Enchanted

We went to see Enchanted this weekend. This was our 2nd successful movie attempt! We've had others, but we had a really bad one this summer and somebody is still upset about it. I won't name names, but she's 3 and is very short. The trick to keeping her in her seat for the whole movie is getting a kid's popcorn combo and a large bag of popcorn. Whenever her little popcorn box gets low, just dump some more in!



Anyway, the movie was really cute and we both enjoyed ourselves. There were two little old ladies sitting behind us, and I have a sneaking suspicion that one of them had never been to a movie before. Every time something 'magical' would happen, she would lean over to the other old gal and say 'well...THAT was implausible!" And even after the movie was over, the one woman asked the other if she had enjoyed the movie and she said "Oh yes! Parts of it were pretty implausible, but I enjoyed it all the same."



I really wanted to turn around and ask her what was so implausible? The fact that people came to NYC through a sewer drain who had lived in a CARTOON WORLD or that you can't just open up your window, sing a little song and birds and woodland critters will come running to clean up for you? Maybe it was the talking chipmunk? And even now, a whole day later, the more I think about it, the more that woman bugs me. I'll get over it, but I do wish I had said something to her.



On another note, I hope you all have a joyous and happy new year. I know mine will be much happier AFTER January 3rd. I swear I get 5-10 calls a day from candidates. But after the 3rd, we can all go back to being just one of those farm states in the middle for another 4 years.

Christmas roundup

Christmas was sooo much fun this year. The Kid really was so into the whole thing and was just a bundle of energy. I was actually up two hours before she was....finally at 8am I went in her room and gently woke her up (everybody was waiting!). When she opened her eyes, I said "Merry Christmas!!" and she popped up in bed and said "Happy New Year!" As the elves were in the living room making the last minute adjustments, I told her that I thought Santa had been to the house and her eyes got really big and she said "Did he bring me a suitcase?" That's all my little goofball asked for this year. A Tinkerbell suitcase. But, Santa did come up with a few other things that she was so thrilled with.

Personally, I think the Disney corporation should provide us all with a week long stay at one of their amusement parks because we certainly made a large contribution this year. Basically, if it was either Mickey or Little Einstein related and makes noise...we now own it. THANKS, SANTA!!!!!

The Kid did get her suitcase, complete with a pillow, sleeping bag and night time eye mask. After eating nothing but m&m's all day and playing nonstop, finally at about 4:30 she said "maybe I'll just lay here in my sleeping bag for a little bit" and then she slept on the floor in front of the Christmas tree for about an hour. So sweet.

Hope your Christmas was filled with suitcases and loud musical toys!!

Merry Christmas!

With love, from The Animatronic Mouse and The Kid.

Note to self

Here's a little something I don't recommend. Don't save 85% of your Christmas shopping for the weekend before Christmas. And don't plan on getting as much of it done as possible on the day before 'The Snowstorm of the Century' is supposed to come to town.

I'm just sayin'.......

Christmas Party!

Decorating cookies

Presents
Let's Wrestle...or hug. What-ev.

Santa 2007

We're fine!! Really! I have pictures to prove it!

Yeah....haven't blogged in awhile. I've been Scroogy McScroogerton this year. But, I'm back to entertain my loyal readers (who are mostly lurkers, but I still love you all anyway).

So. As promised, here are some pictures from the tree decorating. One of our favorite holiday traditions is hanging a special ornament in a place of honor. That ornament would be White Jumpsuit Elvis. Seeing this picture gets me all misty eyed.

Next we have the customary Elvis snarl with the presentation of his cape.

And finally a twirl or two to show that the cape is flow-ee.

And I believe, in this picture, The Kid is saying "A tiny rocking chair! But I want to sit on it."

So. After getting the tree up, we had to take different pictures in front of the tree (because I thought I might send out Christmas cards again this year, but I'm quickly running out of time...but you can see the results anyway).

Catch Up

Let's see.....

• We had our first snow around here the day before Thanksgiving. When The Kid looked outside that morning she gasped and said "SNOWY SNOWY SNOWY SNOW!!!! Is it Christmas?!?!?!?!?!?!?"


