Don't Come Home Stupid

Puppy-Proofing the House

2011-01-01T22:56:00.000Z

My husband has been frantically baby, I mean, puppy-proofing the house this afternoon. He went to Home Depot and bought all those safety items that we had long ago abandoned -- baby locks (those wire contraptions I could never undo without breaking a nail), baby gates, the works. I feel like we crossed a huge hurdle and then took a huge step backwards. I'll never forget the sheer sense of unadulterated freedom when we took off the last baby lock -- we were giddy with excitement, taking back small shards of our former lives back -- and yet here we are once again. My husband is the reluctant and grumbling co-conspirator in my ill-conceived plan of adopting a puppy. I'm looking at my house less like a refuge that it's been the past five years and more like a puppy prison, but anything to keep him from crapping in my dining room I guess. Deja vu all over again; it's been humbling thus far.

Happy 2011!!

2011-01-01T22:19:00.001Z

Happy New Year, one and all. I am too cranky, middle-aged and sleep-deprived (see puppy post below) to even think about a new year's resolution. I know that I should save more, be better about maintaining administrative records and floss on a regular basis, but that's just not inspiring. I would actually like to be more patient, happy-go-lucky and fun-loving and host more dinner parties, but at this point, am not even sure that it's in my genetic make-up.
All I know is that the year can only get significantly better than how it started; this morning I cleaned up dog poop off of my favorite living room carpet, it can only get better from here, right.
On the plus side, I had an interesting grammar lesson with my son is which I had to explain what the past-tense of "sh%t is and why it doesn't follow the standard rule of ending in "ed".

Post-Puppy Depression

2011-01-01T21:00:00.001Z

We have a puppy -- he is healthy, loving, sweet, playful and kind and looks up at you with these midnight-blue, inquisitive eyes and loves to fall asleep at your feet on the couch. But, instead of being delirious and ecstatic with excitement, I am a complete and utter wreck, every fiber of my being is in a state of disruption and shock. I thought that getting a dog would complete the family picture (I was raised by a Zenith and grew up watching sitcoms from the 1950's after day after school, what did you expect) and teach the kids about responsibility and looking after the needs of someone else and I really do love dogs -- I just never realized that I can't live with one. People warned me -- I didn't listen, the humongous chip on my shoulder still there from surviving infant twins. So, here I am with a puppy who needs me and loves me and follows me around like, well, a puppy, and I am wreck. I am oversatured with puppy information and advice from other dog lovers and have bought every gadget to make the doggie easier to adjust to our house.
I also thought that having a dog would force me to ease up on my OCD and neat-freak tendencies and have me relaxed more about disorder, but instead it has kicked all my neuroses into high-gear. I've become a cleaning and germ-eradicating machine, fanatically scrubbing and washing every surface that the puppy has touched and cleaning up any random doggie hairs. I am hoping that this gets easier; I've already been through post-partum depression -- it wasn't pretty and I barely made it through -- not sure that I can go through this again. Meanwhile, we have a new addition -- did I mention that he loves to curl up at my feet?

A Nation Without School Librarians -- Google Map

2010-03-30T16:08:00.002Z

Think about the time when you were in school. You'd walk into the library and the nice librarian would be so excited to show you a new book that just came into the library and she was holding it for you because she knew that this would be something that you'd love to read. Now think about your own kids walking into a library and it being empty -- without anybody to help your kid navigate the world of literature, literacy or the the Web. That's what's happening all over the county. Check out this Google map that Shonda created showing a visual map for exactly which school systems are eliminating librarians. It's really scary and not a pretty picture.

"Funny How?"

2010-03-27T18:47:00.006Z

When people ask me, "how do you like your job," I really have to stop and think for a while. I think that the long pause indicates that I am in work hell (like most people), but that's not the case at all. I am still in culture shock -- it's been nearly three years since I left my cushy, dull office job as a knowledge management mapping specialist (no, I'm not kidding) to a children's librarian in a small school. Most of the day I love -- the kids -- the books -- the variety -- the challenge of holding it together for en entire day without using any curse words. What I haven't yet gotten used to are the people -- working in a school is decidedly different than working in a homogenized, quiet, orderly corporate environment. Take this recent interchange the other day:
Back story: For the past two years, I have been trying to make polite, informal conversation with a certain teacher. (I mean, there's no point in not liking me -- I shower, I make sure my hair is combed every day, I don't yell or throw objects at people or wear tin-foiled hats in the hopes of communicating with aliens -- I'm pretty likable for the most part.) Dutifully, every day, I have been annoyingly chirping, "Good Morning," enthusiastically -- while this certain teacher methodically stares at the carpet pattern and keeps walking. I try saying it louder thinking that he hasn't been hearing me and he just keeps staring more intensely at the tiny specs of industrial floor covering. My attempts at light-hearted humor go un-heeded throughout the years and my quirky, off-kilter remarks I guess are just perceived as plain odd.
The other day, I guess in one of my more bitchier moods after one of my comments go un-noticed, I snarkily reply, "Oh, I forgot, (name of school) doesn't allow humor here." The teacher assured me he had a sense of humor and stormed out of the room.
After another awkward exchange yesterday (I lightheartedly said, "I shall return" thinking that a history teacher would find it humorous), the teacher again assured me that he indeed had a sense of humor. "You know, I have a pretty good sense of humor. I do comedy improv in the city and most people think I'm pretty funny. ... I just don't find you funny..."
Ok, then, to that, I had to laugh out loud. Maybe I'll keep my quirky comments to myself -- where they are appreciated.

Author Mo Willems at Stamford Ferguson Library on Saturday, Nov. 7th

2009-11-04T00:20:00.003Z

For anyone who's ever read any of the deceptively simple, Pigeon series books from acclaimed and award0-winning author Mo Willems, you'll know what a treat this will be. Willems will be speaking at the main branch of Ferguson on Saturday, November 7th. His talk will be for parents and kids in grade K and up. Whatever you do, don't miss it. I have heard him speak before and he's hysterical -- and don't forget to bring the kids, too! This event is free and open to the public.

Stamford News: Boy Held Up for His Halloween Candy

2009-11-04T00:09:00.000Z

Yep, you read that correctly, an 11-year-old was held up by a BB-gun-weilding 12-year-old demanding the kid's Halloween candy. Really makes you proud, doesn't it. Getting past the sheer bizarre nature and absurdity, there really is a sad story in here, the least of it being that a kid got a hold of a BB gun and was using it to torture other kids in the neighborhood. Isolation, lack of parental supervision, the need to bully others with violence, it's all there right for everyone to see. Really makes you sad, not sure if a whole truckload of Snickers at this point will help this kid, if only that's all that it would take.

Did You Vote Yet?

2009-11-03T23:58:00.000Z

Voting is always a blast; I usually have at least one kid with me and tend to make a spectacle of myself. Today, my kids (and my neighbor son) each took a donut from the voting volunteer snack table despite my best efforts to intercept it. I did my civic duty, was about to leave when one of the elderly volunteers congratulated my kids for "having such a pretty mother." They gave the man a blank stare and I beamed. So what if the compliment was from a sight-impaired elderly gentleman; I don't care. Leaving the school gymnasium, I had to interrogate a Girl Scout for sticking her tongue out at my neighbor son. (I still bought two boxes of Samoas, though.)
But, I digress, as Al Capone said, "Vote early and vote often," and yes, I'm fully aware of that overused cliche, but I only get to use it once a year. I felt pretty good and informed about my voting choices this year. I went to hear mayoral candidate David Martin speak last week and he seemed really engaged, passionate, well-informed and just plain smart. With his Missouri-bred accent, it was kind of a cross between a local politics discussion and Prairie Home Companion. (Michael Pavia was also impressive, well-spoken and polished and let's face it, for an older guy, he's a hottie. But, still, there's something about that born and bred and never left Stamford parochial view of the world that's just, well, parochial.) So, David Martin's got my vote -- now, I'm waiting to see who the rest of Stamford voted for.
So, what are you waiting for -- go out and vote -- this is Connecticut, the polls close at 8!

Happy Birthday to My Double-Digit!

2009-10-17T01:55:00.002Z

Happy birthday to my oldest, who turns 10 today! I'm still in a little shock that I have a 10-year-old. On the one hand, it's seems like forever and forever that we have had him; on the other hand, it's like a brief blip in time since I had him. It's amazing to watch him grow and mature and become more and more his own person. He still makes farting jokes, but is quietly observant and sensitive and everyday takes on more adult sensibilities. I know that every parent goes through this, but the moment when you realize that your kid is less a little boy/girl and more an actual person is kind of bizarre. I guess it came to be the other week when my son wanted to stay up to watch the season premiere of "The Office" -- and laughed along at all the jokes. (Ok, so I guess that's it not exactly a Hallmark moment, but it was pretty cool, I have to say.)
So, happy birthday, baby -- many, many more -- looking forward to watching many more season premiers with you!

Return of the Soccer Mom

2009-09-28T01:26:00.004Z

My oldest son seems to have abandoned soccer altogether, much to my dismay. In my humble and completely unbiased opinion, he was really good at it. All those times dragging him (I mean, taking him) to practices and games since he was four have been replaced with the dull and yet completely maddening baseball and the all-consuming and terrifying football. My daughter tried a season or two of soccer, but it wasn't for her (requests from her coach to actually run to the ball were met with crossed arms and Travis Bickle-like stares, "You talkin' to me?")
But, alas, there is still hope. My younger son seems to enjoy the game still. He could never be described as aggressive, but that's ok, he's playing and participating and sometimes that's all that matters. I know that, I'm a rationale person. So, that's the attitude that I am going into this season. At this point, I should know better. I've been through the Town of Recreation sports experience before and I should be capable of handling this situation by now. I am going to attend the practices and games with a renewed, more serene attitude -- they're not playing for the championship, after all. I can sit in my collapsible folding chair and enjoy the fresh air and the admire the trees begin to turn. I will watch and cheer for all the players on the team and even cheer for the other team (after all, a good shot is a good shot, right). I don't even have to catch the entire game, letting my husband enjoy the game in solitude.
So, that was my position this weekend when I went to my son's son. I arrived near the end, sat down without even asking for the score and just watched. Then it happened, I started watch -- the other kids, the coaches on the other side, the parents, the ball -- my own kid. My toes started to tap, my legs started to shake, my heart rate started to increase and I had to get up. Before I knew it, I was at the edge of the sidelines yelling instructions. My son did his gallopy-run-thing that was more skipping than running and the arms were flapping a little bit and he was more than happy to let the more aggressive players get to the ball first . I had to intervene, I couldn't let him wallow out there without even saying anything. And then all the things that I have hated hearing throughout the years just came out, "Get in front of the ball, "Turn it around," "Protect the goal," and yes, the ever-annoying, "Use your legs to run" came spewing from my mouth. At one point, my son looked up from the field, saw me and all I could make out from his eyes was something like, "Oh, God, she's here after all." It wasn't pretty. After a few minutes, the game mercifully ended and I folded up my chair -- my son ecstatic because he got a juicebox from the coach.
So much for my zen-like sports mom attitude. Later that evening my husband quietly suggested that perhaps I better stay at home next week. You know, maybe he's got a point there. I have a few dozen apples I need to do something with.

