The setting: the living room. Middle tends the fire. Youngest lounges in the leather chair, Oldest contemplates his wine.
Oldest: Hey, are we having that peppercorn sauce with the filet?
K (from the kitchen): Yeah.
Youngest: Ah, peppercorn sauce. Second only to unicorn sauce.
I've read Real Simple so you don't have to
It's been a lazy week, I think, though we have made countless trips to the supermarket. In fact, yesterday's trip to the supermarket turned out to be quite the adventure as we sat, unmoving, in traffic when the highway was shut down for one hour and 20 minutes. (Remind me to tell you about the instrumentation trick we pulled with the Jeep during that time.)
Anyway, I was sitting on my Christmas Cookie-fed ass this afternoon, wearing my $5.49 grey turtleneck and reading a copy of Real Simple that K brought home from work. I gave up reading Real Simple a few years ago when I discovered they print the same 12 articles each year but this one was free! (In other news, I'm hoping he'll get me the newest Esquire so I can read about The Meaning Of Life. True!)
I thought I would touch base, as it were, on a few of the things I saw in Real Simple and save you time and money.
Like this. Look at this!
Real Simple wants us to buy a $1000 handbag! They love it!
I love it too. Let me know if you buy it and I'll buy a plane ticket and come see it - it's cheaper.
I know, this is an ad. Did I say I wouldn't discuss ads? Well, I will. I've always shunned Aveeno products. I think they sound medicinal and, for some reason, make me think of my grandmother saying Novenas. Isn't that silly? Well, this winter one of my co-workers (hi M!) raved about her new Aveeno moisturizer and my skin has been terribly dry so I went and got some Aveeno and said a Novena and am here to report that the stuff is GREAT. I do wish it was scented but SAY LA VEE.
I can't even tell you how happy I am that this part of our lives is over. We went to Disney World twice. The first time was free (K was shooting there) but Youngest was too little so we went back with both grandmothers when he was older. We had a ton of fun but, sheesh, I'm glad we don't feel like we have to do it again. As it is, we are begging the boys to travel with us.
I'm a sucker for stuff like this, which is why I have at least four lip balms at all times. How did I not know about this one?
If you don't spend enough time obsessing about your weight you can buy this instrument designed to measure your caloric intake and output. Or something. I don't know, I turned the page too quickly to read further.
The editors at Real Simple are problem solvers. In this issue they suggest inserting a drinking straw into a glass bottle of ketchup to keep the bottle from clogging. I'd like to ask them when the last time was that they SAW a glass bottle of ketchup.
I love lists! Several pages follow of things to do if you have five minutes:
I need to write some thank-yous, thank you.
Not a five minute project unless you actually FIND the item.
Hmmm, I think, reading to myself...how often does this happen to people?
See? Where are we going to put that tremendous sculpture of a foot? It's problematic, to say the least. The $4000 chandelier on the next page, however, I could find a spot for.
The issue rounds out with food.
Pappardelle. Why don't we ever have pappardelle? Also, I need to learn to make a pork ragout.
And, speaking of pork,
note to me: read the list, buy some stuff, make a pork tenderloin.
My nose is dry too and I love this stuff.
He also brought me a copy of Paper.
I'll see what I can do.
Anyway, I was sitting on my Christmas Cookie-fed ass this afternoon, wearing my $5.49 grey turtleneck and reading a copy of Real Simple that K brought home from work. I gave up reading Real Simple a few years ago when I discovered they print the same 12 articles each year but this one was free! (In other news, I'm hoping he'll get me the newest Esquire so I can read about The Meaning Of Life. True!)
I thought I would touch base, as it were, on a few of the things I saw in Real Simple and save you time and money.
Like this. Look at this!
Real Simple wants us to buy a $1000 handbag! They love it!
I love it too. Let me know if you buy it and I'll buy a plane ticket and come see it - it's cheaper.
I know, this is an ad. Did I say I wouldn't discuss ads? Well, I will. I've always shunned Aveeno products. I think they sound medicinal and, for some reason, make me think of my grandmother saying Novenas. Isn't that silly? Well, this winter one of my co-workers (hi M!) raved about her new Aveeno moisturizer and my skin has been terribly dry so I went and got some Aveeno and said a Novena and am here to report that the stuff is GREAT. I do wish it was scented but SAY LA VEE.
I can't even tell you how happy I am that this part of our lives is over. We went to Disney World twice. The first time was free (K was shooting there) but Youngest was too little so we went back with both grandmothers when he was older. We had a ton of fun but, sheesh, I'm glad we don't feel like we have to do it again. As it is, we are begging the boys to travel with us.
I'm a sucker for stuff like this, which is why I have at least four lip balms at all times. How did I not know about this one?
If you don't spend enough time obsessing about your weight you can buy this instrument designed to measure your caloric intake and output. Or something. I don't know, I turned the page too quickly to read further.
The editors at Real Simple are problem solvers. In this issue they suggest inserting a drinking straw into a glass bottle of ketchup to keep the bottle from clogging. I'd like to ask them when the last time was that they SAW a glass bottle of ketchup.
I love lists! Several pages follow of things to do if you have five minutes:
I need to write some thank-yous, thank you.
Not a five minute project unless you actually FIND the item.
Hmmm, I think, reading to myself...how often does this happen to people?
