harlan ignores a frank lloyd wright chair (while playing in the pulpit at unity temple)
harlan and the vortex
Thursday, August 14, 2008
random pics
harlan ignores a frank lloyd wright chair (while playing in the pulpit at unity temple)
harlan and the vortex
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
and back again
arriving home to boston from a month in the suburban midwest was a shock to the system for sure. i mean, it's not like i went to another planet, but things there are, 'different'. for example, the people are noticeably nicer than the northeast, and noticeably 'not bitter'. while in chicago, i went into a cafe in wickerpark (which would be the chicago equivalent of davis square, only bigger). not only was the waitstaff not hateful and mean, but when i asked the counter help how far the communter rail was from there, she asked everyone else behind the counter AND offered to go into the back and look it up online just to be sure. wierd.
being a good southern girl, i grew up around 'over the top' niceness. but the niceness in the south is different than the midwest. in the south, people are super nice to your face, and then they usually talk about you when you walk away ("good lord, did you see that child's hair, bless her heart, it just looked god awful", that sort of thing).
but, in the midwest, i really felt like they were sincere. maybe it's all the fresh air. maybe it was because i went there in the summer, and people are so happy to have survived another winter that they thank god every day that they're alive.
who knows what causes this sort of odd, humane and decent behavior...but i wish we had more of it around here.
in a twist, i've decided to stop hating boston and surrounding area so much. i know that i can't change the bitterness and meanness of the people who live here, so i'm changing my own attitude. i realize that while boston may not be the kind of city that i love, or will ever truly 'love', there are a lot of great things going on here that i hope to be more involved in, and there's always the ocean (smells better than a lake), and the mountains are very near if i ever want to lose my mind and live as a hermit.
and this has nothing to do with anything, but this is my new favorite comic. (bit of dirtiness, if you're sensitive to that sort of thing)
fuck you dane cook!
being a good southern girl, i grew up around 'over the top' niceness. but the niceness in the south is different than the midwest. in the south, people are super nice to your face, and then they usually talk about you when you walk away ("good lord, did you see that child's hair, bless her heart, it just looked god awful", that sort of thing).
but, in the midwest, i really felt like they were sincere. maybe it's all the fresh air. maybe it was because i went there in the summer, and people are so happy to have survived another winter that they thank god every day that they're alive.
who knows what causes this sort of odd, humane and decent behavior...but i wish we had more of it around here.
in a twist, i've decided to stop hating boston and surrounding area so much. i know that i can't change the bitterness and meanness of the people who live here, so i'm changing my own attitude. i realize that while boston may not be the kind of city that i love, or will ever truly 'love', there are a lot of great things going on here that i hope to be more involved in, and there's always the ocean (smells better than a lake), and the mountains are very near if i ever want to lose my mind and live as a hermit.
and this has nothing to do with anything, but this is my new favorite comic. (bit of dirtiness, if you're sensitive to that sort of thing)
fuck you dane cook!
Friday, July 04, 2008
everybody loves raymond
seriously considering getting started on a giant tattoo while here in the windy city. there are some great artist here and getting a tattoo in massachusetts kind of scares me since it's only been legal there for around 9 years. (oh where oh where did my youthful inhibitions go).
in my searching for tattoo ideas, i found this. it is my favorite tattoo of all times. i love the font, i love the placement, i love the sentiment. good job crazy lady.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
off topic: pixies fans
just watched the documentary 'loudQUIETloud' about the reuniting of the pixies a few years back. (a concert that i missed because i was broke and let the tickets sell out...therefore, i have never seen a band that so deeply influenced my teen years that i tear up every time i hear one of their songs...missed seeing them when i was in highschool for religious reasons..yeah, seriously.)
the movie made me sad, and happy for many different reasons. sad that they are over, and there will never be another band like them, sad that they really don't seem to be aware of how much they've influenced the state of EVERTHING we listen to today, sad that except for joey, they all seem a little depressed and little broken (but, aren't we all?)...happy that they existed and were a part of my life, happy that i knew who they were even though i lived in the middle of nowhere and could have been listening to only garth brooks and reba macintyre (for this i thank jeremy kerr for making me that amazing mix tape when i was a freshman, can't thank you enough), happy because one day i will get to play doolittle and surfer rosa for harlan and tell him if it weren't for a little known guitarist named joey santiago, we wouldn't have classic rock bands like 'nirvana'.
to the pixies, i salute you.
the movie made me sad, and happy for many different reasons. sad that they are over, and there will never be another band like them, sad that they really don't seem to be aware of how much they've influenced the state of EVERTHING we listen to today, sad that except for joey, they all seem a little depressed and little broken (but, aren't we all?)...happy that they existed and were a part of my life, happy that i knew who they were even though i lived in the middle of nowhere and could have been listening to only garth brooks and reba macintyre (for this i thank jeremy kerr for making me that amazing mix tape when i was a freshman, can't thank you enough), happy because one day i will get to play doolittle and surfer rosa for harlan and tell him if it weren't for a little known guitarist named joey santiago, we wouldn't have classic rock bands like 'nirvana'.
to the pixies, i salute you.
suburbia, illinois summer '08
cornfields and condo complexes as far as the eye can see. miles and miles of farmland out here in illinois and what do we americans do with it?? turn it into sustainable living communities to benefit the rest of the world?? no, we turn it into box chain stores and restaurants and fill it with miles and miles of perfectly manicured, exactly matching houses and condo 'communities' and give them names like 'rolling meadows', and 'torrey pines'. i didn't grow up in a suburb like this. granted, tennessee has it's fair share of mcmansions, box stores and condos, but where i grew up was much more, um, 'rural' (or 'bum fucked' to use a more descriptive metaphor).
this place just freaks me out a little. it's all so clean, so well packaged.
but, with all downsides, there are upsides (i think). and those are, that i'm five minutes from the super target, 20 minutes from ikea, and 2 minutes from a box chain called "meijer" (pronounced 'may-yer' as in john, ernie and i debated over how to pronounce the name when we got here. i said it was 'major' and he said it was a more exotic sounding 'may -har', we were both wrong...crazy cornfield town)...which is an EXACT replica of the super walmarts of my youth. it's bizarro walmart.
(me want low prices, rRRRR!!)
we are an hour outside of chicago proper, and with the traffic (good lord the traffic), at times it's a two hour trip. so, we've been downtown once, and harlan had a little bit of trouble with the city, it seemed to make him screechy, so we left early. the city looked beautiful and hopefully we'll have more times to explore.
for the forth of july weekend however, i think we're going to take in some true midwestern small town america. there are towns nearby that boast of old time trolley rides, antique soda fountains and small town fireworks displays on the river. ahh, i can almost smell the cotton candy and popcorn. maybe i'll wear some red gingham and put on my fanciest blue eyeshadow.
yum.
this place just freaks me out a little. it's all so clean, so well packaged.
but, with all downsides, there are upsides (i think). and those are, that i'm five minutes from the super target, 20 minutes from ikea, and 2 minutes from a box chain called "meijer" (pronounced 'may-yer' as in john, ernie and i debated over how to pronounce the name when we got here. i said it was 'major' and he said it was a more exotic sounding 'may -har', we were both wrong...crazy cornfield town)...which is an EXACT replica of the super walmarts of my youth. it's bizarro walmart.
(me want low prices, rRRRR!!)
we are an hour outside of chicago proper, and with the traffic (good lord the traffic), at times it's a two hour trip. so, we've been downtown once, and harlan had a little bit of trouble with the city, it seemed to make him screechy, so we left early. the city looked beautiful and hopefully we'll have more times to explore.
for the forth of july weekend however, i think we're going to take in some true midwestern small town america. there are towns nearby that boast of old time trolley rides, antique soda fountains and small town fireworks displays on the river. ahh, i can almost smell the cotton candy and popcorn. maybe i'll wear some red gingham and put on my fanciest blue eyeshadow.
yum.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
chi town
team doeg is venturing into the wilds of greater chicago for the next month.
harlan and i will be flying out today and i really hope that my yoga practice will make it easier to change his diaper in those tiny little bathrooms. it's a funny time in your life when your biggest concern when preparing for a flight is 'when is baby going to poop?'.
here are some fun facts:
*According to state law in Illinois, it is illegal to speak English. The
officially recognized language is ``American.''
*In Guernee,IL it is illegal for women weighing more than 200 pounds to
ride horses in shorts. (that just seems like good logic)
*A state law in Illinois mandates that all bachelors should be
called master, not mister, when addressed by their female
counterparts. (this will be fun)
*In Chicago it is illegal to eat in a place that is on fire. (again, logic prevails)
*In Chicago, it is illegal to give a dog wiskey. (this will be one sober vacation for scout)
*In IL it is illegal to fish in your pajamas. (it should also be illegal for high school age girls to go the mall in their pajamas...just sayin', pajama bottoms with the word 'juicy' across your big butt, not a good look).
...off to the city of big shoulders.
cheers.
harlan and i will be flying out today and i really hope that my yoga practice will make it easier to change his diaper in those tiny little bathrooms. it's a funny time in your life when your biggest concern when preparing for a flight is 'when is baby going to poop?'.
here are some fun facts:
*According to state law in Illinois, it is illegal to speak English. The
officially recognized language is ``American.''
*In Guernee,IL it is illegal for women weighing more than 200 pounds to
ride horses in shorts. (that just seems like good logic)
*A state law in Illinois mandates that all bachelors should be
called master, not mister, when addressed by their female
counterparts. (this will be fun)
*In Chicago it is illegal to eat in a place that is on fire. (again, logic prevails)
*In Chicago, it is illegal to give a dog wiskey. (this will be one sober vacation for scout)
*In IL it is illegal to fish in your pajamas. (it should also be illegal for high school age girls to go the mall in their pajamas...just sayin', pajama bottoms with the word 'juicy' across your big butt, not a good look).
...off to the city of big shoulders.
cheers.
Friday, June 13, 2008
lists
a list of things i should probably stop saying before my child starts discernibly repeating everything i say (none that i'm particularly proud of):
1. 'that's just retarded'
2. 'you know how i know you're gay...'
3. 'pick a lane, douchebag'
4. 'that's what she said'
5. 'oh, for f*ck's sake, pick a lane!!'
6. 'cooch, cunt, 'gina, vaj, and all other naughty words for my holy bits' (as well as surrounding slang, i.e. cunt rag).
7. 'meter readers are boils on the ass of society' (as well as anything i may have said during an on street rant today when a meter reader hid around a corner, watched me get my child out of my car, strap him into his stroller, frantically search through my purse for quarters, then walk away from my car and go into the bodega to get quarters and proceeded to put a ticket on my car in the one minute that i was gone...no lie, i checked the time on my phone and the time on the ticket...just plain mean and bitter...saw said meter reader later walking down the street, almost yelled out "hey you fat fuck, sorry you're such a miserable piece of shit", then realized that she was, in fact, a fat, miserable looking human being, and was afraid if i yelled that at her, i may be personally responsible for her suicide attempt).
8. 'hey you fat fuck, sorry you're such a miserable piece of shit'
9. 'i don't mind maroon 5 so much'
10. 'harlan, did you just shit your diaper?'
1. 'that's just retarded'
2. 'you know how i know you're gay...'
3. 'pick a lane, douchebag'
4. 'that's what she said'
5. 'oh, for f*ck's sake, pick a lane!!'
6. 'cooch, cunt, 'gina, vaj, and all other naughty words for my holy bits' (as well as surrounding slang, i.e. cunt rag).
7. 'meter readers are boils on the ass of society' (as well as anything i may have said during an on street rant today when a meter reader hid around a corner, watched me get my child out of my car, strap him into his stroller, frantically search through my purse for quarters, then walk away from my car and go into the bodega to get quarters and proceeded to put a ticket on my car in the one minute that i was gone...no lie, i checked the time on my phone and the time on the ticket...just plain mean and bitter...saw said meter reader later walking down the street, almost yelled out "hey you fat fuck, sorry you're such a miserable piece of shit", then realized that she was, in fact, a fat, miserable looking human being, and was afraid if i yelled that at her, i may be personally responsible for her suicide attempt).
8. 'hey you fat fuck, sorry you're such a miserable piece of shit'
9. 'i don't mind maroon 5 so much'
10. 'harlan, did you just shit your diaper?'
