryl, and my face feels a little better. The rest of me ain't so bad either. (go benadryl!) I'm still kind of swollen, and a kid at the park today told me (in a rather disgusted voice) that I had "red growing from my face", which is never a good thing. But I think I'm on the mend. Which IS a good thing because-

I have an interview for a job on Thursday- no big deal, just a few hours a week at a gym. I think. There's some confusion, because I filled out such a general job application. I'm not really sure what I applied FOR. I hope they tell me. Otherwise, I might end up pulling a Costanza. Remember when he didn't know if he got the job, so he just shows up and hangs out in an office? Yeah, that's me. I'm just gonna show up and try to be... gymish. Mmkay. You know I'm just in it for the free gym membership, anyway.

Oh, did I mention that I went to the grocery store today, with my gigantic face? It was so embarassing. But when HeroBoy is out of juice, it's not pretty, so I bolted in and made as little eye contact as possible. Which was fairly easy, as it was so difficult to lift my melon head very high. Boo.

Let's see... what else? I need to get some stuff off my chest. Will you allow me? First off- Jessica Simpson, please, PLEASE stop the theatrics when you're singing. It's so cheesy. I know I'm not the first person to bring that up, but ARE YOU LISTENING? Trust me. Secondly, yeah, yeah, we get it- Brad and Angelina are better, richer, sexier, kinder, and more talented than the rest of us. Can we have a break now? And Diddy. Can you just pick one? Please? I don't even care which one. (this seems a tad hypocritical in light of my recent blog name change, but uh, shut up.) And lastly, if these loan consolidation people don't quit calling me, I am going to have a serious hissy fit. Like, I'm gonna hang up in their face. Yeah. Take that.

OOh, that's better. Thanks.

Oh wait, one more. Tom Cruise. Chill OUT, dude. You are TOTALLY freaking us out. Put the girl down, gently, and back away, nice and slow. Hands up where I can see them. Yeah. See that nice pink color in her cheeks? That's what's called breathing. No, no- not too close. Dang it, Tom, don't make me use the baton!

Okay. WonderGirl may need to reevalute her relationship with the E channel.

Well pumpkins, that's all for tonight. Yes, yes- I realize the blogging has been a little on the skimpy side lately. It always happens this time of year, with Christmas busyness and whatnot. And ya know... sometimes WonderGirl is more like WanderingAimlesslyThroughoutTheDayGirl. It happens. I'll be better. I do actually have some things to say, but I lack the attention to get it up here at the moment. Forgiveness, people. It's what Christmas is all about. Kind of. I mean, well not really, but it's about something good like that. It's about... togetherness. Or wait, I know- family. And like, how nice it is to give presents. Or that all the reindeer finally let Rudolph-- oh forget it.

You know what it's about. Don't be fooled by the trimmings.

Night, my peoples.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:18 PM

Facing the Day

So yesterday, I noticed that my face seemed a little... uneven, or something. Just not quite my normal face. I chalked it up to not drinking enough water lately, or getting enough sleep. Fine. So by lunch time, I'm even more blotchy, and now kind of puffy, too. Okay... maybe I just need a nap. I take a lovely little Sunday nap, and when I roll out of bed, it's on. I'm in a full fledged allergy attack of some kind, and my face is ground zero. I took some medication (not Benadryl), and tried to think WHAT I did to bring this on. Surely it will be better in the morning, I comfort myself. So, the alarm goes off this morning, and with great optimism, I open my eyes--- about one sixteenth of an inch. My eyes were just tiny little slits, and I've officially changed my name to PufferGirl. And my head hurts now - whether related or not, I don't know.

Wah.

I don't know what I ate or did that would cause this, if it's allergies. I haven't taken benadryl yet, but I guess I'll have to. I hate to do it, because I need all my wits about me to deal with HeroBoy and the Duke all day, but I would also like to see my face again sometime in the near future. It's better now that I've been up and about- at least gravity is trying to help a sister out. But still, it's not exactly the start to the week I'd imagined.

*fists up, and assuming position*

Okay, Monday. Let's rumble.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:42 AM

December 11, 2005

The ENDLESS Wheel of Time

Robert Jordan is NOT on my good list. And if you're of the nerd persuasion (geeks unite), you know why.

*sticking out tongue in R.J.'s general direction

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:36 PM

December 10, 2005

Watching

The kids and I watched about half of The March of the Penguins last night, while King Pen nodded in and out. All I can say is, here's yet more proof that penguins suck. Really and truly, these are nasty, vile little creatures. There. I said it. We're all thinking it, but nobody will admit it.

Ha.

I'm just kidding. They were adorable- INSANELY adorable. What kind of monster doesn't like baby penguins? I don't want to meet the sicko who could resist that level of cuteness. I couldn't stop saying, awwwww! This movie is so cute and inspiring, and it just makes me want to take one of these poor little guys home with me so he doesn't have to work so hard to survive. He could hang out in my freezer, if I rearranged some of those frozen pizzas and broken pie shells.

I can't wait to watch the second half tonight. Fuzzy little cutie pies!

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:37 PM

December 8, 2005

Whee!

You know your pile of laundry to fold might be getting a little out of hand when your kids can cannonball into it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:44 PM

December 7, 2005

No Time!!

OH MY GOSH. Will I ever get to blog on a regular basis again? This is ridiculous.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:02 AM

December 6, 2005

An Aside

Hey Tuesday, quit acting like you're Friday. Cause you're not, Mister! Now come on!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:08 AM

December 5, 2005

supercaligraphic

OOhh, I'm all a-pep! King Pen did a stupendous (yeah, STUPENDOUS!) drawing last night for my website. Now, it has to be scanned and colored in Photoshop.

Another day or so and then it will be all mine! Mwahahaha! [/evil blog laugh]

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:14 AM

December 4, 2005

Miscellany

Aaaahhh... King Pen's final week of school for the semester! Yip!! So this week, we're putting up our tree, and settling into the Christmas spirit. Old timey songs will be played, and cookies shall be baked. And, if the weather wasn't a hundred degrees, we'd drink some hot chocolate, too. But we don't play around with heat exhaustion like that down here in the South. I ran the AC today, for crying out loud. That is just shameful.

So something really gross happened the other day. And yeah, I'm gonna tell you, because I'm just nice like that. Hey, that's what you come here for, right? Anyway. I was washing laundry (on our screened-in backroom area, separate from the house), and I noticed that the pile seemed a bit... ripe. I figured there was a washcloth that had been in there too long or something. We'd been out of town for Thanksgiving, and this was my first big wash in a week or so. I lift up a few things, and suddenly a smell, no, this was more than a smell. This was the evil, noxious breath of some demonic spawn- hits me right in the face like Large Marge. Right before I nearly pass out, I see fur and yes, -gag- well, you know. I can't even type the word, it's so disgusting. Let's just say things wriggled, and I threw up in my mouth a little bit.

So I ran.

Like a little girl, I ran into the house and cried for my big, strong man to make the bad things go away. (I had that specifically written into our wedding vows, for occasions exactly like this.) He didn't disappoint. Yay for marrying well!

Apparently, el kitty, the nameless cat that we feed, and that constantly stares pitifully through our windows like the Matchstick Girl - left us a little pretty. I'm sure he thought it was great, this big, juicy mole. Maybe I would have been more excited about it if I had found "the gift" within, say, a day. Cause you know, a cat's gotta earn it's keep. But two weeks later? Oh sweet heaven. That's bad. Like, nightmare bad.

Clothes were torched, remains were buried, and WonderGirl had a little toddy after the whole ordeal.

So there you have it.

The End.

Go.

Get.

Scat.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:52 PM

December 2, 2005

Sweet

Friday? Seriously?

WAHOO!!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:53 AM

December 1, 2005

All Dolled Up

Okay. Here's the thing. If, by chance, you are walking down the street, and a reporter comes up to you with a microphone, take out your curlers. Yes. Right then. Tell them to wait, while you pull those suckers out and toss them in the bushes. This is they type of occasion you are wearing them for in the first place, right? A public appearance that will be broadcast to your ENTIRE town?

I'm just saying.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:06 AM

November 30, 2005

Wednesday Already?

Well my little dumplings, how are you today? I've been immersed in old archives, trying to fix the mess I've made of them in the move. It's not looking pretty, folks. It may take me a long, LONG time to make them happy again. It's a snarl that will probably take me months to untangle. Grr. But I shall. Oh yes.

Dang my perfectionism.

In yippeenews, today is the last day of November! Right? I think I'm correct on that one. Christmas preparations must begin post haste-- especially the presents thing. I'm usually far ahead by now, mostly done-- but this year, I keep putting it off until we have some money... and um... that hasn't really happened yet. So everybody is getting 7-11 beef jerky this year. Yay. Kidding. Kind of.

Anyway.

Ya know, for all the trouble of getting The Sift up and running, I am girlishly excited to be here. The graphics I'm working on are awesome, kind of a vintage comic book theme. Hooray! I love design-- that's half the fun of blogging to me, changing things up every now and then. I like to keep it fresh, yo. I could tinker all day long, but King Pen threatened to take the mouse with him today if I don't get myself together. (He says this tongue in cheek, because we know of someone who's husband did this very thing. Poor girl. That's just cruel.)

But, I guess I really should get cracking on some stuff. I've been so busy with these here internets that I've put off some bill paying, phone calling, dish washing, teeth brushing, and well, you get the idea. Gotta get back into the real world for a little while, drat it.

Don't have too much fun without me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:07 PM

November 29, 2005

Kaboom

Whoa! This place is a wreck! It looks like somebody stuffed a firecracker into my blog, and it exploded all over the place. It's going to take a while to restore all my pictures, import all the old entries and edit them to make them "fit".

Not to mention getting my new layout and design implemented, too. Let's see... to accomplish all this, I'll have to cut back on my sleep. And forget cooking meals. Laundry? Nope. Gotta work on my blog. Showers may have to go as well, because let's face it- you people can't smell me over the internet. You'd never know the difference.

Ew. No. There are some things I'm not willing to do, even for you good people out there. WonderGirl is not capable of being malodorous. It's in the rule book.

Anyway.

Looks like I have my work cut out for me over here. But I'm excited. Oh yes. This baby is gonna SPARKLE when I get done with her.

Yip!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:32 PM

November 19, 2005

Scatterday

Hello, good people!

I am blogging from my parent's house, where I will spend the next few days. Then, the kids and I will head out to my aunt and grandmother's house. We'll stay there a few days and be joined by more out of town family members for Thanksgiving. Friday, we'll then meet up with King Pen at his folk's house, for even MORE Thanksgiving.

So, lots of traveling. Lots of eating. Lots of picture taking. Lots of reading. Maybe not so lots of blogging, I dunno. We'll see.

And tonight? Harry Potter date with my da. Skippy!!

Will write more in between bites of pumpkin pie and spoonfulls of raw sugar.

Ciao!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:02 PM

November 16, 2005

Cuts Are Coming

Okay, warning to my buddies out there who haven't been blogging lately... I'm getting ready to tidy things up here at my blog, including my blogroll. People are coming, and people are going. I've gotta make some cuts due to inactivity. I don't want you to lose your place on the team, folks! Blog, blog like you want to win this thing!! Look alive out there!

Please!

Wow. That was intense.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:47 PM

In Memoriam

So last night, I was checking my usual round of blogs on Bloglines, which is a tool that lets you know when someone has updated their site. I saw that a longtime read of mine, Punkintoes, had written, and I went to her blog right away because it had been a while since she posted. I'd been concerned for her recently, because something was going on and she hadn't been able to share it. I was shocked and saddened by what I read. A family member had updated her blog, to let her readers know that she had passed on.

I didn't know what to do with the grief of that revelation. I began reading her blog after I first found Shar's page, which I blogged about a long time ago. I've followed Shelly's difficult journey dealing with tragedy since then, occasionally commenting and exchanging the random email here and there. She lost her sister, and her mother, and then her aunt in a relatively short period of time. It was heartbreaking to read her thoughts, and I prayed for her often, hoping she'd eventually find the peace she sought and needed. I didn't expect her peace to come with her own death, though. There was no one to really say, "I'm sorry" to, other than to leave a small comment on her blog. No one to send flowers to, nobody to hug, no way to say goodbye to a woman I'd never seen, never met, never claimed as a close friend, but always cared about and prayed for. No way to express my sorrow at the loss of her presence in this world. Not just the physical world, but this world we bloggers have created of words and pictures and thoughts. One of ours has gone, one less voice... and I am sad. So, in her honor, I use the medium that connected us, I write my goodbye here, and send it out to the wide open world with the click of the button, and hope that the words float outward and upward.