• That same day, we were out running some errands and it became very evident that the weather was taking a turn for the worse. The roads were getting awful and decided to scrap the rest of the errands and just go home. As we were creeping along, I came upon a stop light and tried REALLY hard to stop, but it wasn't happening. I hit the car ahead of me, and as I getting out to check the damage, The Kid kept saying "Mommy! You have to be CAREFUL!"


• There was no damage that either of us could see. YAY!!


• Thanksgiving was great. Auntie J put out the usual fabulous spread.


• The Kid has a new best friend....her cousin S. She followed him EVERYWHERE that day and he was so good with her. I think I even saw him playing Barbies with her. He would probably die of embarassment if he knew that anybody saw him.

A few pics of the day.

Grandmumsy made her outfit. I thought I took a better picture of her in it, but this is the best I can find at the moment.

The Best cousins ever, O and S.

Cheeze!

Auntie J...she's klassy.

Coming soon....Christmas tree pictures!

Heeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I slack, therefore I meme

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night?The Kid
2. What were you doing at 0800?On my way to work...ugh!
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?Reading emails
4. What happened to you in 2006? First ER visit and x-rays with The Kid
5. What was the last thing you said out loud?Sweet dreams and I'll see you in the morning, sweetie
6. How many beverages did you have today? Two coffees and two sodas
7. What colour is your hairbrush?Black
8. What was the last thing you paid for? Dinner tonight for The Kid and I
9. Where were you last night?Home
10. What colour is your front door? Wood
11. Where do you keep your change?I have multiple locations
12. What’s the weather like today?Cold and VERY windy...I nearly froze me bits off getting gas tonight.
13. What’s the best ice-cream flavour?Peanut butter and chocolate
14. What excites you?Travelling, lots o' money, Orlando Bloom
15. Do you want to cut your hair?Always
16. Are you over the age of 25?Sadly
17. Do you talk a lot?I don't think so, but I wonder what people who know me would say
18. Do you watch the O.C.?Is it even still on?
19. Do you know anyone named Steven?I do....crazy professor from college
20. Do you make up your own words?No
21. Are you a jealous person?Sometimes, I suppose. Doesn't everyone?
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’ Amanda
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’Krisanne
24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?Mi madre
25. What does the last text message you received sayThanks for voting!
26. Do you chew on your straw?Eww, no
27. Do you have curly hair?Straight as a pin
28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?Bed
29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?A little weazel, and that's all I can say
30. What was the last thing you ate?A Tootsie Roll out of The Kid's candy bucket
31. Will you get married in the future?I don't know...it would be nice, but I'm not counting on it
32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?I can't think of anything
33. Is there anyone you like right now?Many people
34. When was the last time you did the dishes?After dinner tonight
35. Are you currently depressed?No. Tired, maybe....
36. Did you cry today?No, which is kinda weird. I cry all the time.
37. Why did you answer and post this?Because I couldn't think of anything else to write about today.

Tagged: 8 random things

...So, here are the rules of the 8 Random Things tag game:

1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.

2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.



Here are 8 random things:



1. I LOVE mushrooms and would eat them on everything if I could. Sadly, The Kid won't touch them.

2. I once sang with Tony Bennett. He gave me an autograph and he laughed at my joke.

3. A very good friend of mine is a Grammy winner (it's not Tony Bennett).

4. My dream job would be a director (either movies, tv, or stage...I'm not picky).

5. Other than something happening to my family, my biggest fear is clowns.

6. Six Pack may be the greatest movie of all time.

7. The first concert I ever attended was M.C. Hammer. His opening act was Vanilla Ice.

8. I saw Tim Ru$$ert the other day. He looked like he'd just finished up a 3 day bender.

I'm not going to tag anybody else, but if you would like to do this meme, too, just leave a comment so we can check it out on your blog.

I'm a slacker

Beverly called me out as the slacker that I am. BUT, I do have an excuse. Auntie Amanda came to visit The Kid and I over the weekend and before that, I had to clean so Auntie Amanda wouldn't say bad things about me. She still might, but at least it won't be about the ginormous dust bunnies that we were living with before her arrival. I had grown quite fond of a couple of them. I was even thinking of knitting them hats for Christmas....