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
heat
one week in new york city is enough to make boston look like the most boring city in the world. pics and a rundown of my trip to come soon (for posterity, you know).
the current heatwave in new england is making me feel very nostalgic.
one summer in tennessee, (where the heat/humidity is so oppressive at times, it can make the tops of your knees sweat), i think i listened to this song two billion times (at least). i still hold a special place for it in my heart.
the current heatwave in new england is making me feel very nostalgic.
one summer in tennessee, (where the heat/humidity is so oppressive at times, it can make the tops of your knees sweat), i think i listened to this song two billion times (at least). i still hold a special place for it in my heart.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
ramble on
just some highlights from the past few weeks:
* mom's visit came and went. she caught a cold, then bronchitis, then her back went out. all around the same time that hubby's grandma passed away...all right around mother's day. good times. she and harlan did become best friends, and i'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that she let him drink soda at the au bon pain. (like any good granma would)
* in my lazy battle of the bulge and attempt to get my body 'bathing suit ready', i've gained three pounds. fabulous! it seems my strict regimen of tiramisu and coffee isn't working as well as i had intended.
* went to the somerville open studios, amazing, best open studios ever! fell in love (again) with the idea of turning our back bedroom into an art/craft studio...quickly lost motivation, ended up on the couch watching 'so you think you can dance' (god, i love that show!).
* bought harlan a water/sand pit for the back yard. realized that no amount of clothing can keep sand out of the crack of your ass.
* cultivating my green thumb. started with some succulents to build up confidence in my ability to keep things alive. bought some herbs (lemon verbena, chocolate mint, two kinds of lavender) to make me feel european. (hubby is afraid of the chocolate mint, he thinks it may be a mind trick)
* rigorously planning day to day itineraries for our week long trip to nyc. more excited than words can say. me and baby, alone in the city, for a week. if i can pull this one off, i will officially have 'supermom cred'.
* becoming overwhelmed planning for a month long venture to chicago. reading 'devil in the white city' (about a psycho murderer and the building of the 1893 world's fair chicago) to put me in the mood for our adventure.
* still working on baby proofing the house. should be finished by the time harlan reaches high school.
and that's my time. thank you and goodnight.
Monday, April 21, 2008
not easy being green
i do not have the right to get preachy about earth day. i mean, i have a kid...he's pretty much an environmental disaster all wrapped up in a cute little package. i can't even begin to count how many boxes of wet wipes we've gone through since he's been born...not too mention all of the plastic this and plastic that (toys, cups, etc, etc) that kids go through these days. and they make stuff for kids like they make cell phones...they 'self-obsolete' after about 6 months of use.
we try, hubby and i, to do the best we can. we use cloth diapers (even though we do use the occasional disposable). i try to use cloth grocery bags, (when i remember them). but, it's obvious to us, that there is so much more we could do. (so, so much more)
so, tomorrow, as if to punch it into gear, i'm going to black out our house. television, radio, and computer will all be unplugged for the day. lights will be off (i'm sure i'll forget a time here and there), and i'm going to walk and use public transportation to take our trip to the zoo for their earth day celebration.
these things are simple to do, but they are things we take for granted, because of the lifestyles which we're so accustomed.
now, i know that not everyone can 'blackout', but i'm sure there is something simple that everyone can try for just one day to help ease our carbon footprint.
it takes a bit of extra time for planning, and i realize just how precious time is these days, to everyone. but, maybe just for a day. one day. c'mon guys!
some ideas:
- consider purchasing cloth grocery bags instead of paper or plastic (keep them in your car, they're easier to remember to use)
- if you have a kid, consider buying used toys, etc, from craigslist or other sites.
- unplug electronics when they aren't being used, even when they're turned off they're still sucking up energy.
- whenever you can, walk, bike or use public transportation
- if you live in a rural area with no recycling program, consider starting one in your neighborhood (or hollar...:-)
- turn off that faucet when you shave and brush your teeth...or better yet, shave and brush in the shower.
- buy local organic produce from local farmer's markets (or, if you can, consider a CSA to support local agriculture)
these are all things that i'm looking at doing myself, i promise i'm not being preachy (see above)...it's a slow going process, but it's not impossible to make changes.
CHEERS and HAPPY EARTH DAY!
we try, hubby and i, to do the best we can. we use cloth diapers (even though we do use the occasional disposable). i try to use cloth grocery bags, (when i remember them). but, it's obvious to us, that there is so much more we could do. (so, so much more)
so, tomorrow, as if to punch it into gear, i'm going to black out our house. television, radio, and computer will all be unplugged for the day. lights will be off (i'm sure i'll forget a time here and there), and i'm going to walk and use public transportation to take our trip to the zoo for their earth day celebration.
these things are simple to do, but they are things we take for granted, because of the lifestyles which we're so accustomed.
now, i know that not everyone can 'blackout', but i'm sure there is something simple that everyone can try for just one day to help ease our carbon footprint.
it takes a bit of extra time for planning, and i realize just how precious time is these days, to everyone. but, maybe just for a day. one day. c'mon guys!
some ideas:
- consider purchasing cloth grocery bags instead of paper or plastic (keep them in your car, they're easier to remember to use)
- if you have a kid, consider buying used toys, etc, from craigslist or other sites.
- unplug electronics when they aren't being used, even when they're turned off they're still sucking up energy.
- whenever you can, walk, bike or use public transportation
- if you live in a rural area with no recycling program, consider starting one in your neighborhood (or hollar...:-)
- turn off that faucet when you shave and brush your teeth...or better yet, shave and brush in the shower.
- buy local organic produce from local farmer's markets (or, if you can, consider a CSA to support local agriculture)
these are all things that i'm looking at doing myself, i promise i'm not being preachy (see above)...it's a slow going process, but it's not impossible to make changes.
CHEERS and HAPPY EARTH DAY!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
rose blanche
spring is creeping in on us. it's hanging out, showing it's face with a few warm days here and there. still not warm enough to really get excited about, but harlan needs his vitamin D so we're out in the sun whenever it shines.
i'm fascinated at watching pure human nature show through in my son's behavior. if you place cheerios on a chair for him to easily reach, he will place them on the floor and sit down and eat them from the floor. (not throw them, but gingerly 'place' them on the floor, very intently). he shrieks and squeals at pigeons as if they're the most unique and amazing creatures he's ever seen. he laughs and says hello to pictures of other babies and children, but if a real one is around, he freezes and is suddenly shy. he gets so excited to be near you sometimes, he'll lean in and bite your face (other moms have verified that this is normal, and my child is not a vampire, btw).
i continue to try to watch harlan for cues on my own behavior. and i let him keep me in check when i forget to 'live in the now, and not in the future'.
today, i'm missing paris. it's easy to miss...but, i'm excited beyond words about a week long trip to nyc in june. can't wait to play mom in the big city. need some new clothes, these boston clothes are drab.
i'm fascinated at watching pure human nature show through in my son's behavior. if you place cheerios on a chair for him to easily reach, he will place them on the floor and sit down and eat them from the floor. (not throw them, but gingerly 'place' them on the floor, very intently). he shrieks and squeals at pigeons as if they're the most unique and amazing creatures he's ever seen. he laughs and says hello to pictures of other babies and children, but if a real one is around, he freezes and is suddenly shy. he gets so excited to be near you sometimes, he'll lean in and bite your face (other moms have verified that this is normal, and my child is not a vampire, btw).
i continue to try to watch harlan for cues on my own behavior. and i let him keep me in check when i forget to 'live in the now, and not in the future'.
today, i'm missing paris. it's easy to miss...but, i'm excited beyond words about a week long trip to nyc in june. can't wait to play mom in the big city. need some new clothes, these boston clothes are drab.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
bring the noise!
as if in response to my previous post (or maybe just in response to my horrible mood this week), harlan screamed last night at 1am for two and a half hours. we're talking, inconsolable, balls to the wall, full throat, kill your mother screaming. he was taking no prisoners, he was on a mission, he was fit to be tied.
thanks harlan, ya done good by me.
thanks harlan, ya done good by me.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
blue
blue moods have taken over this week, but at least i know where they're coming from. sad news in my family. if any of you know my little brother nigel and what a talented and beautiful person he is, you understand. with some people, the world just eats them up and spits them out. it almost seems they never had a chance in the first place...not in this life.
live for the day, love your life, no matter how miserable you think you are...it could all be taken away from you in a second. and the next thing you know, you're staring down four walls in a 5x5 cell for the next 29 years. the judicial system doesn't work in the favor of the poor, or even middle class, it could happen to any one of us.
take comfort in your morning coffee (or tea), take comfort in your warm clean bed, take comfort in the sunshine on your face or the rain, take comfort in your freedom and never take it for granted.
this song is for my little brother, while you aren't gone forever, i will miss you just the same.
live for the day, love your life, no matter how miserable you think you are...it could all be taken away from you in a second. and the next thing you know, you're staring down four walls in a 5x5 cell for the next 29 years. the judicial system doesn't work in the favor of the poor, or even middle class, it could happen to any one of us.
take comfort in your morning coffee (or tea), take comfort in your warm clean bed, take comfort in the sunshine on your face or the rain, take comfort in your freedom and never take it for granted.
this song is for my little brother, while you aren't gone forever, i will miss you just the same.
Monday, March 24, 2008
songs of the week...
to prove what freakish mood swings i've been having this week (partly due to a terrible cold i caught from my sprog and the fact that spring is right around the corner...), here are the songs i can't stop listening to:
drop the phone by shy child
this song (band) makes me want to be lil' single gal again. i saw this band on some random fashion show that happen to be on bravo while i was flipping channels one night, and it was a drummer and a guy playing keytar (yeah, you heard me, 'keytar') and a bunch of models walking around chairs like a cake walk. it was fun to watch, and i immediately had the song stuck in my head for days. i just want to put on striped tights with a mini skirt and dance like i've had too many fizzy pink drinks.
(also the lyrics crack me up, they're so completely ridiculous)
raining in darling by bonnie prince billy
i promise i do listen to things other than will oldham projects...but hubby put this album ('i see a darkness') on the other day during breakfast and i had completely forgotten how much i loved this song...now i can't get it out of my head (when i don't have that shy child song in my head, of course).
ttfn.
drop the phone by shy child
this song (band) makes me want to be lil' single gal again. i saw this band on some random fashion show that happen to be on bravo while i was flipping channels one night, and it was a drummer and a guy playing keytar (yeah, you heard me, 'keytar') and a bunch of models walking around chairs like a cake walk. it was fun to watch, and i immediately had the song stuck in my head for days. i just want to put on striped tights with a mini skirt and dance like i've had too many fizzy pink drinks.
(also the lyrics crack me up, they're so completely ridiculous)
raining in darling by bonnie prince billy
i promise i do listen to things other than will oldham projects...but hubby put this album ('i see a darkness') on the other day during breakfast and i had completely forgotten how much i loved this song...now i can't get it out of my head (when i don't have that shy child song in my head, of course).
ttfn.
Monday, March 17, 2008
pillow fight!!!
ahh...a wholesome event for the family...BRING IT!!
Saturday, March 22nd, 2PM
Copley Square
It is with pride that we announce Boston has been invited to participate in the first International Pillow Fight Day!
They have been happening in cities throughout the past years, but for the first time, we are going to attempt to hold them all on one day.
Beijing, Budapest, Copenhagen, Alabama, London, Melbourne, NYC, Paris, Pécs, Shanghai, Stockholm, Sydney, Székesfehérvár, Szombathely, Vancouver, Washington D.C
This is just a short list of the over 21 cities taking part in this event. Turnout in some of these cities is expected to peak over 700!
Place: Copley Square. Exact location
Time: 2:00PM, at the sound of the airhorn (Show up at least 5 minutes early)
For those who don’t know about these pillow fights, they are quite fun and simple!
Pretty straight forward instructions:
Show up at 1:55pm, remain inconspicuous to the best of your abilities.
At 2pm, you’ll hear an air horn, rush in and pillow fight away.
The rules for this pillow fight are pretty straight forward:
1. Bring a pillow, a soft one is preferred
2. Don’t hit anyone without a pillow
3. If you are wearing glasses, make sure you take them off.
4. Don’t hit people with cameras
5. Go all out!
Costumes are of course encouraged. This event is child-appropriate!