Apple Picking 2009

2009-09-27T17:21:00.004Z

So, yesterday, September 26th, was Johnny Appleseed's birthday (I only know this because I read a lot of kids books and American folktales are some of my favorites.) I thought that yesterday was the perfect day to take the kids apple-picking; the weather was perfect -- not too hot (when the bees are on the move) with a hint of fall crispness. From the onset, I know what I'm getting into -- for the privilege of a good photo opportunity, I get to pay top dollar for a bunch of apples -- and I have to do the work myself (yep, ShopRite has apples for $.99/pound -- I could do better at the local grocery store). I know that going into it, what I hadn't counted on was the mondo-bizarreness of the other applepickers. To give you a taste of the experience:

Group of extended family members stopping at one of the trees to take pictures, about 10 people standing around gleefully posing for pictures, oblivious to the fact that four or five of the younger members of the family clan were hell-bent on viciously stomping and squashing all the apples that had fallen to the ground. The fact that we were walking by didn't put a crimp in their fun; the whole ground was like one huge smashed apple. Gross.

While walking to the car, I looked across the aisle to the next row of trees and noticed a young couple in their '20s holding hands, smiling euphorically and skipping among the trees, carrying all their apples in their eco-friendly shopping bags. I got a little nostalgic (aw, young love, aren't they so cute and all that) until I caught a huge whiff of the scent of young love, which would be Cannibas in this case. Lovely -- I take my kids for a family outing and two lovebirds are toking up in the trees. Scary part was that they were driving right behind us in the parking lot.

Also while making our exit, I noticed a youngish mom pulling down her shirt and furtively pulling out one of her breasts and showing her teen daughter something in the bra vicinty. I can't even go there, we were almost to the car and I just had to flee -- no gift shop, no apple cider, no applecider donuts, no ridiculously overpriced pumpkins and gourds -- just hightailing it out of there.
So, we have tons of apples -- I know that the kids will eat most of them. The rest of them will be made into various apple items (pies, pancakes, fritters, whatever). As for next year, I think that we may leave our applepicking days behind, so please don't laugh when you see in the produce aisle next year taking snapshots.

Boycott Marriott Hotels!!

2009-08-15T01:17:00.002Z

This is one of the most most, egregious, backwards and despicable"blame the victim" tactics that I have ever heard of. Yesterday's Stamford Advocate published an article about the Marriott Hotel's (owned by the Meyer Jabara Hotel Corp.) legal maneuvers to blame the October 2006 rape on the -- get this -- victim's own negligence! From the article, A downtown hotel being sued by a woman raped at gunpoint in its parking garage is claiming she was careless, negligent and "failed to exercise due care for her own safety and the safety of her children and proper use of her senses and facilities," according to court documents.
What?!? I actually read the opening paragraphs a few times to make sure that I was reading it correctly. How in the world can this happen in the U.S. in 2009? Words can not even begin to describe my disgust here; I became physically nauseous when I read this. I am outraged -- and everyone else should be, too! Please forward the Facebook group, Boycott Marriott Hotels for Not Supporting Sexual Assault Victims to everyone you know -- and get the word out!! Boycott Marriott and make our voice known that the victim won't be assualted again!!

So Long, John Hughes

2009-08-07T14:50:00.003Z

For those of you out there who were teens in the 1980's, the passing of John Hughes really makes you sit down and think for a while. Yep, his movies were a little on the cartoonish, extreme and silly side (the kids were always too smart for their own good, the grown-ups were always polyester-wearing buffoons), but that didn't matter. That's what high school felt like, didn't it -- the place was mobbed with characters and caricatures and you felt like you were the only one who understood it all. John Hughes got it -- he understood all the caste systems and cliques and the feeling of not ever really feeling like you fit in anywhere.
I'll always remember seeing "Breakfast Club" -- from the first scene, I was hooked -- I was where I belonged. The movie quoted David Bowie -- could there be anything else better? "Pretty in Pink" changed my world forever -- I immediately went out and cut my hair in a short bob and started shopping in the local vintage clothing shops. (Although, I still don't get what in the world Andie ever saw in Blane -- Ducky was far hipper and more interesting.)
To me, the movies are still fresh, funny and moving. Maybe it's only the nostalgia aspect that makes me love these movies so much, but I think that it was the message: "It's OK if you're a geek/nerd/spaz/outsiders/whatever term you choose to use -- there's more of us than them and someday it won't be so bad."
So, what's your favorite John Hughes movie? Which character do you identify with?

Warms a Mother's Heart

2009-08-06T21:14:00.003Z

The other day, I was at my desk in the office listening to the messages on the answering machine. I wrote down the message from a plumber (yes, a plumber who actually returns phone calls), when I actually took a good look at the piece of paper that I was writing on, specifically the words on the paper. Was this some sort of a passive act of revenge, a desperate cry for help, a lazy act of petulance (I mean, libeling your own mom and leaving the evidence right near the home computer -- that's pretty weak). Not sure...
On the up side, there weren't any spelling errors.

We the People...

2009-07-05T14:30:00.004Z

Happy Post-4th everyone! Hope that you've recovered from all your holiday parties, cookouts, binges and barbecues. In all the 4th-fuss (not to mention Sarah Palin's bombshell announcement -- the sly little fox, trying to sneak out the day before the holiday thinking that everyone would be too drunk to notice), it's easy to forget the whole reason behind the holiday -- a piece of paper. This piece of paper is the country's charter and it's a damn-well-written treatise -- full of lofty goals and aspirations. I forgot how beautifully-written the Declaration of Independence actually is -- take a read when you get a chance -- talk about goosebumps.

Stamford Farmers' Markets Pretty Underwhelming

2009-07-01T19:14:00.003Z

It's a Wednesday and I've been to both Farmers' Markets in Stamford (having visiting the upstart one in the High Ridge shopping center last week and the one at Bartlett Arboretum this week). I gotta say they were both pretty unexciting. The pickings were slim and what they had was on the expensive side. (I wasn't looking for a bargain here, but $10.00 for four tomatoes seemed a little on the excessive side.) I am also a little perplexed as to why they would have two competing Farmer's Markets on the same day (it doesn't seem very community-oriented to me). So, what's a girl to do -- venture out to neighboring towns to check out their produce -- Stamford seems to have missed the mark on this one this year.

No More Teachers...

2009-06-20T00:03:00.002Z

...no more books...well, you know the rest! I can't believe that summer is here and I am done with my school year. It's kind of liberating and sad at the same time. I was really touched by how many kids hugged me and said that they would miss and all that. It made even cynical, skeptical, glass-half-empty me teary-eyed and loopy. There was so much that I wanted to do that I didn't get done; there was so much that I tried to do that just plain flopped (i.e., reader's theater version of the original version of Casey at the Bat with a group of second graders, I had a mutiny on my hands with that one).
But, hey, the school year is over, I can breathe for a while -- I just have to somehow face the ceiling-high piles of school papers and projects that arrived on the last few days of school. I really want to have some lofty goals this summer, but will be happy to garden and read.
What are your plans this summer?

Flashback: The Electric Company

2009-05-27T10:17:00.001Z

Remember this one? Afros and literacy -- I really miss the '70s...

Book Review: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2009-05-16T15:11:00.004Z

I have been meaning to blog about this book for a while now, but haven't had the chance. I won't mince words because we're all busy people and it's the weekend, which means that I must have a kids baseball game that I have to be at somewhere in town.
This is what I have to say: Hop in your car, drive to the nearest bookstore and purchase this book as soon as possible. (I don't mean to betray my library kinfolk here, but you have to own a copy of this book as soon as possible.)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, written for the teen market, is one of those books you will not able to put down. Here's the plot: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see. Survival is second nature for 16-year-old Katniss, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Ok, do I have your attention yet? The book is riveting -- a futuristic survivalist story and a commentary on today's obsession with reality TV. I was crushed when the book ended until I realized that there soon will be a sequel, Catching Fire. Looking forward to reading the next chapter.

Did you get your free comic book?

2009-05-04T14:06:00.007Z

We did. Of course, we purchased a few other items because I felt guilty just picking up a free comic book and leaving.
When we got to the store and I looked at my kids' shocked and confused faces, it dawned on me that my kids had never entered a comic book store before and were not prepared for the experience -- this crowded, tiny, cluttered store was the antithesis to the modern-day homogenized, antiseptic and supermarketed and super-organized megabookstore. I have been so consumed with making sure that they become familiar and comfortable in the area of sports (unlike yours truly, who was perpetually picked dead last in gym class for 12 years straight), that I had failed as of yet to introduce them to my freaks and geaks childhood. I instantly loved the cramped, dusty, disorganized little store -- it reminded me of spending hours in the record store pouring over and studying the liner notes and sitting between the stacks in used bookstores. (Of course, our local comic book store is conveniently located a few doors down from the erotic undergarment store, so that added to the whole experience.) In the end, we ended up with a few comic books, which have already been devoured and I bought a graphic novel. My son is already drawing his own comic book, so I guess my work here is done.
What's your favorite comic book hero or superhero? I'm a Batman fan myself.

Happy Birthday, Pete Seeger!

2009-05-03T15:52:00.004Z

Today is Pete Seeger's birthday. At the age of 90, he's still going strong and strumming along and performing. Pete, the iconic folk songer and civil rights advocate, has been inspiring people with this message and music since the 1940's -- and he's an awesome banjo player. (He popularized the well-known civil rights anthem, "We Shall Overcome.") My favorite Pete Seeger song is "Turn, Turn, Turn." What's your favorite?

Happy Birthday and keep on playing, Pete -- this country needs more voices singing out (do you know any songs about illegal torturing of political prisoners, by any chance?!?)

Saturday, May 2nd is Free Comic Book Day!

2009-05-01T10:12:00.003Z

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 2nd, is Free Comic Book Day, a day when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely *free to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local shop for their participation and rules.
What's your favorite type of comic book -- superheroes, manga, science/fiction and fantasy?

Bruce at the Hartford XL Civic Center on April 24, 2009

2009-04-26T23:15:00.005Z

I can finally check off one of the musicians who I have always wanted to see in concert: Bruce Springsteen, who is currently on tour and played in Hartford on Friday, April 24. Bruce played exactly like I thought that he would: hard-driving, tight and rockin' all the way. For three hours, he played to the crowd and showed his musical expertise, while interacting with the audience. I have to admit that the show at some points did drag a bit (I know that Bruce thinks of himself as the modern-day Woodie Guthrie, but I didn't really go there to hear so much the whole Depression-esque, howling hobo act -- that got kind of tired for me).

Bruce, however, more than made up for it when he played requests from the crowd (Wild Thing) and classic favorites like Rosalita and Born to Run (ok, I'll admit it, that's what I came to hear). (Although, I was disappointed that he didn't play my favorite Bruce song, Candy's Room.)

So, I thought that I would never go to a stadium concert ever again and there I was, cranky, old and tired (and yes, the eternal librarian, I couldn't believe that I had to actually shush the two betties behind me who were talking non-stop throughout the entire concert. All I could think was, "I can't believe I paid so much for these tickets and have to listen to these two bitches behind me yapping the entire time -- hell really is other people.")