So, I'm going to try and get back to posting every day for the rest of the month. Up next: the meme that Beverly tagged me for. I'm off to contemplate 8 random things

A Better Day

Today was a much better day for The Kid. She has preschool again tomorrow and I hope there are no issues.

On a totally unrelated topic, America's Next Top Model was one of the funniest episodes ever. I think my favorite phrase (This is really hard) was uttered at least 3 times. Tyra has already taught me the 'squinty eyed smile' and now I can start working on my sexy music video walk.

And that....is all I have today. I know. You are disappointed.

A Hard Day's Night

The Kid had another rough day at preschool followed by a rough afternoon. I'm hoping this is just a short little adjustment phase and things will quickly sort themselves out. The Kid has just started going to preschool early to have lunch and have a little more play time. Maybe that, combined with the time change explains why she just hasn't been herself lately. I know she is tired, because two nights in a row now, she has climbed up next to me a good hour before bedtime and told me that she is very tired and she wants to go to bed. Sometimes I forget she is still so little. Then I feel guilty because I worry that I am expecting too much from her.

One funny little side story from the day....she was sitting on the potty tonight and she furrowed her brow and shook her head slowly, sighed and said "I've had a hard day." It was so funny and sad all at the same time. I love you, kiddo. Here's hoping tomorrow is a better day.

It's only day 5 and I am already weary.

What was I thinking? At least I had sense enough not to sign up for this thing officially. Anyway, I do have a couple of things to share today.

• I heard this interesting story today about Chess Boxing. This sport is for real! It sounds like something a 12 year old thought up, but an American came in 2nd in the recent world championships.
• Also if this writer's strike interferes with LOST starting up in February, we're gonna have trouble.
• And finally, here is a snippet of the conversation with The Kid on the way home tonight:

TK: Oh no! Oh NO! OH NO!!!!

Me: What, honey??

TK: My day is gone! My day is gone!! (It was dark very early tonight because of stupid DST)

Me: Where did your day go?

TK: To bed his blanket and lillow. NIGHT NIGHT DAY!!!

Still as I'm driving...

TK: MOMMY! Come see! Come see!

Me: I'm driving honey. What is it?

TK: I saw a shooting star!

Me: You better make a wish!

TK: I wished for more stars!

I am telling you, that kid makes me so flippin' happy......

Motherhood

A Motherhood Meme

I would never: want my daughter to feel ashamed.


I always: praise my kid for good behavior.


I got an easy ride when it came to: (I really hate to jinx this, but...) how easily The Kid will go to bed. She may not always go to sleep, but she never puts up a fuss about going to bed.


The part I dislike most about parenting is: always being the bad guy.


The part I love most about parenting is: all the hugs and kisses and knowing at the end of the day that she is a kind and well-behaved child and I am pretty much responsible for that.


My terrible parenting secret is: bribery. It works 98.5% of the time.


I would describe my approach to discipline as: setting clear cut rules and making sure The Kid knows that if they are broken what the consequence will be (time-outs, no special privileges, etc) and STICKING TO MY GUNS.


My worst parenting habit: letting her watch tv so that I can have 5 minutes to myself.

The one thing I am really proud of is: how independent and well adjusted she is.


I probably am too lenient when it comes to: making her try new foods.

I hope my daughter inherits my: love of the Arts.


I hope my daughter doesn't inherit my: suspicious nature.

I love that my daughter is: so freakin' funny.


The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is: having a social life.

Motherhood is: incredibly hard, but incredibly worth it.

Looking Forward

I don't have anything really interesting to discuss today, but I thought I would share a list of things that I am looking forward to today.

• Before I sat down at the computer, I was really looking forward to The Kid's nap. She's been a bit of a p-i-l-l today. I think she is still recovering from the Halloween insanity.
• I'm looking forward to next weekend. My BFF is coming to stay for a few days. It will be so nice to talk and hang out and reconnect. It has been a looooong time.
• I hope I can finish a funky little sweater for The Kid this weekend. If I do, I'll post a picture of her in it.
• Thanksgiving - Auntie J is having it this year and it is ALWAYS spectacular. She likes to be domestic....me, not so much.
• Christmas!!!
• February - New episodes of LOST!!!!

Well, the sweet angel in the next room is up to something so I am off. Until tomorrow!

