arrrgylesocks's MindSay Blog

My first time (hee...hee)

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-16T10:04:00-05:00

So who is this new girl with the silly sock name? I'm a happily married mother of one, who enjoys spending time with the fam (we'll call them Spouse and Child for now), reading, cooking, adventures, being a mediawhore, and (as cheesie as this is) making a difference in the world around me. I also have a dark sense of humor, and a fabulous head of hair!

I work in the arts and as part of my job I see a lot of very bad art, that while created with good intentions, is just plain bad art. I also get to speak to a lot of people with a lot of interesting objects that they would like information on or that they would like to contribute to my institution. Today I had one person email me about some photographs - had the history of them all wrong. How did I kow this? Because I have seen these photos a gajillion times and know their history. She then counters (not really believing me) with an email that asked if the marking on the back of the photo could provide more information - it read "Agfa" Ummm...yeah...this is the company that manufactured the paper it was printed on. Think Kodak. OK, not everyone knows this, but a simple Google search certainly would have answered that question. Sadly, sometimes this is typical of my job.

Right now I'm watching the finale of the Apprentice. This show embarrasses me. Why? Because I am currently feeling mentally superior to Omarossa and everyone else on the show. I would make a kick-ass candidate on this show. They are running around like chickens with no heads, totally unorganized, and it just embarrasses me as a compitent human being to watch this. Yet they will all now be ahem... "celebrities"...ahem... trying to capitalize on their "fame." Oy. As I have already informed Spouse, he is spared from me becoming a reality TV star because a: I have no desire to do this and b: Donald Trump? ew.

Tourist spotting

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-17T08:04:00-05:00

One thing I love most about living and working in our nation's capitol is the insane number of tourists that flock to this great city on a daily basis. Most of them seem to be middle school kids who are on their school's annual big trip to Washington, or high school kids who are here for some sort of leadership program. Don't even get me started on the summer interns - especialy the Hill interns who think they are all that. But I digress...

Today was a beautiful day, and so Spouse, Child, and I piled into the car and headed to one of our favorite parks in the city. Child got to run around and have fun with bubbles (one of his favorite words, then again he really only has a distinct vocabulary of 10-12 words) we got to hang out and relax and participate in the fun game of "Where are they from?" The park was pretty busy - you had the oh-so-cool motorcyclists on their flashy Honda cycles - who looked did look cool until one fell over, the military air patrol doing a flyover (they were so low, that we could see one guy leaning out of the helicopter window waving at us), lots of other families with kites and bubbles, and the cyclists who were taking a break at their halfway point (one of whom turned out to be a friend we hadn't seen since the Fall of 2000). Lastly added to the mix were BUSLOADS of kids wearing matching fleece vests and id badges around their necks. We figured due to their group's composition, they were probably from the East Coast. Usually, most groups are easily distinguished by their tacky matching t-shirts or even tackier matching hats. Having travelled multiple times with a large group of teenagers, I understand why this is useful, but come on - it's like wearing a huge sandwich board that reads "HI I'M BUCKY FROM IOWA - YOU CAN STEAL MY WALLET WHILE I WRECK HAVOCK AT PENTAGON CITY MALL TOMORROW NIGHT FROM 7-9PM!"

Eventually curosity got the best of us and we asked one of the chaperones where they were from. We had it narrowed down to Delaware or Massachusetts. Turns out they were in town for some leadership conference (natch) and the kids were from 40 different states. And didn't those nifty vests help out last month when it was so cold and they were in Gettysburg! They were soon replaced by a large group of middle school kids from Pittsburgh who were all wearing matching "Adelai Stevenson Class of 2004" T-shirts and very ugly stars and stripes caps.

Despite all of these extra people overrunning our city and suburban malls, and as much as we locals complain about it, it is great to see them back here. This has really been the first Spring since September 11th that things seem back to the way they were tourist-wise. Which is nice to see that despite all the other obvious changes to the city (heavy security even at museums, street closings, military fly-overs) it is nice to see that some things around here have gone back to normal.

The Sundays

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-19T09:04:00-05:00

Yesterday I had a terrible case of the Sundays - and unfortunately Spouse got the full brunt of that. It was a combo of physical illness and mental exhaustion. We had a very good talk about things, my needs and wishes, his needs and wishes, and I think we are in a better place now because of it.

Today however was far better. I truly enjoy my job and for the most part, the people I work with. This is a crazy week for us with a number of major events taking place, which while crazy, I truly enjoy because I do my best when there is a lot going on (otherwise it's just boring!). Things were chugging along smoothly, I finally got to meet (after multiple delays) with a family from the deep South who has a very interesting history as to how they ended up there from Central Europe and collected their materials. And we're moving along through our usual Monday routine and our department staff meeting when WHAMO! out come the claws!

Apparently my colleagues - X and Y have been having major issues with our supervisor and just when I thought the meeting was over - they just laid them all out there in the open. Did you ever find yourself stuck in a private conversation between two others and you are the third wheel, but you can't leave? I felt so awkward being there, but could not go because I was literally stuck in the corner (and the meeting wasn't over yet). So there they are airing out their issues - I want growth, I want a promotion, you need to support us more with upper management, you need to be more open with us, you don't really care about us, - when BOOM I hear "Now Socks hasn't said anything to me and I don't know if this is a concern, but you know she is only getting paid $$!" Umm...Hello?...Excuse me? Did I ask to be dragged into this? Okay yeah...I was planning on speaking with Supervisor next week and asking about a promotion but I was not prepared for this nor did I ask you to drag me into your annual issues! Then they start getting personal with her and other issues the three have between them. Did I mention that another colleague and our confused intern were also there? Oy! Mercifully the meeting finally wound down because everyone had to leave to pick up their kids or catch a train. Tomorrow things should be interesting. I told the bosslady that I always seem to find myself the last to know about the gossip, but the first to get dragged into the politics. I am told by my colleagues this is because everyone likes me and I don't usually make waves. I think it's also because I work with a group of - now I'm quoting others here - very strong minded and strongly opinioned women - but still...I don't always like getting dragged into this stuff. Now happily as we walked to our cars, I continued this conversation with Y. She realized that she can come across as very harsh, when in reality she is just trying to get her point across. So I think things will smooth over with some of them.

In the parking lot we ran into - big shock here - MORE TOURISTS! Today I met a lovely couple from New Jersey (she's originally from Newark - it used to be much nicer back then!) and her husband (he was born in Lithuania in 1944 but then they moved to Germany for 4 years before the family could come to the States!). They asked about parking tickets, and where to get a nice casual dinner in Virginia. I also gave them directions out to the new Air & Space museum facility out near Dulles airport. Very nice people, if not chatty, and Spouse (aka Map-Boy) would have been very proud of my directions! Just call me Map-wife!

Oh no here come the bees!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-20T08:04:00-05:00

I really can't stand Spring. For a southern girl, it surprises people that I actually much prefer Fall and Winter. I mean come on...walking on crunchy leaves, the calm of watching the snow fall, drinking slurpees and eating ice cream in the cold, and football! That is way better than the hot cold hot cold of becoming spring, your car turning yellow from the pollen, itchy eyes, lots of sneezing, and more bugs!

Every spring seems to bring the bugs into our house. Maybe it's the increase in rain pushing them out of the ground. We've got ants in our bathroom, bees (big fat mo-fos!) in our basement, and a couple spiders in the front hall. I've also gotten rid of a couple of those super creepy crawlie things with a gajillion legs in the bathrooms as well. ICK!!!! I'm totally a girly girl about that sort of thing. Spouse has been at me to call the exterminator again - especially about the bees. We've found two in the basement in the past week, and then Spouse had one in the car today. Spouse now has anxiety that child will get stung and something horrible will happen to him. I'm sure he will be fine, but of course it is something that I also worry about. Hopefully the exterminator will be able to rid of these unwanted things!

Life cycles

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-21T10:04:00-05:00

Yesterday I got an interesting IM from one of the kids that I used to work with. I first met him in 1995 when he was just starting 9th grade, he has since graduated from college and is working for a big corporation. He's still a good kid, and we still like him and think highly of him. We still run into him on a semi-regular basis. He is what we call a good egg. He IMed to say hi, but also to let me know that the father of two of the other kids in our group (there were only about 15 kids total at the time and 1/2 were pairs of siblings) had passed away unexpectedly last week. His funeral was this afternoon. Now I haven't spoken to this family in quite a while, although the younger one (who is now in college) would IM me periodically, but not regularly.

For some reason his death has really stuck with me. I wasn't particularly close with him, I worked with his wife a lot more, but he was always happy to open his home to us for family dinners and his kids were super involved in all of our programs. The entire family was outgoing, smart, and talented. Everybody loves them. I was so proud when the younger one stayed involved in the program all through high school and even went on to be the chapter's president after I had moved on to work with a new group of kids.

But why has his death stuck with me? Is it because I was close with his children, and I still worry about how they are doing, even though I haven't really spoken to them for quite a while? Is it because I worry about the possibility of the untimely death of Spouse - what if this were to happen to us? What would Child and I do? Is there some way we can prevent this from happening to us?

The other thing that struck me by all this is that even though these are kids who I haven't all kept in touch with on a regular basis, I still hear from them and one will tell me what the others are doing. I also got an email and IM from another girl (she was the leader of the group when they hired me - and herself was only in high school!). She wrote to tell me that she is engaged, and was all excited. She also wanted to make sure I knew what happened to her friend's father. And this made me realize - Wow. I made the difference in the life of another person. That's pretty f*ing cool. These kids still look up to me, and respect me, and come to me with questions, even though I haven't worked directly with them since 1998. I love getting IMs from "my kids" because they all start the same way: "SOCKS!!!!" Kinda cool. It's heartwarming to know that even after all the good times, arguments, and teenage traumas I went through with them, they still look up to me as a mentor. The best part is that all of those who themselves have gone on to work with kids have apologized to me for their behavior when they were in high school, because now they finally understand my side of things, and why I made some of the decisions that I did.

I am going to send the family a card, and let them know that I am thinking about them. Perhaps this will help me with some closure, but I think I will still think about this some more.

Celebrity spotting...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-23T10:04:00-05:00

The past couple days have kept me rather busy! Yesterday I was at work until 10:30pm. In the morning I was working a major annual event for my employer, helping people check in and directing them on through security. I enjoy this day because it gets me out of the office, afterwards, rather than staying for the rest of the event, a colleague and I went over to the nearest handi Starbucks and shmoozed for an hour or so before heading back to work. Then last night we had a black-tie fundraiser, and I was again asked to help out checking people in. I was grouped with a number of my colleagues to do so, and one of the people with me was my friend Kay. We were scanning the list and saw Wolf Blitzer's name on it. Kay was like "You know...every event we have, I see his name on the list, and I have YET to actually see Wolf Blitzer show up! If he walks in the door, you better send him right to me for check in!" Well as time went on...no Mr. Blitzer. Some of the check-in staff was pulled to assist with seating our 400+ guest, but I remained upstairs with a few others (which was fine with me, because I was wearing the heels from hell!) And of course, who should walk right up to me? Wolf Blitzer! He was very nice and polite, and he asked me a couple of additional questions, which I happily answered, and he went on his way. Of course Kay was very amused by this, but she did see him when he went downstairs for dinner. This was a neat moment, one to note certainly. Almost as cool as when Ozzy Osbourne walked right by me when he was visiting us last year.

Today brought a totally diferent kind of day. I took the day off to take Child to the National Zoo with his pre-school. It was another beautiful day, and we strolled around with the other mommies, daddies, and wee ones. Lots of other little kid school groups - kids all holding on to one rope, kids wearing matching bright yellow safety vests, kids on leashes (two per teacher!), kids with big name tags pinned to the back of their shirt with their name, school name, and school phone number. Everyone was very easily identified! I think Child had a good time (hard to tell at 1-1/2) but he did seem to enjoy watching the giraffes, hippos, and gorillas just as much as the other kids. After a picnic lunch, we returned home and then I took Child to the doctor for a follow up visit. I was so proud of this little kid - he didn't utter a peep when they gave him his immunization shot, and was facinated watching the Lab tech draw his blood. I told the nurse she had to be really nice to him, because we know where she lives! (just 3 houses down from us!)

Once we got back home after an exciting trip to Harris Teeter (free cookies for the kids!) Child was his usual giggly happy fun self. Naps? Who needs naps? I shall run around and play all afternoon and be a little monkey! Once we got him to bed, I finally got to watch Friends and Survivor (Damn you Boston Rob - JUST VOTE HIS ASS OFF THAT DAMN ISLAND ALREADY!) Now I'm watching the new Iron Chef America. Love that Alton Brown (met him also at his booksigning - very funny and nice guy!) but I could do without Bobby Flay. Tomorrow night Spouse and I have a date planned - so who knows who we'll run into then!

P.S.

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-23T10:04:00-05:00

So I had been hearing on the radio today all about Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who gave up his Pro Football career to serve in the US Army, and was killed while serving in Iraq. I had never heard of him before, but after hearing so much about him, and reading news items about his death, I find him quite an inspiration. He sounds like he was a really nice guy, who stood up for what he believed in both academically, professionally, and personally. This is exactly the type of person that I would like my son to be like when he grows up.

My mommy...Her choice!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-25T08:04:00-05:00

Today was the March for Women's Lives on the National Mall. Hundreds of thousands of people were there, marching to support women's rights and reproductive rights. Was I there with my family? Unfortunately No. Did I want to be there? Heck yeah!

Last night Spouse and I went out on a big date. We were dining out in Dupont Circle enjoying coffee and dessert, and there were so many people there (men, women, and children) wearing pins, buttons, stickers, and shirts in support of the rally and rights. It was so cool, and it made me want to go even more. I told Spouse that if we were able to go, I would make Child a little t-shirt that read "My Mommy...Her Choice!" The unified spirit that was in the air was electric, and it was still only the night before. Our waiter Ryan, was telling us how awesome things had been in the neighborhood with additional Pride rallies and a Take Back the Night rally, and then there were those pesky IMF/World Bank protesters. We even saw some more celebrities who were also in town for the weekend's events.

Now why weren't we there? Because we were doing good elsewhere in the world. For quite a few years now, I've been working with students, teaching them to make sock monkeys which are then donated to local children's shelters, hospitals, the like. It is usually a lot of fun. In fact the best time was when I was working with a bunch of fraternity boys, who were sitting in front of the tv, watching Maryland basketball, sewing, and not wanting to give up their monkeys.

So there we were, up bright and early to teach kids to make monkeys, but I really wanted to be on the Mall. One of the girls (probably in 6th grade) had to leave early because her mom was "making her go to the march." She didn't want to go, and I asked why. Her answer "Because I don't want to march!" I told her that it would be way cool, and she would be part of history. She said that seemed cool, and she left early with her mom. But we stayed on to sew monkeys.

After we got home, I was eventually able to get online to check out news articles and photos from the rally. I felt a little sad that I couldn't be there, but I'm sure there will be other opportunities to take Child to his first rally (after all, we live in DC!) I will support the cause in other ways, and do what I can to protect my right to choose. I feel that as a woman I should have safe, legal, medical options available to me should I ever need one. I know that Spouse feels the same way, and I would like any daughter I may have, or any woman my son becomes involved with to have that same option.

Ever try to write around a drooling cat?

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-28T08:04:00-05:00

So I get into to work on Monday, and I'm working away, and my colleague X yells over the cubicle "OHMYGOD - COME HERE NOW!!!" I'm thinking it's some major emergency, so I rush over, and she hands me the phone. You know that tourist couple from New Jersey that I chatted with on my way home last Monday? Well Mrs. NJ called! She left a very sweet message that said "Last week my husband and I were visiting Washington, and we ran into a very lovely woman in the parking lot who got a ticket..." She goes on to describe me, and goes on to add that she knew where I worked and what my job was, but didn't know my name since we never exchanged that information. But she wanted to call to say thank you! They had a lovely dinner at the resteraunt I suggested, and they truly enjoyed the rest of their trip. She went on to say "Thank you" and how sweet I was to help. The only problem was she didn't leave her name or phone number! Luckily the caller ID caught it, but when I called it was some medical company in NJ that has over 700 employees. The operator tried to help, but to no avail. So to that unknown woman in NJ who called - I got your message! Thank you! I'm so glad that I could help!!!!

Otherwise things have been proceeding as normal. Today I kicked ass catching up on our legal paperwork that needs to go out, and tomorrow I get to sit through a procedures meeting and then write 40 thank you letters to people who have recently donated materials.

Now yesterday a strange thing happened. Child and I were driving over to the acquatics center so that I could sign him up for a summer swim class. I passed by a man walking down the sidewalk who looked almost exactly like my father. Maybe a little shorter. But it looked like he was wearing the same favorite sweatshirt, same hair, same facial hair. It was odd. I probably would have stopped if I could have. Now it couldn't have been my dad - he lives over 1000 miles away! Then of course I got to thinking (as one does get carried away sometimes) "Well...my birthday is coming up, and I'm always bugging them to come visit. Maybe my folks came up to surprise me!" After all it was at the same shopping center as our new favorite bakery... Yeah right...like that would ever happen.

The fault in this thinking is that my mother doesn't like to travel. It is a combo of a fear of flying, physical reasons (it is not comfortable for her to travel as a result of previous illnesses), and of course being in a post-9/11 world hasn't helped at all. I will give her credit - she did come up when Child was born, despite the snow and the cold, and that really meant a lot to me.

So this sighting of my father's evil twin got me thinking about my birthday - and what do I want for my birthday? Spouse asked me about this last month. But I think now that I want to spend it with my family. My parents especially. Because they live so far away, we don't get to see them as often as I'd like. We were fortunate to spend time with them in February, and I hope that we'll be able to go down and see them again soon. Because every now and then a girl just needs to spend time with her mommy. Oh...and an ice cream cake with the crunchies in the middle (Cookie Puss!)...and pointy hats!

Head towards the light...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-29T09:04:00-05:00

This morning started just not well, but happily turned into a nice day! (at least until I got another parking ticket). In order to help out Spouse, we have changed up our morning routine. So I get to struggle with Child getting him up and dressed, while Spouse prepares breakfast and lunch. Which is totally fine, and forces me to get out of bed on time. During breakfast, Child starts making "the poo face." If you are a parent or work with little ones, you know this face. About 7 baby wipes, 1 new diaper, 1 paper towel to clean the carpet, and a complete change of clothes later, we were finally out the door! Once I realized that I was not going to make it to work on time, I succumbed to the "I'm going to be late" gods and stopped for some coffee on the way. Only got there 15 minutes late, not too bad, but I still got a damn parking ticket.

Once at work I got my 42 thank you letters written, I attended a retundant meeting, which was basically an hour spent mostly agreeing that we needed to write everything down on the board in front of us but never actually doing it. I also FINALLY got the Child signed up for swim classes!

Then around 11:30, I got a call from a dear friend who I have been out of touch with and meaning to call. She used to work in the cube right across from me until a bad judgement call, false accusations, and too many problems with her supervisor resulted in her being "strongly encouraged" to resign. Which was a total shame because - A: I really like her, and she's a lot of fun to talk to, work with, and hang out with, B: We share the same dark sense of humor, and C: She is totally amazing in her knowledge of the subject matter we work with and was our institution's primary resource on one specific aspect of that topic.

So she called to say she was in the District and could I meet for lunch. Of course! Hello - who doesn't like a yummy sushi lunch and a smoothie for dessert? We lunched for an hour, caught each other up on all the latest gossip, and I was so happy to see her happy again. This past year has been so tough for her, being unemployed, not sure of her future, how she was going to handle still paying her mortgage while back home living with Mom two states away. She has a contract job with the state, and she learned that she can move beyond our specific subject matter and work with new topics and materials. She has an awesome internship lined up with a company that doesn't normally accept interns, she is going to volunteer with a wonderful arts organization that can utilize all of her knowledge and language skills, and she's going to apply for a one year graduate program to build on what she already knows. So I say - good for her! I know how much it sucks to not be employed and applying for everything everywhere. Especially in our field where jobs are already limited, and the pay is not great. I am very proud of her for picking herself up, and moving in a new direction. I know it's not easy, but I'm glad that she has seen it through. Sometimes, although not always clear at the time, there really is a light at the end of he tunnel.

The Beatles said it best...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-04-30T09:04:00-05:00

How much weight do the words "I love you" really have? I mean I know that they can be some pretty heavy words, but sometimes they seem to just get thrown around. I asked Spouse about this last night. Before I go to bed each night, I'll let him know that I'm going upstairs and then add "love you!" Or when we're online during the day, and we'll always sign off with our own cheesie couple code word for "love you!" (Come on...admit it...you have one too...even my in-laws have their own secret codeword!) So I asked him if saying it in those situtations was seen as a throw-away comment, or if they meant something, and they meant something. They do to me as well, because part of me always worries when I don't get a "love you too!" in return.

The first time a boy told me that I (knowing I didn't feel the same way) responded with an "uh-huh" or "ok" Eventually I replied "I love you too" just so he wouldn't break up with me. Love #2 was my first true love, and someone with whom I have stayed friends with over these many years. Love #3 couldn't (wouldn't) reciprocate because he was still reeling from a broken heart. I finally understood how #1 must have felt - building up the courage to say it, and not get anything in return.

Then I met Spouse. And poor thing...the first time he told me he loved me was tough on him. It was met with a deafening silence, mainly because I wasn't sure I heard him right (there was a rather loud fan going in the room). By the time I finished my internal debate of "what did he just say?", it was too long and awkward to reply. I think we talked about how I wasn't ready to say that, and he understood, but obviously everything worked out. I knew the moment I loved him was when I realized that my world would come to a crashing halt if he wasn't in it, and that I don't know what I would do if he wasn't a part of my life and my future.

Now the love I have for my son is completely different. Something you never fully understand until you are a parent. After he was born I was reminded of the 1991 Ellen Barkin movie "Switch" in which she was a chauvinist pig reincarnated as a gorgeous blonde. He couldn't get into Heaven until he had finally experienced unconditional love, which happened after she (he) gave birth at the end of the movie. We have been trying to teach the kid sign language, and every morning and each night we sign "I love you" When we do that now, he crosses his arms, which is the sign for love. Not sure if he gets it, but it makes us all smile.

It is my wish that everyone will have the opportunity at least once in their life to say and hear those three words and have them truly deeply mean something. I hope the day never ever comes when me or Spouse saying those three words to each other becomes a meaningless throw-away comment.

Truly being true to you

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-02T07:05:00-05:00

I want to dye my hair pink again - but my job will not allow it.

I want to get a piercing - but I don't have the courage to do it.

Once I realized that I should be true to who I really am, and was no longer afraid to be myself, I was much happier for it. People admired me for it, and look up to me because of it. I broke up with some friends as a result, and I choose not to surround myself with people who don't like me for being me.

So if this is the case, why am I still afraid of what other people will think?

wah wah wah

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-04T09:05:00-05:00

Just a fair warning - I'm having a self pity day!

Today was just one of those days. I feel what I would describe as "pre-sick" - that icky tired sneezy slightly runny nosed feeling that you get before you get that full blown head cold.

Work was spent with people calling me for reference and then questioning the answers I was giving them - Why isn't that on your website? Because of rights and reproduction issues. So? Then why can't you put that on your website? I spent quite a bit of time saying "You know what? I don't work in that department, so let me transfer you to someone who does, who will give you THE SAME EXACT ANSWER!" tards.

After work, Child and I had a wonderful field trip to Safeway. When he wasn't saying "Hi" to everyone it was either "appple!" or "cheese!" Tonight I attempted to make my famous low-fat brownie cheesecake, only to mess up the brownies, but at least the cake batter is done. All of this for teacher appreciation day at the daycare. woo.

And I feel rather bad because poor Spouse got the brunt of my issues when I came back upstairs. It's not his fault that I'm tired and cranky, and that I screwed up the cake, and that I couldn't find the roll of aluminum foil he reminded me to buy, and that the batteries in the remote were dead, and that I feel like I just don't have time to get everything done in a day that I would like to accomplish. All small things in the grand scheme of life, but when you're tired and feeling this queer pre-sick, none of it helps. I explained all of this to Spouse, and apologized. And the amazing wonderful guy that he is, understands and forgave me. (and he gets a whole pan of brownie batter!)

A better day...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-05T11:05:00-05:00

Well today was a better day. I spent the better part of the day cataloging a collection of photographs that I had spent two hours trying to sort through yesterday. I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow and Friday, as a majority of my office will be out of town attending a professional conference.

Now driving home today was quite the adventure. Since it looked like it was fixing to storm something awful, I called Spouse to tell him I could pick up the Child due to the impending weather, since I was closer to the daycare. By the time I walked out of the building (a whole 5 minutes later) we were deep in a thunderstorm. I turn on the news radio station and they inform us that we are in a severe storm warning. Guh. There will be heavy rain, and possible hail. Great. Not two minutes after the report ended I'm two miles down 395 South with my hazard lights blinking, barely able to see the cars around me, hail and rain beating down on the car. Then, we just drive right out of it. Poof! Light sprinkles and deep puddles, and by the time I hit the exit, we had sunshine, and no clouds. This was all in the span of 3 miles! The strangest thing was that when Child and I got home - there was not a drop of water on the ground - it NEVER rained at our house, which is only another 4.5 miles from the daycare center. Strange. Very strange indeed.

After we got home, I was able to salvage the brownies from last night and finish the cheesecake - it looks great! The top didn't crack at all! Hopefully the daycare ladies will appreciate that we appreciate them!

What to get? What to get?

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-07T09:05:00-05:00

So last night Spouse and I (like most of the US) watched the Friends finale - cute, predictable, and I liked how they brought back old stuff (duck & chick, phoebe's cab) and wrapped up other stuff (poor Gunther!) from seasons past. I heard on Howard Stern this morning a tape of some chicks who were crying - CRYING - because the show was ending. One of them actually said (between sobs) "What will we do without them?" Good lordy loo. I have one word for you sweetie: Syndication. I can watch Friends 500 times a day on cable (much like Law and Order!) and tune in next Thursday at 8pm when it will be on NBC if you don't have cable. I mean I am disappointed that I won't get to see new episodes, but it will always be on somewhere if I need a fix. (Or I can just by the DVDs if I'm that desperate...)

Otherwise, the week has ended on an up note. I'm enjoying listening to the thunderstorm that is currently passing overhead. (And it's always neat to see the lightening light up the sky.) Of course I enjoy them much more when I am inside the house as opposed to when I’m driving through one with hail!

It is a tired evening after a long day. Happily a majority of my colleagues are down south attending a conference, so I had lots of peace and quiet while I attempted to make a dent in a five year backlog of paperwork! Spouse, Child and I enjoyed a lovely dinner out at one of our favorite diners (amazing how a spoon and a straw can entertain a little one so much!) Child also enjoyed feeding me french fries and wiggling to the 80s pop music that was playing on the jukebox.

I’m also surfing Amazon.com to figure out how I should spend the gift certificate recently given to me as a gift. Any suggestions?

Today was all about me! (for at least part of the day)

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-09T10:05:00-05:00

Well Mother’s day has come and gone. We were so busy today that I forgot to call my mom, and since I was so intent on watching the end of Survivor, I figured that rather than calling her late, I’ll just call tomorrow. She’s not so big on holidays, so I’m not too worried about any repercussions.

My Mom’s day started off rather wonderfully – I got to sleep in, and then survived the afternoon with my in-laws, a shopping trip to Target, and a day of no cooking! Spouse made dinner for the kid, thus allowing me a much needed nap! He also ordered in dinner for the two of us! I love a day of no cooking!

And can I just say that my husband KICKS ASS! Yesterday we enjoyed the pre-cicada weather with a nice long walk around the neighborhood; we also made a Home Depot run. When we got home Spouse was moving and shaking: installing the new showerhead in the kid’s bathroom, replacing our old smoke detector with a new one, doing laundry (folding laundry!), and taking care of the little one who had a fever last night. He totally stepped up today with his parents and taking care of both the little one and me. I’m looking forward to Father’s day when I can get him a kick-ass manly dad gift!

My many colored days

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-10T09:05:00-05:00

My family and friends will all agree that I have a very colorful personality. I also love colors and colorful things. Perhaps this is why I was an art major in college, and why I always enjoyed studying color theory.

Should you ask me what my favorite color is, it would be very hard for me to answer. Excluding black and white (which technically are not really colors) I guess I would have to say yellow. But not like sunshine Crayola yellow, but a nice warm honey yellow (but not Goldenrod). This was the color of my childhood bedroom, my baby blanket, and the color of Child’s bedroom. All warm fuzzy things – it’s a comfort color.

I was thinking of various colors as I was driving home from work today – I had a most excellent day (“Outstanding” across the board on my 6 month review and that promotion is looking more and more promising!). But I was thinking that I was definitely having a “happy pink” day. This is from one of Child’s favorite board books, My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss and I adore it, in particular because of the amazing artwork illustrating the book. It goes through the colors and each one has a feeling or mood attached to it. Today was definitely a happy pink day.

This got me thinking of the other color phases that I’ve been through. I enjoy wearing black – it makes me happy (my mother never understood this, but I think I was happy because I felt that I looked good in it). I’ve been known to have what I call “clothing cravings.” I HAD to have a big pink watch, and I’ve been known to be obsessed to find a shirt that is a specific color.

The past year or so I had an orange phase going. It started with a great fuzzy orange fleece from Target, an orange Paul Frank wallet, our new car is orange, my new 3-in-1 fall/winter jacket is orange, and even child has a bunch of orange clothes. Soon after the boy was born I went through a pink phase. I got my big pink watch (and I got a mighty cool one that even has a Magic 8 ball answer feature!), a pink Paul Frank filofax, and I also bought a long pink pea coat. Lately I’ve moved on to green – a great green pen, a new green t-shirt, and green stripey t-shirt for the kid. I’m thinking about where I can find a cute green gingham button down shirt.

I’m sure that there is some Quizilla that will analyze me and tell me “What color am I?” but for now I’m content to be a little bit of all of them.

Some random thoughts…

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-12T11:05:00-05:00

What is it about the full moon that makes all the loonies come out? And they always seem to email me at work with their crazy questions within hours of each other?

What was up with that guy stuck in traffic next to me this morning - driving with the top down on his convertible, yet he had all the windows up – except for the driver’s side door window.

Why oh why do I get the most annoying songs stuck in my head? I mean who wants to listen to “I Love Trash!” (Aerosmith’s cover version) all day long?

What is up with people’s sense of entitlement? Of course with those same people it is always all about them. Is there some camp in the mountains we can send them all to be deprogrammed?

Isn’t it amazing how certain smells can bring you right back to a specific memory?

Tater tots and Coke slurpees ROCK!

And speaking of comfort foods – why don’t they have more drive-through Starbucks in the world? That is just the ultimate indulgent convenience.

Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? (another one stuck in my head all day)

Isn’t it comforting to know that at any time of the day you can watch some version of “Law and Order”

There is just nothing better to coming home to the sounds of a happy family, and they are all so happy to see you.

What to say? (if anything)

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-14T12:05:00-05:00

While obsessively ironing name tags into most of Child’s clothing (as is required by his daycare), I was ruminating on something that happened at work today...

As required by our superiors, we all have to have a six month review with our supervisors. This has always been in place, but never really enforced, and they have now decided that it will be. So this week my little department of 5 (six including our supervisor) has been having meetings with the Bosslady to discuss our job performance. I discussed my review in my earlier post this week.

I mention this because one of my colleagues – the previously mentioned “X” – had hers today. And she came right into my cube afterwards to ask me if I had said told the Bosslady that X hadn’t been doing a key piece of paperwork. X mentioned that she had 3 negative things, and this was one of them. I didn’t lie – I told her yes – sort of. I then explained what I had said and why.

She seemed to be ok with this, and asked that next time something like this happens, for me to tell her directly before going to our supervisor. This is fine, and I shall, but there is a reason why I didn’t. One is because when this first became a problem for other colleagues who didn’t want to say anything to her for a variety of reasons. Then when it became a problem for me, X was out of the office for a few days, by the time she returned from her trip, I had already moved on. But I also know that if the tables were turned (and they have been in the past) she would not hesitate to go right to the Bosslady. X would also probably not have taken this well. I should mention at this point that both X is ranked one above me on the food chain, but she is not my supervisor.

So I feel like perhaps I should discuss this with X further. I know that she is going through an unhappy phase with work these days, and I certainly don’t want to add to that. But what gets frustrating is that she makes everything about her, and will then project her issues on me. For example, I’m working on our backlog (as is one of my job requirements), and this is about her because she brought in most of those materials but never did anything about them, so I’m making her look bad. Um…I’m just doing my job???

Will I say something to X tomorrow? We’ll have to see if I can figure out what to say. I just really want to avoid a further confrontation.

Don't you sell my baby for your crack money!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-15T09:05:00-05:00

Today was a tough day. I love my son – he is totally awesome – but he can be so frustrating sometime!

We went out this afternoon for a long walk around outside. It was hotter than I had expected it to be, so I wasn’t dressed appropriately. The news had said it was going to be mild, and in the 70s. I was wearing a long sleeve t-shirt and jeans, and it ended up being in the low 90s. So I was hot, sweaty, and a little grouchy. Neither spouse nor I had cash on hand, so we couldn’t stop and get a soda or water. At least once we stopped to play, Child had fun running around, drinking from his sippy cup. I worry about him a lot, and sometimes when Spouse is playing with him I’ll say something about being careful – this is because they roughhouse sometimes, and I worry about one of them getting hurt. Unfortunately, this comes across as micro-managing the situation – which is something I’m not intentionally doing – I am just a wife/mom who worries.

After we got home, the kid just did not want to take a nap. So he’s getting a little cranky because he only napped for a half hour earlier in the day. This leads to clinging, and sometime hair pulling and pulling the glasses off my face. He also threw a remote at Spouse. At least dinner went relatively calmly, the only issue being that he wanted more Cheerios to go with his Spaghetti-Os.

Bath time was worse. To start things off, I lost my balance while putting him in the tub (my knee still hurts!) and he landed in the bath with a big splash on his side. Thus started the crying (which was compounded with his exhaustion). This is where my major frustration kicked in – while whimpering, Child would hand me his washcloth, I would take it, and he would start howling. So I would give it back, he would clutch it, and then the whole process would start all over again. I finally just gave up and ended bath time.

Spouse put the kid to bed, and I just felt like a failure as a mother. I think he knows what he wants, so I do it, but that makes him cry. I don’t do anything, and he cries. It is just so frustrating! Then tonight while watching Law and Order SVU, the episode dealt with a child being kidnapped and sold for crack money. This of course scares the bejeezers out of me. During the commercial, I went right into his room and checked on him. He is all snuggled up in his footy jammies, holding on to his favorite stuffed puppy, snoozing away. So calm and peaceful. I look at this adorable kid and know that I all I can do is just do the best that I can, and that tomorrow is another day.

A better day...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-16T07:05:00-05:00

So today was a much better day. My morning started off with an unexpected nose bleed. Because Spouse is such a big 24 fan I thought of saying "OMG I HAVE THE VIRUS!!!!" when he asked if I was OK.

The day ended on the perfect note, when Spouse brought the little one in to say good night to me before putting him down for the night. Child toddled over, leaned in for me to kiss him on the forehead, and just as my lips touched his head, he passed gas. Rather loudly. Ahh...it's so rewarding to be a mommy!

Life altering emails

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-19T08:05:00-05:00

So after finally completed my daily read and purge of my email, I have decided that:

- Maybe I should just retire early and open up my own pharmacy. I can stock it with all the cheap medication people so politely inform me of, and I can specialize in Viagra, Levitra, Vicodin, Oxycodone, Ambien, and Cialis.

- I want to sell all of my belongings on eBay. This of course is so I can get rid of all the free gifts people have emailed me about. I am truly one lucky girl to keep on winning like this!

- Should the pharmacy not work out, I can support my family by working from home, using all these great stock tips, selling cheap software (and some of those free DVDs) and gambling on-line.

- Then I can lower my car insurance and refinance my mortgage. Such a shame though that my applications that I've never submitted never seem to get accepted.

- I don’t want bigger breasts. I am happy with them just how they currently are thank you very much. However, if I was a guy, would I want the larger penis? Perhaps. Don't know. But I will say no thank you to the four hour erections.

- I am definitely picky about my unsolicited free porn.

- Oh…and apparently even without the larger breasts or botox, I am a MILF. At least that’s what they keep telling me. I’ll take that one!

One more thought to share for the night...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-19T08:05:00-05:00

So this morning on the way in to work I was listening to Alanis Morisette on Howard Stern. It was a great and funny interview, and periodically they would stop talking and she would sing acoustically. I would love to get a recording of this morning. Even though she sang her big hits, the combo of the acoustic guitars and the slight changes she made in her vocals made them very moving and haunting. But here was my favorite line, while she was singing Ironic...

"...It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife / It's like meeting the man of my dreams and then meeting his beautiful...husband. / And isn't it ironic..."

Awesome.

Camping ... woo hoo!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-23T08:05:00-05:00

So I just got home from a weekend of camping with the family and some friends. And I have learned a few things:

- Damn those cicadas are loud!
- It is always important to overpack for every possible weather scenario.
- I love air conditioning. I mean I REALLY love air conditioning.
- It's always fun to hang out and reminisce with friends who you don't catch up with as often as you should.
- It is always best to bathe in a bug-free environment.
- Slurpees are the best thing you can get after a long hot sweaty weekend.
- There is a reason why I only agree to do this once a year!

Not so quiet night at home...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-25T08:05:00-05:00

So we just had a MASSIVE thunderstorm tear through here with hail and strong winds and lots of thunder and lightening. It was pretty scary - and I was sitting in the same exact spot during Hurricane Isabel, which wasn't as bad as this storm was.

So I just finished my laundry, and we have resumed our regularly scheduled lives. This includes our psycho-kitty who will randomly pee in our bedroom. She will do this right in front of me. What's up with that? At least this is not a daily occurance, but it is very upsetting and annoying. Ok all you cat haters...say what you will... but putting her to sleep is not an option. Last time this occurred, it appeared to be related to a broken tooth (I still cringe when I think about how long she suffered with that one!). I'm not sure how to deal with this, but we'll figure it out.

In the meantime, I've just watched the American Idol finale - eh...not so impressed - Seacrest get out! Thank goodness the power didn't go out, because then we wouldn't be able to vote, and that would be racist! Time to snuggle up with Spouse and some Ben and Jerry's (that new Dublin Mudslide flavor ROCKS!) and watch the 24 finale!!!!

Comfort food

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-26T08:05:00-05:00

Tonight as both Spouse and Child slumber away, I find myself sitting in front of my laptop, tired as all heck and thinking about dinner. I have made for myself "Mac and Stuff." This is a recipe that we found in Parade magazine back in college. It was part of an ad from Kraft with fun foods for kids. Ingredients: 1 box of Kraft dinner with sliced hot dog, Stove top stuffing, and peas. All my favorite comfort foods (short of tater tots) in one dish - and peas too! So tonight I had a modified version of mac and cheese with a veggie dog and peas. (You gotta save the Stove top for the really bad days!)

This got me thinking - what are some other strange food combos I enjoy. That would be dipping pretzels in peanut butter and then chocolate chips. Not so unusual, just a strange way of eating them. My Spouse has confessed to enjoying (on occassion) orange juice in his cereal.

So this makes me wonder - what are your secret strange food combos?

Thank you

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-27T08:05:00-05:00

This morning as I made my coffee stop at the Dunkin Donuts, I saw this large group of 25-30 people leave the hotel next door and start heading my way. My first thought was "Oh crap! Must enter store before they do!" But they all stopped when they got to the bus stop in front, then piled on the bus, presumably to get down the road to the Metro. I noticed that some were wearing their veteran's caps, and all of them were dressed like tourists - and I thought "Oh crap! The veterans have landed! And they all brought their entire family!"

Memorial Day weekend in DC is always interesting. Usually it's because we are inundated with Vietnam Vets on their motorcycles, and they have a huge ride-in down to the memorial. I used to live right across the street from a hotel, and the bikes were always really loud! This year though, not only do we have all the Vietnam vets, but we've also got thousands more WWII veterans and their families in town for the dedication of the new WWII memorial. Tribute events started taking place today, and I've been watching the tents and crowd control fencing going up all week. Some of my colleagues are volunteering to assist on the Mall with this weekend's activities. I also offered to help, but my shift is tomorrow afternoon, so I get to avoid the really really large crowds and street closings.

This afternoon on my lunch break, some friends and I went into the Holocaust Museum for their "Tribute to Liberators". One very touching moment I saw was when a woman apporached an Liberator and said "I am a Holocaust survivor, and I just wanted to say thank you." and they hugged. She then added: "Of course I was liberated by the Swedish Red Cross, but thank you nonetheless for all of your sacrifices." They continued to speak for a minute or so and then went their separate ways. Now I'm not one for sentiment, but it really made those of us that watched this exchange think about all the sacrifices these soldiers made for their country and the freedom and rights of others.

It's really all about him...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-05-31T10:05:00-05:00

It has been a quiet, BBQ free Memorial Day weekend. We did the obligatory shopping, and spent lots of time letting Child run around and expend energy. He was quite happy to have free reign of the playground and to be the center of attention when we visited with the family.

As a toddler, he is learning lots of new words and phrases. This is strangely interesting and amusing when he just pipes up with some sayings that totally throw us for a loop. For example the other morning I could swear that heard him say "Oh Sh*t!" when he saw himself in the mirror one morning. He is now into saying "please" "mommy!" "mine!" or "ME!" My personal favorite is "uh-OH!" which can be slightly unnerving when you hear that from the backseat of the car.

Everyday is a new adventure - and I'm facinated with watching him learn new things and be pretty fearless. That is certainly one of the coolest things about being a parent.

What's a NUJL(LGBTIQQ)S?

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-02T11:06:00-05:00

So I am fortunate to be involved with an organization for college students called NUJLS - The National Union of Jewish LGBTIQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, and Questioning) Students. The director of the organization is a dear friend of ours, and he called me back in January looking for help with their annual conference. In addition to providing him with a guest speaker and some tourism help, Spouse and I hosted some college students who were in town for the conference. It was very funny because we thought - they wouldn't want to stay with us! We're married with a little kid! But as it turns out, one of the guys we had previously met a month before and really bonded with (and as Jewish geography goes, his mother is good friends with Spouse's aunt!), and the other three were all friends from college who are so terrific we are still keep in touch with them. As the girls left they said "Lets not just say we're going to keep in touch, let's really do it." And we have, which is nice.

It was so wonderful seeing all these students come together from around the US and Canada and find themselves being able to be who they are in the religious environment that they are most comfortable with. They had a jam packed weekend filled with lots of breakout sessions on everything from Jewish history, LGBT issues (on and off campus), Israel, religious texts, they held a rally, and some groups went out to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The other thing we really liked was that not everyone who attended the conference was Jewish - some people came to support their partners.

So we just got an email from NUJLS that they are looking for a new name. Because after all - there is an acronym within an acronym, and explaining it is a mouthfull! I have been stymied on this one, so I thought "Hey those Mindsay people are filled with opinions and suggestions - let's see what they may have to say!" So if anyone has any suggestions, let me know - and I'll pass them along!

Saucer - S-A-U-C-E-R

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-03T08:06:00-05:00

Today we said farewell to the Ultrasaucer. For those of you without wee ones, this is one of those large toys that the kid sits in the middle of, there are lots of toys around him, and the bottom is a big saucer (Not for use outdoors or for sledding!)

My friend had lent us the saucer as her kids had outgrown it. We are now in turn lending to another friend who has the most adorable twins. After much searching, we have picked out a bug fancy schmancy toy to replace the saucer which I hope to find at Target tomorrow. It was probably harder for me to say goodbye than it was for Child (we have some great moments spent playing with that saucer!) but it's going to a good home.

Right now I'm watching the National Spelling Bee on ESPN. Yes you read that correctly. (what can I say there is nothing else remotely interesting on!) But there was one kid who apparently took a header on stage then got up, spelled the word correctly, and made it to the finals. Pretty impressive these kids are - I've never even heard of some of these words. This one kid is a complete goober, glasses at the end of his nose, slow nasaly drawl, and is taking the LONGEST time. The parents are there with their video cameras, and everyone is on the edge of their seats. And I've gotten so into this, that my heart breaks for these kids when they get the "ding!" that signifies a word was spelled wrong. I really should watch that documentary about the National Spelling Bee (Spellbound I think it's called).

Tomorrow I'm TOTALLY psyched for - it is my day off! I've got the whole day planned out - going out to lunch, and going to see Harry Potter 3. Woo hoo! I'm also going to run some shopping errands for the kid, and hopefully (if I'm not being too ambitious) may get some painting in as well.

Oooohhh... "Championship words" coming up next!

Harry Potter AND a Slurpee!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-04T10:06:00-05:00

So today lived up to it’s expectations! Hooray for me!

I got up early as always and dropped off the child at daycare. I was proud of him today for not complaining and crying when I left. Off to Target #1 to buy cheap play clothes for the kid that we can leave at daycare. Also here we had failed toy search #1. They had the toy I wanted, but not the version of it we are looking for. Then breakfast and home to get online and check in with Spouse. Running ahead of schedule, I then went and got my movie tickets, stopped at Target #2 (again with no success), and then enjoyed a sumptuous steak Caesar salad at Don Pablo’s. I also got to enjoy catching up on reading my latest book, and the only downside to lunch was the waitress who looked a lot like Edie McClurg (not a bad thing) but she was wearing WAY too much perfume. So much so that I could smell even when she was standing a table away.

Then what I was most excited about today – I saw the new Harry Potter movie! The theater was less than half full, and there were only six kids, so we all got to be comfy and it was quiet. I really liked the movie. It was a nice escape, but it bothered me a little bit that the exterior scenery around the castle grounds had been changed from the last two movies (going down to Hagrid’s hut, the Whomping Willow) and the kids are starting to look like they are getting too old to play these characters. There was a lot of detail going on in the background, so when I watch the movie again I’ll be able to pay more attention to that. There were a lot of details from the book that they skipped, and other things that they left in but never explained. If I hadn’t read the book then I probably would have been confused by some of those things. Lastly, I LOVED the closing credits, and stayed through the end to see the small details they added in there.

After the movie, I went ToysRUs (again no toy, but I got a Magna Doodle!) and to the art supply place to buy more paint and brushes, and was totally psyched to go home and start my latest projects. Instead, I got the call from Spouse asking if I could pick up the kid, which I happily did so that Spouse could go out with some friends. Child and I had a lovely evening – that Magna Doodle is a huge hit! He drew – er…scribbled – a lot and then had fun erasing it and saying “bye bye!” After bathtime and bedtime, I started to work on my project, and Spouse came home with the toy I was looking for! (He went to Target #3) He also brought Slurpee for me. A vanilla Coke Slurpee to be exact – the perfect ending to a lovely day!

Breaking news

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-06T09:06:00-05:00

OK...so this weekend's news has been dominated by two things - the death of Ronald Reagan and the 60th anniversary of D-Day. It was interesting watching CNN this morning do a delicate balance between the two. Alison Stewart (wow - is she looking hot these days!) and another news-chick were standing on a set that was a huge map of the coast of France that had flags of the different troups and movement arrows. Unfortunately there was a Nazi flag perfectly centered between the two of them during most of their stand-ups. Not the best set planning.

But the news story that I find MOST shocking and which has received the least coverage is that Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony were married last nght in a secret hush hush ceremony. Is she on her way to become the nex Liz Taylor or Larry King or what?

This blog entry is Reaganrific!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-07T11:06:00-05:00

Well President Reagan is still deceased, and Washington is getting ready for him (again). According to the local news "The Nation is in mourning." There are a quite a few people who didn't get that memo, myself included.

So many people are saying that Reagan was the greatest President this country ever had. Sure he did some great things - the end of the cold war for one - but there were so many issues he didn't deal with that could have made a major impact on today - such as AIDS. And quite frankly, I'd rank FDR, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington as a few ahead of him on that list.

My friends and I have always been cynical when it came to Reagan. Especially when this group of Congressman started lobbying to name one major structure after him in every state. (Now I think it's every county!) That is when the new Federal International Trade Center building here in DC got named after him, and then Washington National Airport. I know MANY people who still will only refer to it as "National" (myself included.) We were joking that perhaps "Reagan" will become the new "Smurf" and it will just be the word that replaces everything. That would be Reagantastic!

And this is heartless, but due to the State funeral, federal offices will be closed, so we get the extra day off! This will be my third three-day weekend in a row. Bonus.

Jogkini anyone?

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-08T11:06:00-05:00

So I did something embarassing on the internet today. I bought a bathing suit. Online. Why? Because I hate trying on swimsuits and I have to get a new one because we signed the Child up for his first swim lessons and one parent has to be in the pool with him.

After hours of research and homework on line (what they hell is a "jogkini?") I bought the suit from Lands' End - who I love. I've been getting stuff from them for years. My last suit came from them and it has held up really well. The thing I like about it is that it's a "tankini" that has a tank top with shorts as the bottoms. No matronly swim skirt for me!

Of course I am doing this in reverse because I now have the high hopes that I just spent all this money on a suit that hopefully won't fit me at the end of the summer because I'm going to get back on my pre-pregnancy diet and make it stick.

Will this work? We shall see...

Good mourning DC!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-09T10:06:00-05:00

So according to the news outlets we still are a "nation in mourning." The District has been quite a buzz today. Overnight the city got a makeover - flags were hung along the Memorial Bridge, fencing was put up all along Constitution Avenue and around the Capitol. The thing that always gets me is seeing all the flags that circle around the base of the Washington Monument hanging at half-staff.

The big news for us federal employees was that we have off work on Friday (and schools and universities in DC are also closed). Rumors were floating around about whether or not we would be sent home from work early today as well. Everyone was encouraged to take the Metro if they came in, and it seemed as a lot did - the roads were pretty light. Because Constitution Avenue was shut down starting at 3 pm, a number of my colleagues did leave early so that they could pick up their kids from their daycare on the otherside of the Mall. If you look at a map of DC, you will see that Constitution is a major thoroughfare in the city, and it along with almost all the roads that cross the Mall were closed off. Not even pedestrians could cross the street. Also, two major bridges into/out of the city were going to be closed for the motorcade bringing the Reagans and the hearse into the city. Lucky for me I had no trouble leaving work and getting home. At work today, one of my colleagues compared today to September 11th - except this time we were better prepared as to how to get out of the city.

It was rather surreal to listen to "Reagan's Last Visit to Washington" on the local news radio station while I casually ran my evening errands - going to Trader Joe's, picking up the Child from daycare, dropping off one of his teachers at her home. I noted that the air was very hot and thick (it was in the 90s) and I couldn't imagine being one of those people that had been lining up outside since 6:30am to view Reagan at the Capital, or even standing along the caison's route up to the Hill. Seeing that everyone else around us was also moving around with the same casual air was also unusual. We watched some of the coverage on the news, and it was quite impressive to see all of this military pomp and circumstance. Spouse and I both are rather indifferent about Reagan's death, but you can't help but be impressed. This is a military display that we don't often see in this country, and that you may only will see once or twice in a lifetime. I probably won't watch the funeral on Friday, as I will be busy painting and "Clean Sweep"-ing the house. But it is certainly an event I will remember.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-13T08:06:00-05:00

We took Child to get his haircut today. This wasn't his first haircut, but definitely the more traumatic of the two (for me that is). There is a store here called Cartoon Cuts that specializes in cutting kids hair. Each station has a TV/VCR and you pick out a video to watch when you check in. We had Elmo. She did a great job with the cut, and managed to keep up with him as he turned his head to look at what was going on around him, the other kids, Elmo, or myself and Spouse. I didn't start getting choked up until close to the end, and I'm watching all his beautiful curls end up in his lap, and he started losing patience and wanted up, but his tears really started when she took out the small razor to trim around the back of his neck and around his ears and sideburns. That's when I started to get a little emotional. She distracted him with an animal cookie (even offered some to us!) and finished him up while I was holding him. A tear slowly running down his cheek while he clutched an animal cookie in one hand and the back of my neck with the other.

The new cut looks sharp - he just looks so different without his adorable curls in the back. I know...I know...it is just hair, it will grow back. I just need to get used to it, just like I do whenever Spouse gets his hair cut. What can I say? I've always preferred longer hair.

Nope...not in mourning anymore!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-14T10:06:00-05:00

So Washington is still covered in flags at half staff, and there are black banners draped on parts of the Memorial Bridge. I wonder how long this stuff will stay like this?

But today it was back to work, and everyone was like "So? How was your day of mourning?" I had a really great day! My supervisor liked a proposal I had suggested and asked me to start looking into it, I made some good headway into one collection I'm cataloging (It is huge and not at all organized) and interestingly enough recognized two of the names that came up and was able to connect it to some other materials we received a couple years ago. (I love when that happens!) I also got a call today from one of our donors who found some more awesome materials for us with his family overseas. BUT the best part was that I was picked to represent our division at an upcoming conference, and most likely, also give a presentation at the conference as well. YAY for me!!!! I'm already nervous about it, but I'm sure it will be fine.

The conference takes place about a week after one of my colleagues returns from her sabbatical. She used to go to these things all the time, so everyone's first thought was "Can she go?" This really frustrated me, and I told my supervisor that I feel that I have proven I am just as qualified to do the job, and it always bothered me that people would forget about me and go right to her for these trips. Before she left last year for school we were essentially doing the same job in different departments. Don't get me wrong - I really like her a lot, and we socialized outside of work quite a bit, I just didn't like the fact that I would be overlooked because my colleagues were so used to seeing me in one role and her in another. But at today's staff meeting, "Y" stood up and said "I think you should send Socks, because I feel she does a much better and comprehensive job than "Q"." In front of everyone, even "X" agreed, and that was nice. So off to the central states I go!

Now as far as that promotion I mentioned awhile back, I still haven't heard anything. Although oddly enough a friend from our neighboring department asked me about it last Thursday. This was strange, because I hadn't spoken to anyone outside my small department, but she is very close friends with "X" who probably said something. If nothing happens in the next month or so, I am sure that it definitely will get rolling when I return.

And coming home to the happy fun boys is always a delight. I wanted to surprise Spouse with Slurpees, but I hate it when the machine works, but the Slurpee is all runny and not frozen at all. So no beverages. :( Once home, I fed the Child and then we ran around and played while Spouse installed some child safety latches. Good times! And (yes I'm a dork) I can't wait until work tomorrow so that I can start working on these great leads!

Glad to have a friend like you

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-15T11:06:00-05:00

So I just spent nearly an hour and a half on the phone with one of my closest friends, Dee (not her real name). She lives down south, and unfortunately we don't speak nearly as often as we would like, especially now that we are both busy working moms.

I totally adore her - and we've always gotten along really well. We met in college via my roommate. They had the same major and were in all the same classes. So Dee would end up at our apartment a lot to work on projects. We bonded right away because both of our boyfriends had already graduated. Then as we got to know each other better, we found we had a lot in common, a lot of the same values and interests, and our personalities are very similar. She's a staunch Atheist, but was always impressed and with my active role and observance of Judaism, and never afraid to ask questions or learn more, or particiapte for that matter. I've always admired her because she is not afraid to tell you like it is, and we also share the same dark sense of humor.

Since the guys we hung out with had their "Guys night out," the three of started having "Girls Night In" This meant movies and Midori on Sunday nights, and often I would come home from class on Monday afternoon and wake her up on the couch so she could go home.

I was honored to be a bridesmaid at her wedding, and so thrilled that they came down to our wedding even though they were close to broke and couldn't really afford to do so. We were even more honored when they asked Spouse and I to be their first child's god-parents. Tragically, their daughter I.J. died 5 days after she was born due to complications at birth. Without hesitation we flew down to be with them, and Spouse spoke beautifully at the memorial service. I still think about I.J. often.

When I got pregnant a few months after I.J. passed away, I was so nervous to tell Dee, but she was so wonderful and supportive and full of advice throughout the pregnancy. It was so funny when I called to tell her that Child was born. This was big news, as Child was a preemie. I was like "I have big news!" and she was like "I have big news!" "I had the baby!" "I'm pregnant!" It was so funny that we were so excited for each other, that we both wanted to hear more about the other's news rather than tell our own. And within the week, she drove all the way up to DC so that she could be there for the Bris.

Dee's daughter was born happy and healthy, and will be a year old next month. It warms my heart to hear that she's doing so well, and they are all so happy. Unfortunately, we haven't had the chance to go down and visit them and meet the baby. She hasn't seen Child since he was born. They are both now walking and talking. We really need to get these two kids together!

I was thinking that we need to get together, and invited them to come up this summer. Dee's husband got on the line and said "You know...you guys could all come down here! You haven't even seen the new house!" I would love to go visit, I'll have to talk to Spouse about figuring out if we can afford to fly down and visit.

I know that I'm not saying much tonight, but I just wanted to share that I love having Dee has a friend. It is so comforting to know that even though we may not speak or email as often as we used to, she will always be there for me and my family, and she knows that the same goes for us. So thank you Dee for being a wonderful friend and a wonderful person!

TMI

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-17T10:06:00-05:00

The theme at work this week seems to be TMI. I've heard about bras (oh and seen these too), bikini waxes, and their husband's state of hairyness. And at age 32 I'm the youngest person in my department. Luckily we are a small group of 5 women, but still... Scary.

Elsewhere in my world Child has started saying the word "Poop!" and pointing or grabbing his diaper. The daycare lady replied all excited that it is time for potty training! Is he? At a year and a half? I don't think I'm ready for that just yet! Honestly, the idea terrifies me a little bit. But then again so did choosing the right bottle for him and teaching him how to self-feed on solid foods, and we've made it through all of that just fine.

And I had the pleasure of talking to my dad last night while he was all loopy on Codiene. He has a whole mess of dental problems and surgeries that he is going through, and was rambling on and on. I joke with him that he just needs to add all of this on to "The List" so that I can let the people at the home know what's wrong with him when I drop him off. I also encouraged him to get a GPS chip installed in his new dental implant so that we can find him if he ever wanders off. On the brighter side of things, Spouse and I are getting closer to figuring out when we can go visit my folks, and it looks like my dad will be coming up for a visit in September!

I'm starting to come down with another sinus thing - so I had that deeper sexy voice thing going on at work today. Off to bed to rest and recover!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-18T11:06:00-05:00

Today started as another good day for me. I went into work and was the only one in the office - it was so nice and quiet, laid back (no supervisors!), and I enjoyed a spicy curry lunch with some friends. Since today was supposed to be my day off, I left early and went craft store shopping, then I picked up the Child.

He was upset when I picked him up, and more clingy that usual in the evening. I chalked this up to him being tired after a long day. After all he finished his father's day gift! He was still acting a little odd when we got home, but once inside was running around like usual in the kitchen. I made dinner, and no sooner had a put his bib on, snapped the tray in place, and put his dinner on it, then BLEEEEEH. All over himself. Lots of crying and cleaning up followed. The poor thing kept asking for Daddy. We then moved to the couch, and I made him more comfortable. Worrying that he would dehydrate, I brought his juice/water. He asked for it, so I obliged, and he was so happy when Daddy came home. He finished his juice, when he looked at me and BLEEEEEAAAAAAH again - ALL over me and himself. More crying, more cleaning up. No more juice (or anything else for that matter). Clean diapers, clean jammies. We put him to bed at 7, and so far things have still been quiet.

I am worried about him - he was fine all day, and doesn't have any other symptoms, no fever. Selfishly, I'm bummed because we had plans tomorrow that I was very much looking forward to (a family celebration for one of my favorite volunteers), and now we may have to cancel. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't put a party before Child's health and well being, but I really hope that he is feeling better tomorrow.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-20T10:06:00-05:00

Well for those of you concerned - Child is ok. He made it though the night ok. We took it easy yesterday and we made it to the party - he was a big hit with the older folks.

Today was GORGEOUS! It just simply doesn't get any better in mid-June than it did today. The weather was in the mid-seventies, low humidity, and not a cloud in the sky. So we went for a long walk through the city - three and a half miles (approximately). Amazingly, all of the flags in the city are still at half staff. We had fun playing our favorite tourist game "Guess where they are from?" I was kicking ass with the Europeans. Child had a blast saying hi to people and welcoming them to our fair city.

The other thing that got me, was how quiet the city was. Not like a creepy quiet - I mean we would still hear the sounds of the cars going by, etc. But the neighborhood was so quiet and peaceful. In addition to our walking around we were looking out for the "Panda-mania" giant painted panda sculptures that they have placed throughout the city. Last year it was the "party animals" (donkeys and elephants - much more innovative) I think. Sadly, we counted more Starbucks than pandas.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-22T08:06:00-05:00

Yesterday was a LONG day. I had to take Child to the doctor, and he did NOT want to be there. Everything is OK with him, but he was just all over the place. He wanted up, and then right away down. He wanted to be in the play area, but also behind the front desk and around the corner. He wanted Mommy, but didn't want me to hold him. I was exhausted by the time we finally left to go home.

When we got home, I couldn't wait for Spouse to come home and take over. Unfortunately, Spouse came home rather ill with whatever ick I acquired over the weekend. I was pretty crummy on Saturday, and am certainly better than I was, but not 100%. Child was really cute though walking over to him laying in bed and saying "Daddy?"

Reflecting on my day, I had a very interesting historical discussion with one of the curators, and spoke with my boss about an object that was offered to us, that someone called me about today. Turns out I'm not the only one she has called (which she didn't mention) and I'm going to pass everything on to her. I understand that some people want an answer right away, but calling multiple people only creates confusion. Drives me nuts - I hate that.

But the day is behind me now, and I'm looking foward to a nice quiet night to catch up on my Entertainment Weekly and some comfort food from Trader Joe's. The boys are both asleep in bed, both of them snuggled up all comfy cozy. I also enjoy the fact that I can make an incredible meal for myself using nothing but the microwave! That my friend I feel is talent!

Change

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-24T10:06:00-05:00

Today I learned that reality can be dramatically from how you picture it will be in your head.

I had been told "This is how it will happen" by numerous people. So of course that is how I imagined things would go. I know now that this is not the case. This depresses me slightly, and totally sucks. Everything else has been generally easy - so why is he going to make this hard?

I understand that you are going through a lot of changes in your life right now, and that can be overwhelming and scary. Change can be good and positive - and please believe me when I say to you that this will help you in the long run. But I also understand that you don't fully understand everything that is going on. Those of us who care for you will do everything we can to help you adjust to these new experiences and situations, and I can only hope that you let us help you.

I love you very much and only want the best for you. Please know that we wouldn't make you make these changes if you didn't have to.

WARNING: This blog uses the "F-word!"

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-25T09:06:00-05:00

I'm finding it very amusing that the big news item of the day around these parts is that Dick Cheney told Sen. Patrick Leahy to go fuck himself. Now not only did the Washington Post report this, but they actually printed the full four letters. This is outrageous of course. The last time they did that was when the printed parts of the Starr Report in 1998. Cheney has defended his use of the word, and after all he was pissed off, so to that I say "Go Dick!"

BUT...was it appropriate? Sure he's a guy like all other guys - I don't expect him to be perfect in every way because lord knows that no other politician is. But was it appropriate for him being the Vice President to say this while on the Senate floor to a Senator? In front of staffers? And was it appropriate for the Washington Post to print the full word? This I have no problem with, he said what he said. But to complain about it? The Post Editor explained why he printed it, but at the end of this article there is the quote: " A few dozen readers have called to complain, some saying the word was inappropriate in family newspaper read by children. "How utterly sad for your fine paper," a Springfield man said in an e-mail." Because you let your child read an article that is clearly headlined "Cheney Dismisses Critic With Obscenity" I ask you Mr. Springfield anti-Fuck man - is that appropriate?