Invite your friends, family and co-workers. Spread the word! Let’s put Boston on the International Pillow Fight Map!
Saturday, March 22nd, 2PM
Copley Square
It is with pride that we announce Boston has been invited to participate in the first International Pillow Fight Day!
They have been happening in cities throughout the past years, but for the first time, we are going to attempt to hold them all on one day.
Beijing, Budapest, Copenhagen, Alabama, London, Melbourne, NYC, Paris, Pécs, Shanghai, Stockholm, Sydney, Székesfehérvár, Szombathely, Vancouver, Washington D.C
This is just a short list of the over 21 cities taking part in this event. Turnout in some of these cities is expected to peak over 700!
Place: Copley Square. Exact location
Time: 2:00PM, at the sound of the airhorn (Show up at least 5 minutes early)
For those who don’t know about these pillow fights, they are quite fun and simple!
Pretty straight forward instructions:
Show up at 1:55pm, remain inconspicuous to the best of your abilities.
At 2pm, you’ll hear an air horn, rush in and pillow fight away.
The rules for this pillow fight are pretty straight forward:
1. Bring a pillow, a soft one is preferred
2. Don’t hit anyone without a pillow
3. If you are wearing glasses, make sure you take them off.
4. Don’t hit people with cameras
5. Go all out!
Costumes are of course encouraged. This event is child-appropriate!
Invite your friends, family and co-workers. Spread the word! Let’s put Boston on the International Pillow Fight Map!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
with a knick knack paddywack give a dog a bone...
many posts ago, i had made a list of songs that i wanted harlan to love, that weren't really children's songs. while this lists grows daily, i've also discovered some pretty good albums for him that actually are children's songs.
here are some of my faves (which, by the way, are great for adults to, if you're ever in the mood to run through rain puddles, make mud pies, or sit on your stoop and blow bubbles all day):
"little mo'mccoury" by the del mccoury band
you can't really go wrong with bluegrass, in my opinion. personal favorites from this one, are 'monkey and the engineer' and 'mama's blues'.
"little bird" by elizabeth mitchell
i was very skeptical of this lady until i heard the cd and saw what a calming affect it had on harlan. she has a sweet little voice that just soothes his little soul. i also like the fact that she did a version of a velvet underground song...i can only hope some fine day on the playground, harlan can be heard singing 'what goes on' at top volume while swinging his day away.
sidenote, she also has an indie band named 'ida'.
"lullabye renditions of the cure" by rockabye baby records
harlan LOVES this cd. we used to use it to put him to sleep, and the other day, when it was on at his playgroup, i noticed him yawning, and drowsing about. also good for adult insomnia.
"nighttime" by dan zanes
this was a recent purchase, after hubby and i looked him up and heard the song "smile smile smile" and realized that harlan perked right up when he heard it. it's a bit of a goofy folky cd, but i have a feeling when harlan gets a little older (to that sing along age), it will be one of his favorites. and it really is damn catchy.
that's all for now...i'm sure there are tons more, and if anyone has any suggestions i'm all ears. (NO wiggles, NO kidzbop, NO barney, and NO doodlebops)
here are some of my faves (which, by the way, are great for adults to, if you're ever in the mood to run through rain puddles, make mud pies, or sit on your stoop and blow bubbles all day):
"little mo'mccoury" by the del mccoury band
you can't really go wrong with bluegrass, in my opinion. personal favorites from this one, are 'monkey and the engineer' and 'mama's blues'.
"little bird" by elizabeth mitchell
i was very skeptical of this lady until i heard the cd and saw what a calming affect it had on harlan. she has a sweet little voice that just soothes his little soul. i also like the fact that she did a version of a velvet underground song...i can only hope some fine day on the playground, harlan can be heard singing 'what goes on' at top volume while swinging his day away.
sidenote, she also has an indie band named 'ida'.
"lullabye renditions of the cure" by rockabye baby records
harlan LOVES this cd. we used to use it to put him to sleep, and the other day, when it was on at his playgroup, i noticed him yawning, and drowsing about. also good for adult insomnia.
"nighttime" by dan zanes
this was a recent purchase, after hubby and i looked him up and heard the song "smile smile smile" and realized that harlan perked right up when he heard it. it's a bit of a goofy folky cd, but i have a feeling when harlan gets a little older (to that sing along age), it will be one of his favorites. and it really is damn catchy.
that's all for now...i'm sure there are tons more, and if anyone has any suggestions i'm all ears. (NO wiggles, NO kidzbop, NO barney, and NO doodlebops)
Monday, February 25, 2008
top five; fantasy playgroup
top five parents in my fantasy playgroup
1. jon stewart and wife...the quick witted playgroup commentary would be outstanding, and i love it when jon stewart giggles uncontrollably.
2. david duchovny and tea leoni...they seem like they would show up at playgroup with all the fixin's for whisky sours.
3. conan o'brian and wife...i just want to know if conan walks around playgroup going "rawr, i'm the biggest adult on the planet, bow to me tiny babies!!"
4. heidi klum (but not husband)...not only hot, but also hilarious and german.
5. gwen stefani (but not husband)...her kids are probably super fashionable, and hella cool, just hanging out with them would make harlan cooler.
runners up:
jack black and wife (ernie and i are undecided as to whether he would be a really cool dad to hang with, or that dad in the playgroup that you just want to punch)
kate winslet and husband (they seem just lovely)
jennifer connely and paul bettany (cause they're so pretty)
1. jon stewart and wife...the quick witted playgroup commentary would be outstanding, and i love it when jon stewart giggles uncontrollably.
2. david duchovny and tea leoni...they seem like they would show up at playgroup with all the fixin's for whisky sours.
3. conan o'brian and wife...i just want to know if conan walks around playgroup going "rawr, i'm the biggest adult on the planet, bow to me tiny babies!!"
4. heidi klum (but not husband)...not only hot, but also hilarious and german.
5. gwen stefani (but not husband)...her kids are probably super fashionable, and hella cool, just hanging out with them would make harlan cooler.
runners up:
jack black and wife (ernie and i are undecided as to whether he would be a really cool dad to hang with, or that dad in the playgroup that you just want to punch)
kate winslet and husband (they seem just lovely)
jennifer connely and paul bettany (cause they're so pretty)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
oh scarlett johansson, could you GET any hotter??!!
from pitchfork news:
Scarlett Johansson Album
"Frankly, Scarlett, we do give a damn. Anywhere I Lay My Head, the previously reported debut album from screen thespian Scarlett Johansson, arrives May 20 on Atco/Rhino.
It's an album comprised almost entirely of Tom Waits covers, with one ScarJo original, "Song for Jo", as its centerpiece. And now we know just which Waits numbers get the Johansson touch: "I Don't Want to Grow Up", "Town With No Cheer", and "No One Knows I'm Gone" are among the tunes by the gravel-voiced one that make up the rather odd Anywhere tracklist, reported on Billboard.com yesterday evening.
We already knew Dave Sitek produced and members of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Celebration, and Stars Like Fleas play on it, but here's the kicker: a pair of tracks ("Falling Down" and "Fannin' Street") feature guest vocals from none other than David Bowie! That's right: the other girl from Ghost World has recorded Tom Waits covers with David Bowie. Minds = blown.
As far as the covers themselves, "I Don't Want to Grow Up" will probably turn some heads. The Billboard.com report describes the track as having "drum machine beats straight out of a New Order song." Oh boy.
Waits gave the project his blessing, however. "I sent him some of the early, early recordings," Johansson told journalists at a press conference yesterday, "and he said, 'Go ahead.'
"I've heard he's very pleased."
While Johansson has no immediate plans to tour the Anywhere material, she is considering the possibility of "getting everybody together" for a festival appearance.
Anywhere I Lay My Head:
01 Fawn
02 Town With No Cheer
03 Falling Down
04 Anywhere I Lay My Head
05 Fannin' Street
06 Song for Jo
07 Green Grass
08 I Wish I Was in New Orleans
09 I Don't Want to Grow Up
10 No One Knows I'm Gone
11 Who Are You?
__________________________________
ok, ok...so it's not enough that she's smokin' hot, but she also is a tom waits fan, enough to make a cover album...AND she got david bowie (oh my jesus!) to do backing vocals on said album.
i just want to put her in my pocket and take her home.
Scarlett Johansson Album
"Frankly, Scarlett, we do give a damn. Anywhere I Lay My Head, the previously reported debut album from screen thespian Scarlett Johansson, arrives May 20 on Atco/Rhino.
It's an album comprised almost entirely of Tom Waits covers, with one ScarJo original, "Song for Jo", as its centerpiece. And now we know just which Waits numbers get the Johansson touch: "I Don't Want to Grow Up", "Town With No Cheer", and "No One Knows I'm Gone" are among the tunes by the gravel-voiced one that make up the rather odd Anywhere tracklist, reported on Billboard.com yesterday evening.
We already knew Dave Sitek produced and members of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Celebration, and Stars Like Fleas play on it, but here's the kicker: a pair of tracks ("Falling Down" and "Fannin' Street") feature guest vocals from none other than David Bowie! That's right: the other girl from Ghost World has recorded Tom Waits covers with David Bowie. Minds = blown.
As far as the covers themselves, "I Don't Want to Grow Up" will probably turn some heads. The Billboard.com report describes the track as having "drum machine beats straight out of a New Order song." Oh boy.
Waits gave the project his blessing, however. "I sent him some of the early, early recordings," Johansson told journalists at a press conference yesterday, "and he said, 'Go ahead.'
"I've heard he's very pleased."
While Johansson has no immediate plans to tour the Anywhere material, she is considering the possibility of "getting everybody together" for a festival appearance.
Anywhere I Lay My Head:
01 Fawn
02 Town With No Cheer
03 Falling Down
04 Anywhere I Lay My Head
05 Fannin' Street
06 Song for Jo
07 Green Grass
08 I Wish I Was in New Orleans
09 I Don't Want to Grow Up
10 No One Knows I'm Gone
11 Who Are You?
__________________________________
ok, ok...so it's not enough that she's smokin' hot, but she also is a tom waits fan, enough to make a cover album...AND she got david bowie (oh my jesus!) to do backing vocals on said album.
i just want to put her in my pocket and take her home.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Friday, February 08, 2008
"i hate almost all rich people, but i think i'd be darling at it"
if anyone has any ideas on how to make a good amount of money pretty quickly, please let me know (and the rest of us).
also, if anyone has any ideas on how exactly to get dried teething biscuit out of the keys of your keyboard, please let me know.
carry on.
also, if anyone has any ideas on how exactly to get dried teething biscuit out of the keys of your keyboard, please let me know.
carry on.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
if you like sigur ros...
you'll love these guys (or ladies, as they were)...
oddly enough, their album cover, and the drone-ish 'into the ether' feel of their music, has inspired me to do more knitting.
there will be scarves a plenty, just in time for spring.
oddly enough, their album cover, and the drone-ish 'into the ether' feel of their music, has inspired me to do more knitting.
there will be scarves a plenty, just in time for spring.
Monday, February 04, 2008
anger
some say anger can eat you from the inside out. it's true. i'm very angry today at someone i thought was a close friend. about things that are out of my control. people and their actions that i can't control, and i can't seem to get through to them how their overly sensitive, passive aggressive behavior is killing me. i've been seething all day. my chest hurts, my head hurts, my jaw hurts from being unconsciously clinched, my stomach is cramped into knots, my back is achy, i'm just an all around mess...i'm being eaten from the inside out.
it's time to take a drive, it's time to meditate. it's time for me to take stock of the beautiful things in my life, and the few, rare beautiful people around me.
change is on the way, i know it is.
_______________________________________________________________
on a completely unrelated topic; i'm really glad the patriots didn't win the super bowl. i could have cared less about that idiot game. but to live in massachusetts and have to listen to all of the cocky nonsense that spouts from people's mouths around this area about that stupid football team made me root root root for the giants, and actually watch the last five minutes (or 'the best five minutes') of the game (whereas previously, hubby and i had been watching the 'puppy bowl' on animal planet, soon to be a yearly family tradition).
and what the hell was with that fool belichick rushing out onto the field when they ran down the last two seconds of the clock without his permission???! as if the hand of god was going to come down and sweep the ball over for a touchdown in those last two seconds. what a cheating jack ass loser!
it's time to take a drive, it's time to meditate. it's time for me to take stock of the beautiful things in my life, and the few, rare beautiful people around me.
change is on the way, i know it is.
