New year, new location:
Try me at Whilst 2.
We'll see how this goes.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Holiday Senses: Touch
I can't talk about touch this season without mentioning our new bunny. She has been a wonderful new addition, and boy is she SOFT. Her fur is a color the breeders called "fawn" and that's true. Underneath the fawn, she is snowy white, and so's her belly. Her ears are soft, but she generally prefers petting about the jaws and behind her ears.
Also on her rump. Especially when I, whose nails have grown out since my guitar playing is on a winter hiatus, scratch her, she extends into what we like to call "loaf pose".
Le lapin est une baguette!
Petting her has taken time out of my day. She needs her human companions, and as the one with a fairly flexible schedule, I often go to spend time with her in the mornings or afternoons before the arrival home. Not a problem. I swear I think my blood pressure plummets when I'm with her. She's so sweet and loving, and the softness of her fur is truly remarkable.
So even though we've been busy and maybe even stressed (though not too bad - amazing how you can keep stress at bay if you don't let it take over your life) this season, our soft little bunny has helped us remember the message of the season: love.
Also on her rump. Especially when I, whose nails have grown out since my guitar playing is on a winter hiatus, scratch her, she extends into what we like to call "loaf pose".
Le lapin est une baguette!
Petting her has taken time out of my day. She needs her human companions, and as the one with a fairly flexible schedule, I often go to spend time with her in the mornings or afternoons before the arrival home. Not a problem. I swear I think my blood pressure plummets when I'm with her. She's so sweet and loving, and the softness of her fur is truly remarkable.
So even though we've been busy and maybe even stressed (though not too bad - amazing how you can keep stress at bay if you don't let it take over your life) this season, our soft little bunny has helped us remember the message of the season: love.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Holiday Senses: Taste
I'm not near a good a cook as many of my friends. Nor am I creative in the kitchen. Friends of mine make homemade limoncello, toffee, breads, and shortbreads. I cannot. But. I know what I like. The tastes of the holidays, of fall and winter, are perhaps my favorites. (Ask me about this when the basil and tomatoes ripen...but for now...)
I did some baking last week - shocker, as last week was filled top to bottom with musical events and in between those, parties. Fun parties, too! A rainy Saturday afternoon pre-party time was just right for cooking up a bunch of pick-up bars.
I made:
Lemon Squares
Easy 7 Layer Bars
and
Almond Bars
I took those to my book club event. Tasty. The event before that called for heavy hors d'oevres. My husband wanted White Trash Dip (which is really Buffalo Wing Dip) but someone else was bringing that. So we made his long-time favorite, Cheese Olivettes, aka Olive Balls.
People are very passionate about the olive balls. We made some last year that didn't turn out - because we attempted to use real butter and high-end cheese. Nope. Get the extra sharp giant block of yellow cheddar, and for best results, I daresay some margarine. You'll thank me later.
Cheese Olivettes
from "Under the Mulberry Tree", a recipe book published by Mulberry United Methodist Church in Macon, GA.
1/2 lb extra sharp cheddar chees
1/4 lb MARGARINE
Dash Worcestershire sauce
garlic salt to taste
1 1/2 C sifted all-purpose flour
1 bottle stuffed green olives (smallish)
Grate cheese and mix with soft MARGARINE. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and flour. Blend well. Roll bits of dough, press thin, and wrap a piece of the thin dough around an olive, rolling in palm of hand to completely encase olive. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes. Makes 40 plus (or not - whatever).
I went to a social for my handbell choir that featured a few nice, newish things I'd not had. Tea biscuits (found in your freezer section) with country ham (though my friend said she often used honey-baked as well) with a blackberry preserve/dijon mustard sauce. I believe she said 1 c. preserves to 3 tbsp mustard. Pretty AND delicious.
Our hostess had a lovely mid-centry decor and everything to drink - mimosas, hot mulled cider, coffee, and....an iced tea that was wonderful. What was in it, I asked? Oh, just half a jar of Knudson's apple-cranberry juice! And some sliced oranges and lemons. I can't find apple-cranberry juice on their web site but I'm pretty sure that's what she used.
