Not seen: Survivor.
Yeah. Sorry about that but Wednesdays are complicated in Tuvalu.
W visits between guitar lessons, Oldest heads out to his friend's house, the tutor arrives, I get home, K is home and cooks dinner. It's a little crazy and last night I never sat down to watch.
Seen: As I was getting up to leave the train last night I noticed a fellow in a New Zealand All Blacks cap. It was a great looking little hat and I tried to catch his eye so I could tell him so but it was not to be. You remember the All Blacks, don't you?
I may need to invent my own Haka.
Seen: whilst shopping for some sweatpants for Youngest, my eyes did spy a wonderful ruffled skirt in Old Navy. (No picture.) It was jersey knit and black (kell supreeze) and fell to my knees. And I nearly fell to my knees when I spied the price. $32.50. As any experienced ON shopper can tell you the thirty dollar range is reserved for coats and dresses and boots, not skirts. But I was feeling, momentarily, flush, having had a small financial windfall, and brought the skirt with my other purchases to the register. The kind lady behind the counter rang my things up and folded them and put them in a bag, but, when she got to the skirt she stopped.
This is a nice new skirt. We got it in today!
I smiled and looked askance as I was feeling a little guilty about the price-tag.
Thirty two fifty? This skirt is...wait...really?
I know, I said cautiously, it's a lot for Old Navy.
A lot? It's crazy...this skirt...her voice trailed off as she shook her head.
I know! It should be $24.50. Or even on sale for $19.90! I offered.
She just looked at me. She blinked.
I don't want it, I said, did you already ring it up? Take it off.
She said nothing but shook her head yes and finished my sale.
Fifty two fifty. That's what this should cost, she said and folded the skirt and set it aside, packing two pair of sweatpants and three tee shirts.
I handed her my credit card and smiled. We both knew what we were doing and it was a satisfying purchase. Sweatpants and shorts for Youngest and three tees for me.
Heard: I've just fetched Middle from the train. He spent the day shooting in the rain at a race track.
You know how you record the sound of a race car? You take a wireless lav pack, you put it in the trunk, you hang the microphone out the trunk, you take your sock off, put the mic in the sock, tape it to the bumper above the exhaust. Driver says, do you want some rev limiter noises? I say sure. Donuts and burnouts ensue around the hairpin. Driver says: how's that? I say great. I got great b-roll of his hands on the steering wheel.
Felt: Middle tells me that he used good judgement when he declined to stand in the middle of the track to get a shot as the cars sped toward him. I am relieved.
care and feeding
So many nice people wrote to me about my dry grey hair!
I should tell you that I'm doing a deep condition once a week and a using a leave-in conditioner at least once a week. I'm also going to pick up some of this because I love the scent of it.
AND I use blue shampoo that the Hair Genius gave me which I sometimes mix with my sulfate-free shampoo on the advice of a fellow white-haired lady. Finally, I don't wash it every day.
So? Pretty much under control though I did feel the need to mention its texture as it feels so very different.
I've been made a member of the Blog Board at my job. We did, as you may remember, an internal blog for about a year, which I originated. It was lovely, really, and functioned as a sort of company newsletter and opened the employees to the idea of a corporate blog which has now been approved and is almost ready to fly. Not only will I be posting here and at BlogHer (which recently syndicated my second Men Of Toast post) but I'll be helping to inspire/recruit and write with co-workers on a marketing driven blog. It will be interesting for me to write with my own voice, in a slightly more corporate tone, with my real name on the posts. Several bloggers I know have, of late, dropped their pseudonym and started claiming their blogs for themselves or stopped blogging all together. I have come from the time where it was somewhat prudent to protect the identities of, at least, my kids and now I'm not sure I'm ready to give up being bb. So many people know me as bb. I'm not sure I want to - or have to, but I'm kicking it around.
The other item a lot of people weighed in on was the dress for the wedding party, and, honestly, what would I do without you all to bounce these things off? A couple of people suggested I browse Shabby Apple where I saw this:
which I like very much. But I have some kind of Shabby Apple mental block. Is it that there are too many variables? Do the dresses seem to be sort of stiff and bulky? Is it the cut? The styles? I can't get my head around it. Fill me in! I know people love their stuff.
Then I realized that I've want this dress FOREVER -
It's the Uniform Project Little Black Dress and I have coveted it for the longest time.
It's got ME written all over it.
I'm very excited.
What else? I've successfully enrolled Youngest in summer classes at the Fine Arts University Of His Choice for July (tight deadline, much competition, wonky website), I got my boss off to Europe with just a few days notice, I convinced K to make me Guinness Beef Stew tonight.
It is absurdly cold here so I won't be taking out the spring things this weekend.
I thought you might want to know that too.
I should tell you that I'm doing a deep condition once a week and a using a leave-in conditioner at least once a week. I'm also going to pick up some of this because I love the scent of it.
AND I use blue shampoo that the Hair Genius gave me which I sometimes mix with my sulfate-free shampoo on the advice of a fellow white-haired lady. Finally, I don't wash it every day.
So? Pretty much under control though I did feel the need to mention its texture as it feels so very different.
I've been made a member of the Blog Board at my job. We did, as you may remember, an internal blog for about a year, which I originated. It was lovely, really, and functioned as a sort of company newsletter and opened the employees to the idea of a corporate blog which has now been approved and is almost ready to fly. Not only will I be posting here and at BlogHer (which recently syndicated my second Men Of Toast post) but I'll be helping to inspire/recruit and write with co-workers on a marketing driven blog. It will be interesting for me to write with my own voice, in a slightly more corporate tone, with my real name on the posts. Several bloggers I know have, of late, dropped their pseudonym and started claiming their blogs for themselves or stopped blogging all together. I have come from the time where it was somewhat prudent to protect the identities of, at least, my kids and now I'm not sure I'm ready to give up being bb. So many people know me as bb. I'm not sure I want to - or have to, but I'm kicking it around.