Here's the playlist for the Hartford show (courtesy of backsteets.com):

Badlands

Outlaw Pete

Jackson Cage

She's the One

Working on a Dream

Radio Nowhere (w/ Jay Weinberg)

Seeds (w/ Jay Weinberg)

Johnny 99 (w/ Jay Weinberg)

The Ghost of Tom Joad (w/ Jay Weinberg)

Raise Your Hand

Wild Thing

Rocking All Over the World

The E Street Shuffle

Waitin' on a Sunny Day

The Promised Land

The Wrestler

Kingdom of Days

Lonesome Day

The Rising

Born to Run
Encores:

Cadillac Ranch

Hard Times

Tenth Avenue Freeze-out

Land of Hope and Dreams

American Land

Rosalita

So Long, Bea...

2009-04-26T22:56:00.004Z

I am writing this heartbroken over the recent death of actress, Beatrice Arthur. I loved her and I loved her work. I know that she had a rich and illustrious career in the movies and theater, but I loved her mainly as Maude and Dorothy. Sarcastic, sharp, strong-willed, these two roles were strong women who wouldn't back down for anything.
Most of all, Bea reminded me of my own grandma, a Golden Girl herself, who, like me, would watch the Golden Girls and laugh at their contrived and good-natured hi-jinx. How could you not love her; her expressions alone were priceless. So long, Bea, you will truly be missed.

Theme from Maude

Lady Godiva was a freedom rider, she didn't care of the whole world looked.
Joan of Arc, with the lord to guide her, she was a sister who really cooked.
Isadora was a first bra burner
Aint' ya glad she showed up?
And when the country was falling apart Betsy Ross got it all sewed up
And then there's Maude
And then there's Maude
And then there's Maude
And then there's Maude
And then there's Maude
And then there's Maude
And then there's that old compromisin, enterprisin' anything but traqulizin' Right on Maude!!!

Chris Van Allsburg's Just a Dream: Earth Day Read-Aloud

2009-04-23T02:27:00.005Z

I know that Earth Day 2009 is practically over, but hey, as my kids say, "every day should be Earth Day," (as they waltz out of rooms with the TV and radio blaring and all the lights on and leave my car looking like a floating garbage barge, but, hey, let's not go there).
Today, a few of the classes that graced the library doors got to hear Chris Van Allsburg's 1990 book, Just a Dream. It's about a young litterbug named Walter who thinks that the future will be brilliant and bright with robots and flying cars, but then one night has this dream about the real future if he and many others don't clean up their acts. Yes, the book's message is insanely preachy and obvious, but the trippy storyline and far-out illustrations kept kids on the edge of their seats. Actually, if you can, pick up any book you find by Chris Van Allsburg -- he's both an author and illustrator and he's fiercely talented. (Kind of like an Escher for kids.)
Happy Earth Day, everyone -- it's almost 11:00 -- do you know where your recycling bin is?!?

Doctor's Visit or Bad After-School Special?

2009-04-19T18:37:00.004Z

The other day was my son's nine-year-old annual physical. (Never mind the fact that his birthday was in October and I just had the appointment, that's besides the point.) Sitting in on the appointment with my son was pretty interesting, if not comically tragic. Before the doctor did all the physical check-up -- eyes, ears, heart and other more sensitive areas -- he did his whole "let me take a few minutes to try to rap with you" spiel. His first question was about girls -- girls -- my kid is only nine and he's trying to figure out if he's into girls yet. The conversation went something like this.
Groovy Doctor: (all he needed were sideburns and bell bottoms to make the whole thing complete for me) So, what do you think about girls?
Boy 1: What do you mean?
Groovy Doctor: I mean, do you like talking to girls, do you think that they're nice, funny, do you like being around them?
Boy 1: Um...no...
Groovy Doctor: (Getting a little exasperated that his line of questioning was going nowhere rather quickly) Well, who do you talk to...who are your friends?
Boy 1: Guys -- I talk to guys -- I only like hanging out with the guys.
At this point, I really had to intervene and let the doctor know that my son isn't into girls yet and to get on with the physical -- the whole inquiry process was resembling too much an ABC After-School Special for me and I had to end it right there.
The next day in the car, I thought about the conversation (or the attempted conversation) and thought that maybe the doctor was right -- perhaps this was indeed a topic that I should broach with my son. So, here was my attempt:
Tragically Un-hip Mom: So, um, what do you think about girls -- are there any girls in your class you like to talk to.
Boy 1: Nope.
Tragically Un-hip Mom: Do you know why the doctor yesterday was asking you all about girls?
Boy 1: Yep.
Tragically Un-Hip Mom: (looking for a glimmer of understanding at this point) Oh, why is that?
Boy 1: ...Because the doctor is out of his mind.
So, there you have it, my baseball-loving son who just likes to go on bike rides with his buddies, play catch in the driveway, play with Legos and was ok -- he didn't need to have the lecture/talk/discussion about girls or puberty or anything like that yet -- he's fine with that, it's just us grown-ups who are losing our minds.

Obama Reads "Where the Wild Things Are"

2009-04-15T15:05:00.003Z

I like this little video. Not only because the children's classic, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is one of my favorite illustrated children's books, but because it shows our golden-boy president out of his element. Here he is attempting to connect with the kids at the annual White House Easter Egg Hunt and to me, he looks a little, well, awkward, which I find actually endearing. I would be a little suspect of a president who is brilliant and charming and who can seamlessly navigate the adult and kid universe. So, maybe President Obama didn't read a brilliant rendition of this book -- that's ok -- leave that to the pros (like me;->). My other favorite part of this video is the Secret Service officer dutifully standing guard protecting the president -- his eyes don't move at all; wasn't he the least bit curious to see the pictures?

Daily Show: Dirty Bird Special

2009-04-12T15:14:00.002Z

This had me laughing out loud the other night; presents the ugly side of senior sex and the city. Check it out when you get a chance!

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Facebook: I'm Just Not That Into You

2009-04-11T23:29:00.006Z

It's been a while since I checked Facebook (or FB as Facebook fanatics will use). It's not that I don't have the time; it's just that I am making a conscious decision to not log into this social networking site that has been setting the world on fire for a while now. I am going cold turkey; a former FB junkie, I am now realizing that FB is just not all that and am trying to reform myself. Here are the main reasons for my FB dilemma:

It's taken the mundane aspects of everyday living and put them on a whole new level: Do I really need to know that you've just flossed, that the exterminator just gave you a really great quote on ridding your house of those pesky carpenter ants, that you're in the bread aisle and you're trying to decide between 12-grain and nine-grain, that you're really angry about the re-design of Facebook and you need the whole world to know about it? And here's the thing -- I highly doubt that my little insights into my daily rituals are really life-changing for you either. I once changed my status to "I'm making a salad and am in need of a red onion." Um, I don't even know what possessed me to type that -- can't even think of one valid reason.
The time-wasting element never ceased to amaze me. Yes, at times I would actually spend up to an hour of my day puttering around various people's pages checking out God knows what -- an hour -- think of all the stuff that I could have done in my own life -- I could have volunteered somewhere or learned something useful -- like car maintenance or a foreign language -- or anything at all!! Yes, I enjoyed going down memory lane with you, but was I really supposed to be there with you this time around if I wasn't even there the first time?
I felt kind of icky in a voyeuristic kind of way. I love seeing my friends' kids' pictures, but their embarrassing pictures from high school?!? Like I said, I wasn't there in the first place, so were those pictures meant for me to click on now? Not sure.
There's a myriad of other philosophical objections that I have against FB -- it's eroding our society's personal one-on-one relationships and created a forum-like way of connecting with people, it's created yet another avenue for social exlusion and cyberbullying (just ask of your local middle-schooler for an example or two), it's made the snarky, smart-ass comment a standard method of communicating, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I still think it's pretty cool in a lot of other ways - I connected with a few friends from college who I haven't spoken to in years -- that was so neat -- and to look at their kids' pictures and how their lives have shaped -- well, that's pretty cool, too. Also, let's face it -- Facebook's search engine is pretty rocking (ok, that's the librarian-geek in me) -- and I love knowing everyone's birthdays -- how cool is it to send a one-line note of birthday cheer!
So, what are your thoughts on FB -- is it the greatest thing since sliced bread or is it the Web 2.0 version of procrastination -- or is it something in between? Should I just chill out because resistance at this point is futile? As you can see, I'm still conflicted.
By the way, are you on my friends list yet?

Where All the Cool Kids Hang Out...

2009-03-29T15:09:00.003Z

...is the library, of course!

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Bruce Springsteen on the Daily Show

2009-03-20T21:25:00.004Z

Check out this interview with Bruce Springsteen on last night's Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The most amazing thing about this interview is that Stewart actually lets Bruce finish his own sentence; I have to say that I could see Bruce physically squirm in his seat during the final minutes of the interview, where Stewart unabashedly and blatantly kisses Bruce's butt. Bruce -- a masterful storyteller, humble -- and he still looks pretty good in a pair of jeans. What else could you ask for in an iconic rock star?

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Book Review: The Graveyard Book

2009-03-20T17:11:00.007Z

I couldn't let another day go without writing about Neil Gaiman's latest Newbery-award winning book, The Graveyard Book. The book is spooky, macabre, spine-chilling -- and totally charming -- and reminds us how fun it is to be scared sometimes.
The book starts out pretty intensely; a "man named Jack" has just murdered an entire family in the middle of the night. The youngest, a toddler, escapes and wanders into the local graveyard, where he is adopted by the inhabitants of the graveyard, ghosts. The story follows the adventures of Bod (short for Nobody, as he is named by his adoptive ghost parents) as he tries to assimilate between the living and the dead and his eventual call to destiny as he is forced to seek out the truth about the man who has killed his family and who is still after him.
It all sounds pretty sick and twisted (which I guess it is), but somehow the author manages to make the story gentle and life-affirming at the end. Take a read -- you won't be disappointed.
In case you missed it, here is the Stephen Colbert's interview with Neil Gaiman last week.

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President Obama on Jay Leno

2009-03-20T14:09:00.002Z

In case you missed it last night, here is the interview with President Obama on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I am still sort of ambivalent about having the president of the United States on a late-night talk show; on the one hand, I feel that the campaign is over and he should focusing on policy-change and not PR and on the other hand, I think that this is a perfect vehicle for the president to speak directly to the people(at least those who tend to watch late-night tv). So, what do you think?
If you have a spare 24 minutes, take a look; it was actually an interesting interview, Special Olympics joke gaffe aside.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

2009-03-03T01:07:00.005Z

I couldn't let the day get past me without wishing a happy birthday to Theodore Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss), who would have been 105 today. Whatever you think of Dr. Seuss's whacked out rhyming schemes and fantastical illustrations and characters, you can't dispute that he changed the face of children's literature. My favorite Dr. Seuss book is still the Cat in the Hat. I love this story not just because of the whimsical story, but really its whole subversive nature and subtext. The narrator and his sister Sally are typical latchkey kids dutifully waiting by the door until their mother, who for some reason has left two kids alone, returns. They're simultaneously repulsed and fascinated with the Cat, who turns out to be a real scam artist/trickster and who miraculously cleans up all the chaos that he has created mere seconds before the errant mom shows up. The last two lines of the book always makes me chuckle to myself: What would you do/If your mother asked you? Whenever I read to this kids (including my own), I always ask them what they would do if faced with this moral dilemma -- would they tell their mom what happened or keep it a secret. The answers are always interesting and entertaining. (Incidentally, my daughter always says that she wouldn't tell.)
What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

Movie Review: Coraline

2009-02-26T20:07:00.004Z

Before I forget, I had to share what a pleasure it was to watch the movie, Coraline (rated PG). I had read the book by *Neil Gaiman in anticipation of the movie coming out and was really enthralled with this spooky little world that the author created. In the book, Coraline finds this whole other world that is brighter and more colorful and more interesting than her own and all she has to do to enter this alternate universe is change an important part of own being. The book is an eerie delight and the movie (I saw the 3D version) was a dazzling, trippy, spooky, clever and creative bit of escapism. Go check out the movie before it leaves the theaters.
*Neil Gaiman recently won the Newbery award for his latest book, The Graveyard Book. I am currently pages ages from finishing it; look for my review soon!