I did get creative for a cocktail recipe. You know I love the bubbly. Cooking Light featured a quickie cranberry liqueur that you pour in champizzle for a cranberry "Kir Royale". YUMMO!
And finally, we are having a snow day today. No school, and for me, no final Christmas concert with my preschool kiddies - who've worked so hard!! I'm a little sad about it. But it was really pleasant this morning to pour, instead of milk, egg nog into my French toast batter....and to use the wonderful cinnamon chip bread one of my talented friends had given me, and to linger over coffee with my husband and children, watching our beloved new pet hop around under the Christmas tree.
(And yes, the coffee was, naturally, Christmas Traditions. I know they changed the name 15 years ago, and I don't care. I LOVE THAT STUFF.)
I did some baking last week - shocker, as last week was filled top to bottom with musical events and in between those, parties. Fun parties, too! A rainy Saturday afternoon pre-party time was just right for cooking up a bunch of pick-up bars.
I made:
Lemon Squares
Easy 7 Layer Bars
and
Almond Bars
I took those to my book club event. Tasty. The event before that called for heavy hors d'oevres. My husband wanted White Trash Dip (which is really Buffalo Wing Dip) but someone else was bringing that. So we made his long-time favorite, Cheese Olivettes, aka Olive Balls.
People are very passionate about the olive balls. We made some last year that didn't turn out - because we attempted to use real butter and high-end cheese. Nope. Get the extra sharp giant block of yellow cheddar, and for best results, I daresay some margarine. You'll thank me later.
Cheese Olivettes
from "Under the Mulberry Tree", a recipe book published by Mulberry United Methodist Church in Macon, GA.
1/2 lb extra sharp cheddar chees
1/4 lb MARGARINE
Dash Worcestershire sauce
garlic salt to taste
1 1/2 C sifted all-purpose flour
1 bottle stuffed green olives (smallish)
Grate cheese and mix with soft MARGARINE. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and flour. Blend well. Roll bits of dough, press thin, and wrap a piece of the thin dough around an olive, rolling in palm of hand to completely encase olive. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes. Makes 40 plus (or not - whatever).
I went to a social for my handbell choir that featured a few nice, newish things I'd not had. Tea biscuits (found in your freezer section) with country ham (though my friend said she often used honey-baked as well) with a blackberry preserve/dijon mustard sauce. I believe she said 1 c. preserves to 3 tbsp mustard. Pretty AND delicious.
Our hostess had a lovely mid-centry decor and everything to drink - mimosas, hot mulled cider, coffee, and....an iced tea that was wonderful. What was in it, I asked? Oh, just half a jar of Knudson's apple-cranberry juice! And some sliced oranges and lemons. I can't find apple-cranberry juice on their web site but I'm pretty sure that's what she used.
I did get creative for a cocktail recipe. You know I love the bubbly. Cooking Light featured a quickie cranberry liqueur that you pour in champizzle for a cranberry "Kir Royale". YUMMO!
And finally, we are having a snow day today. No school, and for me, no final Christmas concert with my preschool kiddies - who've worked so hard!! I'm a little sad about it. But it was really pleasant this morning to pour, instead of milk, egg nog into my French toast batter....and to use the wonderful cinnamon chip bread one of my talented friends had given me, and to linger over coffee with my husband and children, watching our beloved new pet hop around under the Christmas tree.
(And yes, the coffee was, naturally, Christmas Traditions. I know they changed the name 15 years ago, and I don't care. I LOVE THAT STUFF.)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Holiday Senses: Sounds
I like moody, minor-key hymns and carols, and also obscure European ones. A lot.
The YouTube videos here are clunky and messing with my pristine design esthetic, so I'll just list, then show. Ok?
1. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
We used this one this past Sunday. Creeptastic, but also has a nice expectancy which I suppose is what Advent, anyway, is all about.
2. In the Bleak Midwinter
This one has an actually uplifting major resolution, but the title! Yes!
3. Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
I challenge you to not like this one. It's been my favorite for many years.
4. Coventry Carol
My dad has always liked the version of this that was on "A Very Special Christmas, volume ONE" - by Allison Moyet of Yaz and Erasure. I adore my daddy; that recording was one of the only songs we ever both liked.