The other item a lot of people weighed in on was the dress for the wedding party, and, honestly, what would I do without you all to bounce these things off? A couple of people suggested I browse Shabby Apple where I saw this:
which I like very much. But I have some kind of Shabby Apple mental block. Is it that there are too many variables? Do the dresses seem to be sort of stiff and bulky? Is it the cut? The styles? I can't get my head around it. Fill me in! I know people love their stuff.
Then I realized that I've want this dress FOREVER -
It's the Uniform Project Little Black Dress and I have coveted it for the longest time.
It's got ME written all over it.
I'm very excited.
What else? I've successfully enrolled Youngest in summer classes at the Fine Arts University Of His Choice for July (tight deadline, much competition, wonky website), I got my boss off to Europe with just a few days notice, I convinced K to make me Guinness Beef Stew tonight.
It is absurdly cold here so I won't be taking out the spring things this weekend.
I thought you might want to know that too.
Saturday Sunday tra la la
Where was I?
I'll be happy to have this voting business done with, I'll tell you that. It's clear that I am one of the top 25 funniest moms on the internet now that The Circle Of Moms has said so, which is, on it's own, kind of funny to me as I don't see myself as a mommy blogger. But you know that.
What did I do this weekend?
Well, I'm parked in front of a fire with a a glass of wine and the Bourne Identity right now.
Poor Clive Owen.
I love the Bourne movies you know. I adore Franka Potente.
What else?
I've been browsing the internet for a dress to wear to a wedding party.
I'd really like this
but it's terribly expensive. Before the belt.
I'll have a nice bag to go with, thank you...
I don't have a "good" bag and I should as I've seen what daily wear and tear do to accessories in the working world. I bought a bag for $65 about a month ago and the lining is falling apart. Perhaps I'll ask for a "good" bag for Christmas.
I know, it's a non sequitur. Just go with it.
Could I rock this top for the wedding party? Can you, possibly, ignore the headband? Difficult, isn't it?
Dinner. Saturday. Wonderful.
The five of us, sitting around, laughing and eating. I'm hungry now.
These boots
are on sale at FreePeople. Go get em, cause they're cool.
I've seen lots of good layers whilst browsing.
I need to remember these outfits when I get dressed tomorrow.
And I could pack some Holland things for K...
I wear this outfit! all. the. time. (Okay. Without the tie.)
My hair?
A lot of people call it blonde. I say it's pretty damn grey.
It's terribly dry but I love it.
I'll be happy to have this voting business done with, I'll tell you that. It's clear that I am one of the top 25 funniest moms on the internet now that The Circle Of Moms has said so, which is, on it's own, kind of funny to me as I don't see myself as a mommy blogger. But you know that.
What did I do this weekend?
Well, I'm parked in front of a fire with a a glass of wine and the Bourne Identity right now.
Poor Clive Owen.
I love the Bourne movies you know. I adore Franka Potente.
What else?
I've been browsing the internet for a dress to wear to a wedding party.
I'd really like this
but it's terribly expensive. Before the belt.
I'll have a nice bag to go with, thank you...
I don't have a "good" bag and I should as I've seen what daily wear and tear do to accessories in the working world. I bought a bag for $65 about a month ago and the lining is falling apart. Perhaps I'll ask for a "good" bag for Christmas.
I've worn out shoes, a coat, two watch straps...I could go on, but I won't. It's a different life with different requirements.
Isn't this a lovely sphinx?
I know, it's a non sequitur. Just go with it.
Could I rock this top for the wedding party? Can you, possibly, ignore the headband? Difficult, isn't it?
Dinner. Saturday. Wonderful.
The five of us, sitting around, laughing and eating. I'm hungry now.
These boots
are on sale at FreePeople. Go get em, cause they're cool.
I've seen lots of good layers whilst browsing.
I need to remember these outfits when I get dressed tomorrow.
And I could pack some Holland things for K...
I wear this outfit! all. the. time. (Okay. Without the tie.)
My hair?
A lot of people call it blonde. I say it's pretty damn grey.
It's terribly dry but I love it.
trench
An internet friend of mine once sent me a gift card to AllSaints. This kind act resulted in weekly emails from them, which is handy as their clothing is shown on models and it is impossible to determine how AllSaints clothes look without a human form underneath them.
Anyway...today I got an email about new spring outwear, and I have concerns.
I’m thinking lightweight shower proof Italian double combination technical fabric is a lot of words that add up to “water repellent.” Is the second mention of double a typo?
Goodge is not a good name for anything, and it’s internally bound? (Thinking about it now, I realize, of course a Goodge is internally bound.) No time to spend on that uncomfortable detail, as I must ponder the self fabric back neck buggy whilst I add subtle twill woven memory taffeta and textured luster contrast to the already complicated textile information.
And, after all that, one needs this expression to wear it.
Anyway...today I got an email about new spring outwear, and I have concerns.
Double breasted Trench made from lightweight shower proof Italian double combination technical fabric, shorter length for evening, featuring an oversized front yoke detail and signature AllSaints branded horn buttons.
The Goodge St Trench is unlined and internally bound, with a self fabric back neck buggy and fully lined sleeves; the coat is paneled with a subtle twill woven memory taffeta and textured luster contrast.
I’m thinking lightweight shower proof Italian double combination technical fabric is a lot of words that add up to “water repellent.” Is the second mention of double a typo?
Goodge is not a good name for anything, and it’s internally bound? (Thinking about it now, I realize, of course a Goodge is internally bound.) No time to spend on that uncomfortable detail, as I must ponder the self fabric back neck buggy whilst I add subtle twill woven memory taffeta and textured luster contrast to the already complicated textile information.
And, after all that, one needs this expression to wear it.
as of Thursday afternoon
Did I mention that a pigeon flew into my head?
No?
It's true.
I was walking to work and there were a number of pigeons on the sidewalk scurrying around to avoid pedestrians. One of them darted toward me and then took off, brushing my bangs (fringe) with its large, filthy wing. I was so stunned that it had actually made contact that I don't remember what I did.