See? Where are we going to put that tremendous sculpture of a foot? It's problematic, to say the least. The $4000 chandelier on the next page, however, I could find a spot for.
The issue rounds out with food.
Pappardelle. Why don't we ever have pappardelle? Also, I need to learn to make a pork ragout.
And, speaking of pork,
note to me: read the list, buy some stuff, make a pork tenderloin.
My nose is dry too and I love this stuff.
He also brought me a copy of Paper.
I'll see what I can do.
turtleneck update
I'm sure I'll find it now.
We had some errands to run and stopped at Old Navy.
My grey turtleneck was reduced to $5.49.
We had some errands to run and stopped at Old Navy.
My grey turtleneck was reduced to $5.49.
reward offered
A few weeks ago, when things seemed dire at my house, K and I spent a morning shopping as a means of distraction. We went to Old Navy and then to Target (where a sales person succeeded in making my cry by reprimanding me) and bought a bunch of stupid stuff like gift bags and tissue paper AND a grey cotton turtleneck.
An awful lot has happened between then and now but I know one thing.
I have worn that turtleneck and, perhaps, even washed it.
It was $9.95.
Why am I telling you about it?
Because I haven't seen it since....well, since about December 5th.
I have washed every article of clothing we own (sort of - a couple of people do their own laundry), shuffled through other people's wardrobes and drawers and accused each member of my family of making off with it.
Where the HELL is my grey turtleneck?
I'll give you five bucks for my grey turtleneck.
I spent half an hour, on Christmas morning, looking for my cheap, small, grey turtleneck.
It's making me crazy.
Thanks.
An awful lot has happened between then and now but I know one thing.
I have worn that turtleneck and, perhaps, even washed it.
It was $9.95.
Why am I telling you about it?
Because I haven't seen it since....well, since about December 5th.
I have washed every article of clothing we own (sort of - a couple of people do their own laundry), shuffled through other people's wardrobes and drawers and accused each member of my family of making off with it.
Where the HELL is my grey turtleneck?
I'll give you five bucks for my grey turtleneck.
I spent half an hour, on Christmas morning, looking for my cheap, small, grey turtleneck.
It's making me crazy.
Thanks.
the day after
It's just as it should be.
Christmas cookies.
Laptops. Couch. Fire.
Funniest damn present.
Coolest damn shoes.
Christmas cookies.
Laptops. Couch. Fire.
Funniest damn present.
Coolest damn shoes.
from the Tuvalu Weather Department
* HAZARDS... HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS... WITH CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW AND NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY AT TIMES.
* ACCUMULATIONS... 11 TO 16 INCHES... WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE IN HEAVIER SNOW BANDS WHOSE EXACT LOCATION IS STILL TOO EARLY TO DETERMINE. SNOW MAY MIX WITH OR CHANGE TO RAIN AND SLEET AT THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT ... BUT ONLY AFTER SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATIONS HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE.
* IMPACTS... EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS DEVELOPING DUE TO SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS... AND STRONG WINDS CAUSING CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW. VISIBILITIES WILL BE NEAR ZERO AT TIMES... WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS EXPECTED. STRONG WINDS MAY ALSO DOWN SOME POWER LINES... TREE LIMBS... AND CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.
* TIMING... LIGHT SNOW WILL LIKELY BEGIN DURING SUNDAY MORNING... THEN BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES FROM LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON INTO MUCH OF SUNDAY NIGHT. LIGHT SNOWS WILL LIKELY LINGER INTO MONDAY MORNING AND POSSIBLY INTO MONDAY AFTERNOON.
* WINDS... .DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM SUNDAY NIGHT... NORTH WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS 40 TO 55 MPH.
A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND POOR VISIBILITIES ARE LIKELY. THIS WILL LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS... MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. DO NOT TRAVEL. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL... HAVE A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT WITH YOU. IF YOU GET STRANDED... STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE.
god only knows
I have the soundtrack to Love Actually on my iPhone, thanks to Youngest, and last night, as my head was spinning (the party was a great success, the train-ride home not so much) it played over and over in my brain.
It's been an eventful year, here in Tuvalu. We have weathered several storms and celebrated occasional victories.
We are, at year's end, okay. And that's fine.
One thing remained constant, through jobs and joblessness, in hospitals and waiting rooms and recovery, through worry and doubt and joyfulness - we are together, the five of us.
We are tired and a little weathered but we have stood together this whole year and so, I say, with great sentimentality and appreciation, that I have no idea where I'd be without my four fellows.
We have cemented ourselves together, this past year and I couldn't be more proud...or grateful.
People don't always realize that hard things can have an upside. But I do.
My wish is that we continue to turn toward each other. My hope is that we always feel this way.
And for you?
What do I wish for for you in 2011?
Oceans. Beautiful sunsets over oceans.
Champagne with good friends.
Evening concerts...
fabulous black shoes, and love.
xo
bb
It's been an eventful year, here in Tuvalu. We have weathered several storms and celebrated occasional victories.
We are, at year's end, okay. And that's fine.
One thing remained constant, through jobs and joblessness, in hospitals and waiting rooms and recovery, through worry and doubt and joyfulness - we are together, the five of us.
