Tuesday night marked a first in family history: Owen, Wiley the Cat, Tak & I all slept in the same bed, with me in the middle of everyone. The cat even slept with us on Friday night, too; he slept with me while I watched TV & knitted. Owen thankfully didn't join us until the next morning.
Before Owen arrived, Wiley slept with us every night. Then came the new baby, who was also soon sleeping with us and it was just too much for Wiley. I can count on one hand how many times Wiles has slept with us in bed, and it was either when we were sick or, like now, that it's become colder at night. And he's probably lonely too, since Owen & I are gone two nights a week and Tak isn't even home until super late Mondays. Wiley has even napped with Owen once in a great while, when we can still get Owen to a)nap and b)in his own bed.
We'll see how long it'll be before the cat gets fed up with being tossed around all night, but for now, it's kind of nice again.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
love them apples
Finally, after 3+ years, I'm back in the Dig. It's a yarn review, of all things. Now I have to get crackin' and do it more often.
Today, we made it on probably one of the last good days for apple picking. We went with our friends Frank & Patrice and our kids to Cider Hill Farm up in Amesbury MA, and it was a gorgeous fall day and a beautiful spot. They still had loads of pumpkins and some apples (one of the few left), the farm had an awesome shop and bakery, a couple of big pigs, plus a bunch of things for the kids to do.
Sofia & Owen particularly loved the hay maze. The only real bummer was poor signage; we didn't know where to go to find the Mustu apple orchard. Luckily we strayed far enough to get some Cortlands to bring home.
We went this time last year to Honey Pot Hill in Stow MA; the donuts were better, but it was mobbed. But then, last year had better weather for apples & pumpkins. I would definitely go back to Cider Hill, especially since it took us less than an hour to get there on the highway. It was laid back, and the people were really nice. And the food was really good, too. They not only had donuts ('scuse me while I channel Homer Simpson...mmmm...donuts), but the homemade fudge was excellent. We bought a tub of chicken salad and fresh bread for sandwiches. I'm still debating whether or not I should share the whoopie pie with my mom.
This trip also marks the first time I've successfully pumped my own gas at a self serve station. Woo-hoo!
Today, we made it on probably one of the last good days for apple picking. We went with our friends Frank & Patrice and our kids to Cider Hill Farm up in Amesbury MA, and it was a gorgeous fall day and a beautiful spot. They still had loads of pumpkins and some apples (one of the few left), the farm had an awesome shop and bakery, a couple of big pigs, plus a bunch of things for the kids to do.
Sofia & Owen particularly loved the hay maze. The only real bummer was poor signage; we didn't know where to go to find the Mustu apple orchard. Luckily we strayed far enough to get some Cortlands to bring home.
We went this time last year to Honey Pot Hill in Stow MA; the donuts were better, but it was mobbed. But then, last year had better weather for apples & pumpkins. I would definitely go back to Cider Hill, especially since it took us less than an hour to get there on the highway. It was laid back, and the people were really nice. And the food was really good, too. They not only had donuts ('scuse me while I channel Homer Simpson...mmmm...donuts), but the homemade fudge was excellent. We bought a tub of chicken salad and fresh bread for sandwiches. I'm still debating whether or not I should share the whoopie pie with my mom.
This trip also marks the first time I've successfully pumped my own gas at a self serve station. Woo-hoo!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
slip slidin' away
I've been fighting off a nasty cold this week with the help of Sudafed, tea, cough drops, and sleep. There are a gazillion things I should be doing, like winding yarn, making Owen's costume, or--dare I say it--more sleeping. But I think I'll save costume making for this weekend. I didn't have a chance to hit JoAnne's while I was down in the 'burbs, so I went to Winmill fabrics instead and ended up sharing Thomas the Tank Engine tips with one of the owners.
update: I wound yarn.
I've also been looking over the last couple months for an inexpensive (under $30) full slip to wear under wrap dresses, and finally found one at H&M for $15 with a built-in bra. Score!
Maybe tomorrow night I'll be able to check out the Museum of Kitschy Stitches tomorrow night. Her website is hilarious. And it's not just 'cause I'm a knitter, either.
update: I wound yarn.
I've also been looking over the last couple months for an inexpensive (under $30) full slip to wear under wrap dresses, and finally found one at H&M for $15 with a built-in bra. Score!
Maybe tomorrow night I'll be able to check out the Museum of Kitschy Stitches tomorrow night. Her website is hilarious. And it's not just 'cause I'm a knitter, either.