I felt the phantom sense of it happening all day.
It's not really shaping up to be a great week, though my friend J tells me that the pigeon must have been some form of divinity.
No?
It's true.
I was walking to work and there were a number of pigeons on the sidewalk scurrying around to avoid pedestrians. One of them darted toward me and then took off, brushing my bangs (fringe) with its large, filthy wing. I was so stunned that it had actually made contact that I don't remember what I did.
I felt the phantom sense of it happening all day.
It's not really shaping up to be a great week, though my friend J tells me that the pigeon must have been some form of divinity.
Survivor
So.
The thing is.
We had the college entrance exam tutor at the house tonight, for Youngest. It was great to see him again with his bearded hippie looks and mild manners. Have I told you about the college entrance exam tutor? I'm going to now.
Five (?) years ago, when it was time for Middle to take the college entrance exam, I polled my mom-friends for the name of the local tutor. It's a tough exam but not because of the material - it's more because of how the material is presented. There's a method and scheme to it and once a student sees the method and scheme, the exam itself is far less challenging. Anyway, I got the name of the local tutor (there's a class at the high school too, but it costs the same amount of money as a tutor and kids don't get individualized attention) and made arrangements and brought Middle to see him one afternoon.
I think that was the first time since pre-school and the last time ever that I saw Middle near tears. When I picked him up after an hour with the tutor he was demoralized and upset. The tutor had scoffed at his practice scores and used humiliation as a prompt to do better. This teaching philosophy worked for many but only served to alienate my Middle. I researched again and found this guy: a musician who tutors kids who study music and the arts. Perfect fit! Soft-spoken, adorable and fun, he and Middle clicked and Middle's scores increased enough to aid his entry into Art School. (And we all know how that ended!) Tonight we welcomed him back to tutor Youngest, whose English scores were very very high but whose Math scores need some boosting. They came upstairs smiling, with Youngest eager to do more work.
What does this all mean for Survivor?
It means dinner was at 8:00 and I sat down to watch the vote at Tribal Council.
It was between Stephanie and Serita. Who went?
Stephanie.
Mom: too bad, I think she was cute.
Me: I think she was a bitch.
Mom: Well, there's something to that!
I don't think Redemption Island is an island at all.
Me: No! It's just Over There!
The thing is.
We had the college entrance exam tutor at the house tonight, for Youngest. It was great to see him again with his bearded hippie looks and mild manners. Have I told you about the college entrance exam tutor? I'm going to now.
Five (?) years ago, when it was time for Middle to take the college entrance exam, I polled my mom-friends for the name of the local tutor. It's a tough exam but not because of the material - it's more because of how the material is presented. There's a method and scheme to it and once a student sees the method and scheme, the exam itself is far less challenging. Anyway, I got the name of the local tutor (there's a class at the high school too, but it costs the same amount of money as a tutor and kids don't get individualized attention) and made arrangements and brought Middle to see him one afternoon.
I think that was the first time since pre-school and the last time ever that I saw Middle near tears. When I picked him up after an hour with the tutor he was demoralized and upset. The tutor had scoffed at his practice scores and used humiliation as a prompt to do better. This teaching philosophy worked for many but only served to alienate my Middle. I researched again and found this guy: a musician who tutors kids who study music and the arts. Perfect fit! Soft-spoken, adorable and fun, he and Middle clicked and Middle's scores increased enough to aid his entry into Art School. (And we all know how that ended!) Tonight we welcomed him back to tutor Youngest, whose English scores were very very high but whose Math scores need some boosting. They came upstairs smiling, with Youngest eager to do more work.
What does this all mean for Survivor?
It means dinner was at 8:00 and I sat down to watch the vote at Tribal Council.
It was between Stephanie and Serita. Who went?
Stephanie.
Mom: too bad, I think she was cute.
Me: I think she was a bitch.
Mom: Well, there's something to that!
I don't think Redemption Island is an island at all.
Me: No! It's just Over There!
notes from the commute
A new commuting phenomenon has occurred.
K has been home for a couple of weeks (if you'd like to speak to The Gods Of Work re that, it would be nice to hear about a gig for before or after our trip) and I've mostly been riding the train alone.
I like to sit near the window and, as you know, I am a small person. Why does this matter? It matters because night after night the Biggest Men In The World decide to sit next to me. You see, if big guys sit near me they can really spread out.
I'm not talking about fat guys - that's different. I'm talking about men who are over 6'3" (K is 6'3" and, so, my point of reference) by at least a couple of inches and who weigh upwards of 250 - 300 pounds.
In cold weather they have big coats too, and briefcases and Blackberries and, my favorite, iPads.
These huge men sit next to me and smush me into either the window or the aisle and proceed to set up a home office. After they finish with their emails several of them have decided to watch a movie. Last week I had a guy cue up The Last Samurai and watch it, without headphones, directly in my face (as my face was at his mid chest level). If that wasn't annoying enough, he fell asleep.
It hasn't been all bad. Middle commutes with me two days a week, not that he is stellar company. I do marvel at his sleeping skills though. Yesterday, on the way into town, he said to me: are you done talking to me, cause I'm going to sleep. We had not yet left the station.
We met up on the way home and he yawned as we found our seats. I think it took him about two minutes to be out cold.
It snowed this morning which had a lot of people in a bad mood but I say how can you gripe when a coworker shows up looking this adorable?
I ask you.
K has been home for a couple of weeks (if you'd like to speak to The Gods Of Work re that, it would be nice to hear about a gig for before or after our trip) and I've mostly been riding the train alone.
I like to sit near the window and, as you know, I am a small person. Why does this matter? It matters because night after night the Biggest Men In The World decide to sit next to me. You see, if big guys sit near me they can really spread out.
I'm not talking about fat guys - that's different. I'm talking about men who are over 6'3" (K is 6'3" and, so, my point of reference) by at least a couple of inches and who weigh upwards of 250 - 300 pounds.