We are tired and a little weathered but we have stood together this whole year and so, I say, with great sentimentality and appreciation, that I have no idea where I'd be without my four fellows.
We have cemented ourselves together, this past year and I couldn't be more proud...or grateful.
People don't always realize that hard things can have an upside. But I do.
My wish is that we continue to turn toward each other. My hope is that we always feel this way.
And for you?
What do I wish for for you in 2011?
Oceans. Beautiful sunsets over oceans.
Champagne with good friends.
Evening concerts...
fabulous black shoes, and love.
xo
bb
goings on
K spent a good part of Sunday rebuilding Youngest's laptop. It only took about four hours to discover that a small bit of debris was blocking the shift key, leading Youngest, and then K, to believe there was some kind of hard drive failure.
Youngest and I shot some fruit with expired epi-pens. I was really surprised at how hard my pen shot and now have a much better understanding of how much force is needed.
Middle and I replaced broken lights for the front porch and then K and I strung them. Oof, my hands were cold!
We're ready.
(My office party is tonight!)
now
You know, I've about had it with things that have never been.
For 2011, I'm voting for a little of the same-old.
the Survivor Finale
Look, I'm in no shape to do a line-by-line report over here.
I barely watched last week though I do know that Jane got voted off last week. I also know that Jane rocked the bikini. Sure she was old and wrinkly looking but she looked pretty damned good and, I'm guessing, was comfortable. I think they were stupid to vote her off as I cannot imagine she'll be an easy jury member.
Mom isn't ready for the recap. Sadly, Jeff can't hear her objections.
K insists that Brenda MUST have a modeling contract as of TOMORROW.
Chase and Sash played Immunity Idols and were safe...but, obviously, they can't be trusted.
No one is in a deeper hole than Fabio says Jeff. But he won the last Immunity Challenge.
Tonight is the last night. We're on Day 37.
Fabio thinks he's the next out. Or is it Holly?
He talks to Dan and Holly. He talks to Sash.
(Mom and I contemplate the Pepperidge Farm Cookie issue. Does one eat a full level of cookies? What does one do with the wee paper cup/dish thing?)
Back to the action, in the rain, at a challenge.
Run to stations, answer questions, retrieve puzzle pieces, solve the puzzle.
It's wet and the puzzle questions are fun.
Chase, Holly and Sash are all solving the puzzle.
Dan and Fabio are behind.
Fabio catches up quickly and he's tied with Sash.
Fabio wins!
Ack. Fabio wins and we have to hear about it. ANNOYING.
He wants Holly out first.
But Chase wants Dan out first.
Fabio tells Dan he may be next to go.
He needs to speak with Sash.
Dan approaches Sash. He makes a case for voting Holly out.
Fabio talks to Sash. Gosh this is boring. Are you guys bored with this? Is there going to be a memorial walk in which the contestants reminisce about their fallen comrades? Because, if there IS, I might have to go fold some laundry. Or something.
Holly confronts Sash and Fabio. She feels she has to trust her alliance. Can she?
They go to Tribal Council.
Holly is worried.
Dan explains that he doesn't need a million dollars and, therefore, is not a threat.
Once the votes are read...
Dan
Dan
Chase
Dan
Mom is sorry to see him go but I feel like he was a crappy player.
AND it sounds like he's going to be a nasty jury member.
The next morning the final four...OH, NO, it's just what I said! The Rite of Passage.
I'll be back in a few minutes.
One more present wrapped and I'm back to see Fabio win the final Immunity Challenge.
I could see him winning the whole thing. I'm not sure how I feel about that. He hasn't thrilled me.
(I've seen the last 40 minutes of Miracle On 34th Street three times this weekend and I just want to point out that Santa gives that tall fellow, from the Home For The Aged, an X-RAY machine for Christmas. I'm telling you as it took me three viewings to figure it out, which I could only do after watching the first third of the film AGAIN. FYI.)
At camp, Holly asks Chase to join her for a chat.
Sash is a little surprised that Fabio has won again and he says he'll do whatever he can to go to the final with Fabio. He discusses the jury votes with him. He tells Fabio he's his best friend in the game. Does Fabio believe him? I can't tell, but I wouldn't.
Chase tells him otherwise.
Holly lobbies to have Sash go next.
Fabio realizes that Holly has never done anything to him.
But would she win jury votes?
Such problems.
So, Holly, Sash, Fabio and Chase go to Tribal Council.
Fabio talks about his day.
Sash has to come clean about his alliance with Chase and Holly.
Fabio has to do some thinking.
They vote.
Sash, Holly, Holly, Holly. Sheesh. I'm not happy.
Has Fabio just won a million dollars?
The guys go back to camp.
They have the Last Meal. Lots of talk, plotting, maneuvering.
Each player has his own strategy.
They burn the camp (why? why do players do that?).
They go before the jury.
They'll each make their case and then be questioned by the jury.
Chase says he'll welcome the questions.
Fabio says he's had a ton of fun and not crossed anyone.
Sash reminds them that he's played differently and better.
The jury has at them, as juries do. Some make their peace, some make accusations.
I have no real opinion about who I think should win.
The jury votes...Jeff goes to Los Angeles...Jeff arrives in Los Angeles and starts to read the votes.
Fabio, Chase, Fabio, Chase, Chase, Chase, Fabio, Fabio, tied! Fabio wins!