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-27T11:06:00-05:00

This weekend was just wonderful. The weather was gorgeous, and we took full advantage. Yesterday we took a lovely drive deeper into the Commonwealth and enjoyed a BBQ with some of Spouse's friends and their family's. Once Child came out his initial half awake/still clingy stupor, he had a wonderful time running around the backyard with the other boys playing with the kickball and the new puppy. He also enjoyed walking up and down (and up and down) the steps to the deck and following around his dad - because he could.

Today I took him to Toys R Us to buy a new ball, and he picked out a small Scooby Doo one and clutched it to his chest all around the store on our way to check out. "Mine!" "Ball!" He was nice enough to let the cashier scan it, and said "Thank you!" when the guy gave it back to him. It just occurred to me that they didn't even offer to put it in a bag - Child just hugged it all the way to the car, and even in the car on our way to a new playground, where he had a great time running around, saying hi to the other kids and parents. He also ate sand. I was so proud. Two issues though...

1 - I have a thing about public sandboxes. You don't know who (or what) else has been in there and what they have done. This stems from stories you hear of keeping neighborhood pets out of your backyard sandbox, for obvious reasons, but also because - true story - when I was in elementary school I remember there was someone/thing who was pooping in the sandbox. Then one day we got caught Justin (who was a couple grades behind us) in the act. I never set foot into a sandbox again after that. So the fact that Child wanted to climb in and dig with the shovel - OK - I let him have his fun, after all, all the other kids were doing it and their parents were fine with it. I played it cool. But as soon as it started going near and into his mouth - all bets were off.

2 - Quite a few parents/care givers were quite taken by my boy, we were signing and talking together, and he is very polite with his "Hi!" "Please" and "Thank you!" They would also tell me how adorable he is, and I have to say - I LOVE that other parents tell us that about him. He is after all, Mr. Personality, but also just an all around great kid. Especially when they have kids his age who are cute in their own right. But mine is cuter - BWAH HA HA HA!

We ended our evening with more outside time ("Bubbles!") and the three of us took a walk around our neighborhood. We learned that one of the houses down the block is for sale for double what we paid for ours (cool!) and that some of our neighbors have strange sculptural animals on their front steps, and our kid knows the sound that each one makes.

I really couldn't have asked for a better weekend with my family.

Truth or Illusion?

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-29T09:06:00-05:00

My day at work started out with a meeting that went as expected. I knew going into it that the person we were meeting with didn't have all the information he needed to give us about the item he was presenting to us, but I felt bad that some of the information he did have was historically inaccurate.

The research that he had done was done primarily on the internet. What amazed me was that he believed what he had found. Now we all know that if it's on the internet or in the media it has to be true. I mean if you wanted to prove that a cat is really an apple I'm sure that there is a website out there that will provide evidence of this for you. After all according to the internet, Louis Pasteur's life was saved when he was a small child by some farmer and the farmer's son was then saved by Pasteur's research (or was that Winston Churchill?), a woman once sucessfully sued a furniture store after she tripped over her own child in the store, and oh...big one here...the Holocaust never really happened.

Now there are certainly many many websites out there that tell the truth and are historically accurate. The problem is that Jane/Joe Average Person who is not knowledgeable on the subject would not necessarily be able to differentiate between whats what. Lord knows that I wouldn't be able to tell you diddly squat about Asian land wars, but you and I both know that multiple websites have multiple versions of what occurred and why.

Then there is also the history I call "family lore." Stories that have passed down through the generations. Again, I've had people tell me stories that are historically impossible, but they believe them because this is what Grandma told them, or this is what Dad told me and it was then printed in the local paper. But this is a whole other issue all together.

So what does all this mean? Buyer beware I suppose. Unless you know for sure that the website is reputable, maybe you should be dubious of the information unless you can verify it. If need be, go to a primary source. Ask an expert.

OK...I'll get off my little internet soapbox now. But just remember - everything you just read is 105% true, because after all, you just read this on the internet!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-06-30T08:06:00-05:00

I took Child to the doctor again today for his regularly scheduled tune up. He is doing A-OK - chugging right up the height and weight charts, staying the course - not bad for a preemie!

The Doctor was also VERY impressed with all of his talking. Child was chattering away the entire time identifying pictures in his book, saying and signing for "more book" then "thank you!" and starting all over again. The Doc said his language skills are definitely advanced for his age. That's my kid - the genius!

Because he was such a good boy at the doctor's office, I treated him to an Elmo sticker ("Elmo!") and a shortbread cookie ("coo-gie") while I tried one of those new "Light" Frappacinos. Tasted the same to me. When we got home we went for a walk (a real one - no stroller!) around our block, looking for doggies and cats. We saw one of each. It seems as though every dog in our neighborhood is named "Rocky". Child gets so excited when he sees a dog - "DOGGIE! HI!!!!" but once the dog gets closer, he gets all shy. Then of course as they walk away, we hear a very brave "BYE!" Totally cute. Of course now I worry that my son will be a dog person - oh the horror!

The rest of the day was not so bad - all my travel arrangements are in place for the conference I'm going to at the end of the summer, we figured out that we'll be able to visit my friend Dee in perfect timing with her daughter's first birthday party, Spouse is downstairs cooking dinner for me as I type, AND I have a four day holiday weekend to look forward to - sweet!

What to do...what to do...

WE DID IT! (well...we're planning on it...)

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-01T09:07:00-05:00

In a bit of serendipity, we received an invite to my friend Dee's daughter's first birthday party. It just happens to be the same weekend that we had planned to, but now are not going to, visit my parents.

So we're going to visit Dee and family instead! YAY!!!!

I'm SO excited - tickets have been booked, car has been reservered, housing secured. I CAN'T WAIT!

Last night, Dee and I were on the phone and by the end of the conversation we were laughing so hard that we were both crying! I can't wait to see what happens when our kids get together...

Searching for Aimee Mann CD...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-02T02:07:00-05:00

So I was at the Gap this morning and heard Aimee Mann's "That's just what you are" over their sound system, which reminded me again how awesome that song is. The next song was "Our lips are sealed" and it also sounded pretty good. It has just occured to me that this could have been that new cover version by the Duff sisters, but I hope not - because I enjoyed it. Did Aimee Mann ever do a cover of this song? And if so, where can I find it?

Fireworks on the Fourth

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-04T09:07:00-05:00

I'm not the most patriotic person, but let me tell you something - there is NOTHING like spending the fourth of July in Washington, DC.

The city is dressed up in bunting and flags, miles and miles of snow fencing go up in the weeks leading up to the fourth, and there are rows and rows of "Bobby's Pottys" and "Jiffy Johns" strategically placed all around the National Mall, and surrounding areas.

My first Fourth here, we went down to the Mall to camp out our place at the base of the Washington Monument. It was like one big fraternity party - there were groups that had set up volleyball nets and had games going, one group near us had dragged their couch down and were hanging out on that. You've got lots of families with tents or flags to identify themselves. We were so close to where they shoot off the fireworks (in the rainbow pool in the center of the new WWII memorial) that we had to lie down to see them.

Over the years the mood has changed a bit on the Mall. It's still very festive, and you still have the volleyball nets and tents and such. No more couches - they have signs up that tell you "No furniture" No alcohol either - you are in a national park after all. No fireworks - but you have enough of those coming later. And of course now in our post 9/11 world you have to go through security checkpoints to get in the secured perimeter of the Mall.

We've walked there, we've driven there, we've sat through the pouring rain to watch them. We've picnicked, we've brought pizza, and now we meet up with friends and their family who sit in the same spot every year and are always decked out in the red, white, and blue.

The Potomac river is filled with boats in prime fireworks watching spots behind the Lincoln Memorial. The snow fencing prevents people from parking along the side of the road on the GW Parkway right across the river in Virginia, but doesn't stop people from pulling over on 395 by the Pentagon where you have stunning views of the city.

Getting home is also always a memorable part of the evening. The Metro is PACKED and it's often faster to just walk home. We did the Metro once - never again. Luckily I am fortunate to work at an institution on the Mall, and have been able to park there, so we avoid the crunch, and it's very easy for us to get home quickly.

Sure New York has their yet another Macy's holiday celebration and Boston has the Pops, but where else can you watch fireworks from the same spot where Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech? To sit in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial while watching 20 minutes of incredible fireworks in front of the Washington Monument with the Capitol in the background - its simply breathtaking. If you ever have the chance to do so, I highly recommend it.

That all being said - this year we didn't go. We spent this evening eating takeout Chinese and watching a Penn & Teller DVD. I caught some of the fireworks on TV and they looked great. Why didn't we go? Well it had been raining all day (they cancelled the parade down Constitution Avenue because the road flooded - in some cases it was ankle-knee deep!) and the thunderstorms were on and off. We probably were not going to stay for the fireworks anyway because they are way past Child's bedtime and rather noisy. Perhaps next year we will take him to go see them - it is truly a childhood memory that I am looking forward to making for him.

Happy U.S. Independence Day everyone!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-07T09:07:00-05:00

I have to write a biographical statement about myself for the program at the conference I will be speaking at later this summer. Ideally they would like it to be 2-3 sentences - preferably 2 - summing up who I am and what I do. What on earth do I say? Such is the dilemma of the day...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-08T09:07:00-05:00

Ha HA! I will NOT be jumping on the Shiny bandwagon. Unlike all of you lemmings following his brilliant and mindtwisty lead, I will NOT be asking you to ask me questions. Three or otherwise. (Although I admit that I have enjoyed reading everyone's questions and answers!)

Hmmm... lots of masses blindly following Shiny's lead... makes you think of another vegetarian that Shiny said he would be...you better start working on that silly little mustache now Shiny... :)

I'd like to be an Octo-Fish...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-10T12:07:00-05:00

Child, Spouse, and I just returned from Child's first swim class! There was some confusion when we arrived because the class catalog said 11am, and the swim passes said 10:30, so we got there super early - but it was just more time in the pool for Child!

It was a lot of fun, they had rubber duckies for each of the kids to play with, and of course Child grabbed one and held on to it and chewed onto it the entire hour! He was pretty fearless about walking into the pool and enjoyed sitting and kicking and moving around. AND we got to play with pool noodles! By the end of class he was ready to go - and he fell asleep pretty soon after we got in the car to go home. Spouse stayed upstairs to watch what was going on through the big windows overlooking the pool and bonded with the other moms. He was telling me their observations throughout the hour and I'm looking forward to watching him in the pool next time!

Whoops...sounds like the little one's up from his nap - lunchtime!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-13T08:07:00-05:00

This evening after work, I'm walking to my car which was in a lot not too far from my office. A lot of people from work park there, and most times we walk to our cars together. The street is filled with traffic, as is typical this time of day, and there are lots of tourists walking around and bikers and joggers on their endless runs to nowhere.

Today though, I'm walking alone. It's still light out (after all it's only 5:20pm) so I wasn't too concerned about being alone. After chatting with Spouse briefly on the phone, I continue on my way, and I admit - I was looking down. I put my phone away and look up as I continue walking and I see this jogger headed straight towards me with this goofy grin on his face. He then makes this hand gesture putting one fist on top of another and then reversing them. Like he was doing the hand jive or something. Looking at me the whole time. While I'm used to being run around by joggers, this was queer. I turn around after he passes by, and he turns back to look at me as well - still with this doofy grin on his face. I have no clue who this guy is!

Well I must have had a strange look on my face (in fact I know I did) and then some guy stuck in the traffic yells out the window of his car "Hey! Did you know that guy?" I look and see a rather large man seated in a rather beat up honday/toyota kinda car, arm hanging out the window, girlfriend driving. "No" I yelled back.

Strange man in car: "Because he did that thing with his hands - I thought he knew you."

Socks: "Nope - no clue who he was or what that was - Do you know what that hand motion meant?"

SMiC: "No, but it sure looked like he knew you. You gotta be careful and watch out for guys like that."

Socks: "For all I know, you could be a guy that I need to watch out for!"

All of this as I continue walking down the sidewalk.

SMiC laughs and then leans forward, like he's reaching for something. This concerns me - could he be reaching for a gun or something? In broad daylight on a busy thoroughfare with his chick in the car and all these people around?

SMiC: [flashing some plastic ID badge] You don't need to worry about me, I'm a federal agent! [laughing] You are right though - I too could be someone you need to watch out for!"

Socks: "I appreciate your concern, but you are just as much a stranger as that guy was. Did you know what that hand thing meant?"

SMiC: "Nope - but it sure looked like he knew you."

Socks: "Maybe he thought I was someone else. Thank you for your concern!"

I walked past his car at this point, and then he waved as they finally drove past me and through the traffic light.

Very very odd. Nice to know that a stranger would have helped had I needed it, but still trying to figure out what the hell that doofy jogger was trying to gesture.

mmmm....cake....

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-19T09:07:00-05:00

So we visited with my friend Dee this weekend and celebrated her daughter’s first birthday. Child had a blast – he was running around playing with the other kids and all the new and interesting toys. But best of all, he discovered the joy of eating cake. Yes cake – with lots of sugary frosted chocolate chippy yumminess. It was all over his face, his hair, hands, shirt, and somehow even on his bottom. Your stereotypical messy little kid eating cake – so adorable!

It was great seeing Dee and her family, talking about our kids, and remembering embarrassing stories about each other. It continues to amaze me when my friends remember these stories of the strange things I did or say in college, and I have no recollection of these things ever happening. Spouse always takes these stories in stride, and I remind him that for 99% of these stories I was sober, and that compared to some of my other friends, I’m the normal one. He just chalks it up to me “being artsy.”

On a total tangent – I LOVE the Starbucks Doubleshot commercial where they use Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” “Glenn! Glenn Glenn Glenn! Glenn Glenn Glenn! Glenn Glenn Glenn…” “He’s hoping that one day he’ll be….Supervisor!” I don’t know what that strikes me as so damn funny. “Roy! Roy Roy Roy! Roy Roy Roy! Roy Roy Roy…”

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-22T11:07:00-05:00

The headline article currently on CNN.com reads:

The 9/11 commission's final report concludes that a "failure of imagination" kept U.S. officials from understanding the al Qaeda threat.

Is this the same thing as a "Wardrobe malfunction?"

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-26T09:07:00-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA - I've been in major Mommy mode as of late. I've watched way more Blue's Clues than one adult should be allowed to the past few days - but goshdarnit if I don't just love that Steve!

Spouse and I were taking Child for a walk around the neighborhood the other day when we spotted - what else - a dog.

Socks: "Look honey! Doggies!"
Spouse: "What does a doggie say?"
Child: "MEEEEE-OWWWWW!"

For BR

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-28T10:07:00-05:00

I need you because keep me grounded.
I need you to remind me when I need to take a step back.
I need you to provide me with the answers to questions I don’t know the answers to.
I need you because you can read my mind.
I need you to keep me laughing and to make inappropriate comments.
I need you because you always know where you’re going.
I need you to give me the support that gets me through the tougher times.
I need you to hold me and tell me everything will be ok.
I need you because I love you and can’t imagine what life would be like without you.

And I needed you to know this.

Today's headlines...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-07-30T10:07:00-05:00

I usually peruse USAToday.com while I eat my lunch and today they had printed all of the following...ahem..."stories"...

Anthony Anderson, the rotund comedic co-star of Kangaroo Jack and the original Barbershop, made a brief court appearance Thursday to say he understands that he is accused of rape and has a lawyer.

Rape - not funny. "...rotund comedic co-star of Kangaroo Jack..." - funny.

Paris Hilton tells Us Weekly that her psychic advised her to break up with Nick Carter. "She thought I should be alone, and I agreed with her."

And yet nothing regarding "The Simple Life" (1 & 2) and the sex tape?

The Miss America pageant is pulling the plug on its talent competition, eliminating the amateurish two-minute routines that have come to feature cheesy stunts such as tractor driving and trampoline jumping.

But that was totally the ONLY reason to watch. Where else do you get to see daredevil baton twirling and xylophone playing?

Amy Fisher, the former gun-toting teen who spent seven years in prison for shooting her lover's wife in the face, has an autobiography called If I Knew Then... due out in the fall.
Full story here

Ok...
1 - Amy's looking pretty good these days.
2 - Good for her for learning from her mistakes and moving on with her life and for advising others to pay attention to the warning signs.
3 - And I think that it's wonderful that she is donating proceeds to a number of great organizations.
4 - Lastly, who do you think will play her in the Lifetime movie sequel?

This happens every summer...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-02T09:08:00-05:00

I walk through the front door and see it before me.

It causes me to think…

I don’t want to be “mommy.”
I don’t want to cook dinner.
I don’t want to do the dishes.
I don’t want to pick up Cheerios off the floor.
I don’t want to watch Sesame Street.
I don’t want to give the child a bath.
I don’t want to rock him to sleep.
I don’t want to make his lunch for tomorrow.
I don’t want to do the work I brought home with me.

I just want to read the new 2005 Ikea catalog.

And after doing all the things that I have to

I do. And it is good.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-05T07:08:00-05:00

So as I'm leaving work today, I'm confronted with three DC cop cars lights all-a-flashing and about 10 anti-abortion protesters standing in front of our building with huge (HUGE!) posters depicting aborted fetuses.

This is not the first time this has happened, and again I had the same thought - do I need to be confronted with this while I'm leaving work? Do the little ones who are in the daycare center next door need to see this when they head out?

I do suppose that that is their point. But still - I didn't realize that there was occassion to protest against abortion today. I mean what with the heightened security in the city and all, I'm surprised that they were out there.

But this made me think as I was zipping down the highway - where do these pictures come from? Could the family of a fetus whose image is used in the poster, assuming that it would even be possible to make that identification at all, sue the protesters for use of the image?

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-05T09:08:00-05:00

So that last entry - A bit of a downer. Sorry for that - it was just what was on my mind at the time.

BIG Socks news at work. I have been selected to co-head up a major project. It is the first in a series to come. Basically what this will mean is that we have to do over a years worth of work in about a month. Yesterday was our first review meeting. We did pretty well on considering how little time we had to prepare our presentation. On top of all of this, I still have to do my normal job responsibilities and prepare my seminar talk for the end of the month. Did I mention that everything seems to be due at the same time? It's OK - I seem to be at my best when I'm under this kind of pressure. What I really need to do is sit down and write this damn presentation so that I will stop worrying about having not written it yet!

OK - time to go color!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-06T11:08:00-05:00

Today was just the most beautiful day. Even if I had to go to work. The weather was near-perfect. In the mid-seventies, low humidity, nary a cloud in the sky. And in August! If only it would stay this way through the start of fall...

I got to spend this gorgeous day driving up to Baltimore and then back with a colleague. Once we returned to work I hunkered down and have written the first 8 pages of my speech. Halfway there and then I need to make the power point to go along with it! Woo hoo!

My boss decided we all needed to leave work at 4:30 - and who am I to argue with that? So I went to Burlington Coat Factory to use some of my piss-me-off-we-don't-refund-your-money-but-will-only-give-you- store-credit-bucks to buy the Child a new toy that makes noise and features Elmo and Cookie Monster. Top that off with bananas and Frappacinos from the stores next door and then I'm on my way home.

I pulled into our driveway seconds after Spouse and Child. Child's face lights up and he says "Mommy!" and comes running over to the car, dragging his blankie on the ground behind him.

After dinner ("Pasta!") we head out to the playground down the block. Aside from some neighborhood kids goofing around on their bikes, falling dramatically, and screaming "OH MY LEG!!!!" multiple times, it was a pleasant walk on a lovely evening.

At the playground we ran into our neighbors and their little boy who is almost 3. Our neighbors are European, and speak their native language at home, so their boy speaks English not quite comprehensively, and with a cute little accent. He would often repeat what Child was saying, and ocassionally what we would say (such as Child's nickname). The boys played together nicely moving from one play set to the next. After a half and hour it was time to go home.

Once we put our boy to bed, it's been a bit hairy with him waking up occassionally crying for Mommy and Daddy. I think it was due to the noise eminating from my computer (and sometimes me!) as a result of listening to BUT - I highly recommend you do so next week! It was a fun way to end my wonderful day.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-07T09:08:00-05:00

Now another entry in the strange situations that Socks has found herself in file...

Tonight after we put Child to bed, I went out to pick up dinner from a new local pizza joint that just opened up down the block. New pizza place is next door to the 7-11 so the master plan is to get - what else - Slurpees as well. This is not our first choice 7-11, the parking lot sucks, the machines don't always work, and last time I was there the floor was so sticky that I was having trouble walking in my Doc Martens.

But not tonight! There was a trail of some liquid from the parking lot to the sidewalk to the doors. Then when I open the door, laying right there on the floor in front of me is some man. Just laying there on the nasty-ass liquidy trailed floor of the 7-11. His arms are over his face, and there is a pack of cigarettes and a yellow "Caution Wet Floor" cone on the floor next to him. He's not moving or making a sound. One guy is behind the counter, another guy is standing there with a mop, two other guys (local cabbies) are standing around looking at this guy. They tell me I can come in, so I do. I walk around laying on the ground guy and follow the luquidy trail back to the Slurpee machines. While I'm Slurp-ing, I hear the men talking - "We need to call 9-1-1" "Why isn't he saying anything?" "He's hurt" "He slipped on the wet floor" "We should call 9-1-1"

I ponder all of this while I pour my Slurpees. Did he slip on the slime trail? Did they put the Wet Floor cone up before or after he fell? Why were the two cabbies just standing there staring at this guy - were they witnesses to what occurred? Dutifully waiting for the police so they can explain what happened? Is he going to sue? And if he did slip on the slime - how could he NOT have seen it?

Meanwhile, other people are coming into the store and encountering this odd situation. I take my Slurpees up to the counter to pay and the guy with the mop starts mopping the floor between me and the man on the floor. I again walk around the guy, and weave my way through the double parked cars in the small parking lot to drop off the drinks so that I can go next door and pick up the pizza.

I tell the nice neighborhood pizza man what was going on next door, and they were surprised. I told them so they aren't surprised or freaked out when the sirens and lights appear in the lot out front.

Sure enough, just as I get in the car, I hear the sirens coming down the street. I'm trying to get out of the lot before they arrive, but without success. Luckily I am able to get around the firetruck and ambulance to get home.

I am curious what happened and what the outcome will be, but somehow I have the feeling that not knowing is the better option.

On a less bizarre note...

This afternoon we went out to lunch at a new place called Moe's that just opened up near us. They are a fresh-Mex place that is based out of Atlanta. When you walk in the door all the staff yells "WELCOME TO MOE'S!!!!" This of course was repeated quite often as we were sitting there eating our lunch. So of course eventually everytime the staff would yell their greeting, Child would also pipe up and yell "MOE'S!!!" The staff picked up on this, and we all had the giggles.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-11T09:08:00-05:00

I have a terrible confession to make. Please don’t hold this against me. Deep breath…here goes…

I was a sorority girl in college.

There. I said it. It’s out there. Phew!

I joined when I was a freshman. My reasons for joining were two-fold. One: Being Greek was one of the best ways to get involved in certain activities on campus. Two: I was more comfortable being in the environment of a sorority that had a lot of Jewish girls than I was at Hillel. So I joined, and was pretty active for a while. The chapter was pretty new – I was only in the third pledge class. About half the girls were not your typical “sorority chick” and I always thought of us as more of an “un-sorority.” Most of us joined because of the above mentioned Reason One. And all of my friends and family were shocked by this decision. This wasn't a very Socks thing to do.

Then things took a downturn. Our fourth pledge class was small, and our fifth was tiny – and they all de-pledged. Part of the problem was that another larger sorority returned to campus that year and girls were waiting to meet with them. The other problem is that we were labeled as “The Jewish sorority.” During Rush, one girl told us that she was told “You don’t want to pledge there – they are the Jewish sorority.” Now this was only partially true. While we were founded by a bunch of Jewish girls back in 1917 our chapter was mostly non-Jewish. I liked it because they were very accepting of everyone, we had a Christmas tree AND a Chanukah menorah. We hosted our own Passover Seder, but also an Easter brunch. Everybody played, everybody won.

Once we lost our pledge class, things went downhill fast. By the end of the year, it was decided by us and National that we would fold the chapter. The house was sold (ironically) to a fraternity that put a cross in the front yard. A couple years ago, Spouse and I were back down there and I was so excited to show him the house. It was gone. Now it’s part of the faculty parking lot that was next door. I was so devastated. Spouse just stood in one of the empty parking spots and said “Look honey! I’m in your room!”

In fact, by the time my class graduated, none of us were talking to each other even though we would see each other occasionally on campus, and two of us had the same major and were in the same school.

So why bring this up now? Because I received a letter today from National informing me of the “exciting news!” that they are reforming the chapter on my campus. It’s been a little over ten years. It’s a good thing for the campus probably – if they can make it work. They have asked for contributions, and invited alumnae to join them for the kickoff weekend of pledge events. I will already be out of town that weekend and not able to attend, but probably wouldn’t go down anyway, even though it would be interesting to see how things go and how people are. They’ve also included a space on the reply form for “Suggestions” for the new chapter. I was thinking of something like “Don’t fold after five years.” But I guess that would be too cynical. But I’ll probably send in a small contribution, offer my artistic services, and wish them luck.

The strange thing is – I’m not sure why I’m feeling nostalgic for those days. They weren’t all great, and I didn’t really like all of my “sisters.” Perhaps this time around I’m hoping that things go different, and that the new girls have a much better experience than I did.

I've got a fever...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-13T10:08:00-05:00

Ahh…the Olympics. For some reason, every four years, I find myself getting sucked in to watching sports that I don’t normally watch during the off years. Swimming, diving, track and field events, rowing, weight lifting, heck…back in college…I even watched the NBC late night coverage of boxing. And I hate boxing.

The other thing that I love is the opening and closing ceremonies. The pageantry of the opening ceremonies – the national costumes (You go American Samoa!) and snappy matching suits (Brazil in particular was looking rather snazzy this year!) are fun. Go Liechtenstein with your one athlete! And have you ever heard of the country of Nauru?

The closing ceremonies are just a big party. Everything is over, and everyone is just there to have a good time. Spouse (who was known as Boyfriend at the time) and I went down to Atlanta for the 1996 Summer games. While we had applied for tickets to a bunch of events, the only thing we got tickets for were the closing ceremonies. The day before we were set to fly down, I started to feel under the weather. Little did we know at the time, but when I got back home I was diagnosed with Mono which knocked me out something awful and it was about four months before I was well enough to go back to work full time.

But illness be damned! We had a great time. Hanging out in a post-bombing Centennial Olympic park, actually waiting in line to get into Bud World, and watching Boyfriend hack into the operating system at the ATT pavilion so that he could check his email. But the Closing Ceremonies were just a huge frigging party – lots of drunken athletes running up and down on to the stage, throwing around props, dancing around, and just having a good time. We bonded with some of the Dutch athletes, sang songs on the Marta train, and were wiped out by the time we got home.

So some of my Olympic fever may have to do with the fact that I am a chick who likes to watch sports. (Watch – not necessarily participate). The feel good human interest stories, the artistry of some of the events, the marvel at what people put themselves through to achieve a life long goal. And maybe …just a little bit…Bob Costas.

A sad note though – An Iranian wrestler may be withdrawing from the Games rather than wrestle against an Israeli athlete whose name he drew for competition. This seems to me, to go against the very core nature of the games – for people to come together from around the world to compete without the meddling of world politics and meet and befriend others who they normally would never have the opportunity to get to know otherwise. But I, like the rest of the world will just sit back and watch the event unfold for the next two weeks, and hope that the worst thing that occurs is that Michael Phelps doesn’t break Mark Spitz’s medal record.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-17T09:08:00-05:00

Has anyone heard from SandyQuill?

Yesterday I got an email from my friend Dee, whose family lives in Punta Gorda. "A town I never thought would be a household name." Thank goodness that her sister, mother, and the rest of the family are all OK, safe, and while they had damage to their homes, the homes are still liveable and repairable. She also wrote "[Mom] said the only thing they needed was ice, which of course is the one thing I can't provide." Dee is going down this weekend to help her mom salvage what she can from the damaged portions of their home.

I have been getting lots of emails from my friends and former colleagues down south saying talking about drop off points for contributions, how to make financial contributions, and blood donations. I think it's great that we can all come together in times of need, and I want to remind everyone how important it is to help out others, because you never know when you will be the one needing that help.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-20T11:08:00-05:00

Tom Cruise has announced that he will keep his vote in the upcoming U.S. Presidential election to himself.

Cruise Says He's Keeping Vote Private

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Tom Cruise says he respects the right of entertainers to participate in political campaigning, but his vote in the upcoming presidential election will remain private.

During a news conference in Mexico's capital Monday to promote the local release of "Collateral," Cruise was asked his preference when it comes to President Bush and Democratic nominee John Kerry.

"Politics is something that is very personal to me," Cruise said. "I am not going to comment publicly (about) who I'm going to vote for. ... I don't want what I say to become a political football."

But when asked how he feels about other performers lobbying for their favorite candidate, Cruise signaled his approval.

"It's their right to do that and I respect that," said Cruise, appearing next to posters of the gray and grizzled hit man he plays in "Collateral."

"But I do believe and I encourage people to go out and study the issues, get beyond the propaganda," he said.

Now I'm torn here. On the one hand I say "Yay Tom Cruise!" You go encouraging people to look past the propaganda and make an informed decision.

On the other hand - don't you think (and maybe I'm reading too much into this because of my not-so-liking of Tom Cruise) but isn't it a bit arrogant to think that others will blindly follow his lead?

Sadly, he's probably right. My not-liking of Tom Cruise comes from a college roommate. She was obsessed with him. In addition to all the movie posters, every soundtrack, and VHS available, she had two HUGE THICK binders of clippings and photos. And let me remind you she was a junior in college. She had me helping her fill out hundreds of postcards so that she could mail them to MTV and win a trip to Ireland for the premiere of "Far and Away." We came home one night to find her watching the Golden Globes - and then Tom Cruise came out on stage introduced as the star of Top Gun - and it was 1993 already.

So sadly, I would say that people like her (although now I like to think that she has changed over the past ten years) would probably vote just like him because Tom Cruise was doing it.

Celebrities have an interesting effect on voters. I wonder how many people voted for Arnold Schwarzenegger because of his celebrity vs. his politics. It should be interesting to see what effect Bruce Springsteen and all his friends and their little tour of the swing states has, if any. I mean Alec Baldwin didn't exactly inspire a mass exodus to Canada after W was declared the winner four years ago.

Me...I shall also be keeping my vote a secret. Known only to me, Spouse, and Child who will come with. Because heaven forbid I influence American voters within the online blog community of Mindsay!

Meet your new friend Fat Darrell

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-22T09:08:00-05:00

Is it wrong that I just read this article about the Fat Darrell sandwich and my first thought was "Wow - that sounds so awesome! I would love to try one!"

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-28T10:08:00-05:00

- So we were supposed to go out of town this weekend, but changed our plans and stayed home instead. I think we're all much happier for it. Since Spouse & I already had the day off and Child had a teacher work day at daycare, we took a family day. Twas loads of fun as there are lots of neat "free" things to do here in DC. I say "free" because once you factor in parking and food, it can get rather pricey. But now that I think about it, we probably only spent about $25. Which when you factor in the entertainment and fun of watching our little one toddle around and marvel at everything for about 3+ hours AND we got to see naked mole rats well now...that's just priceless.

- And yup...still watching the Olympics. I know, I'm a loser, but the other advantage is that it's not Sesame Street, so the kid loses interest and takes that much needed nap.

- And another thing about Child - his vocabulary is really increasing - and that blows my mind. He's learned all these new words, and repeats a lot of what we say. The other morning on our way to daycare we were stopped next to a Metrobus. I said "Do you see the bus?" "Bus!" he replied. Now every time we've passed a bus, he proudly points it out, or says "Bye Bus!" as it drives off. He also sang "Up above the" when I sang Twinkle Twinkle to him the other night. For some reason, that just blew me away. His other favorite song - the mail song from Blue's Clues. Just loves to throw his hands up in the air and wail "MAAAAAIIIIIL!" The one thing he says that we can't explain is when he wags his finger and says "No no Nicky! No!" at seemingly random moments. Like in the pool, or while being pushed in his stroller. There is a kid in his class with this name, and Child has been the victim of some biting, but we don't know if Nicky is the biter, or if Nicky just gets into a lot of trouble so this is said a lot. I'll have to ask on Monday...

- I finished my speech this weekend! Even created my first Power Point presentation. Spouse gave me the best compliment when I did a read through for him: "You know I thought it was going to be boring - and it wasn't!" This is excellent for me, because that means my target audience won't find it boring either! I hope...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-08-31T10:08:00-05:00

Today I had a lovely unexpected lunch with my sister-in-law and two nieces who came downtown to play tourist. We ate at the cafe at my place of employment. It was a "girls only" lunch, but my older niece explained to me that grandma wasn't there because she was at work. I pointed out that I was at work too, but my niece just said that that was different. We had a lovely meal of grilled cheese, pizza, Cocoa Puffs, and fruit salad. yummy yummy.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-09-02T08:09:00-05:00

So once again life finds me far away from my family while a major hurricane is headed towards them. My parents have finished putting up their hurricane shutters and are planning to send us photos of the house in case they need them for insurance purposes. My best friend and her husband have also done all that they can to prepare their home, but they are in an evacuation zone and will be leaving soon.

Reports are stating that Frances is bigger than Andrew was - and I still remember the destruction and devestation left behind by that one. Which was actually right around this same time of year - just weeks before the Jewish holidays. According to the Miami Herald, gas stations are out of gas, ATMs are empty - as are store shelves. Many shelters are open, traffic is jammed, football games rescheduled, and even the the National Hurricane Center has boarded itself up.

And I - once again - will be far away from them. Watching the Weather Channel and checking the internet. Waiting for them to call and tell me that everything and most importantly - everyone - is OK.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-09-07T08:09:02-05:00

Goodness me...I don't blog for a few days and I come back to everything being different. I'm not one that is always big on change. I know that change can be good, but sometimes you just want the comfort of things staying the same. Like Windows 3.0, the Commodore 64, and Colecovision...

Well I am happy to report that my family is okee-dokee. Two down, one to go! Hopefully Ivan will decide NOT to join us for the holidays. They all made it through Frances ok, as did the house, and yesterday they were of the few 10% that were lucky enough to have electricity, water, and phone.

For those of you keeping score at home, I finally gave my presentation and I think it went pretty well. No technical problems, and lots of discussion was generated.

Today I got some good news from my boss. She got a letter in the mail about me. A good letter! You see earlier this summer, I received a call from an artist regarding three of his paintings. He was told that they were donated to our institution. We didn't have them. So after quadruple checking our records to make sure we didn't have them, making a few phone calls and getting additional information from the artist, I located the missing pieces. Turns out they were still with the corporation that supposedly contributed them. He was so excited to hear that the pieces were safe and where they were, he said he wanted to send me a large gift. Since I am not allowed to accept such gifts, I said no thank you. He persisted, and I half-kidding suggested that he write a letter to my supervisor. He asked for her name, and I didn't think he really would. In fact, I had pretty much forgotten about it until this weekend when someone I was speaking with randomly asked me during our conversation if I had ever heard of this artist. Strange. So then today, boss lady tosses a letter at me and says "You should read this." And it was about me!

To: Bosslady
From: Artistman
Re: Socks, your brilliant assistant!

He went on to explain how I kept him posted as to what was going on, and how kind and generous I was with my time, and my wit and charm. Very very sweet and kind, and very much going into my personnel file.

So go Socks go! I am - strangely enough - very much looking forward to my annual review this year.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-09-08T10:09:50-05:00

What I'm about to write is not easy for me. Perhaps it is because I'm tired and my defenses are lowered that I can admit what I'm about to write.

I think that I have outgrown MTV.

I gave up on The Real World during the Las Vegas season. It was too over the top. Paris - I found them boring and tedious. I'm currently watching the premiere of Philly - which so far is interesting. Perhaps it is because this is the most amazing house that I think any cast has ever lived in. Perhaps it is because it is a slightly older cast than they usual have. Or perhaps I will lose interest in the season much like I did with this season of Road Rules. Now this show I usually follow because what they are doing is so much more interesting. This year - whiners. Voting people off. They are tinkering with the format man. Bring back Timmy. Enough with the freaking Miz. So if I miss the show, I'm not gonna freak out about it.

Now the VMAs - didn't catch those at all this year. In fact, I remember watching Madonna sing "Like a Virgin" on the VMAs so many years ago, and the hushed and scandalous discussion in the locker room at jr. high the next day. This year - nope didn't even care.

I'm falling instead for VH1. "Best Week Ever" the behind the scenes shows. I love the 70s, 80s, and 90s. And remember "Pop up video"? Dude, they totally should bring that back.

Not that I have time to watch videos - not that they show them anyway. But I'm just thinking that perhaps it may be time to break up with MTV. And while we're at it, perhaps it's time for Madonna to break up with them too.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-09-11T08:09:49-05:00

This September 11th Spouse and have once again made a conscious effort to avoid rememrance programming. We watched Sesame Street and The Wiggles this morning, the only news I've watched was on the Weather Channel regarding Hurricane Ivan, and I read one article in today's Washington Post about Pentagon survivors and rescue workers. That was it for me.

I remember what I was doing on 9/7-9/9/01 (at a retreat in Baltimore then on Sunday I got my new glasses), on 9/10/01 (I stayed home from work to wait for the plumber). 9/11/01, well we all know what happened on that day, and on 9/12/01, I was home from work. President Bush had declared that the government would be open, but my agency was closed. I went shopping because there was no point staying at home any longer watching news coverage. It was very bizarre because everyone was going about their daily lives but in a complete daze. You couldn't find American flags or red, white, and blue ribbons anywhere. Everyone was sold out. I eventually ordered Spouse's anniversary gift on the internet. It didn't even occur to me that even FedEx planes were grounded.

It was amazing watching the Pentagon be rebuilt. The spot where the plane crashed faces Washington Boulevard, which runs alongside the Pentagon. I drive that road to work every morning. In fact just an hour before the crash I was sitting in that same spot stuck in traffic. I still marvel at the strength of the Pentagon workers to rebuild and get back to work.

Today though - 9/11/04 - we made a new September 11th memory. Today our Child had his very first ice cream cone. (Single scoop of cinnamon chocolate chip in a sugar cone for those keeping score at home). At first it was my cone, and I asked him if he wanted some and he would shout "NO!!!" This disturbed me. If I hadn't given birth to him, I would have doubted at this very moment that he was in fact my child. As I got closer to the bottom of the cone, he got a little braver. He stuck his finger in the ice cream and then tasted it. He then started sticking two fingers in the ice cream and then sharing it with me and Spouse. Then he got adventerous and eating the cone. Ice cream dripping down his chin, and both hands a sticky mess. Eventually it was a done deal and he took over the cone and was very unhappy when he finished it and it was all gone. Spouse and I had so much fun sitting together outside, with Child sitting on my lap, and watching him experience the simple joy of eating an ice cream cone. That is a September 11th memory that I hope not to forget.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-09-19T11:09:22-05:00

I feel like it has been ages since I have blogged. I guess part of the problem is that I've been so busy - what with work and the holidays and all - and I'm stuck on what to say. But since I'm watching the Emmy awards right now - I say "Yay Amazing Race winning for the second year in a row!" Phil rocks.

This past week at work I've been busy saying goodbye to an exhibit that I have worked on since 2001. This was my second time working with the same team of people - and I would work with them again in a heartbeat. Throughout the course of the creation and development of this exhibit, we went through September 11th together (I was actually preparing to review artifacts when we found out what happened) and two children were born (including my own!). I was the project coordinator - keeping track of everything that was looked at, talked about, considered, put in, taken out, and eventually included. I've had the honor of meeting many people who stories were told in this exhibit and many more whose stories we just did not have room for. Somehow I even ended up being interviewed on German television about it. But after a year of being up, everything has been taken down, packed up in crates, and it is getting ready to go out on the road to other venues. It's sad to say goodbye, but exciting to know that my next project will open in that same space in a couple months.

My Rosh Hashana was spent mostly taking care of Child, because we didn't want him disrupting the services. My favorite part was when we were able to be in during the reading of the Torah on the second day, and Child was pointing at the colors on his father's tallit and properly identifying "yellow!" and "red!" He "shushed" me quite a few times when I was singing along with one of the prayers and made a lasting impression on everyone when he put his fingers on either side of his mouth and then stuck his tongue out while we were standing together on the bima (pulpit) in front of the entire congregation. We were so proud.

Later that afternoon, after Spouse had gone back to services, Child was running around stuck indoors with all this energy, and I felt bad that he couldn't go outside to play because of the rainy weather. We had quite a few rounds of "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" "Yes sweetie..." "Hi Mommy!" His favorite song to sing now is "E-I-E-I-O" Apparently Old MacDonald had quite a lot of monkeys. Last night though, Child decided right before bathtime that he wanted to wear his sandals. Just his sandals. No clothes, no diaper, just sandals.

Since I'm still watching the Emmys - Yay Arrested Development! They totally deserve Best Comedy Series. Thanks to Spouse for getting me into this show. I will admit that I was never a Jason Bateman girl in the 80s, but now I find him quite yummy.

Lastly, I would like add a special shout-out to ArrrgyleSpouse for never ceasing to amaze me with his wit and creative talents. He is simply incredible in his skills and I am truly blessed to be able to witness them on a daily basis.

A sweet and happy new year to you and yours...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-09-22T09:09:25-05:00

Wow. That's all I can say - Wow. "Lost" had me on the edge of my seat. Somehow I managed to eat dinner while I was watching, but I"m not sure how I managed to do that. This show is quite incredible. I really really really hope that ABC is able to keep this around for awhile and that the show keeps up the quality. I'm looking forward to seeing where they go with all of this - getting more background on the characters and how the relate to one another. And especially to when Spouse gets a chance to catch this on the Tivo so I have someone in person to talk about this with.

On another television related note - Yay Chip and Kim! I was so bummed when they were having luge problems and was so psyched when they got the better flight. Spouse and I always watch this show and say "You would do that" or "We would handle it like this" I wonder how we would do on The Amazing Race and how far we would get. Maybe we should sign up just to see what would happen? Worst thing that would occur is that we actually get selected!

Now I'm watching Law and Order: Vanilla. I always liked Jerry Orbach (but then again I was always a big fan of The Fantasticks!) Dennis Farina's character is rather smooth - I guess after watching "Lost" I'm trying to figure out what his secret is. We shall see...

Just passing time until CSI: NY comes on.

Ahh....I love the fall!

Shawn Green won't play on Yom Kippur

arrrgylesocks — 2004-09-23T03:09:36-05:00

Whoops! The original article I quoted from below was from 2001 - thanks a lot Google. But... Shawn Green is still deciding if he should take off both or one of the games this weekend. Below is an article from today...

Green will play Friday, sit Saturday

Non-orthodox Jew celebrating Yom Kippur by sitting 1 day

David Kadlubowski / AP

Dodgers outfielder Shawn Green will miss Saturday's game against the Giants in observance of Yom Kippur.

The Associated Press

Updated: 7:48 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2004

SAN DIEGO - Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shawn Green will sit out Saturday afternoon’s game against the San Francisco Giants in observance of Yom Kippur.

For the full story you can click here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6048934/

Now I'm not a baseball fan, but I say "Go Shawn!" I hope that the Dodgers and the fans support his decision. Previously he donated his salary for that day to a charity (It's only about $70,000.) it would be nice if he did the same thing again this year.

Lastly, in 2001 he said: "I would feel guilty playing on that day anyway but it's definitely the right example to set. There are a lot of Jewish kids out there who don't want to go to synagogue that day or on a holiday. I think Sandy [Koufax] set a precedent on that and made my decision so much easier."

May those of you who are observing have an easy fast.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-09-26T09:09:48-05:00

Well I made it through my first Yom Kippur fast in three years (skipped to due pregnancy, nursing, and illness) and I'm very proud of myself for making it through - even with having to feed Child breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Didn't even lick my fingers. Child was a real trooper - he was mellow enough that we were able to be in services for part of the time. He didn't have a meltdown until - literally - the last five minutes. Why? Because it was past his bedtime and he wanted his dad. We got him calmed down, and went in for the last five blessings. He continues to amaze us with his new words and their associations, and the songs he has learned to sing. And I love that when he plays with his telephone the person he talks to his my dad! My mother of course was delighted when I was speaking with her this afternoon, and Child grabs the phone to say hi to his grandfather - totally unsolicited!

I also worried - again - about my family. I was able to speak with them today and they once again made it through the latest hurricane to hit south Florida without losing power. The screen over the pool that was damaged during Frances was blown away by Jeanne, and the sattelite box was fried. Their Yom Kippur services were truncated - apparently quite a few rabbis were telling people not to go to services if the weather was severe. Members of my parent's congregation were even encouraged to take the high holy day prayerbooks home with them so they wouldn't have to worry about traveling in the bad weather. Now they are all worried about us as Jeanne is supposed to head in our direction. All we can do up here is wait it out and see what happens. This season has been particularly bad, and Spouse and I will be making a donation to one of the hurricane relief funds.

So tomorrow we return back to work and day care, and regularly scheduled activities. And...renewed with the new year...I will start new changes in my life and new beginnings as well.

Don't look now...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-09-29T10:09:08-05:00

...but there's a big ass white blimp flying over our city.

I noticed the blimp when I was driving into work this morning. I was sitting in our usual morning rush alongside the Pentagon listening to Howard Stern when I noticed it hovering around near Georgetown. My first thought was that perhaps it was in town covering a college football game, but then realized there are no games on Wednesday nights. Then I thought maybe it was in town covering the announcement that the Expos were moving to DC (yay!) but then realized there was no need for outdoor overhead coverage of that. It couldn't still be here from Monday's Redskins-Cowboys game. And so in the spirit of all things accepted for what they are, I finished my thought, re-focused on the traffic and how annoying I find Jim Belushi, and just went back to ignoring the blimp.

I then read in today's Washington Post:

"Throughout the week, the 178-foot-long blimp will conduct
tests designed to determine how effective electro-optical
and infrared cameras are at detecting potentially threatening
movements on the ground." (Stephen J. Boitano - AP)

Hmmm...OK. THEY are watching us. It's rather big brother-ish of the Department of Defense. Who are they watching while testing this out over DC and what will they do with this? It was still hovering over the city when I left work - this time over downtown. If they want it to be inconspicous I suggest that they paint "Goodyear" or other corporate logo on the side of it. Then no-one will pay attention, everyone will assume that they are just in town for some sporting event or parade, and everyone can resumse their normal potentially threatening movements.

How big is your stocking?

arrrgylesocks — 2004-10-01T10:10:16-05:00

OK. So tonight I was all prepared to post some random thoughts I had today. Such as the fact that Donald Trump charges a speaking fee of 300k simply for the fact that he then donates it to charity, and about the chick who got fired this week on the Apprentice also was fired from her real job because of the remarks she made on the show about two elderly women who she assumed were Jewish. But then I got a load of the 2004 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. This is always a big event because of the crazy "fantasy gifts" that they include. This year those items include: 1. His and Hers 5,000 square foot bowling center. "You choose the architectural style and provide the land, we will do the rest!" (Sani-Spray Shoe Sanitizer not included). 2. NM Limited edition 2005 Maserati Quattroporte. The color has already been chosen, but there are only 60 available. 0-60 in 5.1 "breathtaking" seconds, but the speed tops out at 170mph. 3. The Deep Flight Aviator. It's a 22 foot long submarine that can dive to 1500 feet and support life for 24 hours! Lessons included. 4. NM Exclusive Las Vegas Trike. Not for the kids! This one is a big-ass motorcycle. Big enough for you AND your bitches. 5. A custom suit of armor. For when you are tired of throwing waffles at your would-be girlfriends house, and really want to make an impression at her workplace. 6. Lifetime AAirpass membership for two. This one gets my vote for the one that I wish I could afford. It allows you to book seating in any available cabin with full VIP privileges for any open seat on any flight flown by American Airlines for the rest of your freaking life (or the rest of the airlines existence what with the state of airlines these days.) The only problem is you are stuck flying American Airlines. 7. Valentino Haute Couture Gown package. Poop-de-doo. You get a dress, a trip to Paris with some friends, and lunch with the designer. And you get to see the Valentino fashion show - woo! 8. Grand Ole Opry Experience. You get to sit in with the band, music lessons, an autographed guitar, accomodations, to co-host the warm up show on live AM radio, but the best part is the Customized matching his and her jackets designed by Manuel - jacketeer to the stars! 9. Zepplin NT. Be the first in the world to own your own private Zepplin. It can accomodate 15 people (including pilot) and can fly up to 70 knots for 24 hours. Make sure to plan for parking, and don't even think about flying it over D.C. We have our own damn blimp right now thank you very much. 10. Pink sapphire and diamond jewlery. Earrings, bracelet, and necklace. Only one set available in the world. Buy it now while you still can! Now without cheating... can anyone match the prices to the gifts? a. $25,000.-- b. $1,450,000.-- c. $2,500,000.-- d. $1,700,000.-- e. $20,000.-- f. $65,000.-- g. $125,000.-- h. $5,000,000.-- i. $10,000,000.-- j. $325,000.-- I wonder how much the shipping costs are... Lastly, Richard Avedon was an incredible photographer with an incredible eye. His vision will surely be missed in the world.

My cheeks actually hurt from smiling.

arrrgylesocks — 2004-10-07T08:10:10-05:00

Our kid is the greatest. For example...

...He he has names for all his books. There is "Monsters" which contains the various Sesame Street characters (mostly monsters). There is "Yellow" which is Dr. Seuss "My Many Colored Days." We have "Night Night Blue" which is a goodnight Blue's Clues book, "Moo Baa" (aka Moo Baa LaLaLa by Sandra Boynton), and "OOO-oooh-ing" which is his book about monkeys.

...As I got him ready for bed, I snuck an opportunity to clip his fingernails. Usually, he is not so happy about this. I counted each finger as I went along. He was pretty mellow, since he was pretty tired. But then when I got to his second hand, and I said "six" he replied "seven, eight, nine" I was shocked. The kid isn't even two yet. I asked "What comes after nine?" "ten" he replied. Wow. So I continued clipping, and he continued to help me count.

... Once in his footie jammies, we go in to say "Night Night" to Spouse and Child blows him a big kiss. Complete with saying "Mwah!" and the hand motion.

...Then as I was rocking him and singing him his bedtime songs, he has now turned them into audience participation. He particularly likes to sing the "eeeeeee" in the middle of and the "ba!" at the end of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's "African Alphabet" (with Kermit the Frog). Then he asks for the "Ernie song" which is "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon." Tonight though, we got lots of "ba!"s and giggles and just a look of pure joy.

This is what its all about folks.

Actual things I've seen this morning...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-10-08T11:10:09-05:00

- A do-it-yourself kit for acrylic toenail tips pre-painted with a french manicure.

- A man wearing a kilt walking into Borders with his wife and toddler, looking around confused as if he wasn't really sure why he was standing in a bookstore wearing his kilt.

- A potty book for little kids that has a speaker that plays "real flushing sounds"

- A cat on a leash (a rather unhappy cat at that too.)

And it's not even lunchtime yet!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-10-13T10:10:44-05:00

http://www.worldonfire.ca

I came across this link to the new Sarah McLachlan video for "World on Fire" this evening. This after a tough night getting Child to go to bed, the whole time we're trying to figure out how to get him calm and asleep, I'm thinking about how my dinner is getting cold and I'm getting hungry, worrying about what he's going to wear for school pictures at daycare, now listening to the debates and thinking about how the candidates are repeating themselves. I'm tired after a long day of work, and my mind is filled with what still needs to get done, all the emails and special projects I have to complete, how we are going to schedule out our events of this weekend, and how much I'm willing to spend on an hopeflly upcoming trip to see the fam.

Then I watch this video.

I would encourage you to watch it, and hear what you think. To some it may just be some liberal-ass video, to others, it makes you think that you are very fortunate to live where you do, and to have what you have in this world. And it reminded me once again that I feel I don't do enough to help others. That I really just need to stop talking, and start acting.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-10-15T07:10:44-05:00

Isn't it the worst feeling waking up feeling hungover when you weren't even drinking the night before?

Instead, my jet set rocking night, was spent sleeping on the floor of Child's room from around 4am something until Spouse got me up around 6:45ish, with Child stroking my hair so that he wouldn't scream hysterically. For some unknown reason, the past two nights and yesterday morning, major fits of screaming and crying ensued, so much so that both Spouse and I were at the breaking point. Child is such a mellow happy go lucky kid, and was acting totally fine during the day - so why this why now?

I took him to the Pediatrician today, just to make sure it wasn't an ear infection or strep (which was going around the daycare). We then spent an afternoon together shopping (well I shopped, he slept) and we got him some spiffy clearance stuff from Old Navy, an art project for me, and a "Woof Woof pillow" (that's what the tag says) for him to curl up with in his crib. Perhaps this will help? Since the little one gets comfort from scrunching our hair, and his, Spouse joked last night that we should just by the kid a wig to sleep with.

So instead of antibiotics, the Child got his flu shot. I wouldn't let him nap more than 2 hours today, so hopefully we'll have to see how he does tonight. I'm hoping he gets through it quietly, as (selfishly) Spouse and I have a lot to get done, and we have a long day planned for tomorrow.

And the irony of it all? Now I want a drink.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-10-21T12:10:47-05:00

First off let me say that I was raised a football girl. We just didn't have pro-baseball down where I grew up.

But tonight I've been watching the game with Spouse, who has been explaining the rules to the game. I've never understood the appeal of baseball - I always found it rather boring. The Red Sox-Yankees games these past few nights have been exciting to watch because of the anticipation of whether the Sox could pull off the comeback and actually make it to the World Series.

Now I've really been pulling for them to win (ahem...fairweather fan...ahem) but that's for two reasons:
1 - I like socks.
2 - I don't like the Yankees. I find them rather smarmy, like the Raiders, Redskins, or Miami Hurricanes.

Power to the Red Sox - congrats to them to finally making it to the Series after lo these many years.

Now lets hope the Presidential Election is this exciting for the country as well...

The Search for Sock

arrrgylesocks — 2004-10-24T10:10:59-05:00

Oh how appropriate. My son has developed a sock obsession.

Last year for Chanukah, one of my colleagues bought child two pairs of "Cheeri-toes" They are these really cute socks that come pre-mis-matched. One has polka dots, the other stripes. He's always gotten lots of comments on them, and the other day he decided that he wanted to wear them. Well actually just one of them. I was putting on his red polka dot cheerio-toe sock, when he asked me for "More socks!' So I handed him the nearest handy pair which were solid purple. But then - he wouldn't let me put the red stripey sock on. He wanted a purple one. So off to daycare he wanted wearing two really mis-matched socks.

The next day, as I was getting him dressed again, the same scene took place. Only this time it was the red stripey sock and the other purple sock. He attempted the same thing yesterday, but I secretly changed him into two clean (matching) white socks while he was eating lunch, and then I put his sneakers on. He was none the wiser.

This morning, same thing happened. But - lucky for us - we have a second pair of Cheeritoes. This pair is apple green, so rather than digging out the same dirty socks, I picked out a clean pair of "silly socks" and he was happy to wear both of those.

We went to the mall today in search of more "silly socks." Spouse found a cute pair of stripey socks that were on sale at the Baby Gap. Child was all happy about them, contently chewing on them until we had to pay for them, and of course until he successfully chewed his way through the heavy paper tag holding the socks together along with that odd little plastic "hanger" thingy.

I would like to note that we did find a cute pair of argyle socks, but they were over priced and not available in his size, so we did not purchase them.

So the search continues for more "silly socks" and who ever said kids don't like to get socks as presents?

Totally true story from the Socks files...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-10-31T08:10:18-05:00

Halloween 1997: I was rushing home from work so that I could make a phone call before sundown. Unfortunately, due to a combination of typical Friday night traffic, and people hurrying to get home to take their kids out trick or treating, I got stuck in traffic and arrived home too late to make my call.

When I arrived at my apartment door, I was excited to hear my cat meowing through the door. She had a benign tumor removed from her throat earlier in the week, and was slowly regaining her voice back. So this noise was a good thing. I entered the apartment, flipped on the hall light, and immediately turned left into the kitchen to feed her. She remained in the hall meowing. I stuck my head out of the kitchen door and something flies straight towards my head. I jumped back. After catching my breath, and with the cat still meowing, I slowly stuck my head out of the doorway and saw a small bat frantically flying around the hallway.

There is a bat. In my apartment. On Halloween.

Needless to say, I freaked out.

I grab the cat, throw her into the kitchen, close the kitchen door, and run out of the apartment. I had visions of coming back upstairs and seeing her laying on the floor with a vampire standing over her lifeless body, blood dripping from his fangs. I ran down to the Managers Office, and told them what happened. They didn't believe me. "Ha Ha Socks - good one - bat in your apartment - on Halloween!" They told me to call Animal Control. I told them to get it the hell out of my apartment. They call the building's maitenance guy, who was at another site. I told them I didn't really care that they were going home for the day, I wasn't leaving until that thing was gone.

Finally the building guy shows up, and he said "Oh yeah, this happened once before. I'll be there soon." They had been doing work on the outside of our building, screens had been removed, and they asked if I opened the windows and let it in. Yeah, because I am one of those sensible people that live on the 8th floor and would leave their cat home all day with open unscreened windows. Ummm...No.

I bravely head back upstairs, but am afraid to go into the apartment. I open the door, and see through the shadows that the bat has now taken residence on my window blinds. As I'm standing there, trying to figure out what to do next, one of my neighbors walks by. I holler for help. Neighbor man is one of many military types in my building (being as how the building was just two exits away from the Pentagon), this particular neighbor was a member of the Old Guard. They are the guys that guard the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery. Not wimpy men. I tell him the problem, and he laughs. Yeah right Socks. A bat, in your apartment, on Halloween. HaHa.

He comes in and sees it "Holy Shit! You weren't kidding!" "WHY WOULD I LIE ABOUT THIS!!!!" Then he walks over, opens the window, grabs the bat barehanded, throws it out the window, and closes the window. JUST LIKE THAT! I thank him, give him some candy, and off he goes. Of course, the building guy comes in right then, sees no bat, but the Old Guard neighbor man yells down the hall "IT REALLY WAS THERE!" Popular theory is that it flew in through the AC vents.

Fast forward a few years later, a friend was in town visiting her cousin. They stayed up late drinking wine, and talking with her roommates. One of the roommates tells this crazy story of her friend who came home one Halloween to find a bat in her apartment. After telling it, my friend says "Oh my god! My friend Socks went through the exact same thing!" Turns out, I was friends with both of them from two different worlds.

Happy Halloween everybody!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-11-04T09:11:15-05:00

OK - enough about politics! The election coverage overshadowed a very important news story that was published in yesterday's Washington Post:

Annapolis Boy Victim of a Candy Thief

An 11-year-old Annapolis trick-or-treater was assaulted and his Halloween candy was snatched Sunday night, police said. The boy told police that another youth hit him on the side of his face before taking the SpongeBob SquarePants pillowcase that contained his candy. Police said the incident happened about 7 p.m. near the old hospital on Franklin Street. The boy refused medical treatment. Neither he nor his parents could identify the assailant.

This was just wrong on so many levels!

I mean first of all, they don't even mention what the kid's Halloween costume was! And who was the assailant dressed up as? And what was up with "the assailant" - was he just too much of a lazy ass to go door to door and get his own damn candy? And - most importantly - why embarass the kid by mentioning that he was carrying a SpongeBob SquarePants pillowcase? Were they embarrassed to use the term "sack"?

That all aside, this article sheds light on an issue that everyone in this country should be concerned about and can get behind. This is a new form of violence, seemingly more dangerous than gangs, drugs, and youth basketball leagues. If we could all come together and agree to be tougher on candy crime - then - and only THEN my friends - will we be living in a better America.

Tribute to a good friend...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-11-09T09:11:13-05:00

We shared so many memories together, that it would be impossible to list them all.

We've been together for years. You were with me when I found out I was pregnant and when we brought Child home from the hospital. We went so many places together as life changed around us - from concerts and bars to daycare and playgrounds. Remember all the snow we shoveled the past few years? How many of those mornings we came in all cold and sopping wet.

We read books, we made a mess in the kitchen, and of course, we often went shopping. All of the trips we took together - from coast to coast and overseas. The many many many late nights - some nearly sleepless - that were spent either chaperoning teenagers or chatting on the computer. All the frappacinos, slurpees, beers, shoes... I never let you work on the house with me though, because I was always worried that something would happen to you.

Now I will finally admit that in the beginning you were not my favorite. But you grew on me, and were still around when the others had gone.

But now you are gone - our time together sadly, is no more. You were alway so dependable and reliable - always there for me when I needed you. There is someone new in my life, but its not the same.

So now I say farewell to you my favorite pair of blue jeans. I will miss you and think of you fondly. May you do well in your new life as a throw pillow.

Are you kidding me?

arrrgylesocks — 2004-11-11T04:11:32-05:00

I just read this on CNN.com:
full story at: http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/11/film.kinsey.protests.ap/index.html

Groups protest film about sex prof
'Kinsey' opens Friday in limited release
Thursday, November 11, 2004 Posted: 10:01 AM EST (1501 GMT)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Indignant conservative groups are protesting this week's opening of the film "Kinsey," denouncing it as propaganda seeking to glorify the researcher they blame for inspiring the sexual revolution.

"Alfred Kinsey is responsible in part for my generation being forced to deal face-to-face with the devastating consequences of sexually transmitted diseases, pornography and abortion," said Brandi Swindell, head of a college-oriented group called Generation Life that plans to picket theaters showing the film.

"Kinsey," starring Liam Neeson as the pioneering professor, opens in limited release Friday and nationwide in the following weeks.

Now personally I don't care one way or the other. You want to blame one individual personally for what you see are the promiscuous problems of the world - fine - go ahead - protest all you want and parade around your moral values - I just don't happen to agree with you. But don't go around saying this:

"Instead of being lionized, Kinsey's proper place is with Nazi Dr. Josef Mengele or your average Hollywood horror flick mad scientist," said Robert Knight, director of Concerned Women of America's Culture & Family Institute.

Mengele? Are you fucking serious? For me this is a HUGE pet peeve - people who compare scientists, researchers, and doctors who are working to learn more about society and/or advance our technology so that future generations will benefit and live better lives - to fucking Nazis who performed horrific experiments on innocent men, women, and children and systematically killed 12 million people - SIMPLY because you don't agree with them. That's not right - just don't go there. To me that makes you just as bad as them.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-11-16T09:11:41-05:00

Yesterday I dealt with the store FROM HELL (at least in my opinion). We had an item that was under warrantee that broke. On Friday. Night. The store that we got the item from is closed on Saturday and Sunday, so we had to fix as best we could and wait until yesterday to take the item back there for exchange.