_______________________________________________________________
on a completely unrelated topic; i'm really glad the patriots didn't win the super bowl. i could have cared less about that idiot game. but to live in massachusetts and have to listen to all of the cocky nonsense that spouts from people's mouths around this area about that stupid football team made me root root root for the giants, and actually watch the last five minutes (or 'the best five minutes') of the game (whereas previously, hubby and i had been watching the 'puppy bowl' on animal planet, soon to be a yearly family tradition).
and what the hell was with that fool belichick rushing out onto the field when they ran down the last two seconds of the clock without his permission???! as if the hand of god was going to come down and sweep the ball over for a touchdown in those last two seconds. what a cheating jack ass loser!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
the business of being born
just wanted to let everyone know about this little film. i think this is a very important subject, one that rouses lots of controversy today, even among women. the idea in our capitalist american society that childbirth, one of the most natural and basic human rites should be turned into a business for making money, really turns my stomach. if you've had a baby, or are planning to have a baby, you'll be all too familiar with some of the scenes in this film...if you're neither, go see it anyway, your eyes are sure to be opened.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
happy new year! (i think)
at 11:30pm last night i was sitting in a rocking chair, trying desperately to calm my screaming baby to go to sleep (after sitting with him screaming and writhing in my arms for almost an hour). i'm not sure what he's going through, (growing pains, teething pains, etc, etc, you never know), but sleep is at a bare minimum in this house and new years eve just didn't seem that important. i had big plans for new years day, i was going to get up early, take a crispy cold walk around the block, do 8 sun salutations, and a bit of meditation on a fresh start...but harlan had other plans. at 11:55pm, my last look at the clock, we both finally drifted off to sleep in bed...the welcome of the new year came and went with a whisper, i didn't even hear the fireworks in boston bay.
i am excited for the new year because of these things:
1. harlan may learn to walk (party party!)
2. we're getting a bigger bed (yay, a real family bed!)
3. visits to europe are in the works
4. god willing, my pre baby body will come back to me
i am nervous and anxious for the new year because of these things:
1. my little brother's trial will begin and end (insurmountable fear and dread, too much even to think about)
2. harlan may learn to walk
3. travel means flying, i hate flying
4. this year may come and go without some necessary changes being made (stagnation, my ultimate fear)
i resolve to be a more organized mum, i resolve to be more patient and forgiving and to finally get my act together and learn another language (for harlan's sake)...would love to continue with french, but i think spanish might be more helpful.
sending out big love to all of my family of friends, and family of family...i hope that your new year is better than the last, or at least different from before.
(oh, and the pic of the baby seal is here because, well, it's adorable...happy new year baby seal!)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
just close your eyes and breathe...
yes, yes, merry christmas and happy new years, etc. etc.
this was the best christmas so far, hubby, baby, dog and myself all stayed home for quiet time, barely even stepping out of our pajamas for the entire day. there really should be more days like this, not just christmas.
on an unrelated topic, (or maybe not), i am in love with this idea, and i'm so excited that someone actually took the initiative to start something like this. if you can, please support it, i can personally account for the wonders of meditation in my own life (and i'm not even that good at it).
rarely do i find a cause that i can truly get behind, but this really is a good thing. i honestly believe that if i would have been taught meditation or "quiet time" techniques as a child, i would be a much less neurotic person these days. (granted, there would still be a bit of neurosis, but i would deal with it better, i think). i think that so many of my friends would be taking a lot less medication if they had been taught from childhood how to deal with all the crazy things going on in their heads, instead of just being told that we would "grow out of it".
so, kudos to your mister lynch! you can do something other than making crazy weird and fantastic movies!
this was the best christmas so far, hubby, baby, dog and myself all stayed home for quiet time, barely even stepping out of our pajamas for the entire day. there really should be more days like this, not just christmas.
on an unrelated topic, (or maybe not), i am in love with this idea, and i'm so excited that someone actually took the initiative to start something like this. if you can, please support it, i can personally account for the wonders of meditation in my own life (and i'm not even that good at it).
rarely do i find a cause that i can truly get behind, but this really is a good thing. i honestly believe that if i would have been taught meditation or "quiet time" techniques as a child, i would be a much less neurotic person these days. (granted, there would still be a bit of neurosis, but i would deal with it better, i think). i think that so many of my friends would be taking a lot less medication if they had been taught from childhood how to deal with all the crazy things going on in their heads, instead of just being told that we would "grow out of it".
so, kudos to your mister lynch! you can do something other than making crazy weird and fantastic movies!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
harlan's new favorite toy (this week)
it's fun to watch him try to crawl with a heavy stainless steel pot in his hand.
too bad we spent all that money on toys...
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
tots, sprogs, and the what have you...
mister irving questioned my usage of the term 'sprog' the other day, so i went here and found quite a few other slang terms for our wee ones. my personal favorite is "crotch fruit"...i plan to use it often, especially on play dates, and at tumble gym.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
funny parent thing i said today
harlan, stop licking the dog!!
(oddly enough, ernie had already admonished harlan earlier this week for licking the dog...guess he'll learn eventually right?)
(oddly enough, ernie had already admonished harlan earlier this week for licking the dog...guess he'll learn eventually right?)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
bleakness
hey, so that last post was a little bleak. just had to vent like an angry teenager for a minute.
on a lighter note, i think this is the best idea ever.
on a lighter note, i think this is the best idea ever.
at first, i thought there seems to be a lot of taser usage by police these days, i wonder what that's about. but, now it seems each and every time i turn on the news, i see another video of an out of control cop using his "safe" taser to "control" someone who is "out of control".
this is getting ridiculous people, c'mon! i knew things were bad, but this just scares me.
being a person who suffers from fairly severe anxiety and panic attacks, and being closely related and friends with people who suffer from mental illness, and uncontrollable anxiety, as well as knowing quite of few children with autism, can i just say that all of these stories are horrifying and sickening to me. it just seems that every time someone starts acting the least bit erratic these days, the cops pull out the taser, no matter what their age, phyisical or mental health condition. then they yell at the person to 'calm down', or 'be still', before they taser them again and again. are these cops so stupid that they don't even know the biology of the human body?? the last thing i think my body would do if i were being shocked with mass amounts of electricity is 'be still', or 'calm down'.
i remember seeing a video once of cops being trained with pepper spray. each cop had to be sprayed in the eyes with pepper spray to let them know how it feels, and to try to convince them to use it sparingly. i think the same demonstration should definitely be in affect for ANY and ALL cops issued taser guns. they should be tasered, and then be told to 'be still' and then if they don't comply, they should be tasered again and again and again, until they can finally be still.
this is getting ridiculous people, c'mon! i knew things were bad, but this just scares me.
being a person who suffers from fairly severe anxiety and panic attacks, and being closely related and friends with people who suffer from mental illness, and uncontrollable anxiety, as well as knowing quite of few children with autism, can i just say that all of these stories are horrifying and sickening to me. it just seems that every time someone starts acting the least bit erratic these days, the cops pull out the taser, no matter what their age, phyisical or mental health condition. then they yell at the person to 'calm down', or 'be still', before they taser them again and again. are these cops so stupid that they don't even know the biology of the human body?? the last thing i think my body would do if i were being shocked with mass amounts of electricity is 'be still', or 'calm down'.
i remember seeing a video once of cops being trained with pepper spray. each cop had to be sprayed in the eyes with pepper spray to let them know how it feels, and to try to convince them to use it sparingly. i think the same demonstration should definitely be in affect for ANY and ALL cops issued taser guns. they should be tasered, and then be told to 'be still' and then if they don't comply, they should be tasered again and again and again, until they can finally be still.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
open letter to our housemate in our basement
dear basement chick,
why do you listen to such uninteresting, bad music? it amazes me on a daily basis that you never get sick of listening to that lionel richie album over and over again at top volume. yeah, i understand there may be some sort of 'hipster irony' to your listening to countless hours of lionel richie, michael macdonald, peter cetera, etc...but, every day??!
also, for there to be 'hipster irony' attached to the listening of these awful albums, you would also have to, at some point, listen to a few good albums, at least every now and then. but, you don't. i would even understand if you listened to these albums for sentimental reasons, or if maybe they were a 'guilty pleasure'...but, this is obviously the entire content of your music collection.
you are fashionably dressed usually, you lived in europe for a while, you work for an environmental non profit, you have a ridiculously french sounding name and probably speak fluent french as well...i don't get it, you look so good on paper. what is wrong with you, basement chick?
i don't need to understand you or your reasons, i just want to spend one day of my life without the melody to 'stuck on you' in my head. i feel like i'm walking around in a walmart at 2am, while i'm here in my own apartment!
in closing, you obviously need a serious reality TV style music collection makeover. if not for the sake of your neighbors, just think of your neighbors children...think of the children!!
with sincerest sincerity,
your upstairs housemates
why do you listen to such uninteresting, bad music? it amazes me on a daily basis that you never get sick of listening to that lionel richie album over and over again at top volume. yeah, i understand there may be some sort of 'hipster irony' to your listening to countless hours of lionel richie, michael macdonald, peter cetera, etc...but, every day??!
also, for there to be 'hipster irony' attached to the listening of these awful albums, you would also have to, at some point, listen to a few good albums, at least every now and then. but, you don't. i would even understand if you listened to these albums for sentimental reasons, or if maybe they were a 'guilty pleasure'...but, this is obviously the entire content of your music collection.
you are fashionably dressed usually, you lived in europe for a while, you work for an environmental non profit, you have a ridiculously french sounding name and probably speak fluent french as well...i don't get it, you look so good on paper. what is wrong with you, basement chick?
i don't need to understand you or your reasons, i just want to spend one day of my life without the melody to 'stuck on you' in my head. i feel like i'm walking around in a walmart at 2am, while i'm here in my own apartment!
in closing, you obviously need a serious reality TV style music collection makeover. if not for the sake of your neighbors, just think of your neighbors children...think of the children!!
with sincerest sincerity,
your upstairs housemates
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
i'm dreaming of a green christmas...
thanks to al gore, 'being green' is all the rage this year for the holidays. it is so chic to try to save the planet from global warming that i figured i should jump on this band wagon quick, before this fashion trend goes the way of the ugg boot.
so, here are my 'green goals for christmas' (also known as, the "we're quite broke this year from producing and caring for a small spawn, please accept these homemade or gently used gifts from us...we still love you" christmas goals).
1. do not purchase one roll of new wrapping paper (this one is a doozy, because i'm a giant capitalist sucker for pretty paper, it's even one of my favorite willie nelson christmas songs).
2. give at least 75% recycled gifts. (i.e. things from around the house that i'm tired of looking at...ooh, ooh, you could be one of the lucky ones!)
3. in lieu of sending tons of cards, call family and friends and sing them carols. (this one is also a doozy, because i LOVE sending mail...i can't even tell you how much i love to send mail...the usps loves me!)
i'm not sure how many of these i'll keep. but i thought i would post them here anyway, just to keep up with the trends.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
teeny halloween
harlan as jake gyllenhaal as donnie darko as a hipster skeleton
mister irving and i really get into halloween. i don't know if there has been a year that we've known each other that we've not dressed up (or had a kick ass party). but, this year, with the coming of our wee sprog, we were a bit sidetracked and forgot to buy costumes. of course, being new parents, it's easy to get sidetracked with a baby when the rest of the world kind of 'let's go' of you. i'm just saying, in years past, ernie and i have been invited to at least two (usually multiple) halloween parties. this year, we were invited to one (thank you jesse's friend jon for inviting us to your party...we assume that you invited us because you forgot we have a baby, but thank you anyway, it made us feel good).
i know, i know...there's a good chance we wouldn't have made it to any parties (and didn't), but c'mon people, we have a baby, we aren't dead yet.
we vow that when harlan is older we will treat him to halloween costumes and parties that will blow his friends away. we will probably spend more on halloween than christmas...and if he wants to go to salem to go trick or treating with the rest of the frat boys and goth kids, so be it, we'll drive him ourselves.
so, we fell short this year..his costume was bought at target, and daddy and mommy didn't dress up...we'll be better parents next year.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
just in time for halloween
still breaks my heart, this song...
also, if you're bored, check out jeffrey lewis "williamsburg will oldham horror"...simply fantastic.
also, if you're bored, check out jeffrey lewis "williamsburg will oldham horror"...simply fantastic.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
day man, fighter of the night man (aaahhh,aaaaaaaah,aaahh)
it's the third season of 'it's always sunny in philadelphia'...if you aren't watching this show, get your shit together and and don't miss another episode.
this is from last week. i almost lost my mind laughing at this scene. in fact, i stayed up later to watch the second showing of the episode just to see this scene again, and i laughed just as hard the second time.
i was crying. literally crying.
this is from last week. i almost lost my mind laughing at this scene. in fact, i stayed up later to watch the second showing of the episode just to see this scene again, and i laughed just as hard the second time.
i was crying. literally crying.
