the drama never ends

It's been a trying past two mornings. Here's the 9yo who suffers(I think) from hypoglycemia. I say this because when she goes without eating for extended periods of time she has total freak out episodes. So, if she doesn't eat first thing in the morning, she spazes out -screaming, yelling, other aggressive behaviors, falling on the floor in a helpless heap, sobbing. BUT as soon as she eats, she's calm & "normal". I've told her about my observation; on occasion she notices herself that her behavior is off kilter & will stop to eat.(or there are maddening times when she realizes, but insists that she "won't" eat). I encourage her to eat before she dresses for the day. But then there are mornings like today when she doesn't. So the jeans "make me look fat! I can't wear these jeans! OH MY GOD! I don't have any other jeans!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH I can't go to school! I can't. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH That's it! I'm going to school in my underwear." (yeah, try to not crack a smile at that one as she walks up the stairs half dressed -she was previously fully clothed- & totally serious) and on and on it goes. It's fairly unbearable, first thing in the morning. And all it takes to remedy -or avoid altogether- is a bit of food down the hatch. Grrrrr. Yes, it happens after school too, before snack. These are the days when military school looks good to me.

for your eyes only

the flickr account url CU there!

an even newer blog

bookmark this url instead. This is the new site. For reals. Forget wordpress. It sucked. Alot. so this new site is in the works. It's got some changes in the template code for me to learn, but hang in there. It's all good. Hey, I'm self taught html. Cut me some slack. thx :)

testing 1, 2

I hated wordpress. I couldn't even give it a shot for a week. It was too much work to get the template to my liking. I thought it would be easier because it has it's own photo hosting element. But no. It seemed to be a bit counter-intuitive. Bah. Life's too short to be frustrated over something that should be so easy.

So, Ta Da! Here is the new blog -minus pics of the littles. This will be the same format as the previous blog & I won't be posting there anymore. So unless you want to view those older pics & posts, you can just bookmark this site & visit with me here. Personal pics will be on my flickr account; if you don't already have that access, let me know I'll email it to you. Otherwise, everything here will be the same as before.

Oh yeah, and here's the humorous vid clip...for your perusal amusement....

argh

so far I'm not liking wordpress. It just doesn't have the same flexibility as blogger. grrrrrr. I guess I'll mess around with it for a week or so. If all else fails, I'll just have another blog here. Meh. Maybe the category cloud isn't so important after all. I like being able to tweak the template with html to my little heart's content. Wordpress so far is not letting me do that. I want my widgets & buttons & badges! It's crucial to my expression as a blogger. My wordpress blog is not so special. Not so special at all. And you know I'm special. and tired. maybe I can fall asleep tonight. Maybe I can get more than 2 hours of shuteye at a time. Maybe.

Hey did anyone catch that asteroid last night???? I mistakenly thought it was tonight. Bummer. I don't even know if it was clear last night. Just super windy. And I was awake too. Did you stop to think "what if NASA is wrong? (or whatever organization estimates things like asteroid/earth collisions) I did. It was almost exciting. Almost. I was reminded of this awesome poster we used to sell at Traders of the Lost Art. I should have bought it. It was a "future" map of the world (or was it just the US?) after Cali-for-ni-a falls off into the ocean. Colorado was pictured as being beach front. Woo hoo! THAT was what was almost exciting. Letting my imagination ruminate over what it might be like to not be landlocked. How fabulous would Colorado be if we had mountains AND ocean???? Was the asteroid even visible to the naked eye? And where did it go?

p.s. the wordpress site has a humorous vid clip. Check it out...especially you, Snick.... ;)

re: invite only

or: the marvels of the modern world

So I added this widget to the blog to get a better idea of who comes here & from what location in the world. No big deal, just plain curiousity. This morning someone dropped in from the UK and I thought I'd play around with the widget. Turns out this person arrived through a search engine under "pullups". No big deal, right? But then they left after viewing a pic of the girls wading in Cook River last summer. Maybe I'm just paranoid from lack of sleep, maybe it's nothing. But maybe it's not. Whatever it is, I have to protect the littles (and the not so littles). So I'm making this blog invite only for friends. I'll keep the pics here & keep posting as usual.

I've started a new blog for non-personal pics -like crafts, etc. and probably copied posts. What a drag, having to post twice. But better safe than sorry.