Preschool Drama

I went to pick The Kid up from preschool yesterday, and as I was standing in the lobby waiting for her to finish saying goodbye to all of her friends, Miss K came over to talk to me. The only reason she has ever come over to talk to me afterwards has been to tell me a funny story. There just hasn't been any issues, and I, apparently, was dumb enough to never expect any.

Miss K started out saying that there had been a little problem and that The Kid had started crying so hard and for so long that she almost threw up. It seems that The Kid was playing with a couple of coveted pumpkin erasers and one of the other classmates (Miss K didn't tell me who) took them away from her. A little back story....last week, Princess was playing with a Minnie puppet and The Kid went over to her, asked if she could 'please play with it' and yanked it out of Princess' hands. Princess, being who she is, tattled to Miss K. When Miss K asked The Kid about it, she just said "I said please!"

So since then, we've had lots of talks at home about how you can't just take things out of someone's hand and eventhough you ask and say please, that doesn't mean that the other person will share. Maybe I talked up the sharing too much, because when the other kid took the erasers away from her, she knew that she had been wronged and it broke her heart. As soon as Miss K told me how she had been crying, I almost started to cry. She has only ever cried like that a couple of times and it's just awful.

Miss K said that at one point both of them were crying and she couldn't get The Kid calmed down, and I think it kinda wigged her out, too. Anyway, she did say that after both of them got calmed down, The Kid shared the pumpkin erasers with the unidentified student. So, maybe some of what I talked to her about sunk in.

Now, once we got out to the car, The Kid started telling me her version of the story, but SHE told me who took them from her. It was a good thing Miss K didn't say it, because I probably would have tripped the little bully for making my girl cry. And next time I see him? I'm going to glare at him. That'll teach him to mess with my baby!

It's November 1st

Well...here we are at November 1st and I have no clue what to write about.

So, I will tell you about the things I am thinking about this morning.

• I was very sad to hear about Robert Goulet. He had an amazing voice and a good sense of humor.
• I don't want to go to work today.
• I want to go to DisneyWorld with The Kid but I probably should wait until she is 5.
• Will LOST Season 4 be as good as the first three seasons?
• I can't help it, but I feel sorry for Britney. If only she had stayed with Justin.

Tomorrow I may have to resort to my ANTM post.

Preschool Halloween Party and Beggar's Night

A pirate, a monkey and a spider walk into a bar.....I'm sure there is a joke
in there somewhere.


The party was great fun. I know I had fun and most of the kids seemed to as well.





We also made a stop at a DEAR friends home where The Kid got a major haul. Dear Friend insisted on taking a picture on her front step.


And finally, since it was Beggar's Night, we went trick or treating at the mall. WHAT A MADHOUSE! But so much better/easier than going door to door. The only really weird thing we saw was a mom in front of us at one point (who was probably half my age) and she had a lower back tattoo hanging out that said "Made in the USA" in red, white and blue. I'm sure Uncle Sam is proud.

I am so glad Halloween is over.....I really hate it.

Halloween Dress Rehearsal

The Science Center had a Halloween event last weekend. It was odd...and not just because there was a clown just past the ticket counter. One booth was giving away some cool stuff and we must have stood there for 5 minutes and they just ignored The Kid. I became angry. But then we went to the Grossology exhibit and I made flatulence noises for a solid 20 minutes and then I was fine. The Kid was happy as can be going down the GI slide.

Anyway, here's the pics.

She's saying "Trick or treat, MATEY!"
"Please, sir, a bit of candy?"
Yo Ho, Yo Ho...A Pirate's Life for Me
Potent Potables of $400, Alex
This picture is out of focus, but it's how I see The Kid....just a blur whizzing past me 4000 times a day.

Oh, and on a totally unrelated note, I am seriously considering the NaBloPoMo dealio (You post everyday...even WEEKENDS) so if you have any questions you have always wanted to ask, it could possibly end up as a post. For example, I plan on discussing at least one day why America's Next Top Model is The Greatest Television Show of All Time.