Goodbye, Shelly. My prayers are with your family, and my hope is that they find comfort in the knowledge that you have been reunited with those you've missed and grieved over for so long. Farewell, friend.

Shelly's mother, Shar, wrote this before she died, "I have learned that life is not just about joy, but also sorrow. It is our sorrows that pave way for greater joy and appreciation for life. It is our sorrows that remind us of our own mortality."

I will never forget those words, or these two remarkable women.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:47 AM

November 15, 2005

Pouting

Ya know, when someone (like your husband) doesn't laugh when you tell a joke, well, that's bad. But it just adds insult to injury when they ask nicely, "And did you make that one up, sweetie?"

No.

I did not.

Hmf.

I am totally misunderstood as a comedian. (click the link for the joke)

Continue reading "Pouting"

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:48 PM

November 14, 2005

Small Talk

Wow, I am totally useless today! What's up with me lately? I have NO get up and go. But I have plenty of lay around and goof off. Hm.

HeroBoy is sick - same thing Czarina had (and still has, to be honest) - viral croup. It's bad coughing, and fever, and difficulty breathing. That part scared me- when he was just gasping for air! I took him to the dr. first thing this morning and got him some medicine. He's knocked out in the bed at the moment. Czarina usually handles these little illnesses better than he does, for some reason. Seems like he always gets stuff worse. I am crossing my fingers that The Duke doesn't get it, too, but I won't be surprised if he pops up with it in a day or two.

Czarina has school the rest of this week, and then she's out for a whole week for Thanksgiving. Wow! I can't believe the holidays are upon us already. It happens this way every year, but it still surprises me.

Well, I don't have much to say, just wanted to throw an update out there. I'll be on later, if I ever find my get up and go. It's around here somewhere, I swear it...

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:33 PM

November 13, 2005

You Make Me Feel So Fine

Last night, King Pen and I joined an intimate group of friends gathered for a child-free evening of fun and food, and wine. Red, red wine. I feel a million dollars when it's just in my hand. (Thank you UB40... UB my best friend for that song.)

I have an early history of ambivalence when it comes to wine. Oh I'd drink it if it were available, at say, a wedding. Or if somebody brought a box to a party (aah, boxed wine, truly the pinnacle of man's accomplishments!) Anyway, if there was wine around, I'd drink it. I'm polite that way. But I didn't really have a taste for it. And then, magically, sometime after Czarina was born, I discovered an appreciation for that sacred drink.

I found that a glass in the evening was just perfect, as I was making dinner. One glass, and a smallish one at that, and my mood lifted instantly. It's like I had been holding my breath and didn't know it, and suddenly, aaaah. Chill.

I like my wine room temperature, red, not too dry, and not too sweet. One glass will do the trick- though I'll have more in a social setting. I like generous sips, and pretty glasses. I'm not hung up on labels and brands, as long as it tastes good. I've had wine made from grapes (surprise, surprise!), muscadines, strawberries, blueberries, elderberries, and most recently, apple blossom wine, which was incredible, and very rare. I think I've had peach and blackberry and others I'm sure, but I can't think of specifics.

What do I like about wine? At first, I didn't like the taste. Too bitter for my palate. But I drank it for the physical impact- and I don't mean drunkenness. I'm talking about that immediate warmth that slips down your throat - it's like a fuzzy blanket on a cold night. I can feel my face flush slightly, my cheeks feel rosy and cozy and quite nice. I smile a little easier, I am comfortable and chatty and happy. The taste of wine became synonymous with that sensation, until one day, it was liquid joy on my lips, a beautiful flavor.

This is not about drunkenness. I won't defend drunkenness as a Christian, because I think the Bible is undeniably straightforward on that. But you can drink wine and not be inebriated, just like you can eat food and not be fat. The Bible actually encourages us to enjoy wine - and no, it doesn't mean grape juice. (I'll be happy to pass along text to support that if you want.) Wine gladdens and cheers, and causes the heart to exult, and that is from the Word of our Lord. It is a gift. Like a sunset, or a kiss, or a cool breeze, or a baby's laugh.

I have heard the argument that as a Christian, I should avoid wine (or other alcohols) because it can be misinterpreted by nonChristians, or because other Christians believe it's wrong. I reject that line of reasoning. For one, I do believe it is a gift, like I mentioned. Who am I to snub the gifts of God, for mere man's opinion? That sounds like such a justification, but seriously- do I think I am too good, too pious, too holy for something that GOD Himself has given me? Secondly, I think wine is a wonderful symbol of the joy we have in Christ, the liberty and the blessings we find with our Maker. I see this as a testament to that, and I happily engage in conversation to explore it with people who may think differently. And in the end, if we have to agree to disagree on the subject, I can accept that. I won't drink my wine in front of you if it makes you uncomfortable, and I won't try to force you to see my point of view. I am respectful of your opinion, just as I hope you are of mine. (Even though my opinion is a little more right than yours. Ha.)

Anyway. I share this here, because last night, I found a depth of happiness that needed expression. As I ate a wonderful Italian meal with friends, at a table overflowing with candles and grapes and beautiful linens, and drank rich, red wine from pretty decanters, and laughed as we scribbled a game of pictionary, I reveled in the joy of it. The abundance of blessings seemed to be the theme of the night, and I can't help but feel God was pleased as His children enjoyed His endless benevolence.

As I lift my glass filled with wine, and eat from my plate filled with savory food, and share an evening filled with laughter, I am filled with thankfulness, and I offer a silent prayer of gratitude to my God.

His gifts are good and perfect, and gladden the hearts of men.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:37 AM

November 11, 2005

Titled "Eh", or "The Overuse of the Asterisk*"

Eh. This is quite possibly one of my favorite noises to make, a la The Sopranos. Know what I'm talking about? It's the shrug your shoulders, italiany noise you make when you feel ambivalent or indifferent about something. Tony Soprano does an awesome "eh".

"Eh". It's the new "Whatever".

I've been saying it all day (yes, to myself) about all the stuff that needs doing around here. Procrastination, thy name is WonderGirl. I don't wanna do ANYTHING!! Help!!! Somebody light a fire under me and FAST. I just want to veg out of the sofa with my book, my slippers, a movie, and a snickers bar. Hey, when you blow it, you might as well go all the way, right? We won't even look up the calorie count on that one. *shudder* And yes, I can watch a movie and read a book at the same time. It's my special power.

Anyway.

All that to say, yeah, I know this blog has been pitifully quiet lately, and all I can muster up is "eh".

I'm trying, seriously. Okay, I'm kind of trying. A little. I mean, ya know, if I think about it.

*suppressing another eh*

Somebody else wanna take the wheel for a while? Spot me for a bit? Keep this baby afloat for a few days? No? Man, you guys are such TAKERS. I'm outta here.

*bounds off in search of slippers*

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:58 PM

November 9, 2005

It's All About The "O"

How about this, Ms. Overstock.com Spokeslady - your innuend"O" totally creeps me out. Give it a rest, mmkay?

[/random rant]

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:20 PM

A Girl With No Wings

(notes from my journal, forty thousand feet in the sky)

Flying inspires me. The novelty will probably never wear off for my simple mind. The fact that we wingless creatures can soar the open heights fills me with awe. The chance to explore the anatomy of the clouds, to plunge ourselves into this white, ethereal field of cotton - well, it's fun. I love the momentum of takeoff, that one second before the wheels lift and you think, "Here it comes! Go, baby, go!" as if your will and encouragement are what gives the plane that last needed push. I smile, every time, even though I try not to. What a victory for mankind! What an accomplishment! And I look around at the people who have already begun to sleep or read, and I wonder, how can you not mark this moment? Look at us! We fly! We did it! We conquered gravity!

I don't want flying to ever be commonplace to me. I don't want to pull the blind down and block out the clouds. I don't want to close my eyes against the patchworked terra firma beneath me. I want to feel the magnitude, the history, the effort, the sheer miracle, that has brought me into the sky. And if I seem naive, or inexperienced, or totally lacking in sophistication with my nose pressed against the window, I don't care. My mind is on other things- like the twisting of rivers, the geometry of corn fields, the glimmering of lakes, the cresting meringue of clouds.

The world becomes bigger as the people become smaller, and I am reminded of life beyond my own vista.

I see the world, and know that I am such a small part of it. And yet, it's exactly the way it should be. The world is too big for any one of us. It takes us all to fill up the nooks and cranies, we each hold up our own little end of the world.

What a lovely way to live, and what a beautiful sight it makes.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:25 PM

Covering Her Bases

Czarina is sick and home from school today- nothing too bad, just a cough and fever. She's loving it- this special treatment. Laying on the couch, watching Tom & Jerry, extra snuggles from Mom, and eating orange jell-o and popsicles - what a life.

Earlier, I could tell she was thinking hard about something, then she turned to me and asked, "Mom - when we're sick, we can still get spankings, right?"

To which I replied, "Yes dear, if you do something wrong, even if you're sick, you will get in trouble."

"Okay, Mom. Just checking."

The scamp.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:02 PM

November 8, 2005

No Night Owl Tonight

Is it totally, unforgivably lame of me to go to bed at 7:45? Cause I really, REALLY want to.

What the hay, I'm going for it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:43 PM

November 7, 2005

Psst...

Hey!! Guess what?

I'M BACK!!!!!

Yip!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:59 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 24, 2005

Commentary

Oh, the pain of 6:15. Somebody HELP.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:39 AM

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

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

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

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

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

October 16, 2005

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Absentia

Taking a few days off, fellas. See ya this weekend!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:48 PM

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

All Piled Up

Anybody have some bunkbeds they want to get rid of?

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:42 PM

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

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

September 30, 2005

The Squeeky Wheel

Gets the grease, right? My mom complained today that there is no way to look at all the pictures of the kids and/or family on this blog at once. So, I meticulously went through all my old entries and added a new "Picture This" category. Now you can click that (under "Categories") and voila. Easy squeezy.

This should guarantee my nomination as "Daughter of the Year". And there better be a tiara in there somewhere. I deserve the very best fake diamonds that money can buy! And it better be BIG.

And no, I didn't stamp my foot. That's not a very grown-up thing to do.

Anyway, at the very least, this is further proof that I do, indeed, rock. Or that I'll do anything to get out of folding laundry.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:36 PM

Hee-Haw

I didn't know that I wanted a baby donkey, but I do. Oh, I really do!

Please.

Can I make a joke about the whole cute a** thing? No?

Okay then. You're the boss.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:41 PM

Reprieve

It's 12:25 p.m. and I still haven't turned on my air conditioner today. Hallelujah! Fall might FINALLY be here!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:23 PM

September 29, 2005

No Go

For those of you standing by for news of the cars - let's just say, I've got a knot on my head. From pounding it against the wall. Still no definitive answer on the Family Car. Two mechanics say the same thing- there's nothing wrong that they can tell. The only hope for it is if it acts up while they have it hooked to a machine or while they are driving it. Sigh. So, what are we supposed to do? I can't drive it with the kids, obviously. I can't drive the carpool, either. Lovely.

And the Red Car? They STILL haven't gotten to it! The guy said he tried to crank it just to move it, and it sounded like the timing belt? We know for a fact the radiator is busted, so who the heck knows how much is wrong with it or how much it will cost, or WHEN it will be fixed (if it can be!). I've got that gut feeling that the Red Car has seen it's last days.

So.

My only solution is to invest in some lotto tickets or but a bicycle built for 5 (!).

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:18 PM

September 28, 2005

Wonderings

My day improved with a Diet Dr. Pepper (which really DOES taste like the regular ones) and realizing that it's Wednesday and Lost night!!

Still waiting to hear from the mechanics working on BOTH cars, no luck so far. The influx of evacuees from south LA has really impacted businesses down here. Everybody is busier! I even called around checking on rental cars and could barely find any. I had to walk (!) to two different stores just to get the drink I wanted. It's like this all the time now, but we're getting used to. I suppose the economic boom isn't bad for BR, but I hate that it's the result of such a tragedy.