Private blog is here. Public blog is here

fcuking perverts. Castrate them all.

until further notice

I'm making the blog "invite only"...I need to transfer all of my pics to a private viewing only site. Unfortunately. It won't be the same, words without photos. But I'm having one of those "You never know what pervert is out there checking out your pics" moments. I'm sure you understand.

more stockshow

because on 2 of the most gorgeous days of winter, I have to work

a happy cowgirl


the ittlest bittlest baby goat I have ever seen -about 12 inches high- only a week old, I bet

political views of a 9 yo

"oh mama, I don't like Hillary at all. She's got no good ideas & no plan."


and mine:

I always said I would vote for a woman who would run for President. I was listening to a BBC podcast about Hillary not long ago. The interviewees had a good point in that the US calls itself the epitome of democracy but has never had a woman president, whereas other countries have had female prime ministers, etc. And it's true. How democratic are we as a country, really, when we've kept women & anyone of color out of our highest ranking office?

How I despise the two-party system. I have a choice between two candidates (three or four, if I want to throw my vote away). I won't be surprised (but highly unhappy) if we have another Republican elected this time next year. Here's the Democratic party with a man of color & a woman pitted against each other. You know the Republicans are loving it. Either way, they win; I don't believe that the majority of people will vote for whichever Democrat gets the party nod. Sad but true. Democracy in the United States is merely an ideal against which we fall sorely short. It's still a rich, white man's country.

I was all for Bill Clinton when he ran -both times- absolutely, positively believed he would do a great job leading the US. Now I'm not sure at all who will be able to take care of the issues we face as a nation. After the last eight years of deception, I've lost quite a bit of faith in our government. Funny, I was going to write "6 years", then I thought, "really, it'll be 7", then I thought "holy crap, it's been the entirety of George W's reign at the helm." Holy crap. I think I need to stop typing momentarily. I'm feeling a little verklempt, a little short of breath, thinking about the magnitude of decline in morality & accountability we've seen these last 2 terms. It's downright depressing if one thinks about it too much.

okay, now I've unwound a bit...teaching the Madster to KNIT!!! I've got her doing a basic knit stitch on 13's with really chunky Lion Brand yarn. She's knitting a scarf for __________. So far, so good. She's catching on faster & more easily than last year's attempt. yay!

Back to politics. Riddle me this, Batman: How exactly does a $600 check for every tax paying adult stimulate the economy? Someone PLEASE explain their take on this plan. I will respond with my own opinion. Comments from any & all are welcome...just click on the "comments" button down below there...c'mon, I know you can do it. I know you want to do it. Engage me in a little online debate. Blogging all by my lonesome is booooooorrrrring.

What does Feefer want to be when she grows up?

a cowboy.

and today we went to the stock show. The National Western Stock Show. This year instead of going to the rodeo (which I always prefer), we took in the "Wild West Show". It was entertaining and well worth the $9.00 tix. 90 minutes of wild west acting and fancy riding, wagon racing and Navajo dancing. Aside from the very loud "gunfire", I think the girls really enjoyed themselves. Did I mention the lariat tricks? As we watched the cowboy spin his lasso magic, I heard Feefer say to herself, "I need a rope."

All of the girls have needed new belts & I found one that fits Feefer there. She was thrilled when the salesgirl helped her put it on over her dress & showed how to cinch it "the way cowgirls wear their belts."

We luckily found the petting zoo on our way out of the stadium. It was the best way to end a good day.



this logo brings back memories. "Why didn't I take the aggie classes in high school?" she laments 25 years too late

this was my favorite rooster, a handsome Rhode Island Red. The stinker would not let me take his pic...until we walked away & he walked back to the front of the cage & commenced to crowing "Come back! I'm ready for my photo shoot!"

did you know...?


keep the funnel cake, just give me a plate of confectioner sugar






why they're called sh*t kickers...because it's nigh impossible to avoid at a place like the stock show

llama love

can I have him please? pretty please? Pretty please with sugar on top?





I thought Lib looked happy to pet the pig. Upon closer inspection, I see she's happy to see what was just to the upper right


my friend, how happy I am to see you

chillin'

I went upstairs to the littles' room & was greeted by this scene. ????? She says she was looking for a game cartridge.