Monday, October 08, 2007
harlan and the hippies
on saturday, mister irving and i were hanging out around the house as we usually do on saturdays, wondering what to do with our precious family time, since there is always a delicate balance when you have a baby and a dog. it's very hard to find interesting things to do that will make the whole family happy (and as we move into toddlerhood with harlan, i'm sure it will begin to get much harder). as we were padding around the kitchen, drinking tea and eating egg sandwich, our great friend ethan called to tip us off to a street festival that was happening in davis square called "honk! fest". as he described it, "a bunch of punk kids with marching bands, you know, lots of stinky hippies"...he had me at 'marching bands'.
i have to say, i'm not one drawn to the 'pseudo hippie element' that sometimes permeates somerville/cambridge..in fact, mostly those kids annoy the hell out of me (you can not be an anarchist AND a social activist, it just doesn't make sense!!)...but, when it comes to louisiana/carnivale/balkan style marching bands with lots of horns and drums, and circus types, belly dancers and people in costume on stilts, i'm all mush.
somerville really came through on this one. there were five staging areas, where the band would play, then they would all march to the next staging area on the hour, one big crazy sidewalk parade. so, at any one time, at least five marching bands were playing in a one square mile area. i can tell you it felt quite like we were in a fellini film, and that's what made it wonderful.
here are pics from the festival just to give you an idea of what it all looked like.
harlan was less than pleased with all the noise. i'm sure when he is a bit older, he'll love all the hippie freaks in their costumes with their noise makers...but, at seven months into this world, it was a bit much. he promptly fell dead asleep in his carrier.
mister irving and i loved it so much, that the next day, some of the same bands were performing in harvard square at the annual oktoberfest, so we dragged some of our friends out and did the whole thing again.
this is a promo video for the most entertaining band at the festival, the 'march forth marching band', (the one that brought us back the next day).
i have to say, i'm not one drawn to the 'pseudo hippie element' that sometimes permeates somerville/cambridge..in fact, mostly those kids annoy the hell out of me (you can not be an anarchist AND a social activist, it just doesn't make sense!!)...but, when it comes to louisiana/carnivale/balkan style marching bands with lots of horns and drums, and circus types, belly dancers and people in costume on stilts, i'm all mush.
somerville really came through on this one. there were five staging areas, where the band would play, then they would all march to the next staging area on the hour, one big crazy sidewalk parade. so, at any one time, at least five marching bands were playing in a one square mile area. i can tell you it felt quite like we were in a fellini film, and that's what made it wonderful.
here are pics from the festival just to give you an idea of what it all looked like.
harlan was less than pleased with all the noise. i'm sure when he is a bit older, he'll love all the hippie freaks in their costumes with their noise makers...but, at seven months into this world, it was a bit much. he promptly fell dead asleep in his carrier.
mister irving and i loved it so much, that the next day, some of the same bands were performing in harvard square at the annual oktoberfest, so we dragged some of our friends out and did the whole thing again.
this is a promo video for the most entertaining band at the festival, the 'march forth marching band', (the one that brought us back the next day).
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
falls first donut
without a doubt, one of my favorite things about living in this area is the knowledge that when the seasons start to change from summer to fall, someone somewhere will be making cider donuts for me to dip into hot apple cider and fill my belly.
in massachusetts that place is russell orchards in ipswich. hands down, best cider donuts i've ever eaten. yesterday, hubby and i drove the hour to ipswich and then waited in line, in a barn, for an hour to enjoy these beautiful, heavenly circles of love.
yesterday, i ate five cider donuts...i was up for an entire night with horrific stomach cramps. today, i will eat more. they're just that good.
in massachusetts that place is russell orchards in ipswich. hands down, best cider donuts i've ever eaten. yesterday, hubby and i drove the hour to ipswich and then waited in line, in a barn, for an hour to enjoy these beautiful, heavenly circles of love.
yesterday, i ate five cider donuts...i was up for an entire night with horrific stomach cramps. today, i will eat more. they're just that good.
Friday, September 28, 2007
god save fluff
everyone knows that fluff was invented in somerville ma, right?
well, if you didn't, stick that bit of trivia in that spot in your brain where you usually store information like where you put your keys when you came home from work (you'll be late for work, but you'll always know where fluff came from).
this year is the 90th anniversary of the invention of fluff, and in somerville (union square to be exact) they're having a 'fluff festival'..officially called the 'what the fluff?' fest.
there will be a fluff baking contest, fluff games to play, and an appearance by the 'flufferettes'...boy howdy!!
here's the info...looks so kitschy i can barely stand it.
*oh, and just in case anyone is confused, when i say 'fluff', i'm talking about the white marshmellowy substance that you use in rice crispy treats, or ambrosia, that comes in a jar...i am not talking about softcore gay porn. just wanted to clear that up.
Friday, September 21, 2007
you can't tell a hero by his size
when harlan was first born, i sang this the theme song all the time. it just seemed appropriate. then i realized that mister irving had no idea what i had been singing, because he had never seen the skit on sesame street...i couldn't believe it, it was only my single most favorite thing on sesame st. i learned so much from the teeny little super guy...i would have never made it through second grade without him.
i remember getting so excited when the shot of the kitchen counter would come on and the whispery voice over would start.
"ladies and gentlemen; the teeny little super guy."
hats off to you paul fierlinger!
i remember getting so excited when the shot of the kitchen counter would come on and the whispery voice over would start.
"ladies and gentlemen; the teeny little super guy."
hats off to you paul fierlinger!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
why starbucks is king of the coffeehouses
when you're in the midst of a bad morning, it's hard to think of anything, or anyone else. i'm sure in the my future parent life, i'll have countless more mornings like i did this morning. although, this is little consolation when the baby is screaming, (and, mind you, has been up all night, leaving me exhausted and sleep deprived), you're late for his doctor's visit, and you're cleaning dog puke off the carpet. that was just a taste of my morning mayhem...that was exactly the point when i was two seconds away from calling my husband and telling him that if he didn't come home at that very minute that i was going to put the baby and the dog in the pack and play and let them go at it in a mad max style cagefight.
but, i took a few deep breaths, (was quietly thankful i only had one child, and he wasn't quite mobile yet), loaded my child into the car (in the pouring rain) and headed off to the doctor. finally finding a parking spot, i loaded my child out of the car (in the pouring rain without umbrella) and trucked into the office, (soaking wet) where i was told that his appointment wasn't until 2:30pm, not at 11am, like i had thought.
holding back a little bitty tear in my throat, i did some more deep breathing, smiled at the receptionist and gave a chipper "i guess we'll be back". back out into the rain, i saw the starbucks just next door as a quick spot to get dry. so, i went in, knowing full well, that there is a big independent coffee house just across the street. but, let me tell you why i went into the starbucks and not the coffee house across the street. because, when you're having a bad morning, it's hard to think of anything or anyone else but yourself.
each and every time i've been into a starbucks (while i've had some damn disgusting coffee), i've never had to deal with attitude from the 'baristas'. not once. each and every time i go into previously mentioned coffee house across the street from the starbucks, i am met with such completely annoying, 'i'm cooler than you, get out of my face, what do you think i actually want to serve you?!,' attitude that if they served a hit of ecstasy with every cup i would still leave with a frown on my face, disgusted with the rest of the world.
i love supporting locally owned, independent businesses. really, i do. i've gone out of my way many times to order things from some of the local businesses that i could have just gone to megastore and bought off the shelf. i hate the fact that there is a starbucks on every corner of the planet. think globally, buy locally...hippie bumper sticker or not, it's a good way to be. BUT, the independent coffee house counter help attitude has got to GO. just a little back story, i worked at one of these places...in fact, where i worked, i actually could have had reason to have an attitude..it was a teahouse in harvard square...we only served tea and scones (no coffee, no cappuccino, no latte, just honest to god slowly brewed whole leaf tea), if anyone could have been snotty about what they were serving, it was me. but, the only time i ever gave anyone an attitude was when they hit me with one first. and even then, i found that it made them much more angry to be overly bubbly and nice to them.
to finish, i went into the starbucks to get out of the rain, i was met with a smile from the girl at the counter and a very friendly attitude. i ordered something very sweet and creamy and over the top (pumpkin spice latte decaf). i even ordered a 'small', and she still smiled (for those of you under rocks, the lingo for small in starbucksland is 'grahnd-ay'). she was so pleasant that i immediately felt better about things, i went and sat down in a big plush leather chair, and harlan was being adorable and quiet. i was warm, and dry and about the have a serious sugar buzz...things were looking up, i can do this.
and that is why starbucks is king of the coffeehouses.
but, i took a few deep breaths, (was quietly thankful i only had one child, and he wasn't quite mobile yet), loaded my child into the car (in the pouring rain) and headed off to the doctor. finally finding a parking spot, i loaded my child out of the car (in the pouring rain without umbrella) and trucked into the office, (soaking wet) where i was told that his appointment wasn't until 2:30pm, not at 11am, like i had thought.
holding back a little bitty tear in my throat, i did some more deep breathing, smiled at the receptionist and gave a chipper "i guess we'll be back". back out into the rain, i saw the starbucks just next door as a quick spot to get dry. so, i went in, knowing full well, that there is a big independent coffee house just across the street. but, let me tell you why i went into the starbucks and not the coffee house across the street. because, when you're having a bad morning, it's hard to think of anything or anyone else but yourself.
each and every time i've been into a starbucks (while i've had some damn disgusting coffee), i've never had to deal with attitude from the 'baristas'. not once. each and every time i go into previously mentioned coffee house across the street from the starbucks, i am met with such completely annoying, 'i'm cooler than you, get out of my face, what do you think i actually want to serve you?!,' attitude that if they served a hit of ecstasy with every cup i would still leave with a frown on my face, disgusted with the rest of the world.
i love supporting locally owned, independent businesses. really, i do. i've gone out of my way many times to order things from some of the local businesses that i could have just gone to megastore and bought off the shelf. i hate the fact that there is a starbucks on every corner of the planet. think globally, buy locally...hippie bumper sticker or not, it's a good way to be. BUT, the independent coffee house counter help attitude has got to GO. just a little back story, i worked at one of these places...in fact, where i worked, i actually could have had reason to have an attitude..it was a teahouse in harvard square...we only served tea and scones (no coffee, no cappuccino, no latte, just honest to god slowly brewed whole leaf tea), if anyone could have been snotty about what they were serving, it was me. but, the only time i ever gave anyone an attitude was when they hit me with one first. and even then, i found that it made them much more angry to be overly bubbly and nice to them.
to finish, i went into the starbucks to get out of the rain, i was met with a smile from the girl at the counter and a very friendly attitude. i ordered something very sweet and creamy and over the top (pumpkin spice latte decaf). i even ordered a 'small', and she still smiled (for those of you under rocks, the lingo for small in starbucksland is 'grahnd-ay'). she was so pleasant that i immediately felt better about things, i went and sat down in a big plush leather chair, and harlan was being adorable and quiet. i was warm, and dry and about the have a serious sugar buzz...things were looking up, i can do this.
and that is why starbucks is king of the coffeehouses.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
we're all grown up now
back in my day, i was quite the follower of a little band called fugazi. i must have seen them six or seven times...(it was better than following the dead, for christ sake...not hatin', just sayin').
i had heard of this, but had never seen it. thank you, youtube.
now, i can't get this song out of my head.
we love ya ian!!
you wock!
i had heard of this, but had never seen it. thank you, youtube.
now, i can't get this song out of my head.
we love ya ian!!
you wock!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
project mum
so, has anyone else in boston heard about this?
what oh what will the townies think??!