So... I went to the ASLA website yesterday, looking at potential jobs for King Pen. Well, it's a little premature - he still has eight months until he will be on the market, but I wanted to get an idea of what's out there. Looks pretty awesome! Lots of openings in CA and FLA, and quite a few in Atlanta and on the eastern coast... basically from one end of the country to the other! It's so hard to decide where we want to live! I don't know if we should decide on a city, then try to find a job there, or the opposite.

Whatever we do though- we need to start thinking about it. I'm the detail oriented one, and not knowing is killing me! By now, I usually have a few boxes packed and a moving truck reserved. This will be a test of faith for me, I do believe.

Well, I don't have much to say today. I'm going to plop on the couch for a while and read my book.

Aaahh... the life of a stay at home mom.

That is so a joke.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:55 PM

Befuddled

Why do I feel like I drank a bottle of tequila last night? I didn't - I swear. My head is POUNDING.

Am I getting sick?

That doesn't explain the nose ring I woke up with, though.

This has got to stop.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:31 AM

September 27, 2005

Conundrum

Okay, so I've mentioned our upcoming trip to Baltimore in November. It's just five weeks away, and I'm so excited I could pass out - except for one matter. The Duke.

He'll be a week shy of 6 months at that time, and I'm not sure if I am ready to leave him for five days. I never left Czarina and HeroBoy for that long - not until they were at least a year old.

One the one hand, this trip would be a lot easier without him. On the other hand, what if he isn't ready for that kind of seperation? The last thing I want is for him to be a thousand miles away and needing Mama! And then there are the Babysitters to consider. I trust my mom and mother-in-law implicitly, but these three can be a serious handful! Especially if you are on your own with them. King Pen and I have to tagteam to get through the day - I can't imagine that our mothers would still be sane after dealing with them all alone. I don't want to put them in a bad situation, or take advantage of them.

But the thought of lugging all the baby gear around an airport - trying to find a place for naps- and sightseeing with him in tow.... well - that's daunting.

I would love- truly LOVE- to spend some time alone with my husband, but maybe that's a luxury I can't afford just yet. Is it selfish of me to want that? Is it wrong to choose something that I want more than my child would probably want?

Thoughts, people. Give me something to chew on here.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:19 AM

toozday

*yawn*

Good morning, everybody.

What're we doing today?

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:07 AM

September 26, 2005

Woebegone

Wow. Today was abysmally bad, even for a Monday. May I? We started off sleeping through the alarm, and waking with 15 minutes to get out the door. Have you ever tried to rush a sleepy 5 year old? It's no picnic. But we manage to leave on time, and pick up the two girls that carpool with us in the morning. About ten minutes from the school, the car starts to overheat. Yay. Remember now, the Family Car is already in the shop. This is not good. I manage to limp the Red Car (King Pen's car) to the school, stopping once to put some water in it.

We get there (riding my frantic prayers all the way), and lo and behold, I've forgotten Czarina's bookbag, and lunch. Super Yay. While my car cools down at the school, I borrow the TEACHER's car (sigh) and dash madly to the grocery store to get Czarina a lunchable. But the store is completely empty. I'm serious. No meat. No cheese. No bread. Barely anything at all - I guess they haven't had a chance to restock since the hurricane this weekend. I put together an admittedly bad lunch, but it was the best I could do. So I get that to her, and feeling sufficiently confident that the car was cool (having refilled the water also), I head off to Debby's to drop something off. Her house is on the way home - but as I drive, it's getting hot AGAIN. So I stay there, cry, fill it up again, and try once more to get home.

Nope. That wasn't in the cards today. I got close, but no cigar. It dudded out on me about a block from the car repair shop where the Family Car was already waiting patiently for some TLC.

I sat there, crying a little more, wracking my brain for a plan. (Notice the crying? What is up with that? I HATE crying!!) Anyway, Red Car, at this point, was dead. D-E-A-D. The battery had gone out - why, I don't know. I was honestly just surprised it hadn't blown up at this point. I thought I might could push it to the shop, but even my herculean muscles weren't up to the task. So I walked to the shop, called King Pen, and waited for the mechanic to fix the Family Car so that I could drive home, get King Pen, and bring him back to view the Red Car in it's death throes.

Several hours later, Family Car is ready to go because the mechanic COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING AMISS. He's wrong, of course. Something's up with it, and I guarantee that just when I have a car full of kids, it will rear it's ugly head again. But, desperation drives us and faith sustains us, so I guess it will be alright. At least until Red Car has been repaired, or declared DOA.

We end up pushing the Red Car to the shop with the Family Car. It's a bit like the blind leading the blind. We take the lesser broken of the two back home - and make plans to be a one car family for a few days at least. (We're just crossing our fingers that we won't be a NO car family.)

Finally, I got back home - dirty and hungry and cranky beyond belief. So I did what any self respecting woman would do. I grabbed my book, put on my fat pants, and ate everything in the pantry. Luckily, the damage was minimal, because I keep my pantry void of chocolate for this very reason.

Then I took a shower and a little nap, and now I'm much better.

And that was my Monday, in all it's glory. From now on, I think it would be simpler to WALK.

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:23 PM

September 25, 2005

Dies Solis

Sunday and the boys and I are not going to church. Why, you ask? Well, when I went to pick up Czarina from school on Thursday, the family car went kaput on me. On the interstate. The kind with the concrete walls and NOWHERE to pull over. After a healthy little panic attack, a nice guy in a truck pushed me to an off ramp, and I walked from there. Pushing The Duke's stroller - in 98 degree heat.

Ack.

I sat at Joe's Crab Shack and had a coke and generally felt sorry for myself. Debby picked up Czarina for me, and King Pen made his way to me and our untrusty steed. The old girl is currently sitting at the repair shop as the mechanic tries to figure out how to rob us blind get her up and running again.

So being a two car family on Sundays, the boys and I are sitting this one out. I'll be honest, church with a 5 year old, 2 year old, and 4 month old sans nursery can be challenging. Our service is over an hour and a half, and sometimes it's difficult to hear even a modicum of the sermon!

But I need it. It's the prelude to my week. It gives me what I need to be the mother and wife I'm called to be for the next six days. Singing with my family, sharing the Lord's Supper, bowing our heads together- those are the things that refuel me, prepare me, balance me. Without them, I am off kilter. I am a beat behind.

It's a good thing that you don't have to be in church for God to hear prayers, though.

The car - all I want is for it to be reliable. I don't mind if it's not new or could stand a paint job or even if it makes crazy noises. I just want it to not break down on me.

Okay, so that's it. Time to get out of my pajamas and get life in gear.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:57 AM

September 24, 2005

Saturday Stand Up

In preparation for yesterday's hurricane, we gathered up our candles, flashlights, and lanterns. King Pen's favorite one, of course, was the headlight. He let HeroBoy play around with it a little bit, and he was in heaven. Unfortunately, heaven for little brothers usually involves a little bit of hell for older sisters. He was doing his usual amount of pestering and general aggrivation, pointing the light directly into Czarina's face. Finally Czarina had enough and appealed to us.

"Mo-om!" she whined, "I don't want HeroBoy to glow in my dark!!" Which immedietely brought giggles from Mom and Dad, a satisfied smirk on little brother, and confusion from big sister.

Gotta love that unscripted humor.

Oh, and the hurricane - mostly just made a big mess for us to clean up. Leaves, limbs, debris. Electricity flickered some during the worst of it, but it was nothing compared to Katrina.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:14 PM

September 23, 2005

Babyzilla

Beware!

His appetite is insatiable.

And some more---

Continue reading "Babyzilla"

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:49 PM

September 22, 2005

Squares to Spare

Here, take it! Take it all!

I am back from my dash to the grocery store for a few essentials before Rita sashays onto the coast. Okay, so maybe she's not that light footed. And maybe I didn't buy just a "few" things.

The grocery store is a happening place before a hurricane, I tell ya. Nothing hypes me up like joining the throngs of folks furiously buying peanut butter and Chicken Corn Chowder. The excitement is palpable, and I am one of the first to be swept up in the mania. I start eyeballing other people's carts, to see what they are buying. If they buy it, well, that settles it. I am, too. Cause I need it. Storm's coming. I have to fight the urge to sweep everything off the shelf into my waiting (and already full) buggy.

So I bring back stuff I haven't eaten in fourteen years. Fig newtons? What the? We don't eat those! And what on earth am I going to do with pickled garbanzo beans? The Cheese Whiz was a big hit with King Pen, but it didn't go over so well in my conservative pantry. The "regulars" don't take to well to outsiders, and their foreign spraying habits. It started out with whispers and glares, but it's escalated. I swear I heard some trash talking and rumbling around in there. I'm just staying out of the way. What happens in the pantry, stays in the pantry.

And the toilet paper, oh help me. It's ridiculous. There will be no purchase of Northen Quilt in our home until well after the New Year. And that's if we are outrageously wasteful. I'm racking my brain for other uses, and so far I've come up with a few awesome Christmas presents. (Look forward to it, friends. I'm talking some seriously top notch gifts here.)

I mustn't forget the water. Aah, the WATER. Well, everybody else had so much... It would have been irresponsible NOT to buy enough to drink, and cook, and bathe us (and the cat). And gargle. I mean, you have to do that everyday. And mop? Well, the floor can get awfully dirty with all that mud. And we might need some entertainment, so we'll probably do some water balloons or something. Oh, and heck, let's fill the pool up, too - cause I BOUGHT EIGHTY THOUSAND GALLONS.

And for crying out loud, why did I need three tubes of hydrocortisone cream and a shower cap? That's just weird.

Two days from now, when I am surrounded with all these unused items, I shall feel quite silly indeed.

But better safe than sorry, right? Yeah, that's exactly what got me in this mess.

Well, I will end here. I'll try to write tomorrow, as long as we have power. Now, I have to finish putting away the last bit of things. Let's see, that's twelve bags of ginger snaps, some tweezers, and the economy sized box of dryer sheets.

It seemed reasonable at the time, trust me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:18 PM

Bbbring!

I've just recently come into the cellular world - remember the bird incident? Anyway, I had a Tracfone for a long time, and spent what I would for a small island in those dumb prepaid cards. So Super Mom comes to the rescue, and puts me on her Cingular family plan. Now I get a humungous amount of anytime minutes that had built up on her plan because nobody was using them. I'm kinda stingy with those, though. Yes. I have hoarding issues, but I'm seeking professional help even as we speak.

Anyway.

The thing I love about it is that I can call anybody with a Cingular phone for free, anytime. Yeah - I know you already know that, but this is new for me. Indulge me.

So, I'm calling up ANYBODY I know with a Cingular phone. My best friend from fourth grade, the mailman, our old auto insurance people - I'm out of control. But it's free.

It is cool though that my sister and mom, and aunt all have Cingular. I'm calling like two, three times a day.

I don't have a lot to do around here.

That's a lie, I have plenty to do, but none of it is as fun as playing with my new toy. I haven't talked this much on the phone since the ninth grade!

If you have a cingular phone, hit me with your digits and I shall also bug YOU two or three times a day with nothing in particular to say.

Ain't it great to be my friend?

PS- My phone welcomes me with "Hello, Beautiful!" which totally cracks me up.
Okay, I programmed that myself. What can I say? I like compliments.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:28 PM

Mmm... IPod...

The new IPod Nano. Yummy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:41 AM

September 21, 2005

Flashback

So. This time last year - what was I writing?

Oh, I remember. Sweet, sweet Willie. He rocks hard.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:24 PM

Hidden Shames

In the seventies, Stephen R. Donaldson wrote a pretty good series of fantasy books called The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. I read them a few years ago, and assumed that the story had been finished. Not so. Two more books have come out, and I started them yesterday. The plot is original and interesting, and the books are considered one of the cornerstones of the current fantasy genre.

But.

I just can't get over the name of the bad guy. It's so awful, I can barely even utter it aloud.

Lord Foul.

Oh, that's hideous. Mr. Donaldson! Shame on you! Couldn't you up with anything less... I don't know - OBVIOUS?