The woman I spoke to on the phone at the store told me that if I wanted my items by the next day I would have to pay $10 to have them overnighted. Fine. Ten bucks, in a rush, no prob. BUT when I got to the shop the guy I spoke with said "Well if they have the item in stock, they will be here tomorrow." OK. So I placed my order and went on my merry way. When I called back later to see if they had the item and would it be in tomorrow, the same chick I spoke to the first time said "I TOLD you that you would have to pay $10 to guarantee them overnight." "But the guy I placed the order with didn't mention that". She mentioned multiple times that they were doing this free of charge and a favor and I'm like "And I apprecia..." and she cut me off to say "WOULD YOU LET ME FINISH PLEASE!" In my head I'm thinking "Bitch I'm paying you a complement!" She kept repeating that they were doing this free of charge - which annoyed me because they weren't doing it as a favor. They were doing it because the item broke before the warrantee expired! It's their store policy! Then they got snicky that I tried to fix the item myself, or take it elsewhere for a professional repair - because this would invalidate the warrantee. Like I knew this. By the end of the conversation we were both pissy and I'm just hoping that my stuff arrives the next day.

I unloaded to Arrrgyle Spouse who then said "Do you want me to call them and be the bad guy?" "Ummm...Sweetie...I think I've already accomplished that with them." So he cleaned up my verbal mess, and all we can do is wait .

So today we wait for the phone call. Everytime the phone rings at work, I grab it. It wasn't them. I got stuck in two long meetings, first thing I do after each is check my voice mail. Nada. So I call home to check our machine. Still nothing. When I get back to my office, on a hunch, I call the shop. "Hi, this is Mrs. Socks, I was wondering if our stuff was in." "Oh yeah. It's ready to be picked up." NICE OF THEM TO CALL US!!!! I call Spouse, who says "Yeah, I've been checking at home - no messages." I'm like "Yeah - it's in" so I rush out of work at 4pm to pick up Child on the way, and then rush to the store before they close at 530.

Of course while hurrying there, I got stuck behind every slow driver, and had two Metro busses block me in and prevent me from making my right turn. Missed a couple lights because of slow people who didn't seem to understand traffic laws. We made it there by 5. Walked in, got my brand new item, and walked back out. That was it. I was happy, Child was happy, Spouse was happy. But I have no desire to do business with these people ever again. I had mis-givings when I initially placed the order with them, as it was a decision we were rushed into and not able to shop around at all.

And on top of all that, tonight I'm feeling rather "pre-sick." But Spouse got me a Slurpee AND made me dinner AND finished up our holiday gift shopping. Major bonus points to him. Maybe I don't need a cabana boy after all.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-11-17T09:11:50-05:00

Why has no one blogged yet about the woman who is selling her grilled cheese sandwich on Ebay because the Virgin Mary appeared on it? Is this not one of the more stranger things for sale? Stuffed in a box with cotton balls. Why the hell would she want to sell this - and better yet - why would someone want to by it? What the hell are they going to do with it? Isn't she worried that someone may by it and eat it like they worried about someone destroying Babe Ruth's bat to reverse the curse of the Bambino? If it was grilled cheese sandwich of course, I would have eaten it. Personally I think the face looks more like Catherine Zeta Jones.

Man that is one hot sandwich...

Part one of Project Hank is underway.

arrrgylesocks — 2004-11-22T08:11:38-05:00

I have successfully mixed and placed into the oven two yellow cakes and one spice cake. No sweat - I love my KitchenAid mixer! They are (I hope) happily baking away at 350 degrees F, and singing the cooking song while wearing a top hat. With all luck, I will have correctly figured out the corrected baking times so that I won't have to start all over again tomorrow night. Worst case scenario, Spouse will be bringing a lot of cake parts to work tomorrow. To be continued...

Project Hank - part two!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-11-23T10:11:23-05:00

Cake construction has been completed. We are fully frosted and almost ready to go! Thursday morning we garnish and take pictures. I am so relieved that this dessert is almost finished. Now of course, I just have to wait and see how Spouse's family reacts to it. (And of course I will post pictures for all of you as well!). On tomorrow nights agenda - wrap presents!

This morning after Child finished his usual breakfast of banana, I asked him if there was anything else that he wanted to eat. He looked at the open fridge, grinned, and replied "CAKE!" I told him he had to wait until Friday for leftovers.

Project Hank - unveiled

arrrgylesocks — 2004-11-26T08:11:22-05:00

Want to know what I made for dessert this year?

I made a turkey cake. That's right. A cake in the shape of a roasted turkey complete with stuffing. (Sorry Sandy the eggplant cheesecake was last year's dessert).

Here it is....TAH DAH!

Yellow cake turkey with spice cake drunsticks and stuffing, covered with buttercream frosting, and a garnish of fresh orange slices and dried cranberries.

It was a complete success and declared a tradition for next year. Enjoyed by all last night, and the leftovers were enjoyed by Spouse's co-workers today.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-11-27T10:11:56-05:00

I usually refrain from shopping the day after Thanksgiving, but not because I'm protesting or participating in Buy Nothing Day but because I just don't want to deal with the insane crowds. Yesterday Child and I ended up going to Comp USA at the request of Spouse who really really really wanted to get some computer gadget thingy that was on deep deep discount for only 6 hours. So being the good wife that I am, we went, but by the time we arrived at 10:30 all the items were gone, and Child spent most of the time telling me that he wanted to leave the store.
We ended up heading over to Old Navy to pick up some of those nifty fleece blankies that were on sale for $5 with purchase. So I got a new scarf that was 50% off and Child and I picked out some blankets. He picked out a bright turquoise blue one and would not let go of it. I got two others, and we went to pay. He wouldn't let go of his blankie, so the checkout chick said "No sweat, I'll just ring up another one twice!" Well she forgot, and I didn't realize this until after we walked out the door. Does that make me a bad person that I didn't go back? We also went to craft store next door and got some foam stickers to decorate a picture frame for his new school picture.
Today we ended up shopping (again) despite ourselves. Our plan was to take Child to the playground, but he fell asleep on the way. So it being an overcast day and threatening to rain, we went to the mall. I really wanted one of those 2004 Macy's holiday Grovers with the watch, but wasn't going to buy $35 of merchandise to get one. When I was asking the checkout lady if it was possible to get one without the $35 purchase, the lady who was being rung up said "Oh well I'm buying more than that, so I'll get it for you!" Awesome! So I paid her in cash, while she paid for her purchase of more than $100 worth of scarves and gloves. We got the Grover, and she discovered there was a problem with her Macy's card - everybody won!
I also picked up my Mindsay gift exchange gift AND Spouse and I bought our official Washington Nationals baseball caps! We would have bought one for the kid, but they didn't have them in his size and he was having too much fun trying on hats for the Georgetown Hoyas and San Diego Padres.
Tomorrow we conclude our holiday weekend festivities by driving back through the woods and over the river to spend the day with the family before they head back home. Sadly...still no turkey leftovers. Damn vegetarians.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-12-01T08:12:49-05:00

Report that your boss didn't think could be done by 12/1 so she pushed the deadline back to 12/15 and you will have it done by 12/2 - check

Kick ass annual employee review that was so amazing that the boss mentioned how great you are repeatedly in a meeting with her boss and you are in line for a promotion - check

Being called the "go-to girl" by your boss in a meeting with higherups in your agency and thus get placed on multiple agency wide initiative projects - check

Asked to go to Las Vegas for the weekend to attend a conference for work (and discover that your room will be a suite!) - check

Have understanding Spouse that will let you go to Vegas alone for the weekend - check

Finish scheduling all the family appointments and arranging travel plans for the next two months - check

Realize that the past few days have been really awesome - check, check, and check.

Jumping on the 10 things bandwagon...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-12-02T08:12:26-05:00

- When I was in Jr. High I attended Barbizon School of Modeling.

- I once drove 1100 miles roundtrip in 2 days simply to go visit the Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory in Waterbury, Vermont. (As a result, we got free brownie bars!)

- I always wanted an older sister. I asked my parents if I could have one, and this is what prompted them to finally explain the facts of life to me.

- I was carjacked on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 1995 two blocks from my apartment in the parking garage of my neighborhood Safeway where I was going to buy ingredients to bake cookies for an office party the next day.

- In college I purchased porn for my friends who were too embarrassed to do it themselves.

- My downfall is Midori daiquris. Get me drunk enough and I'll speak with a Southern accent. Although even sober, I still say "y'all", "fixin" and "might could."

- I have never seen "It's a Wonderful Life," "The Godfather," or "Fletch."

- I have seen The Rocky Horror Picture show over 50 times and know all the lines, songs, and audience responses. One of those times we even took my dad with us.

- The first place I went to after our wedding reception was TGI Fridays where we had food and drinks (Midori natch!) with our friends. This while still wearing my wedding dress and didn't get a stain on it!

- I was an extra in the movie "Liberty Heights"

- I have ridden on both a camel across the desert and even on a elephant once as well.

- When I was 4 or 5 I received a Fisher Price dollhouse as a gift from my parents' friends. Inside the kitchen of the dollhouse I found a baggie full of pot that they had placed there as a gift for my folks.

The Daily Show-off

arrrgylesocks — 2004-12-10T08:12:43-05:00

Today at work I received a call from my father:

"I'M NOT GOING TO BE ON THE DAILY SHOW!!!!"

Ummm...OK. Me neither dad.

He proceeds to tell me excitedly that The Daily Show called him, interviewed him, and wanted to interview him on camera. Unfortunately it is not in his best employment interest to do so, and his boss had never seen the show, so he had to turn them down.

He goes on to tell me why The Daily Show wanted to interview him. A new law was passed that effects his workplace, articles were published about this new law, my father was quoted in two of the articles. One of the comments that the journalist included was a tad bit sarcastic, which as we all know never comes through as well in print. The story was picked up by AP, local radio shows were quoting him, and a small ruckus followed. Apparently the story was also noticed by someone at The Daily Show, and thus the subsequent phone call to ArrrgyleDad.

ArrrgyleDad was devistated that he couldn't be on the show. He LOVES the show. HUGE fan. Watches it every night, got the book for his birthday, and his fantasy has always been to appear on the show. He always thought that he could handle being interviewed on the show and not come across looking like a dumb-ass. But sadly, his dream is not to come true this time. Perhaps they will call back one day on something that is not as controversial, only time will tell. But in the meantime, I will proudly tell everyone that my dad will not be on The Daily Show.

Fire bad....

arrrgylesocks — 2004-12-12T12:12:52-05:00

When I was little I used to cry whenever my parents lit candles and sang. Friday night Shabbat candles, birthdays, Chanukah - you name it. We're not sure if it was the fire or the singing (I will admit that for quite a while I really didn't like my dad's singing), but whatever it was, it has become one of those things that my parents have never let me forget.

This is the first Chanukah that we can really celebrate with Child. The first night he was all excited while I was cleaning some old wax off the menorah and Husband was setting up the candles. He just learned the word "Chanukah" and was asking about it. But once we turned off the lights "NO MOMMY LIGHTS!" and started to light the candles, the whimpering started, then the full blown crying. He settled down when I stopped singing, clutching his favorite stuffed animal. Of course a present afterwards from his grandparents cheered him up right away, but we had to call my folks to thank them for the gift, and they were very amused that Child has inherited my irrational fear for the combination of fire and song.

Night two brought us cries of "No Chanukah!" and "No mommy singing!" and night three he was agreeable to lighting the candles, but still scared by them, and he stood back by the kitchen door, again safely clutching his stuffed animal.

Tonight however, he was running up and down the hall between the kitchen (where Spouse was making dinner and setting up the menorah) and the living room (where I was reading the paper) and going "CHANUKAH!" "MOMMY!!!! CHANUKAH!" "DADDY!!! CHANUKAH!!!" He grabbed my hand and said "Mommy! UP! Chanukah!" We went into the kitchen, "Mommy! Lights!" and I picked him up to turn off the lights. I asked him if I could sing too and he said "OK." Spouse lit the candles (I still have a slight fear of matches) and we all sang the blessings. Child was quiet in my arms, facinated with looking at the lit candles. Afterwards he said "Daddy! Happy Chanukah!" "Mommy! Happy Chanukah!" "Cat! Happy Chanukah!" "Doggie! Happy Chanukah!" When he realized that doggie wasn't in the kitchen, he went upstairs, got doggie and said "Doggie! Happy Chanukah!" When his grandfather called later "Hello? Hi Grandpa! Happy Chanukah!"

So Happy Chanukah Mindsay community! May you have a safe and happy holiday!

Tis the season to be...worried.

arrrgylesocks — 2004-12-16T09:12:18-05:00

So I'm doing something that I do well - worrying about things that I cannot control. Such as the first snow of the season actually hitting us next week, thus potentially delaying flights and complicating schedules. Or what will I wear to a three hour luncheon on Saturday, a party for 250 on Sunday afternoon, and an awards dinner Sunday evening. (OK - that I can control, I just don't have an answer yet). Or if everything go smoothly over the next couple weeks with all of our personal and professional committments.

Which I'm sure it all will be. I have made all my lists, and will make some more. I find that when I worry about what I can't control, then things turn out OK. Of course, Spouse will tell you that most of the time I'm a pretty rational one (not that he is irrational) but that when he gets stressed out about something, I will have a calm logical response. He does the same for me. We're good like that. I always imagine what the worst case scenario will be and how to resolve it. That when something less severe happens, we're completely prepared for it. Spouse is also very good at preparing to having arguments with someone and then of course never actually having the argument. We're just like Boy Scouts - always prepared.

And so we will carryon for the next few weeks. Imagining the worst, but expecting the best. But that's the way life goes...

Vegas baby!

arrrgylesocks — 2004-12-18T12:12:01-05:00

Las Vegas is a very strange animal. I'm safely ensconsed in my suite way up high - sorta overlooking the strip. I haven't gambled yet, but was amazed when I went downstairs to get coffee and breakfast this morning at 7:30, I was surprised to see the following that early in the morning: A woman on a Rascal scooter wearing a sequin shirt, three seemingly drunk frat boys wearing purposefully tacky sport jackets laughing loudly and knocking into each other on the way to the elevators, and yesterday I saw a guy hit a jackpot on a slot machine - in the airport baggage claim. And about McCarren - even the airport is super loud and flashy! Although I know I shouldn't have been surprised by any of this at all.

Last night my colleagues and I were all so zonked from a day of flying to go out, so tonight we are planning to see the sights of the strip. I was back upstairs by 9:30, and took the most incredible bubble bath. ArrrgyleSpouse - if you are reading this - when we grow up and buy our house with the attached two car garage - I want a soaking tub. It was so awesome and self-indulgent, and but I was too tired to fully enjoy it.

Today we are scheduled for more meetings and meals. I'm hoping this afternoon to go down the Strip to the mall - oh I'm sorry - "The Fashion Show" - to get my watch fixed and maybe during our break before dinner I'll go catch a movie (I know...I know...way to live on the edge in Vegas Socks!). I also want to check out the Canal Shops and I haven't decided if I will gamble or not, but part of me feels like I can't not play some games. Any gambling advice or suggestions anyone? Don't worry sweetie, Child will still have a college fund when I get back.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-12-20T08:12:52-05:00

Woo hoo! I won $25 playing the quarter slots! And I was also surprised to see that the casino restaurant was very busy at 4:15am as were some of the tables and slots. Don't even ask what I was doing down there at that hour of the morning. Wandering around the Grand Canal shops we found an incredible sushi place - my dinner companions have introduced me to the joy that is eating edamame. We also came across a great gallery that has a lot of fun art that I adored. I have shown restraint and NOT purchased the $500 print that I would love to have. Perhaps I need to spend some more time at the slots.

The one thing that really kills me is that smoking is allowed EVERYWHERE. I mean the casino floors and even restaurants, bars, clubgs, that I understand. But in the middle of the mall? in the bathrooms? the hallways up on the floors of the hotel? Ewwww. Ick...I smell like a casino...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2004-12-27T04:12:33-05:00

My dear friend just bought me a pen that reads "Extra Intelligent" that I can use for make my meticulous lists that I keep for him, and a small plastic skeleton that we decided is from the Pacific Northwest, but still needs a name. He now lives on my desk (the skeleton, not my friend).

Considering that I bought him a ceramic piggy bank in Las Vegas that was a cigar smoking, poker playing pig with the words "slots money" written on it's ass - I'd say that it was a fair exchange!

Today is Tuesday...

arrrgylesocks — 2004-12-29T12:12:06-05:00

As I sit alone in my office in a semi-brief period of quiet - although I can hear everyone right outside my door - I think in my haze of exhaustion how truly lucky I am. My family is safe, warm, and relatively healthy. I am well respected by my colleagues who understand how hard I work and they know that they will (usually) deal with a friendly face in most situations. My sore throat that I'm ignoring will go away, there will be time to catch up on my sleep over the weekend. Spouse reminds me that I've done good, and I will remind him that he totally kicks ass.

As I think about the year to come, in my mental calendar I cannot think past January. I think about all of things on our family calendar - appointments, trips, holidays, doctors, business meetings, etc. I think of the major projects I have on my plate, already thinking about preparations for this time next year, and about how much I love my husband and child, and how truly, truly fortunate I am to have them in my life. I know that there will be some challenging times ahead - and I will do my best to get through them with a strong logical head. I have a strong support network of friends and family that will help see us through. I know this year that I will learn something new, and I look forward to that. I'm always amazed to look back on the year and reflect on the past 365 days and marvel at how quickly they flew by.

I think of all of the wonderful things and people that I've been fortunate to have in my life this past year, and anxiously await to see what the new year will bring me.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-01-02T11:01:49-05:00

I HATE being sick. Actually - the head cold and congestion I can deal with - that's all a day's work during allergy season. This one adds in a low grade fever, chills, coughing, a sore throat, chest congestion, and my stomach muscles hurt from the coughing. Luckily last night the fever broke, but now I'm on a drug cocktail of 12 hour Sudafed, Ibuprofin, and Robitussin. Spouse also has a version of the same. Child thus far just has the congestion. Yick. My current New Years resolution is to get healthy.

So needless to say our New Years Eve was very uneventful. We went to bed around 10ish. Then at 12:15am the phone rang. "Hello" "Hey there...Happy New Years!" The voice at the other end of the phone sounded a lot like Isaac Hayes ("Chef" from South Park for you younger ones). "Umm...I think you have the wrong number" "Are you sure? Happy New Year!" "Yes sir, Happy New Years to you to, but you have the wrong number." "Oh sorry for waking you up then...Happy New Years Baby..." Well wasn't that exciting! Of course the phone rings back a couple minutes later. I let Spouse answer this time. Same guy, same conversation. Spouse points out that the guy was one digit off in his dialing. This of course makes me wonder - who was this mysterious deep voice man on the phone, and who is his "Baby" that he was trying to call? And did she even want him too? Alas, we will never know...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-01-05T11:01:30-05:00

I think everyone dreams of tapping their inner Sydney Bristow. Smooth, styling, kicking ass and taking names later, all while looking damn hot. I had that dream today. Then I broke out in an uncontrolable coughing fit for three minutes at the end of a very important business meeting and had (no kidding) four different people rush over from their offices to make sure I was ok. And then they continued to ask me about it all day. Now THAT is hot.

Pseudo-quick-up...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-01-07T09:01:53-05:00

I am feeling really tired. Still coughing and headachey. At least today I got to take a lot of short naps over the course of the afternoon. More importantly: my family is awesome - especially Spouse. I love that we work together well as a team, and we're 99% of the time on the same page with our parenting decisions. And I love that even when there are tougher times when we are both stressed out, tired, and feeling sick, we will have our words, then move on, apologize, and get back to the job at hand. He rocks. But you all already know that.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-01-09T10:01:55-05:00

Today was one of those Washington days. We decided to play tourist, and went down to the Mall. We headed to the National Botanic Garden, which is right between the Capitol and the National Museum of the American Indian. Neither of us had been there before, and since it just got a review in the Post as a neat place to take kids, we decided to go for a stroll.

We parked in front of the National Gallery's sculpture garden, and on our walk up the Mall we heard lots of pomp and circumstance. Then we heard a booming "Voice of God" saying "Ladies and Gentleman, the President of the United States" and then "Hail to the Chief" started playing. If we had been tourists, then surely we would have been very impressed at the other names introduced, but we realized that they were simply rehearsing for the Inauguration. A lot of the flags were up, LOTS of fencing around, and every now and then some Senator or Congressman was introduced, or the Marine band recording would start playing. All this while we were waiting in line at the Gardens. Funny thing was we were surrounded in line by other locals - none of whom were the least impressed.

The Gardens were pretty neat. I would assume that normally there wasn't a line, but today was apparently the last day of their model train exhibit. Child enjoyed the choo-choo-trains, but he also really loved looking at all the flowers in the different exhibit areas, and kept asking for more. So we pointed them all out - Lots of colors for him to identify, and he really liked the "Jungle" which would mist every few minutes and get "Mommy all wet!"

We then headed back down the Mall to the National Gallery, and took in the Dan Flavin retrospective. Lots of neon - that was neat. Child was quite taken in the contemporary art gallery with all the colors in Sol LeWitt's murals (Daddy! Yellow!), the Calder Animobiles (Horsey! Giraffe!) and with a painting of cakes (Cakes!). Spouse and I had fun riding on all the "hidden" elevators that were shaped rather oddly, and seemed to have been carved out of the space that was left behind. We rather liked the one that was wedged between a Warhol "Marilyn" painting and a deKooning flag.

Last stop was the Sculpture Garden, which in the winter, has an ice skating rink in the middle. We walked around the rink, taking in more art, and Child had fun marching around the outside of the rink. But the highlight was watching the Zamboni come out and smooth the ice. Child and I sat down and watched it go around and around. Every time it would pass us, he would look up at me and say "More truck?" Spouse was amused by the tourist taking a picture of the Zamboni, but it was right in front of the National Archives.

Child zonked out in the car on the way home. He woke up as I took him out of he car, the first thing he said to me was "More flowers?" See - there was more to today than just a Zamboni.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-01-15T09:01:21-05:00

I'm watching "Tsunami Aid" - actually it's more on in the background while I'm surfing/blogging/reading. First off - Jay Leno is an ass. He's the filler between segments talking while they show the celebrity phone answerers. If he makes one more dumb-ass comment about Cindy Crawford, I'm going to throw something at the TV.
But watching these celebrities appeal for donations makes me wonder - why isn't this huge outpouring of support done more often for other causes? Doctors Without Borders is telling donors that they now have enough for Southern Asia disaster relief and they are asking people to instead donate to their general fund. Other organizations have also said that they will also cap their donations,so that they won't appear too greedy or to let people when they have enough for this disaster relief and instead ask for unrestricted donations. This of course could backfire because then people may not give at all to organizations that year round help people, and continue to need money to assist in operations. Look at how many people lined up around the block to donate blood after 9/11 - how many of those peole have continued to donate blood since then?
I'm all for helping those in need. But what about the rest of the year people? or other immediate causes that are just as serious but not getting as much attention - such as the genocide in the Sudan. What about AIDS research? Homelessness? Heck, even our education system? I mean seriously Jay Leno, if I had a couple thousand dollars to give to charity at this very minute, I wouldn't be doing it because a bunch of celebrities signed a coffee mug or telephone, that I guarantee you will probably end up being sold on Ebay. ( By the way - kudos to Waxploitation records who just announcedacl that they are setting up a charitable auction of music memorabilia on Ebay to raise money for victims of the Sudan genocide.
I guess this combined with the wretched excess of the upcoming Presidential Inauguration make me wish that people would support charitable causes that require them on a regular basis and not just when a terrible tragedy occurs.

I do want to state that I am putting my money where my mouth is. In addition to making a donation to assist Tsunami victims, Spouse and I have also donated to two other non-Tsunami charities this evening as well.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-01-17T06:01:50-05:00

Today is the 10th Anniversary of my carjacking - Happy MLK, Jr. Day!. Sometimes I wonder how it would have gone if I had followed the advice of everyone who told me what I should of done. Or how it could have been worse. Or what happened to the two thirteen year old kids that punched me out and stole my car. I know they didn't get very far - as my car was recovered within the hour - but did they return to a life of crime, or did they "see the light" and have moved on to have productive happy lives? Most likely, I will never know. But I will always wonder why they picked MLK, Jr. Day of all days to do it.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-01-20T10:01:29-05:00

Taking full advantage of my bonus Federal holiday, Child and I were lazing around on the couch this morning, and we flipped on C-Span to catch the inaugural ceremony. He stared at the television intensely as Lynn Cheney, Laura Bush, Dick Cheney, and their entourages were introduced with lots of flourishy music. Then as George W. Bush neared the exit to head down with his people, the announcer listed all their names and titles, then as the Marine band started playing "Hail to the Chief," Child looks up at me and says "Mommy?" "Yes sweetie?" "Wiggles." And that was that. The channel was changed and we moved happily on. I think that about sums up how I felt about today.

Starbucks is the devil!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-01-26T08:01:28-05:00

and of course, I'm totally addicted to them. Spouse, Child, and I went to our local 'bucks to score some frappuccinos. While Spouse was waiting in line for them, Child looked at me and said "Mommy juice?" I replied "Mommy Coffee." "Oh..." "Daddy coffee?" "Yes - Daddy coffee too." "Daddy coffee too...Child coffee?" The other people waiting in line looked at me and I said "No sweetie...not until you are four." "YAAAAY!!!!" lots of dancing around ensued.

Monday at daycare, Child grabbed his sippy cup out of the fridge and proudly held it up to me saying "Mommy! Child coffee!" He then showed the daycare lady and she smiled at him. Silly me, thinking my joke was funny the first time, again said "Remember sweetie, no coffee until you are four." He turns to the daycare lady and says so proudly, "Deena....Child coffee four!" I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-01-29T02:01:59-05:00

Remember those "Choose Your Own Adventure" Books that were so popular in the 1980s? Where you would by this cheesey over-priced paperback that made you decide to go to the left or right, and you'd pick a page, then DIE, then go back and pick the other page instead and see how many times you had to go back to make it to the end of the book?

This morning Child insisted on having Mommy read Grover's "The Monster at the End of this Book" multiple times this morning. Even though we read this book together on a regular basis, he still gets into fits of giggles each time he turns the page. And it was while watching him smile and giggle this morning, and asking for "More Mommy Monster book?" that I realized this childhood classic was the first Choose Your Own Adventure book. I mean without the death and all, but still giving the child the power to decide what they were going to do next. Would they use their awesome power to scare Grover and keep turning the pages? Or would they be too scared to turn the pages, and let Grover hide behind his brick wall?

Our kid is a page turner, and an adventurous one at that.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-02T06:02:34-05:00

Today my co-worker who sits in the cube next to me (separated only by the space filled by a printer) barely spoke to me today. Since I was pretty busy this morning, I didn't really notice until 1:30pm and by that point I was wondering how long I could go without speaking to her at all. However the streak ended when the very first thing she said to me was - at 2:35pm - "Are you in the database? Can you look something up for me?" She then asked me the same question around 4ish, and at one point walked into my cube and behind me to place something in the to-be-filed pile with no words at all. She also proceeded to have a conversation with our intern - in my cube - without speaking with me at all. Strange. I blame the Groundhog.

Damn Groundhog -- of course there is going to be 6 more weeks of winter - it's February!

Don't eat the yellow snow!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-03T10:02:09-05:00

For a southerner, I sure love the colder seasons. The changing of the leaves, crunching through piles of them on the ground, watching the snow fall - love it love it love it. Today was nice because it started so light that I could only see it when I walked right up to the window - nose against the glass. Then it got a little more noticeable. Spouse called me for a weather update and I told him that it was a light flurry that wasn't sticking - of course then I look out the window and it was big fat snowflakes! Lucky for me this afternoon, my boss with the big huge window in her cushy office with the nice scenic view was totally unmotivated to work. We had an impromptu meeting - gossiping, shmoozing, time wasting away while we all enjoyed watching the snow fall. All we needed was a nice hot cup of cocoa.

Child was all excited when I picked him up this afternoon. "MOMMY!!!! SNOWMAN!!!!!" I also taught him how to catch snowflakes with his tongue, so when we got out of the car he leans his head back and sticks out his tongue. When we got to the front door of the house, I opened the storm door and he proceeds to lick it. "CHILD! No!" "Mommmmmmyyyyy..." He says grinning mischeviously..."I ate it!" I try to hold back a laugh, while telling him not to lick the front door, and having visions of "A Christmas Story" and strains of Frank Zappa stuck in my head.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-05T08:02:12-05:00

Tonight the three of us went to our favorite local diner for dinner, but our waiter smelled just like my high school boyfriend. Same cologne, and same way too much. Needless to say - not so enjoyable.

Just wondering...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-06T09:02:56-05:00

How come the Blinds To Go store doesn't have blinds on their store windows? I mean the building had two stories of floor to ceiling windows - with no blinds on them! Does anyone else find that very odd?

Why did we see two different men on two different ends of the same street yesterday BOTH riding on Segways? Do they know each other? Was there a Segway riders group meeting (Arlington chapter) that had broken up and they were all on their way home? Is riding a Segway really the most practical way to carry your groceries home from the store? And what did he do while in the store - did he have to park the Segway outside, or just grab a basket and zip around the store?

And why does my mother-in-law ALWAYS bring incredibly outdated and totally falling apart children's books with her when we go out together with Child? The first time I noticed this it was when she brought a copy of "Pat the Bunny" that was older than Spouse and taped together within an inch of its life. Tonight it was a beat-up old Sesame Street book with no cover and really old photos of Bert (who looked like he had a five o'clock shadow) and the very first Gordon. Child usually has very little interest in these. And she doesn't pull these out when we are hanging out inside the house. Does she not think that we don't already have a bunch of things in his bag to entertain him when we go out? I mean we were playing with a bunch of this stuff that we brought in the house. Spouse thinks she just trying hard to relate to him, and I'm certainly not going to ask her.

Like I said - just wondering.

It's Fat Tuesday!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-08T08:02:50-05:00

Or as Spouse prefers "Full Figured Tuesday." For some strange reason our small staff lunchroom and cafe cart was fully decked out for Mardi Gras with colorful curly ribbons hanging from the ceiling and lots of other decorations hanging up, they had a drawing for a King Cake (purchased at the local Giant) and were giving out beads to everyone. So I came home wearing a string of sparkly purple beads.

Child was entranced by them, and wanted to wear "Mommy's sparklys." As usual it was tough to get him undressed for bed, he threw a fit when his pants came off. So what follows is an actual sentence I never thought I would utter - especially not to my child:

"Sweetie - if you take off your shirt, I'll give you the beads!"

My college friends would have been so proud...

What are they thinking?

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-09T09:02:31-05:00

JC Penney's has a new Valentines Day commercial that has a soft voiced man singing the English lyrics to "99 Red Balloons" and as each woman opens her special gift, a red balloon floats up into the air, and then at the end of the commercial you see a whole load of red balloons floating around above the neighborhood. Do the ad-execs that thought of this ad have no f-ing clue that this song is an anti-war protest song about the Cold War era and nuclear bombs??? What is up with this? SO not romantic!

I love February sweeps!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-10T09:02:32-05:00

The local news always goes CRAZY with silly suck you in headlines. Our favorite one EVER was a couple years ago when the local Fox station was promo-ing for weeks that there was FECAL MATTER IN YOUR DRINKING WATER!!!! Of course it is like .0000000000000000001% of all the other things that is in your drinking water, but nevermind that. Then the next year - no joke - they were promoting YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT YOUR PETS ARE BRINGING INTO YOUR HOME!!!! This of course was also fecal matter because you know - pets poop and then walk around where they poop. Big poop-di-doo.

I was going to write down some of the more sensational headlines from this year to blog about, but there haven't really been any. UNTIL NOW!

Tonight our local CBS station was promoting DIAMONDS MADE FROM HUMAN ASHES!!!! A clip of the lab creating diamond guy was then played in which he said "We are making people rethink death. Now you can always have your loved ones with you." I just have visions of this conversation in some family:

"Mom, Dad. I wanted to tell you that I love Emily and I'm going to ask her to marry me."

"Son, we are so happy for you both! We love Emily, and we know how serious you are about her. We are so excited that you are going to make this lifetime commitment to her, and...well...we want you to have Grandma's diamond. We've been saving this for you for when this day would come, and we know that she would want you to have it"

"But Dad! That's not Grandma's diamond - THAT'S Grandma!"

-End scene-

What sound does a giraffe make?

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-13T09:02:36-05:00

Today we took advantage of the slightly warmer weather and we went to the zoo. Lucky for us, there weren't that many other people there so we could actually see the animals. We asked Child what we wanted to see when we arrived, and he replied "GIRAFFES!" On our way to the giraffes we saw silly monkeys, monkeys hugging, monkeys ooh-ooohing, and more monkeys. We also saw blue crabs (they eat shrimp), butterflies, and an octopus. Who knew they had those at the zoo? After lunch and running into some friends, we saw pandas, a really smelly camel, sleeping lions (roar!), silly tigers playing, and a hippopotamus. Unfortunately the bat cave was closed.

When we got home he was SO excited to tell his stuffed animals what we did today. So his version of the day "Child steps self" (the large long steps we walked up to get from the parking lot up to the zoo) and "baby elephant eating". It will never cease to amaze me what he recollections of the day are, and despite Spouse's inquiry to the very nice zoo volunteer - I still don't know what sound a giraffe makes.

What did I get for Valentines Day?

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-14T08:02:58-05:00

Steak.

Spouse brought me home a full out steak dinner.

Meat is way better than roses.

I learned two new words this week!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-17T09:02:22-05:00

Replevin (n)
1. An action to recover personal property said or claimed to be unlawfully taken.
2. The writ or procedure of such an action.

Vexillology (n)
1. The study of flags.

Guess who - WHAT???

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-18T08:02:34-05:00

Breaking news: "BONO NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE"

WhAT???

You can read about it here

Turns out upon reading an article from a more reputable source that there are 166 nominees, 29 of which are organizations. "They" (aka: "Nobel watchers" ) say that it will most likely be awarded to an organization that assisted with tsunami relief. Other leaked nominees include Colin Powell and the Pope. Oh - and also Ravi Shankar - the Indian sitar master. Of course!

I have an extra two hours!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-21T07:02:31-05:00

Today we had a Mommy/Child day thanks to our Federal Government. So according to my child, this is what we did today "Doctor! Moes! Eat quesadilla! Help Mommy push shopping cart! Walk! Playground! Elmo Zoe!" Because of this exhausting schedule, he didn't take a nap at all today. I was planning on putting him to bed early, but I wasn't expecting him to zonk out at 6pm! Usually he's down by 8, so this was a nice unexpected surprise of time. What to do? What to do? So far I've done my hair, started my laundry, and Spouse is making me dinner! So now I have time to finish my article that is due tomorrow and enjoy Desperate Housewives. Woo hoo!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-24T09:02:44-05:00

I think I've figured out what my problem is. I'm a normal (relatively) well adjusted married woman. I don't do drugs (never had) I'm not a drinker or a party animal. I don't (often) make witty political commentary or (rarely) engage in heated theological discussions. I also know how to type, have reasonably good grammar skills. I don't make it all about me when I reply to other people's blogs (at least I don't do so intentionally.)

Now nothing against my online friends - I'm just not as frequently witty or original as Sandyquill, 3rdplanet, Shiny, and the WTF crew and that's just to name a few. By the end of the day, I write about what matters to me or is on my mind - and that's most often my family.

And you know what? I'm ok with all that. Perhaps I need to reevaluate what I write about, but for now this is what it is and I am who I am. So deal with it.

OOmpa Loompa do ba dee doo...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-02-26T10:02:36-05:00

I saw the trailor for the remake of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" that Johnny Depp and Tim Burton are putting out this year. I don't remember the first time that I saw the Gene Wilder version of the movie, but I remember reading the books afterward - I always thought that the great glass elevator was so cool (it could go sideways!). But I also remember being scared by the movie quite a bit. It was a facinating film to watch, but just on the edge enough that it was a bit terrifying to me as well. Slightly maniacal - but damn those Oompa Loomps in their orange and greeness were a little scary.

My family used to go to this fancy italian restaurant downtown for anniversaries and other special occassions. There was a tall factory-like looking building behind the restaurant. It was always dark, and I assumed abandoned. I was always a little scared of that building on the other side of the chain-link fence because I was convinced that was where Willy Wonka had his factory, and that meant that the Oompa Loomps were in there. As much as I enjoyed going to that place, I was always scared when we were walking back to the car.

So needless to say - I don't think I'll be going to see this new movie.

Question...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-02T07:03:49-05:00

If you had an obscene amount of frequent flyer miles and go anywhere in the world with your partner for an extended weekend trip - where would you go?

This is the dilemma facing Spouse and I. We have loads of miles that we've been saving for years that we need to burn off before the airline goes under. But where to go? We've come to accept that we're not going to be taking our dream vacation to Australia this year, and we're not sure the airline will be around when we are ready to finally take that trip.

So where do we go and what do we see?

So far I'm thinking we go to Paris, but I really want to go see Stonehenge. Which if we can combine the two would involve the Chunnel. Hee..hee.."chunnel"...

Memo:

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-08T08:03:22-05:00

To: The woman sitting at the table across from me the other night

Re: Clothing

Dear Ms. Thing:

You are cute - I will totally give you that. You were enjoying your dinner with the handsome young man, drinking that large frozen fruity girly drink, and seem like a nice person. But I just wanted to let you know that I really didn't need to see your ass-crack while I was eating my dinner. I'm sure you didn't think about that at all, but next time, if you could just pull your shirt down, wear a jacket, or sit in a booth - I would greatly appreciate it as I'm sure the other diners would as well.

Thank you.

Socks.

Rêvez un petit rêve

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-11T09:03:03-05:00

Last night I had a dream about a painting. The painting was very large - a mural - and all it was was of a French poem. Then in the dream, some girl started to write in the translation between the words and I got so upset because she had ruined this painting and when she tried to correct it by erasing her words, it messed up the painting even more.

I haven't the foggiest idea what the dream meant, but I did wake up inspired to paint the painting that I saw in my dream. I haven't painted a real piece like this in quite a while. So now i just have to find the perfect French poem.

Pay it forward

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-13T10:03:15-05:00

As Spouse was checking out our purchases at the self-check station at the grocery store, I noticed $20 sitting in the hopper where you receive the bills you get as change or your cash-back. I thought about it for about 2 seconds (hmm...$20. It's just $20. That's our regular takeout. That's a bunch of slurpees. That's some Starbucks.) But I remembered the time that in that same store I made it all the way back to my car without grabbing my cash back, went back into the store to the manager, and someone had turned it in. So I grabbed the money, and was surprised that there were two bills. Forty bucks - well that now just upped the anty. But being a good citizen, I turned it in to the self-check monitors. They were so surprised and told me what a good person I was, and how honest I was, but deep down inside - $40 would have been nice.

Spouse was impressed what a good example I was. I asked him what he would have done if when he grabbed his cash back and counted it to find an extra $40, what he would have done. He said he probably would have thought it to be the store's error and kept the money. I know that I did the right thing and that I set a good example for Child. But yeah, that money would have been a nice bonus.

Waaah. I had a bad day (sorta). Waaah.

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-16T08:03:51-05:00

Everything that could have gone wrong this morning seemingly did.

1 - Child was acting his age and didn't want this, wanted that. Only wanted Mommy, then more food, then to color, then needed another diaper change. We ended up leaving the house at the time I was supposed to be at work.

2 - Drop off the kid and notice that my tire is flat. Again. Stop to fill it with air. Again. Contemplate stopping for coffee, but don't because I'm already super late.

3 - Sit in bumper to bumper traffic thinking "I should have stopped for the coffee."

4 - Finally get to work and discover that the building has been evacuated because of an alarm. It wasn't a drill, so I had to sit in my car in the parking lot until they cleared my building to re-enter.

5 - Discovered my Palm Pilot is dead, and I have to start from scratch. Of course I haven't synched it in a couple months, so I'm not even sure if I know everything that I lost.

6 - Find out that one of my friends was arrested after her parents called the cops on her after a domestic dispute between them.

7 - This is where the "sorta" part of my day comes in. I got a call from our front desk that some guy was here to see me. Not expecting anyone, I assumed it was another drop-in, which always drives me crazy. They tell me it is Dan (last name). My response "SHUT UP!" I've known Dan since high school when my best friend (who he had a crush on) tried to set us up. Dan and I went to college together, our roomates slept together, we lived next door to each other, and hung out all four years. We eventually lost touch, and I last saw him five years ago. He was back in town, took a chance that I'm still working at the same place, and there you go! It was so good to see him, and even better to hear that he is happy, married, a father, doing well. We're going to get back in touch and visit next time I head home for a visit.

So I'm home now to comfort food and hugs.

Last night I had the strangest dream

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-17T08:03:08-05:00

I sailed away to China, in a little rowboat to find ya, and you said you had to get your laundry cleaned.

OK - Not really. But I did have yet another bizarre dream in which my teeth fall out. Not all at once, but one at a time. In fact last night by the time I woke up I only had like two teeth in my mouth. And usually they fall out of my mouth in groups.

I have no idea what this means, but it always freaks me out when I wake up. I'm not a particularly vain person, I was a little worried about a meeting I had today, but I didn't think that much (it was a big success btw). Maybe I should just call my dentist instead.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-20T08:03:52-05:00

So I saw these at Target the other day, and again today in an ad in the paper. Which once again leads me to wonder... What the hell are these things for and why on earth would I want to buy a pair?

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-27T09:03:36-05:00

Sorry for not being around much this week. It has been a bit of a blah kind of week, although at work things have been good and busy and quiet, since I've been the only one in my department who was in the office.

But this weekend has just been gray and rainy. I would have been most content to just curl up with a good book and not doing much of anything. Inspired by the weather I did what I do best when I'm stressed out or need to think, which is clean the house. Our bathroom looks fab now. Then I went out, and perhaps a little inspired by tattooedjen, I bought a spiffy new pair of green and pink Converse All-Star hi-tops and put in bright pink ribbon laces with white polka-dots. Child calls them "Mommy's pink shoes" they are rather cheery. I also framed his artwork, and thought of another idea for a painting. Still have to do my poetry painting.

I was thinking this afternoon, what if I could just start everything over. Take a new job (I've decided that if I wasn't doing what I was doing that I would like to be a pastry chef. And working for someone cool like Mike McCarey and perhaps I could once again dye my hair a funky color.
Maybe for now I'll just find a cool class to sign up for and that wil distract me for the time being.

I hate Spring

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-29T09:03:27-05:00

People ask me - Socks what is your favorite season? And I say FALL! I mean you've got cozy snuggley sweater weather, crunchy leaves, and football!

So why does Spring annoy me so much? I can sum it all up in two words: tourists and pollen.

While it is nice to have commerce and trade happening around here, and to see that people have overcome their post 9/11 fear of travelling up here, they just have no idea where they are going, what the proper Metro etiquette is, and will stop you to ask you - what us locals feel - are silly questions. They also add to traffic and drive slow either trying to figure out where they are going, or because they are looking at the monuments and buildings. And they look so doofy wearing those overpriced thin garbage bag rain ponchos. The one thing that does amuse me about them are the large packs of kids that travel in herds together led by a retiree who now works for a tour company and is leading them around carrying a large umbrella/flag/identifiable object over their head. Oh - and the kids are all wearing matching t-shirts/vests/hats/safety patrol belts/name tags. They blend.

Now in order to make the city look all nicey nice for said tourists, the city throws a big festival to celebrate the cherry blossoms. This means more tourists, but when the trees bloom it means more pollen! Oh sure they look pretty, but being a lifetime allergy sufferer, I dread this time of year. A couple years ago it got so bad that I couldn't walk from where I parked my car to my office without getting winded. Sneezing, itchy watery eyes, the works. All I have to say is thank god for pharmaceuticals. For multiple reasons.

Be Prepared!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-03-31T08:03:32-05:00

I've always been one of those people that seem to have whatever you need in my bag when you need it. In college my classmates called me "Felix" because one day, in the same class, I had a stick of gum, tissues, and a road map for the state of Florida all when asked for.

Today was no exception.

I was sitting though the second hour of a two hour meeting in which we were having the stimulating conversation about the new database system we are creating. Working from our Word documents and live database feed wasn't working for some people, so Bosslady suggested to ITMan that he write using the big pad o'paper that was standing on an easel behind him. ITMan didn't have any markers, and there were none in the conference room. Using a ballpoint pen wasn't working and I piped up "I have a big purple crayon you can use!" and I whip it right out of my bag.

"Umm...Socks...why do you have a big purple crayon?"
"Because it goes with my handy dandy notebook!"

Well actually, it's Child's crayon and notebook. I just happen to keep them in my bag so that the crayon doesn't melt in the car. And this morning in the car, when I heard "Uh-Oh Mommy - crayon broken!" I set to work taping crayon back together using the roll of scotch tape I keep in the car. And so taped-together crayon was put to work mapping out our data. And I made sure to get it back so that Child wouldn't be dissapointed when we got home. Tomorrow morning it will be back to drawing paw prints. And THAT what we call full circle.

Memo:

arrrgylesocks — 2005-04-03T08:04:46-05:00

To: The mothers I saw at the mall yesterday.

Re: Your daughter was dressed like a whore!

I'm not going to mince words here dearies - your little girls, all three of them - and all of them under the age of 10 - they looked like tramps. So the first one I saw, leaning over the makeup counter at Macy's - I thought "Ok - wll the boots are practical, it's raining." Then I noticed the leopard print mini skirt. Minutes later walking through the mall - there is another one with the knee-high boots and the short short skirt, I'll assume the hair and makeup was courtesy of Club Libby Lu, but that really didn't make her look any less like a slut. Then number three, later in the mall - it's a damn epidemic!

So why pray tell would you let your kids go out looking like that? I mean maybe if they were college girls going out for a night of clubbing or if she was getting ready for her performance on the pole. But why would you let a young girl go to the mall like that? Or anywhere for that matter? I don't even think that the style of short minis and knee high boots is even in style anymore. Perhaps get her a nice subscription to YM, Seventeen, or Tiger Beat. If she really wants to wear the boots with the skirt - then a longer skirt is suggested. But you shouldn't let her go out looking like that because people like me are going think terrible things about people like you.

Thank God I had a boy...

Shhh....

arrrgylesocks — 2005-04-07T09:04:14-05:00

I've been keeping a secret.

I saw another man not to long ago, and he once again asked me to do something that I don't usually do. And you know what? This time I agreed to do it. And I've done it multiple times since then. And I don't mind it as much as I used to. I might even like it a little bit. I feel rather satisfied after I've done, even feeling happy. Spouse doesn't know I'm doing it, I've kept it to myself. I think he knows, I should really tell him. We shouldn't keep secrets. I could even share with him if he wants to. He could be doing it to, and I don't really know. Never asked him. Perhaps I should.

But I'll tell you my secret. I've been flossing. With dental tape. It's minty. My teeth and gums are happy. And so am I.

DOWNLOAD OR DIE!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-04-08T09:04:14-05:00

Last week Spouse told me about a guy who actually read the electronic user agreement that pops up when you download software. Apparently at the very end of it, it directed you to a website, which if you sent them an email you won money. He read it, he did it, and was the ONLY one out of a thousand people who downloaded the software.

This morning I had to download Apple Quicktime in order to view some fancy papal animation on cnn.com. So when the user agreement popped up - I skimmed through the whole damn thing. By doing so - this is what I found:

THE APPLE SOFTWARE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES, AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION OR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS, LIFE SUPPORT MACHINES OR OTHER EQUIPMENT IN WHICH THE FAILURE OF THE APPLE SOFTWARE COULD LEAD TO DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR SEVERE PHYSICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.

So now I'm wondering. Did someone try to use Apple Quicktime for use in the operation of nuclear facilities, to fly a plane, or save someone's life unsuccessfully? Is this what really happened to Terri Sciavo?

Happy birthday you big Twinkie!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-04-13T09:04:14-05:00

This month Twinkies turn 75 years old! Wow - I love Twinkies. Not as much as Louis Browning of Shelbyville, IN who has consumed a Twinkie nearly every day since 1941 (according to the Washington Post). Twinkies are such a mighty fine snack food. sweet, cakey, creamy. The mystery when you are a kid as to how the cream got inside.

When I was in high school we did a production of Grease, so there were always plenty of boxes of Twinkies around because we were using them as props. In college they were a late night comfort food. I remember fondly when they came out with Light Twinkies. Tasted just as good (if not a little better) than the originals. When I was recovering from Mono, my doctor told me to eat some Twinks in order to regain strength and some of the weight back that I lost so rapidly. After perusing some recipes online, I don't think that I will partake in a deep fried Twinkie on a stick or Twinkie tacos, but Twinkiemisu doesn't sound so bad.

I haven't had any in a while, but perhaps I shall put on a party hat and partake!

Just say no - to baptism!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-04-16T10:04:29-05:00

My father informed me the other day that thanks to Terri Schiavo, he has written up his living will. He reviewed it with Mom and was getting ready to make it all official and such. In addition to the usual procedural dos and don'ts, Dad told me that there is one other procedure that he wants to make sure does not occur - a baptism. Umm..okay.

Apparently at a hospital in the south where Dad used to work back in the '70s, they would baptize a dying patient if they didn't know their religion, and then I assume administer last rites. So he wants to make sure that we don't baptize him. No sweat. I informed Spouse so that in case my mother and I are too distraught over the situation to make sure they don't baptize him, he will make sure that there are no unauthorized religious rituals performed. And of course this all assumes that we are there at the time to identify him and his religous preferences.

Now of course, Mom, Spouse and I think Dad is a bit nuts, but whatever makes him happy and more comfortable in what will be his dying days. This is one more thing on the list of things my father has informed me of regarding his health. During a recent dental emergency we teased him about the chip the government planted in his mouth, and each time he has a medical procedure, major illness, or diagnosis I tell him to just add it to the list that I will be giving to the home when I drop him off. Don't get me wrong - I love my dad, this is just part of our relationship. I'm glad that he wrote up the living will, that will certainly help us get through what will be a difficult time. I still think he's a little nuts though...

Run away!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-04-19T07:04:01-05:00

Damn I wish I had my camera with me yesterday! I went to the grocery store to pick a few staples, and parked in front of the store was the Krispy Kreme truck. The back door was open, and the ramp was pulled down. Delivery person not in sight, so probably inside back in the bakery. But what struck me was that at the bottom of the ramp was a pile of donuts. A glazed cruller, a couple of chocolate iced, some jelly filled, and a lone unidentified crushed one with a pile of crumbs (probably a classic glazed). There they were all at the bottom of the ramp. As if they had attempted escape from their bakery fate, being eaten by a little kid or snacky adult who is secretly craving carbs. But having failed in their attempt for freedom, they instead lay in a failed heap in the parking lot. It was a sad yet funny little sight, and because I was without my camera, their break out will live on only in my mind.

random thoughts

arrrgylesocks — 2005-04-30T10:04:24-05:00

Why do I love my local Starbucks? It has a drive through and is next door to the discount gas station. It is also next door to a laundromat, and there is something warm and fuzzy about the smell of fabric softener in the air on a yucky day.

While typing up a memo for work, I made a typo that I realized would be the perfect name for either a band, album title, or the name of my business should I ever decide to start selling the handbags and other sewing crafts that I make for friends and self.

I completely kick ass at work by getting done three major projects completed on time and all at the same time, even with my other day every day stuff that has to be done as well. AND the project that I was busting my butt on last summer that was postponed is back on and scheduled for this fall. YAY!

I finally got my Doc Martens fixed. It's nice to have an old friend back.

Head towards the light...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-05-05T08:05:53-05:00

This evening as I was waiting at the Starbucks for my Frapacinnos, I really had to pee. When I opened the bathroom door, the light was off, and I was pushing the door open further to look for the lightswitch, the light popped on, and I noticed a motion sensor by the door where the light switch should be. This caused me to immediately flashback to my first apartment and something that I hadn't thought about in 10 years.

When I first moved "up north" I was living in a university dorm. When it became apparent that I was going to stay in the city, I found a room in a group house. It was the entire basement of a row house, with my own bathroom, and I was going to move in with a friend of mine. When I moved in however, the space was a dump. The previous tenant left it a mess. There were bugs, and other nasty things. I killed something so big that I had to use a cinderblock. I was afraid to sleep there, and spent most of the night on the phone with my best friend. I moved out the next morning and back in to the dorm. I then found a studio apartment with a great view, and the right price. It was a 9 month sublet, which was the perfect amount of time. I settled in, and my cat soon followed. We were all the way at the end of a very long hallway, I had some great neighbors - A lovely longterm gay couple who made over their whole place, and two guys who were best friends that worked at the world bank. Their girlfriends lived with them most of the time too, and we all became good friends and catsitters.

What I remembered suddenly while using the bathroom at Starbucks, was that my bathroom in that apartment also had a motion sensor light. This of course was not a problem if I was using the sink or toilet, but I quikly discovered that if the sensor did not detect any movement after 10 minutes, the light would shut off. This was a problem if I was taking a shower or a bath. I had to buy a clear shower curtain so that the sensor would detect me while I was in the shower, but developed a system to wave around a broom every 10 minutes or so when I was taking a bath, being sure to light a candle just in case. This was not always relaxing, but always amusing in the end.

(Why is "light yourself on fire" now a suggested tag????)

After a building fire and a car jacking I decided it was time to move to a better location. I moved across the river, and after getting screwed over at the last minute by the guy who I was going to sublet from, the building manager rented me a unit that was - as it turns out better - and readily available.

But that little light sensor reminded me of that first dumpy little place, and my memories there. I don't miss that light sensor though. One should never have to take a broom to take a bath.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-05-06T10:05:01-05:00

Wow guys - I really feel the love. What a nice way to end a lovely day. Ranks right up there with the steak & slurpees that Spouse got me for dinner, the whispered "Happy Birthday Mommy" Child spoke to me shortly before a big hug and snuggle together before bedtime, and watching the Jewish biker gang do the hora on the National Mall this afternoon. Jewish biker gang - what??? Huh??? More tomorrow - with pictures!

Born to be...wha???

arrrgylesocks — 2005-05-08T09:05:08-05:00

So on Friday, while wandering down the National Mall on my lunch break, I happened upon a couple hundred Harley riding, leather clad, bikers. Jewish bikers. Riding to Remember the Holocaust. When I first came apon them, they were blasting "Born to be Wild." My friend that was with me said "Wouldn't it be funny if they started dancing the hora?" And then they did...

And this a row of bikes running all the way down the street.

That woman there? She was chattering away on her cell phone in fluent Hebrew.

It was such a surreal scene. They all had special flags on their bikes saying "Never Forget" along with Israeli flags. A bunch of them had on yellow stickers reading this as well. They were a nice folk, all in all there were about 250. We left before the ceremony began.

Then it was back to the office for a meeting with my boss. Turns out the meeting was a nice little birthday celebration with a fab chocolate cake, strawberries, and melt in your mouth made from scratch homemade British shortcake.

Mother's day was really nice to. The weather was perfect, and so was our family time. Child gave me a cute little homemade picture frame "I made myself Mommy!" Mom was happy to hear from us too. All in all - a wonderful weekend - may we have many many more.

Love post 9/11

arrrgylesocks — 2005-05-11T09:05:09-05:00

This afternoon just as my colleagues and I were getting ready to go down for lunch, I quickly logged on to the net to check the headlines. There in all it's blazing red "BREAKING NEWS" glory was a headline on CNN stating that the White House, Supreme Court, and Capitol were all being evacuated. It didn't say why, just that it was happening and that authorities were serious. This concerned me - especially since I work not to far from these buildings. So I hopped over to two local news websites - one had the same info, the other nothing. One of my colleagues was standing behind me, and we were pondering what to do about this, when I suggested that we call Spouse. He may know more info. Just then, my phone rings and my caller ID announces "Spouse at work!" I grab the phone and before I could ask him what was going on, he asks me if we were being evacuated. I told him no, but if we did I would call. I promised to take my cell phone downstairs with me for lunch just in case, and told him how sweet he was to be concerned. He was able to tell us that the FAA was involved and it had something to do with an aircraft in restricted airspace over DC.

Not two seconds after we hung up, and I grabbed my purse, the phone rings again. It's Spouse with the news update that the all clear has been sounded, and everyone was going back to work. I thought it was sweet of him to be so concerned, and I put my phone away. We enjoyed our lunch, and went on with our day. But it occurred to me that pre-9/11 a call like that would have never happened. Spouse might have called to check in on me, but I don't think I would have heard so much concern in his voice. It nice to know that there is someone out there who worries about me so when things like this happen, but it's sad that he has too.

Girls can give you gas

arrrgylesocks — 2005-05-16T09:05:10-05:00

While sitting in line waiting for, and then standing outside while waiting for my car to be inspected, I had a brainstorm. I should open a Chicks only service station.

One that has a comfy waiting area with plush couches and fluffy pink pillows, a cute cabana boy/station manager who would make us fresh coffee beverages. Perhaps we could also get mani/pedis while we wait. I would have an all chick staff - tough broads who fix cars. Vroom vroom! They would always be polite and explain what needed to be done/was done on our motor vehicles without being condescending or smarmy. The work environment would always be clean and sanitary (to the best of all abilities of course).

Now Spouse pointed out that this of course would make it very attractive to men who would want their cars serviced by tough broads. We would not gender descriminate against our customers, but if they get fresh with my girls, we will reserve the right to refuse service to them in the future.

When I was in college there was a towing company called "Big Momma's" or something like that. Their trucks were bright pink, and they had chick drivers. It was a company that you didn't mind calling when your car broke down on a dark street. If the service station is successful then we could branch out to towing and such. My girls and I would also support lots of charitable causes for women's rights.

Of course my inner Beavis says "It brings new meaning to the term "body shop" he he he

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-05-19T09:05:54-05:00

I lost my pants again. Man oh man do I hate when that happens. I mean it's one thing to lose a sock in the laundry - it's almost expected actually, but tonight I lost my pants. And sadly, this is not the first time that this has happened to me.

So I have two really nice pairs of black dress pants which I often wear to work and when I need to look like a dressy grown up who prefers not to wear a skirt. They also both match my snappy blazer. I wore the first pair on Monday, and the other pair today, and since I was doing a wash tonight, both went in the basket, as did other random things - a sweater, jeans, "unmentionables", socks, etc. As per my usual routine, I threw everything in the washer being careful to balance the load. Made dinner, put the kid to bed, went down to put my stuff in the dryer, pulled out my pants and sweater to line dry them, and damnit if one pair of my pants were missing!

The same damn thing happened a couple weeks ago. I shlepped everything down, threw it all in the wash, pulled it out for the dryer - pants are missing. I was worried that Spouse had already put them in the dryer, but no - they were all the way upstairs, sitting on top of the bed. You think I would have learned my lesson.

So tonight, after pulling everything out of the dryer - twice - and sorting through all of it - twice - to find my missing pants, I resigned myself to the fact that they were not there. They were - of course - still sitting upstairs on the bed. Again. I did notice however that I had an extra pair of jeans in the wash. I only have two pairs of jeans and yet I washed three. Did my dress pants decide they needed a vacation and became jeans? Did they do like a "Freaky Friday" switch? One would never know - at least not until Spouse said "Hey! Thanks for washing my jeans! They were missing and I've been looking for them!"

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-05-20T11:05:43-05:00

"Don't miss Pop-Tarts Presents American Idols Live"

Does anyone else find this email header that I just got from Ticketmaster as amusing as I do?

Just when I thought I had seen everything...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-05-21T08:05:58-05:00

Today I saw woman at the mall pushing a stroller into the mall that was specially designed for her two little yappy dogs. A STROLLER FOR HER DOGS.

It looked like a canvas kennel-y like thing that was sitting on a dolly like thing that she was pushing like a stroller.

A FRIGGIN STROLLER FOR HER DOGS.

Now I've seen the cha-cha chicklets with their tiny dogs being carried in their oversize purses - but if you need a friggin stroller for your friggin dogs in order to take them to the mall, then maybe you need to learn to let go.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-05-28T11:05:25-05:00

Here are some things that I remember from elementary school:

There was one girl who was in my class every year, she was the tallest in our grade, and she would always volunteer to bring airpopped popcorn when we had to bring in food for parties. It wasn't until 5th grade that we weren't placed into each other's class. This was because the principal finally realized that we didn't like each other and didn't get along.

I was friends with the girl who blew her nose in her shirt and the tomboy (they were best friends).

I decided to take flute lessons because one of my best friends did too. I thought I was so cool bringing it in and leaving it up on the book case by the door to the classroom.

In third grade I purposefully popped the playground ball so that I would look like the hero when I fixed it with tape. After all that's what happened when the popular boy fixed the ball. I didn't work and I got in a lot of trouble.

I cried before the first night of school one year because my favorite teacher (our art teacher) wasn't coming back that year.

Friday afternoons were always my favorite because we had a big assembly and the rest of the afternoon was usually free play.

I rarely wore shorts - no matter how hot.

I once got sent to the principal's office for getting up to sharpen my pencil. That teacher had issues.

I also got in trouble in Kindergarten because the teacher said I was refusing to properly learn my address and phone number. Turns out what they had on record was our temporary address that we were at when I registered for school and not the correct address we actually lived at.

We got a bonus day off of school once because there was a police shoot-out outside our cafeteria. A guy who was trying to flee the police ran into our school and he was shot when they apprehended him.

the creative process

arrrgylesocks — 2005-06-07T10:06:51-05:00

I know it's been awhile but I've been rather busy being creative. In addition to doing some serious work on my first quilt for Child, I've been busy designing handbags.

It all started a few weeks ago when I decided I needed a new handbag. Being that I'm a crafty kind of gal, I decided to make my own. Done this before, no problem. I started surfing the 'net and found a really cute bag with this adorable monkey fabric. So I hit equilter.com and found the fabric AND matching banana fabric. Once it arrived, Child was so taken by it and enjoyed playing with the yardage, that I asked him if he wanted a monkey blanket. Of course he said "Yes!" so off I went, designing from scratch a quilt, figuring out yardage, and ordering it all off the Ebay. Away I went cutting triangles, piecing them together, and then my best friend who is a quilter taught me how to do the quilting and binding. Child grabbed one of the triangles and said "Mommy - my monkey blankie!" I'm looking forward to finishing it (hopefully over the weekend), and will post pictures when done.

This of course still leaves me sans new handbag. So I found some more fabric on the Ebay (this time I went with the retro floral funky mod look) and I've been sketching designs. I've narrowed it down a bit, but am still refining the design. Right now I just know that it needs to be big enough to fit my umbrella. And cell phone, and Clie, and wallet, and crayons, and keys, and water bottle, and tissues, and gum, and other mommy things. But not too big.

Today another package of fabric arrived from the Ebay. Spouse's comment on all of this? "Yeah...You've been doing a lot of that lately."

A couple years ago a couple friends of mine and I bought tons of fabric and had dreams of making handbags. I still have a lot of that fabric. My problem is that if I do something too much to the point that it becomes not fun anymore then I'm going to stop doing it. Of course, I've already come up with the perfect name for my label should I decide to sell them (to remain under wraps for the time being.) We shall see. In the meantime - I quilt because I Mom.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-06-10T09:06:36-05:00

My friend Lauren lost her battle with cancer yesterday evening. She was only in her mid-40s. I first met her when she had just moved to Washington to start a new job with our organization. She was quiet, kept to herself, but we would exchange plesantries as we passed in the hall. I didn't see her much, but then again she worked down the hall in a different department. After some time, I learned that she had been out a lot because she was getting radiation treatments. Apparently weeks after starting her job she was diagnosed with breast cancer. We knew she was wearing a wig, but a lot of us had assumed that it was for religous reasons and modesty. Once she returned back to work full time, I got to know her a little bit better. She was still a quiet person, but had a great smile and every now and then would spit out a zinger that you would have never expected. She had a big heart, and was a great listener.   She was in remission, and feeling so much better.