Monday, October 09, 2006
on a tear
I've been ambitious in the projects I have in the pipeline (mostly gifts to be made) and, unfortunately, the money I've been spending to do so. And it doesn't help that I can't walk into a yarn/craft store without buying something, especially if I have a coupon.
For example, last weekend I explored the South Shore when we were playing house (house-sitting for my parents), and visited The Creative Stitch in Cohasset. I came out with some very sexy size 11/16" circular Addi Turbo knitting needles and 2 balls of Queensland Kathmandu yarn in a yummy plum. During the week I used a coupon from Newbury Yarns and in the space of 20 minutes had 2 hanks of wonderful Malabrigo wool, 1 hank of Manos del Uruguay, and 1 hank of Colinette chunky. Granted, I had a 20% off coupon, which always helps, but still. To make matters worse, I went to Windsor Button to (successfully) match the Manos, and picked up another Kathmandu and exchanged a roll of Lamb's Pride, followed by a trip to A Good Yarn in Brookline to check out the Susanne's knitting needles (they're made from reclaimed wood at a piano factory), but opted instead for a $15 sale kit of yarns and size 19 needles. Whatever will I make with all this stuff? (most likely hats, handwarmers, cell phone cases, wine charms, and probably a scarf.)
THEN I have Owen's Halloween costume to make. I don't like the polyester smock style Thomas the Tank Engine costumes, and many other small boys will have the same one. Luckily, that will be in felt. JoAnne's, here I come!
For example, last weekend I explored the South Shore when we were playing house (house-sitting for my parents), and visited The Creative Stitch in Cohasset. I came out with some very sexy size 11/16" circular Addi Turbo knitting needles and 2 balls of Queensland Kathmandu yarn in a yummy plum. During the week I used a coupon from Newbury Yarns and in the space of 20 minutes had 2 hanks of wonderful Malabrigo wool, 1 hank of Manos del Uruguay, and 1 hank of Colinette chunky. Granted, I had a 20% off coupon, which always helps, but still. To make matters worse, I went to Windsor Button to (successfully) match the Manos, and picked up another Kathmandu and exchanged a roll of Lamb's Pride, followed by a trip to A Good Yarn in Brookline to check out the Susanne's knitting needles (they're made from reclaimed wood at a piano factory), but opted instead for a $15 sale kit of yarns and size 19 needles. Whatever will I make with all this stuff? (most likely hats, handwarmers, cell phone cases, wine charms, and probably a scarf.)
THEN I have Owen's Halloween costume to make. I don't like the polyester smock style Thomas the Tank Engine costumes, and many other small boys will have the same one. Luckily, that will be in felt. JoAnne's, here I come!
Friday, September 29, 2006
good and bad
Sometimes, you can't have just one.
Like the other day, I went to b.good and tried a new burger for me. I usually get the b.good burger with garlicky greens, but with the whole spinach snafu, I figured this would be an opportunity to branch out...to the West Side. Whoa. What an amazingly yummy burger, and very Weight Watcher friendly too, with avocado, salsa and cilantro on a whole wheat bun. It was SO good, I went back for another today (and, it was just as delicious). Plus I got paid, so I can front the $7.35 combo with the fantastic baked fries and a drink. Sure, it's can be crowded at lunchtime, but I'd rather have a hand-packed healthy burger made by good people than chain store food. And they have good music, too.
Then when I went out for a coffee, I stopped by the farmer's market at Copley. Hamilton Farms had a special of fresh raspberries, 2 for $5.00. What do I get to go along with them? A home made whoopie pie, that's what. Boy, did that go really well with my tall non-fat decaf sugar-free vanilla latte. Just the ticket on a Friday afternoon.
Like the other day, I went to b.good and tried a new burger for me. I usually get the b.good burger with garlicky greens, but with the whole spinach snafu, I figured this would be an opportunity to branch out...to the West Side. Whoa. What an amazingly yummy burger, and very Weight Watcher friendly too, with avocado, salsa and cilantro on a whole wheat bun. It was SO good, I went back for another today (and, it was just as delicious). Plus I got paid, so I can front the $7.35 combo with the fantastic baked fries and a drink. Sure, it's can be crowded at lunchtime, but I'd rather have a hand-packed healthy burger made by good people than chain store food. And they have good music, too.