In cold weather they have big coats too, and briefcases and Blackberries and, my favorite, iPads.
These huge men sit next to me and smush me into either the window or the aisle and proceed to set up a home office. After they finish with their emails several of them have decided to watch a movie. Last week I had a guy cue up The Last Samurai and watch it, without headphones, directly in my face (as my face was at his mid chest level). If that wasn't annoying enough, he fell asleep.
It hasn't been all bad. Middle commutes with me two days a week, not that he is stellar company. I do marvel at his sleeping skills though. Yesterday, on the way into town, he said to me: are you done talking to me, cause I'm going to sleep. We had not yet left the station.
We met up on the way home and he yawned as we found our seats. I think it took him about two minutes to be out cold.
It snowed this morning which had a lot of people in a bad mood but I say how can you gripe when a coworker shows up looking this adorable?
I ask you.
blackbird's two minute movie reviews
I know what you're thinking...but, bb, I thought you don't like violent films? I thought you had the film viewing tastes of, say, Mother Theresa? And, yes, you'd be right. I don't like violent films, I cringe at blood on the screen and get too agitated to sleep if I see too many murders before midnight.
Unless it's zombies.
We were waiting for Youngest to call (he's a bank robber in a play at school) for a pick-up when we switched on Zombieland.
You know Zombieland, don't you?
It's famous for it's list of 48 rules. You know how I love lists! And rules!
Sure, I had a hard time during scenes where Zombies are eating people, but once I reminded myself that all the blood is Hershey's syrup I was able to maintain my composure. Plus, there's a Twinkie sub-plot.
And a surprise guest star! Have a glass of whiskey and enjoy, I say.
I mean, really, can you blame me? Rules!
I swear to return to tasteful movie watching as soon as possible.
Honestly. The King's Speech is on my list.
Unless it's zombies.
We were waiting for Youngest to call (he's a bank robber in a play at school) for a pick-up when we switched on Zombieland.
You know Zombieland, don't you?
It's famous for it's list of 48 rules. You know how I love lists! And rules!
Sure, I had a hard time during scenes where Zombies are eating people, but once I reminded myself that all the blood is Hershey's syrup I was able to maintain my composure. Plus, there's a Twinkie sub-plot.
And a surprise guest star! Have a glass of whiskey and enjoy, I say.
I mean, really, can you blame me? Rules!
I swear to return to tasteful movie watching as soon as possible.
Honestly. The King's Speech is on my list.
seen and heard
I did some lounging last weekend.
This had me cheering -
This had me wistful -
This cracked me up -
This kind of stunned me.
You can still vote for me.
I'm not surprised when I look in the mirror but I keep finding white hairs on my black sweaters and thinking whose hair is this?
This had me cheering -
This had me wistful -
This cracked me up -
You can still vote for me.
I'm not surprised when I look in the mirror but I keep finding white hairs on my black sweaters and thinking whose hair is this?
the first day of spring
Every year, for as long as I can remember, my mom has made my favorite cake for my birthday.
It's not really a cake per se.
It's made with cookies and whipped cream.
It has to sit in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Over night is even better.
If you can keep your hands off it that long.
This year I've returned the favor and made one for her.
Happy Birthday Mom, we love you.
It's not really a cake per se.
It's made with cookies and whipped cream.
It has to sit in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Over night is even better.
If you can keep your hands off it that long.
This year I've returned the favor and made one for her.
Happy Birthday Mom, we love you.
an important detail
I forgot one important detail in the story of my new grey hair (and many thanks for your wonderful comments).
When I first sat down in the salon chair The Hair Genius said: oh good, they've put on my mix, and the first song we heard was one of my all-time favorites:
When I first sat down in the salon chair The Hair Genius said: oh good, they've put on my mix, and the first song we heard was one of my all-time favorites:
done
I did it.
I went, nervously, at lunchtime yesterday. My hair guy (my hair GENIUS) was waiting with his tray of smelly stuff and tin foil sheets.
There were three or four terrible blonds in the salon and I was nervous. They were as yellow as a post-it pad, a legal pad, a taxi! I begged him not to make me blond. I showed him a picture on my phone.
I don't know if I can get you that light, he said softly, and off we went.
It took a long time.
Lots of foil squares.
I could never have done it myself.
He put me under a dryer, hothothot. A timer went off. We went back to a sink (no mirrors!) and he rinsed and peeked and made thoughtful faces while I was bursting with curiosity.
There's a little spot of yellow-ish orange over here, but I think we can lift it.
He messed with it for a while and then had an assistant mix something else which he applied in sections and sat me down in a station with a mirror.
No glasses. Tough to read and wait. Stared at my head for a while, wondering.
The last thing in the world I wanted was blond. Slight panic.
Three sets of timed waiting and finally back to the sink for a long gentle, cool, rinse and a heavy conditioning.
Back to his station for the blow dry.
It didn't look like much wet, but as soon as he had a section dry I was gasping.
It has a dozen shades of grey.
White in some spots, very pale blond in others.
He matched my mostly white roots and there are a few areas where my actual hair color is showing.
And, do I love it?
I do!
I went, nervously, at lunchtime yesterday. My hair guy (my hair GENIUS) was waiting with his tray of smelly stuff and tin foil sheets.
There were three or four terrible blonds in the salon and I was nervous. They were as yellow as a post-it pad, a legal pad, a taxi! I begged him not to make me blond. I showed him a picture on my phone.
I don't know if I can get you that light, he said softly, and off we went.
It took a long time.
Lots of foil squares.
I could never have done it myself.
He put me under a dryer, hothothot. A timer went off. We went back to a sink (no mirrors!) and he rinsed and peeked and made thoughtful faces while I was bursting with curiosity.
There's a little spot of yellow-ish orange over here, but I think we can lift it.
He messed with it for a while and then had an assistant mix something else which he applied in sections and sat me down in a station with a mirror.
No glasses. Tough to read and wait. Stared at my head for a while, wondering.
The last thing in the world I wanted was blond. Slight panic.