Project MUM: Meet Under McGrath!
Saturday, Aug. 18, 9pm-
The intersection of Washington Street & McGrath Highway
This year's event pays tribute to the glorious 1970s and features four hours of music spun by DJs Flack, Axel Foley and Pace, with lighting by Todd Sargent/VDA Productions that provide the perfect backdrop for your fabulous dance moves.
Eye-popping video and light sculptures will include a psychedelic slideshow flashback featuring your own authentic 70s photos. Special guest video artist jackbackrack and celebrity dance stages organized by Alissa Cardone of Kinodance Company, an internationally known intermedia performance and dance troupe based in Somerville.
what oh what will the townies think??!
Project MUM: Meet Under McGrath!
Saturday, Aug. 18, 9pm-
The intersection of Washington Street & McGrath Highway
This year's event pays tribute to the glorious 1970s and features four hours of music spun by DJs Flack, Axel Foley and Pace, with lighting by Todd Sargent/VDA Productions that provide the perfect backdrop for your fabulous dance moves.
Eye-popping video and light sculptures will include a psychedelic slideshow flashback featuring your own authentic 70s photos. Special guest video artist jackbackrack and celebrity dance stages organized by Alissa Cardone of Kinodance Company, an internationally known intermedia performance and dance troupe based in Somerville. FUNDRAISER FOR THE ARTS:
MUM is free and open to the public (with a $10 suggested donation fee.)
All proceeds will support ARTSomerville, the Somerville Arts Council, Mudflat Pottery Studio, Inc., Brickbottom Artist Association, Somerville Community Access Television, Joy Street Studios, and Kinodance Company.
So grab those bell-bottoms from your attic, fluff up your ‘fros, and join Somerville's dance party revolution! *And while you’re at it, become a part of the event by sending in your photos of yourself, friends and family stylin’ in 1970s Somerville and beyond – that we’ll show during the party. Email digital images at least 4”x6” 300 dpi to: info@artsomerville.org www.ARTSomerville.org
Friday, August 10, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
baby and the beach
there is nothing that says 'summer in massachusetts' more than a wedding on cape cod. this past weekend we took harlan to this second wedding, our friends jason and sasha (who are now known as 'the jonesteins'). it was a grand, lavish wedding but sweet and beautiful all the same. (and an open bar until midnight, yahoo!)
the day after the wedding, we said out bittersweet goodbyes to our friends, and went to take harlan to the beach for the first time. he didn't really see what the hubbub was about...and i'm sure he was none too happy about the sand in his diaper.
this picture really sums up his thoughts about the whole experience. after taking a few digital memories, we promptly fell asleep in a big family lump on a blanket. it was perfect.
the day after the wedding, we said out bittersweet goodbyes to our friends, and went to take harlan to the beach for the first time. he didn't really see what the hubbub was about...and i'm sure he was none too happy about the sand in his diaper.
this picture really sums up his thoughts about the whole experience. after taking a few digital memories, we promptly fell asleep in a big family lump on a blanket. it was perfect.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
officially mom
about five months ago, i gave birth to an absolutely beautiful baby boy, as you may have seen from the many pictures on this blog. the labor was painful, and surreal. you would think after passing something the size of a 7 pound watermelon out of a certain orafice on your body, together with a sagging stomach, stretch marks, five months of diaper changes and breastfeeding, etc, that it would definitely make you feel like you are now officially a mom.
but, i think that just today, as I WIPED BABY VOMIT OUT OF MY BELLY BUTTON, that i officially felt like a mom.
ah, sharing.
but, i think that just today, as I WIPED BABY VOMIT OUT OF MY BELLY BUTTON, that i officially felt like a mom.
ah, sharing.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
sing, sing a song, sing out loud
i was never one of those girls who had her whole life planned out in the beginning. i didn't have any good idea of what my wedding was going to be like (the first one, or the second one)...i didn't really ever think of whether i wanted a son or a daughter, or if i wanted kids at all...i played with baby dolls when i was a kid, but i don't think i ever fully understood why (i think i just did it, 'because everyone else did')...it certainly wasn't because i thought a lot about babies when i was younger, even though i had two younger brothers.
but, the one thing i did think about, quite a bit in fact, was what songs i would want to sing and play for my kid if i ever did have one. through the years i compiled a growing list in my head, and unfortunately, i never wrote them down.
now, i have this baby who absolutely loves it when i sing to him...and i can't remember the words to any of those songs i used to compile in my head. so, from the beginning, i sang to him the only songs i knew the words to. 'ain't no sunshine', 'want a little sugar in my bowl', 'my baby just cares for me', 'i'll fly away', and 'all my little words'.(and of course, his namesake song, 'harlan' by freakwater) now, harlan just doesn't care for normal children's songs...he prefers the more adult stuff.
so far his favorites are the bill withers and the nina simone songs. he adores nina simone.
(i don't know what that means)
so, here's a list of other songs i've come up with that i would like to sing to him that i think he will very much enjoy as he grows:
- 'octopus's garden' by the beatles
- 'fido, your leash is too long' by the magnetic fields (insert various magnetic fields songs here, examples; 'absolutely cuckoo', 'chicken with it's head cut off', 'wi' nae wee bairn ye'll me beget', etc, etc..take out the 'curses', of course)
- 'god bless the child' billie holiday
- 'five feet high and risin'' johnny cash
- 'mocking bird' tom waits
- 'old rattler' traditional
- 'mama tried' merle haggard
- 'in the aeroplane over the sea' neutral milk
-'59th st bridge song' simon & garfunkle (of course)
-'the young new mexican puppeteer' tom jones (ha, kidding...i don't want the kid t have nightmares, puppets are creepy)
and there are the usual suspects: cat stevens, joni mitchell, woody guthrie, the kinks...you know, the classics.
right now, though, i'm listening to yves montad and harlan has completely quieted down. maybe he's into the frenchies.
there are countless others, i can't think of right now. i think i'll just randomly write them down in this blog as i think of more, and if any of you out there have any suggestions, please feel free to help me out. add some songs, i'll see how harlan likes them.
but, the one thing i did think about, quite a bit in fact, was what songs i would want to sing and play for my kid if i ever did have one. through the years i compiled a growing list in my head, and unfortunately, i never wrote them down.
now, i have this baby who absolutely loves it when i sing to him...and i can't remember the words to any of those songs i used to compile in my head. so, from the beginning, i sang to him the only songs i knew the words to. 'ain't no sunshine', 'want a little sugar in my bowl', 'my baby just cares for me', 'i'll fly away', and 'all my little words'.(and of course, his namesake song, 'harlan' by freakwater) now, harlan just doesn't care for normal children's songs...he prefers the more adult stuff.
so far his favorites are the bill withers and the nina simone songs. he adores nina simone.
(i don't know what that means)
so, here's a list of other songs i've come up with that i would like to sing to him that i think he will very much enjoy as he grows:
- 'octopus's garden' by the beatles
- 'fido, your leash is too long' by the magnetic fields (insert various magnetic fields songs here, examples; 'absolutely cuckoo', 'chicken with it's head cut off', 'wi' nae wee bairn ye'll me beget', etc, etc..take out the 'curses', of course)
- 'god bless the child' billie holiday
- 'five feet high and risin'' johnny cash
- 'mocking bird' tom waits
- 'old rattler' traditional
- 'mama tried' merle haggard
- 'in the aeroplane over the sea' neutral milk
-'59th st bridge song' simon & garfunkle (of course)
-'the young new mexican puppeteer' tom jones (ha, kidding...i don't want the kid t have nightmares, puppets are creepy)
and there are the usual suspects: cat stevens, joni mitchell, woody guthrie, the kinks...you know, the classics.
right now, though, i'm listening to yves montad and harlan has completely quieted down. maybe he's into the frenchies.
there are countless others, i can't think of right now. i think i'll just randomly write them down in this blog as i think of more, and if any of you out there have any suggestions, please feel free to help me out. add some songs, i'll see how harlan likes them.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
thousand dollar wedding
many of you know the troubles of my family these past few years, and for those of you who don't, it's a story that you wouldn't believe, and it continues to get longer and more tragic every day that goes by. i'll tell the story here one day, but not today.
let's just say that we were well aware that our trip to tenn was going to be 'stressful' at best.
the plane ride with harlan was actually more relaxed than usual. he's a peach of a baby, all smiles and giggles, and he really helped distract me from my aviophobia. on the first flight, he filled his diaper with his morning constitutional. changing a baby's diaper in an airplane bathroom...hahahahahaha, i won't even try to describe it. but, the rest of the trip, along with layovers, plane changes, and the usual airport craziness was just fine with harlan, in fact, i think he may have come back with a whole new outlook on life. he didn't even mind when we got on the plane at 4pm in nashville and because of thunder storms, sat on the plane in charlotte for almost 2 hours and didn't get back to boston until 1am. he's a peach i tell ya, a peach.
we went to tenn to attend my brother's wedding and to let harlan meet his granpa and uncles for the first time. my brother nigel and his girlfriend ashley decided to get married in a small ceremony by a lake by my parents house. it was short and just about the sweetest thing i've seen in a while. on the day of the wedding...a lazy, humid sunday morning, a rude knock came at my parent's door. ernie and i both knew it was the police, no one else knocks quite like the police do. we went to the door, they were asking for ashlie. apparently, they had a warrant for her arrest for unpaid child support (she has four children, two by my brother and two by another, none of which she has custod
y). she was sure it was a mistake, since she had receipts to prove payment, but of course, it's a sunday, and none of that matters to cops. they took her in (in curlers, no less) and booked her and let her go on 500$ bail. arrested in curlers on your wedding day, how faulkner-esque. the day before that my brother's truck had been repo'd by the bank. we'll just say my family hasn't had the best of luck these days (if 'luck' is what you want to call it).
all in all, it was a good trip, even with the pending court dates, etc. harlan really seemed to enjoy spending time with his granny and papaw. my mom took him into the back yard and put his feet into tenn soil, to make sure his feet didn't hit 'yankee dirt' first. and even with all of the chaos of traveling with a 4 month old (which really wasn't so bad), it was nice to get away from boston for a bit.
just a tip for all of the parents out there (especially new ones); drive in movies are the best thing ever. your baby can scream and scream and no one is bothered, also breastfeeding is a cinch. and that new die hard movie is the funniest one yet...i mean, i had no idea that it was really possible to turn a tractor trailer truck back onto it's wheels by the sheer power of bruce willis' balls. phenomenal.
let's just say that we were well aware that our trip to tenn was going to be 'stressful' at best.
the plane ride with harlan was actually more relaxed than usual. he's a peach of a baby, all smiles and giggles, and he really helped distract me from my aviophobia. on the first flight, he filled his diaper with his morning constitutional. changing a baby's diaper in an airplane bathroom...hahahahahaha, i won't even try to describe it. but, the rest of the trip, along with layovers, plane changes, and the usual airport craziness was just fine with harlan, in fact, i think he may have come back with a whole new outlook on life. he didn't even mind when we got on the plane at 4pm in nashville and because of thunder storms, sat on the plane in charlotte for almost 2 hours and didn't get back to boston until 1am. he's a peach i tell ya, a peach.
we went to tenn to attend my brother's wedding and to let harlan meet his granpa and uncles for the first time. my brother nigel and his girlfriend ashley decided to get married in a small ceremony by a lake by my parents house. it was short and just about the sweetest thing i've seen in a while. on the day of the wedding...a lazy, humid sunday morning, a rude knock came at my parent's door. ernie and i both knew it was the police, no one else knocks quite like the police do. we went to the door, they were asking for ashlie. apparently, they had a warrant for her arrest for unpaid child support (she has four children, two by my brother and two by another, none of which she has custod
y). she was sure it was a mistake, since she had receipts to prove payment, but of course, it's a sunday, and none of that matters to cops. they took her in (in curlers, no less) and booked her and let her go on 500$ bail. arrested in curlers on your wedding day, how faulkner-esque. the day before that my brother's truck had been repo'd by the bank. we'll just say my family hasn't had the best of luck these days (if 'luck' is what you want to call it).all in all, it was a good trip, even with the pending court dates, etc. harlan really seemed to enjoy spending time with his granny and papaw. my mom took him into the back yard and put his feet into tenn soil, to make sure his feet didn't hit 'yankee dirt' first. and even with all of the chaos of traveling with a 4 month old (which really wasn't so bad), it was nice to get away from boston for a bit.
just a tip for all of the parents out there (especially new ones); drive in movies are the best thing ever. your baby can scream and scream and no one is bothered, also breastfeeding is a cinch. and that new die hard movie is the funniest one yet...i mean, i had no idea that it was really possible to turn a tractor trailer truck back onto it's wheels by the sheer power of bruce willis' balls. phenomenal.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
to live is to fly
tomorrow, we're off to my old home place, tennessee, to see the family and let them meet the wee one. we'll be flying. fear of flying aside, i seem to be more afraid these days that i'm going to forget something very important...like diaper cream, or the baby.
wish me luck.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Monday, June 04, 2007
little too weird...
put your apple itunes or ipod on shuffle...fill out the questionaire of your life by the clicking on the title of each song that comes up...no cheating...
bizarre.
