How exciting! I like Fred Thompson, even though Tennessee also managed to produce Gore. The big question becomes will he run and who I like better - him or Guiliani (no way am I EVER gonna vote for a Democrap, such as they are). The even BIGGER question is will the American public put another Republican in office. Guiliani might have a better chance for the more educated because he's more socially liberal. However, with the ignorant American public, Fred Thompson might have a better chance because he's on the highly watched Law & Order.
Exciting stuff!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Friday, March 09, 2007
Yikes!
Anyone remember when Eddie Van Halen was decent looking?
This reaffirms the pitfalls of crystal meth. Talk about scaring someone straight.
This reaffirms the pitfalls of crystal meth. Talk about scaring someone straight.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Footloose Reborn
Ok, this is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard. The small town of Lilburn, GA, located in the huge Atlanta suburban Gwinnett County, has decided to ban all karaoke and trivia in it's bars. They apparently don't want to have a "bar scene" so have started banning all "bar-type" activities - poker tournaments, video games, trivia, pool tables, and karaoke. The mayor, Jack Bolton, also states that they don't want "...dance clubs, party clubs, or bars." What's a party club? Taking into account that Georgia STILL has blue laws...Lilburn is turning into quite the "family" town.
Your tax dollars at work people. Having some Mayor dictate to you how to run your private business. Except for the blue laws - that would be the gov'ner.
Your tax dollars at work people. Having some Mayor dictate to you how to run your private business. Except for the blue laws - that would be the gov'ner.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Toddler Rule #22
When engaging in Naked Time* during a potty training session, make sure to be on a non-carpeted area with no access to furniture, clothes, rugs, or other items that may become damaged when wet. Preferably, Naked Time should be held in a tiled bathroom or linoleum or tiled kitchen, with the training toilet within reach.
*Naked Time is defined as the 30 minutes or so in which the parent nakifies the toddler and tries to entice him or her to sit and remain seated on a potty training device in the hopes that said toddler will pee or poop with accuracy.
*Naked Time is defined as the 30 minutes or so in which the parent nakifies the toddler and tries to entice him or her to sit and remain seated on a potty training device in the hopes that said toddler will pee or poop with accuracy.
Food of the Gods
I’ve settled into the suburban stereotype and am looking forward to the day I can put a soccer ball sticker on the back of my gas guzzling Lexus SUV. And become a room mother (do they still do that?), join the PTA, and play tennis. Though my tennis game is greatly lacking, our neighborhood is a big ALTA neighborhood and I’m starting to feel left out. More on that later.
Mapgeek and I used to cook these elaborate meals from awesome looking recipes we’d see on Food Network, or out of our Spanish cookbooks, or out of Bon Appetit or Southern Living magazines (yummy!). I usually plan our menu for the week and do all the grocery shopping on Sundays. This week I found a couple fabulous recipes online. In the interest of trying to get back to a post-pregnancy, healthy diet (though I haven’t given up my Doritos or Kisses yet), I planned a mostly healthy meal from a couple recipes I saw on Food Network. Long story short…that dang meal took over an hour to make! In the midst of a cranky toddler and whining, hungry infant. And all this happening as soon as Mapgeek gets home, which he loves. Which leads me to The Food of the Gods…
Casseroles! We have a collection of frozen meals from our wonderful, fabulous, amazing, family and friends. And believe it or not, only one lasagna! I put one of our frozen delicacies in the fridge the night before to thaw, which it never completely does, but who cares! Then around 4:30, I pop that scrumptious pan of goodness in the oven and let it go. No muss, no fuss. When Mapgeek gets home (5:30-6:00), I break out one of those convenient, yet healthy Salads in a Bag, or steam some frozen, pre-cut veggies. And shazaam! All done ‘cept for tossing the disposable casserole pan (yay Gladware!), and washing 2 dishes and 1 pot.
So, I’m now on the hunt for new casserole recipes. Put a little work ahead of time (like on the weekend, when I actually have some time), buy some disposable pans (yay! No dishes!), and whip up a couple of half batches (to limit leftovers – who wants to eat the same casserole for 3 days), and freeze the suckers.