Three sets of timed waiting and finally back to the sink for a long gentle, cool, rinse and a heavy conditioning.
Back to his station for the blow dry.
It didn't look like much wet, but as soon as he had a section dry I was gasping.
It has a dozen shades of grey.
White in some spots, very pale blond in others.
He matched my mostly white roots and there are a few areas where my actual hair color is showing.
And, do I love it?
I do!
homework and hair
Youngest had an assignment for photography class.
He used Middle's shoes as marks.
They moved the furniture out of the dining room and he shot self portraits.
Today is a big day for me.I've had a consult with my hair guy and he's making me blond so I can grow out my gray hair.
Not pink but kind of a white-blond I think (and I like this cut).
I'm very nervous - more so about the blond than the grey.
He says it will take about a year to grow it out...let's be encouraging, shall we?
I'm sick to death of coloring my hair all these years.
Survivor
Is Phillip the new Russell?
Did I love the domino tile challenge?
Did I feel sorry for Russell for just a second?
Are we ready for my new hair color?
Tonight on Survivor: it's raining, Phillip is pontificating, and he's snuggling up to Rob.
In the morning people are in their underwear and hanging laundry out to dry.
Rob is very irritated with Phillip but pleased as his quirky behavior takes "the heat" off Rob. Maybe he needs to stay, Rob tells us.
Zapatera, which is the purple tribe with the farmer guy, are catching fish in a big net and grilling. They seem pretty tight. They get news of a challenge on Redemption Island and vote on who gets to watch it. Stephanie and that blond girl go. (That's a hint about my new hair color.)
Matt will battle Kristina.
They must build a puzzle in the shape of a cube.
They get close to winning but must start over.
It's a tough puzzle - Matt pulls it out rather suddenly and solves it.
The girls confess that their tribe is divided and say that they'd be willing to join Rob's team.
Kristina is applauded for her efforts and leaves the game. Her buff burns as dramatic music plays.
Youngest is home from rehearsal. He's in a play at school and loving it. He's also enjoying the girls in bikinis at Phillips camp, while Phillip scratches his back with a stick and discusses a three way alliance with Andrea and Matt. He's plotting against Rob.
The Zapatera ladies debate how much to tell their team but are clear on their alliance with Rob. We hear that there is no strategy since Russell is gone. Mike isn't worried. Julie is wary, but she's been cautious since the start.
There's a big maze challenge to play. We like mazes. One person will be the caller while everyone else is blindfolded through the maze to find puzzle pieces. Someone will be sent to Redemption Island, one team will get everything needed for morning coffee.
Both teams seem confident.
Stephanie and Rob will be the callers and puzzle solvers at the end.
After hard maze work both Rob and Stephanie start the puzzles but Rob loses a tile and doesn't realize.
Suddenly he sees the missing piece but the puzzles are long...lots of words!
Rob wins with "The Sweet Taste Of Victory."
It's tough to be Stephanie.
Donuts look good, don't they? Hence the Sweet Taste.
Phillip wants a massage.
Grant and Rob see that there is a clue in the coffee. They make a football play and sneak off with the clue. Grant takes the coffee quickly back to camp and Rob makes off with the clue to hide it. Rob swaps it out for the original clue which was vague. He brings it to Grant and they hide this useless clue together.
Rob says, you have to hustle if you want to make a dollar and I, for the first time, have a crush on him.
Middle waltzes through the living room and points out that Stephanie is, like 15.
Julie tells us that Krista has the big target on his back. Sarita would like David to go but will be happy with Stephanie or Krista out. Stephanie argues for Steve to go. Krista realizes that either she or Stephanie will go home, she tells us that the team is not thinking ahead.
Jeff talks first to Krista at Tribal Council. Krista gripes about the team, says they aren't playing the game. Sarita disagrees. Mike complains about Krista not being a team player. Steve calls Stephanie out for playing the challenge badly.
Oldest saunters through with giant rice crispie treats.
Stephanie and Krista hold hands while the votes are read. Steve and Krista get votes. Krista goes to Redemption Island.
Did I love the domino tile challenge?
Did I feel sorry for Russell for just a second?
Are we ready for my new hair color?
Tonight on Survivor: it's raining, Phillip is pontificating, and he's snuggling up to Rob.
In the morning people are in their underwear and hanging laundry out to dry.
Rob is very irritated with Phillip but pleased as his quirky behavior takes "the heat" off Rob. Maybe he needs to stay, Rob tells us.
Zapatera, which is the purple tribe with the farmer guy, are catching fish in a big net and grilling. They seem pretty tight. They get news of a challenge on Redemption Island and vote on who gets to watch it. Stephanie and that blond girl go. (That's a hint about my new hair color.)
Matt will battle Kristina.
They must build a puzzle in the shape of a cube.
They get close to winning but must start over.
It's a tough puzzle - Matt pulls it out rather suddenly and solves it.
The girls confess that their tribe is divided and say that they'd be willing to join Rob's team.
Kristina is applauded for her efforts and leaves the game. Her buff burns as dramatic music plays.
Youngest is home from rehearsal. He's in a play at school and loving it. He's also enjoying the girls in bikinis at Phillips camp, while Phillip scratches his back with a stick and discusses a three way alliance with Andrea and Matt. He's plotting against Rob.
The Zapatera ladies debate how much to tell their team but are clear on their alliance with Rob. We hear that there is no strategy since Russell is gone. Mike isn't worried. Julie is wary, but she's been cautious since the start.
There's a big maze challenge to play. We like mazes. One person will be the caller while everyone else is blindfolded through the maze to find puzzle pieces. Someone will be sent to Redemption Island, one team will get everything needed for morning coffee.
Both teams seem confident.
Stephanie and Rob will be the callers and puzzle solvers at the end.
After hard maze work both Rob and Stephanie start the puzzles but Rob loses a tile and doesn't realize.
Suddenly he sees the missing piece but the puzzles are long...lots of words!
