pixie's temple

artistmotherteacher.com

2009-04-02T19:37:00.002-04:00

Don't forget I've moved to a new URL. Please update your bookmarks and feed readers!

http://artistmotherteacher.com

Psst, I'm moving

2009-03-24T08:35:00.001-04:00

I'm movin' on up to my own domain (kind of like the Jeffersons). I'll go into details later, but for now, head over to the new digs and wish G-tot a Happy Birthday!

www.artistmotherteacher.com

growing up—22 & 23 months

2009-03-19T21:31:00.001-04:00

Dear Gideon,

You have been in our lives nearly two years, yet I find it hard to remember life without you. That part of my life just isn't as important anymore. You are what's important and my life has been forever altered because of you.

When I walk into the kitchen and see the door leading to the basement steps open, a little part of me panics. Even if you aren't home. It needs to be closed because of you. That's just the way we do it now. So much of the way our lives function on a day-to-day basis plays out in a lovely pattern because of you. Some days it is really tiring, but I can't imagine it any other way.

22 months—January 25, 2009

In less than a week you will be two and I feel a little guilty that I'm just now finishing your 22 & 23 month letter. I've had it started for many weeks, but time just seems to get away from me. As I've said before, I'm a terrible procrastinator and prefer to spend my time WITH you rather than writing a letter TO you. And when you are napping or in bed for the evening? Well, that's when your Dad and I do the chores around the house and spend a little time together. It's those sort of moments that have kept me from writing this letter for so long. That and the fact that I may just be a wee bit lazy.

I keep a small running list of cute things you do each month that I don't want to forget. Of course, many of the things you do never make it to the list since you are the epitome of cuteness every day. I can't write it all down. In the past couple of months you have done some things that make me want to squeeze the cute right out of you.

Your Dad started making a little puppet of sorts out of his hand during dinner to encourage you to eat your food. The hand would talk to you while picking up little bits of food and pretending to eat them. You thought that was great and even went as far as naming your new little friend out of the blue one day. You like to call him "Coch-coch"—like the word "coke" with a thick "ch" sound at the end.

You talk all the time but still have trouble with your "F" sounds. I hear it is one of the hardest sounds to master and you can take your sweet time if you want. I think it is really adorable to hear you say Goosy instead of Goofy, letting us know you eat with a Sork or that you just Sarted. Especially that last one. Farts are funny no matter how you say it.

You also say "Love you" now and that makes me melt a little each time I hear it. One of my other favorite phrases you say these days is "Ummm…how about…". You say it when we are picking out your clothes for the day or deciding on which snack to have or which book to read. The way you draw out the "ummm" and sound so inquisitive yet serious about your decision slays me. I couldn't figure out how you came up with that until I realized your Dad and I say that to you quite often. That makes it even cuter.

We are constantly telling you to take little bites of your food—which is in direct opposition to what your Dad and I do with our food. Some how you transformed those little bites into "cute bites" when you talk about them. You pinch your thumb and forefinger together and say "cute" when that bite on your fork is too big for your liking. That's our cue to help you get a more manageable bite for you. That's good. Somedays I wish I had that same self control.

This one will probably embarrass you because I'm going to talk about taking showers with me, but come on, you're just a little guy. It's not creepy yet. Plus, you love taking a shower and it's a great way to make sure you don't get into trouble if I need to shower when your Dad isn't around. Anyway, one of the new things you do when we take a shower is wash your bath toys and my feet with a washcloth. It is what we do when you take a bath, so it's only natural that you would return the favor. You're really sweet like that.

23 months—February 24, 2009

You have also developed this odd little dislike for shadows. It started one day when you ran out of your room yelling, "Bear. Bear." When I went to inspect the cause of this little frenzy I was surprised at what I found. There in your room, next to your bookshelf, was a shadow that did in fact look like a bear. It was being cast onto the wall from the rocking chair, but it was enough to freak you right out. After that you did not care for shadows one bit. It took a lot of reassuring and explaining what a shadow was before you would even look at one without panicking. You're better now, but that old bear still freaks you out a little. Don't worry, I'll keep you safe.

the bear

I hope when you are an adult you read these letters and get the same warm fuzzy feeling that I do when I write them. I hope you can appreciate how awesome you are and see how much we adore you.

Love,
Mommy

So I decided to plan a party less than two weeks away

2009-03-17T14:41:00.005-04:00

G-tot is going to be 2 next week and I decided at the last minute to throw a party. Nothing huge, but I do have a theme—dinosaurs. The color palette will be green, yellow, and the variations between. Here are the invites I made this morning after a killer headache kept me from making them last night.

ignore that black line—that's me taking a crappy screen shot

blocked out the address and phone—you know, to thwart the stalkers

It's an early party and I'm thinking finger foods and cake. I have a few ideas for little favors for the kids which I'm excited to put together. I would love to hear your suggestions for food, decor, or anything else. Keep in mind our budget is very small.

Have you heard of chicken and ham paste?

2009-03-13T14:20:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago a friend of mine set her facebook status as "Sarah is chicken and ham paste." Thinking to myself, "What the hell?" the following interaction ensued:

Me: Let me just say that "ham paste" sounds like something that should not have been invented.

Her: Wash your mouth out! I'm going to have to send you some before you judge!

Me: Please do!

Her: Don't worry, I'll get you the good stuff, not tesco's own. I'm classy like that.

Tesco's Own. Like I know what the hell that is. And so, she sent me a jar of chicken and ham paste all the way from Liverpool. Not just "ham paste" that she was eating with chicken. Chicken and Ham paste. I didn't realize that was an all-inclusive item.

Princes Chicken and Ham Paste. Apparently it's the good stuff. I wasn't so sure.

According to Sarah, I should cover a slice of bread with butter, top with a layer of paste and enjoy. "It's like a poor man's pate.", she says. I wonder if that is part of their advertising slogan? It hardly sold me.

What it really reminded me of was wet cat food.

But we weren't scared. So I did what any good parent would do. I gave G-tot the first bite.

I was a little scared after that reaction. Let's see what JQ thought of it.

Oh man… I can't NOT try it. It traveled all that way for me. There was no way I was turning my back on it.

Umm…

Actually it was pretty good. We all liked it. JQ is just a funny guy and likes to ham it up. So do I. Thanks Sarah.

Carson Daly, Plastic Man

2009-03-09T11:15:00.002-04:00

What the hell happened to Carson Daly's face? I saw this picture of him on NBC's website last week (that's his network right?) and couldn't believe my eyes.

Please tell me this is just some terrible Photoshop retouching and not awful Botox/plastic surgery/makeup. Carson, you're freaking me out.

Remember when he looked like this?

Sunday Dinners #6 (03.08.09)

2009-03-08T21:48:00.003-04:00

Pizza—too tired to cook after traveling this weekend

This week I'm thankful for the opportunity to travel to Illinois to visit my mom and stepdad with G-tot and Josh. We were able to see them because of a work related conference I had in Chicago over the weekend. It was the first time we have been able to visit since they moved in August. It was also the first time we traveled any distance with G-tot. He did fantastic. Such a great weekend.

How about you? What are you thankful for this week?

I may be more than slightly neurotic.

2009-03-03T10:04:00.004-05:00

To me, typos in books and other professionally printed pieces are like a steering wheel on a hermaphroditic *pixie* pirate's crotch.

It drives me nuts.

Sunday Dinners #5 (03.01.09)

2009-03-01T21:18:00.003-05:00

salad, fried chicken breast tenders (from scratch),
and crash hot potatoes (a recipe I discovered here)

What I'm thankful for this week is an easy one. I'm thankful for having JQ in my life. Today we celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary and it amazes me that it has been that long already. The days with JQ and I go way, way back. We were friends long before we were a couple and he has been in my life for over 15 years now. That's almost half my life. There are plenty of days when we butt heads, but JQ is my best friend. Instead of being disgusted, he laughs when I fart. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Button up

2009-02-28T14:37:00.006-05:00

Buttoning our eyes in an effort to make myself forget that I missed Coraline in 3D. It seems to have worked. I want to button our eyes in every picture on the wall. Maybe I'll do that for Halloween. How cool would that be? Wanna button your eyes? You can do it here.

Just keep the fire extinguisher handy

2009-02-24T07:49:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

Hope your day is full of good times, good company, and good chocolate.

Mardi Gras masks

2009-02-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last week for one of our afternoon art projects JQ, G-tot, and I made Mardi Gras masks. I printed out some blank paper masks I found online and we went to town on them with markers, cut paper, stickers, and glitter glue.

When the glue had set I cut out the eyes and punched holes for the string. You know what came next right?

Pictures!

We had a blast. JQ's mask was the big hit. We all wore that one. How could you not want to put it on—with its cool yellow extension. Very fancy in a Roman Gladiator/Mexican Wrestler sort of way.

Sunday Dinners #4 (02.22.09)

2009-02-22T18:30:00.004-05:00

Homemade tacos. One of our favorites. Salsa was made from tomatoes in our garden and canned by us back in August. We didn't have a packet of taco seasoning on hand so we whipped one up with a recipe pulled of the internet this afternoon. The beef is venison burger made by my dad and brought to us on their last visit. If the idea of that grosses you out, I would bet you wouldn't know the difference if you ate it this way. Seriously. It just tastes like what you would expect taco meat to taste like. Which is of course, yummy.

This week I'm thankful for the generosity of one of my blogger friends, Nobody. In the comments of my F.T.U.T.S.A. post earlier this week, I jokingly asked Nobody to convince my local PBS station to convert back to analog. It was the only channel we really watched—mainly for G-tot—and they made the digital switch back on the 17th. We have no cable, so that meant no PBS any longer. Yesterday in the mail we received a package from Nobody. In it, a digital converter box. We now get the best picture we have had in years and several additional channels—including two more PBS stations.

Thank you so much Nobody. You are awesome.

How about all of you? What are you thankful for this week?

Does it never end for us?

2009-02-21T15:36:00.005-05:00

After being diagnosed with yet another ear infection on Monday, poor G-tot has been stricken with something that had him projectile vomiting this afternoon. He passed out on JQ after several rounds in the bathroom and we are hoping the nap means the puking is behind us.

If not, we've go a bucket handy.

Like your name in lights, only different

2009-02-19T11:42:00.003-05:00

This morning was story time at the library for G-tot and I. We went through our weekly ritual of dropping of last week's books in the return bin and then headed toward the back of the library to the children's section. We barely made it twenty feet from the front desk when something caught my eye.

It was sitting on the bottom shelf of a movable cart that showcases new books. If I didn't feel like such a turd I would have pulled out my phone and taken of a picture of it. That's how excited I was. "G-tot, G-tot look!" I exclaimed. "This is the book that Mommy worked on! See! There's Mommy right there!"

G-tot could have cared less but I was so geeked to see the book I worked on showcasing the visual history of the college where I work sitting on the shelf of the public library. The spreads I worked so hard on designing, my name (and several photographs of me & JQ—that somebody else put in) in print, PUBLISHED, and sitting on the 'New Books' shelf for the public to peruse.

It was a pretty exciting moment for me.

Of course, I already have a copy of my own so I took a few shots with iPhoto so you could see the book. And…a few months ago the book won a Crystal Award for "excellence in communications in NW Ohio and SE Michigan". It's nice to be a part of something award winning that actually has your name on it. So much of design requires the designer to be invisible.

Ignore the scary looking woman in on the left and just look at the cover.

A portion of one of my spreads.