The Madster doing her 2nd favorite activity (1st being swimming)


"I'm making a microscope"

madschen

The girls and I were watching Project Runway the other night. Two episodes in a row. Randomly, Lib breaks out with her own impression

Fight the Power

only 365 days...one year...until we have a new president. OMG OMG OMG. Who will dig my beloved country out of this pit?

and 2) I enjoy watching
. Every time it's on t.v. Kind of like G enjoys watching every movie we own when it's on the tube instead our own DVD. It's well written, well acted, the cinematography is great, etc etc etc. And it reminds me of a particular high school sweetheart -not that he ever saw combat, as far as I know. But I can see him 20 years ago playing the soldier role. Actually, he did Army bootcamp but I think he ended up in the Navy? That could be wrong. But he was gung-ho soldier back in the day. Just a bit crazy, alot patriotic, very team oriented. Anyway. It's a thought. And this memory -the driver's ed teacher standing at the front of the class asking what the hand signal means when you hold up your right hand with the elbow bent. Said boy -pre BF status- responds "Stop. That's what the captain does at the head of the line in old movies." Actually this is more of a visual memory than a auditory one; I'm just guessing at the accuracy of the quote. It was a lot funnier then. But you get the picture.

I'm proud of my published brother

Yes, I am! I've added this link to my sidebar. Here you will find the ultimate cynical, sarcastic, -and dare I say it- doomsayer opinion...for your reading pleasure....my dearest & onlyest brother

...I forgot to add "descriptive commentary flourished with biting wit...."

netflix is da bomb

yay! I finally got instant viewing to work...on my new favorite xmas present...the notebook. yay! Now I can watch movies anywhere, anytime. Today's random viewing is because I have this vague memory of the title from somewhere back in the "childhood" file of my mind. I'm not a big Charlton Heston fan, but to tame my curiousity I'll give it a whirl.

you know it's cold out when...

Cody escapes out the front door & willingly returns 10 minutes later (as opposed to hours)

my latest obsession is...

Facebook It's a time waster, I know. But it's my sad substitute for face to face socializing. Since I'm stuck @ home, I have to find "friends" somewhere. Sad, but true. Sigh. That & the occasional IM with my best friend from high school, Grace. Do you ever miss your old life? You know, the "way things used to be" life. I just miss the freedom to do whatever I want, mostly whenever I want.

and get this! I borrowed a Post Secret book at the library last night...and there were TWO secrets from two different people inside!! It was exciting. And Maddie promptly wrote down a secret to put inside. Am I a bad mom for reading her secret after she went to bed? I have to reason "no" because as much as I want to respect her privacy to have a "secret", I also have to look out for her best interests & be aware of anything that might happen that she wouldn't tell me about. Right? Right. Anyway, it was a "secret" that wasn't sad or horrible. I have to say, some of the P.S. secrets are so sad. I get kind of choked up when I read them. Some are happy, though, & so it's fairly balanced. Hmmm...will I put my own secret inside...??

One more note from the front lines...and you better sit down for this one...or at least mark it on your calendar...Garrett actually put dishes in the dishwasher last night. As in, all of the dishwasher safe dishes, instead of washing them by hand. I know I'm impressed. I mean, c'mon, we got this fantabulous LG dishwasher last year for my Valentines' "present". Why not use it to wash the dishes that don't have to be done by hand? It's a modern time saving device. So save some time already!

flashback

remember these days??? little club. short stage. band exiting off the front of the stage into the crowd. A hungry, angry Dave Mustaine.

Tim Burton is a genius

But we already knew that, didn't we.

Last night Snick I went to see this:


I've been looking forward to seeing this movie since I saw the standee in the theatre the night I saw "30 Days of Night" in October. The first thing I thought that night was "Damn, that's brilliant. Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd. Why hadn't I thought of that sooner?" Then I eagerly awaited the release date.

Finally last night I had the opportunity. We planned it on Monday & I'd been waiting on pins & needles all week. Doubly so b/c I got to spend time with my favoritest 19 year old. Yay!!!

From the opening credits, from the very very first visual -no, from the very first sound of organ music before the credits, I had tingles. And THEN the very first visuals! It was a work of beauty, this movie, every scene, starting with the fog in the credits. OMG. Only Tim Burton could take such a violent, gory topic & make it beautiful. Granted, I have to give credit to Stephen Sondheim for the music & lyrics & book. But the visuals. I don't know how else to describe it but that this movie was beautiful. It was like watching art in motion.