So, so suburban…anyone want to swap recipes? :)
Mapgeek and I used to cook these elaborate meals from awesome looking recipes we’d see on Food Network, or out of our Spanish cookbooks, or out of Bon Appetit or Southern Living magazines (yummy!). I usually plan our menu for the week and do all the grocery shopping on Sundays. This week I found a couple fabulous recipes online. In the interest of trying to get back to a post-pregnancy, healthy diet (though I haven’t given up my Doritos or Kisses yet), I planned a mostly healthy meal from a couple recipes I saw on Food Network. Long story short…that dang meal took over an hour to make! In the midst of a cranky toddler and whining, hungry infant. And all this happening as soon as Mapgeek gets home, which he loves. Which leads me to The Food of the Gods…
Casseroles! We have a collection of frozen meals from our wonderful, fabulous, amazing, family and friends. And believe it or not, only one lasagna! I put one of our frozen delicacies in the fridge the night before to thaw, which it never completely does, but who cares! Then around 4:30, I pop that scrumptious pan of goodness in the oven and let it go. No muss, no fuss. When Mapgeek gets home (5:30-6:00), I break out one of those convenient, yet healthy Salads in a Bag, or steam some frozen, pre-cut veggies. And shazaam! All done ‘cept for tossing the disposable casserole pan (yay Gladware!), and washing 2 dishes and 1 pot.
So, I’m now on the hunt for new casserole recipes. Put a little work ahead of time (like on the weekend, when I actually have some time), buy some disposable pans (yay! No dishes!), and whip up a couple of half batches (to limit leftovers – who wants to eat the same casserole for 3 days), and freeze the suckers.
So, so suburban…anyone want to swap recipes? :)
Monday, February 19, 2007
Shopping adventures
Not sure how maternity leave managed to go by so fast. The first week I was home alone, I was actually stir crazy in the house. And then we got into the groove. It is much, much harder with two that are different ages (though I'm SURE twins have challenges all their own). Miss 2.0 is now a total toddler and into everything. Though she loves Miss 3.0 and being a big sister. I really did attempt to "do" stuff with the girls, but it's been so cold making all activities have to be indoors.
(DECREE - Curleygirl 2.0 will henceforth be referred to as "2.0" and Curleygirl 3.0 will be known as "3.0")
Here's our typical outing (substitute any store here).
1. Getting ready
I was so looking forward to shopping for new clothes! I did finally buy a double stroller, so I'm fully capable of toting them both around. First of all, have to get everyone dressed and with clean diapers. Then, depending on how long we plan to be gone, I usually have to feed 3.0, which is another 20-30 minutes. Packing up consists of diapers and wipes all around, snacks and juice for 2.0 to keep her happy, and we can't forget Tigger (or all hell breaks loose), and then a change of clothes for 2.0 just in case. So now we're clothed, clean, fed, and packed.
2. The trip
The first thing I do, is make sure I have the correct stroller in the car (it really stinks to get somewhere and have the wrong stroller). Then I load up the diaper bag and anything else I need. I put 2.0 in the car first because inevitably she gets into something if I don't. And half the time I get her strapped in and hear "Poo-poo! Change diaper!". Then I get to unload her, run upstairs (again), and change the diaper. All the time hoping and praying that 3.0 isn't pooping in the meantime. Now I load up 2.0 and get her all strapped in. I've usually already got 3.0 strapped into the baby carrier, so I just pop her into the car. Whew! Now we're ready to go!
3. The mall
We get to the mall and I have full intention of spending at least an hour shopping for my new non-maternity clothes, which I've been daydreaming about for a month. I decide to stick with Macy's because that's where we parked and it's an in and out, rather than having to go all through the mall. I first get the stroller out, load it up with the diaper bag and anything else. I then put 3.0 in the back. And, then I get out 2.0. I put 2.0 in the front and strap her down, all the while listening to her cry "Tigger!! Tigger!!". So, I get Tigger and hand him off. And we're off.