My name in print—the only woman that worked on the book

Why don't we get that last post title pushed down the page a bit

2009-02-18T15:30:00.006-05:00

In my defense, I was quoting a movie.

Anyway, thanks for the kind words from all of you yesterday. I'm feeling much better now. Just getting my rage out through the written word helped immensely. You guys helped even more. Thanks for being a part of my craziness.

Enough with the sappiness, how about some pictures of Valentine's Day that I forgot to show you? Which may be sappy in their own right. More LOVE!

JQ made us heart shaped pancakes

colored pencils (we all wore the hearts sticker)

In the middle of a creative moment (you can see JQ's hearts sticker).

all done

Fuck them up their stupid asses

2009-02-17T13:21:00.001-05:00

Forgive me if this seems harsh and drastic, but these are real emotions I'm feeling at this very moment. They aren't pretty, but they are honest.

When they haul me off to the local sanitarium this winter, you can blame Ohio Jobs and Family Services.

Seriously.

Dealing with them has done nothing but make me want to scream and cry. I'm not much of a screamer so I've done a lot of crying over the last three months. JQ was laid off back at the end of November as a result of this wonderful state the economy is in. In the beginning of December he applied for unemployment. Here it is now, the end of February and we have yet to receive a single penny from unemployment.

Which pretty much sucks ass when you cannot survive on one income.

Their rationale for denying him? He is going to school and "therefore unable to work the regularly scheduled hours for a job in his field". Excuse me? What about the fact that he was going to school when he still had a job?

What about the fact that he has worked his ass off for the last 15 years and never asked for a penny of government handout? How about the fact that he and his employers have paid into this bullshit for the last 15 fucking years?

FAIL—Ohio Jobs and Services. F.A.I.L.

Oh, and talking with a person on the phone? Nearly impossible. You have to do everything online. How fucking convenient. If you DO actually get a person on the phone? They aren't going to help you. They will just redirect you to the internet.

Lovely. Just fucking lovely.

In another month or two we won't be able to pay our bills. After that? Our house? Feeding our son?

Why bother even waking up in the morning? It just keeps pushing me further and further into a state of depression. I'd get some therapy, but we can't afford it.

Sunday Dinners #3 (02.15.09)

2009-02-16T23:29:00.005-05:00

I forgot to take a picture of our dinner yesterday for my Sunday Dinners post. JQ and I went to a classic pianist recital and when we got home I was rushing around to make dinner and totally forgot about taking photographs. I didn't remember until we were finished and the dirty dishes were in the sink. Lucky for all of you I used my mad skills to render an incredibly realistic illustration of what we ate.

veal parmesean, garlic bread,
and whole wheat pasta with chunky mushroom sauce

Nice, huh? This week I'm thankful for the fact that I finished up my grades and turned them in before the weekend started. What a relief to not have that looming over me these past few days.

How about you? What are you thankful for this week?

Do you know what kind of day I'm having?

2009-02-16T10:01:00.001-05:00

A jeans and sweatshirt, no work, kid at daycare, husband at school kind of day.
A day with few obligations.
A day to myself.

Too bad I'm still sort of sick.

It may not be Hallmark but we still care enough to send the very best

2009-02-13T19:54:00.006-05:00

When it comes to picking out cards in a card shop I have a problem. I could stand in the aisles for hours chuckling at the clever graphics and witty phrases that adorn the rows and rows of perfectly folded card stock. I love picking out cards and get an odd kick out of putting that little gold crown sticker on the back of the envelope. I think mostly because it seems so pretentious—"Look at me! I've spent too much money on this card and I want you to be well aware of it!"

This year, for Valentine's day we are doing things a little different. This year we are spending as little money as possible. That doesn't mean the house isn't festively decorated and our table won't be piled with sentiments of love, it just means we are not heading out to Hallmark and dropping our hard earned cash on a card that expresses something we tell each other every day, "I love you."

To be perfectly honest with you? I think our way is going to kick commercialism's ass this year. Just look for yourself.

New flower arrangements crafted from the Groundhog's Day flowers I received almost two weeks ago. Aren't my flower arranging skills wicked awesome?

More dainty flower arrangements and a wonky paper heart chain.

A kick ass heart garland made from dozens of construction paper hearts cut out by JQ and me.

I love this little guy G-tot made at daycare. He just screams cuteness to me.

And last but not least, a "card making" basket I put together this evening for our V-day card making festivities tomorrow. In it is half a dozen blank cards, sheets of red and pink paper, crayons, markers, and sheets of stickers (stars from the desk drawer and v-day themed ones I made up and printed this afternoon). Making our own cards was JQ's idea and I can't wait to do this activity tomorrow!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Free association—it's like free love, only not so messy

2009-02-12T00:00:00.005-05:00

The lovely Lisa decided to play a little free association word game over at her digs and I couldn't resist playing along. Here are the words Lisa left for me along with my answers.

1) laundry hamper: This reminds me of the chute that we have in our bathroom. It's leads down to a wooden laundry cage in the basement. I hated the idea of it when we bought the house (except for the novelty of what seems like a retro home design feature) but now I use it all the time.

2) rhubarb: This reminds me of the kid that lived across the street from my Gam when I was growing up. His mom grew rhubarb every year and made pies and such from it. I don't care for it but it has been years since I've actually tasted it, so who knows?

3) Ojibwe indian tribe: This is for the matryoshka dolls one I left you, isn't it? Um…I've got it. In the second or third grade I did a report on Native Americans and had various visual aids to accompany it. I made a diorama complete with indian corn and wove a basket out of reeds. That basket kicked ass. That association just reminded me of the time I wore a foam beard and stove pipe hat while doing a first person report on Abe Lincoln…but I digress.

4) "put some stank on it": Holy crap. What kind of baloney is this? I don't know. For some reason it reminds me of Nascar.

5) lighthouse: This one is easy. JQ and I lived right next door the a restaurant and bar called The Lighthouse. It was our first apartment together and was right on the river. We could walk across the grass and have a drink on the patio of the restaurant. During the weekend summer nights we could watch all the jackasses from OUR patio leaving the bar. We also lived within walking distance of the zoo—which hosts several concerts every summer. People would park at The Lighthouse and walk to the zoo to avoid the $5 parking fee. Oh man, those were the people to watch. Concerts started around 6 or 7 and it the summer that leaves plenty of light to see the folks that are heading to the Wierd Al, Alice Cooper, Moody Blues, and Doobie Brothers concerts. They are an entertaining bunch. And when you see them stumbling back three hours later? Even better.

Love and kisses

2009-02-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

G-tot letting everybody know that he loves them. The best part starts about the 1:20 mark. If you make it that far you will not be disappointed.

If the video isn't loading below, click on one of the links at the bottom.

Love and Kisses from pixiestemple on Vimeo.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

2009-02-10T14:02:00.005-05:00

This was a fantastic book. I had read just one other book by Gaiman prior to picking up The Graveyard Book. The book was American Gods and that was almost 6 years ago. I recommended it to everybody I knew and I am doing the exact same thing with The Graveyard Book.

After reading a synopsis of the book in late September—just prior to the books release—I marked it as a 'to-read' in my Good Reads book list. During one of our weekly trips to the library a couple of weeks ago, I picked The Graveyard Book for JQ to read. I thought he might enjoy it and I was reading Dead Until Dark at the time. He flew through it. I had no choice but to put DUD down and read TGB as soon as he was finished. I wanted to be able to talk about the book with him while it was still fresh for both of us. Right after I started the book I found out it was the named the 2009 Newbery Medal winner. Well deserved if you ask me.

Simple and brilliant. Written for teens but great for adults. JQ and I read it back-to-back in a handful of days. It's riveting and a must read for anyone with a lively imagination. Now if we could just get to the theater to see Coraline.

Sunday Dinners #2 (02.08.09)

2009-02-08T18:41:00.004-05:00

green beans
parsley potatoes
bacon wrapped lemon garlic turkey tenderloin

This week I'm thankful for the kind words bestowed upon me by Lisa & RR regarding the purchases they made from my etsy shop. It is really validating to get positive feedback on your work of art (no matter what the medium). What are you thankful for this week?

When I opened the can of potatoes, there on top was a perfect heart shaped tater.

Behind the scenes

2009-02-07T15:23:00.000-05:00

I've purchased a domain name.
I have a host.
As soon as I get Wordpress figured out I'll be launching a new site.

Stay tuned!

Honestly? I'm still doing this same list?

2009-02-03T22:53:00.006-05:00

Finally finishing up the honest scraps meme. Enjoy.

7. To celebrate Groundhog's Day at work, we have a Groundhog Queen ceremony. It's all a lavish excuse for a party in the middle of a work day, but it is so much fun. The ladies on the court each get a small gift. Then the names of the runner up and queen are drawn. Each of those ladies get a bouquet of flowers and the queen gets a crown, a sash, and a basket full of goodies. I'm a good sport so I've signed up to be on the court the past couple of years. This year I was runner up!

8. We took the television out of our master bedroom a few days ago. I still catch phantom images of the tv out of the corner of my eye when I'm in bed online or reading. I'm not quite used to it yet but we really don't need it in there. We watch most of the programs online and we can watch movies on the laptop as well. Not falling asleep to the drone of late night television is going to take some getting used to—it was our boob tube lullaby.

9. I've been thinking about buying a domain name for a long time and have finally decided on one I like. A few of you already know what it is but SHHHH! I don't want to tell the internets until it is purchased and ready to launch. You all will follow or update your bookmarks won't you?

10. This is the side of my body just below the armpit after my shower today.

That giant welt? It's from a freakin' band-aid! Let me just say my raw skin was suffering big time last night after I pulled that sucker off. The other side looks just slightly better. I thought those things were meant to aid in healing not harming.

Sweet Coraline, bum, bum, bum

2009-02-03T09:52:00.001-05:00

I cannot wait to see this! It looks amazing and I love the fact that it is going to be shown in 3D (at least in the beginning, I think). Here's HBO's First Look at Coraline. Check it out.

Sunday Dinners #1 (02.01.09)

2009-02-02T12:38:00.003-05:00

I had this great idea yesterday. I would take pictures of our family dinner on Sunday and post them along with one thing that I'm grateful for from the previous week.

My thinking was that Sunday dinner for us is that sort-of end of the week/new beginning/family time. I love making a sit-down dinner for us to cap off the week. Most of the time, Sunday is that one day that the three of us don't HAVE to be somewhere. It's family time. It's time to rejuvenate and prep for the upcoming rush of the week. It time to reflect and enjoy one another. It's a good time.

But I forgot to write the post yesterday.

I took the pictures but after dinner was dishes, bath, story time, bed time, The Office, and then I was exhausted. And…I forgot all about my great idea.

So, do me a favor. Pretend this post was up last night, won't you?

This week I'm thankful that I was brave enough to take the initiative and introduce myself to two strangers at a AIGA member meeting.

This makes me happy

2009-01-30T23:40:00.002-05:00

Holy crap. Not only have I been showcase in yet another treasury (in addition to the one I mentioned the other day), I'm also listed at the bottom of an etsy article. Wow. Sweetness!

Take a peek into my personal work space, won't you?

2009-01-29T11:34:00.007-05:00

Passing the halfway mark on the honest scrap meme. If you missed the previous five look below this post—there all there.