A Glimpse into my future - circa 2018

All things scary

The Kid had to get two shots the other day, and after the initial shock (and cup full o' m & m's from the nurse) she calmed down pretty quickly. BUT, I came home at the end of the day to find her laying on the couch, with a blanket over her. I can honestly say that that is something I have never seen from The Kid. Even on the few occasions when she has been sick, she is still just as active as ever. Not only was she decked out like an invalid, but when she got up off the couch she was walking on her tip toes and all hunched over because she said her knees hurt. It was just pathetic and broke my heart. But the worst of it was then watching her try to get back up on the couch. Poor little sweetie!!! But, I can happily report that she was back to her old rambunctious self today, with no trace of the old man walk.

And now that October is finally upon us, I have to face one of my least favorite days of the year. I HATE HALLOWEEN. I've hated it since I was 8 years old (which is a story for another day). But, for The Kid, I'm trying not to show it and since Halloween will be here in a flash, I need to get going on her costume. Last year, she was Frankensteina. I was really hoping to dress her as Elvis this year, but when I asked her what she wanted to be (I do let her have some say) she said she wanted to be a princess with a pink feather on top. I don't know what that means, but I know you could have knocked me over with a feather. I've tried really hard to keep her away from most of that princess stuff. It makes me a little sick to my stomach, and plus I think it's just such a bad message to send to young girls. So, I'm on a mission to come up with a costume that will be agreeable to both of us. Please feel free to cast your votes!



The Kid loves pirates, so I found a non-trampy pirate costume that doesn't look like she just got done with her day job as a bar wench.




We can also go with a fun witch. (I knew some fun witches once, they had a ferret farm and their coven met on Wednesdays.)


And I would never allow this one, but doesn't this one look a lot like Jon-Benet?

And finally, if we MUST have a princess, maybe this one will do. I'll tell her it's Princess Mulan, who is practically nonexistant in the princess marketing blitz.

10 about me

This meme consists of ten questions to be answered by me and about me!
1. If you could have super powers what would they be and what would you do with them? (Please feel free to be selfish, you do not have to save the world!)
I think I would want to hear people's thoughts but if I've learned anything from BUFFY and HEROES, that's a very dangerous power. So, I'll go with invisibility. That would be so awesome.

2. Were you to find your self stranded on an island with a CD player…it could happen…what would your top 10 blogger island discs be?
I rarely buy music, unless I know I will like everything on the CD so, it would probably be a lot of greatest hits compilations.

3. If you were a smell what would it be?
Patchouli/Sandalwood/Nag Champa

4. What bird would you most like to be?
Big Bird. He's the best.


5. If you were a bird who’s head would you poo on?
Li'l George

6. Are there any foods that your body craves?
Chocolate and Peanut Butter

7. What’s your favorite time of year?
Winter. I love snow.

8. What’s your favorite time of day?
9pm until I fall asleep

9. If a rest is as good as a change which would you choose?
Rest. I fear change.

10. If you could have a dinner party and invite any 5 people from the past or present who would they be? (Living or deceased.)
My dad and my grandma (so they could meet The Kid), Shakespeare, Bill Clinton, Charles Nelson Reilly

10 about The Kid

This meme consists of ten questions to be answered by me about The Kid.
1. If you could have super powers what would they be and what would you do with them? (Please feel free to be selfish, you do not have to save the world!)
She's definately want to fly.

2. Were you to find your self stranded on an island with a CD player…it could happen…what would your top 10 blogger island discs be?
The entire Dan Zanes collection and anything by Laurie Berkner (Two great kids singers...I even like their stuff!)

3. If you were a smell what would it be?
French Fries

4. What bird would you most like to be?
Her little baby blue bird

5. If you were a bird who’s head would you poo on?
The TV monster

6. Are there any foods that your body craves?
French fries and M & M's

7. What’s your favorite time of year?
Probably summer

8. What’s your favorite time of day?
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

9. If a rest is as good as a change which would you choose?
Change, but only because she doesn't rest

10. If you could have a dinner party and invite any 5 people from the past or present who would they be? (Living or deceased.)
Mickey Mouse, Curious George, Cher, Charlie and Lola

Happy Birthday, Auntie J!

Happy birthday to the best sister and aunt around.

Love,

The Kid and I

I'd like to thank the Academy

Two of the nicest people around nominated me for a blogger award. Coming from them just makes it that much nicer. Thank you!! (And if you are ever up this way, I can't cook, but The Kid and I would GLADLY go out to dinner!)