What to Get Me for Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T16:36:00.003Z

Want to smell like old books? Personally, I like the smell, but that's just me. Tired of the same old ocean breeze, musky and flowery scents? Here's a perfume that puts you in the stacks...leather bindings and all. Check out CB I Hate Perfume for more information.

Parenting and iPoding

2009-02-13T16:00:00.004Z

I own an iPod. I happen to love it, I plug myself into my own little pod-type universe and do all kinds of stuff: walking in the 'hood, treadmilling in my basement, gardening, loading the dishwasher, folding laundry, whatever. I just got one over the summer; I am 41. I understand that most of the kids in my son's class already have one; probably much nicer and sleeker models than mine. I have come to terms with that. I never quite know what these kids are listening to; I make it a point not to ask -- until one of my kid's friends shares an earbud of his brand new iTouch with my son. I happened to be standing there, protective mama bird ready to swoop down and shield my son's virgin baby ears from the nefarious sounds coming out today's dismal music scene. Was I ever surprised when the conversation went something like this:

Friend: Hey, listen to this. (handing him the earbud). I fast forwarded a few years from now when some random kid hands my son a short, stubby cigarette and asks him to try it on the school ground. (I know, I need to get out of '80s PSA hell.)

Son: OK.

Me: Um, excuse me, would you mind telling me what you're listening to... (righteous indignation oozing from all pores).

Friend: Believe it or not?

Me: The song is called, "Believe it or Not," or is that in the lyrics?

Friend: It's in the lyrics.

Me: (pause): Does the song go something like this..."Believe it or not, I'm walking on air, I never thought I could feel this free --eee/Flying away on a wing and a prayer/Who could it be/Believe it or not it's just me..."

Friend: Yeah.

Me: Oh, OK.

I then proceed to sing the entire song of "The Greatest American Hero," my son's friend is non-plussed and starts fiddling with some of the controls, my son turns all red and hands back the earbud back to his friend in disinterest or disgust, I can't really tell.

My job here is done, I have saved my son from listening to the theme song of a cheesy '80s superhero drama, although I may have turned him off from music completely. So, there you have it, I wasn't sure if I was relieved that he was listening to something so insanely innocent or disappointed that I had missed a prime preachable (I mean, teachable), parenting moment.

Cyberbullying or Free Speech -- You Decide

2009-02-09T15:45:00.003Z

I came across this article in the NYT the other day the other and was really intrigued. This is the case of a high school in Florida who was frustrated with her teacher and decided to lash out -- not spray paint a wall or write something nasty on the girls' bathroom stall like we did in the good old days, but to write something unflattering and mean-spirited on Facebook. The girl was subsequently suspended for a few days, graduated and is now attending college, however, now she is in turn suing the school to have this unsightly blemish removed from her permanent record.
So, what do you all think -- since Facebook is one of the ways that teens regularly communicate with eachother these days, does all written communication fall under the auspices of free speech or is this just another lesson in why you should re-read something before you hit that send button?
Personally, I think that the snotty girl got off easy with three days' suspension and what she did was truly libelous and nasty. You can say whatever you want about another person, but once you've written/typed it down somewhere for the whole world to see, then you're responsible for your words and actions. Even if the unkind words have been deleted, you've still thrown out those words to the universe and sometimes you just have to suffer the consequences -- even if you are an honors student.

Snuggie Blanket/New Ways to Torture My Kids

2009-02-06T01:50:00.004Z

Somehow my kids are infomercial junkies. I really don't know how it happened. It could have been all those Saturday mornings when they watch tv while we try to slumber until the late hour of 7:30 a.m. I think at first they thought they were watching a news program or something. All I know is that they can recite any commercial hocking any crappy product out there. Which is why I get so much fun out of this latest gadget; the Snuggie blanket. Personally, I don't get it -- a blanket with pockets; what's that all about. How does this keep me extra warm or make my life easier. All I know is that I keep threatening to buy one -- and wear it to soccer, baseball, t-ball and all other sporting activities. The kids scream bloody murder whenever I bring it up -- the commercials seemed to have scarred them for life. I can't blame them really; these things make the wearer look like someone in a cult, although the curiosity really is killing me and one of these days I just might have to order one of these polyester babies.

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Tom Daschle 1986 TV Commercial

2009-02-06T01:44:00.004Z

In light of the recent controversy surrounding Tom Daschle and his whole forgetfulness thing over not paying more than $100 grand in taxes for a car and driver while working as a consultant, this vintage commercial from 1986 is even more bizarre.

Dr. Strangelove Leaves the White House

2009-01-20T19:32:00.004Z

Today's the day. I am hoping that this is really the start of so many more beautiful things, and that following this initial after glow, things won't go back to business as usual. I also know that we really shouldn't be dwelling on any negative thoughts right now and reaching across the table and doing all that wonderful stuff, however, even if you don't believe in a whit of karmic or divine retribution or payback or anything like that, didn't it strike you a little odd that after eight long years, former Vice-President Cheney was unable to walk out of the White House, but had to get wheeled out. (Even if you believe that absurd story about moving boxes.) I know that the inevitable comparisons of Mr. Potter of the ultimate redemption story, "It's a Wonderful Life" will ensue, but I can't help but think of another character from my favorite movie starring one of my favorite actors directed by my favorite director. The movie of course is "Dr. Strangelove" and the similarities between this character and our out gone VP are striking. I wonder if Cheney gets the irony; somehow I doubt it. Unlike the iconic Mr. Potter, Cheney is beyond redemption.

Today's the Day...

2009-01-20T11:40:00.004Z

...let's not squander it!

Is the Dream Here?

2009-01-20T02:53:00.003Z

Rosa sat
So Martin could walk
So Obama could run
So children could soar.

I love that short quote, but have to admit that I haven't found the proper author yet. I've done a few Web searches and have come up short, unfortunately. (I mean, I've found tons of stuff attributing this quote, but none that I trust. Oh, well.) Anyways, if anyone knows the real author, let me know and I'll add the person's name. In any case, I think that this says it all, especially today.

Basketball Mom Diaries

2009-01-19T23:38:00.005Z

In the winter, I happily attend my older son's basketball games. I say happily because they are infinitely more pleasant to watch than soccer, baseball or any other sport because the games are 1) indoors; 2) are always early in the morning, thus leaving me the rest of the day to enjoy; and 3) the basketball parents are usually a much more sedate and cool crowd. From what I've noticed thus far in my son's early recreation town league's basketball career, the parents usually clap for either/or team and appreciate a good shot, regardless of who makes it. All this is usually the case, except for this past weekend when I was in earshot of a really uncomfortable conversation. As uncomfortable as it was for me, it must have been sheer torture for the kid.
The mom of the future basketball star proceeded to verbally bludgeon her son for about 15 minutes about the importance of taking the ball from the other players. As she was saying, "You don't have to be nice on the court; you don't wait for the other kids to pass the ball, you tell them to pass the ball to you... You're not supposed to be friends with the other kids, you make them pass the ball to you... You're better than that..." On and on she went, I politely moved my chair away from the mom and her words of wisdom, but still caught snippets of the conversation, distasteful and embarrassing as they were. The funny thing was that her son played in the game previous to my kid's. I was struck at how tall he was, especially compared to the other kids, and what a good player he was. I guess he wasn't good enough for his mom, because she took him to task for the first quarter into the next game. Did I happen to mention that my son plays in the league for third and fourth graders? Did I also mention that this age group does not officially keep score? I guess this particular basketball mom was keeping score. How much pressure are we putting on our kids to excel -- do you really think that all this is going to sink in; will they remember the actual strategic advice or just the feeling of embarrassment?

Great MLK Kids' Book -- My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris

2009-01-16T20:14:00.003Z

I have to say that the book, My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris, really helped make my week special and gratifying this week. I put together a whole bunch of lessons and books on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but some of them just fell flat. This book kept the kids mesmerized. Most of the other MLK books discuss all of MLK's accomplishments, but this was one of the few books (written by his sister), which talk about what kind of a kid he was. Kids loved listening to the folksy, straightforward style the book is written and I can't tell you how many laughs I got this week from this book (in a good way). With the inauguration of our first African-American president on Tuesday, this holiday holds special meaning this year.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T14:17:00.005Z

Well, it's nine hours into the new year and so far, so good. I started the year by doing some walking on the treadmill and then baking a batch of brownies, so I feel like I'm leading a balanced lifestyle already. I also started the year off with no clear resolutions in mind. Actually, I do have a few goals in mind, not too lofty, I have to admit: Take the kids to more cultural activities, buy more books (because I don't want any more booksellers and bookstores to go out of business), try to be more social and make sure that I don't get so sucked into the ennui of my own life that it takes a creationism-crazed lunatic from Alaska to shake me out of political lethargy. That's all.
Oh, and to floss more because I hate lying, especially to the nice dental hygienist.
So, happy new year to all my friends out there in the blogging universe -- thanks for reading and following my panic-driven rants. "Let's hope it's a good year...without any fear..."

Happy Birthday, Baby!

2008-12-18T01:01:00.003Z

So, today's my dear hubbie's birthday. It's a Wednesday, the middle of a long and tiring week, he hates birthdays, especially all the forced festivites that come along with birthdays, he bought himself a case a wine for his own birthday and told me not to get him anything (not sure what to even think about that), but we still managed to go out and celebrate together and have a nice time. We've been married a long time and have known each other even longer, but year after year, I can't help but thinking, "Wow -- he's such an amazing person and I am so, so lucky to have found him." So, happy birthday, baby! In honor of your birthday, here are the top 5 reasons why I love you! (I'm not including any of the usual sappy, overtly sentimental crap -- he's my guy and that's all you need to know about that! Anyhow, he knows that ain't my style.)

Your shelf-building skills -- In all the various dwellings we've had, I've always brought my books with me. Trade paperback, favorite plays from high school English class, cookbooks, whatever. I've always needed a bookshelf and you've always come through -- without ever having taken a shop class. That takes talent!
The sweatpants trick -- You're the only one I know who can re-string sweatpants after the string gets stuck in the middle. I have been on the brink of throwing many of these pants right out the window in utter frustration, but you've always come through! Thanks for saving me from littering and trashing our front lawn!
You always know what to say when to say it: Like when I ask, does my ass look big in these jeans, you always say no. (Yes, women actually say these things.) Or, when I say something like, did you see that women's plunging neckline, you always say, "Didn't notice, dear." Yeah, right, but I appreciate the lame attempt.
You get me, you really get me: Ok, so I often try to say something clever and witty and it comes out completely askew, you always knew what I meant to say and that it started out funny and just got lost in translation. Or, when I get all dyslexic and say, "I'm really cold," when I meant to say, "hot." You know exactly what I meant to say. How do you do that?!?
We just plain get each other -- Obscure sit-com sketches, references to one-wit wonders from the early '80s, no problem -- we've got each other covered. What could be better than that!