I wrestle with the doors to get into the d*&mn store and head for the women's section. As I squeeze the stroller into the racks of clothes and start to browse, I notice that the racks next to me are tilting and some of the shirts are falling off the hanger. Whoops! Toddler Stroller Rule #1 - don't get her within arms reach of ANYTHING. As I tell her no and pull the silks out of her hands, I get a piercing scream "NOOOOOOO!". So, I head for the displays near the wide aisle where 2.0 can't reach anything. Of course, nothing is on sale on the aisle displays, but no matter - we're rich! *sigh*
Upon realizing she can't grab anything, 2.0 immediately begins with the "Down! Down!". I'm like "yeah, right". So, I break out the snacks and juice and give them to her. Whew - a moment to shop again! I start looking at the nice, skinny, new clothes when Tigger decides to take a header off the stroller. Hand him back, and next goes the cup. I'm also beginning to notice Goldfish on the floor. Feeling guilty, I pick up the Goldfish and instead of giving her a bunch, I start handing them off one by one so they go straight to the mouth. 2.0 lets me know right away that I can't seem to keep up the pace of Goldfish distribution and clothes adoration, so I just hand her the bag and silently hope no one notices all the fish that are jumping ship. Five more minutes of peace.
About this time I hear a "phhhtttlllrrrprpppp" coming from the back of the stroller and a gosh-awful smell along with it. I sigh and head for the door. Wonder how quickly they ship?
(DECREE - Curleygirl 2.0 will henceforth be referred to as "2.0" and Curleygirl 3.0 will be known as "3.0")
Here's our typical outing (substitute any store here).
1. Getting ready
I was so looking forward to shopping for new clothes! I did finally buy a double stroller, so I'm fully capable of toting them both around. First of all, have to get everyone dressed and with clean diapers. Then, depending on how long we plan to be gone, I usually have to feed 3.0, which is another 20-30 minutes. Packing up consists of diapers and wipes all around, snacks and juice for 2.0 to keep her happy, and we can't forget Tigger (or all hell breaks loose), and then a change of clothes for 2.0 just in case. So now we're clothed, clean, fed, and packed.
2. The trip
The first thing I do, is make sure I have the correct stroller in the car (it really stinks to get somewhere and have the wrong stroller). Then I load up the diaper bag and anything else I need. I put 2.0 in the car first because inevitably she gets into something if I don't. And half the time I get her strapped in and hear "Poo-poo! Change diaper!". Then I get to unload her, run upstairs (again), and change the diaper. All the time hoping and praying that 3.0 isn't pooping in the meantime. Now I load up 2.0 and get her all strapped in. I've usually already got 3.0 strapped into the baby carrier, so I just pop her into the car. Whew! Now we're ready to go!
3. The mall
We get to the mall and I have full intention of spending at least an hour shopping for my new non-maternity clothes, which I've been daydreaming about for a month. I decide to stick with Macy's because that's where we parked and it's an in and out, rather than having to go all through the mall. I first get the stroller out, load it up with the diaper bag and anything else. I then put 3.0 in the back. And, then I get out 2.0. I put 2.0 in the front and strap her down, all the while listening to her cry "Tigger!! Tigger!!". So, I get Tigger and hand him off. And we're off.
I wrestle with the doors to get into the d*&mn store and head for the women's section. As I squeeze the stroller into the racks of clothes and start to browse, I notice that the racks next to me are tilting and some of the shirts are falling off the hanger. Whoops! Toddler Stroller Rule #1 - don't get her within arms reach of ANYTHING. As I tell her no and pull the silks out of her hands, I get a piercing scream "NOOOOOOO!". So, I head for the displays near the wide aisle where 2.0 can't reach anything. Of course, nothing is on sale on the aisle displays, but no matter - we're rich! *sigh*
Upon realizing she can't grab anything, 2.0 immediately begins with the "Down! Down!". I'm like "yeah, right". So, I break out the snacks and juice and give them to her. Whew - a moment to shop again! I start looking at the nice, skinny, new clothes when Tigger decides to take a header off the stroller. Hand him back, and next goes the cup. I'm also beginning to notice Goldfish on the floor. Feeling guilty, I pick up the Goldfish and instead of giving her a bunch, I start handing them off one by one so they go straight to the mouth. 2.0 lets me know right away that I can't seem to keep up the pace of Goldfish distribution and clothes adoration, so I just hand her the bag and silently hope no one notices all the fish that are jumping ship. Five more minutes of peace.
About this time I hear a "phhhtttlllrrrprpppp" coming from the back of the stroller and a gosh-awful smell along with it. I sigh and head for the door. Wonder how quickly they ship?
Monday, January 08, 2007
She's Here!