This is why I hide my fantasy books when company comes over.

And don't bother looking under my bed, because that's not where I stash them. Seriously. Don't look.

Trust me.

Nothing to see there, folks. Just move along.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:23 PM

My Long Lost Love

Don't even attempt to call me between 8 and 9 pm tonight. My ringer will be off, friends, because Lost is on!!

Oh the happiness!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:57 AM

September 20, 2005

Up-Up-And Away!

I'm thirty years old, and I just booked my first airline ticket.

It was so fun.

We're going to Baltimore the first weekend of November for a wedding. King Pen's childhood buddy and longtime friend, Dan, is getting married. So, we're flying up a few days early so we can do some sightseeing. We're ditching the kids and taking our first vacation in eight years! Whoohoo! And don't go feeling sorry for the Short Ones. Grandma will be coming in and they'll have their own little vacaction. Although, I admit the idea of leaving The Duke puts a damper on my spirit. He'll be six months old, but he's my little partner. I'll miss him.

Anyway, despite that downer, it's great. I am way too excited about this. I feel like such a nerd. I can't quit thinking about it! I keep wanting to call all my friends and giggle about it.

Yes. I'm fourteen. Sue me.

I have to admit I'm a little nervous, though. Not about the actual flying- that doesn't bother me so much. But the layovers and luggage and all that- that gives me a twinge of anxiety. Inexperience makes me unsure of myself. Plus all the new post 9/11 changes... Can I bring tweezers? Razors? Am I allowed to wear stilletos? Not that I want to. I'm just saying. What's considered a weapon these days?

But still, I can't wait. I keep pulling up my email confirmation and reading it, because this is just something we don't do. WonderGirl doesn't fly. (in planes. I do fly in my cape and whatnot.) Not because I'm afraid, but because, well, I just don't. It's a rule.

And since we're breaking it for the first time, like ever - it's a big occasion.

So. Any ideas on things we really should see while in Baltimore and DC?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:19 PM

Bleh.

Nothing brings on the urge to vomit quite like Taradise.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:36 PM

September 19, 2005

Serving up Japanese Pop Culture

I sooooo want to eat at Hello Sushi, here in BR.

I expect the place to be filled with little kawaii lovies like this:

The perfect combo of raw fish and insanely cute animals. What more do ya need?

Oh. Maybe this, too.

He's kinda hot, though.

(BTW - Isn't Chococat too adorable? I just want to love
him and hug him and pet him and squeeze him, and call him George.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:15 PM

Rita on the Horizon

You've gotta be kidding me.

We may be okay, it's hard to say at this point. But I've got my eye on Rita. I don't trust her.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:33 PM

September 18, 2005

Saturday Night Wrap Up

My body is tired, and begging to go to bed, buy my brain is being stubborn. Sigh. Dumb brain.

We've had a really busy weekend. My sister, Play-do Brittany, came into town Wednesday. My mom came Friday. Czarina's 5th birthday party was Friday night - which was an absolute blast. We had another birthday party to go to Saturday morning for one of her friends. When we got back, around noonish, all us girls went shopping till supper time. Came home and ate, got the kids all cleaned up and in bed, then hit a late movie at the theatre.

Holy Moly.

I'm beat! But we had such a good time!

Pictures to follow. But now, bed time.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:27 AM

September 15, 2005

Slump

Okay... so I've been slacking. I admit it. You know it, and I know it. Should I just call it a day, and bid the blog adieu? I'm just sorta... bored, I guess. I don't feel very entertaining anymore. I'm short on funny these days, and I miss it! I miss writing things that cracked me up. I miss having too many things to blog about! I'm not sure what to do about it, honestly. How to put some life back in the old girl? (And by that I mean, my blog, not me, thank you very much.)

Feedback, please. Help a sister out.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:07 PM

Sock It To Me

WonderGirl's trippy moment for the day: The multicolored hotwax at the carwash. Am I the only one who gets all Woodstock as the colors drip down my window?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:13 AM

Early Risers

Oh Yay. 5:30 is the new 6:30 around here.

Wah.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:06 AM

September 14, 2005

Seeing Beyond the Addiction

Drug addiction doesn't explain everything. Sometimes you have to look deeper, even if it means going places you really don't want to.

Continue reading "Seeing Beyond the Addiction"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:56 PM

September 13, 2005

Trickses

Groovy. See this little trick, picked up from David at BLTB? I now call it mine. Mwahahaha.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:50 PM

Say It With Me: Biloxi

To our dear friends north of the Mason Dixon line, it's "Buh-luck-see", not "Bee-locksey".

Just so ya know.

I read this a few days ago, and wanted to post it here. This is why I love La.

Dear America,

I suppose we should introduce ourselves: We're South Louisiana.

We have arrived on your doorstep on short notice and we apologize for that, but we never were much for waiting around for invitations. We're not much on formalities like that.

And we might be staying around your town for a while, enrolling in your schools and looking for jobs, so we wanted to tell you a few things about us. We know you didn't ask for this and neither did we, so we're just going to have to make the best of it.

First of all, we thank you. For your money, your water, your food, your prayers, your boats and buses and the men and women of your National Guards, fire departments, hospitals and everyone else who has come to our rescue.

We're a fiercely proud and independent people, and we don't cotton much to outside interference, but we're not ashamed to accept help when we need it.

And right now, we need it.

Just don't get carried away. For instance, once we get around to fishing again, don't try to tell us what kind of lures work best in your waters.

We're not going to listen. We're stubborn that way.

You probably already know that we talk funny and listen to strange music and eat things you'd probably hire an exterminator to get out of your yard.

We dance even if there's no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and laugh too loud and live too large and, frankly, we're suspicious of those who don't.

We put Tabasco on stuff without tasting it first.

But we'll try not to judge you while we're in your town.

Everybody loves their home, we know that. But we love South Louisiana with a ferocity that borders on the pathological. Sometimes we bury our dead in LSU sweatshirts.

Often we don't make sense. You may wonder why, for instance - if we could only carry one small bag of belongings with us on our journey to your state - why in God's name did we bring a pair of shrimp boots?

We can't really explain that. It is what it is.

You've probably heard that many of us stayed behind. As bad as it is, many of us cannot fathom a life outside of our border, out in that place we call Elsewhere.

The only way you could understand that is if you have been there, and so many of you have. So you realize that when you strip away all the craziness and bars and parades and music and architecture and all that hooey, really, the best thing about where we come from is us.

We are what made this place a national treasure. We're good people. And don't be afraid to ask us how to pronounce our names. It happens all the time.

When you meet us now and you look into our eyes, you will see the saddest story ever told. Our hearts are broken into a thousand pieces.

But don't pity us. We're gonna make it. We're resilient. After all, we've been rooting for the Saints for 35 years. That's gotta count for something.

OK, maybe something else you should know is that we make jokes at inappropriate times.

But what the heck.

And one more thing: In our part of the country, we're used to having visitors. It's our way of life.

So when all this is over and we move back home, we will repay to you the hospitality and generosity of spirit you offer to us in this season of our despair.

That is our promise. That is our faith.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:17 PM

September 11, 2005

'75

So, I'm thirty. An amarreto sour seemed appropriate.

And here's a shot of us on the town. Looks wild, doesn't it? Okay, so I used the "party" feature on my camera to spice it up a little. Sue me.

We went out to eat, and to Barnes & Nobles before the movie. I love that our nightlife includes a humongous book store! Ha! Times, they have a-changed.

Anyway- we had fun! It was the first time in ages that we've been out without any little tagalongs. We saw Skeleton Key, which was a good movie but would have been better if we weren't surrounded by ten thousand hoolagins. Honestly. They nearly ruined it running in and out of the theatre, talking on cell phones, and making out right next to me! Seriously- the two next to me were in a hot and heavy lip lock the entire two hours of the movie. I was impressed, actually. That kind of kissin' takes real commitment, and extrordinary lung capacity.

So thirty feels pretty dang awesome. I've spent a lot of time this last week reflecting on the first thirty years of my life. And my conclusion? Life rocks. I have three amazing kids, a devoted and loving husband, my health, my creative juices, good friends, a special family, a solid church, walls painted my favorite colors, hopes and dreams for the future, and way too many blessings to count.

You know, the twenties were good. I'm not knocking 'em. But thirty feels incredible. I finally get it. I am comfortable being me, I'm happy with all the parts of WonderGirl. I know who I am, and what I want, and what's important. It's so awesome.

I'm glad this birthday wasn't hard. I am glad that it wasn't about a new wrinkle, or a gray hair, or a saggy rear. It was just a pause on the journey - standing on a cliff ledge of life. I look down at the path I've trod, and up at the miles that still stretch before me, and I'm happy. I've come a long way. And there's plenty more to go. More heights to reach, more views to be had.

This life, it's a good thing.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:04 PM

September 10, 2005

Odds and Ends

Confession: I can't not watch Dharma & Greg. Yeah, I know. It disturbs me, too.

Obsession: Bloglines. My good friend, Wil Wheaton turned me on to it, and my life has changed forever. Okay, so maybe he's not exactly a good friend, but we could be if he'd just return my calls and emails and letters and faxes. Come on, Wil! I could be your very best friend if you'd just give me the chance! [/stalker] Anyway. I am this close to removing my blogroll altogether, but I have a feeling people are using it to browse, so I better not. But bloglines is awesome! I know when all my favorite blogs have been updated, AND I can view them all on the same page. Groovy.

Anticipation: Tonight. Babysitter is a'coming, and celebration is pending. On the eve of my 30th birthday, King Pen has a surprise. Oooh. A surprise!! Do you know how much WonderGirl loves surprises? Oh she does indeed. Yippee!

Discoveration (?!): Remember Black People Love Us? If you haven't read it, follow the link and pay attention. It's not a racist thing, it's actually the complete opposite, but some people don't get that. Oh well. Anyway, it's hilarious. And I found out who made the website! He is one of the founders of Contagious Media, which is a really cool idea. He also happens to be the husband of a longtime read of mine, Andrea. I don't know Andrea, and we disagree on practically everything, but she is funny and posts great pictures of NY and animals. So, she's on my mental blogroll.

Okay, that's all for this Saturday. Now I must commence the traditional Frantic Cleaning So the Babysitter Doesn't Think Badly of Me. To be followed closely by the Oh My Gosh Is There Anything For Her To Drink and Eat in the Fridge Panic.

Fun.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:07 PM

Comfort Thy Self

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:33 PM

Last Juices of Summer

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:27 PM

September 7, 2005

In The Margins

I wanted to write a follow up on my post-fasting condition. Last night, after I ended the fast, I felt FANTASTIC. Like all my cells have an extra boost of oxygen or something. Sweet!

Today was not bad. I spent less time in traffic, and that's a good thing. The mayor addressed the city today and promised that help is on the way. They are going to rework the stoplights, and probably add extra lanes in some of the heaviest areas. That's encouraging. Our traffic is comparable to downtown Atlanta right now, and I kid you not.

I wish I had more to write about at the moment, but I'm just chilling right now. Sometimes you have to ride the current, ya know? I'll write more when the mood hits.

PS: 30th Birthday - 4 days and counting. Hello 30!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:41 PM

September 6, 2005

A Wake of Changes

Baton Rouge traffic has just gotten totally out of control. You know how I feel about the hurricane victims- the same as you. We all feel terrible for them and we're doing everything we can to help them. This is not a bash on these folks. But our traffic has gotten really, really bad. I spent an extra TWO HOURS in traffic today. With three kids in the car. With the price of gas and an already very busy schedule, this alarms me! We didn't move to a huge city because we wanted to avoid this type of life, and now there is nothing I can do about it. The town of Baton Rouge has changed in the last ten days, some good ways, some bad, but definitely it's not ever going to be the same again. We suddenly have twice the number of people in the city, and only half the needed roads, stores, police force, EVERYTHING. It's going to take a long time to comfortably accomodate all the people who stay permanently in BR.

Please, don't yell at me. I am not being ungrateful, I realize that this is inconsequential compared to the Big Picture. But this affects me, too, and I am frustrated. I suppose it's something that I have to adjust to, that we all have to adjust to. Sometimes I wonder if life will ever be normal around here again. I have avoided the news just to have a break from the tragedy of it all, but that is difficult because it's everywhere you look. I am reminded at every turn that Louisiana has suffered a crippling blow. It's depressing.