So, happy birthday, love -- here's to many, many more together!! Love, me!

The Cellphone as Indication of the Decline of Western Civilization

2008-12-05T00:13:00.003Z

If you just aren't in the mood of one of my mindless, soapboxey, "in my day/youth/childhood" kinds of rants and raves, then I give you full permission to move on and proceed elsewhere. Really, I will totally understand.
However, if you're with me on this subject, then please feel free to read and join me in my righteous indignation. I mean, really, who told ANYONE that it was OK to make a sharp left-hand turn across a busy four-lane street/back out of a parking spot/back into a parking spot/obnoxiously block an entire parking lot while waiting for a spot to open up/make a right-hand turn in a lane that clearly says, "No right on red", etc., while talking on a cellphone -- and I am not talking about one of those hands-free/Bluetoothey jobbies.
These were all things that I saw today while driving around town after work (in a span of about an hour). I just keep wondering, who on earth is everybody talking to and why is it necessary to catch up with these people while performing tricky car maneuvers during rush-hour traffic. I mean really, haven't we figured out yet that multi-tasking is really a lame invention of corporate America to get us to work harder and faster with no additional pay. (I can barely make it home in one piece with three little chatterboxes in the backseat, let alone the additional distraction of a cellphone.) I always feel like such a fuddy-duddy because all I want to do is wag my finger at these types of people and say something really indignant like, "Don't you know how dangerous you're being," or "Don't you know that there's a hands-free law in this state." And I hate that feeling because then I feel really old -- like a Ruth Buzzi character in the old "Laugh In," which I clearly remember watching as a kid, which makes me feel -- not young.
So, cellphone addicts, please get off the phone -- if not for your own safety and those around you, then for my own sake.

Best use of restraint this week...

2008-12-05T00:09:00.003Z

...came from my son last night when he returned from his first basketball practice of the season. When I asked him how it went, he paused for a moment and and said that "his team was somewhat...awkward." He then said that although he had a great time, he thought that the team needed more practice. Ok, I'll buy that. It should be quite a season. Whatever happens, I know that this kids is quite the mensch.

A Blogger and Her Best Friend

2008-11-27T17:55:00.004Z

Here's one for my book jacket -- hey, you never know, right?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T17:45:00.004Z

Here's to a happy, happy gobble, gobble day (even if you don't actually eat turkey). Not to get sappy on you, but I'm really thankful for my health, my family's health and the fact that I have a big family who's always got my back even though they're far away.
I'm also thankful that we were spared four years (at least) more ignorance and backward thought and hopeful that we're all headed in the right direction.
So, if you haven't put the turkey in the oven, well, what are you waiting for, people?!? Me, I'm a brine person -- we'll be having Thanksgiving at my mother-in-law's and our special feast tomorrow night, so the fun never ends!

Thanksgiving-Sarah Palin Style

2008-11-27T02:13:00.003Z

Speaking of sick, sadistic, bumbling idiots, here's a feel-good Thanksgiving interview with our favorite Alaskan gal, Sarah Palin. Not only is she blathering on incoherently, but she doesn't seem the least bit aware that there some pretty gross stuff going on five feet from her pretty little head. (I know that turkeys come from somewhere, but I don't need to actually see the process myself -- I know, it's hypocritical and wrong, but I can't help it.)
**Warning, vegetarians and those who can't stand the sight of blood need not watch this video -- I'm serious, here!

Thanksgiving, George Bush-Style

2008-11-27T02:07:00.003Z

Check out this vintage video of then Texas-Governor George W. Bush gleefully playing a rollicking game of turkey bowling. This one little clip explains the past eight years, doesn't it? So long, W., we'll miss ya!

Thanksgiving Read-Aloud: Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving

2008-11-22T02:45:00.005Z

I couldn't let Thanksgiving go by without mentioning one of favorite read-aloud books for this specific holiday. Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson, (Matt Faulkner is the illustrator). This story's got it all: it tells the real-life story of how Sarah Hale wrote letters to the US government for more than 30 years to get Thanksgiving made into a national holiday. Sarah's a dainty, but plucky character and the this little-known heroine used the mighty pen as her weapon to finally get her point across. (She was also the first female magazine editor and wrote the little ditty, Mary Had a Little Lamb.) The caricature-like illustrations and catchy storytelling make this book a rare find.

Mom, Do I Need That?

2008-11-17T02:19:00.005Z

I love many, many things about my kids. One of the more whimsical things that I love about them is that they have a healthy appreciation for one of my favorite shows, Project Runway, which we sometimes watch in re-runs these days. It's pretty cute to watch them rate the runway designs -- they all hate the dresses with the plunging necklines -- and other than the bleeped remarks from the contestants, it's pretty tame television viewing. That is, except for the commercials. The one for NuvaRing, seems to be on endless loop on Bravo. I guess I could just change the channel, but I figure if I just ignore it, they'll do the same. I guess I underestimated the power of advertising, because this commercial almost had my kids running to the nearest store to go buy one (even though they have no idea what one is). The conversation went just like this:

Younger Son to Sister (upon seeing the bright, fun commercial with perky women and their multi-colored bathing caps): I think that you need to get that -- you're a girl.
Girl (a little freaked): Mom, do I need to get that?
Older Son: I don't even know what that that is. Mom, what is that thing?
Mom: Um... (It's the same reaction whenever they find a tampon in my purse and ask me what it's for...) Not sure what to say, do some lame attempt at backpedaling, until the show mercifully comes on again. I come from a long line of avoiding talking about uncomfortable issues and don't see the need to change that now. Then again, maybe watching Bravo TV with your kids isn't such a great idea after all...

Proposition 8 Just Plain Wrong

2008-11-12T11:03:00.003Z

Despite my post-Election giddy excitement, I have to say that I am wholly disappointed with the entire state of California over their Proposition 8 adoption (Proposition 8 is a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.) The ban passed in two other states — Florida and Arizona — but its success in California, a trend-setter in so many arenas, is a major defeat for gay rights activists.
This really upsets me to the core and has been gnawing at me since last week. Did the voters in California really mean to upturn this law, or was it one of those things that voters really didn't know what they were voting for and they just voted yes in mistake? Despite its mellow, groovy reputation, is California really a conservative state outside of the large, metro areas? I can't imagine that anyone, gay, straight, whatever, would ever want to deny two people from expressing their love and commitment to each other, especially in such an otherwise progressive and trendsetting state such as California. How in the world does someone feel threatened by same-sex marriage -- and what gives you the right to repeal something that you already promised in the first place?
I feel that this is not only unfair, but unjust and inhumane. So, California, do the right thing and ban this banning -- you know it's wrong. If the rest of the nation looks to California for the latest trend, then give them something that's honorable and right.

Speaking of Rachel Maddow...

2008-11-08T16:22:00.002Z

...check out this video on last night's show with Rachel's annotated comments on Sarah Palin's interview, which takes place in her Anchorage office. Funny (but frightening) stuff. Just think if she became second-in-command. She can't even string a coherent thought sentence together! Yikes!

Rachel Maddow on The Colbert Report

2008-11-08T16:00:00.004Z

For those of you who missed this the other night, here is Stephen Colbert's interview with MSNBC newshost Rachel Maddow. She's really smart and articulate and Colbert shows that he's a much better interviewer than Jon Stewart (who is so enthralled with his own cleverness that he rarely allows his guest to finish answering the question before cutting in with a glip quip).
Among the straightforward things she said in her interview, "When conservatives crusade against government while they are trying to be appointed to head the government, I think that's weird."
Yeah, kinda makes you wonder...

Alice Walker's Open Letter to Obama

2008-11-08T00:59:00.005Z

I came across this letter from Alice Walker to Obama on the Root site today and thought that it was really beautiful and meaningful. (Honestly, until the other day, the Root was not really a site I would have just happened to come across.)
But, the book, The Color Purple is one of my favorite books and when I saw this letter I just had to share it.
Essentially, Alice Walker is giving Obama loads of really great advice, namely, to always enjoy and carve out special time with his wife and children and to "cultivate happiness in your own life." (It sounds really simple, but she makes it sound special.)
Although the letter is specifically written to Obama, I think that we can all appreciate her amazing and lyrical wisdom.

Preamble: Schoolhouse Rock Style

2008-11-07T21:14:00.003Z

I am still giddy with excitement over the Election Day results. I guess faced with the choice between a candidate whose facial tics and nervous temperament became increasingly obvious as the days wore on and one who is just plain brilliant, Americans did the right thing.
We all know that Obama will screw up somehow (hey, he's a politician -- it's in his contract that he will eventually mess up or disappoint his constituents in some way). But, for now, we're all afloat with the heady idealism of democracy. This little ditty from Schoolhouse Rock couldn't be more meaningful -- I'm after all a kid of the '70s and I equate patriotism with Schoolhouse Rock. (How many out there will admit that if it weren't for this song, we wouldn't know the actual words to the Preamble...)

What I Love About This Picture of Obama...

2008-11-07T13:54:00.004Z

Take a good look at this picture. This is the next president of the United States, as we all know. I was scanning the headlines of the NYT this morning and saw this photo and I was once again reminded why I voted for this person. Upon first glance, this is one of those typical, celebrity-type, paparazzi photos; big-name celebrity tries to be like regular old Joe-Schmo heading out/just returning to the gym (with huge, Secret Secret-obiles looming in the foreground of the photo). I'm happy that a few days following one of the most important elections of this country that he still cares enough about his own health to hit the gym.
What makes me ecstatic about this photo is that casually tucked under his arm is a...newspaper. Yes, ladies and gentleman, our president READS. What a wonderful breath of fresh air following eight, long years of a presidential dark age. (Frankly, I don't care what Obama is reading here in his "spare" time -- it could be the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Sun-Times, Cleveland Dispatch, USA Today -- Pennysaver). It's just so great to see someone in power who is actually reading about current events and not just being fed one-liners and press releases by a misguided and power-hungry staff.
So, I'm starting the weekend feeling even better about the next four years -- I hope you are, too!

Voting by Filling in the Bubble

2008-11-04T13:46:00.003Z

I am relieved and happy to say that I have voted -- it's done -- my vote has been registered -- now, I just have to sit back, watch and wait and hope for the best. So far, I have to say, that voting has been the easiest part of my day so far. The voting helper couldn't have been nice, the lines at Northeast Elementary were reasonably short and the gymnasium-scent of school was soothing in a familiar sort of way.
This is the second time that I have completed the bubble-ballot and I have to say how much nicer it is to vote by filling in the ovals. The whole ballot is right in front of you and you get to stand at this little cubicle. I guess if you hated taking standardized tests, you could get a really bad SAT-flashback, but for me I appreciated the time to stand there and check my work for mistakes.
In the end, the bubble sheet gets sucked up by the Diebold machine and you're done. I know that a lot people here miss the old curtain and lever experience, but I always got a pang of anxiety when I pushed the lever and for a second I would panic that I had somehow pushed the wrong lever -- not to mention the claustrophobia that ensued.
So, Election 2008 started off well -- I'll be even happier if the day ends well!