Now, since that Academy Award that I had planned on winning from the time I was about 9 isn't going to happen anytime in the near future, I would like to take this opportunity to use the acceptance speech that I have been working on for the last 25 years. Let's assume I've done all the obligatory thanking of my agent, academy voters and cast and crew.

"I'd also like to thank my junior high and high school choir directors. Now who has NO TALENT, NANCY and STEVE???? Thanks to my family for always being so supportive. Hey Jeff/Ryan/Joel/Jeremy/Mike! I bet you are sorry you turned me down when I asked for a date NOW, huh?? Thanks also to my incredible husband, Orlando Bloom (when I was 9 this would have been Harrison Ford and/or John Taylor of Duran Duran.) You complete me, babe!

I'd also like to thank the sweetest little girl in the world for giving me the inspiration to keep up my semi-regular posts. This is for you, Kiddo!

Now, I guess I'm supposed to nominate some other nice people. So, if any of these fine people have already been nominated, I guess it just means that you are extra nice.

First off, two moms that I have never met but would LOVE to someday.

Eliza's mom. I only recently came across her blog, but can just tell what a kind and sweet person she is. Plus, Eliza is adorable.

Second, Beverly. Another blog that I've only been reading for a short time, but I just love her stories about her daughter, Glenys. That little girl is a hoot and so is her mom!

And finally, Me, You and a Dog Named Zu. I know this couple personally and I don't think I have ever had the pleasure of meeting two nicer people. They will make the best mommy and daddy in town.

I believe I am supposed to nominate 7, but that's all I can think of at the moment. If I think of any others I'll let you know.

Sunday in the park

Lovely day for an impromptu picnic and playtime.

I have no clever title today

I always know that if I ever slack with Ye Olde Blog that someone will make it known unto me. So, that's why I'm taking a break from my oh-so-busy life to give an update.

We're good. Preschool is still good. Although, I just *think* preschool is going well because I haven't heard of any problems. And if it weren't for the weekly newsletter from the teachers, I would have NO CLUE what they do each week. Every day after preschool, this is the general conversation between The Kid and I.

Me: HI SWEETIE!! How was preschool today??!?

TK: Good.

Me: What did you do today?

TK: I don't know.

Me: Did you play outside?

TK: Yes.

Me: Did you play with your friends?

TK: Yes.

Me: Did you fly to the moon and slide on a rainbow?

TK: Yes.

I remember when I was just a little older than The Kid coming home from school and my mom harassing me about what I did in school that day. She just would not stop with the questions and I seem to recall punching her in the stomach. (Sorry about that Grandmumsy!!) I still to this day need to decompress for a bit before I feel like talking about whatever happened during my day. (And when you factor in that you really best not speak to me much before 10am, I have a limited window of conversation with people during the day. ) I want her to tell me about her day, but I also don't want to hound her for info.

And now, for a certain someone who complained because I hadn't posted anything for a while, I give you "The Many Faces of The Kid." I working on sharpening The Kid's acting skills. What do you think? Her next face will be BLUE STEEL.

Mad

Happy

Sad

Sleepy

Scared

A meme

I haven't been tagged for this, but saw it around and wanted to do it, too.

Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line four, and write what it says.
"If you press the shutter button halfway and return to the..." (from my camera manual)

Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What can you touch?
My printer. Junk. The Wall.

What is the last thing you watched on TV?
News

Without looking, guess what time it is.
10:23pm (actually 10:27)

With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
My ceiling fan humming and me sniffling due to allergies.

When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
When I came home from work.

Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
I checked out all the blogs I read and checked my email

Did you dream last night?
Yeah. Some weird thing about high school and having to take a typing class but I had to use the old computers that we had in elementary school that used giant floppy disks and everybody else had fancy laptops. Then I had to go to gym class. I would call that a nightmare.

When did you last laugh?
Probably when I was putting The Kid to bed. I had to tell her towelie to have sweet dreams, too.

What is on the walls of the room you are in?
Paint

Seen anything weird lately?
Heck yeah. I see weird stuff all the time. I was at a renaissance festival just the other day. Talk about weird.

What do you think of this Meme?
Ehhhh.