Well, that's it. Enough whining. I needed to vent, and now I have, and I feel better. King Pen is fixing up his bike to ride to school, and we are walking to the stores nearest us when we need to. Trips into town have been severely cut back, and I guess we'll wander out only when it's absolutely necessary. We all have to make changes.

Hopefully, some of them will be for the better.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:04 PM

Day 3 Evening

Today wasn't bad. Still had the tightness in my shoulders, and a few hunger moments, but overall, good.

My goal was 3 days. This is the first time I've fasted, so I didn't want to go overboard with it. So tonight, I broke the fast with some soup. I probably should have just eaten some fruit, because the soup was really too heavy. I felt queasy and broke out in a cold sweat. Ew. But, after an hour or so, I feel much better and back to normal.

I am really glad I did it. I mean - YAY! I'm proud! If you guys know me personally, you know I likes to eat. I'm not overweight, but I enjoy food. This was a real test in self discipline for me, and the feeling of accomplishment is pretty awesome. I feel cleaner and lighter and appreciate food a lot more now! I hope that the benefits will last a long time - until the next time I do it. I think I will try to do this every six months, maybe for 5 days next time. I'd eventually like to work up to 7 days and keep that habit for the rest of my life.

So that's it! For those of you interested, I lost a total of 4.5 pounds, though that wasn't my goal. I imagine that I will gain at least 2 of those back, which is just fine. I have heard the average loss is around 8 pounds for the first seven days, and if you go longer, it's supposed to level out to about a half a pound a day.

Anyway, hope that was helpful!! It was a neat experience for me, and fun to record here. If anybody decides to do it, I'd love to hear how it goes for you.

And now, I am in search of a snack.

Yum.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:27 PM

Day 3

Morning of Day 3- whoohoo! I feel like I am getting over the "hump". I got a good night's sleep, and woke up fairly refreshed. My headache is pretty much gone, the only remnant left is some tightness in my shoulders. I think a soak in the tub will help with that.

The hunger seems much more manageble today, too. You would think that with each meal missed, the hunger would be compounded until you're just starving. But it's not like that. For most of the day yesterday, I had the kind of hunger you get before a meal - I think my mouth actually watered a few times. But the more I distanced myself mentally from food, the easier it got physically. I passed up breakfast this morning without a second thought! I an honestly say, I'm not really hungry. I am constantly drinking water. I am also consuming at least 32 oz of either organic blueberry and grape juices, water with lemon and sometimes honey, or homemade juices from plums, grapes, and peaches. I haven't gotten bored with the selection so far.

I've noticed my sense of smell is heightened. When I went for a walk yesterday, I was blown away by all the stuff I was smelling! The flowers were so sweet, the garbage cans so nasty! Since I was walking at dinnertime, I could tell what was cooking all over the neighborhood- tacos, burgers, and something Italian, it was crazy. And a bit torturous too, but oh well!

Also, I smell different. It must be the chemicals coming out of my skin, because I just don't smell like me. I tried to work up a sweat on my half walk/jog to flush some of it out. I am glad to be getting rid of stuff, but it's weird to smell so foreign. Needless to say, I'm hitting the showers a couple times a day, because I'd much rather smell like soap.

I think my sight is improved, too. I notice the finer details at greater distances- but I don't know if that's because I'm concentrating on it or not. I'll give that more time before deciding.

Mentally, feeling much better than yesterday. I have more energy and motivation, and my mind is moving faster and clearer. I'm excited about today, because I think this will be my breakthrough. This is when I will start seeing the results I want.

Okay, that's all for now! Time to get some stuff done.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:46 AM

September 5, 2005

Day 2 Evening

Urgh.

I am experiencing some fierce hunger pains at the moment, but I think it's because I know mentally that it's dinnertime. I feel a bit worn down, but when King Pen gets home from work, I'm going for a walk. I think that will help. I decided to forgo my usual 5k run while I'm fasting, because I think that would be pushing it physically.

I still have that mild, lingering headache. I catch myself occasionally clenching up my shoulders, and I have to consciously relax them. It's bearable, I'm not complaining. But I admit, I am a bit cranky. Poor family.

Speaking of the family, spaghetti is cooking for those of us still eating. The smell is driving me nuts! I gotta get out of here!

I haven't decided how long I want to do this. My goal was at least 3 full days. I think I will see how I feel tomorrow night- hopefully the hunger will have subsided by then. If I am up to it, I will go until Thursday night, or possibly Friday morning. I'd like to be off the fast by this weekend though, because it's my birthday, and WonderGirl wants cake!!

Mm... cake.

Anyway, focus. Another thing I noticed is that my teeth are sensitive. I can't imagine why, but they feel sort of tingly. I know for sure that I am detoxing because my mouth feels gross. I've heard that people who used to smoke have actually tasted nicotine on their tongues when fasting. Crazy.

Okay, that's all for now- will write more later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:53 PM

Day 2

(If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'm fasting. Read here.)

Yesterday went pretty well, overall. I had a mild headache all day, but it was bearable. Until 3 am this morning. I woke up with a blinding, excruciating, slap-your-mama kind of headache. I thought, maybe I need a hit of juice, so I drank about 4 oz. Big mistake. My headache, which seriously may have been of migraine status, was making me nauseous. That juice didn't stay put. Ew. I tossed and turned for another hour before finally falling into blessed sleep. I woke up feeling like about three dollars. Headache was still there, and quickly getting just as bad as it was in those wee hours of the morning. I got King Pen to work on my shoulders a little, and parked the kids in front of the tv and got back in bed.

Now I'm awake and feel much better! Whatever toxins my body was working so hard to expel are now gone, or at least the headache is. I'm not hungry at all, and I'll try some juice again in a little while. I feel a tad shaky, but I think after I drink some more juice, that will go away. Oh, one other thing I've noticed, a bad taste in my mouth. I am brushing my teeth about every two hours to get rid of it, and I'm trying my darndest not to breath on anybody right now. Gross.

So that's it for now! Will post more later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:13 AM

September 3, 2005

Blog Lite

Tomorrow I will begin a juice fast. There are several reasons I've decided to do this, and yes, I'll share them! (I just love having a blog!)

1) In seven days, I will be thirty years old. Yeah, I know- crazy. My innerchild is in complete denial about the whole thing. Anyway, I have thirty years of living in this body under my belt, and it is time for an overhaul. Fasting gives your body a chance to rid itself of all the toxins you've put into it. Oh and trust me, I've got some toxins. All the preservatives, medications, and chewing gum I swallowed in the sixth grade. All that stuff has got to go! During a fast, the energy spent in digestion can be diverted to detoxing. And the body is smart, too. It will first use all the defective material in your body for fuel. All the mutated cells and tissue, cysts, etc. It burns all that bad stuff off. So, fasting has incredible health benefits, and it seems like an appropriate time to cash in on that.

2.) I want to spend the last days of my twenties in contemplation about where I've been in the last thirty years and where I want to go in the next thirty. Once the hunger pains disappear, around day 2-3, your mind becomes clear. You are not distracted by food, by the eating or digesting of it. I want to begin this next phase of my life with clarity. I think this will be a spiritual journey for me, too, though that is not my primary motivation. If it was, I wouldn't be writing it here- I don't like to parade that sort of thing around. I just think it will be an extra benefit.

3.) I want it to jumpstart me into a healthier lifestyle. I'll be drinking fresh juices and water, and basically cleansing my palatte. After this fast, I want to avoid as much processed food as possible, eat more fruit, drink more water. I don't intend on denying myself of my favorite foods, but hopefully changing the types of food that I enjoy. I don't care about my weight, it's not about that. I just want to be a good steward of the body I was given. I want to live a long time, and in good health. This seems like a great way to begin that.

So that's it. I decided to blog about the experience, because it will probably dominate my week, and I didn't want to hide it here. Plus, I figure with all you guys knowing what I'm up to, my commitment won't falter in the weakest moments.

I'll write everyday, and do my best to capture the process for you, including my physical symptoms and emotional state. (I'll try not to whine, but I make no guarantees.) I think it will be interesting, and maybe it will be something you decide you'd like to try also!

So that's it. Join me tomorrow as the Sift goes lite.

I'm so clever.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:55 PM

September 1, 2005

Reporting Live

On my way into Baton Rouge, I was inundated with coverage of what has become a post apocolyptic New Orleans. I cannot begin to describe how overwhelming it is to be even sixty miles away from it all. Baton Rouge has doubled it's population- we have 500,000 displaced people in shelters, hotels, everywhere. It's just... overwhelming.

And it's scary, too. Rumors are flying all over the place, you don't know what's true or not. How scared should I be? Everyone is paranoid, and justifiably so in some cases. There have been outbreaks of violence even here in BR. It's tense. It's not wise to be out after dark, though they haven't made an official statement about that. Businesses are closing early so their employees can get home before sunset.

You know, I've never really been that attached to Baton Rouge. I mean, I live here, but it's because King Pen is in school - and we'll move when he's done. But today, I'm proud of BR, and proud to be a part of this city. They've opened their doors, they've fed and clothed thousands of people, they've cried along with these people who have lost everything. BR is stepping up to do what needs to be done, and I have a lot of respect for that.

And so, today, when Jesse Jackson swooped into BR with his convoy of three buses, and tooted his own horn, I nearly gagged. His press conference in Baton Rouge was offensive in every way. I tried to find a transcript of it, but it's not out there. I'll keep looking and I'll post it when I find it. But basically, he was headed into NO to do what all us idiots over here haven't been able to do so far. It was extremely insulting, and a lot of people were upset at his implications.

The people still waiting for evacuation, oh Lord help them. It's so terrible. I saw footage of a woman holding her baby, waiting with a couple thousand people under an overpass for buses to come get them. That baby- it really got me. How did she feed her baby for the last four days? What about diapers? Did she have to find any scrap of cloth she could to keep her baby dry and clean? It just broke my heart.

Another thought is that can we PLEASE distinguish between looting for nike tennis shoes and searching for water and food? Some people are all upset (in their nice, air-conditioned homes) about police officers in NO that broke into gas stations for supplies. They needed food! They needed water! They're out there, without adequate supplies, trying to rescue people, risking their own lives! It's not the same thing as hauling out clothes and appliances and anything else you can lay your hands on.

Do I even need to say how despicable the looters are? What about the gangs of armed men robbing the banks and shooting at emergency personnel? Disgusting and stupid.

I won't end on that note. It's too negative. And for all the bad that is happening right now, there is good, too. People are helping one another, empathizing and connecting in ways that tragedy brings about. Christians are answering the call, loving their neighbors.

And that's a good place to start.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:52 PM

August 31, 2005

Ire of the Fates

I've been holding these thoughts too closely the last few days -and needed them out in the air.

I've got that post 9/11 feeling. Know what I mean? Stunned. Disillusioned. Lucky. Guilty.

It's not my home that has been reduced to a pile of kindling. It's not my family wading through polluted waters to higher ground. It's not my baby transferred to a hospital all alone, with no idea where the parents are, or if they are even still alive. It's not the precious pieces of my life floating away with the receding tide.

Can you feel the weight of grief as thousands mourn the loss of homes and communities and lives? Their fear and worry are like physical pulls on my soul right now. And once again, my life and loves are all safe and sound. Warm, dry, fed, and clothed. Once more, I have been passed over, and others have not. Relief mingles with guilt. And fear. How many times will tragedy look past me? How long can I remain invisible to the fates? The Chinese fear to draw the attention of the gods-- because they are jealous and vindictive. In China, you never say anything is too good, because the gods will hear and take it from you. Sometimes I feel that way, even though the God I worship is the very fountain of all the good things in my life. He would not take them away in spite.

And yet, I know, my life has been strangely absent of tragedy. It scares me, because surely my number will come up soon. I'm due something really bad by now. You can't be untouched forever, right? What will it be? Cancer? An accident? Will I have the fortitude to survive my own personal Kasandra?