Some Election Day Humor

2008-11-04T11:11:00.003Z

Here's to all you Simpsons fans out there. (In case you've been kidnapped by aliens and abruptly dropped on the Earth this morning, today is Election Day.) You get a free Starbucks and a Ben & Jenny's ice cream between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. if you vote, too. Also, you get to show up to work late and/or leave early today, so it's a win/win situation.
See you at the polls!!

Our Family Adventure: Kykuit in Historic Hudson Valley

2008-11-03T10:04:00.007Z

This weekend, we took the kids to visit the Kykuit estate, which is one of the John D. Rockefeller estates in historic Hudson Valley. The tour itself started out in the couldn't be quainter village of Sleepyhollow. The gift shop was full of headless horseman memorabilia and all the scarecrows on the cute little Main Street were headless, which I thought was pretty clever.

The house itself is pretty amazing. It was built by John D. Rockefeller, who was a strict Baptist, and was built with simplicity in mind. (The ballroom is pretty small because they didn't allow any dancing or drinking in the house -- it must have been a rocking place.)

Anywho, as we were with the kids, I signed up for the abbreviated tour. The gentlemanly tour guide led us into the house, stopped at the front door and asked me to kid my kids "close" to me because they weren't allowed to sit on any of the furniture. I had literally turned my back and my twins tried to take a lounge on the two chairs on the porch even though there was ropes tied across the front. Oh, boy, this was going to be fun...

The rest of the tour was pretty interesting; the architecture and detail was incredible; the front ballroom has a huge atrium where you can see two staircases above it. It was amazing. Entire rooms were built around custom-order furniture pieces -- how cool is that! (I was a little disappointed when we viewed the den and saw that there was a Solid State tv set in there, circa early 1970s, which was cleverly hidden by a plastic armoire screen with fake books -- tacky!!!)

My favorite by far was the amazing array of modern art sculptures decorating the gardens and the lawns -- each sculpture and art work was carefully situated and the composite view of all the works is totally breathtaking.

I was relieved when the tour ended, though, as I really didn't think that our insurance could cover any broken Ming vases or anything. (My kids were only scolded three times by the tour guide -- once for kicking the gravel, for running through the rose garden and for trying to touch the butt of this statue -- see picture.)
The most striking thing that they noticed -- a large, black, heavy-looking item sitting on a desk in one of the rooms -- also known as a rotary phone!

Grace for President: Great Children's Book for the Election

2008-11-03T09:44:00.002Z

If you looking for an amazing read-aloud about the election, then go run out and get this book: Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and LeUyen Pham (illustrator). It's one of those rare finds that has everything: a charming story about a plucky, determined girl who tries to be class president, drama and a basic introduction to the electoral vote system. The colors are bright and bold and the story sucks in the reader. (I read it to both the second and third-grade classes and I got cheers at the end -- I nearly fainted!)
At the end of the story, I asked some of the kids why they think I chose this book and they said, "Because it's about a girl..." Right on, sister!

Some Library/Halloween Humor

2008-10-31T15:03:00.002Z

What can I say -- we're really an exciting bunch!

My sentiments exactly...

2008-10-31T15:02:00.002Z

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T10:54:00.005Z

To those of you out there who still get a kick out of Halloween, hope you get lots of treats and no tricks. I'm looking forward to driving to work this morning to see which houses have been TP'd by the neighborhood juvenile delinquents -- er -- teenagers last night.
Check out these pretty swanky Barack-O-Lanterns my brother (who celebrates his birthday today) made. He wanted to make a jack-o-lantern with either Sarah Palin or John McCain's face on it, but the pumpkin was rotted from the inside out. Go figure! Happy Birthday, Big Bro' (your card is in the mail) and Happy Halloween to everyone else out there!

Funny Political Cartoon

2008-10-29T21:39:00.001Z

Scary McCain-Palin Supporters

2008-10-27T20:13:00.004Z

While I remain cautiously optimistic about the upcoming election, it's these little ditties like the ones below that send shivers down my spine. I know that the videomaker had his own agenda and was able to find a whole slew of really mean-spirited McCain-Palin supporters, but the sad part was that in reality it probably wasn't that hard to find people who were all too happy to voice their angry, racist, small-minded opinions to some stranger with a camcorder. Really makes you think...

The Tooth Fairy Visits Our House

2008-10-25T02:14:00.007Z

So, my daughter lost her tooth last night. For a six-year-old, this's pretty normal. For a six-year-old who is competitive with her twin brother in every aspect of life and who's only lost two teeth, which is not a lot compared to her classmates, this is a big deal. She was excited, we were excited, the house was caught up in this tooth-frenzy. For me, however, I was especially struck by two things about this event:
This is my daughter's second lost tooth; this is also the second tooth that she's yanked the tooth out of her own mouth herself. In both cases, the teeth were wiggly, dangling by a single thread. Most kids would wait in discomfort waiting for that last remnant to fall out. Not mine -- she bravely twisted, pulled and ripped the thing out her mouth, proudly showing us her little pearl of a baby tooth, blood dripping down her chin with a satisfied look on her face -- picture American Girl meets Vampire Lestat.
The next morning I stumble downstairs, turn on the coffee maker and open up my e-mail. My older son is already awake watching SportsCenter, all's right in the universe. Except for the fact that he then asks me whether I remembered to put "some money underneath her pillow." I say something to the effect of, "Excuse me, I don't know what you're talking about," and feign ignorance. He is non-plussed and informs me that "he's known for a long time that it was me and to hurry up and put something under her pillow before I forget -- like the last time." He goes back to watching some baseball highlights and I race upstairs to put some cool coins under her pillow -- because I did in fact forget once again and didn't think that she would buy another excuse that the tooth fairy was really backed up in tooth fairy land. Later in the day in the car she says that she has to remember to thank Dad for the money -- how did she know that it wasn't the tooth the fairy and why would she assume that it her dad?!?
I don't know -- talk about lost innocence and all that. Not sure what to do when the other teeth start to fall out -- go all out and deck the room with pretend fairy dust or just come clean.

Opie's Call to Action

2008-10-24T20:08:00.002Z

Ok, at the risk of being a totally lame blogger, I have to include this video from actor/director/favorite redhead Ron Howard. For those of you out there who watch TV Land, this will make you smile. (Thanks to JB for sending this my way)

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Sarah Palin the Musical

2008-10-23T21:12:00.003Z

Check out this more-than-amusing video on the It Girl from Alaska:

She's Never Heard of Marshall's?!?

2008-10-23T19:09:00.006Z

Ok, by now we've been inundated with all the news reports of the Republican Party shelling out more than $150,000 for a wardrobe overhaul for Sarah Palin, our next working-class hero. (See today's NYT article on the topic.) Whatever -- it's their money and if they want to spend it making their hockey-mom, girl-next-door maverick-wanna be look more glam, then go ahead and charge away. But, what I would like to know is Is that all there is. I mean, if I'm going to spend more than $100,000 on clothes, then they better look nicer than higher-end Ann Taylor suits and separates. There's nothing really special or extraordinary about her clothes: they just look like more of the same type of the clothes that she used to wear. That's fine -- there's nothing wrong with being yourself: that is what she's selling -- herself or some fabricated image of herself. But, with all that money, she should sparkle and not just look perfectly fine. I like to think that I could have taken her to Marshall's and spent way less than that (including alterations), and she would have looked way nicer and a tad bit hipper, but then what do I know -- I'm an elitist liberal who wouldn't know a moose if I shot one.

The Obamas Discuss Their Fashion Sensibility

2008-10-22T23:31:00.003Z

...hmm, you can be thrifty and frugal and still look relatively decent. I guess no one ever bothered to tell the Republican Party that...

Tales of the Crypt Takes on Sarah Palin

2008-10-22T00:44:00.003Z

It looks like Sarah Palin is the cover girl of the latest issue of the comic book, Tales of the Crypt. I love this image of her wielding her hockey stick in the hopes of getting rid of all the banned books. Thanks to Gina Vivinetto's blog for bringing this to light.

Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live on Oct. 18th

2008-10-20T17:37:00.006Z

In case you never got a chance to see Sarah Palin's performance on Saturday Night Live's October 18th show, here the two videos. Palin was smooth-talking, relaxed and calm on the show -- she's an absolute natural on tv, especially when it comes to reading cue cards. She'll make a great talk show host -- VP of the U.S.? -- not so much. Take a look -- the Amy Poehler rap was sheer brilliance!

Whatever Happened to the Slacker Mom?

2008-10-20T17:24:00.003Z

I got a kick out this article by Janice Turner in today's London Times, How American Motherhood Ruined My Life, in which she laments the hyper-involved, uber-parenting, hovercraft method of parents that she attributes to American parenting.
It's sometimes refreshing (and a little reassuring) to note that there are other moms out there whose favorite phrase is,"Why don't you go outside and play, honey."

Silent Sidelines Day

2008-10-18T23:06:00.002Z

The other day was Silent Sidelines Day for my son's league. (Frankly, I can't attest whether it was quiet, civil or anything of the sort. I spent the game huddled in my car shivering like a wimp, watching the game from a safe distance.)
From what my husband said, no one had to be escorted off the field and all the parents and coaches complied with the no shouting rules of the day.
Much to my son's team's detriment, I might add. Apparently, these kids need to be cajoled, cheered, shouted and yelled at because their team lost 3-1 to the lowest-seed in the league. Even my son's Italian teammate wasn't at the top of his game without his dad's colorful comments.
So, apparently these rules work -- just not for my own kid.

McCain on David Letterman, October 16th, 2008

2008-10-18T22:51:00.003Z

Here's David Letterman's interview with Senator McCain. It's really disconcerting how McCain literally grovels at the feet of Letterman and apologizes for cancelling his previous interview. I was expecting him to bend down on his knee and kiss Dave's ring. Hell hath no fury like a Letterman scorned...

Happy Birthday, Son #1

2008-10-17T20:02:00.005Z

It's my son's 9th birthday today and I have to wish him a big, mushy, syrupy Happy Birthday (even though I'm not one of those big, mushy, syrupy type of people). I couldn't even begin to list the amazing things about him, he makes me smile and get choked up at the same time when I think about him sometmes. I hope that he has incredible adventures ahead of him, but for now, these some of the are the things that make me happy about my now nine-year-old son:

His morning addiction to SportsCenter: It's kind of like a young person's version of having a cup of coffee and reading the sports section, he gets up at 6:00 a.m. to get the scores from the previous day's scores and can tell you which team won which game.
His spelling expertise: He's learned to become a really good speller, which has helped to communicate things with him without his twin brother and sister knowing. (Yes, I will put a c-o-o-k-i-e in your l-u-n-c-h tomorrow.) Pretty soon, they're going to catch up with the spelling, but for now, it cuts down on a lot of household squabbles.
His golden retriever-like disposition: Don't send me hate mail about comparing my own kid to a dog, but he has the patience, versatility and flexibility that you need to deal with twin siblings (both of whom are lovable and darling, but can be on the demanding side). He always finds a way to play with both siblings, thus avoiding any familial tug-of-war. (This also includes often times entertaining siblings' friends, although he drew the line when a little girl wanted a kiss from him.)
His quiet way of soaking things in and then letting you know that he was really listening in some very random way.
His keen sense of observation: It comes from being the quiet one, I guess. But he can always tell which kids are have good sense and which kids are headed for JD.