5.Fum, Fum, Fum
This version is technically great but the one time I sang it, in English, it was fun to sing "on December 5 and 20". Trips off the tongue, doesn't it?
The YouTube videos here are clunky and messing with my pristine design esthetic, so I'll just list, then show. Ok?
1. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
We used this one this past Sunday. Creeptastic, but also has a nice expectancy which I suppose is what Advent, anyway, is all about.
2. In the Bleak Midwinter
This one has an actually uplifting major resolution, but the title! Yes!
3. Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
I challenge you to not like this one. It's been my favorite for many years.
4. Coventry Carol
My dad has always liked the version of this that was on "A Very Special Christmas, volume ONE" - by Allison Moyet of Yaz and Erasure. I adore my daddy; that recording was one of the only songs we ever both liked.
5.Fum, Fum, Fum
This version is technically great but the one time I sang it, in English, it was fun to sing "on December 5 and 20". Trips off the tongue, doesn't it?
Monday, December 06, 2010
Holiday Senses: Sight
We had a little snow on Saturday. It. Was. PERFECT. Pretty, short-lived, melting now, and on a weekend. Living in the South, one doesn't see a sight like I did this weekend very often: our tree, just put in the tree stand, with white powder clinging to the branches. My sweater, coming in from outside, dusted with snow. Our yard almost fully blanketed, with swaths from the sledding attempts (not bad!) cut through it. Through my window during a brief break in the madness, the flakes showering down from a steel-grey sky.
That night we braved the roads to head to an old friend's annual soiree...and the Christmas lights and the shiny roads made the snow twinkle. That's right, twinkle. Bundled in my coat (due to my bare legs, arms, and strappy shoes), I loved looking at the rare sight of the bowing trees and frosted branches.
It still hasn't melted all the way. Yay.
That night we braved the roads to head to an old friend's annual soiree...and the Christmas lights and the shiny roads made the snow twinkle. That's right, twinkle. Bundled in my coat (due to my bare legs, arms, and strappy shoes), I loved looking at the rare sight of the bowing trees and frosted branches.
It still hasn't melted all the way. Yay.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
I sometimes say that my husband is not a good roommate. He is romantic, funny, brilliant, a walking dictionary/history book/U.S. Constitution/policy think tank/poetry anthology, and a snappy dresser...but maybe a bit messy and disorganized, yes?
But I can't think of anyone I'd rather be in the trenches with, and that's a fact.
We spent our 18th wedding anniversary in bed. With fevers, chills, severe stomach upset, and the energy levels of slugs. After having driven back from Georgia with two children who had fevers, chills, projectile stomach upset (Huzzah, new car! You have been hereby baptized in the fire!), and the energy level of slugs.
But, again: with no one else would I have wanted to share that singular experience. No one.
But I can't think of anyone I'd rather be in the trenches with, and that's a fact.
We spent our 18th wedding anniversary in bed. With fevers, chills, severe stomach upset, and the energy levels of slugs. After having driven back from Georgia with two children who had fevers, chills, projectile stomach upset (Huzzah, new car! You have been hereby baptized in the fire!), and the energy level of slugs.
But, again: with no one else would I have wanted to share that singular experience. No one.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Traditions
We don't really have any Thanksgiving traditions. There have been Thanksgivings in the mountains, here at our former apartments and homes, in New York City, at the beach, with friends, with family, and one time here at home just us four. The one constant could be turkey...and maybe brussels sprouts.
I love brussels sprouts. We roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper. I used to make a brussels sprouts/artichoke casserole from Southern Living. Um, why did I do that? SO yummy just roasted or under the broiler...maybe with a bit of pancetta or bacon...or a squeeze of lemon.
Pumpkin pie is sort of a constant, too. I like all things pumpkin and maybe mostly because of the color and smell! Aren't you the same? I often make the Libby's can pie recipe, but this year we are trying pumpkin pudding and some pumpkin cupcakes -- not just for Halloween!
(Why would you make sweets at Halloween anyway?)
Placecards at the table are a bit of a tradition. The ones we use now were created by the children and I really am at a stage where I should laminate them. Cute leaf stickers, fall-colored construction paper, and crayons - voila!