Tomorrow, I will probably go back to my house, which now has electricity. I will rake up the leaves, pick up the sticks, and put my life back into gear. Because I can. Because it's still there. But tomorrow- what will all these other people do? And the day after that, what then? Their lives are scattered along the coast in little bitty pieces, and I don't know how to make that any better.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:25 PM

Aftermath

This is so frustrating! Still out of touch with King Pen, though we did speak once yesterday morning. I know he's fine, but I don't know how much food he has, what the conditions are there in Baton Rouge, etc. And not knowing if the electricity is on, or when it will come back on--- it immobilizes me. I can't make a decision on when to head back into BR until I know that. I did find out that Czarina's school is in session Thursday, but LSU won't meet again until next Tuesday.

So, what to do?

Also, I am increasingly concerned about my uncle and his wife. They live in Gulfport, and rode out the storm about five or six miles from the beach. They got a static-y call through to us Monday night and all we could make out was that they are okay. But now, water and food will begin to dwindle, and Kim has cystic fibrosis - and can't be without her medications and such. She does not need to tax her body AT ALL. Where are they? What are they eating? What are they doing??

Being incommunicado is such a helpless feeling.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:56 AM

August 30, 2005

Emerging

Just letting y'all know we were safely away from home when Katrina hit, although Baton Rouge didn't even really have much of a problem other than electricity and downed trees. King Pen is still there, and our contact is very limited. I am at my mother-in-laws house in Monroe. We were at my parent's house during the storm, and lost electricity in Vicksburg. Not knowing when it would be restored, and having three kids who need hot water and such, we scooted over here to Monroe. We have lights but all the phone lines are busy and we can't make calls out. We can get calls IN though, so family members, PLEASE CALL ME HERE. I can't get you and I need to know how Uncle Clinton and Kim are, and want to touch base with everybody. You guys know the number.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:56 AM

August 24, 2005

Adios

Headed out today in the first leg of our trip (to Atlanta) for my aunt's wedding. So, blogging will be sparse, if at all. Boo.

But I'll make it up to ya, I swears. Just gimme a chance, mister.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:41 AM

August 19, 2005

Working For The Weekend

King Pen just walked out the door on a beer run (liquid bread, my friends) and he said, "I'll be back in a minute, Hon", to which I replied, "You're welcome- I mean, bye!" Coupled with the sticker eating incident, it's obvious that I am Mega Seriously Tired. I haven't looked forward to the weekend like this since Full House and the TGIF lineup. I'm exhausted. All I want to do for the next two days is chill. Chee-ul.

So, this is my plan:

Watch Steamboy, and a little Monty Python.
Address and send out Czarina's birthday invitations.
Put a roast in the crockpot Saturday night, and
Do some light housework (since we have folks coming for dinner Sunday!)
Shop. As in, for me. (whee! The world is my oyster!)
Work with Czarina on her numbers. (Professor Mom at your service)
Create my bulletin board masterpiece. (how craftelicious of me!! pics later, I promise)

And that's it. Nothing more. The bare essentials, plus a few goodies in there for fun.

Aahhh... the weekend. Never sounded so good! (well, at least not since Perfect Strangers and Mr. Belvedere got cancelled!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:22 PM

Am I Three Years Old?

I got distracted, and accidentally ate the sticker on the apple.

Whoops!

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:13 PM

Truth Has Wings

He coasted past me on his bike, nine or ten years old and an empty afternoon to fill. He looked back at me over his shoulder, and I smiled. Shy, but not unfriendly, he gave a little wave. Then, he turned forward again and dropped his hands to his side, balancing the bike with his knees. As he approached the hill and picked up speed, he put his arms out like wings, and glided like a bird. The joy of flight, of speed, of the wind in his hair - it was irresistible. He couldn't have contained himself even if he'd wanted to.

How sweet those moments, when what you feel on the inside is so easily and honestly expressed on the outside.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:39 AM

The Duke

The saddest, cutest face ever.

And there's that shy little smile.

How lucky am I that I get to see this everyday?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:03 AM

August 18, 2005

Drive Through Blogging

Not a lot of time to blog this morning, since King Pen is taking the laptop with him to do some stuff at work. But I'll give it a solid five minutes. How's that? Yeah, kinda lame, I know. Sorry. If you want, you can buy me another laptop, so I can blog at all hours of the day. It's just that easy, people! You could make it happen!

No takers? Oh well.

Okay, now on to the obligatory complaining about the August heat. This is the point in the summer when I begin to panic a little-- oh. my. gosh. Will it ever cool off? Even the nights are hot and sticky. I know the sun "supposedly"** goes down, but I'm beginning to get suspicious. Yeah, it's dark. But that heat is coming from somewhere, and somebody is responsible for it. Is it you, Moon? Are you getting an attitude with us? Do I need to come up there? See, I just don't think the Moon has it in him. I think the Sun is up to some funny business.

And I've gone on about that long enough. Just trust me- it's hot.

In other news, we've found a carpool partner for Czarina's school. I'm soooo excited. It takes 30 minutes to get her to school, so I end up on the road for 2 hours every day going back and forth. Guh. So, this is great- it saves me a lot of driving, time, and money. Huzzah!! Czarina is really loving school. Her teacher is fantastic, and she's learning a lot every day. It wears her out though- she's so tired in the afternoons, and a bit grumpy. Hopefully she'll adjust to the schedule in the next few weeks.

HeroBoy and The Duke seem to be settling in to the routine at home. HeroBoy is extra lovey to me, which is a special treat. It's hard to get him to slow down enough for hugs and kisses, so when he barrels into me for a little loving, I eat it up. He's got a soft spot for Mom.

Well, I'm getting the "Are you almost done?!" look from King Pen, so I must bid you adieu. (I still can't believe he wants to use the computer for something as banal as work!!)

Have a great day everybody!

**resisiting urge to irritate all my grammar buddies out there by writing"supposably"**

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:49 AM

August 16, 2005

Wonder What I've Been Up To Lately?

Well, here's what I did today.

4:45a - Feed The Duke
5:45 - Run- (THE SUN ISN'T EVEN UP YET.)
6:30 - Return from run, feed cat, wake Czarina up to get ready for school, make breakfast, pack lunch, take shower, while King Pen feeds The Duke.
7:30 - Take Czarina to school.
8:30 - Return home, feed The Duke, King Pen to work.
9:00 - The Duke down for nap.
9:00- 10:30 - Play with HeroBoy outside, morning snack, start laundry, make beds, etc.
11:00-11:45 - Feed The Duke, Wal-Mart run for diapers, pull-ups, etc.
12:00 - Return home, make lunch.
12:30- HeroBoy and The Duke down for nap.
1:30 - Feed The Duke, Wake HeroBoy to pick Czarina up from school.
1:45- Leave to pick up Czarina.
2:45- Return home, kids have snack and watch cartoons, while I do laundry.
4ish- Feed The Duke, set kids up with an afternoon craft, while I finish up house stuff.
5:00 - Start Dinner.
5:30 - King Pen home.
6:00 - Feed The Duke and continue making dinner, check email while King Pen plays with kids.
6:30 - eat dinner.
6:50- Kids in bath, and clean kitchen.
7:20 - kids in pajamas, teeth brushed, and Bible story.
7:45 - Kids in bed.
8:00- Big Brother.
9:00 - blogging, then bath, feed cat, then stock up on diapers, burpclothes, blankets, bottles for the night.
??- Bed.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:10 PM

Watching

Have you guys seen To End All Wars?

Wow.

Just wow. It takes this concept to a whole new level.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:19 AM

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

This One Goes Out to You

So my aunt's wedding is coming up, and the reception is going to be karaoke. (I don't care what you say, that rawks!) My question is, what song should I sing? Cause you know I will.

I'm gonna be so hot. I hope somebody is videotaping this thing.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:06 PM

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-

Continue reading "Schoolin'"

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:48 AM

August 13, 2005

Numerological

I've been blogging for 2 years, 2 months, and 6 days. I've written 768 blog entries. (Well, 769 now.) I've had 2467 comments.

Wow.

Who'da thunk it?

I'm all into numbers these days. I guess with my 30th birthday looming ahead (3 weeks and 5 days away!), I am a bit preoccupied with the digits that surround me. Numbers frame my life; they are substantial and measurable. Predictable. Reliable. It's nice to have that sometimes. There are plenty of unexpected things in life, things I can't control. Having these certainties makes me feel better, and I occasionally like to shuffle through them all. Condensing the details in my life down to numbers appeals to my inner minimalist.

Here are the ones tottering about today:

2 weeks until a trip to Atlanta for a wedding.
9 dollars to save with a different phone company.
2 weeks to 6 months for my brother to get into "bootcamp".
6 inches around my wrist makes me normal.
2 days until Czarina starts school.
3 carseats in the back.
9 months until King Pen graduates.
3 miles I'm running every day.
4 cans of juice in the pantry.
2 loads of laundry left to do.
1 too many tequila shots the other day (okay, maybe 5 too many).
2 overdue birthday presents to mail, and
15 seconds till I hit the "publish" key.

Groovy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:14 PM

August 10, 2005

Welcome Aboard

Oh, and congrats to our friend Jennifer, who just yesterday had an ELEVEN POUND baby boy, Bryce.

Yowza.

Get some rest, dear. You've earned it!

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:35 AM

What's Another Word for Rambling?

Za, I'm hot! Coming in from a run, the only place to sit down is at the kitchen table - because I can wipe down the chair after I get up. Ew. Anyway, here I am at the table, right next to the laptop, and before I know it, I'm blogging.

I entertained myself in this morning's run. I've been actively working on my inner dialogue-- I have a tendency to be negative sometimes and that does not help! So, I was in the middle of a particularly rough stretch and I wanted to walk soooo bad. Help!! So I start conjuring up images of animals that run- horses and cheetahs and um... gazelles, I think. This is perfect, I assure my body. This is the most natural state you can be in- running. Feels good doesn't it? Just imagine that you are the star of an animal documentary. Yeah, you're human, but you're mammal, right? I then narrated the documentary, featuring yours truly running in slow mo, but I won't go into that. I realize that you can't commit the entire rest of the day to read my blog. Sad, really. Cause, baby- I am not short on material these days. I could blab and blab and blab. Anyway, my "technique" worked for a while. Till my brain got in the way. Stupid brain. Shut up! I yell at my mind. Get out of the way and let my body do it's stuff!

But it wasn't enough. My brain went right on trying to interfere, so I had to play hard ball. I had to visualize. (scary, huh?) So I thought of a cartoon version of my brain. I put headphones on it, in an attempt to distract it. I start giggling a little. Then the brain started to get bored, so I had it playing videogames. Then chess. Then reading a book. Then at the opera with a bowtie on. In a chef hat on a cooking show. I looked up, and I was nearly done! Hallelujah!

I wonder sometimes. Do other people do this? Am I normal? I don't think I'm any stranger than the next person - I just assume we all have moments when it seems appropriate to make up cartoon brains doing dumb stuff. Right? A little reassurance would be nice here, folks. WonderGirl's not weird. She's not.

Oh, and all right. I also have to confess that when I got to the top of a hill, I raised my arms up like I was winning a race and sort of hooha'd around for a moment.

On to other subjects, today the kids and I are meeting Debby and her gang at the park. We'll picnic and play and try not to get too hot. Pictures will be taken. PB&J will be eaten. Then, Thursday, Joey (Uncle Jokey) will be staying another night with us on his way to New Orleans. He's dropping off his Nordic Track for me to play around with. And on Friday, my friend Amy and her family will stop by on their way through to Mississippi from Texas. (Her oldest daughter is named WonderGirl, too-- yeah, I have a namesake!! Again, more proof that I do, indeed, rock like a hurricane.) Saturday- sweet succulent Saturday- will be full of last minute school preparations and laundry and grocery shopping. Then, there's church on Sunday, and Monday, Czarina starts school.

And so it appears that I'm booked until the year 2018. I might be able to pencil you in on a holiday, or put you on our cancellation list, but that's the best I can do. It's a busy, busy world.

Okay, that's enough for the a.m. hours, I'll see you guys on the flip side.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:49 AM

August 9, 2005

Seeing Sunrise

Gosh folks, if somebody smiles at you, here's an idea - smile back! Jogging in the morning, I encounter at least ten other people who are out taking advantage of the cool hours. They are walking, running, biking- whatever. I love seeing so many people actively caring for themselves. That might be weird, but it's inspiring to me.