I don't say this often, but as soon as I walked out, I knew that I wanted to see this movie again. As in PAY to see it in the theatre, not just buy it on DVD. In fact, I can count on one hand the times this has actually happened. Let's see, Raiders of the Lost Ark, T2, Beauty & the Beast, Batman (Tim Burton!), and Monsters, Inc. are the only flicks that come to mind just now. I saw The Empire Strikes Back twice in the theatre -albeit there was a 20 year time difference between viewings. I would have paid to see Batman: The Beginning more than once in the theatre, had I seen it there in the first place.

Thankfully I was able to see Sweeney Todd on a big screen. You HAVE TO see it on a big screen. This version of Sweeney Todd, this rendition, this interpretation...Totally. Blew. Me. Away. I had to work today & I swear the first 2 hours, in the back of my mind I was still contemplating this movie. Here I am after work & I'm still excited about it.

So, who's going with me? and when? tomorrow?? And maybe the day after too??

Or if you've already seen it, discuss here...I don't want to post any spoilers yet. What are you waiting for??? Get out there & see this flick. I'm telling you, you don't want to miss it on the big screen....

more New Year's Eve

Here's a tradition we have in our family. I can't remember from where it came or when we started doing this. We bang pot & pan lids to make a loud ruckus. I think it's to scare away bad luck? Another "tradition" we have is to celebrate @ East Coast time. A) It's when we call folks back home b/c they're celebrating. B) little girls can celebrate & still get to bed semi-early. So the girls got their lids ready about 9:30. Not so quietly, it goes without saying. By 9:35 G was ready to send them to bed without seeing in the new year. 10pm rolled around & we watched the ball drop in NYC. The girls had a blast being as loud as possible (now that doesn't happen often, does it?)

Unfortunately, the 10pm "deception" didn't wash this year b/c Maddie can tell time. So the girls got to do it all over again at midnight mountain time. No complaints from any of the participants. (the pics are from the first round of celebration)

And we thought Feefer was our performer

The girls had to stay up until midnight on New Years so they could watch The Jonas Brothers & Miley Cyrus on Dick Clark. We dvr'd it so the girls could watch again...on the condition that they would get up & sing too. This is what ensued:

Everyone starts out pretty mellow


Maddie starts dancing around for the sake of the camera & to alleviate some embarrassment over singing along with Miley Cyrus



after watching Miley's performance for a bit, Lib starts to get into it










Really really get into it

what the #&H*&*! batman!

It's the 9th of January 2008. 2008!!! According to Mayan timekeeping, we have 2 years left on this earth. Well, actually a little under 3. 12-21-10 What will you do with your time?

On a lighter note, I'm happy to report (& G is happy to see) that I have finally decided to open & utilize my xmas gift. Yeah, it sat in the box for 2 weeks. but here I am, at an ungodly hour, blogging away. It's a laptop, in case your didn't figure that out. And it's purdy darn spiffy. And WIRELESS. Yeehaw. I'm not strapped to the desk anymore. Although I think the desk chair is a bit more comfy -better posture & better ergonomics. I'll have to fiddle around with the personalization of it as I type faster than the computer can keep up (who would have thunk?). Tomorrow -or rather later today- I'll attempt to download pics & some music.

the littles & the middle & I visited the eldest on Monday. It was fun & relaxing. and the eldest treated us all to a movie -Alvin & the Chipmunks- AND snacks for all. Wow! Impressive & expensive. She must be growing up. sigh. Yeah, I know, it's inevitable. But I miss the little Snick days. I even miss waking up at 5am to make the 6am bus. It was quality time, prime chatting time for mom & daughter. I even miss the winter night drives to B-field to pick her up after work. sigh. BUT! She & I are hanging out on Friday. Yay!!! Some mom & eldest daughter alone time. And YAY! We're finally seeing Sweeney Todd!!!! I can't wait!! Squeeeeee!

What else? Madster starts swimming again. Her new year's resolution is to be the best swimmer she can be. Sounds good to me. I think I'll have to look into another program so she can go more often or for longer sessions. 1/2 hour twice a week is just not enough for her.

Feefer got a new do -pics to follow.

Lala is a rockstar -pics to follow.

I'm doing some knitting & some sewing. And another ATC, soon. More pics, later this week.

G is looking quite attractive sporting his fuller facial hair. It was my suggestion. It's niiiiiice. How long will it last? Until the screen writers end their strike, you say? nah. More like, until his boss tells him otherwise.

And now to sleep, perchance to dream? Good grief! For 2 hours if I leave off now. Argh! No rest for the wicked....