I could go on and on, but I love this day and I love this kid. (Especially since I'm always in a much better place than I was on this date in 1999.)

Tomorrow is "Silent Soccer Day"

2008-10-17T19:29:00.002Z

...or Shut the #&^$ Up, You Obnoxious Parents and Coaches!!
I got this e-mail from one of my son's coaches today and I didn't know whether to start laughing from the sheer absudity or sadness of the thing. My son's league is instituting a silent sidelines day for tomorrow only. They are doing so under the guise of letting the young players get a feel for the real game, determining plays on their own without their coaches yelling commands from the sidelines. We all know the truth, though. It's the rude and obnoxious parents on the sidelines who they're attempting to tone down. Frankly, I would love it if every game were silent (except for the dad who yells insults at the referee in Italian; I think that I'm pretty much the only one there who gets the gist of what he's saying, so he doesn't count. Oh, and the two impeccably-dressed, wonderfully perfumed women straight from a Pedro Almodóvar film who cheer every kid in their amazing Castilian accents -- they make me smile -- they can speak out loud, too). The rest of us poor, un-interesting schlubs will have to keep our mouths shuts for one hour. Frankly, this is more than fine with me. I am looking forward to tomorrow's calm and subdued game. It's kind of sad that the league felt that it was necessary to send out this type of message to coaches and parents; it's like we all need to take a Manners 101 class. I wonder if we're allowed to clap?

A mother was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her teenage son. Suddenly the boy bursts into the kitchen.
"Careful! Careful! Put in some more butter! Oh my goodness! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful!... CAREFUL! I said CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you crazy? Have you lost your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!"
The mother stared at him. "What's wrong with you? You think I don't now how to fry a couple of eggs?"
The son calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm trying to play soccer."
Silent Sidelines Reminder
Fall Silent Sidelines will be the third weekend of October. The goals of Silent Sidelines Weekend are to:1. develop our players to make decisions on the field without sideline intervention. 2. improve the players’ communication on the field by reducing the outside noise level. 3. support our youth referees by eliminating dissension from the sidelines.

This rule was drafted and passed at the request of a CJSA player. We need to help our players develop without the continued interference from the sidelines. The objective is to promote greater awareness of this development by coaches and parents as well as the players and referees.
We are requesting that all spectators remain silent on these weekends. For the sake of our kids, we are asking for one weekend where we stand back and just let the players play. We would like to provide each player at least one game of their season that is free of the distractions caused by spectators screaming and yelling at them.
The guidelines are simple. Spectators are to be quiet, talking in a normal tone to the person next to them. What is to be avoided are comments that can be heard by players, referees or opponents. Applause is permitted and encouraged.
Coaches are urged to just talk to their players and promote only positive feedback.
The referees are aware of this rule and will eject parents or coaches from the game if the rule is broken.
The program works. It has increased the awareness by both coaches and parents of the players’ development. In addition, it has increased referee retention.
Your help is needed. We are asking everyone in CJSA to promote and support Silent Sidelines Weekend and give the game back to the kids.

Say It Ain't Say So, Joe!

2008-10-16T23:15:00.004Z

You knew it had to happen. You know that the person that had accidentally fallen into the role of Everyman, Joe Sixpack, the person who the Republican Party has been clinging to as their own voice and role model for their party had to be, well, a blowhard fraud. According to the Toledo Blade, Joseph Wurzelbacher isn't even registered as a licensed plumber or has undergone any apprentiseship training to become a plumber in the future. In addition, in January, 2007, the Ohio Department of Taxation placed a lien against him because $1,183 in personal property taxes had not been paid, but there has been no action in the case since it was filed.

In last night's presidential candidates campaign, Senator McCain mentioned Joe's name no less than 24 times in 90-minute session with Senator Obama. He kept evoking his name with devout reverance and clinging to him like a rat on a sinking ship.

I think that Joe has gotten his more than allotted 15 minutes of fame. Since the debate, he has had numerous interviews and has spouted his own political views to the media and to anyone else who will listen. This is a free country and Joe can say just about anything he wants to anyone who will listen. Unfortunately, what he can't do is fix a leaky faucet outside his own township.

As for Senator McCain, I think that he better be more careful in the future who he decides to "pal around with."

Check out the View!

2008-10-16T21:44:00.004Z

She may not be much of a reader, but doggone it, she's not nice gams on her. How much do you want to bet that this lucky little lad in the front row isn't really listening to her rhetoric -- er' speech -- but taking a good look at those would-be White House-bound legs?

Why Heidi Klum Should Monitor the Presidential Debates

2008-10-15T23:53:00.005Z

The presidential debates are on tonight. Not great timing since this is the season finale of my favorite show, Project Runway. As much as I hate to miss my weekly hour of escapism, I have to stay informed and watch the debates. Then I thought that wouldn't it be cool if they could combine the debates with Project Runaway. This is how it would go:

The candidates would actually have to create something: a solid economic policy, a beautiful chiffon tracksuit, whatever, they would have to produce something and present it up for scrutiny for the judges.
The candidates would be filmed during all the behind-the-scenes prep work. We could get a chance to see them working under pressure, foul-mouthed and all.
Tim Gunn would act as the candidates' own personal mentor, giving them meaningful advice bringing them back into focus. "Make it work" would become their campaign slogans.
Forget Tom Brokaw or Gwen Ifill. With Heidi Klum moderating the debate, the candidates would be forced to stay on target and answer the actual questions. Candidates would have to stand awkwardly in front of her on a bare stage answering difficult questions while she inspects them with her ice-cold glance. The lesser candidate would crack under the intense pressure; the winner gets immunity in the next debate and gets to choose their own model.
The loser would receive a perfunctory, double-cheek kiss and an Auf Wiedersehen; the winner goes backstage and takes a gulp from bottled water.

Colbert Report: Communist Library Threat

2008-10-13T20:15:00.003Z

Elvis Saves the Day (or at least the morning)

2008-10-13T12:42:00.006Z

...Elvis Costello, my old (virtual) friend, that is. Today was one of those mornings where everything was ass-backwards (for lack of a better term). I overslept (yep, me -- the person who has not set an alarm clock in more than nine years -- the same person whose internal clock gets her up at 5:55 a.m. on rainy day weekends); Twin 1 and Twin 2 overslept. Kid 1 had to finally wake me up; it was kind of pathetic; don't ask me where me husband was during all of this -- I can only account for three kids -- he's on his own.
The rest of the condensed morning was something from a Keystone Kop/Three Stooges/slapstick comedy movie. We were all whirling dervishes, running around the house gathering our stuff; me shouting commands from the upstairs while they deftly ignored me running around the house playing freeze tag, wreaking havoc in every room. Somehow, I had managed to get everyone in the car when I realized that the girl did not have socks on despite her going to her room no less than four times to find a pair of socks. I put the car in park while I run upstairs. Thirty seconds later, I return to the car and the girl is screaming her head off that her brother poked her in the eye -- I try to ignore her, she screams louder -- her brother yelling that it wasn't his fault, etc., etc. I yell lame threat that I know that I'll never follow up on and am about to scream, "Would you all just SHUT UP for a second," when thankfully I recover slightly and turn on the radio. I hear that familiar refrain, "You know that angels wanna wear my red shoes..."
Suddenly, all is right in the world. My blood pressure returns to its normal level, the vein in my forehead goes down, I don't really care whether I am late -- all three kids are suddenly silent and placid. I crank the radio and the kids are grooving in the car with the song. So, little did I know that the key to soothing the savage beast(s) was alternative music from the late 70s. Thanks, Elvis -- you saved me this morning.

Hockey Mom Sarah Palin Booed at Hockey Game

2008-10-12T03:06:00.002Z

This article said it all. Sarah Palin get boohed at Philly Flyers' hockey game.
I'm not sure why the crowd turned against her, according to this article. I figured that anyone in Main Street would be on her side since she's on our side, right?

Take on Me: Literal Video Version

2008-10-12T00:01:00.008Z

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then I'm a big fat old copycat. While blogsurfing on Gina Vivinetto's blog recently, I came across this video and I really felt compelled to put it on my blog as well. It's a literal lyric video version of the 1985 song, "Take on Me" by the Norwegian one-hit wonder group, a-ha. Popular music-wise, the '80s was a vast wasteland. Between Air Supply, Journey, Madonna, Prince, Ratt, Christopher Cross (this list is endless, I'm afraid), there really wasn't much intelligent life out there on the dial. (Luckily, for some of us, there was college radio and the underground scene.)
But, I digress. This catchy but regrettably inane song had a GREAT music video. (Music videos, if you can remember that far back, weren't that great. They were either concert videos, simplistic attempts to create a story with a song or showed some aging rocker with a pot belly crooning into the camera.) This one was different -- this video was stylized, clever, combining elements of animation and real action -- it even had a plot and pretty people in it.
This video by Dust Films is just as brilliant -- except now the words make sense with the story. Take a look and a listen -- it's nostalgic minus the pain.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Living in the Northeast

2008-10-11T23:40:00.004Z

Today was just one of those days when we Northeasterners go around smugly saying, "Why would anyone want to live anywhere else." Climately speaking, it was sheer perfection: the sky was picture-perfect blue without even the slightest trace of a cloud, the air was warm and dry, the leaves on the trees are just starting to turn the amazing autumn colors of orange, red and deep brown. You could walk around comfortably with or without a sweater -- what a day.

My family and I were outside most of the day enjoying the warm weather.

Sure, we all know what waits for us in a few short months: snow, sludge, the cold and flu season, astronomical heating bills, kids going stir-crazy cooped up in the house for long periods of time. But for today, who cares about all that. We're just happy to be outside for a few more weeks! Pretty soon, we'll all be walking around miserably asking ourselves, "Why do we live here?"

Book Review: The Miraculous Adventures of Edward Tulane

2008-10-08T17:09:00.004Z

One of the best children's books I've read in a long time is The Miraculous Adventures of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline). The book takes us on a journey with Edward Tulane, a proud, stone-hearted china doll rabbit who is loved and revered by a little girl named Abilene. Edward is so close-hearted and full of hubris that he doesn't know the meaning of love and when Abilene loses him, he is sent through a whirling spiral of events and experiences that test his will and his ability to love.

Edward's journey spans decades and takes us from an ocean liner boarded for Europe to a fisherman's net, a garbage dump, a farm, Memphis and finally to a shelf of a doll shop where Edward waits for someone to choose and love him again. The story is a meaningful one and beautifully and simply written. The characters are full and richly drawn and the suspense is magical for both kids and adults. The illustrations, in both color and black and while, add drama to the story as well. This book is perfect for kids in the third/fourth grade and up.

Take a read -- you'll love this book!

My New Button...