6. I have work spaces in two separate areas of the house. On the first floor is the office. It has a nice big desk in it that's great for piling up miscellaneous papers. I could clean it off in the morning and by the end of the day it's a mess again. I'm constantly pushing things aside and clearing a spot before I begin the work I went in the office to do in the first place. This is what the desk looked like yesterday as I wrapped up the project I had been working on. There is another side to the desk that is outside the right of the frame. It looks much worse and includes a huge pile of papers that need to be sorted and filed. The pieces of paper in the lower left corner are tests prints of a new series I'm working on. Behind them is a print order that needs to be packaged and shipped out. Any questions?

I also have a work space in the basement. This is a nice space because I can leave an unfinished project out without having to worry about a certain little toddler getting into it. Yesterday I made some wrapping paper and note cards using a stamp I carved a few weeks ago. The paper and cards are for wrapping orders from my etsy shop (which is why the order above is still sitting on the desk). Just a little something extra to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

In addition to all the printmaking supplies I got out yesterday, there are a handful of items that "live" on the drafting table. From right to left there is a stack of small sketchbooks, a package of lint-free white gloves for handling prints, a baby monitor, a blue box of exacto knives and blades, a small silver tray for things like pens, paper clips, tacks, etc., a curved corner punch (currently being used on my new business cards), and a bone folder. Right now there is also a small pile of paper scraps in the left corner of the table just behind the printing inks. I hate to throw perfectly good pieces of paper into the recycle bin when I know I can use them somewhere else. They'll probably end up in a project that G-tot and I make during art time.

Oh, and that paper the ink is rolled out on? It's an old envelope I pulled out of the recycle bin. I through it in there a few weeks ago during a basement organizing frenzy. Written on the envelope—Spring Break 1999. Nothing like using a 10 year old envelope to help save Mother Earth.

If I'm being honest, I kind of like the extra time

2009-01-28T12:14:00.004-05:00

5. I feel so awkward when I'm home for the day and G-tot isn't here. Normal daycare days coincide with the days I'm at work. Occasionally—due to weather or break weeks—G-tot has a scheduled day at daycare when I'm off. We would pay for the care whether he was there or not, so we take him in for the majority of the day. There have only been 5 or so of these days since we started utilizing daycare and it still feels weird to me. Like I'm doing something bad. It does however, give me a chance to do more cleaning and organizing around the house. So that's cool.

I made it into another treasury!

2009-01-27T23:04:00.003-05:00

4. I'm so excited to be listed in my second Esty Treasury!

That's me down there in the bottom right!

We have a tupperware dish stuffed full of them

2009-01-27T22:50:00.000-05:00

More honest scraps.

3. I love coloring in the coloring books with G-tot. And I have a favorite crayon color right now—yellow-green. G-tot and I color almost every day and when I grab a crayon I tend to lean towards the yellow-green. I don't know if it is the same shade that it has always been, but lately I can't get enough of it. It's great for planets, foliage, dinosaurs—you name it. I'm also a crayon snob. I don't like just any old crayon. It has to be Crayola. Generic crayons are just too waxy.

Honestly? I should get off my ass a little more often.

2009-01-25T20:12:00.005-05:00

More bits and pieces from the honest scrap meme…

2. When I first started blogging I was really into exercising. Really, into it. A few months prior, I had discovered a game called Yourself!Fitness for the PS2 and it was just what I needed to motivate me into working out on a regular basis. That was in May 2005. I worked out diligently for 7 months and felt great about it. By the end of the year I had abandoned my good habits and haven't really worked out regularly since then. Part of me really believes Wii Fit would bring back the drive that I once had. A video game worked before, why can't it work again?

Honest Engine

2009-01-25T13:50:00.007-05:00

A couple weeks ago, Naynay & Christina tagged JQ and me with an honest scrap meme. JQ has been a barely blogger lately and even he managed to respond in a timely fashion. Now it's my turn. I am to write 10 honest things about myself that are interesting.

With the ever present push to pass it on I'm also supposed to 7 other bloggers—which I probably won't. Instead, why don't you leave me with an honest tidbit about yourself?

I'm also not going to give you all ten at once. I'll start with one and as the week progresses I'll get to the other nine. Maybe one at a time, maybe more. All depends on how quickly I can come up with something both interesting and honest. Like this first one. Honest? Sure. Interesting? You tell me?

I counted 15 small holes in the pair of underwear I pulled out of the drawer yesterday.

I wore them anyway.

Quite possibly the most cavity inducing 39 seconds on the internet

2009-01-23T19:53:00.002-05:00

Tell me this isn't one of the sweetest things ever. You can't, can you?

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star from pixiestemple on Vimeo.

Forget CHANGE, the new buzzword is BELLY

2009-01-20T10:24:00.005-05:00

It would seem that the internet is all a flutter with inauguration related posts today. I wouldn't want to be left out. So…

Welcome to the White House, President Obama.

Party down today, because tomorrow it's back to business.

Six-pack

2009-01-17T11:29:00.003-05:00

My dad, step-mom, and sister have come down from the great white north to visit JQ, G-tot, and I for a week. We haven't seen them since July. They brought the Wii with them. Guess who won't be blogging much for the next several days?

Could I post a more unflattering picture of myself?

I think not.

Just keeping it real here people. Keeping it real.

growing up—21 months

2009-01-13T11:53:00.005-05:00

Dear Gideon,

On Christmas Eve you turned 21 months old. I knew long before that day that this letter to you would be late. I had no idea it would end up being this late. Such is the life of a chronic procrastinator. I know I'm the only one to blame for not getting these letters done in a timely fashion, but I'm going to blame you, okay? When you are awake, all I want to do is play, read, and snuggle with you. And when you are sleeping? Well, I'm tired from all that playing, reading, and snuggling with you. You are the best distraction from life's less entertaining responsibilities. Thanks for that.

21 months—December 24, 2008

It has been one hell of a month with you. On December 18th (Daddy's 30th birthday) you did something so awesome I couldn't wait to shout it out to the world—YOU POOPED ON THE POTTY LIKE A BIG BOY!!! To say that we are a little proud would be an understatement. We are thrilled. Who knew poop could be so exciting? You had a couple of incidents where you pooped on the floor—both sort of my fault—but other than that, you've been a champion toilet pooper. I even created a "Super Duper Potty Chart" for you. Every time you go on the potty, you get a sticker for your chart. Only if you actually GO. Just sitting on the potty gets you nothing more than a story and a little together time with Mommy & Daddy. You like the sticker chart—which hangs above your changing table—and to date, you already have ten stickers. Pretty good for a 21 month old boy. Pretty damn good.

You taken giant leaps in your development over the past month as well. You are talking all the time—and quite clearly I might add. Not just random words either. Real sentences. And your comprehension and ability to make connections to separate concepts—just WOW. Before I became a Mother, I had no idea how smart a little guy like you could be. Every day you do something that makes me exclaim, "You are so smart!" I'd like to think Daddy and I are partially responsible for that.

filling the bird feeders with Mommy

You have discovered the deliciousness known as chocolate milk and not a day goes by where you don't ask for "Choco Malk". If we won't give you the chocolate milk you immediately ask for "Soy Malk". Apparently, Vitamin D milk is at the bottom of the pile as far as deliciousness is concerned. I completely understand.

For Christmas you got an easel and a little table—two gifts I suggested that Gam and G-Gi get for you. They've turned out to be two of the best gifts. The table is perfect for you and beats having to toss you into your high chair or trying to do an art activity on the floor. We still do plenty of floor play, but the table just rocks. You love to create art—coloring, painting, playing with play-doh—and we do some sort of art activity every day. Seeing you in a smock (one of Daddy's old t-shirts) painting at the easel makes me so happy. Daddy and I love that you are so fond of both art and music. Singing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star with you at night while we rock is the perfect way to end my day. You are definitely our kid.

playing play-doh with Daddy

This month hasn't been all fun and games for you. You been subjected to almost non-stop ear infections since October and they refuse to go away. You must have some cozy set-up in that left ear of yours because the infection seems to have moved in and hung up its cross-stitched Home Sweet Home sign. Let me just say that it sucks balls. Big, hairy balls. You've been on four different antibiotics and two different ear drops but nothing seems to be kicking it to the curb. As soon as you get over one antibiotic you start coughing and sneezing again. It's heartbreaking to see you sick so often. Especially since you were never sick until you started daycare back in late September. Who knew that our consolation gift for enrolling you in school would be chronic ear infections? Seems like a pretty crappy gift to me. Daddy and I took you to the doctor's again last Friday (with the hopes that the infection was finally gone). It wasn't. Now we have to go see an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist at the end of the month. Unfortunately, that probably means you'll have to get tubes in your ears—at least the left one. That scares the shit out of me. You'll have to be put under for the surgery. When you consider the fact that I didn't even want an epidural when I was in labor, you can imagine that I'm not crazy about you having anesthesia at such a young age. But, I really don't want you to be in constant pain or to lose your hearing, so we'll do whatever it takes to make you well again. If that means tubes, well then you'll get tubes. Both your cousins have them—so I'm blaming Dad's genes—which I guess means you won't be a family outcast, even with the hair.

Love,

Mommy

Fruit Loops

2009-01-11T13:17:00.002-05:00

I am in a major blogging funk. I feel like I have a lot to write about but every time I sit down to do so, nothing. Even worse, I just don't have the desire to sit down and compose thoughtful, well-written posts. I'm always too busy or too tired or too something.

Instead of writing I'm spending my time doing things like this:

Pretty talented, huh?

Looking back—the end

2009-01-07T23:14:00.003-05:00

The beginning is here if you need a recap of the recap.

In July I took lots and lots of pictures. Lots and lots and lots of pictures. 698 pictures. Some days I want to share every single one of them with all of you. It's really hard to show constraint. That's the month I also got my new MacBook Pro and my new iPod Touch with the kick-ass personalization.

In August I turned 32 and declared that it was time I gave a shit about my life. It was a good month. I took almost 200 more pictures than I did in July, I won a book from Rock & Roll Mama (on my birthday!), and completed the reading goal I set for myself in January.

September I asked for suggestions on new music and you guys really delivered! Thanks so much for that. I listed my first item in my Etsy shop and managed to sell it 6 days later! I also shared Honey Bunny. For that, you are welcome.

G-tot got on camera in October speaking of nuts and bats. And I shared just how dumb I can be sometimes. Dumb but effective.

November was NaBloPoMo. I participated. And succeeded. I wish I had that sort of discipline year round. It was a month full of memories—rocking the vote, seeing Twilight, having the bathroom fall apart before my eyes. If I wasn't so lazy I'd link to each one of them. But I am. So just click on that first link in this paragraph if you really want to see them again.

December. Busy, busy December.

It really was a pretty good year, but I'm ready for 2009.

Have I always been such a sap?

2009-01-04T12:46:00.003-05:00

Have you ever read this book? If your a sentimental emotional nut-job like I am, I suggest you don't. G-tot pulled it off the shelf last night for our evening bedtime story ritual. I knew before I opened the book to the first page it was going to be trouble.

It's a story about a woman who sings a song to her son each night. "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." The story shows her singing it to her son as an infant, a young boy, a teenager, and an adult. A grown man. That's when I lost it. Seeing the illustration of this woman cuddling & singing to her grown child broke my heart. I know G-tot is just a toddler now, but it goes by so fast.

I managed to sniffle through that spread but broke down all over again when I turned the page. At the end of the story the Mother is old and frail and can no longer sing to her son. So, the son comes to his Mom, cradles her in HIS arms and sings, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my Mommy you'll be." Holy crap people. Just pass the freakin' Kleenex won't you?