Back to my point. Since I have my headphones on, I don't actually say "good morning" because I'm afraid I'd yell it at them. I don't want to scare the good people. But I do smile and sometimes do a little wave. Usually people respond, but occasionally, they just stare grumpily. What's up with that? Don't leave me hanging! Would it hurt to be pleasant for the nanosecond that I'm part of your day? I know you're up early and all, but so am I.

Anyway.

Except for running into people who need to get back into bed, and fast - I really like this morning jog. It gives me time to think, and not just about how friggin hot it is. I listen to some great workout music, because I need the beat to keep my pace. I don't think about the kids or bills or errands to run-- I just daydream. I rHeroBoyve some of my favorite memories, I think out my plans for the future, I play the what-if game... It's fantastic. Seriously. I'm like a kid in the McDonald's ballpit (minus the legendary nest of rattlesnakes). Yeah, I'm hurting some and sweating, and I occasionally have to scold my innervoice for urging me to turn back home and scarf down do-nuts.

But it's sooo worth it.

I'd still like to go down about eight pounds, but I've realized that I may be too focused on numbers. I would rather have the mindset of being fit and healthy, and my weight will work itself out. What if I set a goal of running in a 5K? How cool would that be? It's something I've been thinking of more and more lately. Along those lines, I'm also reevaluating some of the things I eat. Not that I eat poorly per se, but I'm wondering if maybe I'm due for a change. Less dairy, more raw veggies and whatnot. I feel like I have built up some toxins in my body, in my life, and I need to get rid of 'em. This seems like the perfect time to do that. It's a time for change.

Well, I'm rambling now, and the family is starting to stumble in all bleary-eyed and hungry. My day awaits.

Have a good Tuesday, everybody!

And smile, mkay? I promise it won't kill ya.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:49 AM

August 8, 2005

May I Rant?

plz ppl, stop typing like this. ur all making me crzy, yo!

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:34 PM

No Flash Necessary

Oh, and while I'm at it, here are the pictures from the weekend before last, when I took Czarina and HeroBoy to Gulfport. Can I stop a moment and say, I have the cutest kids in the whole wide world?

Toes in the Sand.

Continue reading "No Flash Necessary"

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:34 AM

August 5, 2005

But Before I Go...

I'd just like to point out the continuing classiness of the soap, Passions. This week, it's Tsunami Week. Lovely, huh?

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:26 AM

August 4, 2005

Cross Legged on the Floor

Sit with me. Take a deep breath in, hold it--- and exhale completely.

(You may thank my recent pilates craze for that introduction.)

Here's the deal. I've been in a bit of a funk lately. And not the bellbottomed, disco balled, platformed shoes kind. It's a whole mess of things- family stuff, money stuff, blah blah blah. Every time I pull up my blog, all I can do is stare blankly at the screen. My mind is full of white noise, and my fingers are tired. Ya know what I'm saying? I can't think of the words to say right now, When my heart isn't into it, I can tell, and my blog suffers. I guess I'd rather be quiet than talk just to hear myself speak.

So, I'm going to take the next couple days and do what I need to do to get myself moving forward again. Breathe a little, sleep a little, think a little.

Look for me next week, cause like Arnold, I'll be back.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:24 PM

August 2, 2005

*Yawn*

Good morning world! Look at me - I got up at 6:30 this morning! I am Super Woman, see me go back to sleep hear me roar!

My cousin Joey (who HeroBoy calls "Uncle Jokey"--gotta love that toddler accent!) came in yesterday evening and spent the night with us. He's in the process of moving to New Orleans, and I've snagged him for frequent visits. Anyway, we got up early and jogged, since the opportunity for a running partner is rare. And I must say, I feel quite invigorated! I usually go in the late afternoon, after King Pen gets home from work, and it is h-o-t. So this was a nice change. It was actually a better, longer run than I usually get.

This 6:30 thing though- that's rough. I'm going to have to get used to that all over again, since Czarina starts school in just a few weeks. We'll have to be walking out the door at 7:30 every morning. The Duke is stretching his nights out a little longer, but it's still pretty tiring. He takes his last night feeding at at 11:30, then he wakes up again around 4:30. Ya know, now that I think about it, that's not bad for 2 1/2 months, huh?

In other news, we were out of town this past weekend, visiting my uncle and his wife in Gulfport. I don't get over there often enough, so I was glad for the chance. The kids had a ball- we even went to the beach, which was gross. Poor Mississippi. The kids didn't notice how nasty it was, so they had a great time. I, on the otherhand, had to supress my gag reflex more than once. I slathered the kids with sunscreen, but forgot about my ownself. So, yes. WonderGirl got crispy. I so wish it would turn into a tan, but last time I looked, hell had not frozen over, so there you have it.

If I was a superhero, my superpower would the ability to absorb sunlight with no side effects.

Anyway, I had to spend most of yesterday getting things back to order from the weekend, so I had no time to blog. And today, King Pen will be taking the computer, so this is my one shot deal for the day. Hope everyone had a nice weekend, and has a great week. I'll pop on later tonight, if the kids say it's okay.

oh, alright. I'll pop on later if I can tear myself away from Harry Potter. (which I must thank Amy for, and my mom too. My desperate, shameless plea yielded two copies!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:03 AM

August 1, 2005

You Tell Me

I'm bored. What can we do today?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:37 AM

July 28, 2005

Southern Woes

I really dislike sweating at night. Which is bad, because apparently, I live in THE CENTER OF THE SUN. Slap dab in the middle, people.

Grrr.

Now I must peel myself from this chair, and crawl deep into my air conditioner. No, don't stop me. It's the only way. Trust me, I know what I'm doing.

I'll see you next Fall.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:05 AM

July 26, 2005

Those Dog Days of Summer

This was The Duke's response to our electric bill this month. Yikes.

Here are a few more I snapped today:

Continue reading "Those Dog Days of Summer"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:06 PM

Vroooom

Drool.

Yeah, being a family of five will do that to ya.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:07 AM

July 25, 2005

Yellow A Second Ago

Oh, alright already! It's happened yet again! No matter how often I try, there is no possible way we can keep bananas in this house. They brown, literally, before my eyes. And there's nothing that ews me out more than a soft, wimpy looking banana. Gross.

So no bananas in my house ANYMORE, unless they are hanging on my wall and doing the samba. Yeah, that's right. The samba.

Me wants. Oh how me wants.

*I love the two running out of the bag. Sweet.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:56 PM

July 24, 2005

The Pop-In

We're fans of the pop-in. Some people aren't, I know - but our policy is, if you're in our neck of the woods, don't even worry about calling. Just pop-in. Since we don't get out of the house much these days, it's great when the people come to us.

But what are the odds of having three pop-ins in one night? Friday evening, three of King Pen's friends from school came by to hang out. One of the girls who stopped by, Hannah, recently got back from a trip to Europe. She backpacked it all over the place, including Libya, where her family is originally from. Her dad came to the US on a student visa and just... stayed. I don't blame him. From what she said, it sounded pretty scary over there. Anyway, I asked her if the language barrier was difficult, and she replied that it wasn't because she spoke Arabic.

So, of course, here comes my inner child, rushing forward enthusiastically.

Inner Child: She can speak another language? Aw COOL!! Get her to say - "the walls are yellow".

Me: No. Absolutely not. We're not seven years old, you know.

IC: Please? Pretty please? You never let me do anything.

Me: She'll think we're stupid! She probably gets asked to do that all the time, and we're not gonna bug her! Just be cool!

IC: *pouting* Could you at least ask her to say a dirty word in arabic?

Me: UnbHeroBoyevable. You need to go back where you came from, right now.

IC: You used to be fun, you know. We got to do all kinds of stuff. Remember when you learned what "caca torra" meant? That was awesome.

Me: I know you may find this hard to believe, but I am not interested in accumulating any more foreign swear words. Now sit down and be quiet, or else!

IC: Or else what? I'm not scared of you.

Me: You should be. Wait, what am I doing? I'm not arguing with you anymore. Go away. I've already missed a good fifteen minutes of what she was saying just having this ridiculous conversation with you!

IC: Hmph.

My innerchild then stomped off, glaring at me over her shoulder until she was out of sight.

Aside from the occasional mumble offstage, she was relatively quiet for the rest of the evening.

She did come back out to eat some yummy baklava, and by then had forgotten all about dirty arabic words. That's one of the nice things about my innerchild. Along with her penchant for sweets, she also has a short attention span.

So. Now you've met my innerchild.

And with that sentence, I have to wonder if I'm blogging just a little too much these days.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:02 PM

July 22, 2005

Goings On

Wow. Busy week, people. I'll hit the highlights, since I haven't been able to blog much this week.

1. More pilates, more kicking of my butt. However, I realized yesterday that my body is starting to comply, albeit grudgingly. I still can't put my foot behind my head, but we all need to dream, right?

2. Our old babysitter- she's not actually old, but she doesn't babysit for us anymore- she came by and watched the kids for me for a few hours Thursday. Holly is such a sweetheart. She took them on a picnic, and they all nearly perished of heat exhaustion. The heat index was like 110, and I'm not kidding. Too hot to do anything! But it gave me a few hours to run some errands, and wish that I was shopping instead.

3. Got caught in a downpour when I was jogging yesterday. The first few drops, I was all "yay!! Mother Nature is cool!" Two minutes later, Mother Nature was not cool. She was trying to drown me. And don't think I'll forget it, either. Next time Mother Nature needs something from me, well, HA. I shake my fist at you!

4. I am starting a small sewing project (because I just have too much free time!). It's a mini-wedding dress for Czarina. No, she's not having a mini-wedding. But she's been wanting a dress to play in, and dear sweet Grandma, told her, Oh, Mommie can make you one! I'll buy the material! Mmm. My response, Oh, Czarina- you can have a new flat screen tv and ipod, because Grandma is buying me you one!! Anyway, it's a simple pattern, and won't take me long, and she'll have hours of fun in it, so why not?

5. Am drooling over the new HP. Anybody done yet? You know my policy on buying books, but sometimes... dangit. I hate the wait! It will be ages before the library has an available copy. If I sit here, pitiful, will it make you hurry up and finish so I can borrow it?

6. Look what I got this week, for no reason in particular. Props to the other half!

7. I made a tape, for running. I got tired of the cd jumping all over the place, so I busted out the walkman. Oh, okay, I didn't bust it out. I wasn't exactly thrilled with the proposition. You know how hard it is to even find blank tapes in the store? I had to ask the salesman, and he was all laughing under his breath at me, the jerk. I feel so... eighties. And not the part we all think of with great nostalgia, like banana clips or legwarmers. It's so bulky, I can barely keep it hooked to my shorts, and I'm not sure, but I think I actually got pointed at the other day! Wah. Upside though- even though the music was sort of slurry sounding, I totally got my groove on. (which, incidentally, may be the actual cause of the pointing, now that I think about it.)

8. Okay, time to go make lunch. Enough bloggie for now. Will attempt to write something substantial this weekend, and not just bulletpoint my week. However, I also attempt to get out of my pajamas before lunchtime every day, but that doesn't always happen either. C'est la vie.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:55 AM

July 18, 2005

Beyond Personification

Um... okay. Here's the deal. I track hurricanes. I've never denied my inner geek, so you shouldn't be surprised at that oh-so-fascinating revelation. I'm there all the way, from the tropical depressions to tropical storm, to full blown hurricanes. The National Hurricane Center website is on my favorites list, for crying out loud. Me = nerd, I know.

Anyway, the other day, I was following the track of Hurricane Dennis after it made landfall, and read the following: "The carcass of Dennis is now located at such and such coordinates"...

Wait a minute. The carcass?

Sheesh, guys. That's a little heavy, isn't it? The bloated remains of a hurricane have once again washed up on the shores of North America. The body of Hurricane Dennis, a category 3 storm, was discovered yesterday by local weatherman. Officials have not commented on cause of death, stating only that the circumstances are "highly suspicious". This is the first hurricane this season to find death on American soil, and officials have issued an international warning to all hurricanes visiting the area.

I mean, I take hurricanes seriously, I really do. But I'm not setting up a trust fund in their memory.

Silly meteorologists. You guys are too much.

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:47 AM

July 17, 2005

Love...

...thy name is Digital Camera.