When I had Child, she joined our family in celebration and got him a very cute little outfit. I think he wore it maybe once. And a silly dinosaur stuffed toy that you could stack rings on. She then told me that she herself would be going on maternity leave. But wait - she's unmarried and not seeing anyone... She told me that she was going to China, because she was adopting a little girl. Something that she had in the works for months, but didn't tell anyone. Her boss was not too thrilled. They never really clicked, and she wasn't quite working up to his expectations. He has very high expectations. So off she went to China, and came home with her daughter Emily - the cutest little thing. We both came back to work around the same time, and would often share stories and compare our kids, and give advice.   Things at work still weren't working out for her. She was transferred to another division, moved offices, and given a new assignment. During all of this, her cancer came back and she had to start treatments again. She was also looking for a new job, and eventually found an amazing one not too far away. Her insurance coverage stayed steady, as did her treatments. I would occassionally run into her as she was picking up Emily at daycare, and Lauren was always looking so tired at the end of the day.

We got together once or twice for lunch with other friends from work. Her father passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack, and we were there for her. We always tried to make arrangements to get together with the kids, but something always hampered the plans. She started an experimental treatment program, but it wasn't working. Our last long conversation was in April when we tried to get together to go to the Smithsonian Kite Festival. It was POURING that day. So instead we talked for a good 45 minutes on the phone, laughing and sharing stories about our kids, and it was peppered with "Emily get off the couch" and "Child, stop eating your toy cars!"

Other friends at work kept me up to date about her condition. She was deteriorating. The cancer came back, and had spread all over. It was now in her brain. She couldn't swallow, so she was losing a lot of weight, and couldn't keep up with Emily. A couple friends from work, walked in her honor at the Race for the Cure a couple weeks ago. Her mother came down to help, then we got word that Lauren and Emily were moving up north to move in with her mother. I called and left her a message that we were thinking about them, and maybe we could come up to visit - even though I knew that was never going to happen. That was only 4 weeks ago.

Today we got an email from her former supervisor that Lauren died last night. Many people thought she was selfish for adopting Emily when she knew she was sick, but she gave that little girl a life that she would have never had, and Emily is adored and loved by Lauren's family.   Last night while I was sewing, all of a sudden there was this huge crash of thunder. Totally unexpected and startling. Now I think that might of been Lauren's final way of saying goodbye.

Goodbye friend...you will be remembered and missed.

Inspired by Shiny

arrrgylesocks — 2005-06-15T09:06:00-05:00

Here is my acrostic...

S - Stop sign. I was driving home yesterday and I see this guy standing on the corner holding a stop sign. My first thought was that he was a crossing guard, but there are no schools on this strip of street. Then he steps out in to the street. I was far enough away to slow down, but the guy behind me was being an ass and zoomed around me to cruise by - he had to slam on his brakes so that he didn't hit this guy - who was holding out his stop sign and taking his sweet old time crossing this busy four lane street. I do want to clarify two points. The guy looked like Melvin from Office Space - at the end of the movie Melvin in the Hawaiian print shirt, but with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. I will also add that he was in a cross walk, but there are no lights or stop signs for the oncoming traffic. I wonder how long he had to cross this street before he decided "Hey! What I really need to help me out is my own homemade stop sign."

O - Oh my goodness! I just watched Jessica Simpson's new music video for her remake of "These Boots Are Made for Walking" A great song (the original that is) but her new version, ok well...any song she records...not so hot. But the video - I feel dirty. Like I was just watching something rather "adult" lap dances, skimpy outfit, and a gratuitous bikini wearing soapy car wash at the end. And Willy Nelson. *shudders*

C - children. I'm watching a Discovery Health channel special on the Duggar family from Arkansas. At the time of this special, they had 14 kids with one on the way. Apparently now they are up to 17. That's right Jim Bob and Michelle have SEVENTEEN kids. Amazingly, they live debt free. Their kids wear matching outfits (most homemade). They are going to let God decide how many kids they have. They are currently building a 7000 square foot home with 10 bathrooms. All of their children's name start with the letter "J". They scare me.

K - killer kids. In other parenting news...

Police: Miss. Teen Kills Father Over Snack
By Associated Press
June 13, 2005, 2:14 AM EDT

McCOMB, Miss. -- Authorities say a disagreement over a frozen snack led a McComb teenager to fatally shoot his father and threaten his mother. Curtis McCray Jr., 16, was arrested and charged with murder last week after allegedly shooting Curtis McCray Sr. with a shotgun from about 20 feet away, the Pike County Sheriff's Department said.

Investigator David Haywood said the shooting occurred after the teen was punished for being involved in a minor wreck, and the boy became enraged when his parents returned home eating Sno-Balls and there wasn't one for him.

The teen then allegedly threatened his mother, Gloria, with the gun before speeding away in the family's car and leading authorities on a one-hour high-speed chase through three counties, Haygood said.

McCray was chased on Interstate 55 at speeds up to 115 mph and police set up stop sticks to deflate his tires. He was taken into custody in Marion County.

The teenager is being charged as an adult and is also charged with felony pursuit, Haygood said.

He is being held at Pike County Jail.

S - sewing. I finished the planned top of the quilt I'm making. I have decided that it is a little smaller than I would like, so I'm going to add two more stripes to it. The plan is to have this finished by Friday, so that I can take it to the fabric store to get batting and fabric for the backing. Back into the trenches...

Who is the Moleman?

arrrgylesocks — 2005-06-22T08:06:35-05:00

There is a strange car that I've come across in my daily commute. His license plate reads "Moleman" it is in a license plate holder that reads "Porn Star" and he also has a little sign hanging from his rear view mirror that reads "pimpin'." The funny thing is that he looks like a middle-aged Hill staffer. White, balding guy wearing a business suit. And it's just your every day average beater commuter kinda car. I always see the Moleman in the same location - a block from my office. He goes straight, while I have to turn right to get to work.

So I wonder...

Is "Moleman" some wannabe porn star nickname like Ron Jeremy "The Hedgehog"?
Is he just borrowing his kid's car?
Is he a big fan of Hans Moleman the character from the Simpsons?
Is he a professional mole trapper or mole expert?
Is he Dutch?

Maybe the next time I see the Moleman-mobile I will follow him to find out where he goes. I don't want to be a stalker, but its just such an odd juxtaposition of things on one car with one person who just doesn't seem to fit.

To be continued...perhaps...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-06-23T09:06:06-05:00

Things I learned from my Child today...

1 - I am broccolli
2 - He wants to go to college. Because Steve from Blues Clues went to college.
3 - The potty is only for people.
4 - C is for conifer.
5 - To paraphrase Gordon Gekko: "Grapes, for lack of a better word, are good."

Homeward bound

arrrgylesocks — 2005-06-29T10:06:40-05:00

5:30am - WAKE UP MOMMY!!! IT'S TIME TO GET UP!!!!!

7:45am - Drop Child off at daycare and head out for my longer than normal commute. Working offsite today, so have an hour long drive ahead of me.

4:30pm - Leave work. Exhausted and punchy. Looking forward to getting home ahead of the family and having time to cook a family dinner.

5:10pm - Hit the District.

5:15pm - Make the decision NOT to take 395 but rather 50 to make a quick stop on the way home.

5:17pm - Check in with Spouse. He too is stuck in traffic.

5:20pm - Spouse needs me to get Child, since we have to pick him up by 6pm.

5:22pm - Didn't go far enough through downtown, so stuck making a 2 block loop around so that I can bypass a road closure and get to the road I was heading for.

5:25pm - Stuck in traffic again between a tour bus and three Metrobuses. Everyone has to merge because some ass hat is idling in the far right lane outside an office building.

5:30pm - Still stuck in downtown traffic, but now getting closer to my office.

5:35pm - Decide to continue on my chosen route and NOT turn onto 15th.

5:40pm - Still sitting in traffic cursing loudly at not turning onto 15th.

5:42pm - traffic starts moving, nice lady lets me move over from the right turn only lane into the center lane.

5:45pm - haven't crossed the bridge yet. Cursing loudly at the touron who is driving slow in front of me and the cars that are taking for-f-ing-ever to merge.

5:47pm - merge onto the bridge and cross the river. Yell at myself for not just taking 395 to begin with.

5:50pm - merge onto the Pike, get stopped at the Pike's first traffic light. Remind myself that the clock on the car stereo might be fast.

5:51pm - check cell phone for time, it is only 1 minute behind the car stereo clock.

5:52pm - get stopped at the Pike's second light, which is only a pedestrian crosswalk. Curse.

5:54pm - get stopped at major intersection on the Pike. Only four more blocks to go.

5:55pm - get stopped behind a dumbass cab driver who has decided for no descernable reason to stop in the right lane. Manage to cut over to the left lane to get around him but miss the light. Curse a lot

5:56pm - stuck at the last light before daycare. Annoying commercial with woman whining about why don't adults get prizes for doing everyday things like buying "Lactose free Soy milk." Go to change station and press pre-set button too hard causing stereo faceplate to pop off and fly onto the floor behind a large box.

5:57pm - sit and stew in silence annoyed about the radio, but more so about that woman and her f-ing soy milk.

5:58pm - arrive at daycare and run in to get a very happy Child.

6:03pm - place Child into car seat, Spouse pulls in to parking lot.

6:04pm - Spouse calls me on cell phone to tell me he got me a present - Pepsi with Lime. He holds up the bottle so that I can see it through the car window. I hold up the bottle of Pepsi with Lime that I got at lunch that I'm still drinking.

6:15pm - We all get home before the storm and I am greeted with a big huge hug from Spouse. The stress of the drive just melts away.

Oh Sandy!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-07-01T12:07:13-05:00

I'm shocked to hear that Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is resigning from the Supreme Court. I thought for sure that Rehnquist would go first. I had the privilege of meeting her a few years ago. And now I present a true story from the Socks files..
About 8-9 years ago, my friend Marsha worked at the Supreme Court. She gave me a real behind the scenes tour - did you know that there is a basketball court right above the courtroom? We played a game of half court, and I'm proud to say that I shot one basket nothing but net. They also offered classes for the employees, and Marsha used to take a step class there. She mentioned that occassionally Justice O'Connor would be at the class. Marsha invited me to come to their annual holiday party. So all dressed up I got and off to the Hill I went. Once there, we were shmoozing and she was introducing me to her colleagues and friends at work. Then who comes up to us by Sandy herself. "Marsha! So good to see you! We've missed you in step class - is everything alright?" Marsha answered, and then said "Justice, I'd like you to meet my good friend Socks. She works at eheheh." "So nice to meet you and it is so nice that you could join us this evening." We spoke briefly about my job and then she politely excused herself so that she could continue her shmoozing. Such a nice, classy lady.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-07-05T09:07:07-05:00

It's a good thing I know my family well. Tonight when we came home, Child and I heard music coming from downstairs. Good thing I know that Spouse left his computer on streaming audio files so that he could listen to them at work. And just now over the baby monitor I hear a creepy squeeky I know the closet door is opening noise. Good thing I know that our cat knows how to open the sliding doors so that she can curl up inside. Otherwise, I'd worry that our house was haunted. At least I think that's the cat...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-07-05T11:07:49-05:00

Is my colleague a dork because she has the release of the new Harry Potter book written on her calendar and reminded me about it today? Or am I a dork because I corrected her that the release date is the 16th and not the 14th?

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-07-12T08:07:02-05:00

Random things I'm excited about this week...

1 - Ginger Garlic potato chips from Trader Joes
2 - Big Brother 6 - A guilty summer pleasure.
3 - Knowing that I am officially "the normal one" at work.
4 - Finishing the quilt! I'm so psyched because I'm so close to the end, and I've got an awesome new project to follow!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-07-17T09:07:01-05:00

This evening I managed to finish the much awaited nerd-book "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Somehow between getting home late yesterday and not being home much today, and Child and Spouse, I finished it.

I found it to be a quick read, engaging and interesting. I'm very curious to see how Rowling wraps this all up in Book 7. Spouse just wanted to know who died. I'm going to have to read it again (as I did with the others) to review the small details. Because it read so fast (as I'm a fairly quick reader) I feel like I may have missed some things.

OK...back to the quilt - one more side left to do and then we're posting pictures!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-07-19T08:07:48-05:00

I received an email from my ex this weekend. He bought a new place and moved and wanted to send everyone his new contact info. We hadn't spoken in a while, but we've always kept in touch.

I'll be honest, he was more than my ex, he was my first love. We met in high school when I was dating someone else who we all agreed was wrong for me. He was the one that finally made me open my eyes to this, and then we were a couple after that. We were always on and off and not because we weren't right for each other, but because we lived so far apart. We did get together occassionally for some memorable trips. But when we weren't together, we were seeing other people, and this was logical and understandable. It was never really practical for us to be exclusive with each other, even though we loved each other, and it always seemed to be that one of us was seeing someone when the other was single. We always stayed friends, through various relationships. I had a serious boyfriend in college who was jealous of our friendship, and the girls he dated were always jealous or get upset when I'd call or send a letter. Not long after Spouse and I got engaged, he came down for a visit with his last serious girlfriend. We've always had a flirty relationship and she was NOT pleased. I was thrilled that he came to our wedding, and he got to meet so many of my friends and Spouse who had about him so often during the years. He's a consumate batchelor, and currently seeing someone pretty casually.

This year I was determined to remember his birthday, and it passed by. By the time I was ready to make the conscious effort to drop him an email months had passed. When is it too late to send that email? So I was happy to see that he was doing well. He had been thinking about us recently because his work now finds him commuting down to our area, so hopefully we'll find time to get together during one of his future trips.

I can't imagine what my life would be like if had stayed together, but I'm so happy with Spouse and Child that I can't imagine my life without them - and don't ever want to.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-07-24T09:07:43-05:00

OK - I am about to make a terribly selfish confession - not as shocking as Shiny (you naughty boy! :) )but something that previously I had only admitted to Spouse.

I love it when people pay attention to Child and then tell us how adorable he is. Especially when it is other parents - who are with their kids at the time. Multiple times this weekend when we were out and about Child was just being himself and we noticed other couples looking at him and smiling, or they would ask us how old he is and tell us how adorable he was. Twice in one store! This happens every now and then, and I enjoy this. I don't like it when strangers touch him, and I like the fact that he pulls away from him - good boy! But also as a result of this attention, we always keep an extra special eye on him when we go out.

It is because of this, that I have decided that my kid is destined to make a difference in people's lives. Whether it be as a community leader, or a leader in his profession, or a celebrity. He will touch others, because he already has. But we will make sure he stays safe and grounded in the process.

Ta-da!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-07-27T09:07:00-05:00

I finished the quilt! After many hours at the machine and handstitching the binding on - I finished it! It has lots of our favorite things on it - monkeys, bananas, and stripeys! So ya-da-da-da! Here it is..,

And here are some pictures of Child enjoying his new quilt (which is lots of fun for peek a boo)

So now you know what he looks like...

Previously on 24...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-07-30T04:07:36-05:00

Well it's certainly been an interesting 24 hours in our house.

Things started on Thursday night when Av insisted on taking a bath. So Shiny started to draw a bath and I got Av ready to get in, when Shiny announced that he couldn't shut off the water. The water that was pretty much going full blast into the tub. I ran in to help shut it off, and couldn't, so instead I pulled the plug so that the tub wouldn't overflow. We then filled our bathtub with water as a reserve and decided to shut off the water to the entire house. Needless to say Av wasn't so happy with this. He wanted a bath, and I explained to him that his bathtub was broken and we would fix it in the morning. I then hit the phone book to see if we could get a plumber to come out to fix the faucet, but not willing to pay for the emergency call, we decided to wait it out until morning, and that we would turn on the water again in the morning and just shower in Av's bathroom (since the water was going to run in there anyway).

So here I sat during my 8am-12pm window waiting for the plumber. The plan was for me to go to work in the afternoon. By 10 I called for an ETA and was told he would arrive "closer to 12". By 12:30 I was told he would be there soon. By 1 I wrote the following haiku:

Waiting at home for
the damn plumber to arrive.
8-12 my ass.

by 1:30 just as I was getting ready to give up and go out to get lunch, there was a knock on the door. Plumber man arrived and came up to fix Av's faucet. While here, he also fixed a toilet that worked but has always had issues. When he was done he informed me that what we really need to do is replace ALL of the faucets in the house, which in the bathrooms means major work and remodeling because we would have to knock a hole in the wall to access the pipes. While this will be an expensive endeavor, perhaps this means I will finally get a jacuzzi soaking tub... By the time he left, Av's room smelled like plumber.

Today we had our new washer and dryer delivered. In order to do this, Shiny had to rewire the outlet and bring our laundry room up to code. He decided to wait until 9pm to start this project. This after a long, not so good day at work. Needless to say, his effort was not so successful, however he did manage to vacuum quite a bit of yuck up from underneath and behind the washer & dryer. He was quite frustrated, and I made him take a time out to eat dinner and wtf

This morning we decided to call an electrician to come in and do the work. So I hit the phones at 730am, but then Shiny tells me that he is going to try again. We knew what needed to be done, so he cancels the appointment and we head off to Av's swim class while Shiny hit Home Depot. After class, I took Av out for our traditional post-swim class breakfast and a trip to Target. By the time we got home, everything was done! Shiny rocks! Then the delivery guys arrive - and our new washer dryer was installed - no sweat. We were both so excited and relieved. So what is the first thing that Shiny says to me "I'm going to do a load of laundry!" he is now happily agitating and spin cycling. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Confessions of K

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-02T10:08:20-05:00

OK - it's out there - I'm "K" wife of Shiny. Some of you may have questions, and I will do my best to answer them. Here are some to start:

Why did you keep so quiet about who you are?
Because I wanted to establish my own identity. I'm out and I'm proud.

So are you going to give us the real dish on Shiny?
Haven't I already?

What is he really like?
He is a very sweet and sensitive guy, who is an excellent father and husband. He takes good care of us, and I love him very much.

Is he really that funny?
Yes he is. Funny looking too (only for the 12 hours he had orange hair though).

Is he really that hot?
Yes - I think so. And clearly Av has gotten his cute genes.

So let's dish - how good is he in bed?
Hey - wait a second..

Is he writing these questions?
No - but if you have any, feel free to write in...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-04T09:08:06-05:00

Well thanks to all of you who have welcomed me - it's paying off to be Shiny's wife. I've got all sorts of new friends! I sooooo should have done this sooner. Special shout outs go to Sandyquill and Dessie for keeping things on the down-low for so long.

So what will I blog about now that I'm out and about? Well tomorrow night I'll be listening to my man on wtf as I think all of you should too!

Listen in as Julie Chen reveals where his secret freckle is - after all...it is the "Summer of Secrets"!

Hmmm...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-05T08:08:28-05:00

So what does it say that when I went to 7-11 this afternoon I was purchasing two 20oz bottles of Yoohoo and the woman next in line was purchasing two 40oz bottles of Malt Liquor?

Riding on the Metro

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-08T09:08:41-05:00

"Did you ever have one of those dreams that sticks with you like all day?"

"ah-huh"

"Girl...did I have one of those!...and it was about Dwayne."

"NO YOU DIDN'T!!!! Did you tell Mark???"

"Nah-uh!"

"So what happened? Girl you better spill it."

"When it started, we were holding each other, like dancing real close and I was nuzzling into his neck. And it felt so right - so perfect. We were at a fancy party with all of his fraternity brothers - not like in college, but like now they were all getting together. I was wearing my strappy black cocktail dress..."

"Ooooooh girl! You look so hot in that dress!"

"I know! And he was all fancy in a tuxedo. And we were dancing, and he was taking me around to talk with his brothers, holding me with his hand on my back. And we were laughing and having a great time. Then he took me out to this little shop and bought me this really expensive gift that I kept telling him I didn't want, but he insisted. But even though I was with him and we were having such a good time and I was so peaceful, and in the back of my mind, I was still thinking about Mark. I knew I was with him now. But Dwayne and I didn't hook up or nothing - we were just happy together like old times were."

"Dwayne's living out in Cali now right?"

"Yeah - I still talk to his sister every now and then"

"You can't tell Mark - he would hit it!"

"Prolly - hey...It's not cheating if it's just a dream right?"

Sex and Violence

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-12T09:08:54-05:00

Well after a tough week at Casa Shiny (work gone wrong and a sick Av) last night Shiny and I settled in for a fun relaxing night courtesy of DVD. After much hype and talk and anticipation, we purchased the Muppet Show complete Season One Special Edition DVD. That's right - The Muppet Show. Mahna Mahna.

Recently, Av has discovered our copy of the 25th Anniversary Muppet Show CD. He has not only memorized the order of the CD, but he is most particularly fond of Mahna Mahna, It's Not Easy Being Green, and Happy Feet. So we are excited to show him the Muppet Show of our youth. The DVD MORE than lived up to our expectations. The original pilot "Sex and Violence" was unlike the Muppet Show we now know and love, but you saw snippets of where they were headed. We then enjoyed the first four episodes - and they were still funny and smart and held up today. We also watched it with the "Pop up" trivia feature turned on, and I thought it was neat when you could see the muppeteers in the shots among the puppets.

I think that Av will really enjoy them, and we still have three and a half more discs to go! To you know...um...screen for appropriate content...yeah.

Book Club

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-14T11:08:39-05:00

Sock - by Penn Jilette

I finally finished this slim paperback (208 pages) although it took me a few months to do so. I started it back in May while we were off on a camping trip and found it a bit difficult to get in to. The writing style is rather choppy and unique - there are lot of song lyrics quoted and tangents. I had put it donw for a bit, read a couple Harry Potter books, and picked this back up to finally finish. I found it suprisingly easy to get back to, and was anxious to get to the end.

The book is about a NYPD police diver who pulls bodies from the river. One day he pulls up his ex-girlfriend, finds that she was killed by a serial killer. He then teams up with his ex-girlfriend's best friend - a gay hairdresser - to find the killer. And this is all told from the perspective of his sock monkey Dickie.

Do they find the killer? What happens after that? Why is there so much emphasis on atheism and spirituality and Proust? You must read it to find out. I'm curious to know what others may think - so go Sock - discuss.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-15T08:08:57-05:00

I love to cook. I love to eat. I love to watch FoodTV and read cookbooks. Unfortunately, I don't get the opportunity to cook nowadays as much as I used to before we had Av. But this weekend, Shiny's fam is coming down to spend the weekend with us, which gives me the opportunity to break out some recipes - ones I've always wanted to try and others that I really enjoy.

So far on the menu we have:

Mabel's Strawberry Spinach Salad (new!)
Vegetarian Meatloaf (retro!)
Artichoke Stuffed with Smashed Potatoes & Browned Garlic (yummy!)
Homemade Mac & Cheese (for the kids)

But then I get stuck on what else to add to the menu - a veggie side dish is a must, and I'm leaning towards a carroty dish for color. The other big question is dessert. I make a mean cheesecake, and I also enjoy making my Peach Crisp with Cinnamon Granola topping a la mode. Perhaps an ice cream cake or pie? or a funky cake in the shape of a Sesame Street character? I told Shiny that he could pick out what dessert he would like and I would make that. Any suggestions?

Conversations

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-19T09:08:52-05:00

On the way to Sesame Place:

Shiny: Oooh look - a sign for the Decoy Museum!
SocKs: Maybe we should just go there instead of Sesame Place.
Av: Mommy! That's silly!

~~~~~~~~~~~

At dinner:
Waiter: Would you like a balloon animal?
SocKs: What kind of animal would you like?
Shiny: Can you make a bicycle?
Av: uh....a giraffe!
Waiter: (squeaky squeaky twist turn) ta-da!
Av: Look! My giraffe likes ketchup.
SocKs: Umm...Why don't I put it over here...
Giraffe: Pop!
SocKs: Were you scared?
Av: Nope!
Waiter: Here, let me fix that for you...
SocKs: Wow - now it looks obscene!
Waiter: (squeaky squeaky twist turn)
SocKs: Look honey - now you have a balloon banana!

~~~~~~~~~
While cuddled on the couch ...

Av: Mommy...I love you so much!
SocKs: Thanks sweetie! I love you too.
Av: AND Abba too. You are my best friends.

Congratulations! It's a virus!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-20T09:08:02-05:00

Well we are well in to day 3 of Avi-fever-dom. After Dr. Gus confirmed that Av did not have strep (yay!) it was that dreaded phrase "It's a virus." for which you can't really do a damn thing. So we played with Play-doh, ate ice pops, took a vapor bubble bath, and watched a lot of TV. It was recommended that we give him additional meds for his stuffed nosey. So I broked out the purple Triaminic. Av was excited - he had his medicine dropper, and even pointed to his mouth and said "Mommy it goes here!" but as soon as that first drop crossed his lips, he tried to spit it out and just lost it. He started crying and told me that I scared him. Of course at that point we still had to give him the rest of the medicine. It took a while for him to settle down, but he fell asleep pretty quickly after that.

It is moments like this that make you feel like a terrible person. Shiny and I just felt awful. We knew that giving him the medicine would make him feel better but making go through all that just made us feel worse. We promised him that next time it would only be the orange "better" (as he calls it - because it makes him feel better!) and we'll get some nosey drops instead for his congestion. We are all hoping that he gets better soon, because quite frankly, Shiny and I are getting a little burnt out on watching The Wiggles and Blues Clues!

And after all that, here I sit, wearing my favorite pink tank top, covered in cough medicine, drool, and tears, and yet still my husband thinks that I look sexy.

Somebody's got a case of the Sundays...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-21T09:08:48-05:00

Well we're still with fever-boy, but at least today he wanted to get out of the house, so we did. Lunch at Moe's, stop at the Target and the Eckerds. Shiny's brother and fam came over late in the afternoon, and it took some coaxing, but eventually a pooped and cranky Avi came downstairs to play with his cousins.

And now - what to do? I just finished my second new book and am not quite ready to start a new one. I don't really want to watch Six Feet Under (I broke up with them early last season), got nothing on the Tivo that I haven't already watched that's not children's programming, and I have no desire to watch Face Eating Tumor on TLC. Hmm...I've narrowed it down to " Tangles and Locks: Inside the World of a Black Hair Show" on TV One or the "Birthday Cake Competition" on Food TV.

Perhaps this will bring out my competitive side...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-23T08:08:38-05:00

Tonight as I made my macaroni and cheese for dinner, I thought about how it used to be. About ten years ago - still new to the city, my first apartment. There was so much I didn't know back then. I didn't know there was a window pane missing from one of my windows - I just thought the city was really noisy! I didn't know that I could complain to the building manager about my stove never cooking at the same temperature twice. I used to eat macaroni and cheese a lot back in those days. It was cheap, and was more fun than ramen noodles.

So as I make my mac and cheese tonight, I think back on that year. Sometimes fondly, sometimes lonely. Visits from friends which would always lead to more indulgent dinners or take out. Things are different now. I'm a wife, mom, and homeowner. Same job though, and now I realize the same food...but that's OK.

Maybe I just really like macaroni and cheese. And who knows how I will reflect back on these days in another ten years.

Web surfing

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-24T09:08:28-05:00

In the evenings, after Av has gone to bed and dinner has been consumed, I like to unwind. I read my email, surf my bookmarks, and then I'm stuck.

Every now and then Shiny will send me a fun url to check out. Tonight it was: http://www.5ives.com/archives/003071.php It made me laugh out loud.

At lunch I read USAToday.com which is mindless lunch entertainment. They have a column called "Hip Clicks" that I check out, and leads me to some fun sites that I forward to Shiny.

However in the evenings for some reason, I find it more difficult to find these fun things. Any suggestions?

Katrina and it's waves

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-29T08:08:54-05:00

I've been oddly obsessed with Hurricane Katrina. Perhaps some of it is the rubber-necking that occur when accidents happen. Perhaps it is because I am relieved that my parents were spared the storm, and I think my friends were too. I haven't heard from them since the storm hit, but I know that they are OK. Or perhaps it is because my father used to work for FEMA, so I grew up following disaster coverage.

Shiny and I were IMing updates to each other back and forth all morning. The Superdome is leaking! buildings have collapsed! Anderson Cooper is all wet! I kept checking the Weather Channel blog (is Jim Cantore OK?), as well as CNN, MSNBC, and NOLA.

Tonight though, things seemed to have quieted down weather wise, Katrina is now a tropical storm. But now I move on to worrying about my friends in Georgia and the path north that her remnants will take - how much of it will hit in us in DC or will it stay to the west of us as the predicted paths indicate.

I'm expecting heavy rain later this week, but right now - as Shiny pointed out to me - we're just walking on sunshine.

Pants mad - ARRRRRRRRRR!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-08-31T09:08:03-05:00

This afternoon I had a wardrobe malfunction.

To start the day I forgot that I had a meeting this afternoon. Therefore, I ended up dressing a little more workday casual that I would of, had I remembered that my meeting was switched from Thursday to Wednesday. I wore my favorite black shirt and a pair of cropped pants that are bronze in color and have a side zipper.

It was halfway through my meeting that I realized that the zipper had split. And I couldn't just say "Excuse me, my zipper split, I'll be right back" Because I these people that had shlepped an hour into the city to meet with me, and I didn't want to be rude. Luckily my shirt was long enough that (I'm hoping) this wasn't noticed.

So after I escorted them out I ran to the bathroom to fix it. One would think this would be as simple as pulling the zipper down and then back up. Nope. I don't know what the hell was wrong with my pants, but they were not cooperating. Some how I managed to get one side down and one side up. Then I managed to get out of them to look up close, and it was just way the fuck stuck. I managed to get them back on, covered it up with my shirt, and went to our textile experts for safety pins, which thank goodness they had some to spare. Of course one of them I hadn't seen in awhile and she was all chatty, while I'm like worried about my freaking freaky pants!

I was able to get in a corner in a cubicle and put together my pants. Now they were freaking frankenpants! Zipper up one side, down the other, three safety pins keeping them up. I then had to go to a big party for someone who was celebrating her last day, and then another meeting - wearing a big smile and lots of safety pins.

My boss made fun of me and the director of one of our major inititives (in the office next door) overheard my frankenpants story and made me feel better by telling me about her split pant experience at work a couple years ago. She was sitting down for a major interview that would have a major impact on our institution's future when rrrrrrrripppppp. She is very sweet and made me feel much better. But now I had to pee. And I couldn't. Must get home!

I got home after Shiny and Av and was like "Hi honey! Gotta go take off my pants!" which was met by a big "Wha-huh?" I didn't care if I had to cut them off, I was gonna go. But somehow I managed to un-pin everything and get to the potty on time. My cute capris will now make a lovely set of throw pillows.

Suggested Tags: big boy pants - wha-huh?

Thanks Giving

arrrgylesocks — 2005-09-01T09:09:22-05:00

In reading all of the coverage of Hurricane Katrina (probably too much at this point - I'm starting to get overwhelmed by it all) I was heartened to read about the good that was coming out in some people.

For example:

American Idol producers, who were scheduled to hold auditions in Memphis on September 5th, have decided to cancel the auditions there so as not to overwhelm the city any further, given that the city is already taking in so many Hurricane refugees.

President Bush as announced that if we don't need gas, we shouldn't get gas.

And some families are being very generous and offering to open their homes to refugees. The Rainey family in West Georgia stated: "I have space and people need help. That's just it," said Rainey, who is offering the bedroom for the low low price of $1. "I can't just keep crying when I can reach out and help people." Another family, the Moresheads, in Atlanta is taking in two women from New Orleans. According to CNN: "Her family, friends and co-workers have donated clothes, groceries and money to defray the costs of housing the sisters. She also hopes to help one of them land a job at a nearby preschool." Then they say, that the women speak Spanish, and Mr. Moreshead has been looking for someone to teach the language to the couple's 2-year-old son. Everybody wins!

Gosh America -- you just never fail to amaze m. *rolls eyes*

Projectile vomit

arrrgylesocks — 2005-09-08T08:09:19-05:00

Yet ONCE AGAIN I took one for the team.

I am now 3 for 3.

Project Linus

arrrgylesocks — 2005-09-10T08:09:04-05:00

I'm still wanting to figure out what to do in order to give my part to the victims of Katrina. I'm a crafty gal, so I wanted to make something rather than just contribute financially. I received an email from a friend with a list of ways to help. Included on the list is the group Project Linus.

They are an entirely volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is "to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteers."

So emboldened by my monkey quilt, I figured that I could make some blankets for these kids in need. I found a really easy pattern (MUCH easier than Av's quilt!) and got in touch with the local chapter leader who is sending me the details. I'm very excited to get things started, and now have to go through my fabric pile and see what I've got in there, or what I will need to get. I think I've got some great unused killer robot and retro cars fabric.

Nothing like another excuse to go to G Street!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-09-11T07:09:39-05:00

As Shiny mentioned, this morning we went to the Alexandria Arts Festival. In thinking about September 11th and how we should remember this day, we both agreed that spending it together with your community was the best way to go. Here in Washington, there were so many choices for what to do today it was a bit overwhelming. There was the Freedom Walk sponsored by the Pentagon which went from there down to the National Mall. There was also a Redskins game, a Nationals game, and seven (7!) different neighborhood festivals to choose from. We chose to avoid crossing the Potomac, and had a wonderful morning spent at the Arts Festival, got some great pieces of artwork, listened to some live music, ate lunch, and hit the playground.

After Av's nap, I took him out to the fabric store and he helped me pick out some fun fabrics for the Project Linus quilts I plan on making. He was rather keen on the red with white polka dots. But I found it interesting that today he began asking "Can I go..." rather than :"I NEED to go..." But I digress.

This evening we continued our time with our community by going to schul for a BBQ. I would just like to say how proud I am of my son for eating part of a BEEF hamburger!!!! The gathering was rather low key, but what I found interesting is that not once did I hear any talk of what happened on this day four years ago. That is not to say that some people did not have that conversation, but we did not. For us it was talking about the schul, playing Jewish geography (everyone we meet seems knows at least one person in Shiny's family!), talking about our kids, and grumbling that there weren't enough hamburgers and too many hot dogs.

Perhaps everyone already had their 9/11 conversations and wanted to discuss other things. After all, this congregation is only about 5 miles away from The Pentagon and all of us in the area were affected by the events of 4 years ago. I've read a lot in the past few days about how people are worried that the impact of 9/11/01 will be forgotten and it will once again be another day on the calendar, like Pearl Harbor Day. I don't see that happening anytime soon, but I think it will - it's inevitable, much like the original meaning of Memorial Day and Labor Day. But in the meantime, I felt that we had the perfect way of spending the day - together as a community and hoping that this will be the only event like this in our lifetimes that we will have to worry about commemorating.

Bones

arrrgylesocks — 2005-09-16T09:09:26-05:00

Last night Shiny and I caught up with the Tivo and watched the new series "Bones." We were primarily intrigued because the show takes place in our hometown. Thus we were obligated to watch in order to see if we could spot familiar sights, etc.

Now we realize that most of the TV and Movies that take place in DC are filmed primarily elsewhere, but there are the occasional exterior shots, mostly of the Mall. The scene in "Dave" where they get out of the car and sing in order to convince the police that they just presidential impersonators - filmed blocks from my old apartment. Scenes from West Wing - particularly when President Bartlet was shot - also shot in our previous neighborhood in walking distance from our home. Once scene in Murphy Brown when her and Frank were driving somewhere, I think in the series finally - and they drove right by my office. So I'm a dork and think this is neat.

And every now and then we see something that just bugs us because it is so geographically inaccurate. For example, in "No Way Out" they go into the Metro in Georgetown. I think this also happens in "True Lies." There is no Metro station in Georgetown. In the movie "American President" Annette Benning's character complains that she got stuck in Dupont Circle while going from the Capital to the White House, which is a straight shot down Pennsylvania Avenue.

But not Bones. Every exterior shot seemed to have either the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial in it. In the very first shot of the show you see a plane landing with the Monument and Capitol in the background and the text "Dulles International Airport" appears at the bottom of the screen. Yeah. Maybe they moved it about 20 miles closer in to the city and replaced National Airport. The dead body they find at the beginning was in a lake at Arlington National Cemetery. I drive by there every morning - there is no lake there. The facility she works at seems WAY to fancy and big and shiny to be a federal museum facility, but when she leaves the building she's on the Mall again. I decided that it must take place in the future, because that was the only way I could suspend disbelief that it was really taking place here. In one scene they are driving by the White House (NOT!) and she gets out of the car. I believe my husband's comment was "That's my favorite neighborhood!" "Where's that?" "In Hollywood!" At the end of the show, during the funeral, the Jefferson Memorial is looming nearby in the background. In reality it is across a bridge on the other side of the Potomac River. Shiny was kind enough to point out that perhaps in the future they finally filled in the river.

We found the show a bit annoying - especially Temperance Brennan's cultural cluelessness, the frequent X Files references, and Shiny also kept saying that David Boreanz's character was only that smart because he was a vampire. When they revealed who the victim was, we just looked at each other and said "Oh crap, now we have to watch the end to see how this plays out." We're always open to new shows, but decided this was one that we would probably watch when we could, and not go out of our way. And then the previews for next week, where there is terrrorist attack in DC. So now of course we have to watch to see where in the District this happens. I HATE that!

Now with yummy berry smells!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-09-17T10:09:14-05:00

FINALLY! A rubber band bracelet cause I can get behind!

A symphony?

arrrgylesocks — 2005-09-18T07:09:37-05:00

True story: Last night I had a dream that Shiny let me go out on a date with my friend Glenn. An old friend from college who was one of my best buds. I don't know what happened because Av woke me up before the date really got started.

WTF?

Story Time

arrrgylesocks — 2005-09-22T10:09:10-05:00

Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!

Yes?

I HAVE to tell you a story!

OK sweetie...

Once upon a time there were THREE pigs. And they were in their house. And the wolf went knock knock knock. And he huffed and puffed and blow the house down!

Oh my goodness!

And then they went to their brothers house. And the wolf went knock knock knock. And he huffed and puffed and blow the house down!

Oh gosh! What were their houses made of?

Straws and sticks.

And then they went to their brothers house. And the wolf went knock knock knock. And he huffed and puffed and blow the house down!

Wow! What happened? What did the pigs do?

They live in their car.

Wouldn't this be refreshing...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-09-27T09:09:46-05:00

"I'm Dan Smith and I approved this ad."

"Ron Johnson shakes hands and kisses babies when he meets his constituents. Dan Smith also shakes hand, but he also gives the children candy.

Ron Johnson got local businesses to donate their old PCs to our schools. Dan Smith upgraded all of these computers to run Windows XP2 and installed other important educational software.

Ron Johnson held town hall meetings to allow constituents to express their concerns. Dan Smith held town hall meetings AND took minutes.

Ron Johnson secured funding for the arts in our schools. Dan Smith bought tickets and personally attended the performances.

Ron Johnson lowered property taxes and wrote the bill for the large highway repair project. Dan Smith builds homes with Habitat for Humanity and drives the carpool van.

Ron Johnson is a nice guy, but Dan Smith is nicer."

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-01T10:10:52-05:00

Random thought: Can you be a celebrity chef if you're a fry cook at McDonalds?

Best wishes to all of you and your families for a sweet and happy New Year!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-02T01:10:41-05:00

Another random thought: If smoking is not permitted on aircrafts or in the lavatory of an aircraft, how come they have ashtrays in the bathrooms? (And I know that they are ashtrays and not some other thing because they are clearly marked with a picture of a lit smoking cigarette and an arrow pointing downward into said ashtray).

With much excitement and anticipation, we flew down to visit with my folks for the holiday. The flight down was great - not too crowded, and Av slept the ENTIRE flight, waking up shortly before landing. And that's when the fun started. Apparently we arrived early - yay! But the gate that we were supposed to pull in to was still occupied by a flight that got delayed. boo! So we get the announcement that it was going to be another 10 minutes, fine. Then another announcement that it would be another 10 minutes. Then 10 minutes later they flight attendants get on to give us helpful connecting flight information for passengers who are flying to "Man-a-GOO-ah" Nicaragua, and "Quit-oh" Equador. One would think that if she was a flight attendant who had enough experience that she was working the first class cabin, that she would know how to pronounce the names of international destinations.

They also made the announcement that those of us who had reached our final destination, give courtesy to the connecting flight passengers so that they can make their next flight. And it was at that point that a mutiny occurred. A huge amount of apassengers from the back of the plane started grabbing their bags out of the overhead bins and moving down the aisle to the front of the plane. Keep in mind that we were still sitting on the runway waiting to gate. Needless to say our crack team of flight staff were NOT happy, and made everyone put their bags away and sit down - not once getting out of their jump seats to do so. All of this extra time also gave those with headphones time to watch the end of The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants.

Av impressed everybody with his quiet calm good behavior, which was better than I was doing - I was hot and getting bitchy. Also during this time I realized that I booked our rental car for a 3pm pickup - the time that our flight took off, not arrived. After an hour of sitting on the plane (and as one person next to me pointed out - better on the ground than in the air) and a mile long hike to baggage claim, we get to the rental car counter. Where shiny is stuck behind the most clueless tourists, and their clueless friends who need directions from rental car man on their cell phone. Because I had booked the car for an early pickup, and we were now 3-1/2 hours late, they didn't have the car we reserved, and ended up with a mini-van. Ew. Because we're not paying for the extra driver (me), rental car man told Shiny that he won't be able to drink. Before I could respond Shiny says "Well I haven't had a drink in three years and four months." "Wow man...that's quite an accomplishment. You should be proud." Av was just excited to ride on the mini-bus.

On the way to my parent's house, Av proclaims very loudly from the backseat "I WANT TO GO TO GRANDMA AND GRAMPA'S HOUSE AND EAT DINNER!!!!" Us too Av...us too..

Home

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-06T10:10:10-05:00

We had a nice trip down south, even though thanks to Tropical Storm Tammy we had a lot of rain. Thanks to the weather we stayed indoors. 900+ channels on the sattelite and all we seemed to watch were Disney East, Disney West, and Noggin. Av had a good time hanging out by the pool, but unfortunately we were never able to make it to the beach. We enjoyed going to Rosh Hashana services and Shiny did an awesome job leading the first half of the morning service. I went up to lead one blessing, and took Av with me. When I was finished and we came down, Av remarked "That was fun!!!!" We also heard the shofar blow, which was loud, but Av enjoyed listening and watching. And he got to kiss the Torah. Twice.

Aside from the tropical weather, the big news down there turned out to be a shooting at one of the synagogues. At first the people there thought it was a terrorist attack, but it turned out to be a romantic dispute. A 79 year old man shot a 44 year old man over a 52 year old woman. There were some interesting quotes in the initial article. The first from the Rabbi saying ""It is completely foreign for an Orthodox Jew outside Israel to be carrying a gun on the High Holidays..." and the second was that even though they cancelled the rest of services for the morning, they still held their 6:30pm service. You got to watch out for those pissed off retirees in love.

The flight home was good, although this time Av was awake the entire flight. Shiny did an awesome job of keeping the boy entertained for two hours, which primarily consisted of reading the same Wiggles book over and over and over.

So now it's back to our usual routine. School. Work. Federal holidays. Figuring out what to do with the boy on said Federal Holiday. Should be fun.

One happy cat

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-08T09:10:11-05:00

Stolen from - well just about everybody now!

Socks is a tabby kitten with white paws, and black rings around his tail like a raccoon.

Socks is funny because he plays with the mattress pieces

Socks is very friendly (and de-clawed)

Socks is cleaning himself as Kermit introduces him.

Socks is one happy cat....

Socks is sitting in the plum tree waiting for birds. ... Five months later, Socks is in perfect health with the ability to fly...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-09T11:10:21-05:00

The much needed rain here in Washington DC has had an impact on all of us. On the bright side of things, our September rain debt has been completely erased and my flowers are now back to blooming and looking pretty. On the downside, a lot of scheduled events down on the National Mall were affected. Lance Armstrong's Tour of Hope events were cancelled. All that after a cross-country bike trip.

There was also a large evangelical Christian festival scheduled on the Mall. Apparently this event has been two years in the planning and cost $3.4 million. They were expecting 100,000 people, but got only a tenth of that because of the weather. All of this is fine and well - you are welcome to have your religious gathering, I have no problem with that. I just won't be there. What really got me was this statement in today's Washington Post from Luis Palau, the preacher who organized the event:

"I'm not discouraged. I'm perplexed that the Lord would allow this rain to come and despite all our prayers -- it's still coming," Palau, 70, said in a midafternoon phone interview from the Mall. "I do not doubt the goodness of God. When we get to heaven . . . we'll find out why this happened."

Are you kidding me? All week the experts have been saying that the remnants of Tropical Storm Tammy were heading our way! He couldn't flip on the radio, news, Weather Channel or read the paper like everyone else? Please...

Happy Blog-tober!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-14T09:10:36-05:00

This morning started off with a jaunt to Target with Shiny. One of the best things about our Target is that there is a Starbucks inside of it. Bonus! So we went for our usual round of 'Fraps, and there was quite the line. I also ordered a scone and was told they weren't selling them because their registers were down. "So how will I pay for my drinks?" asked Socks like a good citizen. "Oh! You don't have too!" FREE FRAPS! This was great, and everyone in line seemed to be happy with this. They could have shut down, the could have probably used a Target register? But no, free beverages. As we were walking out with our purchases, we heard one woman whisper to her friend "The registers are down - free drinks!" But alas, this was not the case anymore. Ha ha!

This afternoon was spent building the frame to our Sukkah. More on this Jewish holiday later. This was of course very exciting for Shiny because he got to go to Home Depot and by lumber. 2 x 4s. Real manly stuff. He got wood. Today we purchased more supplies. Shiny purchased a kit and so a bulk of what he had to do was screw. Ha ha! It's looking mighty good, we just have to put up the sides and find some bamboo mats for the top. Avi is going to help me color pictures to decorate, then we just need a table and chairs and voila! We are good to go.

The second best thing about our sukkah is that we finally got all of the junk cleared out of our yard. The strange spooky stuff that was covered with dead leaves that came with the house. A roll of rusty chicken wire, rusty yard tools, an old BBQ grill, two Webber grills (one large, one mini), and 15 planters filled with dirt and weeds. I got to power hose the patio, which was fun. It's pretty neat that I can just pick up the phone, call some guys with a truck, whose sole job it is to remove this junk! Now all we are left with is three propane tanks, which we can only take to the city dump on Mondays. So now our yard looks much better, and Av is excited about eating in the sukkah this week.

Shiny and I also got to enjoy a wonderful lunch at Noodles and Co. But first we went to a little boutique next door so that I could inquire about special ordering an item they carry. The woman there was a little snobby, and the manager couldn't help me because she was off with some guy taking for-freaking-ever, but never fully inquired what my needs were - just ignored me. I admit, that compared to everyone else in the store, I looked a bit shlubby - baggy jeans, $2 Old Navy hoodie from Goodwill (love it!), tennies, ponytail all twisted up. But still, even if I looked like I couldn't afford to shop in this store, was no reason to ignore me. So very Pretty Woman. (except the whole hooker thing.) [side note - props to the manager - I left her a note explaining my request, she called the manufacturer, then me with all the details and apologies!)

So on we go next door to Noodles - where they have a new menu item which contains gnocchi. For those of you who don't know, this is a small potato dumpling that is very yummy. It is pronounced "Nyo-kee" (with the gn like in manana). The woman in front of us (who in my opinion was looking all put together and smug and like the people that had just ignored me) pointed at the special and said "I would like the ganache." This amused me to no end and I once again got back my feeling of superiority over others. The cashier politely did not correct her, but I wanted too. Shiny was amused that she pronounced it wrong too, and I explained to him that ganache is a rich chocolate icing used on cakes and in pastries. It reminded me of the time in college when on Mexican day in the cafeteria the guy in front of me ordered "fahj-EYE-tas". Oh those silly silly people...

So - free coffee! Sukkah up! Lunch yummy! Hubby studly with all that wood and screwing! and tonight - WTF - could a gal ask for a better day off?

Found in the flowers...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-16T09:10:15-05:00

"Mommy...I want to look at the Mommy-Abba book again!"

"OK sweetie - here's a picture of Abba playing piano, and here is a picture of your great-grandpa Tzvi - who else has that name?"

"I do!"

"And here is Grob and Nomi..."

"Mommy...what are you wearing?"

"I'm wearing my big pretty white dress."

"It's pretty."

"And here is a picture of Saba and Safta, and there is Grandma and Grandpa..."

"Mommy you are holding flowers!"

"Yes...and there were very pretty."

"And there is you and Abba and cake! People need to eat that."

"Well yes, this is a picture of us cutting the cake for everyone."

"Mommy...where am I?"

"Well Bug, you're not in these pictures - you are in the Avi book."

"But I AM in this book!"

"No sweetie, this was before you were born - when Mommy and Abba got married - you weren't there."

"But I AM IN THE BOOK!"

"Av, this book is volume one, you are in volume two.."

"No!...I...AM... in...this...book...."

"Oh you know what - You're right - I think you are here. You are hiding behind all the flowers."

"That's right! I'm hiding in the flowers."

Time to renew the contract

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-18T09:10:22-05:00

I love you because...

you make me a better person.

you've never made me change who I am.

you are incredibly smart and funny.

you get it.

you take care of us.

you are our best friend.

Happy Nannerversary.

lu!

Sunny Sunday

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-23T10:10:41-05:00

Ahhh...the Dyson. Shiny is upstairs finishing our tidying up before his folks come over for lunch in our sukkah. I am downstairs with Av who is multitasking between watching Blues Clues, being scared by the noise of the vacuum, wanting to go upstairs to see his father and tell him to stop making that noise, and trying to lick me. Silly me, I was just trying to read the paper. This morning we were up early as usual, and I went to the grocery store to get ingredients for lunch. There is something relaxing about grocery shopping at 8:30am - when it is all nice and empty and quiet in the store.

Looking forward to a nice relaxing day, getting to cook a proper meal and dine outside, maybe a trip to the playground after lunch, and I can start reading the books I got at the libary. And tonight - I've got a date with Dr. McDreamy. Yay!

Tree house

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-24T09:10:53-05:00

Today I could barely get any work done. I kept checking a bunch of websites for the latest news on Wilma, and trying to figure out how close she was going to come to my parents. This morning when we were watching the weather Av said "Look at all those colors!" I was trying to explain to him that all of that green was rain that was heading towards his grandparents.

At work it was a constant round of checking local South Florida webstites, IMs with Shiny, and trying to figure out when to call my folks. Just as I was reloading Herald.com my cell rings - odd since I'm at work, but it's my mom! She was calling to let me know that they were ok.

The power went out around 8am, and there was lots of rain and wind. Then a big crash. According to what they could see through the one small window they didn't shutter up, one of the big ficus trees on the road behind the house fell and landed on the backyard wall. Parts of the tree came through the screens over the pool, and apparently the tree is covering most of the house. Dad said that the tree just about covers the entire length of the house - the tree is that big - he said there doesn't look like there is any damage, but they won't know till after the tree is removed. There is no damage to the inside of the house though - no leaks or anything. Mom said it wasn't as scary as Hurricane Andrew, but certainly not pleasant. When the eye went over them (almost the entire county actually!) they got power back on briefly, but then the back wall of the hurricane hit and it was more powerful than the front one, which took a lot of people by surprise.

When I spoke with them again tonight, they were still in the darnk, and they had removed some downed trees from the street. My dad asked me to log in to his work email for him so that he could get reschedule a meeting and make sure that he didn't have to go in tomorrow. I find the use of modern technology interesting, since Dad asked me to email the family and let them know they were ok.

It was certainly a much more powerful storm than they had all anticipated, and damage looks pretty bad throughout the entire South Florida area. Here's hoping that everyone else weathered the storm as well...

To do list...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-25T08:10:51-05:00

Finish reading a good book (Bee Season by Myla Goldberg). Check.

Read a couple articles about Nazis. Check.

Emailed my friends to check on their families down in SoFla. Check.

Get an update on my folks about their post-hurricane status. Check.

Enjoy one of my favorite comfort foods on a chilly gray rainy day. Check. (Special props to Shiny for this one!)

Explain to son why he can't dress up as Cinderella for Halloween (don't have the costume!). Check.

All done!

Five

arrrgylesocks — 2005-10-28T09:10:05-05:00

Five minutes ago I was asking Shiny to make me some popcorn (of which we had none) and reading the nice entry that Nomad wrote about us.

Five hours ago I was shopping for some new sweaters at a national women's clothing chain store and paying for new shoes next to me was a transvestite and her posse.

Five days ago I was playing Play-Doh with Avi and getting him excited about the special dress up day at school coming up on Monday.

Five weeks ago I was on WTF! We were enjoying the fine weather outside and Avi told us the story of the Three Little Pigs. I was also busting my butt at work to finish a report for the end of the fiscal year, and gearing up for the Jewish holidays.

Five months ago it was my birthday! My boys got me meat! MMmm....steak.

Five years ago we were living in our cute little apartment and returned from our month long trip to Germany. Shiny had just started his first day at work at his current place of employment, and I was starting my sixth year on the job (same one I have now.) We were also discussing the upcoming election, and intensely following the election returns.

I was scammed - or was I?

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-04T03:11:30-05:00

I like to believe that people are really good at heart, and I also like to be nice to people. Which can be difficult at times, but don't get me wrong - I'll be a tough bitch if necessary. And in those cases, you don't want to mess with the Socks.

I just got home from an overnight business trip to Philadelphia. After a pleasant train ride up, I was hanging out in the hotel lobby waiting for my colleague to arrive. While waiting, I decided to grab a bite to eat, and it was as I was walking out the door that she stopped me.

She was reasonably dressed (in a jogging suit, warm jacket, turban over her hair, wreaking of cigarettes), she looked upset, and she stopped to ask if I was from the area. Thinking that she wanted directions I said no, and then she started to tell me her sob story. All of this while standing in that "decompression chamber" between two sets of doors and with lots of Middle School teachers passing us by all headed to their conference at the convention center next door.

She tells me that she's stopping me because I don't look like I'm threatening or drunk (darn you pink sweater and heels!). Her mother was attending a conference for seniors, Mom had a stroke, she had to come up and get Mom from the hospital to bring her home to Jersey, she had car problems, needs to get it fixed, police towed the car so that it was out of traffic, but she would be ticketed if it wasn't moved. It took her a long time to get to her point, so I was suggesting she speak to the hotel concierge to help her find a tow company or a repair guy, and she said that she had already done that, and what she needed was some money to help deal with all of this to fix the car to get her mom home to Jersey. Again she reiterated that she approached me because I wasn't a drunk male. Once she finally asked for the money, knowing that this was possibly a scam, I said that I could only give her a few dollars, intending to pull out the two one dollar bills in my wallet. Of course - I pulled out the one TEN dollar bill in my wallet. At this point I couldn't just put it back and say "Ooops!" because I was already holding it in front of her. What could I do? So I swallowed my pride and handed it over. She thanked me up and down, and offered something in rerturn, which I politely declined, and we walked out the door in opposite directions.

As I looked back and saw her walking down the street, I felt horrible. I felt totally taken. I couldn't run down the block and ask for my money back, and I really wanted to believe that what she was saying was true. I drowned my sorrows in a reuben sandwich, went back to the hotel for my meeting, and didn't say anything to my colleagues. But when I mentioned it over dinner, they totally made fun of me.

This morning while waiting for my train home, a shabbily dressed older man asked me for some money to buy a train ticket. I politely replied that I had already given money to someone else. You want to do the right thing, but you don't want to get taken in either. What's a nice person to do...

Re: To Boldly Buy What No One Has Bought Before...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-07T09:11:43-05:00

An open response to Shiny :

No.

I'm a moving on up!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-10T08:11:22-05:00

Woohoo! It's official! I got my promotion! Along with it I got a pay raise AND a new job title! New business cards are a-coming. I've already changed my sig file for my email and my AutoText function in MS Word. Notification has been sent out to my division, and everybody else on Monday. It's so nice that this happened after going around for the past couple years having all of my colleagues telling me that I deserve to get this, and with my knowing that I kick ass at what I do, and I've been the go-to girl for so many of my boss's projects. Boss Lady was so proud of me, she hugged me - twice.

And...I now once again will be getting paid more than Shiny. And he's cool with that. Cool.

Woo hoo!

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-11T04:11:45-05:00

On this Veterans' Day, we commemorate those who have served. We often honor their service and their memory in dignified manner - wreath layings, commemorations, parades. Some of us work year round to remind others about the horrors of war, and speak often with these great men and women who have seen first hand man's inhumanity to fellow man. We salute them for protecting us in times of war, and keeping us safe in times of peace. As President Woodrow Wilson stated in November 1919 when he issued his Armistice Day proclamation: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nation."

Or we can just say a big "Woo-hoo! Go Veterans! Thank you!" and listen to WTF tonight. I know I will.

Wuv. True Wuv?

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-11T10:11:07-05:00

This is Danny and Holly. They sent their photo to April Patterson to post on her blog. April is a fictional character. She is one of the characters on "For Better or For Worse" a Canadian comic strip, that I will admit I enjoy reading on a daily basis.

Who are Danny and Holly? What possesed them to send in this photo? What is the nature of their relationship? Why are they standing in front of this background? What was the occassion that led them to take this photo? How long ago was this taken? And what the hell are they wearing???

I NEED TO KNOW!!!!

Home

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-20T09:11:12-05:00

We're home. Had a wonderful weekend at the beach with the big kids. Av got to play in the sand, AND in a rocket ship AND play piano AND sing in the microphone. So did Shiny. So did I for that matter. Our room looked right out on to the beach, and we could hear the ocean waves and see the moon from our bed. Av also enjoyed seeing the military helicopters and birds flying by.

Next stop - Thanksgiving with the Shiny fam!

Conversation in the waiting room...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-21T05:11:33-05:00

OK sweetie, when we are done with the doctor, we'll go to the grocery store. Mommy has to buy cake mix for Thursday at Saba and Safta's house.

Mommy ... my birthday is coming!

How old are you going to be?

One...Two... Three!

I know! You are going to be a big boy!

You make me a cake to take to daycare?

Of course I will, what kind of cake do you want?

Cupcake!

(laughing) OK sweetie, I will make you cupcakes for daycare. What flavor do you want? Chocolate, or white with colors?

White with colors! We will go to the grocery store and get cake for my birthday... and ice cream!

How about I make white with colors cupcakes in ice cream cones for daycare?

That's a good idea Mommy. I like that.

Early morning musings

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-22T07:11:19-05:00

So I'm trying to catch the early morning weather report before avi wakes up and insists I put on The Wiggles. I can't believe that they are predicting rain/SNOW showers for Wednesday night!

On a totally different note - I thought the Wendy's ad on the Network page was really cute. And I do think square burgers rule.

It's early. Haven't had my coffee yet.

Shhh....

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-22T03:11:07-05:00

...don't tell Av, but I just bought him the most AWESOME presents for Chanukah and his birthday!

But I guess I should tell Shiny about them...

Turkey break

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-23T04:11:20-05:00

I sit curled up on our worn out couch, catching up on my TV, snuggled under my lime green fleece blanket, multi-tasking with my laptop and the most recent issue of Entertainment Weekly. Waiting for the snow that seems to be looming above in the cold gray sky. Thinking about how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, a wonderful thoughtful husband (yes even with his Alison Stewart fixation) and my brilliant funny son. Enjoying my early afternoon off... basking in the glow of my good fortune at DSW and formulating my plan of action for the next 24 hours: dinner, bedtime, frosting and constructing the turkey cake, wrapping presents.

All while the cat sits inches away on the arm of the couch - staring at me, purring, mewing, and drooling - waiting to be fed.

An early Chanukah

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-25T09:11:29-05:00

While Shiny was out this morning buying electronic equipment for our family, I was thinking about what I got for Chanukah from my in-laws last night. A rhinestone butterfly hairclip, and an ice cube tray. (The silicone kind that makes tube like cubes for water bottles).

But it's OK, because Shiny got a bagel cutter. An Extra Large bagel cutter.

What's up with that?

arrrgylesocks — 2005-11-30T11:11:04-05:00

I would just like to know - who the hell schedules work that involves lots of jackhammering in a suburban neighborhood starting at 7:45am? And are they going to be there again tomorrow morning?

World AIDS Day

arrrgylesocks — 2005-12-01T01:12:41-05:00

I am putting a virtual red ribbon on my blog today.

I also wanted to add this sticker from Yale University:

For more information go to: http://www.worldaidsday.org/index.asp

Bright idea

arrrgylesocks — 2005-12-07T10:12:35-05:00

A snippet from this morning's IM chat with Shiny

Socks: So I stuck a fork in the toaster this morning
Shiny: yikes
Shiny: on purpose?
Socks: of course
Shiny: plugged?
Socks: yes
Socks: to get the toast out
Shiny: why?
Shiny: plugged?
Socks: yes
Shiny: I’m sorry, I mean…
Socks: because I am a dumb ass
Shiny: PLUGGED?!?
Socks: I was piercing the toast, not the toaster, but yes I admit it was a dumb thing to do
Socks: because one of Av’s toast sticks broke off and had gotten stuck
Shiny: are you ok?
Socks: I'm fine - NOTHING I repeat NOTHING happened to me
Shiny: glad you’re ok
Socks: But it’s funny because last night when we were watching the news I was thinking about people who think they are making rational decisions/choices which are completely WRONG and have life changing results
Socks: Like "I think I'll do [something illegal]" or "I'm going to throw my baby down a storm drain" or "I'm going to cross Connecticut Avenue not in a crosswalk"
Shiny: ah
Socks: And then this morning, I find myself doing this - which could have been a life changing event (tanks got it was not) but at the time it seemed like a rational idea
Socks: So I was thinking last night about all those people out there who make these decisions and wondering when am I going to have that life changing thought that I thought was rational decision?

Socks: And apparently it was this morning. But thankfully not life changing and I promise if this happens again to unplug the toaster.

Shiny: At least next time, use something safer. Like a big, wooden match.

Imagine

arrrgylesocks — 2005-12-08T09:12:28-05:00

John Lennon

October 9, 1940 - December 8, 1980

Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try,
No hell below us,
Above us only sky,
Imagine all the people
living for today...

Imagine there's no countries,
It isnt hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for,
No religion too,
Imagine all the people
living life in peace...

Imagine no possesions,
I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger,
A brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

You may say Im a dreamer,
but Im not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.

Who you calling Ho?

arrrgylesocks — 2005-12-09T12:12:38-05:00

Early Thursday morning, I was walking back to my car after getting coffee from my Dunkin Donuts, when an older man who was round, had white hair, and wearing red, said to me "Ho Ho Ho."

This could have been sweet and in a non-offensive holiday spirit kind of way if he was actually dressed as Santa. But instead he looked like an older version of Milton from Office Space with a five o'clock shadow (at 8:30am) who was wearing a bright shiny red satin Washington Senators jacket, and learing at me while clutching his rolled up Washington Post close to his side and muttering.

Creepy.

In Memorium

arrrgylesocks — 2005-12-12T09:12:01-05:00

Just a few minutes ago we found out that Shiny's grandfather passed away. My first thought when my father-in-law told me was "That's not possible, Shiny and Av were going to go visit him next week!"