Then the son goes home, picks up his infant daughter, and sings the song his Mom sang to him for so many years. Le, sigh… I think I might have to hide that story up in a closet somewhere. I don't know if I could read it again without my heart crumbling all over.

Looking back—the beginning

2009-01-03T13:00:00.002-05:00

At the start of 2008 I set a precedence for the upcoming months—it was going to be a good year. For the most part, it was. The good far outweighs the bad, but the bad seemed to come in full force right at the end of the year. It's those things that left me with a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth for 2008. Right up to the very last day of 2008, when we shelled out a couple of grand to fix my car. Bitter taste, indeed.

Come on '09!

Before 2009 gets too far underway, I thought I'd take a look back at 2008 and what I shared on this little blog. Let's look at the first six months, shall we?

In January I made a list of goals. Not resolutions, but manageable goals. The big one on the list? Read 10 novels in 2008. A breeze for many of you but I had found myself in a rut of reading lots of things, but nothing just for me. I achieved the goal in early August and managed to rekindle my love of reading once more. I set another goal to read 15 books in 2009 and picked up my first read at the library yesterday—Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris.

In February we made G-tot his first snowman, bought a new couch, and were rear-ended by some jackass. That last one was a little scary since G-tot was with us.

I wrote a letter to my body in March and 19 days later my baby turned one. Enough said.

April was a big month for me. Not only did I have to leave G-tot for three days while I went on a business trip to Chicago, it was also the month I started the list. 101 in 1001 . It has proven to be a remarkable tool in helping me accomplish a myriad of things in my life. To date, I've finished 37 of the items. Not bad for 259 days.

In May one of the disrespectful Little League parents had the audacity to park in our driveway. It still boggles my mind how they thought this would be okay. Fuckers.

And in June? Well, it looks like most of June was spent outside exploring the world.

Quick, here's my Christmas post before December ends

2008-12-31T22:16:00.001-05:00

A quick recap on my Christmas happenings before it's too late. As expected, I took LOTS of pictures. I think these capture a touch of the awesomeness that I experienced. I dare say that this may have been my favorite Christmas ever. It was modest, but it was fantastic. Really, all the Christmas activities this year were great.

JQ and I received our first official gift crafted by G-tot at school. Getting an unexpected present was so fun and really special to me. We promptly hung it on the tree where he liked to point it out.

The Tuesday before Christmas we made a trip to Children's Wonderland. G-tot was awestruck by the displays. Children's Wonderland is something I went to every year as a child and being able to see the excitement in his eyes as we looked at some of the same displays they had 25+ years ago made all the obvious flaws dissappear in the dimly lit recesses of the Rec Center.

Christmas was great. My Mom and Stepdad made it into town late Wednesday night and were able to be with us Christmas morning as planned. I was the first one up at our house and got in a shower, a cup of coffee, and a few moments to soak it all in before anybody woke up. It was so peaceful. G-tot wore a jacket on Christmas that belonged to JQ when he was just J-tot. My brother called the look "a subdued Elton John". When JQ's Mom saw G-tot in it, she was smitten. Underneath was his "Lock Up Your Daughters" shirt.

This past Sunday we went to the Lights Before Christmas display at the Toledo Zoo with JQ's parents. A million lights on display this year. Can you imagine the electric bill a month of running those every day for four hours would generate? Yowsers! It was cold—after all it is December in NW Ohio—but despite the low temps we had a good time. JQ's parents, G-tot, and I even rode the carousel.

Yep. One of the best Christmas seasons I can remember. It's enough to tucker you right out.

Happy New Year!

Help me choose a photo of this pornstache wearing gent.

2008-12-29T21:17:00.006-05:00

I need your opinion oh wise people of the internet. I shot a series of these fantastically creepy, yet oddly nostalgic mannequins last week and am having trouble deciding which direction to go with them. I have a faculty show coming up soon and I think I'd like to put a few in the show. Here are four versions of a gent wearing a muff, a fur turtleneck and a pornstache. See what I mean about creepy?

I can't decide which one gives me the best vibe. Which one do you like best?

1. vintage

2. color

3. faded

4. black & white

Do you think Santa uses their sonar to help him navigate?

2008-12-24T10:12:00.002-05:00

Sure, we are all familiar with the symbolism of reindeer at Christmas time. You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen.

Comet and Cupid and Donner, and Blitzen…

But did you know there is another creature at Christmas that only comes out at night?

That's right kiddos, it's the elusive Christmas Bat.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Who knew I was such a sucker for tradition?

2008-12-23T12:14:00.003-05:00

Every year on December 25th I would wake up at the crack of dawn to spend Christmas morning with my Mom and the rest of the immediate family on that side (my Gam, my Dad before the divorce, my Stepdad after the divorce, my brother, JQ for the last 8 years, and now G-tot). It has always played out the same way. Christmas Eve we would celebrate with the extended family on my Mom's side and then Christmas morning at my Mom's.

Even when I moved out on my own I would wake up really early and be at my Mom's before 8 a.m. Gifts and breakfast casserole in tow, it didn't matter that I only got a few hours of restless sleep the night before. It was tradition and I loved it.

This year would be different. My Mom lives out of state now and I get the honor of hosting Christmas morning from here on out. You have no idea how much this excites me. It would still be an early morning and I would still make that breakfast casserole, I just wouldn't have to drive in the chilly December morning over to her house. That alone is enough to make a girl giddy.

Instead of being overjoyed with the fact that in just 2 days I would be hosting my very first Christmas morning with my Mom and family, I'm sitting here crying. Because she won't be here. And it kills me a little inside.

Sure, sure, weather permitting they'll be coming in on Christmas but it won't be until the afternoon. It's just not the same. Wow, that sounds so selfish doesn't it? Poor *pixie*, can't see her Mom until 5 hours after she expected to. Wah, wah, wah… But you know what? I don't give a rat's ass if it's selfish. Or ridiculous. It's real. It's the way I really feel right now and I haven't quite gotten over it because I just found out. Up until a half an hour ago I expected everything to play out the way I mentioned in that third paragraph up there.

It isn't going to happen that way. Car trouble prevented them from leaving yesterday as planned. Today and tomorrow they are expecting lots and lots of snow. I'd rather have them arrive late then have them not arrive at all, but what I'd really like is for tradition to stand. Stupid traditions…

Why yes, I did marry a younger man

2008-12-18T08:35:00.005-05:00

Today is JQ's 30th birthday. Thirty. It seems like only yesterday he was in his twenties. Maybe he'll finally stop throwing his youth around during conversation. I doubt it—he's still the baby of the group. I wonder if he'll think it's time to grow up. I sure hope not.

Happy Birthday JQ!

Welcome to another decade of this crazy thing called life. We love you!

Half in the bag and lit up

2008-12-15T12:19:00.005-05:00

G-tot was fascinated with watching us put the lights on the Christmas tree this year. Row after row of tiny bursts of color spiraling towards the ceiling. To a 20 month old it has to seem extra spectacular. It really is magical, but the cuteness factor of him in a brown paper bag with huge wondering eyes was my favorite part.

Sunday whoring

2008-12-14T15:15:00.002-05:00

I promise not to make this a habit. Seriously. I'm not trying to pressure you at all. Really. I'm just too lazy to come up with a decent post right now. Thought provoking posts take time you know. So until then, check out my wares—won't you?

Etsy
Buy Handmade
birddoodle

Holiday Cock

2008-12-12T15:53:00.003-05:00

This afternoon, JQ and I picked up new cell phones. One of the options with the upgrade is a free month of TV you can watch on your phone. While flipping through the channel guide the 12 year old boy in me noticed this gem of a truncation.

Why yes, that is Holiday Cock on the Food Network. I immediately made JQ take a picture of it so I could share the glory of Holiday Cock with all of you. You can thank me later. And, because it isn't enough for us to stop there in our immaturity I would also like to point out the following words that can be found in the programming guide:

Firsthand
Camp Wood
Pull
Yummy
Glazed Ham

Please tell me I'm not the only one who finds this funny.

Have you ever had a lychee nut?

2008-12-10T22:20:00.000-05:00

When I saw them sitting on the counter at the farmer's market I was intrigued. I had never had one before and had no idea what to expect, but the box of them called me. "Try us" they begged. "We're inexpensive and exotic" they beckoned. So I bought a few. Then I took them home and photographed them.

That's normal right? I mean look at them. Aren't they lovely?

Rough ruby colored exterior. Touches of yellow-green where the fruit grows on the tree (is that what they grow on?). About the size of one of those large gumballs you get out of the vending machines at the grocery store. And the skin? It's paper thin. Not at all what I expected looking at that rhino-like shell.

The inside? Reminded me of a big fat maggot. Not exactly what I want to put in my mouth. Soft, white, and slightly elastic feeling. Don't you want to run out and grab a handful?

I got over it quick enough. I was not going to let that visual keep me from tasting it. Who's to say I would ever get another opportunity to try a lychee nut? Or would want to? So I bit into it.

I was not impressed. I think the sign at the farmer's market described it as a cross between a grape and a grapefruit. I just thought it was bland. I'm glad I tried it but I won't be buying them again anytime soon.

A little holiday spirit, perhaps?

2008-12-09T21:28:00.003-05:00

16 days until Christmas.
It's abnormally warm in Toledo.
And it won't stop raining.

I need all the help I can get.
You?

Giddy beyond words

2008-12-06T20:02:00.007-05:00

Holy crap! I made it into one of Etsy's treasuries!

And look at these nice comments about my print.

I actually just learned about the Treasury earlier this week and then, voila, I'm in one! How awesome is that? For those of you who don't use Etsy or don't know what the Treasury is, here's a great description from the Etsy site.

The Treasury is a member-curated gallery of short-lived lists of 12 hand-picked items each (plus four alternates). It functions as a high-demand (and pretty!) promotional tool that many devoted Etsians fight to get. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme, or just however they like. The Treasury is not intended for self-promotion, but instead to acknowledge and share the many cool things for sale on Etsy. Admin often choose an exceptional Treasury list to promote on the home page and occasionally make them to tie into Storque articles or special events and occasions.

OMG! We made the front page!

Growing up—20 months

2008-12-06T13:27:00.005-05:00

Dear Gideon,

At the end of November you turned 20 months old. Twenty months! Do you realize that means in just four short months I'll have a two year old on my hands? Holy crap! How is that even possible? Part of me is so sad that the days have flown by at a whirlwind pace with you, but every day is so wonderful that I wouldn't take back a single moment.

20 months—November 26, 2008

I think you feel that way too because you can't wait to start each day. You tend to wake up each morning between 6 and 7. You call out "Mommy" and "Daddy" to let us know you need us NOW. Neither one of us are what you would call thrilled at the interruption in sleep so after a quick diaper change we bring you back to bed with us.