Two at the top.

For more fun at the playground, clicky clicky.

Continue reading "Love..."

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:07 PM

July 14, 2005

No More of Today, Please.

What my idea of fun is not: Three hours in a government office with 3 very unhappy and bored children.

TGIF, people, cause I got nothing left.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:08 PM

July 13, 2005

In Between Bites

At the dinnertable tonight, it occurred to us that we may be lacking in stimulating conversation topics.

King Pen: I had the most boring dream last night -
WonderGirl: Wait. Uh huh. No way, mister. We have to try a little harder than that.
King Pen: Yeah, you're right. (laughing)

Sadly, there wasn't much else to discuss, and I find myself wondering just what his dream was about.

-sigh-

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:51 PM

my blog Cameo

What's behind the curtain today:

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:44 AM

No Fun

Today, The Duke has his six week checkup, and all you mothers know what that means. Shots.

Poor baby. I hate it, I really do. Sometimes being Mama is a dirty job.

(as a side note, The Duke is actually two months old, not six weeks. I'm averaging a two week delay on everything these days.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:50 AM

July 12, 2005

Ow.

Okay, I borrowed my sister's pilates dvd a hundred years ago, and finally broke it out today.

Oh.my.gosh.

Who knew that such a mild-sounding word could so thoroughly kick my butt? Am I that out of shape, seriously? I mean, I knew I had a little work to do since having my baby, but what happened today was downright embarassing! My body just doesn't bend that way!

I've heard pilates really helps tone though, so I'll stick with it (in the privacy of my home where no one can view my shameful inflexibility.) The tape also has a little yoga, so I'm just one step away from my favorite word- yogalates. Sweet.

I've also made some changes in my diet, namely drinking water all day instead of iced tea (wah). And I've cut out my snacking. I'm a comfort eater unfortunately, so I have to really watch that. This three kids thing can drive you to find comfort where you can, and I have to consciously walk away from the pantry. (And the liquor. And the pills. Kidding.)

I'm also jogging a few times a week to get my cardio in, when I can. It's a little harder to get out of the house than it used to be, so that's sporadic. I also have to carry my stupid cd walkman around when I run, and the cd jumps all around and my arm gets numb. Ipod, people. WonderGirl needs an ipod.

Anyway, there you have it. If the pilates doesn't kill me in the next few weeks, I'll let you know how that works out. My downward dog was looking pretty good by the end of the tape, so maybe there's hope for me yet.

Don't even ask me about my mountain pose, though. Just don't ask.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:14 PM

July 11, 2005

I Confess

Wikipedia intimidates the heck out of me, and I don't know why.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:56 PM

July 9, 2005

Well, Since You Asked

I got my clean on today. I mean, really got it on. I put my hair in a practical, yet trendy, ponytail, and got bizZAY. Floors, walls, tubs and cabinets-- I showed no mercy. I wasn't this way as a kid, you know. My mother can attest to that fact. Just call her. Seriously. She'll tell you, with little or no prompting. I didn't mind letting the laundry pile up - or cups sit in my room until they sprouted legs and ran into the kitchen to scald themselves clean. Poor mom. Gross. And those dishes were in therapy for years, those dirty little things.

But now, I can't stand for things to pile up on me. I long for the sweet smell of Murphy's Oilsoap. I adore clean counters and tidy junk drawers. I am downright giddy over a sparkling bathroom, and if I can catch my reflection in the faucet handles, I get verklempt. It's so nice to have a clean house, my mood improves and I feel productive and optimistic. I don't like putting it off until later anymore-- and believe me, I used to take great pleasure in putting it off. I was the epitome of procrastination. But one day, it just clicked. I'm happier when my space is tidy. I don't necessarily enjoy the work more, but the rewards are definitely worth the effort. Wait a second--- this is one of those Life Lessons, isn't it? Cool!! All that stuff my parents said was relevent!!

Aw, WonderGirl grew up! They should make an afterschool special about my journey to cleanliness. It really is a touching story.

Anyway, that was my Saturday, in all it's glory.

*************************************************

And..... Publish.

Brilliant. That's a wrap, people. Good blogging, well done. See you next week, and don't forget to see wardrobe on your way out.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:35 PM

July 7, 2005

Vacation's End

Home, sweet home.

More blah blah blah tomorrow. WonderGirl sleepy now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:08 PM

July 2, 2005

Hulloo!!

I live, I live!! I'm in the middle of what has turned out to be the "Calories? Who Cares!" Vacation. I've eaten more home cooking in the last five days than I have in my entire life! Remember the celebrating post? That might have been a tad premature. I did manage to get the zipper up... so technically, I guess they still fit. I don't regret one single bite, though. If JLo can get away with it, so can I. Nothing wrong with a little junk in the trunk, right?

I don't have time to write more at the moment, but I did want to pop in to tell you that I survived the 3.5 hour trip with the 3 kiddos (all by myself, mind you.) I only cried once - which is pretty darn good.

Hope everyone is enjoying their 4th of July break, and I'll write again, if I can ever tear myself away from the dinner table.

You may now continue desperately missing me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:54 PM

June 24, 2005

On The Road Again

I might be crazy, but the kids and I are taking a trip next week. We're going to make the rounds, visiting family until we drop of sheer exhaustion. First we're going to Amory, MS to my Aunt Janet's house. We'll hang out on her wraparound porch, and enjoy the country life. We'll cook-out, swim, visit some family gravesites, and hit the antique stores around town. I can't wait! Then we'll go to my parent's house for the weekend of the 4th, and meet some other folks coming into town. I get to meet Aunt Vickie's fiance, who better bring his game to impress me! (Just kidding Mike, I know you'll be great!) After a few days there, we'll head to Monroe to my inlaws, where more fun will be had.

I will be blogging as I have internet access, and taking lots of pictures to post later.

To those of you we'll see shortly, I have one thing to say-- Get ready, 'cause the circus is coming to town.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:42 AM

June 23, 2005

P-U

Coming from my two year old, "You smell like a baby" isn't a compliment. He thinks The Duke is the very essence of stinky, and has adopted that new phrase to describe anything that smells less than pleasant.

I just love boys.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:09 PM

Question

I've put a lot of images up lately-- is this blog becoming too graphics intensive? Does it take too long to load? I must have a short attention span, because if I have to wait too long for a webpage to load, I'll just leave. I don't want that to happen to my blog. Lemme know.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:15 AM

Up With The Sun

Current Mood:

Aah, coffee. Thank you, Mother Nature (but why should I be surprised, she totally gets it, being a fellow mother and all).

So, today's plan is basically to repeat yesterday, but do it a little better. I can get the house relatively clean, but I have a hard time keeping up with the laundry. The Duke is a clothes monster. He will dirty anything and anybody that comes within shooting range. Love the kid, don't get me wrong. But he can do some serious damage to the clothes.

Besides housework, I need to spend more time with the kids individually. Czarina wants to do "schoolwork", which is so easy to do if I can just make myself sit down with her. She has workbooks that she loves, and I need to foster that desire to learn more. We'll be doing actual homeschooling with her in the Fall, so these practice sessions are a good start.

HeroBoy could use some one on one, too. I think I'll try to play with some blocks or something with him today, while Czarina is occupied elsewhere. He is much more self sufficient than she is. Just give him a truck to push around, and he's in happy land. I don't want to forget about him because of that, though.

They basically play with each other most of the day, or follow me around while I do stuff. But I am a firm believer in "Entertain Yourself". I think it's important that they not depend on me to keep them occupied every second of the day. I have to be careful though, that I still spend quality time with them. They need that, and so do I.

It's funny how up and down I still am these days. One day, I'm feeling like the world is beating the crap out of me, and the next I'm thinking, hey, I can do this! I'll be glad to get to a point where life levels out a bit. It will, won't it? Please? Or is this just life with three?

Well, coffee's cold, and it's time to get out of my jammies, so that's all for now.

The day awaits. Let's see what we can make of it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:25 AM

June 20, 2005

Willy Wonka Makes WonderGirl Cry

Oh, J.D.

You know I've got nothing but love for ya, but this hurts me:

And now to cleanse my palatte, I must also post this one:

Aah, that's better. Except for that tie thingy, but whatever. You're Hollywood, I get it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:14 PM

Not Now Sweetie,

Mommie's having her Happy Juice.

Hic!

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:25 PM

June 19, 2005

Volunteers?

Sooo... who wants to redesign my blog for me?

Posted by WonderGirl at 7:59 PM

Don't You Know It!

And while we're at it, here is HeroBoy's before and after "the buzz". (Notice that awesome green in the background? Yeah, that's my livingroom. Groovy, huh?)

Continue reading "Don't You Know It!"

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:39 PM

June 17, 2005

Loving For My Ears

Okay guys, I know everybody and their cousin has asked you to help them get a free ipod by signing up for all kinds of junk.

I'm not going to ask you to do that.

It's much simpler if you just buy me one and send it directly. (my blog accepts checks and money orders as well.)

Oh, I'm just kidding. I can't accept checks unless you have the proper i.d.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:57 PM

Whatcha Think?

This may get me in a whole mess of trouble, but I'm feeling big mouthed today. (Blame it on the midmorning margaritas.)

You know something that bugs me? Hate crimes. No, not the commission of them, but the existence of a separate category altogether. I know this is highly politically incorrect, but I believe labeling certain crimes as "hate crimes" is unnecessary pandering to minority groups. A crime is a crime is a crime, no matter who is committing it or why! Murder is a hate crime, no matter what the circumstances. The "hate" in committing murder is the disregard of life itself. Making the penalty more severe when it affects minority groups sends a bad message. It says that some lives are more valuable than others in the eyes of the law. Tell that to the mother who is burying a daughter killed in a domestic conflict. I wonder if she thinks the man who murdered her child is less of a monster because he wasn't motivated by race, religion, or sexual preference? I doubt it. His actions deserve as much attention and reprimand as the law allows, motivation should be irrelevant. Just because you don't like someone's motivation for murder doesn't mean it should be treated differently. That puts a human judgement in the place of law, and that is dangerous territory.

Do I believe hate crimes should go unpunished? Of course not. But prosecute them based on the facts (someone was hurt or died), and leave the political agenda out of it. Teaching tolerance is not the law's job. I'm not saying it's a bad lesson to learn, we certainly all have to figure out a way to live and function in a world where everybody is different. But that is not the law's business.

Opinions?

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:25 AM

June 12, 2005

Last One Before Bed

Seriously, cause I really need my sleep. Trust me.

Anyway, I just wanted to say, HOLY MOLY. This month, I've been blogging for TWO YEARS. Get out!! **doing Elaine shove**

Shouldn't I be getting a paycheck by now or something? No? Well, shoot. I'm going to bed then.

**Was this reference too obscure? Sigh. I really miss Seinfeld sometimes.**

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:19 PM

Say Hi!

Let's get a head count, shall we? I know there are a lot of "lurkers" out there who are normally too shy to comment, but this one's easy. All you have to do is leave a quick howdy. I promise I won't bite. Hard.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:54 PM

Sweetness Abounds

Continue reading "Sweetness Abounds"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:00 PM

Ponies and The Little Girls Who Love Them

Ponies. They come by plane, train, and automobile to join Czarina's Coral, which is managed by our four year old equestrian expert, Czarina. Sunny Daze, Rainbow Dash, Sweetberry, and Honeysuckle Delight are just a few of the popular residents of this growing stable. Here at Czarina's Coral, our ponies get topnotch treatment. You'll notice that each pony is meticulously groomed. Bubble baths go without saying, as well as manes brushed and braided daily. But not only do they look good, they also feel good. We believe that a happy pony is a healthy pony, so exercise is important. Many of our residents find our sandbox to be very therapeutic, while others enjoy saddling up for a trot with our frequent visitors, some of which are celebrities like Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants! We also offer occasional field trips to places like Cinderella's castle and Grandma's house. And of course, picnics and playdates are permanent fixtures in our schedule.

For the shy pony, there is special one on one time with the trainer, including personalized nap times and afternoons spent coloring quietly. And each night, one lucky pony is chosen to snuggle in the big bed, as long as they don't kick in their sleep.

Spaces are unlimited, because, as Czarina says happily, "You can never have too many ponies."

And since they never stop smil