I first had the pleasure of meeting Grandpa Lou, as we all called him, after Shiny and I started dating. Grandpa came with his senior tour group to my place of business. I had never met him before, but heard plenty of stories. I found a large group of elderly people and asked one of them for Grandpa. "Hey Louie! This pretty young lady is looking for you!!!" Out of the middle of the group, came this little man, with a head full of white hair and a huge grin on his face - "YOU MUST BE SOCKS!!!" he exclaimed, and gave me a big hug. I formally introduced myself, and welcomed them, and that was that. I later heard from Shiny, that Grandpa was telling all the family about how wonderful and sweet I was to come greet them.

When Avi was born, Grandpa was so excited, as Av was his first great-grandson. Although we didn't see as often as we would have liked, he was always getting updates on us from Shiny's dad, and always sending him the latest pictures of Av. Unfortunately, he couldn't make the journey down for Avi's Brit Milah, but we finally got a photograph of the four generations of Shiny men together last year:

May his memory be a blessing.

Peanut Butter Macaroni

arrrgylesocks — 2005-12-16T10:12:51-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Av and I were playing and he pointed at me and said something like "I got you with my gun!" Excuse me???? I couldn't possibly understand where he learned this, because we don't play guns in our house, not even water guns, and it's not something they show on Playhouse Disney, Noggin, or PBS Kids. I asked him where he learned to play this, and he told me that it was from Ur at daycare. Oh. I told him that it's not nice to play guns, but he can still play with Ur. Av got very sad, like he had done something very wrong, and I explained that he wasn't in trouble, but that I just didn't like him playing guns.

One thing that we love about Av's school is that it is very multi-cultural. A lot of his teachers are Muslim, there are quite a few multi-lingual families, so we hear a lot of Spanish and French in the halls, and his class is also very ethnically and religously diverse. They explain different holidays and traditions to the kids - such as why Avi had to eat different food on Passover. Lately, Av has added Ur to his list of friends that he talks about all the time. We've only socialized with Ur outside of school once at someone else's birthday party, where he came with his mom and another woman - both wearing head scarves, and both kept to themselves. I think it's great that they play together, and it only bothers me when I see Ur playing a little rougher with Av than I would prefer, or I would see Av copying Ur and doing things that aren't the best of behavior. But then I remind myself, that boys are boys, and these boys are only 3.

Again last night, Av and I were talking about games he plays at school. Something he talks about all the time is "peanut butter macaroni". (I think that "peanut butter" may be a bad thing by the way the boys talk and giggle about it, but am not really sure) and I asked how you play PBM and he again mentioned guns. I reminded Av that Mommy doesn't like it, and perhaps he can play a different game with Ur.

Shiny says that I could be breaking up Arab/Jewish relations by telling Av not to play that game with Ur. I like to think that I'm facillitating the peace process.

Ohm...

arrrgylesocks — 2005-12-20T11:12:07-05:00

I am in an oddly zen sort of place right now. Not worried at all about the coming week, or things that need to be done, or everything that has to be done tomorrow morning. I have my to-do lists ready. I got everything done at work that needed to be done before I left today, gave a kick butt presentation for my entire division. Tonight I did laundry and caught up on some shows.

Shiny is the worried one this year, I'm pretty calm because I know that he is going to do great and everything will work out just fine.

Hopefully my head cold will play itself out in the next couple of days - I hate the sneezing, and not being able to breathe, and being tired and thirsty all the time. Av managed to get through his in 48-36 hours. Yesterday everyone was telling me how crappy I sounded - oh and they all said "Socks...you sound like crap." Don't hold back on my account. But not my Shiny. He was more polite and tactful and just told me to rest my voice.

Last night I didn't sleep well. Could have been the cold, could have been the wierd ass dream I had about Chilly and Nomad (by the way guys - you have a gorgeous house - all this natural wood, big windows, great view, funky pool, lots of cool artwork - but what was up with the chunky spoiled milk?)

The past few nights I couldn't go to bed without writing another list of things to remind myself of that need to get done or delegated. And once my head hit the pillow, I would continue to lay there in the dark thinking about everything that needs to be done. I'm so efficient and organized this year that when I asked my colleague why he didn't remind me about something he usually always reminds me of, his reply was "Well I knew you'd take care of it!" I'm exhausted, and while there is so much to occur in the next few days, and next week will be jam-packed, all I can think about is that I should really go to bed. I'll deal with tomorrow tomorrow morning.

So yeah...that's cool. I'm just gonna go with the flow...

Meet Meat

arrrgylesocks — 2005-12-28T02:12:44-05:00

Shiny just ate meat.

During our 500th deli sandwich meal here at the convention, I made a bet with him. You eat a turkey sandwich for lunch today, and I'll be a vegetarian for the entire month of January. And you know what? He did. A kaiser roll, two slices of turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mustard. All gone. In front of me and Avi and most of our colleagues.

I promised to eat vegetarian for January. This includes even when I am work and Shiny isn't around - which I will admit will be the most difficult part.

My friends have already asked for regular updates to follow...

Happy Birthday Bug

arrrgylesocks — 2005-12-30T11:12:01-05:00

Home finally from a very long week. Snuggled up in bed, still in my jammies, the Disney Channel running, and my nearly naked son curled up next to me, wearing just a Pull-up, telling me he NEEDS to keep his clothes off right now, fingers in his mouth, head resting on my arm, glasses on, intently watching the TV.

I can't believe that he is now three.

Everyone at convention remembers the year that I was there 36 weeks pregnant and a lot of our friends were recalling that they hadn't even made it home yet when we called to tell them that we had the baby. They couldn't believe how big he has grown. He was so tiny - the cat was bigger than he was. Our first night home was New Years Eve, and I still remember the peaceful feeling I felt when I watched the ball drop while my boys were sleeping soundly.

The past year he has grown and changed so much. The year started off with his eye surgery, and lots of eye patches after that. Learning more words, sentences, manners. Lots of music and singing. Meeting many new people, making new friends, and going on new adventures. Sick days, snow days, lazy days. Potty training, bubbles, and books. Being very brave, and a real trooper, and certainly saying the darndest things.

OK - he just licked me. I must go tickle him now, and remember that these small moments will be treasured forever and great for embarrassing him when he's older!

Cornflake Girl

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-01T01:01:23-05:00

Halfway through vegetarian day 1. Had a bowl of cornflakes. Off to the in-laws where we will most likely have vegetarian chinese for dinner.

Friend Lexi offered to have Five Guys burgers on standby on February 1st.

Must...stay...strong...

Cupcake issues

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-02T09:01:10-05:00

Why am I having anxiety over cupcakes? I am planning on making ice cream cone cupcakes for Av's birthday party at school. We were going to do it tonight for tomorrow, but since Av has decided he wants a Wiggles birthday at school, we now have to go to the party store tomorrow for a party on Wednesday - get all that?

But back to my cake issues.

So I start reading on the web various recipes on how to make the cake cone cupcakes. And a lot of them say that they cones get soggy overnight and the kids don't like them. Someone suggested that you freeze the cupcakes after baking - but we would have to do some major rearranging in the freezer to manage that. And what about defrosting? Or that you bake them the morning of - but would I really get up at 5am to mix, bake, cool, and decorate cupcakes? Am I that crazy? A bit. But I don't think that much. Or should we just let them hang out on the kitchen counter overnight after I've frosted them and wrapped them to keep them safe from the cat? Or let them hang out in the oven (turned off) overnight? Or put them in the fridge?

I won't even get into my worrying about how I'm going to transport them safely to school up a steep hill and over 4 speed tables!

Cupcakes Complete! ha HA!

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-03T10:01:04-05:00

Well I sucked it up and made the cupcakes tonight. How much do I love my son? I missed the first half of the Orange Bowl, and turn it on to see Penn State getting a last second goal that tied the game right before half time. We'll see if I'm awake enough to watch my Noles play to the end. I'm also covered in frosting and sprinkles. But the cupcakes look cute - soggies be damned! Damned I tell you!

They are all snug in their 9 x 13 pan, hanging out in the oven overnight to prevent condensation, and ready to be wrapped. Look how cute...

Av even helped pour the batter in the cups, and place the sprinkles inside. You know you want one...

Day 3 of being a vegetarian - I had soup and noodles for lunch - pasta for dinner. Wee!

Bird meet car...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-06T11:01:26-05:00

So as I was driving into work yesterday, a bird flew into the side of my car. While I was driving. Moving. At like 35mph. Crash, boom, splat.

This got me thinking - since I am being a vegetarian for the month - is this God's way of telling me that I should still be eating meat? I mean even without eating meat for the month, I still managed to be responsible for the mindless death of an innocent animal? Was this bird smited for a reason or greater meaning?

Hmmmm....

Random vegetarian thought

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-07T09:01:02-05:00

So can you be a vegetarian and still be into S&M? I mean all that leather and stuff - if you are an animal loving vegetarian, would you want to wear all of that? Do they make pleather or other animal friendly material outfits and products to appeal to this group of people?

I'd like to clarify that I'm not in to all of that - I was just wondering. Just looking out for my fellow veggie peeps.

Now showing...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-11T09:01:23-05:00

Last night I had a wierd dream that would make a great movie proposal for Maebe.

A 40-something year old man was participating in a beauty pageant because his daughter - who was supposed to be the contestant - had died. And so he was fulfilling her dream by partcipating for her. He was in a tux, while the other girls were in their gowns.

I woke up before it ended - which was a bummer because I wanted to know what he was going to do for the swimsuit competition. But then I thought - this would be a great Will Ferrell movie. The daughter of course would have to die funny off screen of course, but I could see this being made. I don't think I would actually go see though.

So if this gets made - I can get a creation credit right?

The fog

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-12T08:01:39-05:00

This morning we were in a fog. Literally. The fog was low and heavy, especially as I got closer to the Potomac River. Coming over the Washington Memorial Bridge, I couldn't see the Lincoln Memorial waiting for me at the end, until I was pretty close to it. Sitting at the traffic light was so beautiful. Looking at my favorite trees - tall, full, majestic, with no leaves on them - growing from thick trunks to the tiny little branches on the ends like little spider legs. I felt like I was driving through a vintage black and white photograph. Fog so thick across the Tidal Basin that I could barely see the dock in front of me, and couldn't see the Jefferson Memorial across the water. I couldn't even see the Cherry Blossom trees 50 feet away. Walking down the Mall I could see the top of the Washington Memorial, but realized as I walked around the small grove of trees that I couldn't see the middle or bottom of the Memorial - just the top in a clear patch over the fog. I could barely make the flashing blue lights of a police motorcycle on the corner. I assumed that they were helping direct traffic due to the thick low lying fog. They were a small flash of color in an otherwise black and white world. I was regretting that I didn't have my digital camera so that I could capture this beautiful landscape. The images captured forever only in my mind.

Then came the sirens. Then more motorcycles. And more police cars and vans. Then the Presidential motorcade went whizzing by down the street past me. And it was then that I came out of my fog.

It came back

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-13T02:01:07-05:00

In my excitement for the day and tonight's wtf radio show, I grabbed my camera and headed into the fog...

Pajama day

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-18T09:01:02-05:00

This morning...
Socks: Today is pajama day! What are you going to wear to school? Do you want to wear your favorite purple t-shirt? It's clean.
Av: I'm going to wear my monkey pants. And I think I will wear my stripey shirt because I am cold.
Socks: What are you going to do at school today?
Av: Today is a special day. We are going to watch a Wiggles video!

Today was the much anticipated Pajama Day at school. I was excited because this meant that getting him dressed for school was much easier. It was a cold rainy morning - I know that as I was slogging my way into work that I certainly wanted to stay in my monkey jammies and watch movies.

When we got into the classroom, I looked around the kids sitting in their circle on the floor and saw all the girls in their princess nightgowns with leggings or tights underneath, or in their pink flannel pjs. One boy was sitting solumnly in the teacher's lap wearing a flannel jammie set that had polar bears on it. Then I looked at Av as he ran to the window, where he waits to wave goodbye, and noticed that he was the only one not wearing matching pajamas.

After school...
Socks: Hi sweetie! Did you have fun at school today?
Av: I did! We watched a Wiggles video AND a Barney video!
Socks: Did everyone like your monkey pants?
Av: No...They liked my stripeys!

Rock on little man!

Two out of three

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-23T09:01:22-05:00

Hmmm...

Yesterday while walking Av to the playground - just six feet out the front door - I fell hard and twisted my ankle. It still smarts.

Today when I was self-checking myself out of the HT my basket flipped over and two jars of pasta sauce shattered all over the floor and me.

...I wonder what will happen tomorrow.

Hush...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-26T10:01:00-05:00

You know. Sometimes I just don't have that much to say.

Brrr...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-27T04:01:23-05:00

David Hasselhoff says:

It is so Chilly outside! I think I shall bundle up in my Shiny big ass fuzzy coat that makes me look like an Alaskan Nomad and listen to WTF before I become some sort of AllAroundPsycho!

Oh yeah...Sometimes it's so hard, to be so cool...

Do-over

arrrgylesocks — 2006-01-29T09:01:02-05:00

Everyone has moments in their life that where they made a decision that they regret and wish they could do differently. Here is what I would have done differently:

Been more honest
Taken the chance rather than playing it safe
Said "No thank you"
Been myself
Not worried about repercussions
Self-censored
Walked
Worn practical shoes
Made more than one trip
Turned left

Meat day!

arrrgylesocks — 2006-02-01T12:02:36-05:00

What? What's that you say? socKs is eating a chicken burrito for lunch today?

Ahh...everything is right with the world again.

Cleaning house

arrrgylesocks — 2006-02-05T08:02:23-05:00

What to write about?

- All the books that I've been reading? Inspired by Nomad I am keeping a list of all the books I've read in 2006. We're way into going to the library, and since I'm such a bibliophile and Av loves to go, and they are free! My plan is to do a recap with my notes and comments on what I've read.

- How Shiny and I aren't watching the Super Bowl? A couple commercials, but we're using the time to catch up on our shows on the DVR. I've never been a huge Rolling Stones fan, so I don't care if we miss the halftimes show - They are on a 5 second delay, so it's not like Mick Jagger's dick is going to pop out. And as far as the commercials go, all the good ones will be talked about tomorrow and available online so we'll still get to see those.

- That we did some stuff around the house? I'm slowly catching up on framing things, and we hung two family portraits up this afternoon and my favorite mezzuzah. That only took us 4-1/2 years to get around to.

- How about that when we went out to Av's favorite fresh-Mex place last night that I still ordered tofu instead of my usual steak. I just like the flavor and texture better. Doesn't mean I'm turning into a vegetarian freak or nothing.

- I know - I'll write about how cute my kid is. We were waiting to turn right onto a busy street to get to his school and this idiot woman chatting on her cell phone pulls through the intersection and completely blocks the box. Av wanted to know why we weren't going when the light turned green (that's his new thing - go! stop! red! yellow! green!) and I was very restrained in telling him that this lady wasn't being a nice driver and we couldn't go because we could not get around her. His response? "That makes my ears sad." Aww....

Fear

arrrgylesocks — 2006-02-09T08:02:18-05:00

Hmmm....So I was thinking about something today...and you know what?

I DO fear the unknown!

Valentines Day rant

arrrgylesocks — 2006-02-14T11:02:13-05:00

Ah…Valentines Day. Much like New Year’s Eve – never cared for it much. Another day that usually carries too many expectations which inevitably end with disappointment. One would hope that my loved ones would let me know throughout the entire year that they love me, and in my case, my loved ones do. This morning the first thing Shiny said to me was “Happy Valentines Day!” with a kiss, and I got the same (with a hug!) from Avi , although since he wasn’t really sure what he was saying it sounded more like “Happy Helenhines Day Mommy!” He’s all excited because this means they get to have a party at school today. I didn’t send him with cards for his friends, and I know that we’re not the only parents who chose to do so. He’s okay with that, after all he’s getting to eat candy and cookies today. In a way, I think that Shiny and I are both glad they are having a party today simply for the fact that since Av hasn’t been feeling so hot the past couple of days this was a motivating factor in getting him up and out of the house today.

I chose to wear my traditional Valentine’s Day black today. I know, I know… some of you are like “But Socks! You’re married to Shiny! He’s awesome! You’re not single! You have no reason to be in black today!” But I do – because I think the whole day is bunk. Bunk! Why? Because it all goes back to disappointment. Not getting as many of those overpriced little tchachkie cards as the other kids in your elementary school class, not having a significant other (or if you do, they don’t do anything or what you are expecting them to do, or even if they do something, it’s done at the last minute which loses points – girl logic), or not having plans. All that tacky stuffed animals, all those cheesie candy hearts, and wilted flowers for sale everywhere from the grocery store to the gas station. Blech. I say we start a new tradition – buy the stuff tomorrow when it all goes on sale and then pick a date at random (or not so random if you know it) later during the year, and surprise your S.O. at that time.

Shiny has asked if I minded that he’s not getting me flowers or chocolates for today. Yes. I’d rather get them during other times of the year. He’ll do something special like bring me home a Slurpee or a steak, and we’ll snuggle together on the couch after a long day and after Av’s asleep and watch 24. We could eat Mac & Cheese tonight and I’d be alright with that too. And I know that he’s ok with me not going out of my way, and buying a pink MSNBC fleece vest and looking all Alison Stewart sexy for him. (I think). In the meantime I will just get through the day and look forward to coming home to my family and everyday we have each other that is truly a gift.

Playground rant

arrrgylesocks — 2006-02-20T10:02:13-05:00

At what point is it ok to parent someone else's child?

Yesterday we took Av to the mall for a haircut, and then he got to run around for a good hour in the mall's pl area. I should explain that the mall we went to is pretty huge and in a more upscale end of the suburbs. They just opened a huge three floor addition last year which includes a movie theater, food court, and this play area. When Shiny told me which mall we were headed to, I felt underdressed (I was wearing jeans, a performance fleece, and sneakers). We find that a lot of people at this mall have a sense of entitlement. "I can afford to live in this area, and so therefore I do not need to be conscious of you and your child and I shall walk wherever I wish and if I knock into your child then CLEARLY it is his fault because he is 3 and I do not need to apologize to him or to you." So why do we go there? Because Av can get his haircut at Cartoon Cuts (where he can be distracted by Elmo), I can get a Frappuccino, and Av can play in the play area - or as I like to think of it the kiddie chaos wrangling area.

The reason why the smug people are smug about the little kids is because they let them run around in this play area rather than the mall. If the children are in the mall, then they keep them strapped into their strollers. Now the play area is pretty cool - lots of sculptural things for the kids to run around, climb on/through, jump on/off, and slide on. However... when there are a gajillion little kids there it's a bit much. The press release describes the play area as: "Designed for kids from toddler-to-ten, the 1,990-square-foot play area provides a “must-stop” destination for parents who want a breather while their youngsters burn off some energy." You got that right.

Our plan is to divide and conquer. One of us sits to the side as a "home base" the other stays with Av and keeps an eye on him in the crowd, and we switch off. There are of course the kids who are as tall as some of the parents who are climbing and jumping around. You want to tell them they are too big, but you can't because you're not their parent nor are you in charge. There are the kids who aren't sharing. The kids who would go up the slide the wrong way when there was a load of other kids at the top who are waiting to go down but can't. At one point, Av was sitting at the top of the slide waiting to go down, but he couldn't because there was one little girl trying to climb up the slide the wrong way, and another boy at the bottom kicking and fighting with some other kids, and then some impatient kids behind Av who just hurdled past him and flung themselves down the slide. And Av? He just sat there patiently until it was all clear to slide. We were proud.

Then there were the parents. There was the mom sitting next to us who was chattering away on her cell phone the entire time. THE ENTIRE TIME. We were there for an hour. She was completely ignoring her kid who was running around like a holy terror. Then as Av was sitting with us after recuperating from a spectacular crash involving a pair of sisters running by and a jumper, he suddenly says "That boy's not wearing any pants! He took off his pants!" HUH? Then sure enough we see the holy terror walk by in his underwear, holding his pants. We started laughing - Shiny wondered if the mom would finally get off her phone and imagined that the conversation went something like " Can I call you back? My son is running around a public place with no pants." and we saw her finally put down her phone to get him re-dressed.

But for a lot of these kids I just wanted to blow a whistle to get everyone to stop. Hey you - the 5 year old in the Ralph Lauren sweater and the cords - you can't climb up on the giant alphabet block and jump to the next one when there are already other much smaller kids playing on or around the second block. You! With the turtleneck! You can't sprawl out in the tunnel and get all pissy when other kids are trying to get around you. Chicklet! You with the Club Libby Lu hair! You shouldn't grab your baby sister and pull her to the ground like that, she is about to cry. You! The one throwing his action figures at other kids - STOP THAT! You're lucky that no one has taken them away from you and for goodness sakes STOP kicking the other kids and blocking the slide. I feel like I should add the caveat that not all of the kids were this bad, but it seemed the majority were beacuse it was so crowded. There were also a number of parents like us who were very much engaged in playing with their kids.

Of course as soon as we left, Shiny and I then join the ranks of the smug people because we feel so superior to the other parents. Our child was patient, and shared, and used his good manners by waiting his turn. Our child did not take off his pants. Our child was considerate even to the other kids who didn't always deserve it. And our child did not physically harm the other children. Thus making us way better than the other parents because our child is a better person.

Black History Month

arrrgylesocks — 2006-02-22T07:02:59-05:00

This week at my son's school, his class is learning about Black history. Why not for the whole month? Because they were also celebrating the Olympics. But they are doing it, and for that - especially for a room full of 3 year olds - I applaud them! Each day they will learn about a significant figure in Black history and then participate in an activity that relates to that individual. Cool.

So today? They are learning about the late great Rosa Parks. The activity? Playing "The Wheels on the Bus". So what Shiny and I want to know is - does the driver still say "Move on back?"

To do list

arrrgylesocks — 2006-02-24T09:02:56-05:00

Hmmm....things to do today...

- check out the free workout on demand on our digital cable.
- create new avatar and header for my blog.
- finish (ok...actually start) writing my post-con evaluation.
- send weekly stalker letter to Mr. Hasselhoff.
- go window shopping on the web looking for that perfect piece of jewelry that I can't yet afford.
- listen to wtf
- catch up on my Olympic Curling.
- get some garden gnomes.
- drool at the thought of Ben & Jerry's new Vermonty Python ice cream
- take self-indulgent bubble bath.
- buy milk.

Rock star

arrrgylesocks — 2006-02-26T08:02:11-05:00

Sometimes I love Sundays. Today was a particularly wonderful day, and the end of a particularly great week.

Fun with boy. Fun with spouse.

I feel like a rock star.

You asked for it...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-01T09:03:20-05:00

Oh yeah...as heard on the WTF I present to you... CHEESE ON SKIS!!!!

That's right - my very own mini snowglobe. Of cheese. On skis.

Aww...you know you're jealous.

Gray matter

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-06T11:03:08-05:00

Today was just such a blah kind of day. The sky couldn't even decide what it wanted to do - Should I rain? Should I snow? Perhaps a little wintery mix? No. I think I'll just stay gray.

And with it, the population stayed gray too.

_{Photo courtesy of the Washington Post}

Identity crisis

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-08T09:03:23-05:00

So I want to change my AIM screen name. I've had the same one for years, and feel like it is time for a new identity. I have a couple registered (including arrrgylesocks) but I'd like to present a new identity to my non-Mindsay buddies. So do I go with our family nickname that so many know us by? Or the silly nickname that my boss calls me? I could use my real name or my wannabe business name? I'm leaning towards the family nickname, because we already have that registered, and when people see it, they will know it's me (or Shiny). I probably won't get rid of my current name entirely, because I have quite a few people on there who I haven't spoken to in a long time, but I'm not quite ready to let go yet. But then how do I let everyone else know - do I just send them an IM saying "Hi! It's me! Please note my new screenname! Thank you!" Hmm...what to do? what to do?

Just thinking out loud...

Jumping through hoops for jumping rope

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-12T11:03:04-05:00

This is why I love the internet. A long time ago (at least well more than a year) I saw this adorable little key chain that is made by this German design company.

Of course I had always admired it, thought it was so cute, but never bought it when I saw it. Last night the time had come. I've had the same lanyard on my key chain for years (more than 7) and I thought - it's time for a change! Carpe Diem! But aside from the store where I first saw it (which is a stand alone non-chain shop that specializes in modern design things) I didn't know much else about it or where to find it. I could have just called the shop, and made a shlep over there on a lunch break, but I knew that my color options would be severely limited since I'd only ever seen the original silver.

I googled "jump rope keyring" and other derivitives but then decided I should just check and see if the original shop had a website. It did, and I was able to get the designer's name and the model name. I found the designer's website, saw lots of other color options and design options. After checking ebay for any deals, I found an online store that had the color that I wanted, tapped a few keys, clicked the mouse, and voila! the key ring is on it's way.

Back in the good old days, I would of had to track down the number of the store, called first to see if they had it (my mother taught me to always call first) and if they could decifer my description of the item into what it was I was talking about, ask them if they could put it on hold, then figure out when I had time to go over there to get it. And if they didn't have it in stock or no longer carried the piece - then how could I have ever figured out where to find it?

Ahh the internet, making our world smaller and our lives easier. At least most of the time.

A hard place

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-15T08:03:40-05:00

Excuse me? Does anybody out there have a rock? I'd like to knock my head against it.

Damn it - nobody forgot to remind me before I left for work today about the Ides of March.

Party time! I heard it was excellent...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-17T03:03:54-05:00

Today at work I felt like I was the only one not invited to the party.

Tonight however I will BE the party!

Join us at the wtf radio show!

I just agreed to what?

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-19T07:03:19-05:00

So this morning I was trying to connect to iTunes so that I could partake in listening to the audio love fest that is wtf. But of course because they have upgraded the program, it didn't recognize what I already had and I spent quite a bit of time trying to download and reinstall the software. But have you ever read the user agreement? I did...

THE APPLE SOFTWARE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES, AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION OR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS, LIFE SUPPORT MACHINES OR OTHER EQUIPMENT IN WHICH THE FAILURE OF THE APPLE SOFTWARE COULD LEAD TO DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR SEVERE PHYSICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.

And then in a later section...

Without limiting the foregoing, under no circumstances shall 3Com be held liable for any delay or failure in performance resulting directly or indirectly from acts of nature, forces, or causes beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, Internet failures, computer equipment failures, telecommunication equipment failures, other equipment failures, electrical power failures, strikes, labor disputes, riots, insurrections, civil disturbances, shortages of labor or materials, fires, floods, storms, explosions, acts of God, war, governmental actions, orders of domestic or foreign courts or tribunals, non-performance of third parties, or loss of or fluctuations in heat, light, or air conditioning.

What? Have people been having issues with trying to control their nuclear facility while flying an airplane during a labor dispute while controlling a hospital's life support system with THEIR IPODS???? Honestly, it amazes me what the lawyers insist they need to include in order to protect their companies and products from lawsuits. On the other hand, there are people out there who are just that stupid.

Mixed emotions

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-21T09:03:54-05:00

avi: Mommy?
socKs: Yes sweetie?
A: I have to go potty.
s: OK - let's go!
[now standing in bathroom]
A: Mommy? I'm going to make you REALLY happy!
s: You are?
A: [gives me huge hug] I LOVE YOU MOMMY!
s: [hugs back] I love you too bug!
A: I made you happy.

And he did!

PS: I would just like to add that as I was typing this we found a little mouse in our basement. EEEK! I'm proud to say that Shiny and I humanely trapped it (thank goodness for take-out containers!) and threw it outside. Poor thing was so scared, and Shines and I are rather freaked (if there is one - are there more? How did it get in? And where the hell was the damn cat!) So needless to say, the exterminator is going to be called tomorrow!

Then and now

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-24T10:03:38-05:00

Back then we used to giggle and talk about boys - Now we still do, only they are our sons.
Back then when we would laugh over drinks at a bar - Now we still do, only now the drinks are from Starbucks.
Back then I would introduce her to cool bands like Live and Dinosaur Jr. - Now I still do, only the bands are The Wiggles and Laurie Berkner.
Back then sometimes we could stay up all night if we chose too - Now sometimes we still do but only because our kids keep us awake.
Back then we'd worry about driving safe hip and cool cars - Now we worry about driving with safe hip and cool car seats.
Back then we would hop from party to party - Now we hop from potty to potty.
Back then we would read books like Candide and Kafka - Now we read Sandra Boynton and Seuss.

So I guess it's true what they say - the more things change - the more they stay the same. And that's the best thing about best friends.

Tough day

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-28T09:03:23-05:00

You know what got me through the day?

The thought that if we got a pair of new cats we could name them "Bob Loblaw" and "Buster Bluth."

I can't pass over this one...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-29T09:03:56-05:00

I'm obsessed.

Passover is coming up - a big important holiday that involves a week of special dietary restrictions. I'm sure that Shiny will write a really insightful post about all of that. But for me? It's all about the food. And this year, more so than others. Aside from my annual concerns about what boy picky eater is going to eat and how he will deal with having different food at daycare, this year - for the first time - we are hosting our own Passover Seder. I'm totally psyched about this. What also makes this year different is that my parents are coming up for the holiday. So in addition to hosting the second night seder (Mom O'Shiny is hosting the first night), I'm also preparing a Shabbat dinner for Friday night. Which means TWO nights of big fancy dinners with dietary restrictions.

So I've been pouring over cookbooks, checked a bunch out from the libraries (in two cities!) and compiled a big list of Kosher for Passover (KfP) vegetarian dishes. Mom-in-law has also been obsessing about what to make (more so for Av than the rest of us) but she's finalized a menu. Dad-in-law starting asking me if I was making meat. Ha ha...our regular holiday joke.

But then yesterday - a plot twist! One of my volunteers and I were discussing our menus, and she said "Why don't you just order a pre-made brisket?" Hmmm.... I do love me some brisket. Shiny even agreed to be open to the idea, with the only concern that his cheesecake would have to wait until the next meal. So today I called to the local kosher butchers only to find out that it would cost about $125-150 for one brisket! Wah? I could easily make my own, but the whole point of getting one pre-made was because we don't have the meat cookware/utensils in our home. That would have to be bought special.

So what to do? Go back to the vegetarian/dairy/fish menu that I had intially planned? Then Shines gets his cheesecake early and I go back to obsessing over what fish dishes to serve. I've never made a brisket before, so that makes me rather nervous - I wouldn't want to serve my guests shoe leather.

So fellow chefs of Mindsay - any suggestions?

Follow your...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-03-30T09:03:03-05:00

Last night I dreamt of a group of turtles, small in size, swimming around in their pond. My job was to assist with cleaning them. The man in charge showed me how to clean them, we had a bucket of sudsy water. The turtles crawled out of their shells and we placed them in a big tank. They had long necks, and wiggled as they swam about. We cleaned their shells inside and out using small brushes. Then we picked up a turtle and gave him a wash. The turtles were very happy swimming freely around without their shells. When we were done, we let them swim a bit around the bubbley water. Then it was time for them to crawl back into their shells all nice and clean.

When I woke up I thought this to be an odd and random thing to dream of. Av told me that he dreamed he was flying and a helicopter. This scared him. But when I thought of my dream, I only thought of one feeling that summed up both how I and the turtles felt. Bliss.

Pay it forward

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-05T09:04:00-05:00

Two weeks ago Colleague A calls me. She received an inquiry from a gentleman about a specific item that falls within the domain of my department. Rather than provide me with his info, she gives him my contact information and tells me that I should expect to hear from him.

Last week Colleague B forwards me an email he received from the same gentleman about the same item. I reply to the email two days later. That same day, the guy replies and we go back and forth. He gets his answer - no sweat.

Today Colleague C (in a completely different division) who had received the same email from same guy, finally forwards it to her colleagues. Due to the specificity of the email, they tell her to forward it to my department. She forwards - but it to the wrong email group. It starts with the same word, but is a different group entirely - a sub group of the main group, but luckily I happen to be on both lists. I immediately reply to her and all other senders that I've already replied to the guy, who obviously sent his message to multiple email addresses within our organization. I then get a forward from another member of the sub-group saying "This should probably go to you!" I reply to her that I already replied last week. Then I get another forward from a different member of the sub-group. This time though, he forwards it to my entire department, and before I can finish my email to the first forward, I get a reply from the only other member of my department who is in today asking if I should just reply to the original email. I ALREADY FRIGGING DID!!!!! The emails came in so fast and all at the same time, and I couldn't stop it. I lost it, I yelled at the computer. The entire floor heard me. It was not pretty. But luckily, the last guy has a good sense of humor, apologized (because my first reply came in as he was writing his email) and proceeded to tell me an hour later that he had an email inquiry to forward to me.

So here are the lessons that we've learned today kids...

1 - When you send an email inquiry via the web to an organization that has multiple recipients to select from on their website - PICK ONE EMAIL ADDRESS! OR...if you insist on sending the same email to multiple people, then state in your email, "I'm sending this also to X, Y, and Z" so that X, Y, and Z can then say "Hey! We all got this email, who's going to reply?" and everyone is on the same page.

2 - When you receive a long string of emails from your colleagues that all have the same subject line, please to read ALL of the replies to the primary message BEFORE taking any action. (I have one colleague who never does this and thank goodness she wasn't there today, because she probably would have responded to the guy without reading my email that I already did).

3 - If a colleague in the cube near you freaks out because of the above situations, DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT tell her what she should have done. This will just piss her off and cause her to curse more.

I scream!

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-06T10:04:56-05:00

Hmmm...well now I know!

FOSSIL FUEL!
You scored 74% SWEET, 66% CHUNKY, and 81% UNIQUE!

sweet cream ice cream with chocolate cookie pieces, fudge dinosaurs and a fudge swirl

Rock out! You are quite the unique flavor with the added touch of yummy little dinosaurs and things. You're a nice person with a bit of a wild side, and very creative. Your mind works in wondrous ways and you have no problem sharing your unique thoughts with others. You know how to have fun without being an outright nuisance. Very nice.

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 45% on SWEET

You scored higher than 43% on CHUNKY

You scored higher than 91% on UNIQUE

Link: The Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Flavor Test written by weered1 on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Non-sequiter

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-09T10:04:36-05:00

snippets from an earlier conversation:

socKs: "I'm hungry."
Shiny: "You want to watch Saturday Night Live?"
s: "Huh? What does that have to do with being hungry?"
S: "To satisfy your comedic cravings!"

Pre-Passover checklist

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-11T09:04:20-05:00

- started freaking out about Passover preparations? [check]
- still feeling weird after having read this website about David Vetter (aka The Boy in the Bubble)? [check]
- started programming child to be prepared for not being able to eat some of his favorite things over Passover? [check]
- made good dent in pint of Ben and Jerry's Vermonty Python ice cream? [check]
- started Excel spreadsheet listing all ingredients and other food stuffs needed for our Passover seder? [not yet]
- need to write down mental list of things to be done while cleaning house pre-Passover? [not yet]
- does spouse think I am an anal-retentive weirdo yet? [check] [check]

Cross cultures

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-13T02:04:12-05:00

So I'm at Safeway this morning getting the things that we either could not find at the Giant Food or forgot to purchase. And as I'm being rung up by Willy, Willy leaves the checkout to go get a box to carry the four bottles of wine and two bottles of sparkling juice that I was buying. So I look back at the guy behind me in line and apologize for causing the delay. Nice man smiles and says "ah....it's ok!" He is a large African American man, curly hair, tank top, chewing on a tooth pick. I look at his purchases - a sprial ham, bacon, greens, easter candy. He looks at my purchases - Kosher for Passover cream cheese, Kosher for Passover wine, Kosher for Passover juice, dried fruit. He smiles. I smile back and say "Well clearly by looking at our purchases we are shopping for two totally different holidays!" He laughs. "Passover started last night right?" "Yup! Everyone's coming over to our house tonight - that's why I've got so much wine! and you?" "That's why I got so much ham!" Willy came back, finished ringing me up. Nice Man said as I was leaving: "Enjoy your friends and family! Happy holiday!" "You too!"

OK - I've still got to make stew and matza ball soup. I'm in my Shiny-imposed hiatus while he hard boils egg and made me eat lunch and watch Lost. Bastard. I'm freaking out, but not too much, I think.

Passover, parents, and popsicles

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-17T12:04:47-05:00

Our Passover seders were wonderful. All that stress, all that cooking, all those leftovers, all worth it.

My parents flew up to join us for the holiday. This was quite the special thing, as my mother does not like to fly (or even drive long distances). The last time she was up here was when Avi was born, so it's been over 3 years. But she was a real trooper and it was very special for all of us that they came.

Unfortunately, as Shiny mentioned, Av came developed a fever on Saturday, that is still chugging along. I took him to the doctor today, and he was diagnosed with that vague "viral rash." Some splotchies on his tummy that I will admit, I hadn't even noticed earlier. So all we can do is let the darn thing run it's course and hope that he recovers sooner rather than later. He's been pretty great, it's worse towards the end of the day than in the morning, but nothing that some Motrin and sleep hasn't helped with. Besides, what kid isn't pretty happy slugging out on the couch for the afternoon (and a rather rainy one at that today!) with ice-pops, Thomas, and the Wiggles. I have to say, it's a shame that we don't have a video camera handy otherwise I'd love to tape him doing Wiggles choreography while eating said ice-pop!)

So I'm off to get some work done. I ran in this morning to bring stuff home to work on. More spreadsheets and some fun upbeat reading materials. Thank goodness for emal! Woo-hoo!

Shiny - it's ALL about Shiny.

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-18T10:04:03-05:00

If you haven't visited Shiny's blog recently (and let's be honest here - who hasn't?) then perhaps you are not aware that his birthday is this Friday. To celebrate we'll have a little family fiesta involving party hats and cake. The question is what kind of cake? (avi's suggestion - well more insistance - is green cupcakes.) What gift can I (realistically) get him? I have something in mind, which I think he'll enjoy. And that evening we'll be having a celebratory participation with our good friends at the WTF radio show.

Aside from what I know he has been asking for over on his blog, does anyone else have any suggestions?

Shiny Happy Birthday!!!

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-21T02:04:24-05:00

It's finally here! Birthday de la Shiny ! We will have cake, wear shiny party hats, and celebrate with our good pals at the WTF radio show! But of course no birthday celebration would be complete without a good party picture!

This one's for you babe! You said you wanted a three-way with Alison Stewart, so here you go...

Gone daddy gone

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-27T02:04:43-05:00

It's gone. I've looked everywhere. People have noticed. They've made comments. They think they are funny. They are not. Because I lost it, I was sent home from work. Although I have made it through the past couple days just fine without. Or so I think. I'm hoping it's not as serious as it appears. I hope it comes back sooner rather than later.

My voice. Gone. Well more accurately barely there. And I'm pretty darn tired too.

For now I shall resort to sign language, wild gestures, written notes, and pointing. And catching up on my DVR.

Just like honey

arrrgylesocks — 2006-04-28T02:04:03-05:00

So what will I do tonight? Has enough of my voice returned to allow me to participate on WTF? Did I quit my job and take a new job as a phone-a-date? What are my opinions on elephants and chamomile tea?

It's not as much fun as Crazy Monkey Tuesday - it's wtf radio show night!

You'll just have to tune in and find out!

Today I...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-05-02T10:05:44-05:00

- woke up with The Beatles "In My Life" playing in my head. A leftover soundtrack from a dream.
- found five other women at work (aside from myself) who were wearing similar shades of pink.
- got a potato ricer as a gift.
- only whored myself out a little bit about my upcoming birthday.
- learned that the small presentation I volunteered to make will actually be an hour long and in front of 200 people.
- glowed a lot as multiple people saw my new desktop image and told me how handsome my boys are.
- found some really neat books at the Library that I wasn't even looking for.
- made a three-year-old feel proud of himself.

I'd say that's a pretty good way to spend the day.

Well read

arrrgylesocks — 2006-05-05T01:05:48-05:00

Last time I was on WTF, Nomad and I were discussing our love of books and books we've read and recommended. Last night I thought that one of my birthday resolutions should be "read more books" - like I don't already have a big pile and queue of books to get through. So I thought that I would list some of my all time favorites that are currently sitting on my bookshelf to share with all...

(presented in no particular order, just off the top of my head)

The Princess Bride - William Goldman
I first read this in middle school while at sleepaway camp. My parents gave it to me to take with. I instantly LOVED it. When the movie came out I was so nervous that it would ruin the book, and with the exception of the parts with Fred Savage, the movie got it spot on. I can't wait to share this with my son.

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Another classic, first discovered when I was in Junior High. It's got towels, pocket lint, great characters, action, fun, witty banter, and the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal.

Bloodsucking Fiends - Christopher Moore
A romantic comedy featuring vampires in San Francisco. I've re-read this multiple times, and I enjoy it each time. I was thrilled when I realized Shiny and I were on our honeymoon and I realized we were in the same locations as are mentioned in the book. I also enjoy Christopher Moore's other books, which are all recommended.

Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
Discovered this in the airport bookstore - before all the hype began. I was instantly captured by them. And even though Shiny hasn't read a single word (watching the movies doesn't count) he has promised to read them with Avi when the time comes. I'm very curious to see how it all wraps up, and have plans to re-read the entire series from the beginning before the last one is released.

The Chronicles of Amber - Roger Zelazny
Also a middle school discovery. My father had bought the computer game which intrigued me, but in order to play the game, I had to read the books to follow and understand the plot. After I moved to DC, I found myself thinking about the books and checking these out of the library quite frequently, and finally bought a set of the books on eBay.

Night of the Avenging Blowfish: A Novel of Covert Operations, Love, and Luncheon Meat - John Welter
This I initially bought for the title and I found it in the humor section, where it was mis-shelved. I loved it so much that I had to buy a second copy because the first one was kept by one of the many friends I had lent it out to. I always imagined that David Duchovny would make a great lead if they ever adapted this into a film.

The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club : True Tales from a Magnificent and Clumsy Life - Laurie Notaro
A recent discovery from a couple years ago. It took me a while to get going on this, but I laughed out loud. I've been trying to catch up on her subsequent publications, and she still makes me laugh - which of course always prompts odd looks or Av asking me "What's so funny Mommy?" Can't quite explain why just yet.

OK - that's my list for now. Other books I remember loving when I read, but it's been awhile - such as "Shampoo Planet" by Douglas Coupland - so I want to go back and check those out. That's another list. I've been keeping a list of all the books I've been reading for pleasure (as opposed to those I read for work) and will post that list and opinions at a later time.

In the meantime, just finished reading another one this morning, and will have to select one from the pile waiting in the dining room. Perhaps I'll have time to start a new book this afternoon, but tonight I'll be enjoying WTF as should you!

Birthday day!

arrrgylesocks — 2006-05-07T09:05:31-05:00

Well as most of you know, yesterday was my birthday - and what a wonderful day it was! I got to sleep in (even the cat didn't wake me up!) and when I did finally get up I was greeted with a big "Happy Birthday Greg!" (as our son is currently going through a phase where he's renaming us after members of the Wiggles.)

It was a beautiful day outside, so we picked up some Slurpees and rocked it at the park. There were a couple birthday parties going on, so the park was more crowded than usual. We ended up sharing a bench with a grandmother who would just not stop talking. Did you ever see the episode of Mad About You where Paul and Jamie develop this silent code of "rescue me!" at a party when they get stuck talking to someone at a party that they don't want to be stuck talking to? Their silent code was running their hands through their hair, tucking it behind their ears. Well, this woman talked so much that both Shiny and I were thinking of using the code, but both of us thought the other wouldn't recognize it! Finally after an hour or so, the woman took her grandaughter home to watch the Derby.

Another mom who was there for one of the parties, made quite an entrance. Picture Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham. Thin, long brown hair, flowy short-skirted dress, small designer pink leather purse over one shoulder, carrying a HUGE birthday present (literally seemed as large as her son), and wearing these black patent leather lace up platform wedge sandals that she was teetering on. We were fascinated watching her tip-toe through the playground mulch in these shoes following her son. Now what was further strange was that she constantly had this disinterested look on her face, but she was following her son the playground. Not quite hovering over him, but being protective nonetheless. And in those shoes. Strange.

We played for a couple hours and then went to the Cheesecake Factory for a special birthday dinner. Please checkout avi's blog for photos of how we entertained ourselves while waiting for cake. Shiny also took a good picture of us...

That will make my parents happy. Not like they called me yesterday or anything... but that's a different issue.

And I got my much awaited birthday present!! I REALLY REALLY wanted this, and Shiny won a very competitive auction for me on eBay. Here is a sample photo...

It's a Harvey's Original Seatbelt Bag, limited edition (only 250 were made) called "Paint by Numbers." So cool I had been looking at getting a Seatbelt bag for awhile, but couldn't decide on what color or size to get. Then I saw this one and knew that it was THE ONE. I'm very excited, and can't wait to start using it.

And as much as I loved getting my gift, Av kept saying (and still is as I'm typing this) that I need another present. I'm ok with that. I know that one is one the way from my folks, but I have no clue what it is, which makes me nervous. Normally they just get me a nice gift certificate from Amazon, but I think this year they actually picked something out. It's very much the thought that counts, so we'll wait and see.

Today it's back to regular weekend Mommy-dom. A visit across the river to visit Shiny's parents and a trip to the fabric store to buy material to make a "red superhero cape with stars on it." Should be fun!

Famous last words...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-05-17T09:05:22-05:00

This weekend will be the 10th anniversary of our first kiss. I still remember those fateful words I said to myself:

"It's OK... if it doesn't work out, he lives in New Jersey."

I'm happy to admit when I'm wrong.

Mawage...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-06-05T10:06:24-05:00

Can somebody please give me a good solid non-religous reason why a same-sex couple shouldn't be legally allowed to marry? I mean really, what is the difference between a man and woman that have been together for years in a committed relationship who have the option to marry but do not (such as Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn or Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins) and two people of the same gender that have been together for years who do not have the option to marry at all (should they decide they even want to). But come on people, it's nice to have options!

I was fortunate enough to have met a wonderful man, and we decided to marry (because we had that option). I'd like to think that we would still be a couple together even if marriage was not a legal option for us. We all know the statistic that 50% of all marriages end in divorce. So why can't the entire population be able to share in the joy that I hear Divorce Court can be? The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada and South Africa have all legalized same-sex marriages and you don't see them falling apart at the moral seams!

Why is our President trying to make this a constitutional issue? Are his reasons sound and rational and not religiously motivated? He's says that he's trying to protect and not undermine traditional marriage. Well then heck, I think he needs to do something more about pornography, adultery, spousal abuse, swingers, children, stress, wealth and poverty, all illnessess (that whole in sickness and in health thing), men's and women's magazines (Maxim, Cosmo, etc.), employment, the internet, drugs and alcohol, attractive other people, and pets.

Perhaps he's just trying to distract us with this shiny object to make us forget his bungles with Iraq, high gas prices, the 25th anniversary of the discovery of AIDS, and the impending hurricane season.

Not every "traditional" marriage is perfect, so what does it matter if two "untraditional" people are so committed to each other and their relationship that they would like it to be legally recognized? Aside from the usual jokes that are made (just think how much money the wedding/catering/floral industry will bring in!) I think that the whole debate is ridiculous. Just let all of our adult citizens have equal opportunities to make legal commitments to the ones they love, regardless of what their gender is.

You know how the saying goes...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-06-07T08:06:10-05:00

Today I wish I had walked a mile in somebody else's shoes. Because after the mile I walked in my heels - the balls of my feet are still killing me!

(But the burgers were so worth it!)

Evil in a snackfood

arrrgylesocks — 2006-06-15T10:06:30-05:00

I've met a new evil - it may be my downfall.

Quaker Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Rice Cakes

You are my new nemesis. DAMN YOU!

Riding on the Metro

arrrgylesocks — 2006-06-17T05:06:39-05:00

Some cool shots I took of my boys while riding on the Metro this afternoon. I still have to figure out what I'm going to do with these. Ultimately I think I'd like to print and mount them. I love the warmth of the colors (they were shot without flash through a tinted window while we were in a tunnel), and I especially love it when I can successfully capture a pure organic moment with great composition and the vision that I see actually gets captured by the camera. Comments/suggestions?

Sorry, wrong number

arrrgylesocks — 2006-06-23T12:06:25-05:00

Last year, out of the blue I started gettng lots of calls on my cell phone. Very few people actually have this number, so it was a little disconcerting when I started getting all these calls from strangers asking about the apartment I'm renting on Minnesota Avenue. Huh? Each time I'd tell them politely that they had the wrong number, and there was one woman who didn't quite believe me, and just kept calling back.

So when the calls started again last week, it was just an annoyance. This time though, I asked the callers the address or exact location of where they saw the For Rent sign. All of them had the same story - "My sister/friend/daughter gave me the number. I don't know where it is, just that its on Minnesota Avenue." Then Diane called. Diane had left a message on my voice mail and politely asked for more information about the apartment, left her number, and wished me a "blessed day." I did the right thing by calling her back to tell her she had the wrong number, and that if she could give me more details on where the place is so that I could track down the correct number that would be nice. She called the next morning to apologize, and said that she was going to go over to the location that morning and would call me if she figured out the correct number.

A few hours later Diane called again. She figured out the correct number and it turns out it was a couple digits off from mine. Instead of dialing "2" people were dialing "9" because the handwritten sign was hard to read.

But then Diane said: "I want to warn you if you call this guy, because he was a real jerk and I'm certainly not going to be renting an apartment from him. He was NASTY! Good luck!" Awww...thanks Diane! She totally rocked, and I wished her luck in finding a new apartment.

FINALLY! I had the phone number. I called the guy and Diane was right on. I told him I was calling regarding the apartment on Minnesota Avenue. He tells me it's been rented and then jumps right in to his spiel about other apartments that he's renting. I interrupt him and tell him I'm not looking to rent, but that the sign on the Minnesota Ave place is difficult to read, because I've been getting calls for him all week. He gets all indignant "NO ITS NOT!" "Well yes it is sir, because people have been calling my cell phone all week asking about YOUR apartment. I suggest that you make a new sign that is more clear." He got all huffy and rude (Diane was right about him) and I had to interrupt him again to say "Well I suggest that you do check it out, because I didn't have to call you, I'm doing the nice thing by telling you this, so that you will get the calls that are rightfully yours and this will help your business."

Since then, I haven't received any more calls. Most likely it's because the unit was rented and he took down the sign. But if it happens again, do I do the nice thing and give people the correct number? It goes against my nature to say "You don't want this place - the owner is a schmuck" (well actually it doesn't, but I wouldn't want any retribution). One of my co-workers suggested I give out the number for an apartment finder service. I think I'll probably just say - "Sorry! Wrong number!" because then I can be polite towards the callers but passive agressive towards the schmuck with the apartment.

A debacle indeed

arrrgylesocks — 2006-06-27T09:06:42-05:00

I saw the headline "Rush's Airport Debacle" and clicked on it thinking that something had happened with the band Rush. Not realizing that it was really about Rush Limbaugh's latest run-in with the law. And I was so dissapointed.

Dork.

Baby's first curse word

arrrgylesocks — 2006-07-03T06:07:06-05:00

Yesterday afternoon it finally happened. We were rushing trying to get out of the house quickly, and running late, and Av had lots of energy and was really excited about our day trip. He reminded me we needed Abba's camera, picked up and then promptly dropped it on the tile floor. In my stress and frustration I muttered "Dammit Avi!" under my breath, so he wouldn't hear me. But unfortunately it wasn't quite quiet enough...

Because the next thing I hear is Av dancing around by the front door singing "Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!" He just thought this was the funniest thing. I felt mortifyed that I was now the one responsible for teaching him his first adult curse word (before that it was just "poopoo") and apologized profusely to Shiny when he came upstairs. We explained to Avi that this isn't a word that he should use, and the rest of the day went by with no incident.

This evening after I picked Av up from school we headed over to Trader Joes to pick up some stuff. Dealing with a tired, thirsty, three year old who only wanted Mommy to carry him, I was psyched to find the shortest line. Now if you've ever been to a TJs, you know that they have shelves under the register with stuff like candy or hand lotion. Av was dancing around amusing himself, and knocked right into a tub of Udder Cream, which promptly went flying off the shelf and landed on the floor with a crack and a splat. Av and I stood there looking at it, and I immediately bent down to inspect the damage and pick it up. Now conscious of yesterday's incident I muttered "Darn!" to which my son replies in his loud not for inside voice "DAMMIT!" and I just started to laugh, as did the checkout girl in the aisle next to us. Because at this point, it wasn't just the one time, it was now a sing-song chorus of "Dammit! dammit! dammit!s" dancing in the aisle, and I couldn't get him to stop because I was laughing.

Eventually, I stopped, got him to come over, he was still saying "Dammit!" although I think now it had digressed into a "dammit poopoo!" and I was able to get him to stop. I apologized to him for saying a bad word, and explained that he shouldn't say it either. The checkout guy in our lane looked at the cracked tub that I had by now placed up on the counter and said "You know...you're not obligated to buy this." "Umm...I wasn't planning on it - I just didn't want to be rude and just put it back. Now if I wanted it, I would buy the broken one. But I thought you would want to know." Then we distracted Av with a sticker.

Getting in the car, Av turns to me and says "You know Mommy, we don't say Dammit, it's not a nice word." I again apologized for saying that word yesterday, and we agreed not to say it again. But I realized through all of this it could have been a lot worse, because my preferred curse word is usually the f-word.

suggested tag: "Spork you dammit" - spork?

Because I can't NOT post this...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-07-17T10:07:47-05:00

I don't thinks this is as big as The Hoff is in Germany, but still pretty damn funny...

http://www.catsthatlooklikehitler.com/

Beatin' and battered

arrrgylesocks — 2006-07-29T08:07:41-05:00

Yesterday I tried to teach my son about The Beatles. We received a magazine in the mail that had a very interesting article about Brian Epstein. Of course to draw in the readers, they put The Beatles on the cover. So I was quite excited, and showed Avi. He was like "Who are they mommy?" "The Beatles!" "Who are The Beatles?" "Well...that's John, Paul, Ringo, and George." "George?" "Yup - John, Paul, Ringo, and George. Mommy and Abba love The Beatles - they are a band." "A band?" "Like The Wiggles. Who are in the Wiggles?" "Jeff, Anthony, Greg, and Murray!" "Well, just like The Wiggles, John, Paul, Ringo, and George make The Beatles." "Oh." "He plays guitar, he plays guitar, he plays bass (which is a kind of guitar) and he plays drums" I say while pointing to each of them.) "He plays guitar, guitar, guitar, and drums!" "Maybe tomorrow, Mommy will play you some Beatles tomorrow. They are awesome."

Today in the car we were listening to classical music. Av was trying to identify the different instruments he was hearing. Today's best guess was "french horn". But after a while, Shiny and I decided to change the station to the classic rock that I prefer. On the radio was Journey's "When the lights go down in the city." I pointed out the piano, guitar, and drums, and told Av - "This is rock and roll!" and his response "Just like The Beatles?" YES!!!! We were both so proud!

We had a pretty good day - long though. Swim class, a journey to Ikea, then the outlet mall where the kid got some major Thomas train time at the bookstore. The Beatles convo on the way home. Shiny and I figured we'd settle in to a night together after Av went to bed early given the long day with only a 10 minute nap. Shines headed downstairs to check on the computer, while I made Av dinner. He sat at the table happily munching on his chicken nuggets and apple sauce, and then came in to the kitchen to ask me for some sliced apple and then went back to the dining room to eat, while I remained in the kitchen slicing up an apple for him. And then I heard the noise. A loud sliding noise followed by crashing and breaking glass.

I should mention at this point that our dining room table is made entirely of glass. Two glass panes clipped together to form a V. One of these at each end, with a large glass tabletop sitting on top (not attached to the 2 base stands). In fact just a few days ago, I was telling my best friend about the precarious nature of the table, and the safety issues that arose with it once we had a kid. Well apparently the kid had leaned on the table to get something, the base faltered and went down, and so did the table, with everything that was on it. I ran in and screamed for Shiny to come upstairs. Luckily, Av was sitting on his stool, stunned to the spot. "Mommy...the table fell." "ARE YOU OK!!!!????" I did a quick scan, saw no blood or glass on him, got a weak "yeah" and quickly scooped him up and out of the room. That's when the tears started. He was stunned, shocked, and surprised, and very very scared. Shiny came up to survey the damage, while I did damage control with the kid. Got him settled down and resettled in the living room with his dinner (gave him his apples finally). What was so sweet was that he kept asking if we could fix the table, which we could not, because our table for six was now completely shattered. Shiny went upstairs to find the cat and make sure she was OK, while I started with the clean-up process. This meant picking up not just the broken glass, but also all the stuff that was on top of the table when it fell. Cat OK, Shines came down to help out and finish up. I should also mention that the glass plates that were on the table, all survived the crash. I think that all the junk mail on the table helped cushion the fall.

I of course feel that our new couch is to blame. Two weeks ago when we went to select one, we found out that afternoon that we will need to buy a new car by year end. Today we purchase the couch, and now we need a new dining room table. I worry about what will happen when the couch arrives in two weeks and we have to move all the furniture around in our family room to accomodate it. Will the TV make it? Will we get the shelves rehung? Will they stay rehung? I choose to obsess about the TV.

We had some good times with that table. Good friends, good meals. It was purchased from a friend who was moving cross-country and couldn't take it with her. We'd always envied it, so we were happy to take it in. We paid extra to have wrapped extra careful when we moved just 7.5 miles to our house. The important thing is that everyone is OK - it's just a table. We'll have a new one to make new memories with, and new good times shall be had. But this time with safety glass.

Is it a small world?

arrrgylesocks — 2006-07-31T11:07:13-05:00

So we're going to be taking a big family vacation down to Florida to visit with my folks. During five of those days, I'll be alone with Av, as Shiny has to come back home for work. While the idea of planning those 5 days at first was a little scary, I've gotten a handle on what we could do (beach, parks, overpriced tourist traps). No sweat.

Now initially my first thought about how to fill those days was "COOL! I can take the kid to Disney!" He's a huge Playhouse Disney fan, and has recently learned (and now loves) Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto. He harbors a crush on Cinderellie (as he affectionately calls her). But then I realized - "What the hell am I thinking that I could take a 3-1/2 yr old to Disney by myself!"

But then tonight, I got an email from my dad offering up the suggestion of the three of us going to Disney together for a few days. Hmmm - is this something that's a realistic suggestion? Could we do this with a preschooler who I can never get to take a nap on the weekends (but then gets loopy and "energetic" by the end of the day)? Would we need to rent a stroller? What would happen if he has to go potty after we just spent all that time waiting in line? Would I be able to put up with him AND my dad (who I haven't travelled with in 13 years).

The last time we were at WDW, Shiny and I were working a conference. I was 36 weeks pregnant and forbidden from leaving the hotel by my colleagues. I only made it as far as Downtown Disney and hotel pool. And gave birth 3 days after we got home. Last time I was in the parks was in November 2001 on vaca with Shines. That was an awesome trip (free upgrades!) and the parks were near empty due to so many people afraid to travel post-9/11.

We have always talked about taking Av to Disney, but planned for it when he was going to be older (6-7) when he could walk around more, stay up more, not need naps, and be a little taller for some of the rides.

Any Mindsay parents out there with experience and advice?

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2006-08-01T08:08:48-05:00

As some of you may have already heard, Shiny's mother passed away unexpectely this morning.

Mom-o'Shiny was an amazing woman, and I am very proud and fortunate to have been part of her family, and to say that she was my mother-in-law. She was very loved by many friends and family. It's going to be a tough week, but certainly filled with wonderful stories of her life.

I'm sure that Mike will be posting more about his mother later, as will I. Here is one of my favorite pictures of her, taken when Av was only about 7 weeks old. As if you can't tell - she's in bliss:

You will note that she's wearing a necklace with baby shoes on it. She had one for each grandchild - 3 ballet slippers for the girls, and a sneaker for Av. Of course, she couldn't wait for the sneaker to arrive, so she attached a picture of it on to her necklace to wear until the charm arrived! For her birthday in a few weeks, Shiny and I were going to get her a pair of pink Crocs - her younger sister and I will now wear those in her honor.

It's so hard to believe that someone you love can be taken away from you so quickly. Cherish all of your moments together.

Three

arrrgylesocks — 2006-08-10T11:08:35-05:00

It has been a very difficult time for us, and slowly but surely we (especially Shiny ) will begin the healing process.

A number of people have been asking us questions about Avi - Did we tell him? What did he say? How has he been reacting to everything? We've been very honest with him in explaining what happened, although we're not sure how much of all of this he truly understands. We explained things to him on his level. On Tuesday night I explained to him simply that Savta died - just like Great-Grandpa did in December, and that the next day we would go to schul and say goodbye to her. His aunts, uncles, and cousins would be there, everyone would be very sad and need lots of hugs, and we would be talking a lot about her.

On the day of the funeral (in the bathroom of the synagogue of all places!) he started asking me where Savta was and if she would be at the house later. I explained simply that she died, and that meant we wouldn't see her in person again, but that she would always be in our hearts and minds. He then added "And our necks? And our toes? And our hair? And your nose?" I laughed through my tears and said "Not my nose, so much as Abba's." And he was excited to tell everyone later in the limo that Savta was in his hair. He watched intently at the cemetary during the burial, and I just didn't know what else to say to him as we sat there and he asked where she went.

We sent him back to school on Thursday and Friday for part-days (I would pick him up early and go back to ShinyHouse for shivah), and let his teachers know what happened, in case he had any questions. They reported back that he talked excitedly about getting to play with his cousins. On Saturday morning I told him we were heading back up to ShinyHouse to join the family and he asked if Savta would be there, and I said No. He replied matter-of-factly "Well...maybe later." When I said no again, he simply replied "She's in the ground" which just broke my heart. I told him to let me know if he had any more questions, and he said "No more questions Mommy." But of course there are, and we're answering them when he asks. He asks where Shiny is going in the morning, and when I said "He's going to schul to say a special prayer to remember Savta." He answered "Again??" For quite a few days he was asking if we'd get to ride in "the big car" (the limo) which reminded him of riding on a Metro train. He asked if his cousins will be at the house when we go back up this weekend, and when Shiny and I were talking about how we both almost started crying at work today, Avi asked with concerned "Why?" when I answered "Because we were thinking about Savta." he got very quiet.

One thing that he has taken very seriously is his job giving hugs. ShinyHouse was packed every night of shiva. Av spent most of those evenings either downstairs in the basement playing with his cousins, or upstairs in the kitchen with me quietly coloring and discovering the joys of black and white cookies. Periodically he would dissapear downstairs to play and then out of the blue he would come running in and wrap his arms around our legs and say "MONSTER HUG!!!!" then he would go running to the other parent to repeat the same. He's still doing it, and we can't get enough. He may be three, but he gets it.

shinysbrother wrote that he (and the rest of the family) felt that Shiny and I were the support system for the family and keeping everyone together. We both feel that we were doing what needed to be done, and certainly would have taken on this role for any of our family and friends who needed us at such a difficult time. But for the two of us, it's been Av. He's been what's been keeping the two us going, and for that there are no words.

Good

arrrgylesocks — 2006-08-23T11:08:26-05:00

socKs: How was your day today?
Shiny: Good!
socKs: Wow.
Shiny: wow?
socKs: Today has been the first time you've told me that you had a good day in the past 3 weeks.