My Fair Lady is a tradition we stole from a friend of mine...she used to watch with her mom every year when her mom was alive. As a gift, I gave my friend a special edition DVD featuring recordings of Audrey Hepburn actually singing! And this year, instead of renting My Fair Lady from Netflix AGAIN, I used my Borders Bucks ™ rewards and got our very own DVD for next to nothing. Loverly!
Hmmm, in thinking about it, we do have a few traditions. What are yours?
I love brussels sprouts. We roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper. I used to make a brussels sprouts/artichoke casserole from Southern Living. Um, why did I do that? SO yummy just roasted or under the broiler...maybe with a bit of pancetta or bacon...or a squeeze of lemon.
Pumpkin pie is sort of a constant, too. I like all things pumpkin and maybe mostly because of the color and smell! Aren't you the same? I often make the Libby's can pie recipe, but this year we are trying pumpkin pudding and some pumpkin cupcakes -- not just for Halloween!
(Why would you make sweets at Halloween anyway?)
Placecards at the table are a bit of a tradition. The ones we use now were created by the children and I really am at a stage where I should laminate them. Cute leaf stickers, fall-colored construction paper, and crayons - voila!
My Fair Lady is a tradition we stole from a friend of mine...she used to watch with her mom every year when her mom was alive. As a gift, I gave my friend a special edition DVD featuring recordings of Audrey Hepburn actually singing! And this year, instead of renting My Fair Lady from Netflix AGAIN, I used my Borders Bucks ™ rewards and got our very own DVD for next to nothing. Loverly!
Hmmm, in thinking about it, we do have a few traditions. What are yours?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Not Immune to Gratitude
Dudes and dudettes, one thing I do not enjoy right now is needing to go to Caring Bridge and Care Calendar every day to check on three people, two of them under 10 years old, who are really, really struggling. I am thankful for health, even though my own has been dicey. I have not been completely well in over a month, but I am getting there and my complaints, while somewhat debilitating, are curable and treatable.
My weirdest, latest illness involved vertigo so severe I could not lift my head from my pillow for more than a second without vomiting. Today I turned a serious corner and did my beloved Body Pump with no dizziness. It looks like - knock wood, fingers crossed, mojo/voodoo/prayer whatever - that I will be healthy heading into the Busy Season.
So to boost this new-found health, i plan to do a few things with my immune system. Like, romance it. Give it a little one-on-one time. Really listen to it, actively. Buy it a bauble, something shiny.
I'm going to cut down on alcohol. I love alcohol! I do. And I can't drink much as I am a bit of a lightweight. But I think cutting back as we enter the most wonderful time of the year is a good idea.
I'm taking a supplement - and vitamin C. And melatonin on nights when I'm not resting well (thanks Nansch - my doc thought that was a great idea!).
I'm going to rest well. I don't sleep well every night, but that is going to change, dammit! Wait, whoa...stress...no...calming down...
I'm going to be ridiculous about keeping up the exercise. Sometimes I let it slide, if work is calling...but this is just as important as work. I'm also focusing on getting some good old sunshine -created vitamin D.
I'm not going to sweat the small stuff. Small Stuff, you know what you are. I'm not going to sweat you.
I'm eating lower fat, higher protein, less sugars. Although Trader Joe's dried mango, you slay me.
I'm drinking butt-loads of water. Perhaps "butt-loads" is not the best descriptive noun here.
I'm laughing at my children, and loving our new pet. Love and laughter - the best medicine.
My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that you'll find good health on your gratitude list.
My weirdest, latest illness involved vertigo so severe I could not lift my head from my pillow for more than a second without vomiting. Today I turned a serious corner and did my beloved Body Pump with no dizziness. It looks like - knock wood, fingers crossed, mojo/voodoo/prayer whatever - that I will be healthy heading into the Busy Season.
So to boost this new-found health, i plan to do a few things with my immune system. Like, romance it. Give it a little one-on-one time. Really listen to it, actively. Buy it a bauble, something shiny.
I'm going to cut down on alcohol. I love alcohol! I do. And I can't drink much as I am a bit of a lightweight. But I think cutting back as we enter the most wonderful time of the year is a good idea.