Rob wins with "The Sweet Taste Of Victory."
It's tough to be Stephanie.
Donuts look good, don't they? Hence the Sweet Taste.
Phillip wants a massage.
Grant and Rob see that there is a clue in the coffee. They make a football play and sneak off with the clue. Grant takes the coffee quickly back to camp and Rob makes off with the clue to hide it. Rob swaps it out for the original clue which was vague. He brings it to Grant and they hide this useless clue together.
Rob says, you have to hustle if you want to make a dollar and I, for the first time, have a crush on him.
Middle waltzes through the living room and points out that Stephanie is, like 15.
Julie tells us that Krista has the big target on his back. Sarita would like David to go but will be happy with Stephanie or Krista out. Stephanie argues for Steve to go. Krista realizes that either she or Stephanie will go home, she tells us that the team is not thinking ahead.
Jeff talks first to Krista at Tribal Council. Krista gripes about the team, says they aren't playing the game. Sarita disagrees. Mike complains about Krista not being a team player. Steve calls Stephanie out for playing the challenge badly.
Oldest saunters through with giant rice crispie treats.
Stephanie and Krista hold hands while the votes are read. Steve and Krista get votes. Krista goes to Redemption Island.
packing with Rick Steves
E has pointed me to the Rick Steves travel tips page for advice on packing. I know she's done this as I have announced that we are (in my nest) each allowed to bring three outfits. The cars we've rented will not allow for a lot of luggage, you see.
I like Rick Steves, I think he has a good, if suspicious, attitude (he devotes manymany pages to how to avoid being robbed in foreign countries) but I guess he knows his readers.
So, I've had a look at Rick's suggestions and, as you can imagine, I need to comment. In red.
I like Rick Steves, I think he has a good, if suspicious, attitude (he devotes manymany pages to how to avoid being robbed in foreign countries) but I guess he knows his readers.
So, I've had a look at Rick's suggestions and, as you can imagine, I need to comment. In red.
If you're not going to wear it more than three times, don't pack it! Every piece of clothing you bring should complement every other item or have at least two uses (e.g., sandals double as slippers, a scarf as a shoulder wrap). Well, fine, but I don't wear sandals. Or slippers.
Shop selectively: It's worth splurging a little to get just the right clothes for your trip. For durable, lightweight travel clothes, consider Ex Officio (www.exofficio.com, tel. 800-644-7303), TravelSmith (tel. 800-770-3387),Tilley Endurables (tel. 800-363-8737), and REI (tel. 800-426-4840). In general, the color black dresses up easily and can be extremely versatile. I do agree that these purveyors have the best travel clothing. I don't wear travel clothing.
Tops: Bring two or three T-shirts (or buy overseas), one or two short-sleeved blouses, and one or two long-sleeved shirts. Long-sleeved shirts with sleeves that roll up can double as short-sleeved shirts. Look for a wrinkle-camouflaging pattern or blended fabrics that show a minimum of wrinkles. Poly-blend fabric (such as Coolmax) will often dry overnight. Washable silk also dries quickly and is lightweight. Not bad ideas per se. I don't own anything poly-blend and I don't suppose I will.
Pants and shorts: Dark-colored pants don't show dirt or wrinkles. Get a pair with a loose-fitting waistband that accommodates a money belt (and big Italian meals). Try the pants with the zip-off legs that convert to shorts. These are especially functional in Italy, allowing you to cover up inside churches and beat the heat outside. Waitaminutewaitaminutewaitaminute. Dark pants are fine but I will not "get a pair with a loose-fitting waistband for my money belt...with zip-off legs? For god's sake, what does Rick take me for? The last time I was in a church in Italy I was wearing a skirt and no one asked me to cover my legs!
If you bring shorts, one pair is probably enough, ideal for staying cool in a resort town or your hotel room. Few European women wear shorts. To avoid stares, consider bringing a pair of Capri pants instead.
I don't own shorts. If you do, that's fine, but I do not approve of wearing shorts in a foreign country. It strikes me as disrespectful - unless you are on the back of a camel or some such. Walking around in Bruges? No shorts.
Skirts: Some women bring one or two skirts because they're as cool and breathable as shorts, but dressier. And skirts make life easier than pants when you're faced with a squat toilet! I like to make a point of not traveling where there are squat toilets, thank you.
A lightweight skirt made with a blended fabric will pack compactly. Make sure it has a comfy waistband or drawstring. Tilley (listed above) makes expensive but great skirts (and other items) from blended fabric that feels like cotton. Skirts go with everything, and can easily be dressed up or down. I had planned on bringing a skirt, okay?
Shoes: Bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes. Mephisto, Ecco, and Rieker look dressier and more European than sneakers but are still comfortable. For a second pair, consider sandals or Tevas in summer, or dark leather flats in winter (can be worn with opaque hose and a skirt to dress up). Before you leave home, walk several miles in any footwear you'll be taking to be sure they're broken in. I'll be bringing my Palladium shoes and my little black boots. I've walked two miles a day in each of them so that'll do. I'm not fond of sandals in a city but I'm pleased Rick hasn't suggested running shoes. I cringe every time I see tourists in running shoes.
Socks, underwear, pajamas, and swimsuit: Cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100-percent cotton, which loses its softness when air-dried. Try silk, microfiber, or stretch lace underwear, which dry faster than all-cotton, but breathe more than nylon. Bring at least two bras (what if you leave one hanging over your shower rail by accident?). A sports bra can double as a hiking/sunning top. Shorts or lightweight pajama bottoms with a T-shirt will get you modestly to the bathroom down the hall. You don't need a bikini to try sunbathing topless on European beaches — local women with one-piece bathing suits just roll down the top.
So much to say here! I'm not buying special socks or underwear for my trip and never have. What do Rick's readers do? Hike all day in the mountains? That's a different vacation.