So "Good" is good. Things have gotten back to normal for me for the most part. I jumped right back in to work, and after that first 3 days things picked up right where they left off. Our regular family schedules have changed to accomodate Shiny's daily attendance at schul for minyan. Av asks where ShinyMom is when the subject of seeing ShinyDad comes up. Our plans for my trip to Disney with Av and my father are in full steam ahead mode, and Av is so excited that every day he has more questions about the trip or asks when we're leaving to head down there. The number of people who have been asking "So...How are you holding up?" as dropped to a handfull. And being that it's still summer, we find comfort in Slurpees and Frappuccinos.

We also added something new to Av's bedroom. Six wonderfully slightly tacky foot long each butterflies that I ordered out of one of ShinyMom's decor catalogs. You know the type of catalog - the ones that everyone's Mom seems to get even if she's never ordered from them before that has totally tacky themed bedroom sets like a red and black Asian theme, overdone floral prints, or my favorite - the way too much animal themed "den" that looks like a 70s batchelor pad gone horribly wrong! (I mean who would get all that animal print decor and THEN think "You know what this room needs, dark brown walls and an oversize print of an extreme close up of a large wild cat's eyes!" But our kid loves himself some butterflies, so I couldn't resist. Each one is a different color, and they are floating from the ceiling in a corner of his room around the airplane mobile he made last year. He's clam happy.

On my second day back to work, I was driving in my usual route, and stopped at a light, when the car pulled up next to me whose license plate read "HI SOCKS". I honked my horn and rolled down my window to get her attention. She finally rolled hers down and I said "MY NAME IS SOCKS AND SPELLED THE SAME WAY!!! YOU TOO?" She told me that it was her sister's name - it was a tribute to her sister who passed away a couple years ago. We were both excited, we felt a kinship, and then drove our separate ways when the light turned green. It's pretty rare if I see my name anywhere, but to see it on a license plate like that was pretty f-ing cool. I know this is so cheesie, but I felt like it was a sign that everything would be ok, and it was OK for me to get back to work and start moving on.

Going around and around and around

arrrgylesocks — 2006-09-04T10:09:55-05:00

As Shiny mentioned, yesterday we had a family adventure downtown! One of the best things about living in DC is the access we have to so many great - and free - activities. For example, last week Avi and I spent five hours wandering around the National Zoo - one of his favorite places to go. We watched the elephants play soccer, said hello to the sleeping pandas, watched Randall the giraffe eat his snack, and ate lunch with the sea lions.

Yesterday, the three of us went downtown to say goodbye to one of my favorite places - the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. Both Shiny and I are very fond of the place for different reasons, and we wanted to take Avi there before it closed for a major two year renovation. Shines and I were all about going to see the special displays they set up in tribute to Jim Henson. Av wanted none of that, so we bribed him with promises of guitars and trains. As an added bonus, ShinyDad took the Metro down and met us there. Av and I were knee deep in trains when they joined us, and it was so awesome watching the boy go running excitedly into the arms of his grandfather - both of them with big smiles on their faces. We watched the trains, then headed upstairs to see Kermit, Jim, Rolf, Dr. Teeth. They were all playing instruments, so that was cool for our budding musician. And the Swedish Chef was there too, which of course led to rounds of all the grownups "speaking Swedish". Av was afraid to see Oscar the Grouch - "Because he is so grouchy!" But I held him and showed him that Oscar was smiling at all the people who came to see him, so that was good too. Another highlight was the music store, where Av proudly pointed out The Beatles to an impressed ShinyDad. Shiny and I also admired the stuffed Jerry Garcia dolls, which were appropriately missing part of his middle finger!

Finally tearing Av away from the trains today, we went outside to grab some ice cream. The weather was great yesterday, just a slight twinge of cool in the air between rainstorms. We headed over to the SI's carousel, and waited our turn so that Av could ride on the zebra.

The Carousel (courtesy of visitingdc.com)

Because you gotta ride the zebra!

We then went inside the Smithsonian Castle to take a short break and use the magical pottys. Because you know...sometimes the only way you can get a stubborn three year old to use the facilities is when they are located inside a castle.

That was followed by a walk in the gardens behind the Castle. We were looking for shapes and colors. Wandering around the path we found a small garden that was tucked away inside the larger one. It had two large stone entries and a circular pool in the middle intersected with four bridges.

Av had the best time walking, skipping, and hopping around the circles and across the bridges, and creating elaborate patterns that we were to follow. ("Now do that six more times!") I was so worried he was going to fall in, but it was only a few inches deep. We people watched as others discovered our little hide-away, had another snack break, and chatted away.

Here's a photo of the happy family - complete with Shiny's new look...

From here, we walked along the Mall back to the car and the four of us went out to dinner. We dropped ShinyDad back off at the Metro, and came home and completely zonked out!

Today, Shiny had to work, so Avi and I had a special Avi-Mommy day. We hit the Target, getting soccer equipment for Av's newest adventure, and got Shiny the Arrested Development Season 3 DVD. We then headed out to see "planes and trains". One of the local aviation museums had a model train display set up for the weekend. And we stood there and watched it go around and around for 3-1/2 hours! They had step stools for the little ones, and Av would just pick his up and run to the next watching spot. Sometimes a few inches over, sometimes all the way around to the other side. For three and a half hours. My saving grace was that the museum was closing and the model train club started packing up. When the trains would pass by, Av would crouch down and press his face up to the acrylic sheets they had up to prevent touching. It was quite sweet.

And he has no clue what we have in store for him coming up in a few weeks...

Stream of consciousness obligatory 9/11 post

arrrgylesocks — 2006-09-10T09:09:37-05:00

I ended up watching the documentary 9/11 on TV tonight. I've waffled about this all weekend. I hadn't watched this before, and I figured that I knew it would be on again in the future as well as available on DVD. After only watched the beginning and I was already emotional. Did I want to watch this through to the end, even though I already knew how it ended? What strikes me is seeing the streets of NY coming to a standstill. Everyone standing there, looking up at the towers, hearing the planes hitting the buildings, seeing the debris falling, the office papers floating down, and then everybody running. It feels too voyeuristic to keep watching, especially when you know how it ends.

Shiny and I have been discussing the events of 9/11/01 all weekend. It's certainly all that anybody is talking about. We're overwhelmed by this, and not quite ready to emotionally relive it again. We reminisced about 2001 and where we were, and the weeks following. We talked about how we felt like everything was going to be all about the World Trade Center and the heroes of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, but much less said or made about what happened at the Pentagon - just 6 miles from our house and 3 miles from my office.

Part of me wants to write about what I went through that day, but I know that everyone will be doing that. I think that I've written about it before.

I also remember 9/12/01. I did't go to work that day, as our offices were closed. Even though President Bush made sure that the Pentagon and other government offices were open "as usual" our agency was closed because they made the decision to do so before Bush made his announcement. I don't know if going to work that day would have made it any better. It tooks us awhile before we got used to the sounds of sirens going by our building (and that is something that happens quite regularly thanks to the combination of your usual city sounds and the motorcades). Having to reconfigure my commute to work because the road I take was the path that Flight 77 took and the road was closed while they did recovery and cleanup. The thought that I was stuck in traffic in at that exact spot an hour earlier unnerved me, but driving back on my old route daily and watching them rebuild the Pentagon to have it open within a year was unbelievable. We drove by yesterday on our way out to the butterfly gardens and they had a large flag hanging from the building, much like 5 years ago. We saw the original Pentagon flag hanging at the National Museum of American History last week, in the spot where the Star Spangled Banner used to hang.

Tomorrow we will observe a moment of silence at our offices, flags will fly at half mast. For the past four years, Shiny and I's observance has been to remember, but to do something else. Celebrate our family, our lives, our well being. It's not denial so much as it's moving on. We've gone to the movies, gone to work, avoided the news, watched something else, did something else. Today we went to the same art festival that we attended last year. Yesterday we celebrated "Us Day!" (yay Us!)

Shiny has now joined me, and we've agreed that afterward we're going to watch something mindless and uplifting (Arrested Development perhaps?) to get our mind off things. We need to remember, but we need to be funny again.

Random musings...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-09-16T09:09:40-05:00

Clearing out some random thoughts...

Well this morning it will be official - I'm going to be a soccer mom. After swim classes this summer we would head to our favorite park and would always see a group of young kids Av's age playing soccer. He wanted to play with them, but since it was an organized class, he couldn't just jump in. So I asked one of the parents about the program, got the info, and signed him up for the Fall session. We've got our "PeeWee" sized shin guards and size 3 ball and we'll head out into the overcast day! The best thing about this park though? Bathrooms.

I watched the first episode of the new season of Survivor. It was just as good as in past years, and I don't think that people should get as riled up as they are about the tribes being divided along racial lines - because you know they are going to get mixed up at some point anyway, and it is after all...just a TV show. I did find it interesting the tension within the Asian tribe, when some of the Asian American survivors were getting upset with the Vietnamese member of the team (he is the only one not born in the US, came over as a refugee during the Vietnam war) because he has been making Asian ethnic jokes, which was upsetting them. I haven't yet pegged a winner yet, but we'll see. In more exciting news, The Amazing Race returns on Sunday night! I can't wait for Phil to come back...

Now here are some pictures from our visit to the butterfly garden last week...

And the best thing so far - I've been listening to REM's new album "And I Feel Fine: Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987" streaming on AOL. I love REM and I can't wait to get this double disc set.

...nothing like a happy ending right Chilly?

Vacation - is it all I really wanted?

arrrgylesocks — 2006-09-29T10:09:32-05:00

So much has gone on the past week or so! As most of you know from Shiny I've been down in Florida with Av visiting my folks. Shines kicked butt leading services for Rosh Hashana, and I am - as I type - anxiously awaiting his return and the call that his flight landed safely.

Some pre-trip issues and anxieties flew down with me, and have (or will be soon) resolved.

But the one thing I know people want to know about was "How was Disney World???" We had a great time. We stayed at the Contemporary and Av loved watching the monorail go through and around the hotel. Our room had a killer view of the Magic Kingdom. We arrived with the car literally covered in lovebugs (it was quite disgusting - like black snow). We hit Disney-MGM studios as soon as we arrived and the look on Av's face when he saw Bear in the Big Blue House and all his friends in person on stage was just priceless.

The next day we started with a character breakfast. My dad was thrilled at meeting the characters. Avi not so much. When Goofy came over, Av slid under the table and hid. At the Magic Kingdom, we actually got there to see the fanfare and hoo-hah that the do to open the park in the morning - I didn't even know they did that. For Av it was all about trains and things that move. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority (twice), The Indy Speedway (twice - "Mommy! I'm driving on the Beltway!"), Jungle Cruise, and countless rides on the steam engine train that loops around the park. No character greets, so that was good.

The parks were not that crowded and we didn't have to wait in line for a single ride (or if we did it was for one cycle). FastPass was even shut down for most every ride as well. If a sign said "10 minute wait" for the standby line, usually that just meant how long it would take to get from the entrance, through all the curvy twistys barriers and the pre-show. For each parade we walked right up 10 minutes before and found a primo spot up front. Av parked in his stroller with a frozen snack and we were right on. Of course literally seconds after the parade passed us by in the Magic Kingdom, the sky opened up and we got drenched for about 5 minutes before it stopped again. fun!

But the best part of the day? Snuggling in bed with Av after the end of a long day, watching Cinderella's castle change colors, and then watching the Magic Kindgom fireworks from inside our room, in bed in jammies - with him falling asleep happy thinking that Cinderella did that whole show just for us.

Pictures coming when I can download them, Shiny just called - his flight landed safely and he's on his way home. To the M.O.T. - Gmar Chatimah Tovah and may you have an easy fast.

Rainy day dancing bakers

arrrgylesocks — 2006-10-07T06:10:59-05:00

Today was a classic Fall gray, rainy, chilly day. Av was supposed to have soccer practice this morning, but it was canceled due to the weather. Of course, we didn't find that out until after we arrived at the park, but the drizzle had stopped, so we kicked the ball around for a half hour, stopping a few times so that Av could show me his new dance (courtesy of Daisy Duck). To do the dance first jump front, jump back ,repeat, then clap clap clap, march march march, and slide to the left and slide to the right.

Since today was going to be an inside day, Av decided that today was the perfect day to make banana cake. You must understand two things. 1 - We often bake pretend cakes and cookies to kill time while waiting around, mostly in restaurants. 2 - Av learned the recipe for banana cake from an episode of Blue's Clues. While we'd made many real batches of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, this would be our first banana cake. Although Shiny only got to enjoy the results and not the joy of mashing bananas, Av did an even amount of the work. I would scoop and measure, and he would pour the ingredients into the bowl. He also helped peel the bananas and was an excellent masher/mixer. And might I add - the cake is quite snacktastic!

Here's our recipe:

Foolproof, One Bowl Banana Cake

http://www.recipezaar.com/159273

by Sarah Chana

12 servings

35 min 5 min prep

1/2	cup margarine
2	eggs
1	teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2	teaspoons baking powder
1/2	teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4	cups sugar
1 1/2	cups mashed bananas (about 5 bananas)
2	cups flour
1/4	teaspoon salt

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl until smooth.
Pour into a greased or sprayed 9"x13" pan.
Bake at 350F for 30-40 minutes.
Can be frozen for later use.

Av added a couple of good shakes of ground cinnamon for additional flavor. And next time we might add chocolate chips or some nuts for fun.

Enjoy!

Happy 300 Flounder!

arrrgylesocks — 2006-10-12T09:10:50-05:00

I was driving down the main drag on my way home the day before yesterday and saw two folks standing in front of our local Cinema and Drafthouse. Standing in front of the theater were two protesters, a man and a woman, everyday looking kinda geeky joes. The man was holding a poster that read "Free the Flounder!" and the woman was holding a poster that read "People are offended by this movie!" They both had goofy looking grins on their face. The only movie I noticed on the marquee was Snakes on a Plane. Very strange.

I just checked the Cinema's website, and there was a private party going on that evening. Must be related to that. Now there's a let down.

And that folks was my 300th post! Now go enjoy Shiny's post with a great video of our kid!

Beshert

arrrgylesocks — 2006-10-18T02:10:39-05:00

"Ani L'dodi, V'Dodi Li"

said socKs to Shiny 8 years ago today almost to this exact minute.

still do.

lu!

Question...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-10-21T08:10:55-05:00

I was shopping at Trader Joe's yesterday morning, and I got cut off walking down the frozen food aisle by an elderly gentleman shuffling along pushing his shopping cart. I couldn't get around him due to the other shoppers with their carts in the aisle, so I just stood there and waited.

Out of the blue his wife, a very smartly dressed older woman who reminded me of Jessica Tandy, grabbed my wrist and asked: "How do you shop without your husband???" I just looked at her suprised by the grab and the question and replied "Much faster!"

books food friends

arrrgylesocks — 2006-10-26T09:10:52-05:00

Tonight was dinner with the girls! My good friends from work. We get together for lunch quite often, but this is the first time we all got together outside of work for dinner. We went out to one of the top steak places in DC, and boy were we rewarded. In addition to great steaks, good wine, there was great non-work related conversation. It was so nice having long intelligent conversations about a wide variety of topics. Everything from GLBT issues to relationships, from there a discourse on the different denominations of Judaism to Jesus and then on to diet and excercise and the new season of TV shows.

We've decided that each month we'll go out to a different place and to add to it, we're also adding a book component. So here are the rules:

The food:
- Restaurant can be of any style/cuisine, but each person must be able to get something to eat there.
- The selector of said restaurant will rotate among us.
- The restaurant can't be a cheesie chain place (think Friday's, Chili's, Red Robin, etc.)

The book:
- Can't be primarily work related, but if the topic comes up that's OK.
- Any genre is acceptable, any length is acceptable.

I am an avid reader, and not too worried about the selections because I certainly don't mind broaden my horizons, and I know that the girls have similar tastes in books. I'm also intrigued to try some new places and cuisines and will be brave and adventerous. I know that Nomad and I have discussed starting a WTF book club, and one of these days I will finally post my list of books that I have read so far in 2006. But in the meantime, the girls will be reading Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore. I read this book last month and it has really stuck with me - book report later!

In the meantime, tomorrow I get to have coffee with mucketies from my university who are in town for the big game. I get to meet with them well...because I'm nice and agreed. I've already told them that I'm not donating any money to their new facility, but apparently I'm interesting so there we go...

psudo-rainy day

arrrgylesocks — 2006-10-28T11:10:34-05:00

We're recovering from a rainy day. It's very windy outside. Soccer class was cancelled. The playroom at the rec center is closed due to private parties. What to do?

I figured that baking is always a fun project. Avi has decided he wants to make muffins. Zucchini muffins. Zucchini CARROT muffins with apples. This from the kid that doesn't like to eat his veggies.

There is also the possibilty of watching "Yellow Submarine" (see Shiny's post as to why) if we're not overloaded on Disney this AM, shopping for a new fleece hoodie, and a quick stop at the Library. All very exciting options for a three year old.

I'm psyched for the muffins though. Even if Av doesn't like them, I know that I will - more for me!

Shameless Halloween cute kid plug

arrrgylesocks — 2006-10-31T09:10:51-05:00

How cute is our kid? Check out his Halloween get up over at aviblog

Mmmmmm shopping

arrrgylesocks — 2006-11-02T09:11:31-05:00

One of my friends is invited to a social occassion at a very impressive Washington location. She's concerned that she doesn't have something fancy enough to wear, and was talking about going to the mall to buy a new suit. We were sitting shmoozing discussing her options and munching on leftover Halloween M-n-Ms.

Socks: So do you want me to meet at the mall tomorrow after work to help you find a suit? I could meet you at Pentagon City.
FoS: What???
Socks: Do you want to meet at Pentagon City?
FoS: Do I want to go to Bennigan's to buy a suit?
Socks: What? I said Pentagon City. Did you just say Bennigan's? What are you going to wear a suit made of broccoli bites?
FoS: Well actually I was thinking of going with a Monte Christo.

I just don't know...

arrrgylesocks — 2006-11-13T07:11:15-05:00

I don't know whether to laugh or cry today.

Our cat Ownie is one cantankerous cat. She likes few, and is - as I was accurately informed today - a cat for one. Oh sure, she'll let Shiny feed and pet her, and she'll occassionally curl up with him, or sleep on Av's bed, but she's set in her ways and not often friendly to strangers (to her). But hey - she's 13. She's old. (Although truth be told, she was like that when she was young too).

But she's our Ownie-cat and we love her. We've been through a lot over the years - obsessive grooming, dental issues, thyroid problems, bats, a broken elbow, and she's weathered it all. When she had an impacted tooth last year she let us know right away by "marking" new spots around the house, sometimes right in front of our eyes. Not typical cat behaviour, so we knew somethng was wrong. On Thursday evening, I noticed that she wasn't so in to eating, and was kinda laying around more than usual. Same on Friday. She didn't even bother me for dinner. Usually she starts up at 4, so by 6:30 when she was still sleeping at my feet, I figured something might be wrong. Shiny and I decided to see how she was doing for breakfast, and if her behaviour was still off, we'd call the vet.

Of course Saturday morning she was up at her usual time, and anxiously waiting by her dish for her food and her morning meds. Same for dinner. So back to normal she was, and we didn't call the vet. But that night, after dinner - I noticed her eye. Her incredibly freaky looking eye. Which is normally a beautiful shade of green. Now the center of her eye (which took up most of the visible space) was a milky blue-ish color with some green iris visible on one side. NOT NORMAL. We called the ER vet, we called my folks. Since she seemed otherwise ok, not pawing at it at all, no discharge, back to eating, we decided to wait until today to take her to her regular vet.

So this afternoon Ownie was diagnosed with some rare unique bizarro big-ass cataract. Which wasn't there or even developing in September when she had her annual. So unique and rare is the type of cataract that she has that the vet took pictures and called over her colleagues. We need to take her to a veterinary opthamologist. She will need to have eye surgery. If they can't remove the cataract, they will need to remove the eye. Ewwww.

This morning when Av and I left for school, we said goodbye to her. Av knew I was taking her to the doctor to get better, but he also asked me if she was going to come home again. Shiny explained to him that she will need eye surgery just like he had. Except this time, no pretty eye patches.

For now, the pressure in her eye has equalized, although it's still quite freaky looking. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it now. The situation seems so ridiculous that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. For now, I've got hugs from Shiny, made more muffins with Av, and got comfort food for dinner. I also now have the best excuse ever for cancelling dinner plans with my friends later this week. "Oh I'm sorry - I can't go out tonight, Ownie had her eye removed." So right now, until the vet calls back, I shall laugh.

Let them eat cake!

arrrgylesocks — 2006-11-15T11:11:59-05:00

Quick update on things. The vet informed us that ownie doesn't need surgery right away. Since her eye pressure has equalized and she's not in pain, we're going to sit tight. I am taking her to see an opthamologist next week for more detailed tests and to check out what's going on in her "good" eye.

Otherwise, it's November and our family busy season has started. Next week Shiny's brother and family are coming in for the holiday and staying with us this time. Family gathering and all that, mystery theme meal (vegetarian), and once again I create - the Turkey Cake! Av is quite excited to help. Due to the delicate nature of the construction of said Turkey Cake, I will probably let him help me with the batter and mixing, but not construction. There may also be a cheesecake involved.

After that it's on to some serious planning of Av's birthday party. This is the first one we are throwing for him. He is quite excited, and of course has asked for a cake. A Beatles cake. Which he wants to help me make. So either I try to draw them on the cake, or we special order one of those edible picture things, or we find some funky figurines to use as a cake toppers. Maybe I can convince him that all he really needs is Love...

Wah wah wah

arrrgylesocks — 2006-11-21T08:11:30-05:00

Sometimes it feels like the world is against me, but at least these things happen in threes...

1. The saga with Ownie cat continues. I took her to the opthamologist today. THAT was an expensive trip, with more to come. The diagnosis is that she has anterior lens luxation in her left eye (aka the "crazy eye"). They put her on glaucoma eye drops for the next two weeks. Her so-called "good eye" is also developing a cataract. They did lots of diagnostic tests to see if they can determine any underlying disease that would cause all of this. The worst case scenario is that she has to have her "crazy eye" removed, which is a VERY expensive procedure. For now, as long as the pressure in her eye stabilizes it will stay in. In two weeks they will check how she's doing, and perhaps some more very expensive testing.

2. We are trying to get rid of my car, because it has gotten to the point where the repairs are starting to be as much as the value of the car. To do this, we need the title. We can't get the title because apparently the lien was never released on it when the car was paid off. So I spent hours on the phone with the DMV trying to figure out what was going on and what paperwork was needed to get a copy of the title. I had to call the bank that financed the auto loan. While I'm on the phone with them, I get hung up on because they had a fire alarm go off! (When I called back later, it turned out there really was smoke on their floor.) Tomorrow is my next call to the DMV to see if the bank released the lien, then get power of attorney papers from my father (co-owner on the title) so that I can get rid of the car.

3. We did have a lovely weekend at the beach. Seeing old friends and making new ones. We came home on Sunday to find a phone call from the credit card company. They asked if we had been in Canada the day before, and if we had made a large purchase. We most certainly were not and did not. Apparently, someone got a hold of our account number, made a new card, tried it out with a $1 purchase in Alaska on Wednesday, then a much larger purchase on Saturday. So that account number was cancelled, and new cards were to be issued. While we were on the phone with them, apparently another swiped purchase was attempted! So today I spent at home from work, waiting for the new cards to arrive, since I had to be here to sign for them. they arrived safe and sound, and I spent some time notifying online vendors of the new account number, because my purchases from last week were denied when they went to process the charge prior to shipment.

Oh, and since I'm on my whiney cranky feel sorry for me rant, I've had a headache all day (exasperated by a chest cold cough), the arthritis in my ankle is acting up and so painful at times that I couldn't put weight on it, and the sidewalk at the bottom of our front steps has been a muddy pit and is due for concrete tomorrow, so I hope that we can get in/out of the house, and tonight Avi asked me if ShinyMom could still talk and he was very sad that he couldn't call her and that she would be missing Thanksgiving. To quote my son "oy, yoy, yoy!"

But the first round of cakes has been baked and are chilling, ready for construction tomorrow night, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu (albeit vegetarian) has been determined for our Shabbat dinner, and house cleaning has commenced for said family Shabbat (Shiny's brother and family will be joining us this year). So maybe things aren't really so bad.

At least I know that Shiny is behind me 65% of the time!

Happy...salad day?

arrrgylesocks — 2006-11-23T09:11:48-05:00

Thanksgiving with the Shiny family is always an adventure. You see, it's vegetarian. VEGETARIAN! I'm a big lover of the classic turkey dinner with stuffing and sweet potatoes and pies and green beans. Pure comfort food. But I love my husband, so off we go...

Shiny's mom started the tradition of the vegetarian Thanksgiving long before I joined the fam. His aunt and uncle do all the cooking and plan the menu. Each year has a different theme, cuisine, or key ingredient (ala Iron Chef). This is the big event of the year, menus are discussed year round. How about garlic? cheese? peanuts? chocolate? and of course, my father-in-law and I always suggest turkey.

My first year it was Pakistani food. There was the awesome year of the pumpkin, and the fateful year of the eggplant (we will never forget that dessert), recipes from Nero Wolfe novels, and things that are all stuffed (including us). For the third year in a row I made my turkey cake for dessert (Avi helped me make the "stuffing"). As Shiny mentioned, this year it was salads and none of them had mayonnaise.

Another sacred family tradition is the exchange of presents. Early Chanukah presents, because we're all together to do so. Shiny's mom would start shopping for these early - way early - in the summer early. She'd order them from cheesy catalogs like "Domestications" and "Lillian Vernon." The week we were sitting Shivah, a package of gifts she had ordered arrived. It was up to my Shiny's brother and his wife to try and figure out who was supposed to get what. Last year we all got lucite bagel slicers. This year she had bought the kids pencil cups that are also...wait for it....puzzles. There was the year that she got my nieces beach towels that were also large board games (checkers & tic tac toe). She would always make sure that I wasn't buying them the same thing. This was never really an issue.

Shiny's uncle gave us the most amazing gift this year. He put together a binder with EVERY Thankgiving menu and recipes and memories of each year. Except for 1995. That is the year that will forever remain a mystery. Many theories abound as to why. My thought was that they had some funny brownies. After he retires, he's going to work on adding images, and add our memories as well. Each year we will get new pages to add to it with the new year's menu/recipes. The book is dedicated to Shiny's mom, without whom the Shiny family vegetarian fiesta would not be. It is certainly going to be a treasured family heirloom, with some funky recipes. I can't wait to share it with Avi when he's older.

Tomorrow night Shiny's brother and fam will come down to our home for Shabbat. I've got a full "traditional" dinner planned - Tofurky with all the fixings: stuffing, cranberry sauce from a can, pumpkin pie, Avi's fruit salad. Yeah, it's Tofurky, but ShinyDad and I will deal.

One final moment of the day, that also stood out to me. Shiny's 22 yr old cousin E was seated next to our nieces (ages 5 and 7). It should be noted that the traditional beverage of choice is always sparkling apple cider. When I looked up, I noticed E showing our oldest niece the large head on her glass of cider. ShinyNiece was quite impressed at how cool it was that the glass was so full, but didn't spill over. So E began to explain how to pour the beverage - you tilt your glass, and pour the beverage down the side of the glass, in order to get a small head on the drink. This went way over the girls head, and E just looked at her, thought for a second, and said "Well trust me, this will be useful knowledge when you are older!"

World AIDS Day

arrrgylesocks — 2006-12-01T01:12:27-05:00

UN staff members hold open red umbrellas to form the AIDS ribbon, in the North Garden at UNHQ.

Wonderful? really?

arrrgylesocks — 2006-12-11T09:12:51-05:00

Who says that this is the most wonderful time of the year?

I'm tired, I'm stressed, I'm driving Shiny crazy. I've got Chanukah gifts and birthday gifts to sort and wrap. A birthday party to plan, food to order, party favors to get, RSVPs to hunt down. A major job to finish with major information still missing. A Beatles cake to design and Beatles kippot to paint. A mouse to find, a house to clean, cookies to bake, and the DMV to fight.

Things will be better in January right?

Because Santa doesn't celebrate Chanukah

arrrgylesocks — 2006-12-15T09:12:05-05:00

My fellow shoppers and the nice men working at the front of the CVS must think me a terrible mother. For this is what they overheard me say to my son as we walked into the store tonight:

"I'm sorry sweetie, Santa isn't going to bring you presents."

Birthday celebration #1 - check!

arrrgylesocks — 2006-12-17T08:12:37-05:00

Yay birthday party! I had a wee bit of anxiety as we headed over to the fire station this afternoon. I don't think I've thrown a successful party since our wedding. I worried that the cake wouldn't make it there in one piece, and that the kids wouldn't have a good time. I brough Twister just in case. We didn't even need it. The fire people were impressed at how color coordinated everything was (what can I say?) and just loved the inflatable guitars and Beatles soundtrack we had playing. Avi even introduced them to the Beastles. Head over to aviblog to view the details. And check out Shiny's new icon - sweet!

As one of the moms at the party stated: "Wow! A Fireman/Beatles birthday party. It's every girls dream!"

PS: I didn't drop the cake until I was literally walking back into our front door after the party. Luckily John survived the fall, only to be eaten a few hours later!

Just wondering

arrrgylesocks — 2006-12-20T10:12:38-05:00

Is it possible to make a bad batch of Peanut Butter Cocoa Krispies Treats?

No...seriously....

You can't go back...

arrrgylesocks — 2007-01-01T08:01:14-05:00

This gray rainy first day of 2007 was spent cleaning up the house. My New Year's resolution is to finally unpack all those still packed boxes, get rid of stuff we don't need yet still have, and get ourselves organized and clutter free so that we are no longer embarrassed to have people over or have that frantic last minute rush to put stuff away before they do.

So this morning while Av watched the Disney Channel, I started on a corner of the bedroom. Purging old issues of Entertainment Weekly, picking up loose change, and making a pile of a lot of empty water bottles that seemed to have been having a convention under the bed.

We then moved downstairs to organize toys, and start going through the large boxes in the corner. Half of them moved with us in 2001, the other half were sent up to me by my mother about 4 years ago when she cleaned out my childhood bedroom. We found all sorts of interesting things. The lien release on the title of the car that we just got rid of (which I just spent about 4 weeks trying to get a copy of from the bank). A love poem written to me by my high school boyfriend. Letters from two different guys named Scott who for some reason I was corresponding with probably my freshman year of college. Some bad '80s accessories. Lots of tape cassettes (Donny and Marie anyone?) The roach clip with feathers hanging off it, which we younger kids wore in our hair back in the 70s, not knowing that they were really supposed to be used for something else. Awards I won over the years, and a bunch of Disney posters that hung in my dorm room in college, which are now hanging in Avi's bedroom as per his request.

I also found a copy of my senior portrait from high school. It's always been one of my favorite pictures of myself - I looked happy, and if I may so, quite hot. I took a look at it, and said out loud "I want to be that girl again." Not that I want to go back to high school - quite the contrary. But at least that weight. I was feeling slightly wistful. Av came over to look at the picture. I showed it to him and explained that it was me when I was in school. I repeated my statement. He said "Mommy. You can't be that girl again. You're too old." Leave it to the 4yr old to put life back in perspective.

Book report 2007-001

arrrgylesocks — 2007-01-10T10:01:44-05:00

Last year, inspired by Nomad, I kept a running list of every book I read during 2006. (This will be posted once I finish typing it up). But this year I decided to do something different. Nomad and I keep saying that we will start a WTF book club. This is not it (not officially yet anyway). However, I thought that it would be interesting (at least to me anyhow) to write about each book as I finish it. So here we go...

Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA by Ellen Meister

So I picked up this book at the Library. I will admit that for me I was initially attracted to the cover. (oooh shiny objects!) So I checked it out, but then never got around to it, so I returned it unread. A little later I read a good review of the book in my beloved Entertainment Weekly magazine. So I added it back to my queue and picked up a few weeks ago. It was quite cute! The general premise of the book is that a production company for a new George Clooney film has selected Applewood's elementary school as a sight location for a his new film. The PTA, in particular the Public Relations committee, is in charge of overseeing the process. There of course is a totally bitchy alpha-queen PTA president who you love to hate. The four main characters all have their own issues - primarily internal conflicts and family problems. But I found them nice enough. My main issue was I felt like there were too many characters - I had trouble keeping track of the husbands and kids. But you root for the women to accomplish their goal and to beat the odds that keep getting in their way. And I love the end when George finally comes to town. There were parts when I totally figured out what the big plot twists would be, and other parts that were unexpected. Parts where I giggled outloud, and nights where I had to decide if I should stay up and read or go to bed, but I really wanted to read so that I could find out what happened next. Overall, the book was a nice quick read, easy and enjoyable. If a follow-up book with the same characters was written, I would probably read it.

I give it...3.5 socks.

24

arrrgylesocks — 2007-01-13T09:01:15-05:00

DAMN YOU SHINY !!!

You made me watch the first 4 hours of 24. (OK - so I agreed to it because I like the show.) And I made you wait a few more days so that we could do it on a slow TV night. AND NOW I understand why you were so freaked out about it and the one big OH MY GOSH moment. AND THEN THERE WAS ANOTHER F-ING OH MY GOSH MOMENT!!! And I still can't talk about it until Tuesday when everyone else sees it. HOLY SCHNIKEES!

Of course I'm still holding out for when "the Ricker" arrives on the scene.

This is such a great show.

Do you want to play a game?

arrrgylesocks — 2007-01-22T08:01:05-05:00

Haaaaaaaaaaaave you met Shiny ?

I found a website which had photos of celebrities when they were kids. One of these reminded me of Shiny. Another reminded Shiny of Shiny. Can you guess which one is the real Shiny? And for a bonus - can you guess who the celebrities are?

This little piggy had roast beef

arrrgylesocks — 2007-01-28T10:01:47-05:00

I am not so smart. Well I thought I was, but now I don't think so.

This morning started out innocent enough - watching Disney Channel with the boy. Letting Shiny sleep in. After he came downstairs and settled in with the laundry, I headed upstairs to grab a bite, put on some guilty pleasure TV and set about doing a massive clean up of our bedroom. Laundry in this pile, clean clothes to put away in another pile, old t-shirts that I'll turn into a quilt in another pile, clothes to give away. We were going to go to Casa Shiny's Dad, but due to light flurries and a power outage, decided to stay home and make progress. Av came upstairs and found an empty spot on the floor where he started playing with his blocks - he built me a castle - and then he grabbed his giant Space puzzle and set about putting that together while I sorted through. I grabbed a pile of his books which had landed in our room after bedtimes and started to take them into his room. I made it as far as the bedroom door. Somehow, a horrible combination of a pile I was stepping over, my toes tangled in my pajama bottoms, and the door all converged into one location. There was a loud bang and a loud yell. No cursing though - the kid was in the room. Shiny came running up. I was still standing in the door trying not to throw up. He took the books and put them away. Shiny came over to make sure I was OK and got me to the bed.

After a few minutes the pain still hadn't subsided. It still hurt - a lot. The swelling started a little, then the stiffness, and then I couldn't put walk on it. Shiny headed downstairs to find me an urgent care facility. Av asked if my toe hurt as bad as his when he tripped early and then we finished his puzzle. I called my parents - partly for sympathy and partly for opinions, but they couldn't talk - literally - and this is no joke - their oldest cat was dying. (He passed away about 5 minutes after they hung up on me). I limped downstairs and drove myself to the urgent care. 45 minutes after I got there, I was seen, 20 minutes later I was in x-ray and 20 minutes after that I had the official news - I broke my toe. Tape, Tylenol, and crutches. The odd thing is that the doctor said it was my fourth toe that had the break, while my pinky toe is the one that is still throbbing. Weird.

And did I mention that we are under another snow advisory warning? Oh sure...months ago when I invested in new snow boots we get nothing. Now that I'm on crutches for the next 2-4 weeks it's going to be a friggen blizzard.

"It's GROUNDHOG DAY!"

arrrgylesocks — 2007-02-02T09:02:41-05:00

So while the boy and I were watching the local weather, trying to figure out if the snow or ice was coming and when, and whether or not schools would be delayed this morning, our local news channel cut to the coverage of Punxsutawney Phil's prognostication. All I could think is that poor animal looked like he was shivering and quite unhappy, being held up for all those flashing cameras. Av asked me what they were doing, and I explained it was Groundhog Day, and that that little animal is going to tell us if we are going to have more winter - not that we've had that much before the past couple weeks. He thought this was quite silly, it is, and was quite dissapointed that he had to go to school today. I just felt sorry for poor little Phil.

So Happy Groundhog Day everybody - or as a friend said at work today "six more weeks of global warming."

Taking a sick day

arrrgylesocks — 2007-02-05T01:02:24-05:00

I'm home today with a sick Beatle Bug. After we got up, made breakfast and lunch, got all the bags packed for school and work, I realized that the boy was feeling warm. He had a slight cough - mostly coughing up some junk resulting from a stuffy nose. So after wrestling with two thermometers and getting a normal reading, I still had an uneasy feeling as we were bundling up in coats to brave the super cold windy weather outside. (As I type, we have a windchill of 2 degrees Fahrenheit). I convinced him to let me take his temp one more time, and sure enough, once I got the cover on right, it was in the mid-99s. Enough that he felt a little run down and that I knew the daycare center would call to pick him up if I sent him in. (Of course as soon as I told him he was staying home, he seemed to perk up.)

Since we were already bundled up, we headed downtown to my office so I could pick up some homework. I asked him in the car if he was going to be my helper monkey, and got an emphatic "Yes!". He entertained my colleagues with a lovely rendition of the Beatles "Daytripper" using one of my crutches as a guitar. One of them asked if he was being my helper monkey - that was an odd coincidence. Then we HAD to go to Target, as per his request, because according to him "Target is where you buy the orange juice that I need." Came home, and jumped right back into bed to watch DVDs.

As I was telling Shiny (and this is something we say quite often), Av is so disgustingly cute. Even when sick. He is curled up in our bed, hoodie still on, under the covers, propped up with pillows, holding his favorite stuffed dog, three teddy bears, a monkey, his favorite blankie, Thomas, Annie, & Clarabel, and Ownie cat, watching DVDs. So tired that it took 1-1/2 hours to finish his lunch. Can I just say how much I love these new Triaminic cough & cold thin strips? Although it did feel like I was giving my kid some X or putting an acid tab on his tongue, it was super easy to give him and he didn't mind at all! Love it.

Hopefully he'll be fine to go to school tomorrow. If not, Shiny and I already have a plan. I of course, have been taking advantage of the down time to not get my work done, but at least I'm warm and cozy too and not on my feet.

You give me fever

arrrgylesocks — 2007-02-07T11:02:26-05:00

My helper monkey is not so helpful. Poor thing has the Croup, which sucks for all of us.

He woke up last night around 1:30am with a terrible barky cough. He was flush with fever, but feeling cold, so I wrapped him in our comforter while Shiny went to get him some juice to help his throat. Poor baby was freaking out a little because he was having trouble catching a breath, and was only really comfy when he was sitting up. I slept in his room with him last night, which was fitful on his part. The high fever didn't help, and we debated on whether or not to call the doctor in the middle of the night. I switched with Shiny to get a couple hours sleep, then we switched again before wake up time. The end of the night was a bit easier on Av, but Shines and I are both pretty zonked today. One good distraction last night was the snow - Av was very excited to see that it came and to help shovel out the car in the morning. That helped calm him down.

So today we're home again. We went to the pediatrician for the official diagnosis. That was an adventure what with an inch of snow on the ground and me not being able to walk well without assistance. Yet going out satisfied Av's wanting to shovel the sidewalk, clean off the car, and throw snow at Mommy. He'll most likely be out of school for the week. While he's still running a temp, hopefully last night was the worst of it. Now he's all full of energy and rocking out his newly fixed guitar while wearing his new Beatles shirt and watching The Wiggles. The doctor recommended fluids, Tylenol, and popsicles to sooth his throat. Is it any wonder why he loves going to the doctor?

Still home...

arrrgylesocks — 2007-02-08T03:02:03-05:00

Well where are we? I'm not getting divorced. The toe is still broken, but I'm off the crutches. Kid is still recovering, but better than he was. Most of the snow has melted. Had a really good hamburger today. Am wearing my favorite pair of green argyle socks. Got the latest book from my favorite author (a sequel to one of my favorite books!), although I'm still 1/2 way through with a good library book that must be finished first. We were able to get out of the house today for lunch a quick trip to the mall (kid got a new tool box, now he's "fixing" everything) and got my watch battery repaired. I've got a quilt to finish up and work work that I've been putting off. And Survivor returns tonight, always fun. I love Thursday night TV. And thank goodness for wireless internet connections, because I've been able to enjoy the warmth of my bed and laptop these past few days. Tomorrow I get to go back to work - if even for a few hours before the weekend.

Book report 2007-002

arrrgylesocks — 2007-02-10T09:02:05-05:00

"The Book of Lost Things" by John Connolly

Another find from the Library. This one took me a long time to read. Partially because I got involved in other things, and also because I found it to be a very dark book. I was initially totally sucked in to the beginning of the book. It is set in England, outside of London, in the early part of WWII. David is a young boy who lost his dear mother to a terminal illness. His father eventually remarries a new woman and a new baby brother joins the family. David is not so thrilled with this at all. They move into his new step-mother's family home. David is given his step-mother's uncle's childhood room. This boy had disappeared with his adopted sister many years before. David begins to hear the books talking and sees strange things. He gets drawn into the sunken garden by the voices of his late mother, and gets sucked into another world just as a Nazi pilot gets shot down on their property in the very spot, thus trapping David in this other world, unable to get home.

David finds himself in a strange land that has some very familiar stories. A kind Woodsman finds him and leads him to shelter. The Woodsman tells David that his only way home is to meet the King, who has a special book - The Book of Lost Things, which can help get him home. David's journey is a treacherous one. He fights for his survival, all while being chased by packs of wolves looking to take over the kingdom. Along the way he meets different characters which are well known to him and the readers, with a twist of course.

Once I had the time to sit and read the book, I figured out a key plot twist pretty early on, but was still compelled to keep reading to see if I was right. (I was - and as Shiny will tell you, I have a knack for that sort of thing when we are watching TV dramas). But I kept on reading, wanting to find out what happened to David next, how would he get through the next challenge, and would he be able to get back home.

I've always had a thing for fairy tales, both twisted and the real kind. Even took a literature course on them in college. As I said, this was a dark book, certainly not meant for children. It was good, but I wasn't in the "Oh wow I can't put this down! Stay up too late reading because I want to know what happens next mode." At times I found myself skimming the paragraphs on the page, and not even realizing it at first. But in other parts, I found the characters to be so beautifully written, that I would hang on every word. So even though it took me awhile to get through, I don't regret reading it and would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes this genre. I give this book a pair of toe socks - all ten toes!

Avi art project!

arrrgylesocks — 2007-02-13T09:02:01-05:00

What a better way to spend a snowy, icy, sleety, winter mix kind of day than making homemade valentines? A day so yucky here in Washington that even the Federal Government closed at 2pm! So with all school districts closing early, I picked up the kid, and once home we broke out the construction paper, safety scissors, markers, stickers, and glue sticks. Grabbed the Sunday paper advertisement inserts and got to work.

The best part about them? Av wrote his own name on every single card (with very very little help from Mommy). So how do you write his name? One stripe up and then back down again, then connect the lines. One stripe down and one stripe back up again. Then the I. I am so proud of him! The results of our labor is as follows:

They are quite awesome, colorful, and I am quite proud of him. Although he wavered in the middle with a "No Mommy, you finish them." and was occasionally distracted with snacks, he did them all. (20 total). He shall have good penmanship and creative flair. He was quite methodical in selecting what to paste on which card, who got what color heart, and who got what sticker and what color. Hopefully the weather won't close schools tomorrow!

Wah wah wah

arrrgylesocks — 2007-02-18T08:02:47-05:00

I haven't been feeling too hot lately. Last night I slept terribly - waking up frequently with the entire right side of my face congested and nasal passages blocked. Yuck. I thought about taking a decongestant before I went to bed, and didn't and totally paid the price for it. So I was so excited to take the 12 hour decon when I woke up. And of course the frequent honking of my shnoz to get the junk out led to cries of "Mommy! Stop! It's too loud!" Feeling headachey, not being able to breathe, tired of being hung on and jumped on, and looking at the mess of stuff around the house, I fell into full on self pity party mode. Bonus points to Shiny for putting up with me.

So he took Av out for the afternoon so that I could get things together. I finally took all the boxes of clothes that we'd gotten together and inherited from friends out to the car so I could drop it off at Goodwill - about 5 total. I also took two boxes of dishes that we received as a wedding gift from Shiny's grandparents. These dishes were the source of many conversations between me and Shiny's mom. I was initially told that they were Grandma's nice china, which is why she wanted us to have them. The boxes were sent up to us the summer of 1998 and I never opened them. (In fact, the first time I ever did was this morning, just to make sure that there was nothing else in there with them). I had seen a sample from Shiny Mom, so I knew what they looked like - white china with a metallic trim. So they moved with us and sat in the closest unopened for 8 years because we didn't have room for them. As it is, we already have two full sets of dishes in our kitchen cabinets. No room for a third.

The subject of the dishes is one that seemed to come up a lot with Shiny Mom. I don't even remember why. I think it was because after Grandma passed away, and there was yet another set of dishes available or there were serving pieces - I can't recall. But I do remember that we discussed it quite frequently. I told her that we still hadn't opened the first set. Shiny Mom then lays a bombshell on me - the fine china that Grandma had sent us from Florida? Not so fine. In fact, it came with her condo. When I looked at it today, it is stamped on the bottom "Made in Japan / Safe from freezer to microwave to dishwasher". Grandma didn't want to leave it behind, and so that's how it ended up with us. All this time I had felt bad that we weren't using "the china."

Well in to the back of the car the "china" went. I made a quick run to the CVS for decongestant (I love how you have to request it from the pharmacist directly and they make you show ID and sign a Federal register now) and then Starbucks next door for an afternoon snack since I failed to eat lunch. I order my drink and turn around and no kidding - it's a friggin blizzard outside! Big fat snow flakes falling hard and fast. Me without my coat and gloves. The poor girl next to me in line was just in sweats and flip flops. I dash for the car and make a quick stop at home to get my coat and gloves. Visibility was very poor for the round the corner drive, yet by the time I get to the house, the sun is shining and flurries are light. Once at Goodwill, the same, and the flurries are barely visible. Strange. I loop back around through the city to run errands - bank, gas, grocery store, and once again - big fat windy snow flakes that follow me all the way home.

I clear out some more boxes at home and am still doing that. Slowly, but surely we'll get the house together. What is the time limit on unpacked boxes from a move? The drugs kicked in pretty quickly, so I've been able to breathe. I'll know better for tonight. My best friend from college is coming up to DC for training, so it will be good to see her this week. The snow has stopped. Things will get better.

This one does NOT go to 11

arrrgylesocks — 2007-02-19T02:02:09-05:00

So last night Shiny had a bad go around with our sewer ejection pump. I believe the exact phrase he used was "cascades of water" were coming out of the closet in the basement where the pump lives. He moved boxes and furniture out of the way (even the treadmill) and I had visions of our laptops floating away by morning.

So this morning - a lovely federal holiday home with the boy - I scour the phone book and the internets looking for the best deal on a plumber to fix this lovely problem. I end up calling a nationally known chain that has a pretty good reputation. We used them before to good-ish results. (The ish part being that the best solution is to replace all the pipes and fixtures in the bathroom, as opposed to just replacing a washer). But whatever.

Imagine my joy when she says "We can have someone there by 11!" (I called at 8:45). Then the dispatcher calls to tell me he's delayed and will be here by noon. Then at 12:30, while I'm hold with them again, the dispatcher calls to tell me no - he will be there between 1-1:30. So now it's 2:20. I called around 2 and was told by the dispatcher "He's not there?" "Nope. No calls, nothing. I've been waiting around all day for him." "Was there a parade?" "Umm...no. I live on the west end of the city. Any parades would have been on the east end." "He'll be there in 10 minutes. I'll speak with his manager and make sure that you get incentives and a discount."

Damn right I better. It's 2:23 and there's still no sign of this guy. I've been stuck in the house all day with a 4 year old who is running out of things to entertain himself with. I even had to watch Barney! I should have called the other locally owned places that advertised "We'll be there by noon or you won't have to pay for labor costs!" To be continued...

3:27pm EST - He arrived as I was on the phone with dispatch. Turns out that one of the check valves was disconnected from the pipe it was supposed to connect to. Former repair person (before our time) had taped things together, rather than screwing them together with clamps. Tape was removed, clamps were installed, and when we tested it out, the valve leaked (hence the tape probably). So Mr. Plumber has gone to the plumbing supply store (because of course they don't sell these individual parts at Home Depot) to get us a new 2" check valve. As he only carries 4" check valves for sump pumps in his truck. At least we don't have to replace the entire unit. And once it's fixed, the check valve and pump should be a whole lot more quieter. Of course we still have to deal with the soaking wet carpet in the basement...

4:32pm EST - He is back and finally finished. He got the part, and as he was installing it, a big gush of water came out of the pipe and covered him. Yuck. But it's done, I got $40 knocked off the final amount because of the waiting, etc. And hopefully we won't have to go through this for quite awhile. Now as for the kitchen sink - that's still dripping. But only because I wasn't willing to pay an additional $250 to get that fixed today. One major repair per day thank you very much.

Happy Birthday (but don't drop a boat in your cake)

arrrgylesocks — 2007-03-01T10:03:15-05:00

This week we recognize one of the most popular and loved books in American literature - Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat. In fact, tomorrow - March 2nd will be a national read-aloud of the book across the country.

But tonight - I read the book to Av for the first time. We were getting close to bed time (after some time watching The Beatles on YouTube (natch), and I told him only one story before bed. A short story. But then I remembered the Cat's 50th birthday this week, and told him about it. Luckily he was open to reading a new book. While he got ready for bed, I dug the book off his bookshelf. He got it as a gift when he was born, and I don't think we've ever read it to him. It had dust on it! Oh the horror!

We curled up together in his rocking chair and I started to read - he LOVED it. He couldn't believe that the Cat dropped the boat and his cake! And the fish in the pot? That's comedy. But wait - there's more. In walks the Cat with a BIG RED BOX. What was in the box? Two things! Now the funny part here is, the Cat says the box contains two things, but what are they? So my son the genius says "Thing 1 and Thing 2 Mommy!" I stopped and asked him if he read the book before at school, and he said no. I was just impressed that he knew the punchline before I read it.

The best part of reading the book to him? He was laughing out loud. Laughing his deep belly laugh - the kind that makes us laugh because he's so funny. He loved it. When we finished, he told me he couldn't possibly go to bed yet, because he had to "read" the book again. So he climbed up on bed and "read" himself the book - even getting most of the plot right.

Shiny and I have been trying to convince Av that he really does want to dress up for Purim this weekend, which he steadfastly refuses to do. So tonight I offered to make him a "Thing #" shirt to wear for Purim - after all, he found them so funny. He said he's not Thing 1 or Thing 2. I asked if he was Thing 3 (there are three of us in the family after all.) I was corrected that he is in fact Thing 4 - because that's how old he is. But he still doesn't want to wear a t-shirt.

I only have Ides for you

arrrgylesocks — 2007-03-15T10:03:52-05:00

I'm just spent. Clearly I should have paid more attention to the Ides.

It's odd that it's been so quiet over here in Sockland, considering I've lots of things I've wanted to say. I'm getting over (I hope over) a nasty head cold that has kept me full of phlegm. We had snow, then it disappeared, then it snowed again, then it was in the 70s, and now it might snow again. At work I've just been swamped, to the point where I've been bringing it home with me. And I have a job in which due to the nature of my job, I rarely am able to bring my work home with me. I'm mid craft project for the kid, who we've also been working with to add new foods to his eating repertoire. After all, he's four, and four year olds eat new food (after much cajoling and bribing and tears). I did have time over the past weekend to read two good books, so book reviews will be posted soon. Over the weekend we've got plans to stay indoors, visit ShinyDad, maybe bake some train cookies and watch movies. Tomorrow I have to remember not to forget everything that the boy needs to bring to school for his class St. Pat's day party. Oh - and wear green. My brain is mushy. It was so bad that on Monday I sat down in front of my computer and couldn't remember what it was I was supposed to be doing - and I had just turned it on!

I've got a business trip coming up soon, which although it will be a bit nutty, I'm very much looking forward too, as I'll get to stay with my folks. Now I just have to get everything done that needs to be done before I go!

On the road

arrrgylesocks — 2007-03-26T05:03:44-05:00

So as Shiny mentioned I'm off on a business trip for the week. Conveniently it's in the same city that my folks live in, so I'm shacking up with them while I'm in town. My first thought when I set foot into the airport? "Freedom!" but no - I miss my boys. I didn't sleep so well last night, but I think that's because I didn't have Shiny stealing covers or Av waking me up to tuck him in.

Ahh....sorta solitude. Can't wait to do the expense report when I get home.

Food glorious food! (even if it's Passover)

arrrgylesocks — 2007-04-06T04:04:47-05:00

I like to make food into other food. It's fun, and of course quite satisfying in the end - oh, and you get to lick the bowl. With it being Passover and all, our usual carb-o-licious diet is put to the wayside for the week. As Av said to me last night "I'm tired of special Passover food." So on this wonderful day off o'mine - on this almost mid-April weekend on which we are expecting snow flurries(!) - I cooked and baked. First off some brownie cheesecake - for the boy. He said "I think that cheesecake would make my yuckies go away and make me feel so much better." Next I made a mushroom-garlic dip (for me). It's my sister-in-law's recipe, and one that I enjoy every time she makes it. It tastes so good on matzah. Last up, I made my annual batch of spinach gnocchi for Shiny. I also have on deck a blue cheese-pear salad and artichokes stuffed with smashed potatoes. Oh, and Av wants me to make blue and purple matzah balls. That should be fun! Those however will have to wait until tomorrow when I have the energy to do more cooking.

Our fridge is stuffed with food and ingredients. But no longer stuffed with the leftovers from Thanksgiving, which had been pushed to the very back and we had been putting off cleaning the bowls out because of the worry that it would be fuzzy stinky nasty. Oddly enough, the largest dish, Shiny's aunt's artichoke potato salad (sans mayo) looked perfectly fine. Fine to the point that I thought "Hmm... that would be a yummy Pesach dish" as I stuffed it down the garbage disposal.

I always worry about what Av will eat, since he normally lives on veggie burgers and veggie chicken. While we were out of town, he subsided primarily on cheese, yogurt, fruit, matzah and french fries. Shines found Passover chicken nuggets, which Av was happy to eat since they looked just like (and taste just like) his regular nuggets. Yesterday was a challenge, as it was the Spring Party at his school. Poor thing loves cupcakes and brownies, and I told him to do his best, and what he could eat. He came home in good spirits, and told me he had fruit salad and cheese at the party. He also asked that I not send Passover cereal for snack anymore. Totally understandable.

He'll be disappointed that he can't have the cheesecake until tomorrow, but excited for his Popsicles. Shiny and I however have the ultimate treat waiting in our freezer for after Passover - Jello Pudding Pops! Oh yeah!

Retail challenged

arrrgylesocks — 2007-04-08T04:04:07-05:00

So today we are basically being slugs. Which is fine. It's a chilly Sunday outside, so our favorite parks and playgrounds aren't viable options. As of my typing this, it's almost 4pm, and Av is still in his jammies - which can be a good thing every now and then.

I however, decided after a while that I needed to get out of the house - run those retail errands that are easy, but get more complicated when you have a four year old in tow. First I hit Old Navy to get the boy some new jammies and dress clothes. They had a sign up that they had reduced hours for the Easter holiday - but no sweat. I also had on my list Babies R Us, but their parking lot was unusually empty, so I took it that they were closed for the holiday. No problem - I'll just roll on over to Target down the block. Also a parking lot that was completely empty. I got that my favorite sewing/craft store (a local chain) would be closed today - they had signs up about it. I get that major retailers might have reduced hours, and city libraries are also closed today. It's cool. I'm fine with that. But Target? Closed? Completely? What if I had a discount retailer emergency? Or a prescription to pick up?

I am completely respectful of other's religious observances - heck - I'm stuck eating food consisting of no leavening and no legumes all week. But why would a major retailer like Target close today? With no notification on their doors at all mind you, or a "this branch will be open with limited hours instead" kind of thing like they usually do. I mean, not everybody observes Easter. I will admit - I don't know much about the holiday observance outside of Sunrise services - is this a full day observance kind of day? Or a be at home with your family and loved ones kind of day? Do that many people need the day off, or is it just easier to close the store rather than have enough staff coverage for limited hours? Are other Targets closed around the country, or is this just a local thing in our area? It seems like even on other major holidays (except Christmas when EVERYTHING is closed) that they are open. Or at the very least there is signage.

Now ultimately, in the grand scheme of my life, this was just a minor annoyance. Starbucks was open, the bookstore was open, even the Shoe Warehouse was open, and I'm home again getting stuff done. But I'm just wondering. I can always go to Target tomorrow on my way home from work. Any one else find themselves retail-challenged today?

Shiny's birthday blog!

arrrgylesocks — 2007-04-21T03:04:42-05:00

Although he's taking a short break, I just wanted to let everyone know that today is Shiny's birthday today!

Happy 27th (ahem...) birthday!

It hasn't been an easy one so far, but I'm hoping it gets better! Cake to follow at 4pm!

Yellow haze

arrrgylesocks — 2007-04-30T09:04:16-05:00

Pollen sucks.

That's right. I said it. Pollen sucks. This is why I hate spring. Sure the tulips look great and nice to see the flowers and junk. But I hate walking outside and seeing my orange car be shades of yellow. I hate having to tell Av not to touch the car because I know shortly thereafter his pollen covered fingers will be in his mouth and hair. I hate coughing all the time, being congested, and having my eyes itch and water after just a few minutes outdoors that I think to myself that I'd rather be chopping onions.

And yes, I take medication - prescriptions - year round in fact. A lovely drug cocktail that works most of the time, except when the pollen count through the frigging roof every day! That is why I like Fall and Winter so much. Summer is OK - but just too hot.

So damn you pollen! I shake my fist at you - you yellow scrooge of humanity!

Ladies that lunch

arrrgylesocks — 2007-05-04T10:05:18-05:00

Today was supposed to be my day off. I ended up going into work for a can't miss meeting and ended up leaving 2 hours later than I had planned. I headed straight over to the mall to get lunch (it was already after 2pm) and then pick up some essential lady things. Now normally this mall is packed this time of year with tour groups, but this afternoon wasn't so bad. Plenty of table options. I got my sushi and went to sit down - a lovely four top off to the side. Not TWO seconds after I put my tray down, a sprightly older Asian woman comes over and says "Is anyone sitting here? Do you mind if I sit here?" and she plunks herself down with her shopping bags and lunch. I looked around. There are plenty of empty tables around, or larger long family style tables that multiple groups are seated at, with room at the ends.

My new dining companion goes on to explain "Women by themselves shouldn't eat alone! People are watching you. You need to be careful." She opens her takeout box from Popeye's and then says with a mouthful: "Their chicken is always so delicious - you want some?" I say no thank you, and go back to my sushi rolls. "You like sushi?" "Well I had a craving." "Ahhhh!! (her eyes light up) You pregnant?!?!" "No" (laughing) I just get food cravings sometimes.

We eat in silence for a couple minutes and then we start a conversation. She asks if I'm from the area, I find out she used to live in DC and now lives out of state - she's visiting friends. She asks where I work ("downtown") and why I'm at the mall ("shoes"). I mention to her that I will be traveling to her home state shortly to visit my parents, she asks what I'm going to buy them for gifts. I say - well they like to read books. "What kind?" "Mostly science fiction and mysteries." "Ahh....you should buy them books on China! They will like that so much that they will want to go visit there!" "Well considering that I can barely get them to visit DC, I think that's unlikely, but thank you for the suggestion."

She then asks me how many brothers and sisters I have ("none") "Ah...such a shame - you should have big family! You should get married and have lots of kids!" I tell her that I am married ("Oh! I thought you were single! Happy Anniversary!), and we have one wonderful son. "Why not have more? What are you waiting for?" I tell her that Shiny's brother has a large family "Ahh so they do all the work!" I tell her some more about Shiny and Avs. Av's musical talents and interests. "You need to nurture his talent. Buy him guitar. Surround him with John Lennon." Then she asks "You got pictures?" So of course I share. "He is so handsome - look at that hair and those cute glasses! Your husband is cute too - he look like your brother." "Yes, we get that, he's wonderful, and I'm very lucky to have him in my life." I finish my last piece of sushi and thank her for the lovely lunch companionship. "Nice to meet you. My name is Helen." "A pleasure Helen, I'm socKs. Have a wonderful afternoon and enjoy the rest of your visit to Washington."

WTF?

arrrgylesocks — 2007-05-05T09:05:59-05:00

Shiny is totally up to something. He's being shifty, giddy, and anxious all at the same time. He's making me watch TV, and he offered to answer the door when dinner arrives. He never does that.

I don't trust that boy any further than I can throw him. (Which isn't very far at all, given that he is taller than I am).

To be continued...

Birthday scavenging

arrrgylesocks — 2007-05-05T09:05:34-05:00

That bastard! He made a treasure hunt for my birthday present! He just gave me the first clue, which is cut into a puzzle piece. The back has yellow text that is seemingly gibberish, but I'm sure relevant later.

...updated...
The first clue: "Continuous Performance Daily from 10AM Sundays from 4pm (Enter in Rear)". I checked his back pockets - no go. Hmm... figured it out - it's from a poster hanging in our hallway from our trip to London in 2002. (but only because Shiny gave me hints and I remembered him looking at the poster this afternoon).

Second clue: "Where should we go to play with Mr. Fancy Coffee Shop Coffee Pourer, Mr. Doggie Spa Operator, and Mr. Taco Salad Inventor Guy?" Real Men of Genius! Got that right away. But where in the house? Quarters! I have a puzzle in which we place each of the State quarters. After hints, I found it under Missouri.

Third clue: "I'm your biggest fan. When you're sleeping, I watch you from above. Just try and stop me. I dare you." Easy - the ceiling fan in our bedroom. Creepy clue. Dusty fan!

Fourth clue: "PROPERTY OF DC USY" Easy - I wrote that in big letters on a Twister game I bought for the kids. Open it up - "The Girls Next Door" Season 2 DVD set! I only watch it for the articles.

Fifth clue: "Is it still raining? I hadn't noticed..." My Four Weddings a Funeral VHS tape. I hate that line. It ruins the entire movie. But the box is empty, so I check the VCR and find...

Sixth clue: "Required equipment per Michael Krzyzewski." This was one of the hardest. Although the name was familiar, I cheated and Googled him. Then I remembered - I only know him by his nickname "Coach K" So I check Av's basketball. No clue. Shines was getting annoyed with me. I checked the air pump. Was going to check my Converse high-tops. He gave me lots of clues. Finally I remembered that Coach K is also the name of Av's soccer coach. Looked in his soccer bag and found... the latest edition of the Ferris Bueller DVD!

And then I noticed the yellow writing on the back of each clue...

I taped the clues together and got this:

ZPTE ZVBB V HTW UET UJ WPUQT?

ZPGW, G FVGAUEF ETICBGIT?