I'm taking a supplement - and vitamin C. And melatonin on nights when I'm not resting well (thanks Nansch - my doc thought that was a great idea!).
I'm going to rest well. I don't sleep well every night, but that is going to change, dammit! Wait, whoa...stress...no...calming down...
I'm going to be ridiculous about keeping up the exercise. Sometimes I let it slide, if work is calling...but this is just as important as work. I'm also focusing on getting some good old sunshine -created vitamin D.
I'm not going to sweat the small stuff. Small Stuff, you know what you are. I'm not going to sweat you.
I'm eating lower fat, higher protein, less sugars. Although Trader Joe's dried mango, you slay me.
I'm drinking butt-loads of water. Perhaps "butt-loads" is not the best descriptive noun here.
I'm laughing at my children, and loving our new pet. Love and laughter - the best medicine.
My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that you'll find good health on your gratitude list.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday, November 08, 2010
Weekly Inspiration
Sumptuous costume and cinematography via Sofia Coppola
The Tudors
Local music
Fighting fair
(Conservative friends: I have been so nice, and so quiet! I've restrained from putting anything political on any page or out there at all, save my distaste for the Wake School Board's politicizing where there should be no politics. I don't even LIKE Keith Olbermann! Or what he did! But from what I can glean from various completely biased news sources, he only did what others have done for a long time now. After a self-imposed hiatus from any "biased" news I am going back whole hog. Ignore me at your pleasure!)
The Tudors
Local music
Fighting fair
(Conservative friends: I have been so nice, and so quiet! I've restrained from putting anything political on any page or out there at all, save my distaste for the Wake School Board's politicizing where there should be no politics. I don't even LIKE Keith Olbermann! Or what he did! But from what I can glean from various completely biased news sources, he only did what others have done for a long time now. After a self-imposed hiatus from any "biased" news I am going back whole hog. Ignore me at your pleasure!)
Sunday, November 07, 2010
All Saints
Despite being sick, I mustered up the strength to go to our All Saints' service this morning. I usually have the role of ringing a bell for the dead. This year, with an inner ear virus, I gave that job to someone else. BONG BONG BONG is not what I needed today.
But the service, no matter what you believe about the afterlife, is incredibly peaceful. There is a painful beauty in remembering who has gone before. Our pastor does a lovely job of taking the fear out of death and while he doesn't extol the virtues and qualities of heaven, per se, he does remind us that love lives on no matter what.
And of course, the music. Today we had the harpist from the NC Symphony and she did a duet with our organist on the Fauré Requiem that had me shivering with goose bumps. Also? She's really nice and upbeat.
And one of my favorite sopranos sang the soaring solo on the "Lux Aeterna" from Rutter's Requieum. I was moved. But pulled it together to sing with her.
For they rest from their labours. Requieum aeternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
But the service, no matter what you believe about the afterlife, is incredibly peaceful. There is a painful beauty in remembering who has gone before. Our pastor does a lovely job of taking the fear out of death and while he doesn't extol the virtues and qualities of heaven, per se, he does remind us that love lives on no matter what.
And of course, the music. Today we had the harpist from the NC Symphony and she did a duet with our organist on the Fauré Requiem that had me shivering with goose bumps. Also? She's really nice and upbeat.
And one of my favorite sopranos sang the soaring solo on the "Lux Aeterna" from Rutter's Requieum. I was moved. But pulled it together to sing with her.
For they rest from their labours. Requieum aeternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Hallowe'en
Well, we don't even have a pumpkin yet. The fact that Christmas is in full swing at BOTH of my jobs has something to do with that. But there is no school today, so we shall see if something can get done about this huge gaffe in the holiday merry-making.
(I should tell you that we have celebrated, however. I was at school most of yesterday with the "Fall Experience". That phrase never fails to entertain me. Several concessions were made, as the temperature was something like 85. So hot cider became ice water, etc. There was also the fair fun complete with bunny and the annual Fall Festival at our school, where my shift was to ensure that children did not go back into the Haunted House after they exited. Also, we were able to watch half of "The Addams Family" together as a family, the other half to be viewed sometime this weekend. RIP Raul Julia! Angelica Houston - unparalleled! Christina Ricci - brilliant!)