That lasts about 20 minutes or so before you can't stand the thought of lying in bed anymore. You climb out from between us, slide off the bed and almost immediately head over to Daddy's side to get him up. You hand him his glasses off the nightstand, then you hand him his pants off the floor. If he isn't moving quick enough, you say "Get up" while trying to lift him out of bed. It's hilarious. And effective.

reading with Uncle A on Thanksgiving

You are learning words like mad and you talk all the time. It's so cool to actually KNOW the words that are coming out of your mouth. Sometimes context is key, but regardless, your vocabulary and comprehension kick ass.

rockin' the vote

On November 4th you accompanied your Dad and I to the voting booths to participate in one of the most important presidential elections in history. That day our nation elected the first black president. It was a monumental moment for the United States and being a part of it was really something special. It made me really proud to be an American that day. Knowing we participated as a family made it even better.

when you get to be my age, don't jump as forcefully—the pile isn't that cushy

You got to jump in your first pile of Fall leaves a few weeks ago. As expected, you thought it was awesome. I tell people often that I'm so glad I had a boy. Of course, I would love you just the same if you were a girl, but I have so much fun doing the rough and tumble things with you. Rolling around in a pile of leaves, collecting rocks and other specimens on our walks, building forts, and playing with the knights and the ogre in your castle set—it just doesn't get any better than that.

we ALL love playing with the castle

Love,

Mommy

One more reason I love the Princess

2008-12-04T13:18:00.009-05:00

Sitting on the dining room table when I arrived home from work last night was a puffy yellow envelope. Stamped on the front was a red Postage Due, next to it a handwritten .34¢. Isn't the point unnecessary in this instance? Or it should be a $ sign instead of a ¢ sign. JQ told me the mailman was holding it hostage on our front porch until we forked over the money, but I think JQ made that up just to get a quarter for the vending machine at the grocery store.

The package was from Vegas Princess. I knew it was coming but I only knew the identity of one of the items inside—the Twilight soundtrack. That was far from the only goodie inside the envelope. There was also a card with a love note inside. The sentiment on the outside is perfect for a friendship made through blogging, don't you think?

Then I pulled out a Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark bar and a pretty snowflake ornament. The shiny metal and the little red stones, coupled with the fact that VP sent it, remind me of a particular breed of vampires. Yes, I'm a dork.

But so is Vegas Princess because I can guarantee she was laughing when she found the next item she sent. Not only was she laughing, but I'd wager that she instinctively thought of me. Personally, I was hysterical. Behold:

Do you see? Do you see what she did there. She sent me a Pixie. Me—*pixie*. And…it's adorned in holly. Holly! I think I'll have to keep the wrapper.

I saved the rolled up black piece of cloth for last. It looked like the pièce de résistance, and I know how to build up the climax. I was right. It was a shirt for G-tot and it kicks ass.

Photo bonus: the look on his face and the illusion that he is balancing little blocks of wood on his head.

Needless to say—many thanks to Vegas Princess, we love it!

Look at me, with all my fancy accomplishments

2008-11-30T19:48:00.000-05:00

I did it. I made it through another year of NaBloPoMo and came out the other end unharmed and successful. This year seemed much easier for some reason. I only felt the pressure of posting a couple of days—which I'm sure is apparent. NaBloPoMo was the only thing that stirred me enough from my impromptu nap at 8 o'clock to get my ass out of bed. I may have just stayed there otherwise.

Looking back over the past month I'd say my favorite post is this one. That was a good day. Of course, a big majority of my posts were about the bathroom. Which went on for two very long weeks. I taught the world about suet cakes—or at least a few people. And I learned a little bit more about all of you. I love it when our quirks bring us together. I had fun. I may just do it again next year.

I'm like a modern day Sleeping Beauty

2008-11-29T20:52:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I swear there is a steady stream of sleeping gas being piped into our house each evening. It happens around 6 o'clock. Dinner is in our bellies, the TV is off, the house has a slight chill to it (in an effort to keep the gas bill down). Next thing I know, I'm sleeping—fully clothed—on whatever surface allows me to stretch out (the bed, the couch, the floor).

All it really takes is climbing into bed for story time with the boys and a handful of books. By the time JQ gets to that last line in Goodnight Moon, I'm out. It's just so comforting. A tiny body pressed up against me, a little heart rhythmically beating out a slumber cadence. It's my own personal brand of lethargy kryptonite.

And you know what? I don't really mind. If it wasn't for the fact that JQ would harass me to no end, I might just go bed at 8 o'clock every once in a while. Know what I mean?

We take our fort making seriously around here

2008-11-28T17:26:00.005-05:00

Tuesday night JQ and I made a fort for G-tot. It was so cool that we left it up until this afternoon. We love making forts. Whether they are simple forts made out of just the cushion of the overstuffed chair or elaborate forts like the one we made the other day—they just rock. G-tot thinks they are awesome and squeals with delight when he realizes what is going on.

Last night—after eating too much—the three of us snuggled up in our fort and proceeded to fall asleep. At 8 o'clock. I woke up two hours later. If it wasn't for the fact that I thought G-tot should sleep in his own bed, I'd probably would have stayed there all night.

Yep, forts are awesome. Don't you think?

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T09:47:00.004-05:00

The Macy's Day Parade.

Alice's Restaurant.

Lots of delicious food.

Good Company.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.

Super suprise inside!

2008-11-26T23:39:00.004-05:00

Oh. My. God. While searching around on Amazon this evening I discovered that the box set I bought today has set of 4 collectible prints included! Each print has the a cover image on one side with a quote on the other. They smell even better than the books and are BEAUTIFUL. What an awesome surprise! They were tucked in the end next to Breaking Dawn. I only took the first two books out of the box and had no idea they were in there.

Super Cool. Photo Booth does them no justice.

Am I the only one who smells printed matter?

2008-11-26T17:10:00.001-05:00

I had to take a long look at one of the bookshelves in the office to remember the last hard cover book I purchased. It was The Dangerous Book for Boys—purchased around April of this year. I get a new book or two quite a bit throughout the year but they're usually paperback and more often than not, design/academic related.

The last hard cover novel I purchased? Unless there is something in a box in the basement I'm forgetting about, it would be The More Than Complete Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Which I didn't technically purchase. It was a gift. From my high school graduation. In 1994.

We go to the library all the time, but it has been so long since I've been the first person to open a beautifully bound book. I had forgotten what a wonderful experience that is. Until today. I walked out of the bookstore this afternoon with $80 worth of hard cover books. Four books that are very dear to my heart. One of the best set of books I've ever read.

The Twilight Saga.

Why, yes, I am such a dork that I'm showing you a picture of my new books.

I had been hoarding money from my birthday—which was in August—for whatever reason. I suppose I didn't want to waste it. I had planned to buy clothes, but I hate shopping for them. I think that's why I've had the money for so long. When I finished the Twilight saga in August I knew I wanted to buy the set—and they had to be hardcover. Such a well written series deserves as much in my opinion. Plus, I love the way the way a nice set of books look on a shelf.

When I was shopping this afternoon I knew it was time to part with some of that money. I sprung for the box set which comes slipcased with each of the four cover images on a panel. The set came shrink-wrapped so I can guarantee you, nobody else has opened any of the books.

Cracking open my copy of Twilight was so satisfying. The creak of the front cover when I made that first crease. The smell of the ink on the paper. The sound of the pages running through my fingers. The shiny black covers with the simple yet beautiful typography.

I wonder how it will be my second time through now that I've seen the movie? My visions of the characters were so different than the casting in the movie. Now, Rob Pattinson is Edward. I can't get that vision out of my head.

You know what I mean?

Do you think they'll notice if I'm gone for a few more minutes?

2008-11-25T22:58:00.003-05:00

Unexpected visits from old friends are great. Friends that you've known forever who live hundreds of miles away. The ones you're lucky to see once a year. A phone call out of the blue. In town for just a day. Can we come over and catch up? Absolutely.

But I have to sneak away for a minute to make sure I get my post in for NaBloPoMo. I'll just say I'm going to check on G-tot.

You won't tell will you?

We keep our fat in a jar under the sink

2008-11-24T23:08:00.007-05:00

It's not fudge.

On Saturday afternoon I made a batch of suet cakes for the bird feeders. It's one of the items on my 101 in 1001 list and since the weather has turned cold I thought this was the perfect time to cross it off. I like to give the birds suet cakes in the winter so they have some extra fat in their diet. We keep a 20 gallon tub of bird seed in the garage year round—a mix of millet, corn, and sunflower seeds. When we make bacon we pour the grease into a glass jar and keep it under the kitchen sink until it the jar is full. This fat became the main ingredient for the suet cakes. Let me tell you something about grease that has been sitting at room temp in a closed jar for several months—the smell is overpowering.

I found a few recipes online as a guide and adapted them to use what I had on hand. For the 11 x 7 block I used:

Bacon fat (approx. 1 Tony Packo's pickle jar & 1 med. salsa jar full)
Peanut Butter (a heaping tablespoon or so)
Bird Seed (probably two cups worth)
Flour (the recipe called for 5 c. per 1 lb. lard—I just poured and stirred until I found a consistency I liked)

Doesn't this look stratum or a multi-scented Glade candle?

In a large glass mixing bowl I microwaved the fat for 45 seconds to soften it up into an almost liquid consistency. Then I mixed in the rest of the ingredients until the mixture had a soft fudge-like feel. I lined a 11 x 7 pan with foil and poured the mixture into it to cool. I stuck the entire pan in the freezer for a few hours. The foil made it easy to lift the entire mixture out of the pan and cut it into 6 squares to fit the suet feeders.

I put one in the feeder on Sunday, stuck the rest in a gallon ziploc bag and threw them back into the freezer. This one batch should last us through most of the winter. I hope the birds approve.

I had to pee about twenty minutes into the movie

2008-11-23T19:40:00.004-05:00

It's 12:12 and I'm sitting in the theater waiting for Twilight to start. I don't have text capabilities on my phone and there isn't a wi-fi signal for my iPod to pick up. If there was I'd be twittering all of this—I guess you can consider yourself lucky.

The show starts at 12:30 and is in the Director's Hall which = more money & minimal perks. I don't mind this time. As I was standing in line I noticed the normal priced tickets already listed a 1:00 and 7:00 show as sold out. Crazy. I'll pay the few extra dollars and enjoy the cushy seats with fewer patrons.

Right now there are about 25–30 people in here and it's 12:18 pm. I'm second row from the top, dead center. And I'm alone. I felt an odd pang of guilt as I left the house today. Spending time alone—outside of the house and NOT at work is just something I don't really do anymore.

I think I'm the only person here alone. It's starting to fill in and there is a low droning sound from all the chatter. It reminds me of the office chatter from the old school Sims Tower game. JQ, you know what I'm talking about.

It's dark in here. I can't see the paper at all.
Holy crap it's hot in here.
What's with all these commercials trying to be like a movie trailer? Are they trying to trick us into watching them?

12:24—Putting away the notebook. Getting ready for two hours with Edward and Bella.

Crap, the screen has been black for at least two minutes. I'm starting to freak out. HALP! MUST SEE TWILIGHT!! Ahh…okay, deep breath. Relax you nut job.

12:38—Still nothing and now the crowd is harrassing the usher. Poor girl. Crap it's hot in here.

12:41—The usher just came in and said the movie would start in 10 minutes. We get to sit in the dark. Lovely. Damn how I year for wi-fi.

I hear rustling in the projector room. The crowd (probably 50 people or less) is getting restless. I want to ask the people behind me if they've read the books. But I feel like a turd doing that so I won't. Hmm…is the Mom with her pre-teen son here because SHE read the series? Or does the boy want to be here because of the previews?

12:47—I hear a reel running. Here we go.

Holy crap that was good. I'm the last person in the theater waiting for the end of the closing credits. I can't believe everybody left. Are we the only people who wait through the credits to see if there is something extra at the very end? Am I the only real fan in here?

But yeah, I loved it. Beautifully shot. Well acted—even the minor characters were enjoyable. I thought Robert Pattinson did a great job as Edward. I had read the first chapter of Midnight Sun awhile back and he played the classroom scene perfectly. Bella was great—I thought Kristen Stewart did an excellent job. I loved the surprise cameo appearance in the diner. I laughed more than once and even though I knew the story I jumped at one point in the film.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see it opening weekend. It was everything I hoped it would be and it will be a part of our collection as soon as it comes out on DVD.