1. Opening Credits: this fire by franz ferdinand
2. Birth: apple bomb by deerhoof
3. First Day At School: oliver twisted by the vaselines (yes!)
4.Falling In Love: in memory of Elizabeth reed by the allman brothers (huh?)
5. Fight Song: celluloid heroes by the kinks (really slow motion hollywood fight scene)
6. Breaking Up: you will miss me when I burn by palace brothers (tragic)
7. Prom: max earnst dream by mission of burma (didn't go to prom)
8. Life: tell me by galaxie 500 (ahh..)
9. Mental Breakdown: the man I love by gershwin (instrumental...only if mister irving left)
10. Driving: saviour piece by snap ant
11. Flashback: generation by black rebel motorcycle club (ha!)
12. Wedding: teenage lust by mc5 (haha!!)
13. Birth of a Child: twenty four hours by joy division (little shorter than that)
14. Final Battle: lifetime piling up by talking heads (classic.)
15. Death Scene: sweet adeline by elliot smith (aw, that makes me teary to think about..poor elliot)
16. Funeral: when we reach the hill by the black heart procession (perfect.)
17. Ending Credits: clint eastwood by the gorillaz (seems appropriate and superficial)
Ok, that was strange...just for fun, i'm going to do this twice and see if it works as good the second time.
1. Opening Credits: the ballad of ira hayes by johnny cash
2. Birth: gangster of love by the talking heads
3. First Day At School: hook by pj harvey
man, i just realized i really need some new music.
bizarre.
1. Opening Credits: this fire by franz ferdinand
2. Birth: apple bomb by deerhoof
3. First Day At School: oliver twisted by the vaselines (yes!)
4.Falling In Love: in memory of Elizabeth reed by the allman brothers (huh?)
5. Fight Song: celluloid heroes by the kinks (really slow motion hollywood fight scene)
6. Breaking Up: you will miss me when I burn by palace brothers (tragic)
7. Prom: max earnst dream by mission of burma (didn't go to prom)
8. Life: tell me by galaxie 500 (ahh..)
9. Mental Breakdown: the man I love by gershwin (instrumental...only if mister irving left)
10. Driving: saviour piece by snap ant
11. Flashback: generation by black rebel motorcycle club (ha!)
12. Wedding: teenage lust by mc5 (haha!!)
13. Birth of a Child: twenty four hours by joy division (little shorter than that)
14. Final Battle: lifetime piling up by talking heads (classic.)
15. Death Scene: sweet adeline by elliot smith (aw, that makes me teary to think about..poor elliot)
16. Funeral: when we reach the hill by the black heart procession (perfect.)
17. Ending Credits: clint eastwood by the gorillaz (seems appropriate and superficial)
Ok, that was strange...just for fun, i'm going to do this twice and see if it works as good the second time.
1. Opening Credits: the ballad of ira hayes by johnny cash
2. Birth: gangster of love by the talking heads
3. First Day At School: hook by pj harvey
4.Falling In Love: ainsi soit-il by the paris combo
5. Fight Song: hi everybody! by ciccone youth
6. Breaking Up: respect by otis redding
7. Prom: she's a lady by tom jones
8. Life: flight of icarus by iron maiden (hahahahaha!!)
9. Mental Breakdown: this is love by pj harvey
10. Driving: how come you do me? by the cramps
11. Flashback: bewilderbeast by badly drawn boy (so great...an instrumental)
12. Wedding: please mr.DJ by merle haggard
13. Birth of a Child: here comes the sun by the beatles (awwwww..)
14. Final
15. Death Scene: think by james brown (must be one of those tarantino death scenes)
16. Funeral: no hey problemo by pink martini
17. Ending Credits: today i lost a tooth by olivia tremor control
man, i just realized i really need some new music.
too weird…too too weird…
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
screw you, hippie!
this weekend we had a bbq with some of our new parent friends. there were 10 adults, 3 infants under 3 months, 1 child and 3 dogs. it went fairly well, but i will say that it is almost impossible to hold a conversation with someone when you're trying to juggle dog and baby, make sure everyone has enough drink, and there's food ready for the grill...quite chaotic. it was a bit of an experiment for us, since for the last 4-5 months, we've been less than the social butterflies we used to be. i think we did ok, although we were exhausted when the whole thing ended (at 8pm...oi, so early).
as mister irving and i sat around that evening, dreading the coming clean up, we revisited some of the open ended conversations we had.
we realized from talking out loud about some of the things that we do in our everyday life now that we're much crunchier parents than we ever thought we would be. we had a natural childbirth in a birth center that looked like an antique b&b; we prepared for that childbirth by studying hypnosis techniques and meditation; we use cloth diapers; we co-sleep; we're making our household 'green' in as many ways as we can (reduce, reuse, recycle); ernie takes yoga classes at the local buddhist temple; ernie has acupuncture therapy; i actively meditate when i breastfeed; our dog is a rescue pup; and on and on...
we've seriously been considering moving to the mountains and becoming a completely sustainable vegetarian household...
and yet, we scoff at the idea of being compared to crunchy hippie types. scoff!
as mister irving and i sat around that evening, dreading the coming clean up, we revisited some of the open ended conversations we had.
we realized from talking out loud about some of the things that we do in our everyday life now that we're much crunchier parents than we ever thought we would be. we had a natural childbirth in a birth center that looked like an antique b&b; we prepared for that childbirth by studying hypnosis techniques and meditation; we use cloth diapers; we co-sleep; we're making our household 'green' in as many ways as we can (reduce, reuse, recycle); ernie takes yoga classes at the local buddhist temple; ernie has acupuncture therapy; i actively meditate when i breastfeed; our dog is a rescue pup; and on and on...
we've seriously been considering moving to the mountains and becoming a completely sustainable vegetarian household...
and yet, we scoff at the idea of being compared to crunchy hippie types. scoff!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
martyrdom
when you become new parents, there is one question that you are asked each and every time you come into a conversation with an old friend who doesn't have kids...and that is, "do you feel like you're missing out?"
i have a lot of time to think about this question, as i am a 'stay at home mom' (i kind of hate that moniker, but for lack of something better, there it is)...for the past two and a half months, i've pretty much done one of these things, 1. sat in a chair, breastfed, lived vicariously through the new yorker 2. washed laundry every day 3. tried to keep dog hair off of everything the baby owns 4. watched lots and lots of awful television while breastfeeding. 5. made funny faces, noises, etc, etc, to make harlan giggle out loud.
i mean, i've 'really' had time to think about it. and honestly, i don't really miss much. but, while we're being honest, i'll say the one thing i miss the most is live music. i miss going to see bands play, whether they suck or are great, i just really miss going out to see music.
there is something absolutely cleansing about going to see live music. i know, it won't be long before i'll be back out there at shows, harping on this or that, smugly criticizing the band i'm watching for being dull or sounding too much like t-rex, or just standing against the wall with my arms crossed and a furrowed brow while someone completely impresses me...but right now, i do miss it.
it's probably going to suck for harlan when his mom comes to hang out with him to watch his favorite band. poor guy.
i have a lot of time to think about this question, as i am a 'stay at home mom' (i kind of hate that moniker, but for lack of something better, there it is)...for the past two and a half months, i've pretty much done one of these things, 1. sat in a chair, breastfed, lived vicariously through the new yorker 2. washed laundry every day 3. tried to keep dog hair off of everything the baby owns 4. watched lots and lots of awful television while breastfeeding. 5. made funny faces, noises, etc, etc, to make harlan giggle out loud.
i mean, i've 'really' had time to think about it. and honestly, i don't really miss much. but, while we're being honest, i'll say the one thing i miss the most is live music. i miss going to see bands play, whether they suck or are great, i just really miss going out to see music.
there is something absolutely cleansing about going to see live music. i know, it won't be long before i'll be back out there at shows, harping on this or that, smugly criticizing the band i'm watching for being dull or sounding too much like t-rex, or just standing against the wall with my arms crossed and a furrowed brow while someone completely impresses me...but right now, i do miss it.
it's probably going to suck for harlan when his mom comes to hang out with him to watch his favorite band. poor guy.
Friday, May 11, 2007
mom
"Contrary to popular belief, Mother's Day was not conceived and fine-tuned in the boardroom of Hallmark. The earliest tributes to mothers date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele. Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England this holiday was expanded to include all mothers and was called Mothering Sunday.
In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day."
Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe, a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else.
In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."
if nothing else, give your mom a call...now knowing how childbirth feels, believe me, she deserves at least a phone call.
In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day."
Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe, a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else.
In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."
if nothing else, give your mom a call...now knowing how childbirth feels, believe me, she deserves at least a phone call.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
not sure who won, but the pie was great
saturday was the ky derby, and it also happen to be mister irving's birthday. the day before, he had mentioned that he wanted nothing more for his birthday than a cold mint julep and some derby pie (since he had never partook of either). even though the weather wasn't cooperating that day, we had a fine time sitting in the back yard grilling and watching the baby giggle every time the wind blew across his little face. and the pie was lovely.
derby pie
1 cup chocolate chips (ghiradella rec.)
1 cup pecans
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 stick butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup KY bourbon (maker's mark or finer)
mix sugar and flour. add eggs, then butter. add pecans and chocolate chips, vanilla and whisky. pour into unbaked pie shell. bake for 35 mins. at 350 degrees. pie should be thick, and mushy.
(also, if your pie doesn't taste strongly like bourbon, you've pissed off the pie gods..and other gods, i'm sure)
Monday, April 30, 2007
blahbiddy
The baby is napping, diapers are in the wash, and I’m a little bored. Of course, I could be cleaning, or reading something inspiring, or doing something other than filling out this meaningless survey, but this is what I feel like doing right now, so don’t hate.
FIRST NAME? april
WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? no, but my aunt named me
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? the day before yesterday
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? depends on the writing utensil (i prefer a really drippy fountain pen)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? honey turkey, but it’s all kind of bland
KIDS? a really cute one named harlan
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? maybe, but we wouldn’t be very close
DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL ? yes, since I was 13
DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? hardly ever sincere
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? no, terrified of falling
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? kashi, i think the actual name is ‘hippy food that keeps you regular’
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? no, i’d like to be bruce lee
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? prefer sherbert (really, i do, i’m not just being difficult)
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? what they do with their hands when they’re talking
RED OR PINK? red
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Mentally: my fear of reality, Physically: my newly acquired stretch marks
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My family (and TN) before the accident
DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? What?
WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Gray and socks
THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Burger king (how embarrassing)
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? ‘taken’ by bill callahan
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I had to look this one up, since I couldn’t remember what this color was called: antique brass
(crayon facts: http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0872797.html )
FAVORITE SMELL (s)? breastmilk on my baby’s breath, fresh cut grass, the open ocean, an empty street at 4am
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sweet mother
DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Found it on a blog, yeah, I like them, but I don’t speak to them
FAVORITE DRINK? Kir royale with real champagne in a café in paris…or a cold cheap beer on a hot and muggy day (it’s a tough choice)
FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? Bull riding (or American bull fighting, hilarious!)