Curleygirl v.3.0 joined us on January 4, 2007. We discovered the week before that she in fact did not turn as was previously thought. Which actually explained a lot…why the doctor couldn’t feel her head, why my ribs were feeling so bruised. It also appeared that she was in a awkward position with the cord to attempt to manually move her. So, a c-section was scheduled for January 4. After a brief bout of disappointment, and a wonderful pros/cons session with Mapgeek, I decided a c-section might be easier (not that I had a choice). Curleygirl v.3.0 weighed 7 lb 4oz and was 20 inches long – slightly bigger than v.2.0. She does look more like me than Babygirl and she is obviously a really pretty baby. :) She’s also been really good so far. She only cries when hungry, which never lasts long, and she seems to be very content just sitting and looking around. I’ve forgotten how much fun newborns are. Makes me long for number 3….
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
Convening with Nature
We decided to brave it…our first camping trip with Babygirl. The monstrous, suffocating heat this summer drove us to escape to Raccoon Holler, in the mountains of North Carolina. My family has been camping there since I was little. Probably 30 years! Mapgeek and I have…ahem…let’s say “fond” memories of Raccoon Holler (30 degrees, high winds, a tent in the Christmas tree farm) from several years ago. I don’t think I’ve ever been so cold camping in all my life. And Granddaddy P assured us that it was going to be chilly. To me, that meant 70’s in August in the south. I packed accordingly…one sweatshirt. No jeans since I was 4 months preggers and hadn’t bothered to shop for cold weather pregnant clothes. And, of course, Babygirl didn’t own anything for cold weather in her current size.
We left Atlanta Wednesday morning so we’d get there before dark. Being pregnant and with a toddler, Mapgeek and I decided not to “rough” it and slept in the Taj Macamper with my parents. It’s basically a 2-bedroom (with king-size beds!) portable house complete with a kitchen and bathroom. Plus, there was a TV, complete with a new DVD player and an Elmo video! Lots to keep a restless toddler entertained and out of the rain and mud.
We setup the pack-n-play in the kitchen area, hoping Babygirl would sleep in it. Which she didn’t. The problem is being in a campground with a screaming toddler. You know the neighbors love it. So, we put the munchkin in the king bed between us and she sort-of slept. The next night, we put her on the end of the bed that’s surrounded on 3-sides by the camper walls. Babygirl thought that was the best! She and her Granddaddy smooched through the screens all evening. Eventually, she would lay down with all her animals and pillows and sleep. Of course, we all had to go to bed when she did, so we got lots of sleep.
The first night a front came through. And Granddaddy P was right….it was COLD! Low 50’s that night, plus it rained. We ended up making the Walmart trek to West Jefferson for warm clothes for Babygirl and long pregger-pants for me.
Luckily, it was warmer in the day. Mapgeek and I finally got to canoe the New River. Zaloo’s Canoes hooked us up and off we went. It’s been years since I rented a boat where I was handed and paddle and was told go. Boat rentals usually involve a how-to-paddle and safety lesson. It was nice to be out on the water, though a little boring after a while. Luckily, we started a little early because it started raining right when we were getting off the river. It seems like it rained almost the entire weekend and it was chilly. A very nice change from the heat of Atlanta.
Because of the rain, we ended up doing lots of shopping-type activities. We went to a cabin store outside of Boone, where Babygirl scored a big stuffed bear (Honey Bear). We also spent one day in Blowing Rock. Luckily, it was during a brief reprieve in the clouds and rain. Blowing Rock consisted of buying a stuffed owl for Babygirl (did I mention she LOVES stuffed animals?), who immediately learned how to hoot, eating ice cream, and playing in the park. Our other notable adventure was touring the cheese factory in West Jefferson. Let’s just say….gross! I didn’t need to know how they make cheese.
I was pleasantly surprised how much fun camping was with Babygirl! Though, I don’t think I’d enjoy it in a tent. Especially if it rained. I stressed for a month about how we were going to handle the sleeping issue and it was nice to know that she could sleep with us if necessary. And with less fuss than trying to get her to sleep by herself in her pack-n-play. I’m looking forward to going again, though next time it will be four of us. Wonder how much a Taj Macamper costs??
We left Atlanta Wednesday morning so we’d get there before dark. Being pregnant and with a toddler, Mapgeek and I decided not to “rough” it and slept in the Taj Macamper with my parents. It’s basically a 2-bedroom (with king-size beds!) portable house complete with a kitchen and bathroom. Plus, there was a TV, complete with a new DVD player and an Elmo video! Lots to keep a restless toddler entertained and out of the rain and mud.