Then when I went out for a coffee, I stopped by the farmer's market at Copley. Hamilton Farms had a special of fresh raspberries, 2 for $5.00. What do I get to go along with them? A home made whoopie pie, that's what. Boy, did that go really well with my tall non-fat decaf sugar-free vanilla latte. Just the ticket on a Friday afternoon.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
home on the range
For the last three weeks Owen & I have been staying over at my parents' house twice a week so he can go to preschool there (in addition to the one he goes to in Boston.) This is mainly because he'd spend a day with my mom anyway, and this way he has something to do on the other day plus make some new friends while my mom can get some work done. The really scary thing is that I'm starting to like staying down there. I get a lot of sleep. I don't have to worry as much about what a wreck my house is. So, this is why I haven't been blogging as much.
What else is odd is that I was one of those kids who *could not wait* to get out of the 'burbs. When I'm tempted to move back down, I dig up this article from the NY Times"Goodbye, Suburbs" about how city-folk just can't really adjust to suburban life. That could be me...
Another thing is that I finally colored my hair red. I had been super lazy and let the gray grow in. Plus, it kind of looked like highlights, which was OK for summer. But after fielding some well meaning comments from people and equally misguided comments from my mother (like "I was never that gray at your age" to "Are you trying to get pregnant?"), I celebrated fall with some Garnier Nutriesse in #56/ Sangria. It would have been Torrid Outrageous Cherry, but the beauty supply store was closed. Owen likes it, and wants me to color my hair blue next! Needless to say, I've had the Tori Amos song Take to the Sky running through my head. "I know I've got some magic/ buried deep in my heart yeah." Sing it , sister. Happy fall everybody.
What else is odd is that I was one of those kids who *could not wait* to get out of the 'burbs. When I'm tempted to move back down, I dig up this article from the NY Times"Goodbye, Suburbs" about how city-folk just can't really adjust to suburban life. That could be me...
Another thing is that I finally colored my hair red. I had been super lazy and let the gray grow in. Plus, it kind of looked like highlights, which was OK for summer. But after fielding some well meaning comments from people and equally misguided comments from my mother (like "I was never that gray at your age" to "Are you trying to get pregnant?"), I celebrated fall with some Garnier Nutriesse in #56/ Sangria. It would have been Torrid Outrageous Cherry, but the beauty supply store was closed. Owen likes it, and wants me to color my hair blue next! Needless to say, I've had the Tori Amos song Take to the Sky running through my head. "I know I've got some magic/ buried deep in my heart yeah." Sing it , sister. Happy fall everybody.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
chocolate chip pancake recipe
Here's the recipe for the pancakes Owen & I made, adapted from a flapjack recipe from Parents magazine, March 05. I halved it. (*= halved for recipe)
1 cup flour*
1.5 tsp baking powder*
dash salt (double into 1/2tsp)
1 Tbsp sugar (was originally 1.5 tbsp)
sprinkle of cinnamon
1 cup milk*
1 egg*
splash vanilla
Mix dry stuff together; add wet ingredients. Mix or whisk. Fold in 2/3 or 3/4 cup chocolate chips (minus a few to make sure they're good).Melt butter or use cooking spray on a hot pan; pour batter in 2-5 inch circles onto pan. Flip. Makes 12-15 pancakes (enough breakfast for 3 and leftovers for late night snacks).
Enjoy!
1 cup flour*
1.5 tsp baking powder*
dash salt (double into 1/2tsp)
1 Tbsp sugar (was originally 1.5 tbsp)
sprinkle of cinnamon
1 cup milk*
1 egg*
splash vanilla
Mix dry stuff together; add wet ingredients. Mix or whisk. Fold in 2/3 or 3/4 cup chocolate chips (minus a few to make sure they're good).Melt butter or use cooking spray on a hot pan; pour batter in 2-5 inch circles onto pan. Flip. Makes 12-15 pancakes (enough breakfast for 3 and leftovers for late night snacks).
Enjoy!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
sheep shop saturday
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, what do I do? Yarn shop! Circles Salon in JP held a Sheep Shop Yarns event with Fonnie, the owner of Sheep Shop. Fonnie's done a great job with these yarns, they're soft and the colors are amazing. I can't wait to knit with them. And Circles is such a warm, homey space. Everyone there was so friendly, sweet and great to talk to.
It wasn't just a shoppy kind of day. Owen & I made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Do skim milk and whole wheat flour balance out the chocolate chips? And yes, I am wearing my Duran Duran t-shirt from the concert last year.