They may have called me greedy and lazy but they're still cute.

2008-11-23T00:00:00.002-05:00

I saw this at Dutchy's the other day and had to try it. I chose the little green guy. I came back today and while I'm still most drawn to the greenie, I also like the brown critter with the antlers. Here's what they both had to say. What's your cute monster?

What Your Cute Monster Says About You

You are a very natural, real person. You're comfortable with who you are - and your spirit truly shines through.

You are free of inhibitions and hang ups. Because of this freedom, you tend to be very creative.

Your inner demon is greed. You can't help but lust after wealth and shiny objects.

People think you're cute because you are so lively. Your natural glow makes you charming.

You are a deep, thoughtful, down to earth person. You don't put much stock in appearances.

You are never superficial or flippant. You take time in life to study, learn, and get to know people well.

You inner demon is laziness. You can get so caught up in your own world that you neglect everything around you.

People think you're cute because you're intelligent. Your wit and wisdom are charming.

The Cute Monster Test

You should have seen my armpits earlier today

2008-11-22T20:10:00.002-05:00

We are very, very close to having a shower again. This makes me so happy. Some caulk, a bit of paint and putting on the faucet/handles is all that stands between me and a shower in my own home again. I have no words to express the joy I feel when I stand in the bathroom. It's like I've just taken a really satisfying shit—without any of the stink.

Friday afternoon. Watching the glue dry.

I had alterior motives with one of those questions

2008-11-21T00:10:00.001-05:00

These are the gift tags I had in mind when I asked the question regarding pricing the other day. Thanks for all the feedback! It was quite helpful. As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I have several more sets utilizing different papers and photographs. I just have to get them photographed and listed.

Flecks and Flowers Gift Tags

Lily Pads Gift Tags

I'm in the guide—you should check it out.

2008-11-20T20:52:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I work with my head up my ass

2008-11-19T16:08:00.005-05:00

Umm…on every one of my syllabi this quarter I put down the wrong office hours. I somehow managed to write 5:00–5:30 instead of 3:15–3:45. Which aren't even close to one another. Where did I get that first time frame from? I have no idea. I also wrote on one of my syllabi that the class meets twice a week. Which it doesn't. And I didn't realize this until this morning when I was checking the posted meet times for the room I teach the class in. If I hadn't looked at that I probably would have been sitting in the classroom wondering why everybody ditched today.

I'm so pretty.*

*This is one of our favorite sayings when we do something stupid. "You're so pretty." Most effective if accompanied by petting your hair.

I've got a question or two

2008-11-18T20:50:00.000-05:00

Eighteen days into NaBloPoMo. That's over the halfway mark. With all that has been going on this month it's amazing that I've made it this far. Today, I've got questions. Answer one, answer them all. It's up to you.

How is it that it still takes me several minutes of clicking to connect wirelessly to the internet on my laptop? I've had it since JULY and it's incredibly annoying to not be able to connect instantly, but I fail to try to remedy the problem.

How much would you pay for a set of 5 fancy handmade gift tags?

How many of you readers exercise on a regular basis? What do you do (generally) and how often?

Do you drink the recommended daily intake of water regularly? Plain? With lemon? Other ideas?

Dishwasher or by hand?

Church?

Normal bedtime? How about when you wake up?

Will you click through and answer?

Cutting it close

2008-11-17T23:13:00.002-05:00

11:20—Crap. I'm running out of time.
11:21—Crap. Crap. Crap. What should I write about?

I woke up this morning knowing that I had a 13 hour work day ahead of me and no shower available to wake me up and start off my day. I didn't let it bother me. My just-washed-in-the-kitchen-sink hair looked FABULOUS after drying it. Awesome. My classes were great. A lot of enthusiasm running through the students. When I got home around 10:00 JQ was still beaming from the guitar ensemble concert he had performed in tonight. As he recapped the concert, his stories had us both cracking up. I wish I could have been there to see it. I'm so happy for him. All the stress leading up to the concert—it can play tricks on you. He was even complemented by one of his instructors on his solo. ROCKIN'!

11:33—It was a good day.

Optimistic

2008-11-16T22:18:00.003-05:00

Wow…I've been a real treat these last few days, haven't I?

I'm doing better. Saturday morning was my tipping point and we got through it and are on the upswing again. Well, at least I am. JQ is too, I just think he will be better once the bathroom is done. Which it's not.even.close. Despite that suckfest, I feel pretty good.

I'm back to work tomorrow for the start of a new quarter after a week off. New quarters are fun. All the students are excited to get into new subjects. New classes change the dynamics of student interaction. It's good stuff. It also equals a couple of 13 hour work days, but that's the way it goes.

How about a couple of random pictures?

6.10.07

11.14.08

Defeated

2008-11-15T11:05:00.002-05:00

Our morning started with G-tot puking all over our bed. Multiple times. We are officially defeated. The three of us are going to JQ's parents to shower and just get out of the house for awhile.

Send love and encouragement.

I did get to shower yesterday

2008-11-14T13:45:00.001-05:00

Right now I'm feeling a little numb about the bathroom situation. It's far from finished but if I let myself get too concerned about it I'm going to have a mental breakdown. I've cried at least once each day since it happened. Not just over the bathroom, it seems that it is the proverbial straw on the camel's back. The culmination of events of a shitty past month or so has left me in a crumpled heap this week. I worry that JQ is worse than I am. What we both desperately need is a break. If some greater power could just ease up on the hardships we've been dealt—even if just for a few months—that would be awesome.

Don't you think?

But anyway, the bathroom. If you missed the debacle I wrote about on Wednesday, go ahead and read it. I'll wait.

Want to see a picture?

Lovely, right?

That's what the bathroom looked like Tuesday night after the initial tearout/freakout. The door isn't entirely open so you can't see the right hand side of the tub, but it looks pretty much like the left side at this point. Minus the faucets of course. The arrow points to the section of the wall that was right below the leaking soap dish. It was pretty nasty.

The entire shower was covered in those ugly plastic tan/cream swirled tiles that you can see directly above the little white door on the left (t's a laundry chute, btw). I'm cursing those crappy tiles to no end. Not only were they in the shower area, but they're in the entire bathroom—about 3 feet up the wall. But that's a whole different project that I can't think about right this second. The shower is the priority.

After much freaking out, researching, and doubt about how to handle the situation—followed by lots of encouragement from Nobody (thanks!)—JQ picked up some supplies to, at the very least, get walls back up around the tub. From there we'll decide how to finish. The biggest bitch is handling the window. We want to put up a shower enclosure but we have to cut out a hole for the window. At the price these walls are going for, it cannot be screwed up. We (and by we I totally mean JQ) only get one chance. Taking out the window is not an option. We just put in new windows in January. That's would be like throwing away money. Our other option is tile but I really don't want to go that route. We could save ourself the headache and hire somebody else to do it but that would cost three times what it would for JQ to do it. That's about four times the money we have in our budget for this project.

And the bitch of it is that we don't have TIME for this. JQ has work and a full load at school as well as taking care of G-tot when I'm at work. He can't really do anything after G-tot goes to bed because the bathroom is right next to G-tot's bedroom. That leaves about an hour a day to work on rectifying the situation. And an hour? That's almost enough time to just get into things. We also only have one bathroom. I like to shower daily. We have some friends and family that have graciously offered up their facilities to us, but it's not the same. Trust me.

So here we are on Friday.

With the very little attention JQ has had to give to the bathroom, we have some progress. The walls will probably go up this evening. I don't expect to be able to shower at home until sometime next week.

Wish us luck.

All you need is love

2008-11-13T14:48:00.004-05:00

Happy Love Thursday.

If anybody knows where I can get the Ringo I'm missing on the Beatle's side, let me know. It's the only one we're missing.

I'm sorry for how I might smell if you happen to stand next to me in the next couple of days

2008-11-12T10:59:00.004-05:00

Want to know how to expedite a project you've been putting off? Go down to the basement to switch over a load of laundry while your spouse is showering. When you get down there, notice WATER RUNNING DOWN THE WALL from the bathroom above. Freak out, run upstairs, get towels to wipe of mess and tell your spouse to hurry up and GET OUT OF THE SHOWER.

Tearing out the tile and drywall will commence within an hour of this discovery.

So, yeah, that busted, ancient soap holder built into the shower wall was apparently letting water in behind it. Which was disintegrating the drywall right below it. I think my no-holds-barred scrubbing of the wall with a homemade bleach paste the other day open up a hole in the wall. Which then ran down into the basement in buckets. Okay, not really, but when you see water running down the wall that should not be, any amount seems massive.

That was our evening yesterday. We now have lots of exposed wood in the shower area. And by lots I mean, out of the three walls that enclose the shower, we have three walls that are exposed down to the structure. Super fun. Remodeling the shower area has been on our to-do list for awhile. It just became a priority.

We can use the money to buy diapers

2008-11-11T17:11:00.001-05:00

Woo-hoo! Three more prints in my shop.

http://birddoodle.etsy.com

You want more of me?

2008-11-11T13:24:00.002-05:00

Well over a month ago, Shades tag me with this random things meme. Specifically she said, "Pixie, because I haven't seen enough of Pixie these days." Ouch. Then Vegas Princess tagged me with the same thing. Shit. So here I am MANY weeks later attempting to find something random and interesting about myself. I think that's why it has taken me so long—I can never think of random bits when the pressure is on. Plus, I'm not big on tagging people, so I'll probably skip that part.

I'm such a rebel.

Here are the rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Blog 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag

I recently received packages from both of the ladies mentioned above. Both packages contained the same gift—a BUNCH of mixed CDs full of music. A while back I had written a post asking for some suggestions on new music. Shades and VP took my request seriously and sent me dozens of CDs with music of all genres. How awesome is that? Thank you so much ladies!
I've decided to participate in NaBloPoMo again this year. I'm sure that's part of the reason I'm finally getting this post done—it's been in the draft pile since October 4th.
When I make Ramen soup I crush up the dry noodles in the bag before I open it.
I have a bunch of prints for my Etsy shop but am having a hard time writing decent copy for them.
A couple of months ago I found out that a current student of mine was a Pink Lady in her high school production of Grease. So was I. At the same time. At the SAME SCHOOL! How we could have been in the same production and not know each other is crazy. I'm sure I have a picture of us on stage—at the same time—somewhere around here.
I don't like maple syrup but I enjoy pancakes and waffles. I eat my blueberry Eggos plain and put butter and a sprinkling of a cinnamon/sugar mixture on my pancakes. I also like to fold my pancakes in half and eat them like little tacos. But only at home.

That wasn't so bad. If you haven't yet done this one (or if it's been awhile) have at it. (That's me passing it on.)

growing up—19 months

2008-11-10T15:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Gideon,

A couple of weeks ago you turned 19 months old. Here I am, yet again, running late with your monthly letter. It's a good thing you won't get them for years to come—that way I'm not exactly confined to a strict schedule.

As always it's been an amazing month for you. I'm so proud of you and the way you're developing. You love school—that anxiety took about a minute to get over—and I find it bittersweet that you don't cry when we drop you off. You hardly take a second look as we walk down the hall. It's wonderful you—but holy crap—the reality of my baby becoming a little boy can be hard to swallow sometime.