EU – G PSQNGEF BVCT NMVGE!

PGLLY 35WP NVMWPFGY!

BURT, AVCT GEF GKV

And I figured that out too! (can any of you?) And in the microwave I found a beautiful diamond and emerald bracelet! I always joke about wanting "something sparkly" and had told him that he could wait until next year. In my mind, 36 is the bigger birthday (being double-chai and all that). He said it's been awhile (my last big gift was for my 30th), so this was a lovely surprise! Especially since my birthday isn't even for another hour!

Shiny's the best damn husband period.

Day o'Mom

arrrgylesocks — 2007-05-13T11:05:20-05:00

To those who are moms, have moms, will be moms, know moms, moms that are near and far, and moms that are no longer with us. They are all loved.

(Moms o' Shiny and socKs).

Thank you for putting up with us, raising us, loving us, being tough when you needed to, and for just being you.

Hopefully one day the rest of the world will catch up with your lessons of unconditional love and kindness.

Pillow talk

arrrgylesocks — 2007-05-21T08:05:27-05:00

Tonight – in the ultimate action of delaying bedtime – my son asked me the following questions in rapid succession:

“Where do people come from? Where do toys come from? Where do pictures come from?”

Huh?

“Mommy where do toys come from?”

”Well they come from the toy factory?”

“And where do people come from?”

”Well they come from other people. When a man and a woman love each other very much, then if they want to, they can make a baby.”

“But first they have to get married. And where do animals come from?”

“Well animals come from other animals. Ownie cat's Mommy is a cat. She was living with another family, and I adopted Ownie cat and brought her home to live with me.

"Why didn't you bring home Ownie cat's Mommy?"

"Because she already had a family who loved her, and I only had room in my house for one cat. Her brothers and sisters went to live with other families too. Can people make cats?”

“No!”

”And can cats make dogs?”

“No! Only people in pet stores can make pets. Can we get a new pet?”

“Well sweetie, right now we have Ownie cat, and when she isn’t living with us anymore, then we can get another pet, maybe two.”

“Can we get a fish?”

“Maybe”

“Can we get a lizard?”

”Maybe.”

“Can we get a snake?”

“Umm…no.”

”I don’t think I really want a snake. Can we get a dog?”

”No. Dogs are too high maintenance.”

“We can get a butterfly! Then it can fly all around the house!”

(laughing) “I don’t think that would last very long. Can we get an elephant?”

”No Mommy! Elephants sneeze too much!”

Of course.

The hunt for a good Haggadah

arrrgylesocks — 2007-05-28T07:05:49-05:00

A number of years ago (in those few new to DC, pre-Shiny days) I had the pleasure of attending a Passover Seder at the home of my friends' parents. During that Seder, I came across a drawing that I had done while a elementary school student at my Jewish Day School. How it got published I have no idea. But I can prove that it was mine should anyone question it. Unfortunately, I didn't take note of the identification information of the publication. Every Passover since, I check every Haggadah at the Seders I attend in order to try and find it again. I've since become a little bit more obsessed about finding it.

I've emailed the Rabbi whose home I was at, and emailed my Day School. Hopefully they can help me out. I suppose worst case scenario I end up back where I started.

This all came up again this week, as I was looking online for a good Hebrew aleph-bet (alphabet) book that I can get Av so that we can teach him the rest of his Hebrew letters. One of the books that came up in the search was written by the Judaic Studies Director of my elementary school. The theory always was that she was involved in the publication of the book, and that's how my drawing got in there (via the school). So I finally got off my duff to write everyone to track this thing down.

I think this is all to confirm that I'm not crazy, and as Av gets closer to starting Day School, it's something that I'd like to be able to share with him. We shall see...

I'm gonna blog myself a pity party...

arrrgylesocks — 2007-05-29T08:05:22-05:00

So for those of you who read Shiny's blog this morning are all aware of the imminent threat to our home by zombies during the incredibly rare extended power outage we had. I had woken up the in the middle of night to darkened silence, thought it was weird, and promptly went back to my happy dream. This morning however, it was warm, and annoying, and still quiet. It fell to me to explain to the kid why he couldn't have his usual toast or waffles or milk for breakfast. And why he couldn't watch The Wiggles on TV. Shiny bringing up the radio was confusing - as that was working just fine. Av's solution was that we call Handy Manny to fix the electricity.

Once I got him fed and dressed, we rushed out of the house to stop at the 7-11 to pick him up some yogurt for lunch, as I wasn't going to open the fridge. We did, they didn't have his preferred vanilla, so we had another round on that topic. We finally get to school and I realize that I left Av's naptime bag at home. So after dropping the kid off, I had to schlep BACK HOME to get the darned nap sack. Happily though, the power company guy was outside and he explained to me all about the underground cable problem, our low voltage cable (which is why we rarely lose power when the rest of the neighborhood does), and that it would be back up and running in a few hours no sweat.

Seeing as how I was already late for work and cranky, I decide on my way back to the preschool to stop at the Starbucks to pick me up a pick me up Frappuccino. What got in to me I don't know, but I ordered the new summer flavor Orange Mocha. It wasn't until I was already buckled back into my car that I realized what an INCREDIBLY HIDEOUS MISTAKE OF MASSIVE PROPORTIONS I had just made. It tasted like a ground baby asprin frapp. YICK. I don't think that the Baristas would have made me a new one if I had walked back in and admitted to how nasty this was and could I get a different flavor all together. I assumed they would charge me, and I was already in the car, so I suffered. Can I just say that I'm still paying for that mistake? Oh for the love of all that is sacred in my life and world I will never order that thing again.

I get to the school, drop off the bag for happy boy, and go to work. And I can't read Mindsay at work now because it is blocked by our "RED WARNING SCREEN OF INAPPROPRIATE INTERNET DOOM". Grrr.

Tag! You're it.

arrrgylesocks — 2007-06-01T10:06:54-05:00

So yesterday morning as I load the boy into the car I look up and through the car window, and see under our neighbor's kitchen window (and immediately to the left of our front door) is a big blue "R" spray painted onto the wall. Wah?

My first thought was to take a picture of it, as my camera is ever present in my bag these days, but I had just buckled the kid into his car seat and needed to get going. As I was driving, I thought that maybe the Power guy had sprayed an identifying mark when he was laying our new lines, but then duh - utility companies normally spray the ground or leave little plastic flags behind. I didn't see any graffiti on any of the other homes, so I thought it was rather random.

When I got to work, I told Shiny about the graffiti. I then called our community's management company and the ever-not-so-helpful guy who answered the phone with the horrible connection told me to email Stu, our site's manager. So I email Stu and tell him about the graffiti, offer to email a photo, give him my cell number. About 6 hours later he finally writes me back and just says that Bill (President of our HOA) is working with the police about the graffiti. Hmmm... I write back thanks and ask if there were other walls that were painted. No reply. When we got home that night Av says to me "Mommy? Why is there a big blue mark on the wall?" I dunno. Although one could hope that OwnieCat, who seems to be spending all the time sitting in the bay window in our kitchen possibly saw all the action with her one sort of good eye.

This morning it was still there, but had not grown. When we got home from work, Shiny and I encountered the Brick Fixer Guy who was power spraying the graffiti off the walls. Apparently it was not only on the front of our neighbor's house, but along their side wall as well, along a popular short cut through the community. I asked Brick Fixer Guy (who had previously done some mighty fine work on our garden wall) what was there, and he said it was nonsense gang tags. They don't know if they were just gang members being schmucks, or specifically targeting our neighbors. He said we should build a large wall around the community to keep the gang members out. That's why he lives out in the boonies he tells me. I tell him, we live between an office park, other homes, and down the block from an elementary school. Your typical suburban neighborhood that's close the city kind of suburb. Never had hooligans or ruffians in the area before. Our worst problem over the past few years has been the dog walkers not cleaning up, the squirrels getting into the trash, and the Christmas lights up for months. Brick Fixer Guy did a great job, and told us he'd be back soon to tackle our other neighbors' back wall.

I find the entire thing slightly unnerving. Not because I'm worried that gang bangers will come tearing through the neighborhood or ransack our home, but because strangers up to no good were right outside our front door. The lighting is good there, they certainly could have been seen, but we live on a cul-de-sac, so most of the traffic that goes by are our neighbors and the dog walkers. Hopefully they won't return. If they do though, maybe next time the squirrels will get them. I'm curious to know what (if anything) the police will be able to figure out.

Dream time

arrrgylesocks — 2007-06-03T09:06:44-05:00

Lately my dreams have had a few unusual recurring themes:

- Paris. A city I've never been to, but certainly long to visit.
- People from my past who I haven't seen or spoken to in years.
- People who work for the same company I do, but I know them only in passing or from a rare conversation.

I wonder what my subconscious is trying to tell me.

Pity party follow up

arrrgylesocks — 2007-06-03T07:06:23-05:00

This afternoon, Av and I stopped at Starbucks for a snack break. Frapp for me (peppermint mocha as it should be), banana cake for him. I asked the Barista if anyone actually liked the Orange Mocha Frapp. She said it was quite popular, and I mentioned my horrific experience with it earlier this week. She told me that I totally should have gone back into the store (it was a different one from the one that I was in) and they would have made me something I preferred. She then gave me a coupon for a free beverage of my choice - any drink, any size. Awesome. I told her that she didn't really have to do that, and that it wasn't even her store. She said "We're all one family!" Kudos to customer service!

Random sentence

arrrgylesocks — 2007-06-08T09:06:33-05:00

"Discarded cigarette butts rolled across the parking lot like tumbleweeds in the Wild West."

This sentence popped into my head as I drove home tonight, rushing to beat the thunderstorm that was coming in.

Wonder what I could do with that. Wonder what others could do with that?

Home alone! (ish)

arrrgylesocks — 2007-06-17T07:06:32-05:00

Woo hoo! It's time! It's time!

Shiny has left, and I've got the run of the house! I'm placing my meat order for the week, drinking nothing but Frappuccinos and Slurpees and Coke Zero Vanilla and sweet tea. Av is picking out the um..."escorts" from the fliers and we're picking up the keg tonight.

Oh wait. Shiny's plans changed and he's just downstairs shaving and packing for his trip? Oh..Ok...

Well umm....we'll miss him tomorrow and pick up where we've left off tomorrow!

Bimbo delivered to your door

arrrgylesocks — 2007-06-19T07:06:15-05:00

So Shiny's away and the mice will play! I took the day off yesterday to prep the house for our upcoming festivities and gather supplies. And what do I see when I pull into the shopping center - the Bimbo truck arrived!

Bimbos for everybody!!!!

(not actual truck that I saw, but a representation thereof, as Shiny took my camera with him on his trip).

Bears AND Bimbos? Everybody wins! This week is going to be better than I thought!

(We're waiting for you Nomad! I've cleared a room for you and everything...)

Fox and Socks

arrrgylesocks — 2007-06-22T01:06:30-05:00

OK - it's 1AM. Shiny is due back tomorrow. (yay!) I've stayed up too late getting involved in a craft project and books. On my way up to bed, I wander into the kitchen to start the dishwasher and grab a pudding pop out of the freezer. We have a big bay window in our kitchen, and I look out the window expecting to see nothing - it's 1AM after all. MAYBE one of my neighbors might be heading out to work (I used to watch him leave every night when I would get up with Av), but instead I see a medium to large animal standing behind my car. Which is odd, because most of my dog-owning neighbors own small dogs. I thought it was greyhoundish or something. Then it turns it's head and it's looking at me. Which freaks me out. And I realize that it's a fox. It moves onto the sidewalk, it's gnawing at something on the ground, it wanders back onto the pavement. Of course Shiny took the digi-cam with him! He wouldn't believe me if I didn't have proof. So I grab the video camera and manage to get maybe one minute (or less). It wanders away from the light and then runs away. And I'm sure with the reflection in the window it will look like crap. And Shines will pat my head and say "Oh that's nice Socks. Silly girl all worried while I'm not home. Don't worry, it won't eat the cat."

I should clarify that although we live in the suburbs, there is a nature preserve about a mile away. Although in our few walks through there, I've never seen anything other than birds, bugs, squirrels, and babies. I hope the squirrels are ok tonight. I'm not sure why this is weirding me out. It's not like it can walk up to our front door and let itself in. But I suppose when the most exotic wild animal you are used to seeing in your neighborhood is a black squirrel or a cardinal, this can be a little unsettling outside of the habitat I'm used to seeing our local foxes in - the zoo. Even a deer wouldn't have weirded me out, because I've seen those around Shiny Dad's house and along the parkway occasionally. I'm glad it wasn't trash night.

I wonder if I should tell the neighbors or the HoA president? Just as a heads up - watch your outdoor pets kind of thing. Shall wait till Shiny gets home tomorrow to consult on that. Maybe it's the tired typing. This is why I have an indoor cat.

Clean sweep

arrrgylesocks — 2007-06-24T12:06:42-05:00

So a couple months ago Shiny decided to go on this New Orleans trip. I was all for it - noble cause, great kids. Soon after we made that decision, I made another decision. Since he would be gone, I would take advantage of those four days and makeover his "cave."

So months of planning start. Paint chips selected, vacation time put in, the web of lies begin to start. Now in order to figure out what color to paint his room, I ask him randomly "If you could be surrounded by any color what would it be?" It's a socKs thing - he falls for it. "Gray." Gray? We settle on a soft cool gray. For weeks to follow this becomes a running joke between the two of us. Would you like that in Gray?

First up - Shiny's birthday. I get him nothing, because I'm already planning this big huge surprise.

Next up - my birthday. Shiny gets me a beautiful expensive sparkly bracelet. I love it.

A week later, I get Shiny a pair of Maryland Terrapins Crocs. They are bright red with a turtle on them. Cute. He mentioned that he was thinking about getting a new pair. I looked at him, he realized I already ordered a pair. Conveniently, they at one point did make a pair of Maryland Crocs in gray. They no longer due, thus the delay, my cover for the gray question, and Shiny got a new pair of shoes. People would compliment Shiny on his bright red Crocs. He replies "Thanks! socKs got them for me for my birthday. But you should see what I got her..." I smile and think "Ha Ha! Just wait until you see what you have in store for you!"

Over the next few weeks, the lies start. "When you are in New Orleans, and you need to reach me during the day - just call my cell. It will be a busy week with meetings, I have to work off-site, and I've got training..." I start colluding with Shiny Dad who offers to help me move furniture and with the computer stuff. I tell Shiny that his dad may have to come down to our part of the city to help a friend with some consulting work and may come over for dinner one night, thus covering my behind if he does come over and Av tells Shiny on the phone that he saw his grandfather. I stay up until 2am talking with Nomad and allaroundpsycho after a fun WTF show talking about my plans and commissioning some artwork. I tell Shiny we were just catching up.

I have a grand vision in my head, and I can't wait to start! One of my friends offers to come over on Sunday night to help me get started, but I have to call her and abort the help, because Shiny has a change in plans getting to the airport and doesn't leave until Monday morning. FINALLY he's off to New Orleans.

So I drop the kid off at preschool, come home and start working. First up - tackling the mess. It's like my own little version of TLC's Clean Sweep. Everything but the furniture comes out. Clothes go in the laundry, boxes go in the closet, papers go in piles and then in boxes. I throw out my stuff that can be tossed. Make a pile for Goodwill. Day one done. Not as bad as I thought it would be actually.

Day two - paint! After two trips to Home Depot to get the right shade of gray, I start painting. Get most of the room done before I have to get the kid, but finish after he goes to bed. No more ugly dirty peach walls!

Day three - furniture and accessories! I hit Target and get new curtains and lots of organizer boxes. Damn that boy has a lot of CDs. I also manage to move the sofa bed into the room all on my own.

I should point out that Av knew none of this. I didn't tell him or show him because...well... he's four, and he can't keep a secret. Case in point. I also got Shines a limited edition Atari Breakout Fossil watch, which finally arrived. That night on the phone, Av blurted out excitedly "Abba! You got a package! It's a watch!!!" Thank goodness for speaker phone because Shiny didn't understand what was said.

Day four - wall art and window treatment. I spend the day picking out my favorite family photos, and arranging them, buying frames, and then running around trying to get mats. Decide that I'm not paying $125 for custom cut mats, and that I have an art degree, so I end up staying up way late cutting my own and hanging up pictures. I also found a photo pen at the camera store, so I make Shiny an Alison Stewart pen! Much to the chagrin of my son, I hem curtains while he eats dinner. Dyson the carpet and go to bed (this would be when I then see the fox outside). I close the door, and tape a little sign on it that reads "This is why I only got you Crocs..."

It's also important to note that I only used Shiny's computer for a few hours each morning when I knew he was at the worksite. I was so paranoid that he was going to try to remotely login to his computer, and that he would see that someone was using it, so I never did. On Thursday morning he called the house around 9:15, and I instinctively called him back, worrying that there was an emergency. His cell called me by accident, but when he realized what time it was and asked while I was home, I lied and said I forgot something Av needed at school and I came back to pick it up. Just "one of those mornings" you know?

Day five - Shiny comes home! I actually do go to work. From the time that he calls to tell me he's on his way home, then getting a smoothie, I'm in angst waiting for his call. Will he like it? Will he be surprised? Did he figure it out? Did he overhear me talking about it with friends/family? Will he freak?

He FINALLY calls - he's speechless. He loves it. It's the best thing ever. I am awesome. I'm finally even with our gifts. Then he finds the watch and pen. Bonus. Hooray! It's now my favorite room in the house since it's so "Shiny and clean".

So here we go...

Looking straight into the room before and after



The back left corner of the room before and after:



Storage before and after:


Things I learned this week:
- We will need to replace the carpet in this room, as there was water damage on the book case from our sewage pump problem a couple months ago (the pump is right on the other side of the wall).
- I love making labels and organizing things
- You can turn an outdated computer monitor into an end table with some old shelves and a slipcover.
- I can custom cut my own mats and my family is quite photogenic.
- I'd really love to do this to the rest of the house!
- Alison Stewart pens rock!
- Watching the Muppet Show each night with my son is a great way to relax after all that hard work and lying to my husband about it.

And I fessed up to Shiny about all the lies. We showed the kid, who was also impressed. Hurray!

Bad movie Friday

arrrgylesocks — 2007-06-29T12:06:44-05:00

Continuing our tradition lately of watching bad movies, this afternoon I have found myself watching "From Justin to Kelly" that cinematic classic starring the finalists of American Idol season 1. I don't know what's better? The bad acting, the spontaneous dance numbers, the oh-so hot chemistry between the two title stars, or Kelly Clarkson's tie skirt and pigtails.

What a great way to spend a rainy day off at home!

Three little pigs, revised

arrrgylesocks — 2007-07-01T07:07:35-05:00

According to our son this morning, he is the sleepy pig, I am the sewing pig, and Shiny is the computer pig.

Slightly ironic considering we don't eat pork, yet sadly sometimes an accurate description of us all.

His reasoning for this is: "Because that's what I decided."

July 4th - this year

arrrgylesocks — 2007-07-04T11:07:53-05:00

Shiny blogged us through the past 10 years of Fourths. I shall blog about today.

Today. It was an exercise in stress control. We all managed to sleep in this morning, which was nice. Av decided that he wanted to go bowling, but with ShinyDad and his girlfriend coming over, we decided to stay home and straighten up the house. We also had plans to meet up with friends on the National Mall. So Av and I baked carrot muffins and brownies to bring with for our picnic. I went to the grocery store to get supplies, and that was an exercise in patience as I ended up in line behind every slow dumb ass who ever went shopping.

Back at home, it was back into clean up mode. Av put on his cape and became "Super Avi" picker upper of shoes and toys. Something about a little boy running around in a t-shirt, underwear, and a cape - too cute.

Then the storms rolled in. While I was out shopping I heard that there was a tornado watch. Ok. Sky was cloudy but fine. Then we watched the news as the storms got closer, and worse, and then we were upgraded to a tornado warning. And the thunder started. And we were waiting for the family to arrive. And then they evacuated the National Mall. And the family arrived. Since they were predicting the storms to be off the Mall by 7:15, we decided to go out to dinner near home and then head downtown, rather than having a picnic on the Mall. So we went to Friday's. And it took forever. Fireworks were scheduled to start at 9:10. We finally left the restaurant at 8:25. I was just a mess of stress. We had no idea what traffic would be like, as most of the roads were closed and we knew the bridges would be shut down at 9. Our backup plan was to go to the Pentagon to watch from there if we couldn't get into the District.

Now I am fortunate enough to work for a federal agency that is on the Mall. I was even more fortunate to get a parking spot for the evening. Shiny finally called his friend and resigned himself to the fact that we wouldn't make it down to the Lincoln Memorial in time. We hit the road, and just drove towards my office. Of course the exit that I needed to take was blocked off. This meant an alternate route. This meant going around the long way, to get back to where we needed to be, to take an illegal U-turn, to ignore ShinyDad who was offering help or asking too many questions while I was freaking out, to not curse out loud at the slow car in front of us or the people slowing down to park illegally, to ignore the running commentary that Av had going in the back seat with ShinyDad's Girlfriend (which was actually a cute conversation), ignore my instinct to go back to the Pentagon, and do my best to not get into a fight with Shiny because we were both just so tense by the whole thing.

We managed to get to my office at 8:50. I'm told my name wasn't on the list, but I know the officer, and there was a spot available. Then we unload the car, and the water, and the brownies, and the muffins, and the blankets, and the cameras, and head on into the building to go through security. It felt quite privileged that we didn't have to go through one of the security tents set up along the Mall. The officer on duty was really sweet, and we gave her one of Av's muffins. Then it was out the door, and right across the street to the perfect spot for fireworks watching. The area we were at was pretty empty, and aside from the officers on horseback in front of us, and a few people behind us, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. And we only had to wait 10 minutes for them to start!

Av was very apprehensive about the fireworks. Immediately - before they even started - he had buried his head in my shoulder and covered his ears and told us he wanted to go home and didn't like them. Once they started though, he eventually peeked an eye out, and then turned around, then totally got into watching them. The entire time with his hands over his ears (we should have brought my earmuffs!). 10 minutes into the show he decided he wanted a muffin. I couldn't get it because he was sitting on my lap, he couldn't get it because that meant taking his hands off his ears. It was amusing. In the end, it was a big hit with him, but he was so tired and couldn't wait to go home. Back in the building we went, bathroom break taken, and we hit the road. 12 minutes later we were home safe and sound. Smugly zooming past all the traffic while we were in the HOV lanes. Awesome.

Of course tomorrow it's back to work/school for all of us. Hopefully Av will be up for getting up for school. In the meantime, all the stress was worth it, the brownies were delish, and another Independence Day is under our belts.

Live Earth

arrrgylesocks — 2007-07-07T06:07:49-05:00

Today is history in the making! A world wide musical event - people coming around the world to bring awareness to global warning. Much like Live Aid when Shiny and I were kids, this is a big thing. So, thinking that it will make an impact on our child, and so he can say that he saw it.

So we've had it on in bits and pieces as we were home today. This morning Av got to see Ringo's friend Phil sing with his band Genesis, and he thought that was cool, and he caught the Black Eyed Peas. I saw Nunatak perform from Antarctica, which was cool. For a band of research scientists they weren't so bad. This evening I had it on when Av came upstairs, John Mayer happened to be the TV. He stared at the screen, listened for a minute, and asked who it was. "John Mayer." "Mommy? I want to watch Connie Stevens on the Muppet Show instead."

A voice for the next generation...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

arrrgylesocks — 2007-07-22T09:07:17-05:00

Done! Are you?

Geography lessons

arrrgylesocks — 2007-07-26T11:07:46-05:00

So tonight we were discussing the United States with our kid. He was shocked to learn that there were 50! Such a large number. He wanted to know how many we could list, so Shiny and I took turns trying to list them all. I was most proud of Av who could list four - Virginia, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio. He also came up with Boston, Rockville, and "outer space." (If I may brag a moment - our genius son can list all of the planets in order - including Pluto - all by himself). We're going to buy a big map of the US and mark on it all the states we've been to, which I think is cool. He's already picked a spot on the wall where to hang it up. He can't wait to see Minnesota - because saying "Minnesota" that made him laugh his hysterical belly laugh that we love to hear. He made us say it again ("Mini sodas!") and almost laughed himself into hiccups. I love that.

Sitting and waiting

arrrgylesocks — 2007-08-10T10:08:22-05:00

I'm sitting at the car dealership on my day off, waiting for Shiny's car to be serviced. The only seat available near an outlet for my laptop is directly under the large flat screen TV that is running CNN. So everyone in the room (about 15-20 people) will stop and stare at my head. At one point, Shiny sends me a funny IM which makes me laugh out loud, while CNN is talking about some tragedy, so I get glared at. Then the people on either side of me clear out, so now I was even more self conscious. Now the room is more crowded, so there is a man sitting right next to me. Luckily reading his paper, and not looking at my monitor, where I'm multi-tasking between blogging and getting work stuff done. I don't think he'd want to read about my office politics. Now there is a woman on the other side of me. Mmmm....squishy. Isn't anyone waiting for a rental car or the shuttle? Now with a CNN update on the Newark schoolyard murders, everyone is staring at my head again, but at least makeup lady next to me has moved. The wait continues - I think it will take longer than my guy Willie told me it would, but at least I'm getting caught up on work. The room has cleared out a bit, so now I'm alone on this bench in the middle again. Afterwards perhaps I shall go see the Bourne movie and then I am going to try and find a pair of turquoise colored socks for the boy. Mmmm...waiting at the car dealer. Good times.

Update: Still at the dealership. BUT the prime real estate in the corner by an outlet was vacated, so I got to move there and am no longer under the TV! Still waiting another hour for the car though...

Beware the ides of...August

arrrgylesocks — 2007-08-15T08:08:47-05:00

So the following things happened around me today within a two hour time span:

- Our kid nearly got his hand slammed in the car door this morning when I was dropping him off at school.
- A bicyclist (or two) got hit by a bus (or SUV) outside my office building, so the entire block was shut down while they got the injured out and to the ER.
- Literally as soon as that was over, an ambulance pulled up to our building because someone fell on the stairs and hit their head, and had to be taken to the ER.
- The building next door to us had to evacuate (we're assuming that it was just a fire drill, since we didn't have to go anywhere).

There was just some bad mojo going on this morning.

Mouse in house

arrrgylesocks — 2007-08-29T11:08:23-05:00

Well the mouse is back. Yucko.

Earlier this year we discovered a little visitor in our bedroom. I was laying in bed reading a book, Av was asleep in his room across the hall and Shiny was downstairs working in the basement. I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye, and I looked over to the dresser. I expected to see nothing - that it was a blob or glare on my glasses - but no. I see this tiny little face staring at me over Shiny's sweat socks. He looked at me. I looked at him. And then I ran downstairs trying so hard not to scream and wake up the kid. When I went back upstairs, he was nowhere in sight. Ownie cat had wandered up and was sniffing around the TV stand. But the little bugger reappeared on top of the sock pile, then ran along the windowsill behind the back of the dresser, then disapeared again. Cat never found him. We moved the dresser and everything along that wall and never found him. We moved on.

Then the other morning, I'm getting ready for work. The boy is happily sitting in my bed watching the Muppet Show. I had bought some killer shoes the day before, and was picking up the empty shoe box to put it away, when a little furry mouse jumps out of the box, on to my arm, off my arm back onto the floor, and runs all the way around the foot of the bed and across the room before diving under the TV stand. I screamed out of shock - scaring the boy. He did not see the mouse, but thinks it's funny that I was scared and that it jumped on me. He looks under the TV stand, but doesn't see the critter. I bemoan the fact that our nearly blind cat wasn't upstairs (not that she'd be of much help - but still) and then go scrub my arm.

Av decides that when we get home that evening, he will help me find and catch the mouse. He then asks me if he ever told me about the time he caught a mouse in his bathroom. This was news to me. He then tells a very elaborate story about how he caught a mouse in his bathtub, put it in his toilet, peed on it, and then flushed it down. Of course. (I was now a bit concerned about my kid, but whatever - I assume he washed his hands after). Then when we got downstairs and found the cat, Av wagged his finger at her and told her to go upstairs and get the mouse. He also reassured me that he would find it when we got home and smash it on the head with a fork. (Again, concerned about the boy...).

We have not seen the mouse again (yet). This weekend we will try to set up a trap to catch that little sucker. Twice we've found mice in our basement (one dead, the other alive, caught, and thrown outside), but up two flights of stairs from that - in our room! Yucko. I'd worry if we caught him alive and threw him outside, that he'd just come right back in to our house. The thought of killing the mouse seems like bad karma to me, but I'm not going to put it in my car, drive 5 miles, and dispose of it elsewhere.

Certainly makes that fox I saw out in front of our home a couple months ago seem a lot more appealing...

totally immature

arrrgylesocks — 2007-09-01T09:09:36-05:00

This afternoon we shopped at Dick's Sporting Goods and then drove through the neighborhood of Balls Crossing to get to our favorite park. I thought that was funny.

Obligatory 9/11 post

arrrgylesocks — 2007-09-11T09:09:59-05:00

To state the obvious - it's September 11th. In past years Shiny and I have tried to avoid the news coverage. We lived through that day, and while it's important to remember what happened, we felt inundated and overwhelmed by the continual news coverage. Of course this year, people are asking if there is enough remembrance going on.

At work we were scheduled to have a moment of silence at 8:46am EST. The flags are being flown at half mast. My normal morning commute takes me past the Pentagon, right by the exact spot where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. I was there that morning, running actually on time for work, about an hour beforehand. So as I drive by everyday, I've watched them rebuild the building, put up new security measures, and construct the memorial. I'm glad I'm not at work today, as I think traffic on that road will be worse than usual this morning.

While Shiny is in Canada, the kid and I are visiting my folks for the week - we couldn't possibly be further apart. I'm curious as to how things are commemorated in the Canadian Press, which I'm sure he'll let us know.

Of course being on vacation means that you aren't always in tune with what's going on. Although I consciously chose not to fly today (we came in yesterday), flights weren't any cheaper or less full. My mom has worried less, so that is good. I imagine that security is tighter today than usual. I honestly almost forgot about (the primary thought on my mind is what we're going to do today and how to avoid the frogs in the backyard!) but then it was the headline of the local paper. Oh yeah... Interviewing a now local woman who escaped from the World Trade Center. My first reaction when reading her interview was it was almost as if they were saying "Look! We have one living here! This is our connection to it!"

I think while in some locations (NY, DC, PA) this will be a day of remembrance, I'm not sure how it will play out in the rest of the country. Today the boy and I will do what we do on vacation - go to the mall, run some errands, play at the playground, and go swimming (after Labor Day - ha!). I'll have to wait until the evening news to see how the rest of the world reacts.

And Shiny's in Canada...

arrrgylesocks — 2007-09-13T05:09:14-05:00

Yesterday I was licked by a giraffe.

Genius map boy junior

arrrgylesocks — 2007-09-16T10:09:44-05:00

This afternoon, the kid and I were looking at a world map. I was showing him where we were, where we live, and where Shiny was. We were then looking at other countries -

Australia - "That's where the Wiggles are from!"
Africa - "That's where my teacher Ms. Esther is!"
Israel - "I've been there!" "Well no you haven't but one day..." "One day!"
Germany - So I ask who he knows who has been there (thinking me and Shiny) and our genius son says (with no prompting from me) "The Beatles! They got their start there!"

He's definitely on the road to rock stardom...

Another day, another recall

arrrgylesocks — 2007-09-27T06:09:57-05:00

As most of you know we've been awash in toy recalls this summer due to lead paint. This hit our home particularly hard, as our kid is WAY in to Thomas the Tank Engine.

Earlier this year, for weeks, he was asking us to get him James the Shiny Red Engine (Shiny!). Weeks and weeks of pretend play with his pretend James and asking us to get him a real one. So finally, upon return from a business trip this spring, I brought him home a James. He was beyond thrilled. And then sure enough just a few weeks later, they announced the big recall - and James was at the top of the list.

We gathered all of Av's trains on the recall list (there were 6 pieces total) and explained to him why were taking them away - including his new James. They were going back to the toy factory to get a new coat of shiny red paint. He was disappointed, but OK with this. He patiently waited all summer for his trains to return - and when they did? He was like a kid on Chanukah evening! Each piece was individually wrapped - so he had six small packages to unwrap! Squealing with delight at each one. Then the bonus - the company was kind enough to send us a bonus gift train for all of our troubles. Who did we get? Some train named Toad. Never heard of him before. He faces backwards and has a movable brake lever - the kid was thrilled.

So last night I'm watching the news and see that there is another Thomas recall. Oy vey. This morning I get around to looking up who is on the list this time and see that it's mostly accessory pieces, that we lost years ago. And the one train on the list? Toad. Of course. The nice free train that the company sent us. So back in the mail Toad goes. To get a replacement Toad. And another "special vehicle gift." Ironic ain't it? Hopefully that one won't be recalled either...

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2007-09-30T03:09:05-05:00

Last night I dreamt about Chocolate Black Pepper cookies.

Bats or Robots?

arrrgylesocks — 2007-10-06T11:10:43-05:00

To clarify - goofy Halloween Hallmarky Batty Bats or Retro Killer Robots.

I can't decide.

Welcome home

arrrgylesocks — 2007-10-12T10:10:51-05:00

Today was a good day. I came home from my business trip today (we rocked). The best part of my day was picking up Av from school. Even though Shiny could get him, I went since I hadn't seem him since Wednesday morning. When I first walked into the school, I ran into the director who was surprised to see me. Then I saw one of Av's teachers, who was surprised to see me. Then I got out to the playground and Av just came tearing across the playground and literally jumped up into my arms and wrapped his arms and legs around me. Big ass grin on his face. It was so worth it.

And then he licked me.

Another food related dream

arrrgylesocks — 2007-10-15T07:10:58-05:00

Last night I dreamt I was shopping for a broccoli key chain. I was in New York City, outside a store, digging through a big bowl of different vegetable key chains trying to find the best broccoli one. What is up with that?

I seriously need to not eat dinner within 3 hours of bedtime.

If anyone finds one on the internets - they have to let me know!

Thank you!

arrrgylesocks — 2007-10-19T08:10:21-05:00

Mindsayers are the best! Thank you all for the well wishes and awesome poetry!

life lesson #5

arrrgylesocks — 2007-10-23T08:10:27-05:00

Important life lesson just imparted to me from my kid via the baby monitor:

"Don't let things beyond your control upset you!"

Cheese

arrrgylesocks — 2007-10-26T02:10:57-05:00

I did not go to work today. I decided that early last night - I just wasn't feeling up to it and I had nothing to wear (such grown up reasons I know). So what did I do instead? On this chilly gray rainy day, I spent the entire morning hanging out at our daycare center helping out with the annual tradition of school pictures. Lots of adorable kids with (mostly) smiling faces, the girls in pretty dresses and siblings in matching outfits, lots of giggles and grateful teachers happy to have the extra hands and familiar face around. That's the kind of pick me up that you just can't get anywhere else.

The retail store of Dr. Moreau

arrrgylesocks — 2007-10-28T10:10:52-05:00

Before we had a wonderful afternoon apple picking, on Saturday I had the pleasure of taking the boy to his first Build-a-Bear birthday party. I had heard about these things from friends and relatives, but up until this point had managed to avoid them. It's not that I have a problem with them (our favorite stuffed alligator comes from there - but it was a gift) there was just no need to have my kid "make" a stuffed animal when he already has plenty at home. Besides, if he really wants to build a bear, well I can do that at home - I've made teddy bears for years now - just ask Shiny. But this was a party, so off we shlepped.

The first word that comes to mind to describe this experience was "chaos." The kids ranged in age from 4-5. They somewhat listened to the sales associate (who was dressed up in a playing card costume for Halloween - I think they were having a costume contest for the associates, but she was the only one wearing one - unless being a patient sales associate is a costume). They sat in a circle, they listened to the rules, they followed the leader, and picked out their animal bodies. Av picked the puppy dog. But all was soon lost as they headed to the back of the store. They wanted to play with the machine that blows the little hearts up in the air. They wanted to "wash" their animals. They paid attention to making the hearts special and stuffing them hearts into the bodies, and picking out the sound boxes. Now remember - Av picked a dog. One would think that he would have picked the Dog sound box. Or "I love you!" or the chimey magic sounds. Nope. My kid picked the monkey sound. So his dog - makes monkey sounds. That's my boy!

When it came to play "Duck Duck Goose" while the associate stuffed all of the animals one at a time, all bets were off. I think it was even my kid who piped up first "I don't want to play that" and proceeded to run around the store. At that point all the other kids followed. The parents began a zone coverage for damage control. Just when we thought we had them contained, you would get maybe three sentences into a conversation with another parent and then someone would stop suddenly to say "Where is my kid?" It was nuts.

Finally Av got his puppy stuffed and sewed shut. They tried to get the kids all lined up to take a group photo, which they kinda did, but by the time the sales chick came back with her Polaroid camera the kids were off again. We managed to get them seated long enough to sign their names on the autograph bear. Av went first - he took up the entire forehead of the bear with his name. Awesome. The kids got shirts for their animals - Av at first went for a cheesie American flag themed shirt, but I convinced him the black shirt with the planets on it was better - it wasn't until I got home that I noticed Pluto wasn't on it.

The best part? Naming their animals. Av wasn't sure at first what to name his dog. I suggested something nice like Doug, Scott, or Glenn. The birthday boy named his bear "Baby" another girl named her bear "Princess". Av named his animal "Monkey Dog." "Because it is!" Rocking.

"Mans are boys"

arrrgylesocks — 2007-11-03T09:11:13-05:00

This morning, post-Saturday morning shows, I was curled up in my favorite overstuffed chair writing in my journal, while Av played with his trains. He decided he was done with his trains and wanted to play something different. So he pulled out the Squashblox (an awesome gift from Shiny's brother & fam - and our oldest niece is one of the models in their packaging!) and decided I had to make him a boat. The boat became a fort. With a blanket roof, pillows, trains, cars, stuffed animal friends, and monkey dog. It even had a sign that read "Only boys allowed." I couldn't go in, but I could sit in my squishy chair and listen.

Shiny came upstairs and crawled in to the fort. After all Av reasoned, although Shiny is not a "boy," he's a "man" and "Mans are boys". I had the best time listening to them play. Av pretended to be one of his teachers and they played school. I think there was a book read. And lots of giggling.

A great way to spend a morning, even if I wasn't allowed in.

Things I heart today...

arrrgylesocks — 2007-11-07T09:11:31-05:00

- My friends
- Being brave
- Cooking yummy comfort food
- Reading
- Books
- Reading about books
- Bugs Bunny

Shiny objects

arrrgylesocks — 2007-11-11T08:11:00-05:00

This afternoon as Shiny, Av, and I were driving across town to meet Shiny Dad and Shiny Dad Girlfriend for lunch, I noticed that Shiny seemed a little uncomfortable. I asked what was up, and he said his pants. He was wearing his infamous black jeans, and said that they felt stiff (why thank you!) because he hadn't worn them in a long time. "I've been wearing cargo pants instead. More pockets." Of course.

And it occurred to me that he was right - he did need more pockets.

In the morning as he left, I'd always ask "Wallet, watch, keys?" Then I added "Got your phone?" Then we added "and your pager?" However, that has since been replaced with a Blackberry. Sometimes there is an MP3 player in the mix. Oh and his gum. Gotta have the gum. The boy's got lots of "flair." And he needs a place to put all of that in order to carry it all around.

I suppose that I could get him a man-bag. Some trendy cool messenger bag for Chanukah. But then he'd have to remember to carry it around. Every now and again he'll take a backpack into work, it's all beat up and paint splattered. I think the zipper might be broken. Not sure what to do about that - or if he even wants something.

I think what surprises me the most is that he has to carry around all this stuff. The Blackberry is work issued. You can't leave the house without your wallet and keys. Cell phone to stay in touch with the outside world and me. And his gum. Got have the gum. It just seems that as the world has gotten more technologically advanced, our clothes have had to adapt. More pockets needed. We just bought Av a new winter jacket, and it's loaded up with interior pockets - one of which even has an extra hole in it to accommodate headphones. That's just crazy to me.

So when we got home from lunch Shiny changed back into his cargo pants, to more comfortably carry around all his stuff.

Rules around the house...

arrrgylesocks — 2007-11-18T08:11:02-05:00

A recent conversation between mother and son:

"Who left the toilet seat up?"

"That was me. I'm sorry"

"You know we don't do that!"

"I must of forgot - it happens."

"Mommy! Don't let that happen ever again!"

"I said I was sorry..."

Bring it!

arrrgylesocks — 2007-11-26T11:11:44-05:00

- Turkey cake leftovers consumed
- Days off from work designated
- Chanukah gifts all sorted and wrapped
- Early Chanukah gifts already given to long distance family
- Birthday presents put aside and ready for wrapping
- Birthday party booked
- Invitations ready to be printed and distributed
- Cake design selected
- Chanukah menorah found and cleaned out

OK December - bring it on!

World AIDS Day 2007

arrrgylesocks — 2007-11-30T10:11:18-05:00

The simple things in life

arrrgylesocks — 2007-12-04T09:12:57-05:00

What was my boy most excited about this morning?

Was it the unexpected snow flurries we had this morning?
The plan to finish building our new dining room table w/Shiny tonight?
The start of Chanukah?
The excitement of getting Chanukah presents?

Nope, nope, nope, and nope.

What does he tell the first friend he encounters at preschool this morning?

"Guess what??? I'm wearing Lightening McQueen underwear!!!"

Ah the naiveté of youth...

(I guess we really could have gotten him underwear for a present)

Oh Chanukah

arrrgylesocks — 2007-12-07T01:12:28-05:00

Well it's official - I'm a Jewish mother.

As you all know, this week we are celebrating Chanukah. Candles, presents, Latkes, songs, dreidels, fun.

When I went to pick up the boy from school last Friday, one of his teachers (who happens to be Muslim) asked me when Chanukah started. They wanted to teach the kids about holidays other than Christmas. So I told her the start date, and told her I'd see what we had to bring in to teach the kids about Chanukah.

On Monday, the head teacher of his class asked me if I could bring in stuff about Chanukah - a book, coloring pages, she wanted to make a food dish w/the kids. So we brought in Av's "Blue's Clues Chanukah" book (did you know that Orange Kitten is Jewish - now you do) and suggested frozen latkes w/applesauce for the kids. I explained that you don't pronounce the "C" in front of Chanukah (she'd never seen it spelled that way before). Unfortunately I haven't yet had the chance get all the kid dreidels & gelt. As one of my friends recently put it - Chanukah is awesome - food, gambling, & presents - what's not to love?

When I was the same age, and also the only Jewish kid in my preschool class, my parents asked the school if the kids would learn about holidays other than Christmas. Even though it was a secular school, they said "Oh yes!" So a few weeks later, they called my parents to tell them that the school's theme this year would be "Christmas around the world" but my class would be "Chanukah". Nice.

So my parents contacted the local JCC for educational materials that would be preschool appropriate. Someone from the JCC came in w/my parents to teach us all about Chanukah. My parents made latkes for the class, played dreidel. It was all good. There was one boy in the class who was plain clueless, my father recalls that this kid just had a blank look on his face. Until it came time to light the Chanukiah. At that point his face lit up - he got it. And as soon as they were done lighting the candles - he exclaimed at the top of his voice "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Medical masochism

arrrgylesocks — 2007-12-10T08:12:58-05:00

First things first - I am not a masochist. But man was today a doozy!

As some of you who may live in areas with a high percentage of federal employees, tis the season for spending your Flexible Spending Account (or FSA). This is a nifty little plan that allows you to put aside pre-tax money out of your paycheck for medical expenses or daycare. The one caveat is that it is a use it or lose it program. So a lot of people spend the better part of December figuring out how much money is left in their account and spend their money to use it, rather than lose it. Most of the optical shops around here in DC have signs in their windows encouraging people to buy glasses with their FSA money. Or drug stores have sales encouraging people to stock up on certain over the counter meds that qualify. This year, Shiny and I budgeted more than we have in the past for our FSA, and now we find ourselves with lots of medical appointments in order to use the money in our account before the spending year is closed.

So today I had three doctors appointments. The first was quite innocuous. I went to "ladytown" as Shiny puts it for a quick shot. Easy peasy. The second was just pure torture.

I was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis in my right heel. The same foot that I also have arthritis in my ankle, so walking around sometimes can be very painful if I'm not wearing the correct shoes. I finally got off my behind to see a Podiatrist about the pain, and she prescribed some anti-inflammatory meds and stretching exercises, which she scared me in to doing. (Shiny and I referred to her as the "Fasciitis Fascist.") Three weeks later, the pain is still there, but not as bad as it was during my first appointment. But, since it's still there, she decided the next course of action was a cortisone steroid shot directly into my heel at the exact point of pain. Sweet honey on the rock, this was excruciating! More painful than childbirth. It was so bad that she couldn't give me the injection all at once. I was trying so hard not to scream and curse, but she said to let it all out, as I was the last patient of the day. Man did I curse like a mother f!*&#ing sailor. Then I cursed some more. Then I started crying. It was that bad. Like being stabbed repeatedly with a really sharp knife in a spot where you are already in pain. I was afraid to walk out of there, but she reassured me that it would kick in and I would feel better. I told her I will NEVER do that again, so if I'm still experiencing pain next time I go back, we'll explore alternate options of treatment. Damn skippy!

My next appointment (after stopping for a sympathy Frappuccino and to get Shiny a super cool Chanukah gift), was at the Ophthalmologist. What with the FSA money to spend, it was time to get my eyes checked and get a prescrip for new glasses. I last got new glasses on Sept. 9, 2001. Luckily, my eyes haven't changed significantly since then. The Ophthalmologist said I didn't even really need new glasses if I didn't want them. Ah - FSA - yes I do. And he understood. But then they did all the tests to look inside your eyes to check for glaucoma and floaters, etc. So not only could I now not walk straight, but I was seeing bright big light blobs in my eyes from the testing. What was I thinking?

Did I mention that on Thursday, I'm getting two wisdom pulled at the dentist?

So you see, I'm not a masochist. I just have to use up my FSA money...

I am comfortably numb

arrrgylesocks — 2007-12-13T02:12:43-05:00

It is a very odd sensation eating egg drop soup while half your mouth and tongue is numb.

Words of wisdom (teeth that is)

arrrgylesocks — 2007-12-14T04:12:25-05:00

I'm feeling WAY better today than earlier this week - thanks for the well wishes and inquiries! I'm not sure what was worse though - the steroid shot on Monday or getting my last two wisdom teeth removed yesterday which left me with a sore jaw and eating mushy/soft food. Today has been much better than yesterday, and for those of you who need to get this done - ibuprofen is your friend! It was quite fascinating feeling it kick in and realize that I didn't hurt anymore! Shiny is taking good care of me - getting me groceries and a Frosty. I couldn't really talk, so our primary form of communication was either on IM during the day or using Av's Magna Doodle. Today I was able to take less drugs, run out to the Library, buy new glasses, and drool a lot less. Still feeling a bit socked out though, and my throat is still quite sore.

This weekend we have lots planned, and I'm just hoping hoping that the weather holds out. There is nothing worse than living in the "Zone of Uncertainty".

Another Avi question...

arrrgylesocks — 2007-12-18T10:12:27-05:00

"Will Santa Claus remember not to come to our house to give me presents because we don't celebrate Christmas?"

"Yes he will. But I'll send him an email."

"OK Mommy... Thanks!"

So this is Christmas...

arrrgylesocks — 2007-12-24T04:12:31-05:00

This Christmas is weird. Normally we are out of town for the holiday - helping to run security for a large convention that we have been a part of for the past 9 years. Every year it's in a different city - and we've made some great friendships, acquired some great memories, and although it's always a guaranteed bundle of stress every year, we still look forward to it, and throughout the year we think of ways that we can improve the job for the next convention. The best memory was five years ago, when I was 36 weeks pregnant. Everyone was worried about me being there. After a long week. we came home on Thursday night, went to work Friday, and Av was born Sunday morning. He's come with us each year since, usually with a babysitter in tow.

So for us Christmas has been easily avoided. We're in our own world in a hotel bubble. More worried about our security issues and what Av will eat rather than anything else. And this year finds us as home. Which is odd. We don't know what to do with ourselves. The President officially closed the Government today, so not only did I get an extra day off, but another day to figure out what to do with Av, since his preschool closes based on the Federal holiday schedule.

Today Shiny went to work, so Av and I went to the zoo. The weather was quite nice, and the zoo was quite empty - a nice change of pace. This afternoon we're watching "Toy Story" (again). And I'm sure Av will go to bed early since he's already so zonked from all the walking and hasn't taken a nap.

But what about tomorrow? Yes, we'll do the stereotypical Chinese food order, but it should be noted that this is what we normally have to eat on Tuesday nights. The local Jewish Community Center has planned afternoon activities for the kids (moonbounces, crafts, playing) which we might check out. Shiny wanted to find a community service project that we could do as a family, but that's hard when you have an almost 5 year old. No movies to take him too either. We can't take him to our usual indoor playspots, since they are all closed, but if the weather holds up, we can go to a playground. Or maybe we can go for a hike if the National/State parks are open. It all just leaves me feeling quite "blah."

So it's a bit depressing I have to say. But I don't know if that's because I'm feeling left out for not being at the convention (the reasons why are too a long a story to get into). Maybe it's because this year I have to face the one holiday that I normally don't have to deal with. I liked not having to deal with it. One less day to schedule. I should point out that I'm not bummed out because of Christmas itself. I have no issue with the holidays. I don't mind all the decorations. I'm certainly up for all the sales (this morning I got a killer deal on a pair of much hard to come by boots that I'd been coveting - so rock on me!). It's just that the world seems to come to a stop (which I can respect - I'd be happy if that happened on Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur), so therefore I'm just stuck trying to figure out what I can do with my kid that doesn't involve sitting in front of the TV all day and gets us out for some fresh air. I'm one of those people that does better when I have a schedule all set out, or plans for the day. The rest of the week - I'm all set. It's just tomorrow. Christmas can't be over soon enough.

No more negative nancy-pants

arrrgylesocks — 2007-12-27T08:12:12-05:00

I'm feeling much better. Our Christmas day was made nice with Av's suggestion that we go to a funky playground where he once attended a birthday party. Shiny took some days off and we went to the movies and got to have some time to ourselves, which was a nice treat.

Now we're in Birthday coming up mode. Stage one of the cake has been baked, and tomorrow I decorate. Gifts have been wrapped. Eyepatches drawn. Family invited. Cleaning up has commenced.

Should be a rocking good time! I can't believe he's going to be 5...

He's 5

arrrgylesocks — 2007-12-30T05:12:39-05:00

Yesterday our boy turned 5. That's incredible. I'm quite sure that I'll say that every year on his birthday, but every year I just can't believe how big he's gotten and how much he has grown up (so far.)

First up in our birthday slide show is Av's birthday eye patch. He specifically requested a rainbow cupcake with a number 5 candle on top. We promised him that he didn't have to wear a patch on his birthday proper, so this is from the day before.

Later that night, Shiny and I made a "Wall-O'-Avi" with a homemade construction paper banner. Each picture is a different birthday from start - 5. (It was Av's suggestions to add the red stars with the numbers on it)

Once our family arrived (his party with friends was back on the 16th) we settled in for cake. Av specifically requested a Thomas the Tank Engine cake just like the one at the grocery store, so I made one the best I could, but Av was super happy with it. His primary concern was that we didn't set his trains on fire when we lit the birthday candles.

After cake, it was time for presents. Let's just say that our living room has now been taken over by the beast that is known as Thomas trains. In addition to more train tracks, train accessories, and trains. Av also got a Cars playset and an electronic drum kit (it has an off switch - I swear! Besides, how else will the kid become the next Ringo/Dave Grohl/Phil Collins without one? You got to start somewhere...).

After the family left and toys were played with for a bit, we went to a friend's holiday party. Av picked that he wanted to go to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner, but we decided to wait and go there for lunch today instead. (Our waitress was nice enough to bring Av a birthday decorated cake with a candle, but not sing.)

So yesterday concluded tired, but eating leftover cake - just one more piece before bedtime...

Happy birthday Bug.

hotel room blues

arrrgylesocks — 2008-01-11T09:01:08-05:00

I just got home from a business trip this afternoon. A bunch of us had to go up to Boston, and we all stayed at a lovely old hotel that has been renovated. My room was small, but charming. It had a view of an interior courtyard, which oversaw the beautiful HVAC equipment and looked at other windows. But something about the room was off-putting. Despite the super-soft bed you could get lost in, the beautiful chandelier in the center of the room, and the big marble tub. I didn't feel comfortable being in there. I have at times felt claustrophobic in hotel rooms and was wondering if I should ask to be switched to an exterior room. But then I realized what the problem with the room was. There was no clock in the room.

I looked in the drawers, under things, called Shiny to let him know I was there OK and mentioned it to him. I could pay $8.05 for a 1 liter of Evian or grab a bottle of Francis Ford Coppola wine out of the "refreshment center" but there was no alarm clock? Would I have to call for a wake up call for my power nap? What about my addiction to the snooze button? If I wake up in the middle of the night and my cell phone is plugged in at the desk on the other side of the room, how will I know how much longer I have until I have to get up? My company was paying good money for this room. I called down to housekeeping and asked if I was supposed to have a clock in my room. I was as a matter of fact, and they were really nice about it. Roger brought one up - it was super fancy - iPod docking station, lots of fancy buttons and nice blue glow. Roger wouldn't just hand it to me to plug in - he moved the bed to get to the plug, he made sure it was glowing at a level I was comfortable with, and even made sure the time was set correctly. He put everything back nice and re-fluffed my pillows. Once he left, the room and I looked around - it made a world of difference. Who would of thought that something as simple as a clock could make such a huge difference in the warmth and comfort of a hotel room? It did, and I slept well last night - at least until the sound of the service elevators beeping and whirring up and down on the other side of the wall woke me up...

This is just nuts...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-01-15T08:01:07-05:00

Watch What You Hang From Trailer Hitches

By BOB LEWIS
The Associated Press
Tuesday, January 15, 2008; 5:14 PM

RICHMOND, Va. -- It's one thing to dangle fuzzy dice from a rear view mirror, but decorating a trailer hitch with a large pair of rubber testicles might be a bit much in Virginia.

State Del. Lionel Spruill introduced a bill Tuesday to ban displaying replicas of human genitalia on vehicles, calling it a safety issue because it could distract other drivers.

Under his measure, displaying the ornamentation on a motor vehicle would be a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $250.

He said the idea came from a constituent whose young daughter spotted an example of the trail hitch adornment and asked her father to explain it.

"'I didn't know what to tell her,'" Spruill said the constituent told him before Spruill vowed to stop such displays.

"I said, 'Sir, I'm going to be a laughingstock, but I'm going to do it,'" he said.

The Virginia General Assembly has some experience with offbeat bills. Three years ago, it drew widespread attention with an unsuccessful effort to outlaw baggy pants worn so low they expose underwear.

Spruill, 61, said the indignity of the "droopy drawers" debate wouldn't deter him. He said he won't hesitate to bring a set of $24.95 trailer testicles with him for a legislative show-and-tell.

"I'm going to do it," Spruill told a handful of reporters after Tuesday's House session adjourned. "I'm going to bring them out here and show them to you till they tell me to stop."

Apparently, a delegate in Maryland also tried for the same ban. Let's here it for the DC Metro area!

Big city / Small town

arrrgylesocks — 2008-01-17T10:01:32-05:00

This afternoon my friends and I decided to enjoy Restaurant Week here in DC. Due to the snow, we decided to take a cab back to the office after lunch, even though we walked to the restaurant from the office. After we hopped in our cab, the three of us were chit chatting about getting around DC, in particular from Georgetown, which has no Metro station. Somehow we digressed into taking cabs short distances, like going the 1 mile from Georgetown across the river to the nearest Metro in Rosslyn. When Shiny and I lived in Rosslyn we used to just walk over the bridge. Our cab driver Mr. Brown piped up that he gives a lot of people rides over that bridge to Metro. I then remarked "Remember Emily D. who worked with us? She used to take a cab to work every morning, and she didn't live that far away from the office." Mr. Brown asks "What was her name? Did you say Emily?" "Yup!" "I used to drive her in every day." "SHUT UP!" I thought he was kidding. Then he goes on to describe her to a T, tell us where he picked her up, he was there every morning, and he always drove her to the same spot. The very same one where he dropped us off. "She would go in that door every morning." "That's our door! We work there!"

DC is a big city, but in many ways, it's very much a small town.

Born to run

arrrgylesocks — 2008-01-19T10:01:46-05:00

I don't like Bruce Springsteen's music. It's all sounded the same to me since "Born in the USA".

There. I finally said it. HA!

Busy day off

arrrgylesocks — 2008-01-21T02:01:55-05:00

So far today by 2pm I have...

- Taken Shiny to the airport
- Gone out to breakfast with my son
- Bowled two games (and got two doubles in one game! Av bowled a 101 and got a bunch of spares and a strike!)
- Went to the grocery store, Starbucks, and filled up the car.
- Baked 2 dozen rolled sugar cookies (bats, butterflies, cars, airplanes)
- Managed to give the boy a bath, put away the clean laundry, and get the trash ready to put out for tomorrow.

So...what do I do with the rest of our day?

socKs soap box - snow day phone call

arrrgylesocks — 2008-01-23T07:01:26-05:00

Last week here in DC we got ourselves some snow. It didn't start until late morning, with some of the outlying areas receiving more than others. Some school districts in the area closed early, others did not. However one high school senior took it upon himself to find out why his school district didn't close - after all, they received 3" of snow. So during his lunch break, since he couldn't get in touch with the county school system's Chief Operating Officer, Dean Tistadt, at his office to ask him why, the student - Devraj "Dave" S. Kori (age 17) - looked up Tistadt's home phone number, and left him a message. Mrs. Tistadt called him back and left a not so pleasant message on his voice mail in return, in which she used the phrase "snotty-nosed little brats" and ended with "Get over it, kid, and go to school."

Dave Kori then took that message, and when he got home from school he posted it on a Facebook page he made called "Let them know what you think about schools not being canceled." He also listed Dean Tistadt's work and home numbers. The Tistadts received dozens more crank calls throughout the night, and the voice mail message spread across the internet and hit the news. Profane and threatening emails were also sent to the school district, and are being investigated.

Now this is a kid with a 3.977 GPA and a member of the debate team. He says that he did not intend to harass Dean Tistadt. According to the Washington Post, Dave Kori felt he had "a basic right to petition a public official for more information about a decision that affected him and his classmates. He said he was exercising freedom of speech in posting a Facebook page. The differing interpretations of his actions probably stem from "a generation gap," he said. "People in my generation view privacy differently. We are the cellphone generation. We are used to being reached at all times."

The Fairfax County schools spokesman received an email from this kid explaining his perspective. The spokesman said that Dave Kori's decision to call the Tistadt's home was "more likely the result of a "civility gap."

"It's really an issue of kids learning what is acceptable and not acceptable. Any call to a public servant's house is harassment," Regnier said in an interview.

Dave Kori, although called into the principals office, was not punished. While Tistadt admires Kori for standing up to his convictions and identifying himself, his wife has had to deal with a lot of embarrassment.

So here's the thing - if this was my kid pulling this stunt - I'd be pissed. Personally, I agree with Mrs. Tistadt - I think it was a snotty self-entitled thing for this kid to call - woooo look at me - aren't I cool calling this guy at home because I don't want to go to school - I can hear him bragging to his friends thinking that he's awesome. Was she right in returning his call and leaving an angry message? Not so much - she should have been the mature adult and just ignored the kids call, or if she felt she really needed to leave a message - referred the kid to her husband's office. But, does she have the freedom of speech to respond how she wants? Absolutely. If the kid is going to play that card, then gosh darn, so should she.

A friend and I were discussing this story at lunch today - will this stunt affect Dave Kori's college admissions? Would you let this kid into your university if you thought he would pull something similar in the future? Do you think he's learned anything about boundaries from this experience?

Now since the Tistadt's home phone number was a listed number, anyone could have looked up the number to call their home. But just because it's listed, does it make it right to call them about the schools not closing? It's rude and invasive. I wonder if anyone has looked up Dave Kori's number and posted it telling people to call and express their opinions on this - after all isn't it the same thing? I'm wondering now...should I call my mailman George at home because my weekly magazine arrived later than usual? Should I call my FSA claims rep Brenda at home because my money hasn't been deposited into my account yet? Where do you draw the line at appropriate use of the telephone. Pre-internet (pre-Facebook and YouTube for that matter) the issue would have ended at her return call - but now a days, seemingly nothing is private anymore.

I think the important lesson that we can learn from all of this is that people need to learn that just because you can be connected all the time, doesn't mean you have to be. It's called "good judgment." Use some.

Cute Avi quotes...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-01-25T08:01:53-05:00

1 - Shiny made Avi a DVD of shows that we had taped off Disney onto our DVR. For some reason the DVD works better in our downstairs DVD player rather than the one upstairs in our bedroom. Av really wanted to watch it upstairs, so he told me "Just wait a minute Mommy. I'll go downstairs and get the remote for the downstairs DVD player and bring it upstairs so that the DVD will work in your room." Smart thinking...

2 - The other night Av gets up about a 1/2 hour after I had put him to bed. He stands in the doorway and announces the following:

"Mommy. I have two things.
One. I can't find my Woof.
Two. You need to find my Woof, and then tuck me back into bed.
Thank you."

And with that he turns around and goes back into his room. How can you not help a kid who is so purpose driven?

Super Bowl soapbox

arrrgylesocks — 2008-02-03T05:02:55-05:00

When did they start having a red carpet at the Super Bowl? I remember when it was just a football game. A big football game, with a cool halftime show and some neat commercials. And that was that. When did it become this huge over-hyped fill a whole day with programming about it kind of show? Why do I need to see Ryan Seacrest interviewing John Travolta before the game? That's annoying.

I was not planning on watching the game tonight, maybe just the end, but that's just to make sure I catch House. Maybe I'll have it on in the background while I web surf or read. But pretty much I couldn't give a rats behind. In years past, the primary reason I used to watch the game was to hang out with friends and we'd all watch together. That was back when I was hanging out with friends who were way into football. I used to schedule my weekends around college games, but now maybe only watch one a year (and that's usually when Team Shiny plays Team Socks). But now I don't really care about the NFL. I live in a city that love love loves its team, but I've never been a big fan them. I also live in a city that love love loves to complain about our team, and especially the owner.

But what is the point of watching the game when I can catch the highlights tomorrow? I blame the internet for my lack of interest in the game. Nowadays most of the commercials are available for viewing days before the game. And let's be honest - everything - commercials, performances, interviews - are all going to end up on YouTube tomorrow anyway. So yeah, no real reason to watch the game.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2008-02-03T10:02:46-05:00

OK - I'm a hypocrite. I had it on in the background, and got sucked into the last 5 minutes of the game. Dammit!

To infinity...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-02-06T09:02:51-05:00

Purim is coming up next month (please do not call it the "Jewish Halloween" - thank you) and every year our synagogue as a costume theme for the entire congregation. This allows though who do not want to dress up in the traditional costumes (Mordechai, Esther, Haman, Vashti, and Ahashveros) another option that doesn't require too much thinking. My personal fave was "pajama party" and last year it was dress as your favorite TV characters (we were 3/4 of the Wiggles). This year's theme is "super heroes". Now we could do something cute like dress Av up like Shiny, but (and no offense here hon...) he's WAY into Buzz Lightyear.