With everyone's various activities in full swing, we also haven't finalized costumes. Hoping to remedy that tomorrow - here's my son's idea:
And my daughter continues her stretch of Costume As Social Commentary by producing her own "high stakes gambler" outfit. I cannot find an image to capture her homemade, painted, and glue gunned couture, but rest assured the point comes across.
Other ideas I had were:
World Cup fan: soccer jersey, Vuvuzela. TERRIFYING!
Tony Hayward: fake tan, Hawaiian shirt, blank expression. YIKES!
Wake School Board Majority: You need a blonde hottie, grey hair spray, padding, and the other one. AGGGH!!
Mark Zuckerburg: GAP sweatshirt, wads of cash hanging out of your pockets, blank expression. HORRORS!
Joan Holloway: red updo, gold pen necklace, baby bump. SCARY! (for her, anyway)
Ok, I've got to go buy this pumpkin.
Happy Hallowe'en!
(I should tell you that we have celebrated, however. I was at school most of yesterday with the "Fall Experience". That phrase never fails to entertain me. Several concessions were made, as the temperature was something like 85. So hot cider became ice water, etc. There was also the fair fun complete with bunny and the annual Fall Festival at our school, where my shift was to ensure that children did not go back into the Haunted House after they exited. Also, we were able to watch half of "The Addams Family" together as a family, the other half to be viewed sometime this weekend. RIP Raul Julia! Angelica Houston - unparalleled! Christina Ricci - brilliant!)
With everyone's various activities in full swing, we also haven't finalized costumes. Hoping to remedy that tomorrow - here's my son's idea:
And my daughter continues her stretch of Costume As Social Commentary by producing her own "high stakes gambler" outfit. I cannot find an image to capture her homemade, painted, and glue gunned couture, but rest assured the point comes across.
Other ideas I had were:
World Cup fan: soccer jersey, Vuvuzela. TERRIFYING!
Tony Hayward: fake tan, Hawaiian shirt, blank expression. YIKES!
Wake School Board Majority: You need a blonde hottie, grey hair spray, padding, and the other one. AGGGH!!
Mark Zuckerburg: GAP sweatshirt, wads of cash hanging out of your pockets, blank expression. HORRORS!
Joan Holloway: red updo, gold pen necklace, baby bump. SCARY! (for her, anyway)
Ok, I've got to go buy this pumpkin.
Happy Hallowe'en!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Even the NY Times Loves Bravo!
Patti in the news!
I should add that I saw a recent episode of Millionaire Matchmaker all the way through - for the first time. I was gripped, as the millionaire PROPOSED!
But of course he's a politician wannabe (now a politician) and she's a Playboy model (unbeknownst to Patti, apparently) and things ended in a flurry of MySpace commentary and badmouthing.
Oh well. Mazel Tov, Shadchen!
I should add that I saw a recent episode of Millionaire Matchmaker all the way through - for the first time. I was gripped, as the millionaire PROPOSED!
But of course he's a politician wannabe (now a politician) and she's a Playboy model (unbeknownst to Patti, apparently) and things ended in a flurry of MySpace commentary and badmouthing.
Oh well. Mazel Tov, Shadchen!
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Pivotal Day
Our pastor talked about days that change you in his sermon (that I heard twice, per my usual) yesterday. The day you are married. The day you hear you have cancer. The day you decide that you are not going to be mad anymore. The day your first child is born.
Last night, my daughter couldn't sleep because I happened to drop this gem on her right before bedtime:
"Tomorrow our lives will change!"
Because today we got our bunny. She was purchased at the fair last week and we have been in contact with her breeder? grower? previous owner? for a bit. But today was the day. Daddy went and got her and...
....fell instantly in love. Those of you who know him should be surprised at this - I sure was! But he has had a teensy turnaround in recent days. Maybe he was worried ahead of time and had acceptance spread upon him. Last night, his answer to daughter's not sleeping was to give her a mantra to repeat to herself. It was, and I quote,
"Breathe in, 'I'm getting a bunny', breathe out, 'I love my bunny'".
I'm pausing here whilst you laugh.