Amazing!
Amazing and well done!
I barely watched last week though I do know that Jane got voted off last week. I also know that Jane rocked the bikini. Sure she was old and wrinkly looking but she looked pretty damned good and, I'm guessing, was comfortable. I think they were stupid to vote her off as I cannot imagine she'll be an easy jury member.
Mom isn't ready for the recap. Sadly, Jeff can't hear her objections.
K insists that Brenda MUST have a modeling contract as of TOMORROW.
Chase and Sash played Immunity Idols and were safe...but, obviously, they can't be trusted.
No one is in a deeper hole than Fabio says Jeff. But he won the last Immunity Challenge.
Tonight is the last night. We're on Day 37.
Fabio thinks he's the next out. Or is it Holly?
He talks to Dan and Holly. He talks to Sash.
(Mom and I contemplate the Pepperidge Farm Cookie issue. Does one eat a full level of cookies? What does one do with the wee paper cup/dish thing?)
Back to the action, in the rain, at a challenge.
Run to stations, answer questions, retrieve puzzle pieces, solve the puzzle.
It's wet and the puzzle questions are fun.
Chase, Holly and Sash are all solving the puzzle.
Dan and Fabio are behind.
Fabio catches up quickly and he's tied with Sash.
Fabio wins!
Ack. Fabio wins and we have to hear about it. ANNOYING.
He wants Holly out first.
But Chase wants Dan out first.
Fabio tells Dan he may be next to go.
He needs to speak with Sash.
Dan approaches Sash. He makes a case for voting Holly out.
Fabio talks to Sash. Gosh this is boring. Are you guys bored with this? Is there going to be a memorial walk in which the contestants reminisce about their fallen comrades? Because, if there IS, I might have to go fold some laundry. Or something.
Holly confronts Sash and Fabio. She feels she has to trust her alliance. Can she?
They go to Tribal Council.
Holly is worried.
Dan explains that he doesn't need a million dollars and, therefore, is not a threat.
Once the votes are read...
Dan
Dan
Chase
Dan
Mom is sorry to see him go but I feel like he was a crappy player.
AND it sounds like he's going to be a nasty jury member.
The next morning the final four...OH, NO, it's just what I said! The Rite of Passage.
I'll be back in a few minutes.
One more present wrapped and I'm back to see Fabio win the final Immunity Challenge.
I could see him winning the whole thing. I'm not sure how I feel about that. He hasn't thrilled me.
(I've seen the last 40 minutes of Miracle On 34th Street three times this weekend and I just want to point out that Santa gives that tall fellow, from the Home For The Aged, an X-RAY machine for Christmas. I'm telling you as it took me three viewings to figure it out, which I could only do after watching the first third of the film AGAIN. FYI.)
At camp, Holly asks Chase to join her for a chat.
Sash is a little surprised that Fabio has won again and he says he'll do whatever he can to go to the final with Fabio. He discusses the jury votes with him. He tells Fabio he's his best friend in the game. Does Fabio believe him? I can't tell, but I wouldn't.
Chase tells him otherwise.
Holly lobbies to have Sash go next.
Fabio realizes that Holly has never done anything to him.
But would she win jury votes?
Such problems.
So, Holly, Sash, Fabio and Chase go to Tribal Council.
Fabio talks about his day.
Sash has to come clean about his alliance with Chase and Holly.
Fabio has to do some thinking.
They vote.
Sash, Holly, Holly, Holly. Sheesh. I'm not happy.
Has Fabio just won a million dollars?
The guys go back to camp.
They have the Last Meal. Lots of talk, plotting, maneuvering.
Each player has his own strategy.
They burn the camp (why? why do players do that?).
They go before the jury.
They'll each make their case and then be questioned by the jury.
Chase says he'll welcome the questions.
Fabio says he's had a ton of fun and not crossed anyone.
Sash reminds them that he's played differently and better.
The jury has at them, as juries do. Some make their peace, some make accusations.
I have no real opinion about who I think should win.
The jury votes...Jeff goes to Los Angeles...Jeff arrives in Los Angeles and starts to read the votes.
Fabio, Chase, Fabio, Chase, Chase, Chase, Fabio, Fabio, tied! Fabio wins!
Amazing!
Amazing and well done!
it's coming on Christmas
The presents are wrapped (note to me: expecting one more each for Middle and Oldest) and our tiny tree is up and I've watched Love Actually (skipping over parts I couldn't bear this year).
I need to make a food-present for my boss (so hard gifting the boss!) and mean to make the cookies the boys love but do not have the energy and am planning to do it during the holiday break.
Yesterday, after taking Youngest to the dentist (file under: more medical drama)(for me, not him, he takes things in stride) we decided to explore the year-end options for the renewal of our Jeep lease.
K wanted a red one. And so, a red one we shall have. Next week sometime. No navigation (iPhone GPS!), no Bluetooth (iPhones on speakerphone!) no heated seats (cloth!).
We are being very thrifty and I was terribly excited to haggle with the salesman over $19 a month and win.
Off to the supermarket.
Oh! And! The Survivor Finale is tonight. I'll cover it if you'd like.
I need to make a food-present for my boss (so hard gifting the boss!) and mean to make the cookies the boys love but do not have the energy and am planning to do it during the holiday break.