So I'm thinking - I'm crafty. I can make him a Buzz costume. I've made him a wicked cool "Super Avi" cape with stars on it, which is what he's worn for Halloween for the past few years. But it would be cool to surprise him with a Buzz costume. Now you can buy a costume (with wings!) on eBay for $24.50 (incl. shipping). Can I make him one though (without wings, although I can buy inflatable wings for $12) although wings aren't necessarily needed since he pretends to have them now).

I suppose I'll have to investigate on Friday - If I can buy all the supplies I'd need to make it for less than $25, then I suppose that would be worth it? Do I make a one piece jump suit out of white fleece? Hot glue (although I'm anal - I'd probably end up sewing) me on some felt "buttons" and "lights" and stuff? I think it's doable.

To be continued...

...and beyond!

arrrgylesocks — 2008-02-10T05:02:46-05:00

And we're done. I went with a zip hoodie (although the hood seems quite large). The hardest part was sewing all the details onto the front pieces prior to final construction, and cleaning up the fabric paint that exploded all over me (luckily it was black paint on a black sweater) but otherwise, not too tough. The whole thing is made from polar fleece, so it will be nice and warm to wear for both Purim and Halloween. The kid wore the jacket as soon as it was finished, and all day today. He would like you to note the red laser on one arm, and his communication button for star command/clock on the other. There are also pockets in the front as per his request. And I did come in under budget. (Having lots of remnants and sewing supplies in the house helped).

So here is "Bug Lightyear"...

All that's left is to sew the elastic into the waistband and hem the bottom. For a homemade costume, I think this is quite kick ass! Go me.

Valentines Day poem for Shiny

arrrgylesocks — 2008-02-14T07:02:58-05:00

Oh Shiny - how you always have my back

much like a Sherpa and his long haired wooly yak..

Your feelings for Alison - I am not a doubter

But I know you care for me more, like you do a Cisco 7613 NEBS-compliant, 13-slot edge router.

We have so much in common, and thanks for Avi -

Even though after marrying you, I'm still in L through Z

As a child so sweet, with your small leisure suit

(at least that and glasses Magoo now are moot)

I love you and your favorites - like pasta with spinach

We're a great pair - your computers, my backstitch.

I know we are soul mates, beshert, can't be beat.

All that my dear, is why I love you more than meat.

Yummy yum surprise - BEWARE!

arrrgylesocks — 2008-02-27T08:02:03-05:00

On a typical work day, I'm the first one in and the last one out. Yesterday evening I received a lovely gift basket from someone I had helped out. It was a pretty tower of silver and gold boxes stacked on top of each other large to small all tied together with a big ribbon. It was close to 6 and I was exhausted, so I left it on my desk with the excitement of opening it this morning.

When I got in this morning, the chick in the cube across from me immediately asks (before I even got my coat off) "WHO IS [name]???" I explained that it was the name of a company that I had provided assistance to. Why was she asking? "Well you remember what they told us in fire warden training - that we should be on the look out for anything that seems unusual or out of place in someone's cube - you know JUST IN CASE! So I saw the gift boxes and I thought that wasn't something that was there when I left work yesterday, and you weren't in yet, so I looked at the invoice and the card, and I didn't know who it was from, so I wanted to make sure that it wasn't anything suspicious." I told her that they were probably just chocolates, and the shipping box was on the floor next to my desk, and she could look up the website on the tag at the top, and packages already have to go through multiple layers of security before it even gets in to our offices. I'm amazed that she didn't call our security team, but not surprised at all at her rude nosiness. This chick also likes to remind us that even a can of Diet Coke left out of place on someone's desk could be a suspicious item!

This afternoon at lunch my friend and I opened the boxes up - chocolate bites, nutty chocolate things, shortbread cookies (for my Lent observing friends), and chocolate covered pretzels. Yummy yum yums! But none for Nancy Nosy Butt across the way!

PS: When I told my family this when I got home tonight, Av suggested that maybe I should bring the chocolates home to share...

You must chill!

arrrgylesocks — 2008-02-29T10:02:08-05:00

This morning in our house:

"AAAAH!"
"What's wrong?"
"I CAN'T FIND MY WALLET!"
"Oh."
"...GOING...TO...BE...LATE!"
"Ok..."
"IT'S NOT IN MY BAG!"
"Maybe it's in your car?"
[grabs keys, runs out the door]
(yells from the front door) "DID YOU FIND IT IN THE CAR???"
"NO!"
[runs back in house]
"Maybe you left it at work?"
"NO! I KNOW I HAD IT IN MY COAT POCKET WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR"
"I'm sure you'll find it."
"Oh. Here it is. It was in my bag the whole time, just in the wrong pocket. Sorry about that."
"It's OK Mommy - I'm just glad you found it."

At least I know where he gets it from.

Down to there hair

arrrgylesocks — 2008-03-07T05:03:52-05:00

This morning I finally had the opportunity to get my hair cut. I was supposed to have a parent-teacher conference, which was postponed. I've had long hair since 10th grade. It's thick, luscious, and wavy. It has been electric pink and had blonde tiger stripe highlights. It's most often worn in a ponytail, but occasionally in a braid or two. It used to be in layers, but I gave that up years ago. When people describe me, it's always "socKs, with the really long hair."

Because it's all one length, it's fairly low maintenance, with the exception of getting out knots. But I also tend to forget to get it cut. Which sounds odd, but since it's not "styled" I don't remember to go get regular trims to keep the ends neat. I generally know it's time to get it cut when it starts to bother me. Today was that time.

So instead of going back to the preschool, I ran into my local Hair Cuttery. I would like to donate my hair to either Locks of Love or Pantene's Beautiful Lengths programs, but the bottom still has the end of my tiger stripe highlights and lots of split ends. So she would of needed to cut off 12" to make up for that. and it would have ended up shoulder length. Instead, I showed her where I wanted it cut up to, and into a pony tail it went, and off it came. I ended up getting about 7" cut off, which of course Shiny would say "I'd be bald!", and it still is longer than most people. But it feels lighter, looks better, and I'd be surprised if most people even notice for a good month or so.

I'd still like to go into a salon and say "Do whatever you want, as long as I look professional for work" and just see what they'd do with this blank canvas. But I think baby steps are good for now!

But was I really saving?

arrrgylesocks — 2008-03-09T08:03:56-05:00

Last night instead of doing "Spring forward" I did "Fall back." Realized that around 3/4/5 am depending on which clock I looked at.

Whoops...

This is not about me...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-03-13T09:03:26-05:00

Why is it nowadays when some people find out that someone else (a casual acquaintance, co-worker, or friend of a friend type situation) is pregnant with twins (AGAIN NOT ME) they automatically make some comment about IVF as opposed to what you used to hear all the time which was "Oh does it run in the family?" It's very rude, invasive, and none of their damn business.

Personally, I always go with "Wow! Congratulations! I hope she has a healthy, easy pregnancy."

Otherwise, what the heck business is it of yours?

Just say yes!

arrrgylesocks — 2008-03-14T07:03:34-05:00

I think our son, although he will vehemently deny this, is a picky eater. Now he does eat a variety of things, but he eats what he eats. And there is little variety to that. He used to eat lots of veggies - no more. He used to eat macaroni and cheese - now he will only eat the kids kind that come in little cans and will only eat those at Shiny's dad's house (even though we bring them from our house - he won't eat them here.) Thankfully he likes a variety of fruit, cheese, and Morningstar farms products. The last big new food he tried and liked (and still asks for) is scrambled eggs. It took him a while to convince him that latkes were just like flattened tater tots (add those to the list as well). And he will only eat his vegi-meatballs at school, not at home. We tried making a sticker chart for new foods, and he picked out all the new foods himself. But so far only latkes and eggs have been tried and add to the rotation. Sorry matzah balls, pirogies, rice, and pasta - this boy just says no to carbs!

But one food he doesn't like "I will NEVER EVER eat that Mommy...EVER!" (said complete with the hand motion of swiping things away) is bread. I find this odd, as he LOVES French toast (freedom toast?). He has French toast sticks almost every freaking morning for breakfast. He also LOVES cheese quesadillas. So I'm on a mission to get this boy to eat grilled cheese sandwiches. I know that he loves "melty cheese". He knows this too. I know that he loves toast, he knows that he loves toast. So tonight I was trying to convince him that he will love my "melty cheese sandwiches". This will help add to the restaurants we can go to (since almost every place has grilled cheese on the menu) and they usually come w/french fries and he can dip them in ketchup. Yumm....

So I tried to explain to him tonight that melty cheese sandwiches are really just toast quesadillas (well they are...) and tomorrow afternoon we are going to go to the store together to get the necessary ingredients to make toast quesadillas - bread, cheese (his choice), and ketchup. He is going to help me make them, they will be cut into four (and only 4) pieces, and then we are going to eat them for lunch. (with sides of tater tots for him, tomato soup for me!). We'll see if he really goes through with this. Although now that he's excited for toast quesadillas,

I am a little worried that he thinks we'll be making them on French toast though! yick...

New food - live blogging.

arrrgylesocks — 2008-03-15T11:03:26-05:00

Live blogging the "Toast Quesadilla"

First off, he didn't help me make them. While I didn't use the traditional pan-fry method (I went with a quick and easy toaster/microwave combo), I think they turned out pretty yum. Here goes...

12:39 - He takes a tentative look and poke at the four triangles on his plate
12:40 - goes for sourdough pretzel pieces instead
12:42 - grabs a triangle and dips it in ketchup
12:42:30 - takes tiny bite - looks at it
12:43 - takes another tiny bite - starts to say something - puts it back down, goes for pretzels again
12:43:30 - declares them "yummy" but has taken not even noticeable bites
12:43:45 - picks up a triangles.
12:44 - says "I don't like how it tastes - because the toast tastes like bread."
12:44:15 - I counter with "try dipping it in the ketchup!"
12:44:30 - "I don't want to take big bites." He dips in the ketchup and proceeds to lick the ketchup off the triangle.
12:45 - "I still don't like how it tastes, but I don't really know what I want to do."
12:47 - Shiny joins us. He eats one of the triangles. And declares it to be yummy as well.
12:50 - "I'm not going to finish this one, but I will eat it when I'm a little bit bigger."

So much for that experiment, but at least I got a good lunch!

Previous Car-ma

arrrgylesocks — 2008-03-17T06:03:18-05:00

In light of Shiny's story... Strange things like this have happened to us before.

1 - As witnessed before in a previous post

2 - When Shiny and I were driving down the New Jersey turnpike returning from brunch in Manhattan with our newly engaged friends going back to Shiny's house in Princeton. We ended up behind a Saturn with Virginia tags that was sequentially one number before the tag on our Saturn. (ex. ABC 1234 and ABC 1233). Now THAT was strange. We did not stalk (as we were on the highway) and sadly, it was in the days before camera phones (or before either one of us even had a cell phone!).

And tonight - we make Hamentaschen! We might be pseudo-stalkers, but we make great baked goods!

Office space

arrrgylesocks — 2008-03-25T06:03:41-05:00

Next week I'm moving into a new office space. This is huge. It had been rumored for years, and now finally it is taking place. Planning for this move has involved shock, yelling, secret discussions, long distance calls while on vacation, the silent treatment, and an agreement that those not in agreement will give the new space six months before complaining again. It will be a tough mental adjustment, as I'm going from a large cube on a medium sized floor filled with cubes and friendly colleagues to a slightly smaller cube that will be one of three equal sized cubes filling an office to be shared with the two others in my department. I have been walking into the same building on to the same floor for the past 13.5 years. So to go into a different building and up an elevator to a different office will take some getting used to.

So in preparation, for the past month I've been packing. Not the stuff in my office, but the communal files used by my department. We have files that go back to the 1980s, but because these files are constantly being added to or pulled for reference, we can't archive them. My department alone has about 12 cabinets full (six drawers high) and we can generate on average 5-7 new files a week. These need to be packed up and moved into the new building and the new cabinets. We are merging them with the files of two other departments who do the same work we do and already work in this other building. Which is great, because we will now - after 25 years - have a unified filing system. So for weeks now I have been packing up files - letter by letter - and pushing crates over and up to the new cabinets. And then we go file by file with the three sets of files: stamping our departmental IDs on each of our own files, pulling original legal documents out of one set of files, identifying duplicate files, then merging all of the files together alphabetically, and finally putting them in the new cabinets. I'd like to point out that only two of us have been diligently working on this project - with no help from our colleagues - just the occasional help from a spare intern or volunteer. Could thing we're such good friends, but still. Today we finished "R" and started on "S." Yesterday we finally hit our wall. But the good thing is that we WILL be done by next week. (Oh yes... we WILL be done...)

This past weekend Shiny got major man-points because I went into work all day Saturday and Sunday to pack three other cabinets of files outside my office. These are departmental files that have been sitting there since before my days. So these will be archived, but that means each box needs an inventory and listing of EVERY FILE. My one day of work turned into two. 25 boxes and 60 pages later, I was finally done. I have tasked the two others in my department with taking care of any remaining files and common spaces that have supplies which need to go. Because I need to focus my energy on finishing S-Z and then packing up my office by next week.

So that's where I've been, and why I've been rather quiet around here. Not much energy to blog about something so tedious and time consuming when you come home from work feeling quite racked from a long day of doing tedious and time consuming things.

Let's go fly a kite...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-03-29T07:03:33-05:00

We made our annual trip downtown for the Smithsonian's annual Kite Festival. In addition to that we also had a marathon, a walk-a-thon, opening day of the Cherry Blossom Festival, and tonight's exhibition game between the Nats and Orioles which is the first MLB game being played at the new stadium. It was a beautiful day, we picnicked and flew kites on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

(There are also some cute photos of Shiny and Av, but for some reason I can't get them to load up without being rotated incorrectly!)

Some days I really love living in this city (despite all the tourists!)

TMI

arrrgylesocks — 2008-04-04T02:04:43-05:00

This afternoon I went out shopping at a two national chain craft stores which happen to be in the same shopping center. I ended up in the checkout line at both stores behind the same woman. We nodded to each other and I smiled a "Here we go again..." kind of smile. (Checkout at the first store had taken a long time). She offered a faint smile in return, so I didn't say anything - she didn't seem the type.

While she was being rung up, a woman and her tweenage daughter (who was taller than the mom) came in to the store. The mom saw the woman in front of me and says "Hi Doctor!" and the woman in front of me looked up and said a quiet hello. Mom then comments about how she didn't know that Dr. lived in this neighborhood, and Dr. replied that she doesn't - she's just out running errands on her lunch break. And in my world, the conversation should of ended there with a "Well it was good to see you...have a great weekend!" But no...

So Mom goes on to explain that she and daughter have taken the day off because daughter had a doctor's appointment. It turns out that it WAS a cyst after all and they will have to go see an orthopedic surgeon about getting it removed, which of course will mean "another day off!". At this point the daughter physically recoiled, rolled her eyes, and was about to say "Mommmmmm!" (complete with eyes rolling). I felt sorry for the kid. Dr. in front of me looked uncomfortable and embarrassed as well - but sadly, I got the feeling that she got this a lot. Occupational hazard. She softly said "OK." and finished her transaction. Now it wasn't like Mom said hi and then walked over closer to the Dr. she was talking to. She was standing a good 8-9 feet away from where we were - on the other side of the checkout lane and cashier. So it wasn't just me who heard this. It was also the cashier and the three other people in line behind me.

They said goodbyes, Dr. rushed out. Daughter dragged Mom over to some shiny object and asked her mom if she could get it. Mom said no. And my feeling was after embarrassing her daughter like that the kid deserved the shiny checkout lane tchatchkie that she was asking for.

Now I have been known to get chatty with both strangers and people I know. But if I were to run into my doctor or my kid's doctor outside of the Dr's office, I would make a conscious effort to NOT talk about medical things unless they asked. It's nobody else's business and embarrassing.

I do hope everything goes well medically for the daughter and that it's nothing serious. But still... I shouldn't even know about it to begin with.

What about Bob?

arrrgylesocks — 2008-04-06T08:04:51-05:00

Yesterday was a beautiful Spring day, so I decided to take advantage in the break of gray rainy weather we've been having around here to do our spring planting. As usual every April, Av and I go down to the garden center and pick up some 99 cent impatiens to plant in front of our house. We can usually get them to live through November, assuming that the neighbor's dogs don't pee on/eat/or dig them up and the grounds crew doesn't stomp on them or mulch them over. It's a happy little splash of color to come home to. Av always help with placing the flowers where they should go and digging holes. Dirt, digging, worms - what's a boy not to enjoy there?

I also took this opportunity to re-pot my plant Bob. Bob is a hanging philodendron that I got back when I worked at a crazy-ass florist in college. I bought him as an apartment-warming gift for my then boyfriend, who named it Bob (after Marley) given his full bodied long tendrils. Bob lived with them for a year before moving into my apartment after said-boyfriend graduated and didn't want to take Bob with him back up north. So Bob lived happily in the corner of our living room. We never trimmed him or fed him anything special - just water. Bob grew so long that he actually rooted into our carpet.

When I moved up to DC (see...I could bother to shlep the plant!) Bob continued to thrive and grow. At one point I had to wrap his vines around a hanger in order to transport him from place to place, but when I settled in to my first apartment, I gave him his first trim. It was a little traumatic for both of us, but he was healthier for it. There was the day that my then-kitten discovered Bob - made her quite sick. Turns out he's poisonous to cats, so ever since I had to make sure that we hung him where she couldn't reach him, although in the many years since, I think she's learned her lesson.

When we bought our house, Shiny and I found the perfect Bob spot. He hangs in the center of the bay window in our kitchen. It's a happy place, he has a nice view, and we would rotate him periodically to make sure all of his sides got sunlight. I admit that I often forget to water him, but he keeps growing and growing, and I always found it cool to see him perk up after a good drink. Shiny will often remove dead leaves, and gave Bob another trim, but lately Bob has been looking more bare than usual. Not so fluffy. A little sad. Since he continues to grow, but has been in the same pot since 1992, we decided that drastic action needed to be taken. He needed to be re-potted. I've never done this with him before, so I worried that re-potting him could be harmful.

So yesterday at the garden center, Av picked out a nice big round hanging bowl and picked up some moisture control potting soil (which I was told will help him out when I forget to water him). And we said goodbye to the crappy-ass pot covered in tin foil that he's been living in, and into the new home he went. He probably has root rot, and it was a little disconcerting to see his roots all jumbled up and wrapped around and around and around and not looking so good.

We'll do what we can to keep him going - he's just such a constant.

T.G.I. (WTF)

arrrgylesocks — 2008-04-10T08:04:06-05:00

Tonight Av asked if we could go out to dinner. So we did. We went to a major international chain restaurant. I'm not going to name the restaurant by name, but let's just say that the first three letters of it's name are T.G.I. We sit, we order, Av is all excited to order by himself. He blurts out "Quesadilla! nothingonit!" The waitress doesn't catch that, so I translate - "He would like plain quesadilla, just cheese, and please leave off the garnish and sides." "You mean the double stuffed quesadilla? I don't think they can do that. They are pre-made." Huh?

So she went back to the kitchen to ask if they can make them plain cheese. She comes back and explains that they can't do it. The double stuffed quesadillas are pre-made. But we don't want the flour tortilla packed with sauteed chicken, sausage, bruschetta marinara, bacon and oozing with Monterey Jack cheese coated with Parmesan and pan-fried to a crispy golden brown then drizzled with balsamic glaze. We want plain cheese quesadilla. For our kid who only eats quesadilla at restaurants and not mac and cheese or grilled cheese. The same ones that we had at that very restaurant about 2-1/2 weeks ago. She offers to go talk to the manager about it. She is confused. We are confused. Av is confused. Shiny asks what makes them double stuffed and how are they "pre-made". Waitress explains that they already have everything in them. All that needs to be done is that they are heated, topped, and served.

Since they can't make the plain quesadillas, we got up to leave. I'm sorry to disappoint my child, but we were not about to pay to eat dinner in a restaurant that was not going to be able to serve my kid. So we explained to Av that we had to leave because they couldn't make his quesadilla. To say the kid was upset is an understatement. Lip pouted out, tears welled up, sobbing started! We got Av out the front door pretty quick, but it was hard not to notice us. I sat him down on the bench in the vestibule and again explained why we weren't eating there. Not my fault. Cook's fault.

Shiny went to talk to the manager about the whole thing. Apparently most of the food the serve is pre-made nowadays and they change their menu every three months now. He could probably try to do some plain cheese quesadillas, but they would have been made with the small tortillas they use for their new fish soft tacos. We have been eating at this restaurant for years - YEARS! We were loyal points collectors for some time. However, over the past five years or so, our frequency dwindled. They changed the menu and most of our faves were no longer being served. Service always seemed to be slow, even in the middle of the week. Shiny gave up on them some time ago, but I still liked their fries, and being a meat eater, I always had more options. But no more quesadillas was now the deal breaker.

I got Av calmed down while Shiny talked to the manager. Av put on his thinking cap and came up with a new place that we could go eat. We ended up going down the street to a local diner. They didn't have quesadilla either, but they did have french toast on their kids menu. We were by years - the youngest people there. But the atmosphere was cozy and the food good. The kid was happy even if we weren't at the other place.

We talked about what to do, after all we have been getting more and more dissatisfied with the other place. Most likely we'll write a letter to corporate. We don't expect the world and we don't expect every place to be accommodating, but overall it was the disappointment of the entire situation.

Strange days indeed

arrrgylesocks — 2008-04-15T07:04:15-05:00

This morning while riding the Metro in to work on my first train I saw a bearded lady and on the second train I saw a man wearing a gaucho outfit. Just another day in DC...

Passover

arrrgylesocks — 2008-04-19T10:04:47-05:00

To all my MOT friends out there - Happy Passover!

To everyone else - enjoy your pasta, bread, legumes, corn and corn by-products.

Passover patience

arrrgylesocks — 2008-04-24T08:04:12-05:00

It's tough enough finding things you like to eat when you are a kid, even more so when you are a kid whose diet consists primarily of soy based products and it's Passover. In past years it was tough for him to adjust. No french toast sticks or Eggos for breakfast. No Morningstar. No goldfish snackers at school. We always send a long memo to his school with all the do and don't and ask them to call if they are unsure of anything.

Last year though the tide turned though during snack time, when Av started to get upset that he had a different snack from all the other kids. His teacher at the time (who happens to be Muslim) took him aside and explained to him how wonderful it was that HE got to eat matza. She went on that Passover is such a special holiday and it is so great that we get to celebrate it every year. She made him feel so much better, that apparently he was strutting around the classroom telling all the other kids that HE got to eat a special Passover snack.

This year we tried to prep him a bit more. Lucky for us he loves matza. We also got him to eat scrambled eggs last year which was a big accomplishment. We started a we ago talking about no toast or waffles or Morningstar. It got to the point where he would just cut me off and say "I KNOW Mommy! It's Passover!"

Yesterday he was holding his lunch bag while the kids were all getting ready to go into their classroom, and one of the other boys pointed at it and said "What is THAT??" Av replied proudly "That's my Passover snacks!" Today however was a real test - there was a birthday celebration at school. I gave Av a quick reminder when I dropped him off about not having a cupcake and the teacher agreed to save one for him for Sunday. When he got home he told me all about the pretty pink cupcakes and how he didn't have ANY because you know Mommy, its Passover... Go him. So that is why my kid is super-awesome. He's learning, he's understanding, and he has way more will power than some grownups I know...

Pay it forward

arrrgylesocks — 2008-04-26T12:04:26-05:00

Last weekend I went to Borders to purchase some books for my nieces. In addition to the books I got for them, I also purchased an extra book for their book drive for a local children's hospital. I got home, threw the bag on the dining room table, and ran back out to run more errands to prepare for Passover. When I got back home later and went to wrap up the girls' gifts, I discovered that one of the books was missing. I checked downstairs where I had thrown the bag down and didn't see it. It wasn't in the car either.

When I called the store, I told the manager what happened. Maybe the missing book got put in the book drive bin by accident since it was the same shape and size as the extra book I bought? He said he'd check, but to come in and they would give me a replacement copy of the one I was missing.

When I arrived back at the store, they couldn't find the book in the bin. But he was nice enough to give me another copy of the missing book. I told him that if I were to find the book at home that I would bring it back in. I left impressed with their customer service,since they easily could have said "Sorry...".

The other night when I was moving things around the dining room, I looked down, and there was the missing book. On the floor. Just laying there mocking me and making me feel quite dumb knowing that it was there the whole time. So this morning I brought the book back to Borders, explained the situation to manager on duty, and paid for the book and donated it to the book drive. They were impressed with my honesty (aside from the fact that I'm an honest person, what else would I do with an extra copy of an Encyclopedia Brown book that my niece already had?). I was happy to help out a good cause, return the favor for them providing me with the extra copy to begin with and it certainly made up for how silly I felt about losing the book in the first place.

Speak out & take action

arrrgylesocks — 2008-04-30T08:04:52-05:00

This afternoon I had the opportunity to hear Mark Hanis speak. If you EVER get the opportunity to do so, you MUST hear him speak and truly listen to what he says.

In 2004, while a student at Swarthmore, he first learned about the genocide in Darfur. Mark, who is the grandson of Holocaust survivors, was stunned that the world was standing to the side and watching. He and some of his fellow students decided that action must be taken. They formed the Genocide Intervention Network.

They are working to empower others to speak out and encourage lawmakers to take a stand. They set up an anti-genocide hot line: 1-800-GENOCIDE that provides Americans and Canadians with talking points and information about what actions their lawmakers can do, and provides the caller with direct access to their elected officials and the White House. As a result of their work, policies and legislation have been passed and people around the country are voicing their opinion and taking a stand against genocide.

It is extraordinary and inspiring to me that a young man took such action and now is a leading voice in the fight against genocide.

We've all been hearing about what is going on in Darfur. It's one thing for us to sit and listen, but to cause action and stop this horrible injustice, you must speak out and be heard.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2008-05-02T07:05:01-05:00

If you post something to your Mindsay blog and nobody other than Google reads it - did you really blog at all?

Mother's day news

arrrgylesocks — 2008-05-11T07:05:05-05:00

Yesterday Av and I went to the bookstore and ended up getting him a new book:

It's got simple words, just a few per page. Av is way into phonics, so I thought (since he is a Cars fanatic) that this might be something he can learn to read himself. And you know what? This morning he sat down with me and read me the book.

It wasn't him "reading" - like when a kid has heard a book so many times he's memorized it - he read it. He patiently sounded out each word to figure out what it was. Some words he recognized already like "car" and "red" - but the other words like "highway" "mean" "tire" "night" and "dull" he figured out all on his own. I was so f-ing proud of him.

Shiny was downstairs (unfortunately he had to work today) so after I called my folks to share the good news, we went down to tell him. It was bittersweet. On the one hand, HE READ HIS FIRST BOOK! He excitedly told Shiny that he read the word "highway" and that "gh" was a "silent blend". On the other hand, Shiny, like myself, wanted to immediately tell his mom. And we can't.

My mother-in-law was an amazing woman. She was an educator and teacher, and I know how super proud she would be for Av - he's reading before kindergarten. I can see the huge smile that would be on her face when we told her. She'd make him feel so proud of this great accomplishment. And it crushed Shiny that he couldn't share this news with her.

So today had it's ups and downs. But the memory of her giant smile has been with me all day, and I hope to never forget that.

Everything is OK...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-05-23T10:05:23-05:00

Yep.... just damn annoying.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2008-06-03T07:06:43-05:00

Reason # 123435904795873024957490 why I love my husband so much:

- His honesty, support, and commitment.

Helpful tip

arrrgylesocks — 2008-06-04T11:06:20-05:00

According to the emergency plan flip chart handed out to everyone who works at my office, if we see a tornado we are to call our central security office immediately. I'm sorry. But given that I work in downtown Washington, DC, if I see a tornado out my office window, my ass is running.

An open letter

arrrgylesocks — 2008-06-11T11:06:12-05:00

Dear Sir:

You know who you are. You spent all day working in my office. And if you didn't notice - you reeked - REEKED - of your hand-rolled cigarettes. ALL F-ING DAY! You stunk so bad that a colleague couldn't spend more than two minutes at my desk before having to go out n the hallway to finish our conversation because she was so overwhelmed by your smell wafting through the room. Someone else stopped by at the end of the day and didn't even set foot in the door, she just stood there making a slightly scrunchy face. Did you notice that I wasn't there much today? That's because it smelled like I was working in an overcrowded bar right before closing time. It was so smelly, I couldn't concentrate. I had to take a lap around the floor multiple times just to get some fresh air. I had a pounding headache from the smell by lunchtime that didn't go away until 7pm. Remember when you said you don't believe in deodorant because it is so unhealthy? Well guess what. The stench of your cigarettes masks any body odor. I understand that you just returned from a trip that may not have gone the way you wanted. But please, take a shower and put on fresh clothes prior to your arrival. No smoker (or anyone for that matter) should smell that overwhelming at 9am.

Now, you want to go ahead and ruin your lungs with your bad habit - go right on ahead. Keep on keeping on. But just keep it out of my office please.

Love,

socKs

I think we're going to need more cowbell...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-06-15T08:06:06-05:00

Graduation Day

arrrgylesocks — 2008-06-20T08:06:46-05:00

Summer reading list - It's a non-Fiction-pal...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-07-12T12:07:13-05:00

Busy busy busy. Dealing with life issues. I know I haven't written in a while, but what's the point when Google is your only visitor? "But socks!" you say "if you wrote something, we'd have something to read!" Fine, I hear you.

I hereby declare this summer to be "The Summer of Non-Fiction!" (insert trumpet sounds and jazz hands here!) Of course, I've always got me some good reality TV, but there are also these cool things we call books.

I love to read books, as I like to read about books. Always have. So when the summer book preview lists came out this year, I poured through them and wrote down all the titles that sounded intriguing to me. And when I looked at my completed list, I realized that ALL of the books I wrote down - with the exception of 1 - were all non-fiction. So here is my reading list (including those that I've already completed). If you've read them, let me know what you thought.

Finished:
Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex - Mary Roach
Fun read. I read her previous book "Stiff" (about cadavers - get your mind out of the gutter!) at the recommendation of a good friend R78 with somewhat similar taste in books. Shiny and I both enjoyed the read. There were moments that had me giggling out loud, and moments where I actually said "Wow! I didn't know that!"

The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry - Kathleen Flynn
I like to read about food. Reading cookbooks, cooking magazines, recipes, etc. But most of all I enjoy reading about people's adventures in the kitchen. Heat, Julie and Julia, Bourdain (see below), loved them all. Ruth Reichl's memoirs are also fabulous (although she was a reviewer not a chef - but still great reads).

Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain
Hi. Bourdain. Awesome. Shiny and I also enjoyed the TV show based on this book, but it was short-lived. We have it on DVD (cause we're dorks like that). Big ups to all of his books - fiction included.

The Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company - David A. Price
As someone who has both studied animation and animation history (for real - college courses and everything) and who is a total fan of Pixar, I really enjoyed this book. Read through it pretty quickly. It was cool to read about all the goings on behind the scenes and about how the technology and the company was created. Of course my kid just liked to look at the pictures...

The Mascot: Unraveling the Mystery of My Jewish Father's Nazi Boyhood - Mark Kurzem
Don't remember how I initially came across this book, but as soon as I heard about it, I had to read it. The bulk of the book is about the author's search to assist his father to figure out his true identity. A majority of the book takes place in the present (how he finds out about his father's past and it all starts to unravel into the present) and the toll this journey takes on the family. This project started as a documentary (which I've also seen), but I found the book way more engaging.

To read:
Rome 1960: The Olympics That Changed the World - David Maraniss
Recommended by both a good book review in the newspaper and by R78. Every four years I get sucked into the drama and excitement of the Olympics, so how could I not read this? Currently #16 on the waiting list.

The Anglo-Files: A Field Guide to the British - Sarah Lyall
Well this one just sounded like fun. Being friends with some Brits and watcher of BBC and BBC America on occasion and all.

Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You - Sam Gosling
Intregued by the book review, and even more so after hearing the author being interviewed on the radio. Can't wait to learn what my stuff says about me (aside from the fact that it needs to be put away). Currently #25 on the waiting list.

Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate a Capella Glory - Mickey Rapkin
As a collegiate singer and appreciator of a Capella music, this sounded like a fun one as well. First on the library waiting list!

Firefight: Inside the Battle to Save the Pentagon on 9/11 - Patrick Creed & Rick Newman
I'm waffling on this book. Do I want to read it or not? Being in DC, seeing this in person on 9/11, and being that I was sitting in traffic at the exact spot where this event took place just an hour before, and continue to comute past there every day, I'm just not sure. I haven't seen the "Flight 93" movie. However, I've read the opening excerpt of the book online and was totally sucked in.

Central Park in the Dark: More Mysteries of Urban Wildlife - Marie Winn
I thought it would be interesting to read about animals instead of people. No giraffes in this one though. At least not that I know of.

Books: A Memoir - Larry McMurtry
From the author of Lonesome Dove, which I've never read. Another memoir - but this one is a book about a lover of books! Excellent reviews. Looking forward to it!

The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible - A.J. Jacobs
R78 (there she is again) recommended him. She is a huge fan of his work. I read "The Know-It-All" and loved it. Since Shiny and I are into the whole learning about religion thing, and after hearing interviews with Jacobs about the book, I went ahead and bought it. Since I own this, of course I keep putting it aside for library books that have to go back after two weeks, and other projects.

I also need to catch up on my Laurie Notaro and her Idiot Girl adventures. She cracks me up to no end, and it's touch when I'm laughing out loud about something crazy and inappropriate, and can't explain to my kid what's making me laugh. I just saw at Borders today that she has a new book out, so I can't wait.

Other non-Fiction books read this year:
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life - Steve Martin
Always been a fan of Steve Martin. This was a great read.

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food - Jennifer 8 Lee
Again with the food books... Reading this made me crave chinese food every day that I was reading this. Facinating following her journey around the world. Some of it even takes place in our own backyard.

So maybe this is the year of non-Fiction?

Customer service kudos

arrrgylesocks — 2008-07-22T08:07:26-05:00

Our poor baby is suffering from what we initially thought was Croup, but turns out to be a nasty cold/fever/respiratory infection thing. He's congested, coughing, wheezing, and feverish. And we have to give him nebulizer treatments every four hours - fun.

So on our way home from the pediatrician's office, we swung through the Starbucks drive-through and I ordered a Frappucino with whipped cream - something I normally never get on my drinks. I explained to the Barista that the whipped cream was for sick boy in the back - who was so excited he was going to get to lick all the whipped cream off my drink. So what did she do? She took a small kids size cup, filled it halfway with whipped cream, drizzled some chocolate syrup on top, stuck a straw in it, and handed it over for him. He was super excited about having his "own drink" and it made what was otherwise a yucky day for him in to something a little bit more bearable. Thanks drive-through Barista!

Yet more yuckies...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-07-25T05:07:37-05:00

Blech. Well taking care of sick boy earlier this week has gotten him better, but gotten me sick. Congested head, stuffy ears, junk in the chest, scratchy throat, etc. You know that feeling where you think you've got a fever because you feel like your skin is warm all over and nothing makes you comfy, but when you take your temperature it's just below normal? Yeah... just like that.

Please Mr. Postman?

arrrgylesocks — 2008-08-06T05:08:33-05:00

I received an email the other day from someone who has known me for years and works in the national office for an organization that I volunteer with:

Hi socKs,

What is your mailing address? [My boss] has something to send you.

Thanks
[signature]

OK...

So I send her the address and now I wait. And of course with waiting comes over thinking.

What first strikes me as odd is that they would even need to ask for my address. I've volunteered for this organization for 12 years. They should have my details on file. Or they could ask our local office for the info as well. The comes the question - what is he sending? Why can't it just be an email, which is always our usual form of communication?

And then the big question - what the heck is this in relation to? Is it a formal written apology and explanation for the way they screwed me over without explanation a couple years ago and last year (which yes, I'm still harping on [on occasion])? Is it notification of a special award that they want to bestow on me later this year? Is it a "thank you but we no longer want your services on the national level" letter? A card letting me know that someone made a donation in my honor? An invitation to participate in an upcoming national conference? Is it a free t-shirt? I NEED TO KNOW!!!!!!!!

Now I know that I'm over thinking this. But that isn't going to stop me from running to the check the mail as soon as I get home each night!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2008-08-07T08:08:40-05:00

Tonight marks the start of the Yahrtzeit, or the Hebrew date anniversary of, Shiny Mom's death. It's still been a difficult thing at times for Shiny and us to still deal with. Last week was particularly tough for Shiny, as it was the English calendar date anniversary.

While the two of us have been discussing it, we haven't really discussed the anniversary with Av. This morning in the car he randomly asked me about Savta (Hebrew for grandmother). Why did she die, why did her body stop working, where is she now, will she come back, and that he misses her very much and he's sad that Abba is sad. I answered his questions with the same answers I've been giving him for the past two years. Because her whole body stopped working and even though the doctors tried really hard, they couldn't get it to work again. She is buried in the ground in the cemetary, but we will always have her in our heads and our hearts. She's not coming back. I miss her too, and you can give Abba a big huge hug when he gets home tonight and let him know that you miss her too.

Then I asked him what he remembers about Savta. And for the first time he replied "Nothing." He said that he didn't remember her. So I told him about all the things that they used to do together - playing on the computer, putting together puzzles, how he thought it was silly that she knew all the words to "Bippity-boppity-boo" and would always sing it when they watched "Cinderella" together. That she made a very special Passover just for him. And she loved him very very much. I also told him that tonight we would be lighting a special candle to remember her by, and we'll do that together as a family.

I then mentioned the pictures of her that we have hanging in his room (one was taken at our wedding and is of our two moms together) and then he went off on a tangent about what they are wearing in the picture (Why did you tell them that they could wear black to your wedding?) and then kept going on a tangent just about my mom and going to visit her before he got distracted by shiny objects (fire station).

It makes me sad to think that the only memories he will have of her will be acquired memories from what we have and will tell him about her. I debated whether or not to even mention this to Shiny when we all got home this evening, because I didn't want to add to whatever he was already feeling.

In a seemingly random tangent...

This afternoon I had to go to "Ladytown" as Shiny calls it (aka - the Woman doctor) for my annual exam. She wants to run some extra tests to check somethings out. Fine. (For the record, I'm not super worried that it will be anything serious.)

Early in our marriage I was having issues which we would later turn out to be diagnosed as a totally innocuous every day thing. But initially my doctor wasn't sure what it was. One possible diagonsis was PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) which while commonly associated with an STD, can also be caused by other things as well. Feeling quite unwell, I bowed out of a big family dinner at Shiny Parents house. Shiny went, and when the family expressed concern as to my well being, Shiny announced to the whole table that "They think it might be PID." Well Shiny's mom was horrified that he announced this. He didn't think was a big deal. When Shiny got home that evening, he presented me with a "gift" from his mom. It was an early edition of "Our Bodies, Ourselves." She gave it to him so that we could learn more and be more informed about my feminine health.

So tonight when I was filling in Shiny on how the trip to Ladytown went and some extra tests that my doctor wanted to run, and on top of that feeling down about my craptastic day at work, and the conversations with Av, and missing Shiny Mom. Shiny says... "You know what would cheer you up? Let's read "Our Bodies, Ourselves." And with that, balance was restored in my world.

It came in the mail

arrrgylesocks — 2008-08-09T10:08:54-05:00

Well I got the mysterious letter (as mentioned below). It was not a box of fudge as Shiny predicted, nor was it any of the things I thought it might be. Instead it was a set of application essays that I wrote back in 1989 for a summer program trip I went on. They are moving to new offices, and in cleaning out old files he found it and thought I might like them. Thoughtful yes, but not any of things I would have rather seen.

Well that was a huge frigging let-down.

I got me an iPhone!

arrrgylesocks — 2008-08-12T09:08:31-05:00

and you know what? As poser/geek that I thought it was. It's sweet!

I'm going to have so much fun playing with this thing...

still harping on the iPhone

arrrgylesocks — 2008-08-12T11:08:26-05:00

You know what scares me? My new phone has more memory than my first laptop (purchased way back in 1990!)

Last iPhone post... for now

arrrgylesocks — 2008-08-13T10:08:49-05:00

Last night I dreamt that Avi downloaded a "Tickle" App to my iPhone so that when I turned it on, the phone started to tickle me into hysterics until I could turn it off. Shiny tells me that this could be a sign that I may need some help. I think it just means that I need to keep my kid away from this thing. (and this marks my first post via iPhone!)

Shiny & socKs - adventures in Vegas - part 1

arrrgylesocks — 2008-08-15T09:08:08-05:00

So finally, after 6 long years, Shiny and I have ditched - I mean lovingly left - our son behind and gone away on a grown up vacation! So far... - We have flown across the country First Class enjoying our complimentary beverages, lunch with real cutlery, and snacks. - Upon arrival at our hotel, we learn that our room is not ready yet, so we pay for the suite upgrade to get in a room right away. But upon our arrival to said room we find it still occupado. Security becomes involved, as no one is registered in there but us. They move us to another suite on a lower floor and comped us back the upgrade. Best 2 things about this? We are already getting more than 50% off the room thanks to a business connection, and hearing the warning come in on Officer Ron's radio giving the heads up about a large group of guests coming in dressed in "Star Trek costumes." Fun! - We are also on the lookout for any "celebrities" as in past trips where we have found comedian Greg Proops and Moby (different occassions). Should be a rocking weekend!

Shiny & socKs - adventures in Vegas - part 2

arrrgylesocks — 2008-08-17T09:08:01-05:00

- Forgot to mention this one. When we arrived at Las Vegas, we were asked to please remain at our seats, even though the seatbelt sign was off and the door was open. We figured there was someone who needed assistance that they wanted to get off the plane first, or there was some sort of medical emergency back in Coach. Instead two LVPD officers got on the plan and headed to the back. After a minute or so, they came back up front and said the flight crew and gate staff standing around in the galley "Nope...it's not the guy." and off the plane they and us went. Most unusual...

- We saw Cirque du Soleil's Love. It was the most incredible thing ever. Visually stunning, and of course fabulous music, set, and costumes. I was so moved at parts, that I admit, I got a little choked up and teary eyed. I can't wait until we can go back and see it again. One thing we've been wondering - what happens under the big bed sheet during “Within You, Without You”? Anyone?

- After our room to-do upon check-in, Shiny was told by the manager that they would comp the room upgrade. So before heading to bed we checked at the front desk we wanted to make sure this was taken care of. Satisfied that it was, we headed upstairs. This morning when checking out, we were told the upgrade charge was still on the bill, so we explained the situation to the desk clerk who took care of it. What we didn't know was that not only did they refund us the upgrade charge, but comped us our first night stay as well.

- We didn't gamble once, we had a total of two beers over the weekend, and tragically only spotted one Trekkie.

- We suffer through a timeshare spiel and came out of it not with a lifetime of vacation dreams, but $100 cold hard cash and a free resort weekend.

- When Av came home he ran down the hall and jumped in my lap giving me the biggest hug ever. Then he ran over and gave Shiny a giant one as well. Being away was great, but coming home to him was pretty great too.

Dinner time

arrrgylesocks — 2008-08-24T11:08:10-05:00

This past weekend, our family went to camp with the youth group that we volunteer for. Typically I end up packing veggie burgers and the like for Av to eat. We have been staffing long enough that we've memorized the menu. Meat dinner on Friday night, deli lunch on Saturday, and a lasagna/pasta dairy dinner that night. Breakfast is always easy, but the others can be trickier because as I have mentioned before - he likes what he likes. So after one fateful week long convention where Av got sick from eating too many apples, I started bringing food that I knew he would eat. This weekend though, we arrived at dinner last night to find out that it was not lasagna, but veggie taco night! As soon as I saw the cheese and tortillas I knew that we were in business. To say that our son loves quesadilla would be a HUGE understatement. So Av and I set out to make one of his favorite meals. He was thrilled, and I could put the food I brought for him back in the fridge. Towards the end of dinner, as he was finishing up his tortilla chips and extra cheese, I see them setting up the ice cream sundae bar. I say to Av "Wasn't dinner great? What do you think would make this dinner even MORE awesome?" with thoughts of chocolate syrup and sprinkles dancing in my head. He thought about it for a few seconds and replies "More cheese?"

Fall back...moving forward

arrrgylesocks — 2008-09-05T08:09:19-05:00

Ah Fall… my favorite time of the year. Crunchy leaves, hurricanes, pumpkin flavored everything! It rocks. But this fall is a little different from those in years past, because our baby started Kindergarten this week.

Yes the day finally came when our big boy jumped into the elementary school pool. Shiny and I knew two definite things about our child before we even got married. The first was that if we had a boy we would name him “Avi.” The second was that we would do our best to send him to a Jewish day school. Part of this came from our education background – both of us were day school kids. The other part came from wanting our child to have a strong Judaic foundation.

Lots of preparation went into the days leading up to Tuesday. Aside from the usual forms, shots, etc., we had to get him mentally ready for this big change: new school, new classmates, new teachers, new daily routine, new commute. For me one of the hardest things was saying goodbye to his daycare/pre-school. After all, he’d been going there since he was 3 months old. Watching him grow up there – from being the tiniest baby in the infant room to one of the big upstairs kids. (“Upstairs” was a magical and mysterious place for parents in the infant – 1 classes). They had been with us through a lot, and really took great care of him. There were quite a few weepy parents on that last Friday – hard for us to say goodbye, but not really, since playdates with preschool friends have been scheduled already.

Off we went to the mall to buy back to school clothes, a new back pack, and lunch box. Kippot had to be found since he has to wear one to school every day, and his name had to be written on everything.

Finally Tuesday morning arrived – and as soon as I woke Av up at 6:15 he jumped right out of bed. “I am so excited for Kindergarten today! I can’t wait to show everyone how clever I am!” Mornings have now become a contest for him to see if he can get fully dressed and ready for school before Shiny gets out of the shower. He was already and roaring to go, and off he went in the Shiny-mobile to go to his new school.

I met my boys at the new school and they had a special ceremony for the Kindergarten class and their parents. The Headmaster spoke to the kids about what they can expect, and then the parents all stood up and each of us spread our Tallit (prayer shawl) over the children and we said a special blessing of thanksgiving for reaching this special day. No tears were shed by me (surprisingly). When I spoke with Av about what they would be doing for Mommies and Daddies and the kids, I told him that I’ll bring my camera and my tissues. His response was: “Mommy…you’re not going to cry…you have to go to work afterwards.” That’s my boy – always practical.

There was one girl who cried as they were led out and off to their classroom. As one of the parents sitting near me said “Oh good…that’s not my kid!” The rest of the day was spent anxious at work – IMing with Shiny – both of us wondering what he was doing, since we didn’t know the new schedule.

That evening when they got home, we completely grilled the kid about his day. He told us all about the set up in the lunch room, his teachers, the school, the Hebrew language immersion part of class (“I’m going to learn more Hebrew than Abba!”), the new blessings they learned. He summed his first day at Jewish day school right up when he said “We sure thanked God for a lot of stuff!”

Day three today, and he still enjoys school. One of his teachers informed Shiny that Av was the only kid in the class who didn’t ask “When is playtime?” during the first day, and that he was really interested in learning. What I think is most wonderful is that I know this is really the only time in his life when he will be this excited about going to school. I hope that excitement about learning lasts him a lifetime.

An Earth shattering Kaboom!

arrrgylesocks — 2008-09-09T08:09:53-05:00

So...um...yeah...this thing here...

In case for some reason the world ends tomorrow because the Earth got sucked into a man-made black hole, I just wanted to tell all of you out there that I love you, it's been great, and thank you for listening.

...or not.

arrrgylesocks — 2008-09-10T07:09:18-05:00

So about that earth shattering kaboom?

Yeah....nevermind.

Guess I'll have to go to work today then.

obligatory annual September 11th post

arrrgylesocks — 2008-09-11T07:09:21-05:00

Some thoughts going through my head this morning...

1 - It really bothers me when people refer to the day as "nine-one-one." I can deal with "nine-eleven" or "September eleventh" but to me "nine-one-one" is an emergency services phone number.

2 - Getting to work today is going to be a bitch, and I'll be leaving soon. All of the roads around the Pentagon that I usually take to get in are closed for the memorial dedication this morning. I thought about taking the bus in today, but the Pentagon bus depot is also closed until evening rush hour, which means I would be sitting in traffic on a bus rather than in my car. I should really not be blogging, but instead getting my behind out of here so that I can sit in traffic longer. But would it have been so bad for the Federal Government to give us a delayed start to the workday today?

3 - I - of all people - completely understand the need to memorialize and remember. Reading the names, remembering the innocent victims, memorials - all that. No problem. I also know that as we get older and we get farther away from the actual event, it will become more difficult for the younger generations to have a personal connection to the days events, since they were not born when it occurred.

4 - I think "Patriot Day" is kind of a stupid name. Now I have no problem making September 11th a Day of Remembrance. I just think that the name is dumb. But I'm not a member of Congress, nor do I have any alternate suggestions.

5 - I miss my rose plant (aka "Norma") that was given to me by one of the slugs (it's a DC commuter thing) that I spontaneously gave a ride home to on 9/11/01. She was doing alright until a colleague took it upon herself to "prune the plant to encourage regrowth" without asking me first if it was OK. This totally stripped my plant bare, and then I came in two days later to find that housekeeping threw it out - since it looked like a totally dead plant. I was annoyed, and the colleague didn't even apologize or consider for a second that it was none of her business to touch my plant. I guess she didn't realize why it was important to me - it wasn't just an everyday "thank you" plant. Thankfully, I don't sit next to that person any more, but yeah...I'm still a little bitter about it.

Well blow me down...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-09-28T07:09:36-05:00

This is not Photoshopped. I took this today while we were sitting in a paddle boat in the middle of the Tidal Basin. I'm still not sure I know how I managed to do that. But it sure does look mighty windy out there...

"Am I a grownup yet?"

arrrgylesocks — 2008-11-01T06:11:04-05:00

It has been a momentous day in the house of ShocKs. (and no...not just because I'm blogging today).

It started out as any other weekend. Yesterday Av had school picture day, so I volunteered to go help out with that. But the morning at school first started out with the two of us baking challah. A wonderful tradition at his school is that on Friday afternoons, the entire school (K-8) comes together to welcome Shabbat. They do a abbreviated version of the Friday night service, and at the end they say the traditional Shabbat blessings over the candles, wine (or in this case grape juice) and challah. But the challah doesn't come from the local bakery, it comes from the Kindergarten. Each Friday morning, one Kindergartener and their parent make the dough that will become the challah for the whole school. So there we were scooping and measuring, cracking eggs (shells go in the compost bucket don't forget!). The fun part of course was teaching Av how to knead the dough ("I'm making burritos!"). Then we let the dough rise while taking school pictures. One of the teachers then braids and bakes two challahs - one for the school, and the other for us to take home. I was excited, because now that he helped make it, maybe he would actually eat plain challah. But alas, that was not to be...

Now while the kids were getting their picture taken, you could also sign them up for an identification program. They would get weighed, measured how tall, fingerprinted, and photographed for an ID card in case of emergency. This was good to be on the safe side, but it also allowed me to see how big Av has really gotten! You see, earlier this week was the first time we had to break out the puffy winter jacket, which is just not that compatable with Av's car seat. Yes, he's still sitting in a five point harness, but it's awesome, and designed to support a child up to 65lbs. Av's at 60. So with all of this put together, Shiny and I decided it was finally time to say goodbye to our beloved snow leopard print Britax Marathon and get the kid a booster seat.

To say that Av was excited was a bit of an understatement. I took him to the Babies R Us near our house and we found the exact model we decided on after much reading and research yesterday. He thought it was so cool to try it out on the van bench seat they have at the store (complete with Latch and shoulder belts!) He was proud to carry the box all the way up to the register all by himself. And there you go. We also went to Toys R Us to check out what they had, and although it was only a few dollars less, Av insisted on the ones from Babies, because they were brown and comfy. Ok. At least it didn't have a branded character on it...

We got home around 2, and he couldn't wait to open the box and put it together. A few minutes later, I uninstall the Britax, plop the booster on the seat, and in he climbs. It's lower than the carseat, and he's all excited that now if he drops a toy on the seat, he'll be able to reach it all by himself. And it has cup holders! He still needs a little help with the buckling part, but we figured there would be a learning curve with that.

So there was my big boy - all excited in his new booster seat. "Mommy? Am I a grown up now?" Not quite yet. And then he asked - "Can we go out to get you lunch? Let's go to Subway!" So back in the car I got for that five minute drive around the corner so that he could test drive the new seat. Shiny arrived back home the same time we did, and Av excitedly showed him how to put the seat together, and then climbed in to test it out in Shiny's car.

Tonight to celebrate, we made homemade french toast (for the first time) using the challah that we made at school. For a kid that refuses to eat bread, I was impressed that he still ate the toast after helping me make it and seeing that it really does start out as bread. But toast all around - with chocolate milk! An awesome way to celebrate this milestone.

Election day 2008

arrrgylesocks — 2008-11-04T08:11:05-05:00

So as I am sure most everyone has blogged by now, the sense of the excitement of history being made tonight is really palpable. I wasn't planning on watching the returns tonight (instead I was going to catch up on tv). But I think that in between shows I will check up. Especially since we live in a swing state. I also find it interesting that when the campaign began, the biggest issue was the war, and now the number one issue is the economy. So may the best man win. May he successfully get us out of the hole that we are in!

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2008-11-05T08:11:31-05:00

Well I don't know about you, but I think it is absolutely wonderful that this country made history last night and elected the first Hawaiian into office as President of the United States. I look forward to meeting our new neighbors.

"The Loin King"

arrrgylesocks — 2008-11-11T08:11:53-05:00

One summer during my early middle school years, I came home from sleepaway camp to discover an atrocity had occurred in my home. You see, my parents had taken advantage of their only child being away for 4 weeks and took a much needed adults only vacation. They drove down to Key West to hang out and play tourist. They went browsing through the local shops and galleries. And they bought a new coffee table. But not just any coffee table, you see this one is a lion. A lion laying on it's back with all four paws in the air with a free form piece of glass cut to lay within in his open mouth and upward paws. And did I mention that it was anatomically correct? Yes it had a penis. My mom admitted that they had a hard time deciding between the lion and the giraffe coat rack. But they liked the lion so much that they put it in the back of the car and ENDED THEIR VACATION EARLY to come home and put it smack dab in middle of the living room. Which is exactly where I found it when I came home from camp.

Now you can imagine the horror I felt, being a young teen. My parents of course thought it was no big deal. I would cover the penis with a throw pullow when my friends came over. (Because come on...there really is no need for that. I can only imagine what the artist was thinking - and what did the coat rack look like?!) As I got older, my friends got used to it, but there was always lots of giggling. When my folks moved, the lion went with them. I started to find it more amusing than embarrassing.

So you can imagine my surprise this morning when I was reading through BoingBoing and there in all it's glory was my parent's coffee table. It only took about 20 years for this thing to be famous. Apparently someone was selling it on eBay back in June and it's just now getting noticed. My father was much amused and wants to know how much it sold for.

So here he is...in all his glory:

Man...I can't wait to inherit this thing!

Celebrate Life - World AIDS Day 2008

arrrgylesocks — 2008-12-01T11:12:34-05:00

Tis the season

arrrgylesocks — 2008-12-06T08:12:23-05:00

Yesterday at work I was overhearing one of my colleagues on the phone with a friend talk about her daughter's school. Apparently she was miffed because "Christmas landed at John Doe Elementary" right before Thanksgiving. There were Christmas themed bulletin boards in the hallways, a tree in the classroom, and in the school library, each kid was asked to bring in a white teddy bear. My colleagues daughter brought in a Chanukah bear, but took the Chanukah shirt off the bear because it was supposed to be non-denominational. What did they do with all these bears? They made a big tree of bears in the school library (some of whom apparently still had "Christian things" on them.). I was laughing to myself when my first thought while listening to her was "Thank goodness we don't have to deal with that at our school this year..."

We spoke further after she got off the phone. We were laughing as I told her my thought, and she said she had thought the same thing ("Well at least socKs doesn't have to deal with that at her kid's Jewish day school...") So we talked about it some more.

Apparently her issue is not with Christmas - she can admire the beauty of the season and the decorations as much as the next guy. Her issue is with the inequity in the displays and lack of sensitivity towards other religions. Apparently there is a child in her daughter's class who is a Jehovah's Witness. Therefore, the decision was made that there would be no birthday celebrations in the classroom out of respect for that student's beliefs. While it would have been difficult to not have any decorations in the entire school (and I would assume that Witnesses are so used to being around public displays of holiday decorations given that they are everywhere this time of year), perhaps the teachers could have at least not had a tree in the classroom. Her other issue was that there was no mention of Chanukah.

We talked about our past experiences with the holiday season, and what's going on this year. Neither of us are anti-public Christmas decorations. I don't expect every holiday display to include Chanukah stuff, although that would be nice - I'm pretty realistic. I love seeing the twinkle lights in the trees around the city. Our neighbor strung up lights in the huge pine tree (at least 14') that is in our community's common area between our homes. This is the first time anyone has done it - and to quote my kid: "Wow...that's beautiful!" I remember this neighbor saying the day he moved in: "I can't wait to put lights on that thing!" We will put our electric menorah in our kitchen window for the neighbors to see, just like we do every year.

This reminded me of the recent seasonal display controversy at the Washington State Capitol. A national Atheist group went through the proper channels to get a sign displayed at the capitol reflecting their views of the holiday season. It was placed near the traditional Nativity scene. There was also a Christmas tree. In the past they have had a Chanukah menorah as well. Conservative Christian groups around the country have been calling in and expressing their outrage. I say three cheers to Washington State. Their official statement was: "The U.S. Supreme Court has been consistent and clear that, under the Constitution's First Amendment, once government admits one religious display or viewpoint onto public property, it may not discriminate against the content of other displays, including the viewpoints of nonbelievers."

Equality and representation for all - isn't that what our country is all about?

The most wonderful time...

arrrgylesocks — 2008-12-29T12:12:26-05:00

Six years ago at this time, Shiny and I were laying in bed laughing at Will Ferrell singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" while rotating on a platform that was spinning too fast. We had a wonderful evening with dinner out at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants, and were excited for the next day which would be all about registering for things that we'd need in four weeks time. We never imagined that instead of coming home with a list of baby stuff the next day, that we'd come home with a baby instead...

Inauguration 2009

arrrgylesocks — 2009-01-11T10:01:30-05:00

We all know that the upcoming inauguration is big news. But I'm wondering if it's being covered as much around the country as it is here in DC. Every major local news website has it's own section devoted to it - blogs, photos, updates, closings, etc. It's all everyone around here is talking about. What is Michelle going to wear? What roads will be closed? What balls are now going on? How fast did parade tickets sell out (1 minute)? How many porta-potties will be on the Mall? What does their hotel suite look like and what is the thread count of the sheets? How are the girls adjusting to their new school (after all the hype about which school they would attend)? Obama went to lunch at DC landmark Ben's Chili Bowl - but WHAT DID HE ORDER FOR LUNCH?? DID HE HAVE TO PAY??? HOW MUCH DID HE TIP??? It's gotten mad crazy around here.

Now while most people around the country will watch all of this on TV on the 20th and move on. We've been having to live through it. As excited as I am, I'm certainly ready for all of this Change to be over.

Lucky for me, as an employee of the Federal Government in the Washington, DC Metro Area, I have the day off on Tuesday. Even more lucky, we also have off on Monday for MLK day (some of my colleagues are even lucky enough to have off the Friday before). So my plan involves staying as far away from the Mall and downtown DC as possible. Now we could have gone down to Pennsylvania Avenue early this morning to watch the parade rehearsal with a couple thousand of our closest friends, but we chose to stay indoors this cold morning. Four years ago we were waiting in line to get into the United States Botanical Garden (on the west side of the Capitol) and were listening (and could see part of) the inaugural ceremony rehearsal. Av had fun dancing to Hail to the Chief over and over.

All of the major roads leading from Virginia into the District are closed. (I think its amusing that there are Virginians who think this is a slight against them because of the Civil War.) I'd show you a map, but it's a 9 page PDF document listing all the closings and restrictions. The two highways that lead from the Capital Beltway down into the District will be shut down, and all bridges going from Virginia into DC across the Potomac are closed as well. Yesterday they opened them up to pedestrian traffic, but that was after a lot of complaints by locals & officials. So even if I wanted to go to work that day, I couldn't, my office is in the zone. Well I could, but it would take forever using only public transportation that will already be overwhelmed with the projected 2 million extra people that are expected to come in to town that day (down from the projected estimate of 4-5 mill). One of my colleagues, who as an essential employee was expected to go in, was going to catch a cab to the Metro at 4:30AM, to go to a stop one away from our building (because the closed Metro stop will be closed) so that he then has to walk about a half mile to get to work. A couple hundered Smithsonian employees will be camping out at the museums just so they can get to work. Lord only knows what sort of special dispensation they will give to first responders, hospital personnell and service industry workers who are expected to be at work that day. Oh...and they aren't even talking about the weather yet. Luckily (?) it's still too far out to predict what it would be like that day. We've had a mild winter so far, but I wouldn't be surprised if all of a sudden we get all the snow that has been avoiding us thus far.

As for the ShocKs family, we don't need to go into DC that day. Or really any day that weekend. Shiny does have to go to work, and the boy has school (yay private school! All the public school systems in the area are closed as well), but they are in the opposite direction of the city and outside the Beltway. Shiny, out of concern for my well-being, suggested that maybe I'd want to go out to the outlet mall that's about 35 miles away - just so that in case there is a disaster or major emergency, I wouldn't be at home. I thought that was incredibly sweet, but even if I wanted to go shopping that day, I'd still have to get back home at some point. And as we learned in the rush of everyone trying to get out of the city on 9/11, in the case of extreme emergency, that's not going to be an easy thing to do.

So what are my plans for 1/20/09? Well... I'll get up before dawn and help the boys get out of the house like I do most mornings, and then I'm going back to bed. I'll get up around 9:30, then wander downstairs to watch the swearing in starting at 10. If I'm up earlier, and the weather isn't too bad, then I might go to the Starbucks around the corner. I will then sit in front of the TV and witness history in the making. Why stand outside in freezing cold gosh-knows-what weather on the Mall watching this on a jumbotron, when I can watch inside, in my jammies, in the comfort of my own home? Obama has to be sworn in by noon, so that gives me time to pause the DVR and get lunch (an inaugural splurge!) before watching the parade. Then I get the rest of the afternoon to myself, and I wait for my boys to get home at dinner time.

I went back to look at my journals to see how I spent the 2001 and 2005 inaugural days. In 2001 it snowed, we went ice skating and hung out in our apartment playing board games. In 2005, I was down in Florida on a business trip. So I hung out with some old friends and took Av on a long walk. Obviously I cared very deeply about the Bush inaugurals. This time around though, I think I'll pay attention.

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2009-01-13T08:01:12-05:00

While tucking in my son at bedtime tonight and giving him a goodnight hug... "Mommy...you are the most comfiest mommy I've ever had."

no subject

arrrgylesocks — 2009-02-12T09:02:00-05:00

http://www.grumblytomato.com

I'm just saying its something new...that's all.