We managed to tear Owen away from the Duoplo Legos and train tracks to check out the Children's Book Festival at Copley Plaza. Some of the events we wanted to see weren't running on time (or at least in the order that ran on-line), so Tak took Owen home for a nap after lunch. After I got my yarn on at Circles, I visited Dan & Sarah et al at the Freedom Rally. Went home, had dinner, did our night time thing. Got locked out while doing laundry; luckily our neighbor came home and let me call to wake up Tak, who fell asleep with Owen. He didn't wake up until after I'd been knocking at the door/wall for about 10 minutes. At least the laundry got folded while it was still warm! I also finally finished my sister's scarf. As in: it is for her, but she also began it when she learned how to knit, and she didn't want to finish it. So now it just needs to be blocked. Birthday present: done.
It wasn't just a shoppy kind of day. Owen & I made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Do skim milk and whole wheat flour balance out the chocolate chips? And yes, I am wearing my Duran Duran t-shirt from the concert last year.
We managed to tear Owen away from the Duoplo Legos and train tracks to check out the Children's Book Festival at Copley Plaza. Some of the events we wanted to see weren't running on time (or at least in the order that ran on-line), so Tak took Owen home for a nap after lunch. After I got my yarn on at Circles, I visited Dan & Sarah et al at the Freedom Rally. Went home, had dinner, did our night time thing. Got locked out while doing laundry; luckily our neighbor came home and let me call to wake up Tak, who fell asleep with Owen. He didn't wake up until after I'd been knocking at the door/wall for about 10 minutes. At least the laundry got folded while it was still warm! I also finally finished my sister's scarf. As in: it is for her, but she also began it when she learned how to knit, and she didn't want to finish it. So now it just needs to be blocked. Birthday present: done.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
jam packed
Finally writing about the NY trip. It was great. Bus ride sucked. At least I was on Greyhound/ Peter Pan (not Fung Wah). I was totally exhausted, so I'm sure that didn't help my bus-sickness. Then, it was so long, we had two movies: The Pacifier and Just Like Heaven. I thought I was going to hurl as we drove stop and go through the city. was so glad to be off that bus. I ended taking the train back--and it was totally worth the extra cash.
So, I did a ton but still managed to relax. Ate, drank, and shopped. After I had a couple Tylenol and a ginger ale to recover from the bus ride, I got my eyebrows threaded. One of my coworkers suggested Pinky, so I checked out her salon (on 6th between 38th & 37th), which was fast (less than 10 minutes), mostly painless, and cheap ($6! vs. $18 in Boston). I met up with Lorie and we had a drink at Bryant Park. Sarah arrived and I dashed off to meet Karen at Penelope for an early dinner. Best Mac & Cheese ever (even better than Scollay Square, and they have amazing Mac & Cheese), and the catfish finger salad was delish. The "penny" sized chocolate cupcakes with mocha frosting were, dare I say, better than Magnolia's. Karen went off shopping, and I met back up with Lorie & Sarah at PS54 (Lexington & 30th), with an OK mojito but super tasty Mac & Cheese puffs (balls of Mac & Cheese deep fried), fish tacos, and shredded braised rib nachos. Really good size portions for "small plates," and not horrendously expensive ($9-15 each). We got in a cab back to Brooklyn, dropped my junk off at Lorie & Pete's, and hung out for awhile at Soda Lounge. We walked Sarah home, and crashed out. What a blissful, child-free night of sleep--until 10AM. Luxurious.
We went to Beast for brunch, and while we were waiting for Sarah & Dan, we checked out a cute little shop, Red Lipstick (560 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn), where I got some cute hoop earrings (can't remember the designer's name) & a shirt (the owner is a knitter & sells her hats, scarves, etc too). Beast was fantastic. I had the French Toast, but it was really the bread basket that sealed the deal. Because I wanted to check out Brooklyn General Store (it's a yarn shop), D & S gave us a ride in their adorable new Mini. Fun! But BGS was closed (dammit), so we went to Knitting Hands on Atlantic Ave instead. And also to Layers (394 Atlantic Ave.), where I found a really neat pair of Tuareg earrings from Africa. Then we went home, packed, got a sandwich from City Sub, walked around a little bit, and I got on the train. This is, of course, after getting that awful sick sinking feeling in my stomach upon getting off at Port Authority/42nd St., so we turned around & went to Penn Station. Such a smart choice. Comfy seats, walking around, eating the rest of my sandwich in the dining car without bothering anyone else. Here are my souvenirs.