Yesterday, after taking Youngest to the dentist (file under: more medical drama)(for me, not him, he takes things in stride) we decided to explore the year-end options for the renewal of our Jeep lease.
K wanted a red one. And so, a red one we shall have. Next week sometime. No navigation (iPhone GPS!), no Bluetooth (iPhones on speakerphone!) no heated seats (cloth!).
We are being very thrifty and I was terribly excited to haggle with the salesman over $19 a month and win.
Off to the supermarket.
Oh! And! The Survivor Finale is tonight. I'll cover it if you'd like.
yesterday and the future
I took Youngest to four appointments yesterday.
THEN we ate McDonalds. We hadn't had McDonalds in over a year, not that I'm making excuses.
I should have had a Big Mac. I love the Big Mac. Instead, I went with the Angus Burger with cheese and bacon, which was good, but not the same kind of thing. To my mind, McDonalds should taste like a Big Mac and not try to taste like a burger joint.
Aren't you glad you clicked over here?
FOUR appointments.
He's better. And he has a benign cardiac issue. You know, because he's Youngest.
But, enough of that!
Have I mentioned that KT and I have organized The Holiday Party?
We did. We have - it's next Tuesday and I am looking forward.
I've browsed around for something to wear but have settled on something in my closet...but that doesn't mean I didn't have a little look over at AllSaints.
I swear, these captions could write themselves.
Beautiful Dress For Drunk.
(I happen to know that this skirt is exquisite.)
Aleve.
It's a rotator cuff injury.
I don't even know. I had no idea it was even possible to cross one's ankles and stand. Perhaps it isn't.
It's icy cold here in the Greater Tuvalu Area and there is actual ice in a lot of places.
I'm off to the dentist but I think you should go read this.
THEN we ate McDonalds. We hadn't had McDonalds in over a year, not that I'm making excuses.
I should have had a Big Mac. I love the Big Mac. Instead, I went with the Angus Burger with cheese and bacon, which was good, but not the same kind of thing. To my mind, McDonalds should taste like a Big Mac and not try to taste like a burger joint.
Aren't you glad you clicked over here?
FOUR appointments.
He's better. And he has a benign cardiac issue. You know, because he's Youngest.
But, enough of that!
Have I mentioned that KT and I have organized The Holiday Party?
We did. We have - it's next Tuesday and I am looking forward.
I've browsed around for something to wear but have settled on something in my closet...but that doesn't mean I didn't have a little look over at AllSaints.
I swear, these captions could write themselves.
Beautiful Dress For Drunk.
(I happen to know that this skirt is exquisite.)
Aleve.
It's a rotator cuff injury.
I don't even know. I had no idea it was even possible to cross one's ankles and stand. Perhaps it isn't.
It's icy cold here in the Greater Tuvalu Area and there is actual ice in a lot of places.
I'm off to the dentist but I think you should go read this.
notes from the office
Every day I email the bunch I eat lunch with to see who's ordering in/walking out to buy food.
Here's today's:
Can I suggest mixed drinks for today?
Can we have them delivered?
Doesn’t matter. I can get a bartender over here in 30 minutes.
Here's today's:
Can I suggest mixed drinks for today?
Can we have them delivered?
Doesn’t matter. I can get a bartender over here in 30 minutes.
shoes
Do you have any idea how many pictures of shoes I have on my flickr? No. Neither do I as I didn't see an easy way to count them.
But here! You can watch a slide show of them! Not that I imagine you will.
I read, this morning about proxys (proxies? proxy services, yes, that's it) who will, for a fee, purchase goods for you in other countries and ship them. I'm not sure I can afford things from Japan, for example, and, elsewhere I have Paola, Eurolush, Kim, Alice, oh, and for a few more days my dear friend W (don't make me link, please - we all know these ladies).
You remember my dear friend W, don't you? He gave up everything in Tuvalu for a woman he'd fallen for in Paris (cue dreamy music and then make that record-scratching noise as you tear the needle across the vinyl). Yes, well. It didn't go well and he's living in an unoccupied flat with no heat in snowy, cold, dreadful Paris and we are very much looking forward to having him at our Saturday dinner table SOON.
I think I am done Christmas shopping. Wait, I'm wrong. Does Oldest reallyreallyreally want a Star Wars replica blaster or a new snowboarding jacket? He's torn. I'm leaning toward outerwear. So! Done!
Oh! I nearly forgot. Alice, that little minx, introduced me to Pinterest and I have been sucked in! I don't even know how many Pinterest pinners there are but I do know that I had to wait a week to receive an invitation and as soon as I started pinning (which is a wonderful thing to do as every pretty thing you SEE can be put in ONE PLACE) people started repinning my things and I'm sure it's all supposed to be a grand social media whirl but I haven't read about it...weeeeeeeeeeeee! Anywho, it's a lovely place to waste an hour looking at lovely things. Am I running out of adjectives?
Food shopping and the Apple store. I'll have an iPhone for Christmas, please.
But here! You can watch a slide show of them! Not that I imagine you will.
I read, this morning about proxys (proxies? proxy services, yes, that's it) who will, for a fee, purchase goods for you in other countries and ship them. I'm not sure I can afford things from Japan, for example, and, elsewhere I have Paola, Eurolush, Kim, Alice, oh, and for a few more days my dear friend W (don't make me link, please - we all know these ladies).