HAIR COLOR? Brownish with lots of gray
EYE COLOR? My husband says steel blue
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes
FAVORITE FOOD? It’s a toss up between fois grois (which I never eat for various reasons, but it’s the only food I would describe as orgasmic)…or french fries dipped in a chocolate milkshake
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? neither
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Children of men
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? gray
SUMMER OR WINTER? fall
HUGS OR KISSES? hugs
FAVORITE DESSERT? tiramisu
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? Going back and forth between “the womanly art of breastfeeding’ and ‘the heart of buddha’s teaching’ by thich nhat hanh
WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? An advert from Dell
WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST ON TV LAST NIGHT? Simpsons, family guy, reno911
FAVORITE SOUNDS? Harlan giggling at his daddy, clara rockmore playing theremin, otis redding’s voice, when joni mitchell sings ‘I drew a map of Canada, oh cana----da---ahhhhh’
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Definitely depends on my mood, but usually stones
THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? nykoping, sweden
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? thinking really bad jokes are hilarious
WHEN WERE YOU BORN? ‘it was the third of june, another sleepy dusky delta day---ay’
have you ever noticed that when people fill out these questionnaires they always give way more info than the question requires. man, we’re such ego-philes.
FIRST NAME? april
WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? no, but my aunt named me
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? the day before yesterday
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? depends on the writing utensil (i prefer a really drippy fountain pen)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? honey turkey, but it’s all kind of bland
KIDS? a really cute one named harlan
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? maybe, but we wouldn’t be very close
DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL ? yes, since I was 13
DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? hardly ever sincere
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? no, terrified of falling
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? kashi, i think the actual name is ‘hippy food that keeps you regular’
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? no, i’d like to be bruce lee
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? prefer sherbert (really, i do, i’m not just being difficult)
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? what they do with their hands when they’re talking
RED OR PINK? red
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Mentally: my fear of reality, Physically: my newly acquired stretch marks
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My family (and TN) before the accident
DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? What?
WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Gray and socks
THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Burger king (how embarrassing)
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? ‘taken’ by bill callahan
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I had to look this one up, since I couldn’t remember what this color was called: antique brass
(crayon facts: http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0872797.html )
FAVORITE SMELL (s)? breastmilk on my baby’s breath, fresh cut grass, the open ocean, an empty street at 4am
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sweet mother
DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Found it on a blog, yeah, I like them, but I don’t speak to them
FAVORITE DRINK? Kir royale with real champagne in a café in paris…or a cold cheap beer on a hot and muggy day (it’s a tough choice)
FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? Bull riding (or American bull fighting, hilarious!)
HAIR COLOR? Brownish with lots of gray
EYE COLOR? My husband says steel blue
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes
FAVORITE FOOD? It’s a toss up between fois grois (which I never eat for various reasons, but it’s the only food I would describe as orgasmic)…or french fries dipped in a chocolate milkshake
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? neither
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Children of men
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? gray
SUMMER OR WINTER? fall
HUGS OR KISSES? hugs
FAVORITE DESSERT? tiramisu
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? Going back and forth between “the womanly art of breastfeeding’ and ‘the heart of buddha’s teaching’ by thich nhat hanh
WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? An advert from Dell
WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST ON TV LAST NIGHT? Simpsons, family guy, reno911
FAVORITE SOUNDS? Harlan giggling at his daddy, clara rockmore playing theremin, otis redding’s voice, when joni mitchell sings ‘I drew a map of Canada, oh cana----da---ahhhhh’
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Definitely depends on my mood, but usually stones
THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? nykoping, sweden
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? thinking really bad jokes are hilarious
WHEN WERE YOU BORN? ‘it was the third of june, another sleepy dusky delta day---ay’
have you ever noticed that when people fill out these questionnaires they always give way more info than the question requires. man, we’re such ego-philes.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
soft
maybe i'm getting softer in my old age...maybe it's motherhood...maybe it's my undying love for cat stevens (ok, ok, yusef)...but, i have to admit, i'm really into that new ray lamontagne album. i liked the last one, 'trouble', but after further listenings it came out a little flat. the new album, "till the sun turns black" is much better. i guess i'll side with, instead of against, the critics on this one, and say that his voice is timeless, and really does make you want to lay out in tall grass with a giant jar full of sangria and stare at the clouds all day.
listen to 'you can bring me flowers' on myspace
if only...
listen to 'you can bring me flowers' on myspace
if only...
Thursday, April 19, 2007
cruel world
i am aware that there are much more severe levels of cruelty happening in our world these days, but i would like everyone to just take a minute to check out this website showing the killing of baby seals in canada.
it just seems to me that if humanity is capable of bashing the heads of innocent baby seals in for seafood profits, then it is no surprise to me that we are also capable of other, more tragic and horrific forms of cruelty to other humans.
boycott canadian seafood.
it just seems to me that if humanity is capable of bashing the heads of innocent baby seals in for seafood profits, then it is no surprise to me that we are also capable of other, more tragic and horrific forms of cruelty to other humans.
boycott canadian seafood.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
and the world it just keeps spinning...
pretty much the only connection i have with the outside world these days is this here internet, and cable television (and the few wonderful friends that have made the trek to medford to come see us...thanks for continuing to call even when i don't return phone calls)...
i can't make any observations about cable television on this blog that aren't already made on the shows 'best week ever', 'talk soup', or "other relentlessly indulgent re-cap show emphasizing the absolute lack of attention span of our entire country".
i will, however, make observations on my life with a baby and the internets, to let all of my single childless friends live through me (like i know they want to)...
1. sometimes babies poop yellow curry, sometimes palak paneer
2. mister irving is really good at keeping house
3. four weeks of sleeping only in two hour intervals can cause some really strange things to happen to your brain
4. that new alanis morrisette video of her covering 'my humps' is histerical, why didn't she do something like this earlier, maybe john tesh wouldn't have dumped her ass
5. babies puke on you a lot
6. baby farts do stink
7. i really enjoy that bravo show 'workout' (possibly because i now weigh 178 pounds, it's fun to watch pretty skinny people with emotional problems)
8. my neighborhood is creepily quiet during the day
9. you tube will be the ultimate end of civilization as we know it
10. my baby (and my husband) is cuter than yours
i can't make any observations about cable television on this blog that aren't already made on the shows 'best week ever', 'talk soup', or "other relentlessly indulgent re-cap show emphasizing the absolute lack of attention span of our entire country".
i will, however, make observations on my life with a baby and the internets, to let all of my single childless friends live through me (like i know they want to)...
1. sometimes babies poop yellow curry, sometimes palak paneer
2. mister irving is really good at keeping house
3. four weeks of sleeping only in two hour intervals can cause some really strange things to happen to your brain
4. that new alanis morrisette video of her covering 'my humps' is histerical, why didn't she do something like this earlier, maybe john tesh wouldn't have dumped her ass
5. babies puke on you a lot
6. baby farts do stink
7. i really enjoy that bravo show 'workout' (possibly because i now weigh 178 pounds, it's fun to watch pretty skinny people with emotional problems)
8. my neighborhood is creepily quiet during the day
9. you tube will be the ultimate end of civilization as we know it
10. my baby (and my husband) is cuter than yours
Sunday, March 25, 2007
unbelievable
i know it doesn't take much skill or talent to make a baby, but damn, i think we did a pretty good job.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
idiocy unbounded...
for almost five years mister irving and i have lived in the same apartment near boston. it is a two level apartment, and the basement is home to our roomate, andy...the basement is finished with it's own kitchen, bath, etc, so it's more like a seperate apartment, we just share bills and laundry.
andy's not so bad of a roomate, over the years, we've had to put up with small bits of his idiocy, but nothing truly damaging.
over the years, we've also had many friends want to live in his apartment, because the rent is cheap and the place is huge. but andy never budged.
so, last month, in the 9th month of my pregnancy, with my due date just around the corner, andy tells that he's moving out. he gives the usual months notice, and even though we're very annoyed at his timing, it's his choice, his life, he has the right to do whatever he chooses. he puts an ad on craigslist, and in one day has something like 30 responses...that night we met with a few, and picked one very nice girl from swiss background who works for a non profit. she agreed on our terms and we told andy to work out the details about the move in, since, to make matters even more complicated he had decided to move out mid month.
what day do you think andy picked to move out? that's right, today. it is st.patrick's day, last night there was a snowstorm, and our baby is 10 days old. perfect.
not only did andy decide to move today, but he also decided that it would be a good idea to tell the new roomate that she could move 'in' today as well, and he decided to not start moving out until late this afternoon when the new girl showed up with all her stuff (and she had driven from an hour away to get here). smooth. unknown to andy, his basement apartment also flooded this morning...yay! more chaos.
andy is moving, landlord is wetvaccing the basement, new roomate shows up with all her stuff loaded into her parents car, i'm running on very little sleep and still learning how to breastfeed a baby every two hours, and mister irving (bless him) is trying to keep the peace between all of us. (oh, and to make things even better, when the new roomate gets here and is pissed that she can't move in, andy somehow disappears).
i pretty much drew the shades, locked our doors and stopped answering the phone, and told mister irving to tell anyone if they came to knock on my door they would be beaten with a very hard and hatefilled shoe.
i suppose the chaos will die down soon enough, but i would like to say this:
to andy; you're really going to have to stop being a douchebag and growup, you may be moving out of the basement, but you're still going to be that "kid living downstairs" if you can't get your shit together better than this.
to our new roomate, guen; many apologies, i promise we're not as idiotic as that 'kid in the basement'.
to mister irving; thank you, and i love you (can't wait to curl up tonight with a pint of guiness and the secret of roan inish).
to harlan; stay cute, and keep smiling those gassy little smiles.
andy's not so bad of a roomate, over the years, we've had to put up with small bits of his idiocy, but nothing truly damaging.
over the years, we've also had many friends want to live in his apartment, because the rent is cheap and the place is huge. but andy never budged.
so, last month, in the 9th month of my pregnancy, with my due date just around the corner, andy tells that he's moving out. he gives the usual months notice, and even though we're very annoyed at his timing, it's his choice, his life, he has the right to do whatever he chooses. he puts an ad on craigslist, and in one day has something like 30 responses...that night we met with a few, and picked one very nice girl from swiss background who works for a non profit. she agreed on our terms and we told andy to work out the details about the move in, since, to make matters even more complicated he had decided to move out mid month.
what day do you think andy picked to move out? that's right, today. it is st.patrick's day, last night there was a snowstorm, and our baby is 10 days old. perfect.
not only did andy decide to move today, but he also decided that it would be a good idea to tell the new roomate that she could move 'in' today as well, and he decided to not start moving out until late this afternoon when the new girl showed up with all her stuff (and she had driven from an hour away to get here). smooth. unknown to andy, his basement apartment also flooded this morning...yay! more chaos.
andy is moving, landlord is wetvaccing the basement, new roomate shows up with all her stuff loaded into her parents car, i'm running on very little sleep and still learning how to breastfeed a baby every two hours, and mister irving (bless him) is trying to keep the peace between all of us. (oh, and to make things even better, when the new roomate gets here and is pissed that she can't move in, andy somehow disappears).
i pretty much drew the shades, locked our doors and stopped answering the phone, and told mister irving to tell anyone if they came to knock on my door they would be beaten with a very hard and hatefilled shoe.
i suppose the chaos will die down soon enough, but i would like to say this:
to andy; you're really going to have to stop being a douchebag and growup, you may be moving out of the basement, but you're still going to be that "kid living downstairs" if you can't get your shit together better than this.
to our new roomate, guen; many apologies, i promise we're not as idiotic as that 'kid in the basement'.
to mister irving; thank you, and i love you (can't wait to curl up tonight with a pint of guiness and the secret of roan inish).
to harlan; stay cute, and keep smiling those gassy little smiles.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
welcome to this world...
HARLAN EMORY DOEG, born March 7, 2007 weighing in at 7lbs 5.3oz, 19 inches.this morning at 4:02am, this little boy came out of my stomach. the labor, was, um...let's just say, 'intense'...natural childbirth is no joke...i still can't believe i went through with it. sincerest thank yous to everyone at the cambridge birth center, my mom, and of course, my loving and dedicated husband, who was by my side for the entire labor and delivery...without whom i would have surely lost my mind.
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