Finally got home around midnight. Next morning: made breakfast for Tak's parents. Took them to South Station (yes, they take the Fung Wah since it's down the street from where they live), and took Owen to the Children's Museum.
8/30-9/2: Spent the better part of the week cranking through knitting a birthday gift, and slept over at my parents' with Owen. Crashed out around 9:30 Thursday and Friday night.
9/3-9/4: Stayed up late Saturday night cleaning for my friend Michelle's visit--she's one of my best friends from high school AND she introduced me to Tak on her 21st birthday (they went to BU together). She's out visiting for the week & came by for brunch.
Now I need to get back on the program after all the hanging out & period/binge eating.
Owen starts preschool #2 next week. Should be interesting. At least his aim has gotten better!
So, I did a ton but still managed to relax. Ate, drank, and shopped. After I had a couple Tylenol and a ginger ale to recover from the bus ride, I got my eyebrows threaded. One of my coworkers suggested Pinky, so I checked out her salon (on 6th between 38th & 37th), which was fast (less than 10 minutes), mostly painless, and cheap ($6! vs. $18 in Boston). I met up with Lorie and we had a drink at Bryant Park. Sarah arrived and I dashed off to meet Karen at Penelope for an early dinner. Best Mac & Cheese ever (even better than Scollay Square, and they have amazing Mac & Cheese), and the catfish finger salad was delish. The "penny" sized chocolate cupcakes with mocha frosting were, dare I say, better than Magnolia's. Karen went off shopping, and I met back up with Lorie & Sarah at PS54 (Lexington & 30th), with an OK mojito but super tasty Mac & Cheese puffs (balls of Mac & Cheese deep fried), fish tacos, and shredded braised rib nachos. Really good size portions for "small plates," and not horrendously expensive ($9-15 each). We got in a cab back to Brooklyn, dropped my junk off at Lorie & Pete's, and hung out for awhile at Soda Lounge. We walked Sarah home, and crashed out. What a blissful, child-free night of sleep--until 10AM. Luxurious.
We went to Beast for brunch, and while we were waiting for Sarah & Dan, we checked out a cute little shop, Red Lipstick (560 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn), where I got some cute hoop earrings (can't remember the designer's name) & a shirt (the owner is a knitter & sells her hats, scarves, etc too). Beast was fantastic. I had the French Toast, but it was really the bread basket that sealed the deal. Because I wanted to check out Brooklyn General Store (it's a yarn shop), D & S gave us a ride in their adorable new Mini. Fun! But BGS was closed (dammit), so we went to Knitting Hands on Atlantic Ave instead. And also to Layers (394 Atlantic Ave.), where I found a really neat pair of Tuareg earrings from Africa. Then we went home, packed, got a sandwich from City Sub, walked around a little bit, and I got on the train. This is, of course, after getting that awful sick sinking feeling in my stomach upon getting off at Port Authority/42nd St., so we turned around & went to Penn Station. Such a smart choice. Comfy seats, walking around, eating the rest of my sandwich in the dining car without bothering anyone else. Here are my souvenirs.
Finally got home around midnight. Next morning: made breakfast for Tak's parents. Took them to South Station (yes, they take the Fung Wah since it's down the street from where they live), and took Owen to the Children's Museum.
8/30-9/2: Spent the better part of the week cranking through knitting a birthday gift, and slept over at my parents' with Owen. Crashed out around 9:30 Thursday and Friday night.
9/3-9/4: Stayed up late Saturday night cleaning for my friend Michelle's visit--she's one of my best friends from high school AND she introduced me to Tak on her 21st birthday (they went to BU together). She's out visiting for the week & came by for brunch.
Now I need to get back on the program after all the hanging out & period/binge eating.
Owen starts preschool #2 next week. Should be interesting. At least his aim has gotten better!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
lessons in gravity
Now that Owen is using the big potty (yay!), the next lesson will soon be in aim. As we cheer him on when he goes in the big potty, I also can't help but notice that his pee always hits the back of the toilet, or the seat, or all over the rim.
Of course, it's the best when we run out of cleaner (found some ancient bleach, though), it's 12:20am, the in-laws are coming for a rare overnight visit, plus I'm going to NYC tomorrow and I have to finish packing.
Hooray, solo mama/girlfriend trip!
Boo, crazy late night cleaning!