You remember my dear friend W, don't you? He gave up everything in Tuvalu for a woman he'd fallen for in Paris (cue dreamy music and then make that record-scratching noise as you tear the needle across the vinyl). Yes, well. It didn't go well and he's living in an unoccupied flat with no heat in snowy, cold, dreadful Paris and we are very much looking forward to having him at our Saturday dinner table SOON.
I think I am done Christmas shopping. Wait, I'm wrong. Does Oldest reallyreallyreally want a Star Wars replica blaster or a new snowboarding jacket? He's torn. I'm leaning toward outerwear. So! Done!
Oh! I nearly forgot. Alice, that little minx, introduced me to Pinterest and I have been sucked in! I don't even know how many Pinterest pinners there are but I do know that I had to wait a week to receive an invitation and as soon as I started pinning (which is a wonderful thing to do as every pretty thing you SEE can be put in ONE PLACE) people started repinning my things and I'm sure it's all supposed to be a grand social media whirl but I haven't read about it...weeeeeeeeeeeee! Anywho, it's a lovely place to waste an hour looking at lovely things. Am I running out of adjectives?
Food shopping and the Apple store. I'll have an iPhone for Christmas, please.
the thing is
It's been a rough couple of weeks out here in Tuvalu - lots on our plates, and though not all of it was bad (K is doing another wonderful gig through January) some of it has been a little harrowing.
I know I've alarmed several of you but, truly, things will be fine, and when I read The Thing Is it was completely appropriate for what I was feeling at the time.
So.
All will be well. But, maybe, not till this weekend. Or even next Wednesday.
And I do so appreciate your thinking of us.
And I'll be back soon and we can talk about shoes, I promise.
I know I've alarmed several of you but, truly, things will be fine, and when I read The Thing Is it was completely appropriate for what I was feeling at the time.
So.
All will be well. But, maybe, not till this weekend. Or even next Wednesday.
And I do so appreciate your thinking of us.
And I'll be back soon and we can talk about shoes, I promise.
The Thing Is
to love life, to love it even
when you have no stomach for it
and everything you’ve held dear
crumbles like burnt paper in your hands,
your throat filled with the silt of it.
When grief sits with you, its tropical heat
thickening the air, heavy as water
more fit for gills than lungs;
when grief weights you like your own flesh
only more of it, an obesity of grief,
you think, How can a body withstand this?
Then you hold life like a face
between your palms, a plain face,
no charming smile, no violet eyes,
and you say, yes, I will take you
I will love you, again.
when you have no stomach for it
and everything you’ve held dear
crumbles like burnt paper in your hands,
your throat filled with the silt of it.
When grief sits with you, its tropical heat
thickening the air, heavy as water
more fit for gills than lungs;
when grief weights you like your own flesh
only more of it, an obesity of grief,
you think, How can a body withstand this?
Then you hold life like a face
between your palms, a plain face,
no charming smile, no violet eyes,
and you say, yes, I will take you
I will love you, again.
Ellen Bass
And all shall be well and
All manner of thing shall be well.
And all shall be well and
All manner of thing shall be well.
notes from the commute
I sat behind Cole-Haan yesterday.
I'm not sure he saw me when he sat down, but I know he noticed me when he stood to leave.
Sadly, I think he may have become confused as the woman sitting next to me was wearing:
the very same long down puffy coat
black gloves
sunglasses
and had the same haircut I have.
Poor fellow.
I did see that he had spectacularly subtle brown suede laced shoes...and that he was sitting with the smelly woman.
So it goes.
I'm not sure he saw me when he sat down, but I know he noticed me when he stood to leave.
Sadly, I think he may have become confused as the woman sitting next to me was wearing:
the very same long down puffy coat
black gloves
sunglasses
and had the same haircut I have.
Poor fellow.
I did see that he had spectacularly subtle brown suede laced shoes...and that he was sitting with the smelly woman.
So it goes.
it was 20 years ago today
Twenty years ago, I had a check-up and then went out to dinner with my beloved K and his employers, two sisters who produced Japanese commercials. It had been a long but successful shoot (for what? I don't remember) and I was expecting a baby on December 21st.
We met at a beautiful restaurant, one of K's favorites, now gone, and had a sumptuous meal.
I was a little uncomfortable but not in any pain. I had some wine! K had lots of wine.
It was delicious. It was an enchanted evening.
We went home and went to bed and my water broke.
I had a hard time waking K. I called my brother B, he commandeered a taxi, he came and babysat Oldest, we went to the hospital.
It wasn't an especially difficult labor (time heals all memories), I had a teeny baby (two pounds smaller than Oldest), we rejoiced and named him. Then we changed our minds and named him again.
We marveled at how beautiful he was. We were awed at how silent he was (he still is).
He was and is a wondrous complement to our family.
He is driven and talented and lovely.
He is 20 today, our Middle, and we couldn't be more proud.
We met at a beautiful restaurant, one of K's favorites, now gone, and had a sumptuous meal.
I was a little uncomfortable but not in any pain. I had some wine! K had lots of wine.
It was delicious. It was an enchanted evening.
We went home and went to bed and my water broke.