FYI: local women don't wear one-piece bathing suits. That's a wonderful lesson I learned in Positano. Travelers to the Amalfi coast rarely wore one-piece bathing suits as far as I could tell and I was thrilled to never wear one again. And, of all the things Rick suggest you try (scooting down the hall to the squat loo in your pajama bottoms, wearing "walking" shoes, the money belt) this is the thing you should go for.
Unfortunately, this isn't a summer vacation, though we will be on a beach from time to time.
So much to say here! I'm not buying special socks or underwear for my trip and never have. What do Rick's readers do? Hike all day in the mountains? That's a different vacation.
FYI: local women don't wear one-piece bathing suits. That's a wonderful lesson I learned in Positano. Travelers to the Amalfi coast rarely wore one-piece bathing suits as far as I could tell and I was thrilled to never wear one again. And, of all the things Rick suggest you try (scooting down the hall to the squat loo in your pajama bottoms, wearing "walking" shoes, the money belt) this is the thing you should go for.
Unfortunately, this isn't a summer vacation, though we will be on a beach from time to time.
I do so love writing bossy posts like this.
I suppose, as we've had a meeting regarding the itinerary, that I'll have to brief the boys on packing. Who knows, one of them may own pants with legs that zip off.
I suppose, as we've had a meeting regarding the itinerary, that I'll have to brief the boys on packing. Who knows, one of them may own pants with legs that zip off.
an unusual and wonderful announcement
Here's an interesting thing:
I have been nominated as one of the Top 25 Funny Moms by Circle of Moms.
Click here if you'd like to vote for me.
Or, if you'd prefer, there's a button over there >.
I'm fascinated and honored by this nomination as I am not a typical "mommy blogger." My boys are grown ups (though they still don't sleep through the night) and I've been around for an awfully long time (coming up on seven years). And including me in a list with women I've read for...well, forever, is amazing to me.
So.
Go. Vote!
Such a thing!
I have been nominated as one of the Top 25 Funny Moms by Circle of Moms.
Click here if you'd like to vote for me.
Or, if you'd prefer, there's a button over there >.
I'm fascinated and honored by this nomination as I am not a typical "mommy blogger." My boys are grown ups (though they still don't sleep through the night) and I've been around for an awfully long time (coming up on seven years). And including me in a list with women I've read for...well, forever, is amazing to me.
So.
Go. Vote!
Such a thing!
blackbird's two minute movie reviews
What could be better after a day of shopping, laundry and a delicious pork roast (with fennel and carrots) than a shoot-em-up?
Do people still call them that?
I don't know, there was a lot of shooting.
K got us Salt from the library and he brought me a bowl of gelato and we settled in to watch some shooting.
Let me tell you, if it's the firing of ammunition you want to see, this movie will not disappoint.
Angelina Jolie shoots all kinds of guns and other stuff too.
Plus she wears dozens of wigs and hats.
She makes some of her own weapons using Ikea furniture and cleaning supplies and a fire extinguisher - and that's just in the first 20 minutes.
Hat the first. She pairs it with an adorable camel coat and leaps onto the roofs of moving semis.
She steals hats too...and uses them to cover wigs.
She rides on the #6 and shoots up the church where my cousin got married. (Imagine that extra up there: don't look at Angelina Jolie, don't look at Angelina Jolie, don't look at...)
We wondered for most of the movie. Is she a secret agent or a double agent?
How many times did she get punched in the face? I think ten.
I give it a three!
Yeah. I don't know what the movie rating scale is...the gelato? A four. (It comes in an ingenious container!)
Do people still call them that?
I don't know, there was a lot of shooting.
K got us Salt from the library and he brought me a bowl of gelato and we settled in to watch some shooting.
Let me tell you, if it's the firing of ammunition you want to see, this movie will not disappoint.
Angelina Jolie shoots all kinds of guns and other stuff too.
Plus she wears dozens of wigs and hats.
She makes some of her own weapons using Ikea furniture and cleaning supplies and a fire extinguisher - and that's just in the first 20 minutes.
Hat the first. She pairs it with an adorable camel coat and leaps onto the roofs of moving semis.
She steals hats too...and uses them to cover wigs.
She rides on the #6 and shoots up the church where my cousin got married. (Imagine that extra up there: don't look at Angelina Jolie, don't look at Angelina Jolie, don't look at...)
We wondered for most of the movie. Is she a secret agent or a double agent?
How many times did she get punched in the face? I think ten.
I give it a three!
Yeah. I don't know what the movie rating scale is...the gelato? A four. (It comes in an ingenious container!)
usual exchanges
Youngest (after cleaning his room): Seriously? I found so many pens under my bed. But what's with all the dust under there? It's ridiculous. I mean why under the bed?
K (from another room): dust is afraid of the light.
Meanwhile, in the living room...
bb: dad and I watched Salt last night. That movie was written for a man and Tom Cruise was going to do it and then backed out, so they re-wrote it for a woman.
Middle: ...
bb: yeah, so lots of jumping from one moving truck to the top of another moving truck...
Middle: off an overpass. Yeah. Seen that done.
bb: I read that Angelina Jolie did her own stunts.
Middle (not looking up from his cereal) yeah, cause Angelina Jolie actually jumped, or like a stunt person even jumped. I can put YOU in a harness in front of a green screen ya know.
bb: ...
Oldest? He's been texting. He wants a loris.
K (from another room): dust is afraid of the light.
Meanwhile, in the living room...
bb: dad and I watched Salt last night. That movie was written for a man and Tom Cruise was going to do it and then backed out, so they re-wrote it for a woman.
Middle: ...
bb: yeah, so lots of jumping from one moving truck to the top of another moving truck...
Middle: off an overpass. Yeah. Seen that done.
bb: I read that Angelina Jolie did her own stunts.
Middle (not looking up from his cereal) yeah, cause Angelina Jolie actually jumped, or like a stunt person even jumped. I can put YOU in a harness in front of a green screen ya know.
bb: ...