Of course, it's the best when we run out of cleaner (found some ancient bleach, though), it's 12:20am, the in-laws are coming for a rare overnight visit, plus I'm going to NYC tomorrow and I have to finish packing.
Hooray, solo mama/girlfriend trip!
Boo, crazy late night cleaning!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
potty party
We've been sloooooowly working up to going diaper-free since at least March, so there were a couple things that finally needed to happen. I told him last Saturday that I wasn't buying any more diapers to wear during the day, and we gave him the choice of diapers vs. underpants (staying away from the "big boy" label since he's pretty conflicted about it). We've had less than 5 accidents in the last week, which is great. The drawback is that he's been wanting to sleep with us, he's outgrowing his daytime naps, and he wants me to rock him before bedtime. Minor.
The last hurdle was getting Owen to poop in the potty. We set up a reward chart, so that when he went 3 times, he'd get a party. He made poop #3 last Sunday, so we set the party for Thursday, complete with pizza, cake, and a "Way to Go" balloon. But now he wants a party all the time, and he's coming to the realization that you don't get a potty party all the time.
The cake, by the way, wasn't a chocolate bundt cake with white frosting. I was really wanting to make one, but the night before the party, Tak & I went out for wedding anniversary #8, and cake making was not going to happen when we got home. Instead, Owen got a fudge cake with a cherry in the middle (ha!) from Shaw's bakery--which has really great cakes and possibly the best frosting ever. Thank heaven it's almost gone.
Now, Owen is sleeping and Tak is on his way home from a Dig photoshoot with photos for the Fall Style guide. Nice, huh?
BTW, I've only watched the 1st half of Nightwatch (Nochnoy Dozor) and I love it. Can't wait to finish it tonight and will probably be chomping at the bit to watch the sequels.
The last hurdle was getting Owen to poop in the potty. We set up a reward chart, so that when he went 3 times, he'd get a party. He made poop #3 last Sunday, so we set the party for Thursday, complete with pizza, cake, and a "Way to Go" balloon. But now he wants a party all the time, and he's coming to the realization that you don't get a potty party all the time.
The cake, by the way, wasn't a chocolate bundt cake with white frosting. I was really wanting to make one, but the night before the party, Tak & I went out for wedding anniversary #8, and cake making was not going to happen when we got home. Instead, Owen got a fudge cake with a cherry in the middle (ha!) from Shaw's bakery--which has really great cakes and possibly the best frosting ever. Thank heaven it's almost gone.
Now, Owen is sleeping and Tak is on his way home from a Dig photoshoot with photos for the Fall Style guide. Nice, huh?
BTW, I've only watched the 1st half of Nightwatch (Nochnoy Dozor) and I love it. Can't wait to finish it tonight and will probably be chomping at the bit to watch the sequels.
Friday, August 18, 2006
my favorite typos
Maybe it’s because I’m an editor, but there are some things that I see over and over that drive me bananas.
whose (possessive) vs. who’s (abbreviation for “who is”)
your (possessive) vs. you’re (abbreviation for “you are”)
periods and commas outside the quotation marks (In America, they go “inside,” not outside.)
whose (possessive) vs. who’s (abbreviation for “who is”)
your (possessive) vs. you’re (abbreviation for “you are”)
periods and commas outside the quotation marks (In America, they go “inside,” not outside.)
Thursday, August 10, 2006
zombie-phobia "cured" by (P.K.) Dick
Ha! sorry. I couldn't help it.
Ever since the remake of Dawn of the Dead played in heavy rotation in April/May, I had awful nightmares about zombies. It kept me awake at night. What would happen if there was an outbreak and they broke into our house? How would we fight them? How would we try & escape? Maybe it was a mother instinct, but I was pretty freaked out. And I love horror films. Something about this movie, every time it was on, I had to watch it. It was my own stupid fault. Finally, Mr. Man took control of the remote when it was on (thankfully).
But it's weird, there are just some things I can't watch anymore. I can watch all kinds of freaky, creepy, scary-ass movies (the Grudge, Ringu, Audition, etc.). I even sat through all of The Blob (the 80's version, mullets, shoulder pads, pegged jeans, and all) last month when it was on. But Resident Evil? Saw? Hostel? No thanks, I'm not interested. Can't do it.