I had a hard time waking K. I called my brother B, he commandeered a taxi, he came and babysat Oldest, we went to the hospital.
It wasn't an especially difficult labor (time heals all memories), I had a teeny baby (two pounds smaller than Oldest), we rejoiced and named him. Then we changed our minds and named him again.
We marveled at how beautiful he was. We were awed at how silent he was (he still is).
He was and is a wondrous complement to our family.
He is driven and talented and lovely.
He is 20 today, our Middle, and we couldn't be more proud.
links from Middle
First, there's this, which is just fabulous:
And, then, I sent him this because we (Middle and me) are all about the giant devices.
Have I told you about our corkscrew invention? The one that involves a mule?
Well, the one we envision is even bigger than this:
Majestic, non?
Then we got into this kind of thing, which brought us, quickly, to this, which, I think, I've blogged before.
Doesn't matter, it's still funny as hell.
We had a brief Michael Jordan conversation.
I have no beef with Michael Jordan or Bill Gates, surprisingly.
The whole conversation, which took place whilst sitting next to each other with our laptops, rounded out with this video:
which is icing on my/our cake, don't you think?
And, then, I sent him this because we (Middle and me) are all about the giant devices.
Have I told you about our corkscrew invention? The one that involves a mule?
Well, the one we envision is even bigger than this:
Majestic, non?
Then we got into this kind of thing, which brought us, quickly, to this, which, I think, I've blogged before.
Doesn't matter, it's still funny as hell.
We had a brief Michael Jordan conversation.
I have no beef with Michael Jordan or Bill Gates, surprisingly.
The whole conversation, which took place whilst sitting next to each other with our laptops, rounded out with this video:
which is icing on my/our cake, don't you think?
I work with great people
It's been a hellish week. Not at work, mind you, but at home.
My Youngest is doing poorly and I am rattled.
What makes it easier is going off to my job. I know that may sound a little strange, but, in the past, when Youngest has been ill I've only been able to sit on my hands. Now I have a distraction. I'm still available when he needs me but I have my own life too. I suppose it's also a metaphor for having an older child. He doesn't need me in the same way.
ANYWAY.
This week at work the balloon handlers continued to bask in the afterglow of our experience, hilarity ensued at lunch-time on several occasions and I quietly reveled in the comfortable relationships I have with several co-workers.
My friend J spent much of the week working with a celebrity/socialite on a project and came back with wonderful stories to tell. My friend A is watching her beloved dog live out his last weeks which is bittersweet for me to hear about. I am enjoying the company of C, who is new to the staff and completely delightful.
About a month ago it became obvious that a young woman who sits down the hall from me was pregnant. I was polite and discreet about it as she is shy and very quiet - but I was excited. At some point she was teasing with her boss about it and I joined in, defending her, and, happily, taking part in the teasing. When we had a minute alone later in the day I told her how happy I am for her. We laughed over wearing the same blousey tops from H&M, newly purchased. Yesterday, she passed me in the hall and lowered her eyes and whispered it's a girl! and I wanted to squeal. She's the perfect girl-mom. I could see how thrilled she was. I walked away excited for her but also so happy that she told me. It was like being included in a joyous secret.
I haven't had a minute, all week, to visit with A, at the back of the office. Finally, today, I got a chance to see him. We had so much to tell each other we stepped on each other's words. He's the same age as Oldest but totally different. I love chatting with him about fashion and music and what he's up to. I had to run back to my office after a bit but he pressed a note in my hand with four words on it:
Bibio - the fabulous background music he had playing softly in his office.
Gargyle - beautiful shopping to explore.
Rachel Comey - he thinks I should have these shoes! I quite agree.
How lucky am I?
My Youngest is doing poorly and I am rattled.
What makes it easier is going off to my job. I know that may sound a little strange, but, in the past, when Youngest has been ill I've only been able to sit on my hands. Now I have a distraction. I'm still available when he needs me but I have my own life too. I suppose it's also a metaphor for having an older child. He doesn't need me in the same way.
ANYWAY.
This week at work the balloon handlers continued to bask in the afterglow of our experience, hilarity ensued at lunch-time on several occasions and I quietly reveled in the comfortable relationships I have with several co-workers.
My friend J spent much of the week working with a celebrity/socialite on a project and came back with wonderful stories to tell. My friend A is watching her beloved dog live out his last weeks which is bittersweet for me to hear about. I am enjoying the company of C, who is new to the staff and completely delightful.
About a month ago it became obvious that a young woman who sits down the hall from me was pregnant. I was polite and discreet about it as she is shy and very quiet - but I was excited. At some point she was teasing with her boss about it and I joined in, defending her, and, happily, taking part in the teasing. When we had a minute alone later in the day I told her how happy I am for her. We laughed over wearing the same blousey tops from H&M, newly purchased. Yesterday, she passed me in the hall and lowered her eyes and whispered it's a girl! and I wanted to squeal. She's the perfect girl-mom. I could see how thrilled she was. I walked away excited for her but also so happy that she told me. It was like being included in a joyous secret.
I haven't had a minute, all week, to visit with A, at the back of the office. Finally, today, I got a chance to see him. We had so much to tell each other we stepped on each other's words. He's the same age as Oldest but totally different. I love chatting with him about fashion and music and what he's up to. I had to run back to my office after a bit but he pressed a note in my hand with four words on it:
Bibio - the fabulous background music he had playing softly in his office.