What is the last film you saw?
In the theatre, Harry Potter 5
On video, The Little Mermaid and Hot Fuzz

If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?
A theatre company

Tell me something about you that I don’t know?
I have a very hard time with organized religion, but I consider myself religious/spiritual. I just have never found the right thing to tie into all of my beliefs. But I also think that religion and spirituality are very personal so I don't talk about it.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would you do?
Equality and tolerance for all. (I know it's two things, but if you can do one, you might as well do the other.)

Comment to President Bush.
If I can't say anything nice, I won't say anything at all.

Would you ever consider living abroad?
If that lottery ever comes through I'll be out of here so fast......

What do you want to say to God when you get to heaven?
Thank you. I had a lovely time.

Weekend Roundup

First off, a quick update about preschool. Day two went smashingly well for both her and I. She even brought home her first bit of artwork. I'll scan it in tonight so you can see it. It's titled "Flying Giraffe" and I think it is exceptional. Also, when I asked her what she did in preschool on Thursday, she said she played with her friends. I asked what their names were and she just shrugged and said "I don't know....MY GIRLS!" HA!

Over the weekend, we did one of my very favorite things in the world. We went to a renaissance festival and made fun of the weirdos. Wheee! I was in heaven. The Kid was too. She got to see fairies, pirates, get a dolphin painted on her arm AND ride a REAL LIVE HORSE!!! She also got to practice two of her new favorite phrases "Arrrrrr, Matey!" and "ROCK ON DUDE!"

And here's a little quiz or a puzzler for you all. What do you do with a child who has NEVER made a fuss about taking a bath OR washing their hair and then suddenly acts like I have poured hot lava onto her head? Seriously, what used to be a fun bonding/playtime activity has now become pure torture for both of us. She will absolutely freak out if I try to wash her hair because it gets in her ears or her eyes. But, if she would sit still, it wouldn't. And then after we finally get her hair washed, she gets one of her tub toys and sprays water in her face. What's up with that? Why is that any different? Ugggghhhhh.

Well. That was really much harder than I expected.

I should have known. I cry all the time over weird little things. So why I thought I wouldn't cry taking my little girl to her first day of preschool is beyond me. I was so calm all morning, but then when I made The Kid stand in front of the door so I could take her picture, I felt a twinge, a little burn in my eyes and my throat tightened just a bit. I ignored it, and it quickly went away. Then, as we were in the car, on our way to preschool, out of nowhere, my eyes started burning again and my throat got a little tighter than it had before. But I was still able to blink and swallow to make it go away. And then I was fine! I was fine when she got out of the car and we walked in the building. Still fine as she hung her 'pack-pack' up on the wall. And I was really STILL fine when she went running into her classroom without so much as a "Bye, mama!" No, really. I was fine! But when I saw her teacher pick her up and give her a great big hug, I couldn't stop the burning or the tightening. It was all I could do to keep from making a complete arse out of myself in front of complete strangers. And if there is one thing I CAN'T STAND, it is crying in front of people. So, I basically just had to run out of there.

Don't get me wrong. I love that she is so confident. And I can't help but feel like I've done a pretty good job making her feel safe, secure and loved that she has no fear about going into a totally new situation. But.....she's my little girl! And yet, I was so proud of her today. I peeked in the room for the last 15 minutes or so, and she was taking it all in and in the middle of every bit of activity. I wish that I could be more like her.

And I don't think I mentioned it, but at last week's preview, The Kid was pretty tight with one little girl, in particular and her mom sat down next to me and we got to chatting and they are waiting to adopt from China! And they went through the same agency that I did! Small world, ain't it?

And finally, I'm sure my kiddo can't be the only one whose favorite bedtime friend is a rubber chicken, right? The Kid would like you all to meet Marcy, the chicken. Marcy was a gift from Crazy Uncle Mark. (You should have seen the looks we got at Super T @rget yesterday with her carrying that thing around and hugging it and talking to it......)

First Day of Preschool

Pics for now. Thoughts on the day later.


She just took off....not even a look back.
This was the point at which I started bawling and had to leave.
Dancing to The Fish Song.

Saying good bye at the end of class
In the zone.
And she's out.
Celebratory Ice Cream