Oldest? He's been texting. He wants a loris.
an unusual exchange
On Mar 13, 2011, at 2:24 PM, Leah Scherschel wrote:
Hi there,
I was reading Say La Vee when I came across the Costco post. Such a great store! Lol, your observation about expiration date notes I have seen too. And I do think that is true about Sun Chips, sad that the noise of a bag overrode the attempt to be green. However, I never did hear the bag in person…maybe it was completely intrusive? I have a cookie client, Donsuemor, that I think you would be interested in, it is right up the alley of busy moms.
· What is Donsuemor? A delicious and wholesome cookie and tea cake bakery, that prides itself on the finest all natural ingredients. It is the mission of Donsuemor to surprise and delight everyday with our desserts. You might have seen our cookies in some coffee shops or specialty stores.
· Why moms love it. Besides being an all natural cookie and lightly sweet, they are great for kids (not messy). Not only are they great in recipes, they are also elegantly simple by themselves.
· Perfect for Mother’s Day recipes. Here is a how to video on a delicious parfait made with our cookies.http://www.youtube.com/user/DonsuemorTV#p/a/u/0/sYRC_HTmox0
I would love to send you some samples, and work something out for a giveaway. Let me know if this interests you, thank you!
Leah Scherschel
Account Coordinator
ABBI Public Relations, Inc.
Media - Marketing
275 Hill Street, Suite 250
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 323-2977 office
(775) 220-5547 mobile
Hi Leah,
Thank you so much for offering to send samples and offer a giveaway on behalf of your cookie client. I'm afraid I'm going to pass but wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you actually READ MY BLOG.
I get dozens of offers each week (sometimes each day) and while I realize that not every PR person has the time to tailor their pitch to me specifically, I admire the fact that you actually read me before you pitched.
Good for you, Leah.
I'm hopeful your efforts will be rewarded with the press you deserve.
best,
bb
Saturday
After coffee in bed (are you hearing the Squeeze song Black Coffee In Bed?) we went out on a date. To Costco.
Actually, that isn't completely true - first we went to the garden center as K has become a little obsessed with making hot sauce and wants to grow his own peppers. He ran in to buy seeds whilst I called E. There was a flower show at the garden center and I wanted to point out to her that we could save ourselves a trip to Holland! I also had to tell her about the sunroof in our new car. That's the punchline on that story, there is no sunroof in our new car. I got into it last night and told K that I was pleased that they fixed the leak in our sunroof and he rolled his eyes upward to the ceiling of the Jeep and said: yeah, they fixed that.
So.
Costco. Why? This.
My absolutely adorable (no, I've never laid eyes on him) blogless pal, Scot, sent me a jug of this stuff and we are itching to use it ASAP.
Meat.
What else did see?
A six hundred dollar pool. K pointed to it and laughed and a guy walking past us entreated us to buy two!
Why the huge expiration note, Costco? It's like they are some kind of biohazard. (Meanwhile, my boys tell me that Sun Chips withdrew their biodegradable bag from the market because it was too noisy. True?)
I am very fond of the shelf-bra camisole, but I call them undershirts. I had to move heaven and earth (okay, many large boxes) to find a couple of small ones.
Sadly, Costco did not have any of these -
Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton handbag. Damn.
It's not really a problem. I don't have a winning lottery ticket.
Actually, that isn't completely true - first we went to the garden center as K has become a little obsessed with making hot sauce and wants to grow his own peppers. He ran in to buy seeds whilst I called E. There was a flower show at the garden center and I wanted to point out to her that we could save ourselves a trip to Holland! I also had to tell her about the sunroof in our new car. That's the punchline on that story, there is no sunroof in our new car. I got into it last night and told K that I was pleased that they fixed the leak in our sunroof and he rolled his eyes upward to the ceiling of the Jeep and said: yeah, they fixed that.
So.
Costco. Why? This.
My absolutely adorable (no, I've never laid eyes on him) blogless pal, Scot, sent me a jug of this stuff and we are itching to use it ASAP.
Meat.
What else did see?
A six hundred dollar pool. K pointed to it and laughed and a guy walking past us entreated us to buy two!
Why the huge expiration note, Costco? It's like they are some kind of biohazard. (Meanwhile, my boys tell me that Sun Chips withdrew their biodegradable bag from the market because it was too noisy. True?)
I am very fond of the shelf-bra camisole, but I call them undershirts. I had to move heaven and earth (okay, many large boxes) to find a couple of small ones.
Sadly, Costco did not have any of these -
Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton handbag. Damn.
It's not really a problem. I don't have a winning lottery ticket.
men are Toast(ed)
The Men Of Toast return!
The Colonel had many concerns...one of them was Young Phillipe...
something seemed amiss.
Or, was it A Miss?
Was this really Phillipa? Steven's younger sister?
Steven, a man of few expressions, was skeptical.
He hadn't seen his sister in years. Some believed it was this familial problem that left him pensive.
And expressionless.
See?
Pensive.
Expressionless.
The situation was explained to Joseph, who wore espadrilles.
When pressed, on the matter of the espadrilles, Joseph became sullen.
And a little angry.
Joseph made "Yoga Thumbs" to try and "center" himself.
In the end, he had no opinion on the Phillipp(a)(e) question but many theories on the broken iron.
The Colonel wondered too, about the iron. His collection of scarves was suffering.
They would never know the truth...but, really, who does?
The Colonel had many concerns...one of them was Young Phillipe...
something seemed amiss.
Or, was it A Miss?
Was this really Phillipa? Steven's younger sister?
Steven, a man of few expressions, was skeptical.
He hadn't seen his sister in years. Some believed it was this familial problem that left him pensive.
And expressionless.
See?
Pensive.
Expressionless.
The situation was explained to Joseph, who wore espadrilles.
When pressed, on the matter of the espadrilles, Joseph became sullen.
And a little angry.
Joseph made "Yoga Thumbs" to try and "center" himself.
In the end, he had no opinion on the Phillipp(a)(e) question but many theories on the broken iron.
The Colonel wondered too, about the iron. His collection of scarves was suffering.
They would never know the truth...but, really, who does?
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