We setup the pack-n-play in the kitchen area, hoping Babygirl would sleep in it. Which she didn’t. The problem is being in a campground with a screaming toddler. You know the neighbors love it. So, we put the munchkin in the king bed between us and she sort-of slept. The next night, we put her on the end of the bed that’s surrounded on 3-sides by the camper walls. Babygirl thought that was the best! She and her Granddaddy smooched through the screens all evening. Eventually, she would lay down with all her animals and pillows and sleep. Of course, we all had to go to bed when she did, so we got lots of sleep.
The first night a front came through. And Granddaddy P was right….it was COLD! Low 50’s that night, plus it rained. We ended up making the Walmart trek to West Jefferson for warm clothes for Babygirl and long pregger-pants for me.
Luckily, it was warmer in the day. Mapgeek and I finally got to canoe the New River. Zaloo’s Canoes hooked us up and off we went. It’s been years since I rented a boat where I was handed and paddle and was told go. Boat rentals usually involve a how-to-paddle and safety lesson. It was nice to be out on the water, though a little boring after a while. Luckily, we started a little early because it started raining right when we were getting off the river. It seems like it rained almost the entire weekend and it was chilly. A very nice change from the heat of Atlanta.
Because of the rain, we ended up doing lots of shopping-type activities. We went to a cabin store outside of Boone, where Babygirl scored a big stuffed bear (Honey Bear). We also spent one day in Blowing Rock. Luckily, it was during a brief reprieve in the clouds and rain. Blowing Rock consisted of buying a stuffed owl for Babygirl (did I mention she LOVES stuffed animals?), who immediately learned how to hoot, eating ice cream, and playing in the park. Our other notable adventure was touring the cheese factory in West Jefferson. Let’s just say….gross! I didn’t need to know how they make cheese.
I was pleasantly surprised how much fun camping was with Babygirl! Though, I don’t think I’d enjoy it in a tent. Especially if it rained. I stressed for a month about how we were going to handle the sleeping issue and it was nice to know that she could sleep with us if necessary. And with less fuss than trying to get her to sleep by herself in her pack-n-play. I’m looking forward to going again, though next time it will be four of us. Wonder how much a Taj Macamper costs??
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
I did it again!
I've got so much to write about and I can't seem to find the time. So, I don't write. Shame on me! I want to tell you about our camping trip to North Carolina in August, our semi-impromptu family reunion in Indiana in September, and Babygirl's first football game. Plus, there's all the updates about how much our little girl is growing! Did I mention that she started "school" in September?
Curleygirl v3.0 is growing away. Pregnancy the second time around has been very similar to the first time, though it seems this little girl is more active that Babygirl. If that's possible. Only 8 weeks to go, so we are all home for the holidays this year. Did I also mention that our good friend 'Nato is also home for the holidays? All the way from the madness commonly known as Iraq. Yay!
And then there was this wonderful pseudo-concert that Mapgeek and I went to the other night. It was at Big D's house and featured Francis Dunnery. British folksy, jazzy type music. I have lots to say about how good Mr. Dunnery is and what an interesting and inspiring performance he gave. More on that too...
For now, here's a couple interesting links I picked up on Boortz today:
Now that the country is going to San Francisco hell, I thought it time to re-evaluate.
The World's Smallest Political Quiz
I'm a conservative libertarian (big surprise).
40 Things That Only Happen in Movies
I have hope of moviestardom! I just need to find my comb...
Curleygirl v3.0 is growing away. Pregnancy the second time around has been very similar to the first time, though it seems this little girl is more active that Babygirl. If that's possible. Only 8 weeks to go, so we are all home for the holidays this year. Did I also mention that our good friend 'Nato is also home for the holidays? All the way from the madness commonly known as Iraq. Yay!
And then there was this wonderful pseudo-concert that Mapgeek and I went to the other night. It was at Big D's house and featured Francis Dunnery. British folksy, jazzy type music. I have lots to say about how good Mr. Dunnery is and what an interesting and inspiring performance he gave. More on that too...
For now, here's a couple interesting links I picked up on Boortz today:
Now that the country is going to San Francisco hell, I thought it time to re-evaluate.
The World's Smallest Political Quiz
I'm a conservative libertarian (big surprise).
40 Things That Only Happen in Movies
I have hope of moviestardom! I just need to find my comb...
Friday, August 25, 2006
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