19 months—October 26, 2008

Smart does not even begin to describe you in my eyes. You are a little genius. You've been talking in short sentences, learning your letters, singing songs, and comprehending way more than I thought possible. You love to do puzzles. You love music. You love creating works of art. When we talk about getting out the markers, you run to the office and head straight for the cabinet where we keep them. If we're going to paint you find the brushes. When it's time for stories before you go to bed, you grab some books and take them into our room. You in a nutshell, are Magnificent!

You did something on October that had me making up a little song and dance in excitement. On the evening of 26th—as we were getting ready for bed—you ran towards the bathroom pulling at your pants. When I asked if you wanted to sit on the potty you said "yes" and I got your pants and diaper off for you. You sat there for a moment, made a little strained face, and then lo-and-behold you peed. In the potty! We were hugely excited about it. So excited in fact, that your Daddy and I celebrated with a little song and dance. I think it will be bittersweet when you poop in the potty—excited that you did it, sad that I now have to clean it out of the tiny toilet.

Love,

Mommy

The pile isn't as cushy as you would think

2008-11-09T09:33:00.005-05:00

When you looked out the window yesterday you couldn't see a speck of grass. The trees in the yard had dropped a huge amount of leaves over the past few weeks and yesterday the leaves blanketed the entire front lawn.

Temps were in the low 40s—but with the wind felt like the 30s. Even so, during lunch JQ told G-tot he would rake the yard and make a pile for us to play in. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to shoot.

Shutter Sisters recently posted a superhero photo challenge to shoot from the perspective of a leaf. So while JQ raked, G-tot and I marveled at the leaves. The possibilities were endless.

Needless to say, we had a blast.

Can you tell me how to get…how to get to Sesame Street?

2008-11-08T12:39:00.011-05:00

My Grandma came over yesterday to visit G-tot and I—she brought with her a relic from my childhood. She has a small number of toys in her basement that have remained over the years as the waves of grandchildren ebbed and flowed. At least two of those remaining toys come directly from my childhood—a Cabbage Patch Kids Pony from the 80s and the item she brought over today.

A Sesame Street Playset.

With a copyright date of 1974. Which you can see if you click on the picture above. I swear.

When opened that's what you see from the outside. Check it out bigger to see Hooper's Store sign and the details in the facade. There are even nails keeping it together. Here's the inside.

That's a chalkboard in the center.

She didn't have any of the original characters that came with the set, but it doesn't matter. It's in really good condition and G-tot loves it. As soon as he saw it he was going, "Wow. Wow!" I cleaned it up and found a little bendable Elmo (also from Gam's—this time from the 2nd generation, 14 years later) and some other random figures to play with.

Two views of Bert and Ernie's pad upstairs.

A close-up of the records on the floor.

The set was most likely purchased around 1978 or 1979. I would have been a toddler at that point and safe from the potential choking hazard of the small figurines. I can still remember the Cookie Monster and Big Bird "Little People-esque" characters. I also remember the Oscar the Grouch figure was a trash can with a pop-up lid that revealed Oscar. I might have to dig around and see if I can find them anywhere. That would be awesome.

The Count's place?

Any person that EVER enjoyed Sesame Street can appreciate the coolness that is this set. I'm so excited that I can share a direct link to my childhood with G-tot and relive a piece of that joy all over again. Do any of you remember this set? Or had one?

Half of Hooper's Store (more goodies on the other wall)

The rest of the set can be seen here.

it's a family tradition

2008-11-07T22:20:00.003-05:00

November 2007

I was looking back for a picture of G-tot one year ago and found this. I thought it was perfect timing. Here's November 2008 in case you missed it. We do love those stickers.

go ahead and do it your way, but don't be surprised when you fail

2008-11-06T12:08:00.002-05:00

You know what I don't understand?

How someone can be given all kinds of feedback on a project during an in-progress critique, only to show up for the final with nary a change. And when that person is called out on that fact, they say they don't care and they're going to do it their way. Which looks like crap.

Try doing that when you're on the job. I'm guessing your boss will show you the door. The door in this case is going to be your grade. I bet you aren't going to like it when you open it.

a sigh of relief followed by a punch in the face

2008-11-05T15:37:00.004-05:00

I woke up this morning feeling as if a great weight had been lifted off of me. It's November 5th and for me it signified the end of number one topic of discussion in my home as of late. Politics. Especially since JQ and I weren't rooting for the same candidate. Add to that the endless political commercials and I've had enough of it to last a mighty long time. Knowing that the race for the top spot in the White House was finally over eased my soul. Of course, now there are other political issues to discuss in the wake of election day, but it won't be as heavy as it has been for the past couple of months. To me that felt good. It even put a smile on my face.

Then I heard the news about Proposition 8 in California. As of right now the ban on gay marriage has passed with 52% in favor of the ban. What the hell? It's 2008 people, chill the eff out. How many traditional marriages end in divorce? Marriage should be about love, not about whether or not you both have a penis. Give me a break. Oh, and California? Don't you think the 4 million absentee votes that haven't been counted yet should be before you go declaring a "winner" on this issue? In my eyes, this is a HUGE loss.

It really popped the bubble of good feelings I was floating on this morning. I thought McCain's speech last night was eloquent and thoughtful—despite the boos from his supporters. I felt good about America.This afternoon I watched Obama's speech (because I suck and fell asleep moments before it last night).

Obama's speech gave me goose bumps and brought me to tears. It made me feel good about America all over again.

"It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.
We are, and always will be, the United States of America."
"This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were."
"That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."

Let's try to remember that.

I rocked the vote—did you?

2008-11-04T09:17:00.006-05:00

When you've had a sick kid at home who wakes up every two hours throughout the night, getting up early to head to the polls isn't easy. Coffee is a necessity—especially when you are running on just a couple of hours of sleep.

6:30 a.m. (oh how I loathe thee)

Want to see what a 32 year old woman looks like moments after she has stumbled out of bed (and well before her coffee)?

I'm not pissed. I just can't open my eyes all the way yet.

After the coffee was made and I had thrown on some clothes and brushed my hair and teeth I woke up JQ and G-tot. They weren't too thrilled. Within twenty minutes of my feet first hitting the hardwood floors we were piling in the car and heading down the street to our local polling place.

G-tot stayed in his pjs.
I'm guessing that I would have gotten some odd looks if I had done the same.

We vote at a small church just a couple of minutes from our house. When we got there the parking lot was so packed people were just making their own spots along the curbs and on the grass. We were lucky enough to get a real spot without having to circle or wait for anyone to leave.

I don't know what the protocol is for taking pictures inside the polling locations so this is the only shot I took inside. No flash and trying to be inconspicuous (although I doubt my giant camera went unnoticed).

It's still early people. Give me a break

The lines were long inside but we were in and out within a half an hour. Not too bad considering many early voters waited in line for over two hours. G-tot was an angel despite being woken up and dragged out of the nice warm bed so early.

While I was casting my ballot one of the sweet poll working women gave G-tot a chocolate chip cookie pop. I love that the poll workers are so nice at our place—despite having been there since 5 a.m. and knowing they'll be there for another 12 or so hours. I always thank them and tell them to have a nice day when we leave.

What I want to know is, where's my cookie?

Amazingly it is going to be a beautiful day here in Toledo. I swear every time there is an election it rains. Or it's freezing. Or snowing. Not today. It's going to be 70° and sunny. Perfect.

How can you not feel good after doing your civic duty and walking out to this?

I know I felt great.

I love getting my sticker.

For the past several days this read, "I can vote".
As soon as I got home I changed the verb tense.

I voted. Did you?

I love my blog buddies

2008-11-03T19:39:00.004-05:00

On Thursday I received a package in the mail from the one and only Cruel Shoes. She had a Halloween party about a week or so ago. Since I couldn't fly hundreds of miles to attend, she sent me some goodies from the bash. Inside the package was a card and a little treat bag.

How fantastic is that?

The treat bag contained a bag of Skittles, a gum eyeball, a smashed chocolate bar, a headstone eraser, a tiny skull ring and a set of green vampire teeth. The card—which had a super cute sticker on the envelope and a snarky note inside—contained a picture of her awesome dog Hurley. The back of the picture swears that sending it along was all Hurley's idea—so vain that pup is. Cruel Shoes, be sure to let Hurley know we've got his picture hanging up on the fridge—right next to the shot of G-tot taking a bath in the sink.

And just so you don't think the rest of the goodies went untouched check out this sexy shot.

Bella would be so jealous of my beauty.

that blows

2008-11-02T15:28:00.002-05:00

I just got chunky projectile vomited on and then had it wiped across my face.

Motherhood is so glamorous. Don't you envy me?

it only took me 3 years to meet the neighbors

2008-11-01T12:49:00.005-04:00

Trick or treating last night with JQ and G-tot was so much fun! It was beautiful in Toledo—with a high of 70° after many days of 40° weather—and it didn't get dark until well after 7:00. Our original plan was to just go to a few houses around ours and then come back and pass out candy. G-tot was so into it we went much further than I had expected his little legs to handle.

checking out his loot

I had alterior motives to just raking in the treats. I know a grand total of 4 neighbors around here and a few months ago a new couple—one being quite pregnant—moved in down the street. This was my chance to meet them without knocking on the door like a weirdo stranger. Yay! When we approached the house, the neighbor was sitting out front and I noticed she had a little bundle on her lap. Her four week old daughter—awwww—who, I learned, shares a name with our friends dog. I'm guessing I won't forget that one. :)

As we were finishing up our trek we hit the half a dozen houses that sit across the street from ours. As I walked up to the first of these houses I greeted the owners with an, "Hola. ¿Comó esta?" To which the man responded with a semi-surprized, "Bien." That answered confirmed what I thought I saw when I approached the house. It was my high school Spanish teacher. I couldn't believe it. We chatted for a minute and as we left JQ said, "Hasta luego." We're such nerds.

I met the neighbors that live directly across from us by just asking the group which one lived here and then introducing myself. They were very nice—complementing what we've done with our landscape and informally inviting us over for fires in the summer. But the best neighbor meet-up of the night was the very next house. JQ and I had met the guy that lives across the street a couple of years ago very briefly. I was hoping to meet the wife and son last night (it's on my list!) They must have been out trick-or-treating, but the conversation that we had with the husband was crazy.

JQ and I reintroduced ourselves and made small talk for a moment. He asked how old G-tot was and his name. When we told him, he cocked his head to the side and said, "G-tot? That's interesting, my son has a kid that goes to his school with the name G-tot." When he said his son's name I about keeled over in shock. You see, the daycare G-tot goes to doesn't offer part-time for toddlers—but we only needed Mondays and Wednesdays. Lucky for us, there was another family that was paying for full-time care, but only going part-time—Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. So, we could both benefit from it—both families get the care they need and only pay for the days they're using. Win. Win. The only thing is, we would have to share a cubby with the other kid. No big deal. Fast forward to last night when we discovered that the other family is neighbors across the street! What are the chances? I'm still shaking my head in disbelief.