Gargyle - beautiful shopping to explore.
Rachel Comey - he thinks I should have these shoes! I quite agree.
How lucky am I?
of interest to no one but myself, perhaps
The same things keep cropping up around me.
Verbally, visually, it's a little strange.
For example, I spent the day with Youngest yesterday, who is doing poorly but will be well in time, thank you, and amidst the three thousand questions a doctor asked him was the usual any allergies question, to which he replied that he is allergic to horses, pine trees and dust, all proved out with blood tests last year. We were in the ER at the time and a bracelet was made for him toot sweet which said: HORSES in the space normally reserved for PENICILLIN. I find that humorous.
Earlier in the week we were all marveling at this! And not only do we think the very IDEA of a chalkboard horse is GENIUS, but we did the math and have seen that it is LUCRATIVE as well! I do believe the gift of a chalkboard horse is brilliant and would encourage you to purchase one. TOOT SWEET.
Then, today, I arrived at my office and received a thank-you from a little girl and what has she done? Illustrated the card WITH A HORSE.
Finally, I read through my subscriptions on Google Reader and spied this.
So. Horses. Everywhere.
I rode the train this morning with a woman I've been spying on for some time. She is very tiny and has a distinct Linda Hunt look. She has a very expensive handbag and discreet but important jewelry. She reads a lot of magazines and has a wee tiny Barbour jacket and nicely tailored trousers and lives in my town and works down the block from my office. (Imagine? I see her in the parking lot at the train station and then ride or walk downtown with her and she continues on to a building just past my office, much like Cole-Haan.)
Today she sat next to me and settled herself in and began reading and I realized, much to my horror, that her air (not her breath, exactly, as I could not directly smell her breath) smelled terrible! I grabbed some gum and attempted to breathe through my scarf to no avail. Strangely, my iPod was of some comfort. Don't ask me how.
I simply cannot believe that Christmas is upon us. I mean, I realize that it is three weeks away but, surely, that time will pass in a flash. I'm not ready. I'm not going to be ready.
Finally, I'm watching The Men Who Stare At Goats. I've seen it four times now, in various pieces, and have to say that I didn't think much of it the first couple of times. Now, however, I do believe it's pretty good. Even if you don't agree, I think we can all say that there's nothing wrong with looking at George Clooney for an hour and forty minutes.
Verbally, visually, it's a little strange.
For example, I spent the day with Youngest yesterday, who is doing poorly but will be well in time, thank you, and amidst the three thousand questions a doctor asked him was the usual any allergies question, to which he replied that he is allergic to horses, pine trees and dust, all proved out with blood tests last year. We were in the ER at the time and a bracelet was made for him toot sweet which said: HORSES in the space normally reserved for PENICILLIN. I find that humorous.
Earlier in the week we were all marveling at this! And not only do we think the very IDEA of a chalkboard horse is GENIUS, but we did the math and have seen that it is LUCRATIVE as well! I do believe the gift of a chalkboard horse is brilliant and would encourage you to purchase one. TOOT SWEET.
Then, today, I arrived at my office and received a thank-you from a little girl and what has she done? Illustrated the card WITH A HORSE.
Finally, I read through my subscriptions on Google Reader and spied this.
So. Horses. Everywhere.
I rode the train this morning with a woman I've been spying on for some time. She is very tiny and has a distinct Linda Hunt look. She has a very expensive handbag and discreet but important jewelry. She reads a lot of magazines and has a wee tiny Barbour jacket and nicely tailored trousers and lives in my town and works down the block from my office. (Imagine? I see her in the parking lot at the train station and then ride or walk downtown with her and she continues on to a building just past my office, much like Cole-Haan.)
Today she sat next to me and settled herself in and began reading and I realized, much to my horror, that her air (not her breath, exactly, as I could not directly smell her breath) smelled terrible! I grabbed some gum and attempted to breathe through my scarf to no avail. Strangely, my iPod was of some comfort. Don't ask me how.
I simply cannot believe that Christmas is upon us. I mean, I realize that it is three weeks away but, surely, that time will pass in a flash. I'm not ready. I'm not going to be ready.
Finally, I'm watching The Men Who Stare At Goats. I've seen it four times now, in various pieces, and have to say that I didn't think much of it the first couple of times. Now, however, I do believe it's pretty good. Even if you don't agree, I think we can all say that there's nothing wrong with looking at George Clooney for an hour and forty minutes.
Survivor
I only saw the last half hour but it doesn't matter!
Naonka and Purple Kelly (she could have been called two-legged Kelly!) both quit!
Quit, I tell you, and we hate them for it.
Okay, hate may be a strong word, but we don't take kindly to quitters and we were equally appalled that they are now on the jury.
Don't you think people who quit should go home? Not back to the hotel?
In other news: I'm half done with my Christmas shopping.
Naonka and Purple Kelly (she could have been called two-legged Kelly!) both quit!
Quit, I tell you, and we hate them for it.
Okay, hate may be a strong word, but we don't take kindly to quitters and we were equally appalled that they are now on the jury.
Don't you think people who quit should go home? Not back to the hotel?
In other news: I'm half done with my Christmas shopping.
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