Anyway, she's soft as hell. And interesting to watch and interact with. No biting and poop output is minimal. It's only day one, of course. But so far, so good. For today, at least, we are happy and full of joy and love. A day that has changed us.
Last night, my daughter couldn't sleep because I happened to drop this gem on her right before bedtime:
"Tomorrow our lives will change!"
Because today we got our bunny. She was purchased at the fair last week and we have been in contact with her breeder? grower? previous owner? for a bit. But today was the day. Daddy went and got her and...
....fell instantly in love. Those of you who know him should be surprised at this - I sure was! But he has had a teensy turnaround in recent days. Maybe he was worried ahead of time and had acceptance spread upon him. Last night, his answer to daughter's not sleeping was to give her a mantra to repeat to herself. It was, and I quote,
"Breathe in, 'I'm getting a bunny', breathe out, 'I love my bunny'".
I'm pausing here whilst you laugh.
Anyway, she's soft as hell. And interesting to watch and interact with. No biting and poop output is minimal. It's only day one, of course. But so far, so good. For today, at least, we are happy and full of joy and love. A day that has changed us.
Monday, October 18, 2010
To Sleep, Perchance
My sleep has been seriously disrupted. This is NOT what I expected from my children's older childhood/tween years.
My daughter suffers from....high metabolism? Combined with a bit of anxiety? With a dash of the common sleep problems associated with adolescence? We've determined that she has to exercise, heartily, every day. Otherwise, she has trouble going to sleep and then decides it is best to come wake me up to tell me this fact.
I met several parents at a sporting event recently who told me they give their children melatonin. But isn't that a hormone? We're not giving her melatonin.
So last night, after Daddy had been in charge all day, she comes in at 1:30 a.m. (ok, it was this morning) to tell us she can't sleep. I asked if she had had caffeine...and Daddy said, no, just a Vitamin Water.
Sigh.
We had baby and toddler nieces here this weekend. Their parents are very good with them and I really didn't hear them at all. But there was the one night that toddler fell out of her bed. I have to say, I was impressed with myself for hearing the thump and racing to her aide...until her mom showed up, from two flights of stairs, 2 seconds later! Remember the sonic hearing of the new mom? Yeah, my sis-in-law's like, BIONIC.
Between poor sweet niece's fall and worry about the fact that my boss was sick and I was thus in charge of a huge musical extravaganza at work, no sleep.
I'm not a great sleeper anyway. My friend Lynn, with whom I've shared a room at various conferences and getaways, is always making me jealous. Her small black-haired head flops down on a pillow at some point in the evening and NEVER. MOVES. AGAIN.
I do know that exercise helps me. And I'm back on supplements and am taking yoga back up for relaxation. What helps YOU sleep?
My daughter suffers from....high metabolism? Combined with a bit of anxiety? With a dash of the common sleep problems associated with adolescence? We've determined that she has to exercise, heartily, every day. Otherwise, she has trouble going to sleep and then decides it is best to come wake me up to tell me this fact.
I met several parents at a sporting event recently who told me they give their children melatonin. But isn't that a hormone? We're not giving her melatonin.
So last night, after Daddy had been in charge all day, she comes in at 1:30 a.m. (ok, it was this morning) to tell us she can't sleep. I asked if she had had caffeine...and Daddy said, no, just a Vitamin Water.
Sigh.
We had baby and toddler nieces here this weekend. Their parents are very good with them and I really didn't hear them at all. But there was the one night that toddler fell out of her bed. I have to say, I was impressed with myself for hearing the thump and racing to her aide...until her mom showed up, from two flights of stairs, 2 seconds later! Remember the sonic hearing of the new mom? Yeah, my sis-in-law's like, BIONIC.
Between poor sweet niece's fall and worry about the fact that my boss was sick and I was thus in charge of a huge musical extravaganza at work, no sleep.
I'm not a great sleeper anyway. My friend Lynn, with whom I've shared a room at various conferences and getaways, is always making me jealous. Her small black-haired head flops down on a pillow at some point in the evening and NEVER. MOVES. AGAIN.
I do know that exercise helps me. And I'm back on supplements and am taking yoga back up for relaxation. What helps YOU sleep?
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