2008-10-08T17:00:00.005Z

...this one says it all (or should I say, "that one.")

The Curmudgeon Strikes Back!

2008-10-08T15:11:00.007Z

Last night's town hall-style debates proved to be pretty predictable. I thought that Obama made some great points in regards to healthcare, the financial crisis and alleviating taxes for the middle class. McCain also struck back stressing his bi-partisan record of "reaching across the table" and the aisle.

They presented their differing opinions on energy, the economy (or what's left of it, anyway) and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was all very staid, somber and civil.

Except for the fact that it was so clearly visible that McCain is really an old man. He reminded me a little of my father when he kept using the term, "my friends." I was expecting him to put on a wool cardigan and complain that "there is a draft in here." I was a little surprised when referring to Obama, instead of calling him by name, he referred to him as "that one." Combined with his stilted gait, wandering around the stage and his heavy use of antiquated terms, he seemed more crotchety and curmudgeonly than presidential.

A few months ago, I would have said that I have a lot of respect for the guy. He served his country in Vietnam, where he was a POW, served in the Senate for more than 20 years and seems to have a strong family system on his side. Unfortunately, all that has been obliterated by his reckless and irresponsible running-mate choice. He stays fairly clean discussing the major issues while Sister Sarah the henchman travels around the country doing his dirty work of tainting Obama's character and mud-slinging.

Let's face it, if McCain wins, we'll have an old man in the White House and his back-up is less than trustworthy or even qualified. The whole thing is pretty scary and gives me the chills. Where's my wool cardigan...

The Fembot Saves the Day

2008-10-03T21:28:00.003Z

I managed to stay awake for the entire debate last night. I have to admit that I while I was listening intently for actual information, secretly I was hoping for nothing less than a bloodbath. I wanted Sarah to give one her now-famous deer-caught-in-the headlights blank stares along with one of her patent dumb-ass non-answers. ("No, I couldn't name a single supreme court case other than Roe v. Wade," "...newspapers or news magazines -- nope, don't have a subscription to one of them things, I'm sorry to say. ...") Instead, my original assessment of her holds true: she's really just a mean-spirited, emotionless bully who's fooled audiences time and time with her gee-whiz, folksy mannerisms, nonsensical one-liners and fake anecdotes. She's like a trumped-up, Dolce & Gabbana-wearing character from Fargo minus the genuineness and wholesomeness. Here's how I can tell that she's full of bunk, and despite all her assertions that she's just a regular mom like you and me, she's a mean-spirited Gidget:

First zinger of the evening: "Hey, can I call you Joe?" Really -- the guys has been a senator for 30 years, you're on national television with billions of people watching and you want to pretend that it's some church picnic?!?
The old wink and a smile: This was prefaced/followed by a few prime Beaverisms like,"aw, doggone it," "Darn right...," "Say it isn't so, Joe." It was kind of creepy how she kept staring at the camera, winking and smiling with those ultra-brights. For a second, I thought that she was going to try to sell me a used car or something.
I'm just a mom like all of you/when I'm standing at the sidelines/all you East Coast politicians/I guess I'm not used to your newfangled Washington ways, etc. Not buying any of it. She's just as hard-hearted and seasoned as any grizzled politician from the Beltway -- and she lacks empathy or compassion, to boot. How do I know this? Because when Joe discussed his harrowing experience with being a single dad after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident, she didn't bat an eyelash. No reaction -- no thoughtful pause -- no look of understanding. Her rebuttal, "People aren't looking for more of the same. They are looking for change. And John McCain has been the consummate maverick in the Senate over all these years." What a great diversionary tactic for no substance or heart...
Leave the baby at home next time. We all know you have five kids, including one with special needs. There's no need to keep propping up your sleepy, unsuspecting baby -- leave him at home with the sitter or grandma.

So, the pundits all claimed this a victory for Sarah Palin -- I guess it was a victory because she made no overtly embarrassing gaffes. As for me, I can go a long time without ever hearing the words, "maverick," "change," "energy,""Wall Street corruption and greed."

VP Debates Tonight: Why It Makes Me Nervous

2008-10-02T10:41:00.003Z

Since the end of August, the Sarahmania videos, articles, blog links, and photos have been feverishly flying through the Web. At this point, I think that I can safely say that we all know, Democrats and Republicans alike, that Sarah Palin is vastly unqualified to be a vice-president of the US and has been plunged into a position which she is not ready for. Now, whether it was her own hubris to accept this nomination or the bad-decision-making skills of McCain and his people that is at fault I really can't say. What I can say is that although we're all expecting her to give us some of her now-famous flubbed-up one-liners and become completely flummoxed by Joe's expertise, it may not exactly go down that way -- and that makes me nervous.
Joe tends to become really animated and forceful in public speaking -- Sarah is articulate and connects with people. The debates are not exactly about what you know, but how you would handle a potential situation and how well you can evoke an emotional response in people. Sarah's got that down pat -- that's her thing -- she's got dozens of stories about voters and their difficult situations and how she has personally helped them. If Joe comes off as too forceful, he'll be seen as a know-it-all bully who beats up on nice hockey moms. Instead of going on the offense, Joe should play a more mellow version of himself, telling a few folky stories, looking at the camera earnestly, talk about the middle class and just let Sarah dig her own hole. That's all he has to do to clinch this thing. Unlike Obama, who in his placid and gentleman-like debating technique, missed a prime opportunity to go for the jugular, Joe really has to walk on eggshells with this debate. That's my two cents for whatever it's worth. I'm missing the Office tonight to watch tonight's debate, so I hope that it goes well.

Stamford: The City with Lots of Holes

2008-10-01T13:20:00.004Z

Charming, isn't it? I think that we should change the city motto from,"The City That Works," to "The City That Has Big Giant Holes." The latest abyss is located on Tresser and Atlantic right next door to the downtown U.S. Postal Office. I can't tell you how disturbing it is to be driving by and suddenly see this huge, gaping hole taking up a half of a city block. It has a special, bombed-out look that we all know and love. I'm sure that this hole was the grand idea of some developer who had who had the high hopes of developing some high-rise luxury hotel, but now the project has gone belly-up along with the economy and we're stuck with this hideous hole. Maybe we can dump Trump Parc into this hole and call the whole thing off...

Soccer Thoughts, Part Two

2008-09-22T01:15:00.003Z

I have to say that honestly soccer would be a lot more fun to watch (or in my twins' case, more tolerable) if it weren't for the other fans. (Not just parents, but grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, you name them.)
It's bad enough that I have to unnervingly watch my kids become self-conscious shadows of their true selves, but then to listen to the other soccer fans' attempting to bolster their own kids, sometimes it just too much.
"Attack that ball," growls one grandma sitting next to me.
"Be aggressive," snarls another well-meaning booster.
"Guard your man," "Get that ball away from him," "Take it away," "Turn it around," "You're aiming the wrong way," the list of shouted command goes on and on. They don't change much -- they're the same comments that I've been hearing since I first started taking my older son more than five years ago.
I can't help but wonder what the kids are thinking while they're playing and all this yelling is coming from their parents on the sidelines. Is any of this sinking in or it is just a bunch of background din while they attempt to kick the ball? I always think that while we're shouting a stream of constructive tactical guidelines across the field, all their hearing is "wa-wa-wa-wah" (kind of like the teacher in Peanuts). I just don't get it. Aren't we supposed to be teaching our kids about the importance of sportsmanship, playing a sport, being a team player and getting exercise. Is is all that important that your kid's team crushes the opponent in pee wee soccer. How empty and un-fulfilled in your life that you have to make sure that your kid wins every game.
Me, I'm too busy clutching my chair until my knuckles are white to even think about shouting anything useful.

Soccer Mom Wants to Resign

2008-09-21T23:58:00.005Z

I spent a few long, hard hours at Cummings Beach today trying to watch my twins' attempt to play soccer. It was tough and I told my husband that I don't think that I have the heart to watch them anymore. I'm embarrassed to say that I just don't have it in me anymore. It should be pleasant enough to spend a few days at the soccer field; the weather was lovely, the sun was shining, the sky was crystal blue. But, I have to finally face the fact that I have two daisy pickers on my hands and that's hard to admit. Determined that I was not going to become one of those horrible parents screaming, "attack that ball," in the sidelines, I had to get up and stop watching the game. I just don't get it -- my daughter has no problem kicking and shoving her brothers half-way across the kitchen floor, but on the soccer field spends the majority of the game closely examining a piece of tree bark. My son, who runs hysterically through the house and the yard and can shriek like something from the Last of the Mohicans, stands idly by while the ball repeatedly comes in his periphery doing some sort of bizarre skipping ritual. Take them off the field, and they run, kick and pivot like nobody's business. Put them in the pitch and they stare numbly by in some Lithium-like induced state. I can't blame their coaches for keeping them in the sidelines for the majority of the game -- my daughter spent her time wisely by putting pieces of dried leaves in the goal net. I noticed both the coaches talking really slowly to both my kids.
This may be one of those instances when I'll just have to throw in the sports towel and move on before my blood pressure reaches an elevated state; then again, maybe if I just give it more time or one more season, they'll find their game. Not sure...

Nice Pic of New US Citizen

2008-09-13T20:11:00.005Z

I got this picture from a friend from California the other day, and, for a brief moment, I felt heartened. This picture captures the true optimism that is really special about this country. The photo was taken a moment after this Chinese immigrant registered to vote -- the same day as he officially became a US citizen. He looks happy and proud and Lori (that's the nice blond woman standing next to the Chinese man who also volunteers for the League of Women Voters and as you can tell is an ardent Obama supporter) looks just as excited to be part of the process.

This picture couldn't have come at a better time. I've been feeling really politically disheartened and unoptimistic. It looks like the US public has been swept away in this current wave of Sarahmania and dimwitidness is sure to prevail in this next election. It seems that people would rather vote for someone who they can have a beer with rather for someone who actually comprehends the real issues and is prepared to tackle them in an educated way. (All I can say to this is maybe people should drink less beer...)

As far as Sarah being a working mom everywoman, I am not so sure I buy that. If she were really like the rest of us working schmoes, then wouldn't she be talking about the real issues that matter to us parents: better healthcare for everyone, more flextime and real maternity leave for all moms and not just those at the executive level, universal pre-k...The list goes on...

So, for a few brief moments, I feel like we still have a chance and this next election results will not be so dire. Hopefully, our new US citizen will vote for the blue side...

NYT Article: "Let's Talk About Sex"

2008-09-11T00:11:00.003Z

A friend sent me this link from the NYT ("Let's Talk about Sex," op/ed piece by Charles M. Blow) the other day and it really emphasized the misguided sex education policies in this country. It seems like the kids in the US are continually bombarded by sexually-explosive images and information earlier and earlier in life. (I know that teens are having a lot of sex because I've sometimes found the remnants of their thrilling evenings on the cul-du-sac near my house -- the usual litter -- condom wrappers, leftover condoms, rot-gut whiskey, cigarette butts -- it's a regular Peyton Place right outside my window.)
Anyhow, we know it's happening -- in fact, the teen daughter of our VP-nominee, a lipstick-laden, superhockeymom herself, as we all know is "in the family way." So, let's just deal with this issue is an educated and practical manner. Read the article for more information. (Thanks, JB!)