What a small world. Now I just have to meet his wife and son.

post t-or-t, eating his first lollipop ever

making a mess can be so fun

2008-10-31T13:58:00.007-04:00

Last night we decorated our pumpkins for Halloween. We opted for an amalgamation of traditional carving and a new-to-us method of painting. So I can't just say we carved pumpkins—even though decorate sounds odd to me. I didn't really think it would be a good idea to let G-tot wield a sharp knife and I thought painting would be a great alternative. It was awesome.

absolutely into it

I waited until the absolute last minute to get pumpkins. Which seems to be a trend in my life these days. On the way home from work yesterday I stopped at the farmer's market and picked up one pumpkin for us to carve as a family and 3 small pumpkins to decorate individually. The carving pumpkin was HUGE and topped out the scales at the market—which max out at 30 pounds. We normally carve at least one each—but we also tend to do that well before the eve of Halloween.

separating seeds from pulp

I love making roasted pumpkin seeds out of the innards. One pumpkin surely wouldn't yield enough seeds to satisfy us, but I was willing to make do with what we would get. It wasn't too bad for coming from just one pumpkin.

playing with play-doh after finishing his pumpkin

This year we opted for the super traditional carve as opposed to our normal—more elaborate—designs. JQ carved the eyes and nose while I kept an eye on G-tot painting and then we switched and I carved the mouth. Painting turned out be a real treat and was perfect for G-tot. It was an awesome family moment. Spontaneous & fun. The kind memories are made of.

jq's

mine

G-tot's

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I'm hoping his blue eyes will distract you from my three chins.

"nuts" & "I a bat" live

2008-10-28T09:39:00.005-04:00

I've had a few requests to get G-tot on video saying "nuts" and "I a bat". Since I hate to disappoint, here's a quick video of a chatty little G-tot. Enjoy!

going batty

2008-10-26T12:56:00.004-04:00

Tuesday of this past week I had no idea what I was going to dress G-tot as for Halloween. I wasn't particularly pressed about it either. I should have been, but I wasn't. I knew it was getting close to the deadline—especially since we had a party to go to that Friday. Which left me three days and no option but to find a costume stat.

I hate to spend lots of money on things that aren't going to get much use. I also figured what I dressed G-tot in really didn't matter. So I decided to get a pair of solid color footed pajamas at the second hand kids shop and some little pom-poms at the craft store to sew on the front. Voila! Instant clown—and I hate clowns. G-tot and I drove to the store and it was closed! Crap. I wasn't waiting around for another forty minutes to hope they had the pjs I was looking for. Two minutes down the street was an Old Navy and a Babies 'R' Us. They had to have something.

They did. And for half off! Awesome.

G-tot will not be a clown after all. Instead he's going to be a warm and fuzzy bat.

Which is perfect since he has been learning about bats at school.

And when you ask him what he is going to be for Halloween he says, "I a bat."

weekly winners (october 19–25)

at least we're on the same wavelength

2008-10-19T23:58:00.000-04:00

An actual interaction that took place on Saturday while playing Catch Phrase* with some friends.

JQ: "Okay. He was a famous hockey player from Detroit."

*Pixie*: (*without hesitation*) "Wayne Gretzky"

JQ: "Right." (*passes the game to the next player*)

Our friend Phil: "That's hilarious. I'll tell you why as soon as this round is over."**

*Catch Phrase is a quick paced game where you have to get your partner to guess the word in front of you without actually saying it. Super fun and nothing like Taboo or Charades.

**Apparently Wayne Gretzky never played for Detroit (nor was he from there). But we got the clue right—so who cares about specifics.

Sundays

2008-10-19T16:50:00.000-04:00

The bedroom smells like nutmeg and cinnamon. Despite temps in the 50s, it's nearly 70 degrees in here—and the furnace hasn't been on all day. It doesn't need to be, the oven has been running non-stop for the past couple of hours.

I love days like this. The crisp fall weather outside. Sweatshirts and slippers inside. And a big Sunday dinner. Tonight it's turkey, loaded baked potatoes, green beans, and homemade pumpkin pie.

Autumn rocks.

all the titles I'm coming up with are lame or inappropriate

2008-10-17T15:11:00.002-04:00

I changed my masthead. If you are reading this through a feed reader and have a minute, please click through and take a look. I'd love some feedback on the new design. If you always click through to read, look up and then click on that comment box and let me know what you think.

Thanks!

I'm okay with squishy and strong

2008-10-17T14:01:00.004-04:00

I've decided to quit Weight Watchers. I haven't put any effort into the program and I'm tired of forking over money for nothing. Sure, the meeting is nice, but if you aren't actively participating in the process then what good is it? No good is the answer. I'm okay with my weight as is. Sure, I could stand to lose a couple ten or twenty pounds but I don't dislike myself because of what I weigh now.

And that's what's important. When I first joined Weight Watchers I wasn't happy with my weight. I was fed up and motivated. I was dedicated. And I saw results. Five years and one kid later I don't weigh what I did at my lowest point since joining, but I don't weigh as much as I did the day I first walked through that door. And to me that's success. Especially after gaining almost fifty pounds during my pregnancy.

Now if I could just get back into working out again…

Love Thursday—through the viewfinder

2008-10-16T13:51:00.003-04:00

All the pictures that hung in my memory before I knew you have faded and given place to our radiant moments together.

Now I cannot live apart from you...

Your words are my food, your breath my wine. You are everything to me.
–Sarah Bernhardt

29 down, 72 to go

2008-10-14T12:12:00.004-04:00

This afternoon I set my laptop on the kitchen counter and compared the list below to the one I have taped to the kitchen cabinets. Highlighting and dating the items on that hard copy as I complete them gives me a sense of real satisfaction and accomplishment. I'm not as diligent about marking them off the list online. So today I compared the list and updated the one below. I've now completed 29 out the 101 items. Not too bad in just 6 months, right? That's an average of 4.83 items per month or about 1 per week. I'd say that's pretty good—especially since some of the items took an entire week before the goal was actually accomplished. For you math lovers that's just under 29% complete—and I still have 824 days to go.

Here's a look at the updated list and all that I've accomplished so far. I've included a blurb from the original post for you newcomers (and those of you that don't memorize random facts about my entire life). I really value the thoughts and feedback from all of you so don't forget to leave a comment!

The reason I'm doing this is here.

There are all sorts of reasons that these items are on my list. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them. Wonder why I put something on my list? Just ask. See something on there you've always wanted to do? Let me know in the comments. Think I'm crazy? Well, that's a given.

101 in 1001

Start date: Saturday, April 19, 2008
Finish date: Saturday, January 15, 2011

For Others
1. Participate in a walk for charity
2. Volunteer for a least one hour somewhere
3. Donate to a worthy cause
4. Write a letter to someone
5. Send a "just because" package to a friend
6. ~~Send a "just because" package to a blogger buddy~~ (5.13.08)
7. Give $5 to a stranger in need

Health & Nutrition
1. Get back to goal weight
2. Exercise (cardio) 3 days a week for one month
3. Do Strength Training 2 days a week for one month
4. Do Yoga 3 days a week for one month
5. Eat whole foods (nothing processed) for one week
6. ~~Buy bikes (again) and go on a long ride~~ (6.07.08 rode to Penguin Palace & back—approx. 7 miles)
7. Shoot my bow
8. Do 10 "regular-style" pushups
9. ~~Eat breakfast (by 10 am) everyday for one week~~ (7.18.08)
10. ~~Do not eat after 10:30 pm for one week~~ (7.18.08)

Family Time
1. ~~Take G-tot to Butterfly House~~ 8.05.08)
2. Take G-tot camping (just the 3 of us)
3. Travel overnight with G-tot
4. Go to a corn maze
5. ~~Take a hayride~~ (9.26.08)
6. ~~Take G-tot to Storytime at the library~~ (9.18.08)
7. Take G-tot to the Art Museum
8. ~~Have a picnic with JQ & G-tot~~ (7.11.08)
9. ~~Become Zoo Members~~ (4.27.08)
10. ~~Take G-tot to an outdoor music event~~ (7.11.08)
11. Get a family portrait taken
12. ~~Take G-tot to the pool/beach~~ (6.12.08)

Cooking & Entertaining
1. Make bracciole
2. Make a cake and frosting from scratch
3. ~~Can something (homemade pasta sauce, homemade pickles, etc.)~~ (6.29.08, rum soaked cherries)
4. Make creme brulee
5. Host an "Appetizers" party
6. Host a wine and cheese party
7. ~~Make homemade ice cream~~ (6.14.08)
8. ~~Showcase the harvest from our garden in one meal~~ (7.10.08, 7.15.08)

Arts & Crafts
1. Make a wooden "g" for G-man's door
2. Take an art class (preferably glass blowing)
3. Learn CSS
4. Edit home movies into DVD's
5. Learn Screenprinting
6. Letterpress something again
7. ~~Sketch everyday for one week~~ (6.30.08)
8. Enter a photography competition
9. Exhibit my artwork in a gallery setting
10. Create a short art film (abstract, documentary, or conceptual)
11. Create photo books
12. Make plaster hand print (G-man's)

Gardening
1. Grow Melons or Pumpkins
2. ~~Finish bird sanctuary in backyard~~ (7.05.08)
3. ~~Plant bulbs~~ (4.19.08)
4. ~~Enlarge garden~~ (5.9.08)
5. Make a worm bin (composting)
6. Make a rain barrel
7. Make a yard compost bin
8. Build a platform bird feeder
9. Build a birdhouse
10. Make homemade suet cakes for birds
11. ~~Grow a root veggie~~ (spring/summer 2008, green onions)

Domestic Life
1. Remodel bathroom
2. ~~Repaint the living room~~ (7.24.08)
3. Create prints for the bedroom
4. Tile the back steps
5. Compile an emergency kit for home
6. Organize the office
7. Put up cabinets in office
8. Sell or donate unwanted items in basement
9. ~~Get all items from Gam's that belong to us~~ (7.26.08)

Meeting New People
1. Meet neighbors (Toby's wife & son)
2. ~~Befriend Amanda (other neighbor)~~ (Fall 2008)
3. ~~Network at a design function~~ (10.14.08 Madhouse)
4. Contact a stranger for a student group function

Enriching our Lives
1. Canoe
2. Take a train ride
3. Visit an aboretum (preferably w/ japanese gardens)
4. Go to planetarium
5. Meditate on regular basis (2-3 times per week for one month)
6. Learn to play Chess
7. Play Risk with JQ
8. Go on a guided tour (park, museum, etc.)
9. Attend two Summer/Fall Festivals (Blackswamp, Crosby Gardens, Apple Butter, etc.)
10. Take at least one class towards my Master's Degree
11. Take a dance class
12. Attend a religious service
13. Go to a book/poetry reading
14. Go to an open mic event at a cafe/coffeeshop
15. Attend a play put on by a local theatre group
16. Learn to play a kid's tune on the guitar

General/Others
1. Obtain domain and launch website
2. ~~Launch Etsy shop~~ (9.06.08)
3. ~~Sell something on Etsy~~ (9.11.08)
4. Write reviews of books (Sourcebooks)
5. Enjoy a cup of coffee with a sunrise
6. ~~Read 10 books in 2008~~ (8.21.08)
7. Read 15 books in 2009
8. ~~Get up by 7:30 am every morning for one week~~ (7.26.08)
9. ~~Take public transportation (or walk/ride bike) for an entire day~~ (5.27.08)
10. Wear fingernail polish for entire week
11. ~~Wear toenail polish for entire week~~ (5.31.08)
12. Write a reflective essay about the process of 101 in 1001

Did you read them all? Good for you!

weekly winners: oct 5–11

2008-10-12T15:14:00.003-04:00

fall is here

"wahks"

love hangs from above

vinyl reflection

cheekbones

I haven't been this excited about a movie since Pirates

2008-10-10T13:22:00.002-04:00

The new scenes in this make me feel like a teenage girl. "SQUEEE!"

Twilight trailer in HD (thanks Zoot!)