It got me thinking, vampires are really just pretty zombies, depending on which movie version. I'll take Underworld/Buffy vampires over the 'Salem's Lot version, thank you. Any monster movie preys on the audience's fear of losing control/thrill of regaining control. What makes us human? What sets us apart from the undead freak that's eating brains, the werewolf, the serial killer? The will to fight? The ability to choose who are the victims, if any? That maybe I really needed to sit down with a few old episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and make sure I have my super-long knitting needles with me at all times? What about voudoo zombies, the kind that need a master, a la Serpent and the Rainbow? That helped temporarily. I figured it was best not to get into the psychology/ philosophy of zombies. Especially since they're already dead and don't think, or feel, anything.
On a sidenote: Shaun of the Dead is too funny to scare me. At the end, the army comes in and saves the day. Happy endings, all around! 28 days later has enough of a really faulty lynchpin that it doesn't scare me so much. Rage? C'mon. Well, not that Zombie-ism is really supposed to make sense anyway. The victims are still kind of human, too. Plus, not only does it happen in England, but the film also has Cillian Murphy naked. But that's not quite the dick I'm talking about.
About the height of my zombie-phobia, I got two excellent reading recommendations at a friend's wedding from my table-mates (all well-cultured sci-fi/horror/cult film afcionados):
One was for the Zombie Survival Guide, a part tongue-in-cheek, part Boy Scout manual to living through a zombie invasion. I know, in my conscious brain, that it's a joke. Author Max Brooks is Mel Brooks' son, and Brad Pitt's production company Plan B just bought the rights to a pseudo-sequel; they are all laughing on the way to the bank. My subconscious brain, the one that goes into overdrive at 3 A.M.--because from my bed, I can see my unit's front door (yes, BAD feng shui. we're working on it.)--was oddly comforted.
The other reading recommendation was for Philip K. Dick. (Yes, finally the long winded punchline.) Oh. My. Wow. Blade Runner is in my all time top film list. Philip K. Dick's work is still being looted for really well-done sci-fi/action films. But it's bleak as hell. In the future, humanity is defeated, over and over, by its own undoing, usually creating machinery that perpetuates a vicious cycle of destruction. Or in a post-apocalyptic world, innocence is lost, religion is alien, pointless and/or frightening, reality is a hallucination, and memory is never to be trusted. Those are just a collection of short stories (including Minority Report and We Can Remember it for You Wholesale/Totall Recall). The most hopeful story hinges on the character's ability to rebel. I'm still digesting it, and I haven't even read A Scanner Darkly or Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Don't worry, I'll get to them--after I've read a truckload of picture books, Peter Pan, the Wee Free Men, City of Ember, a couple of historical romance novels, and a few potty training guides.
I don't need zombies to keep me up at night now that I know in the future it won't really matter. We'll be going through the motions, if that. Um, thanks? I think I'll watch Reign of Fire now. Dragons plunging the civilized world into chaos seems more reassuring.
Ever since the remake of Dawn of the Dead played in heavy rotation in April/May, I had awful nightmares about zombies. It kept me awake at night. What would happen if there was an outbreak and they broke into our house? How would we fight them? How would we try & escape? Maybe it was a mother instinct, but I was pretty freaked out. And I love horror films. Something about this movie, every time it was on, I had to watch it. It was my own stupid fault. Finally, Mr. Man took control of the remote when it was on (thankfully).
But it's weird, there are just some things I can't watch anymore. I can watch all kinds of freaky, creepy, scary-ass movies (the Grudge, Ringu, Audition, etc.). I even sat through all of The Blob (the 80's version, mullets, shoulder pads, pegged jeans, and all) last month when it was on. But Resident Evil? Saw? Hostel? No thanks, I'm not interested. Can't do it.
It got me thinking, vampires are really just pretty zombies, depending on which movie version. I'll take Underworld/Buffy vampires over the 'Salem's Lot version, thank you. Any monster movie preys on the audience's fear of losing control/thrill of regaining control. What makes us human? What sets us apart from the undead freak that's eating brains, the werewolf, the serial killer? The will to fight? The ability to choose who are the victims, if any? That maybe I really needed to sit down with a few old episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and make sure I have my super-long knitting needles with me at all times? What about voudoo zombies, the kind that need a master, a la Serpent and the Rainbow? That helped temporarily. I figured it was best not to get into the psychology/ philosophy of zombies. Especially since they're already dead and don't think, or feel, anything.
On a sidenote: Shaun of the Dead is too funny to scare me. At the end, the army comes in and saves the day. Happy endings, all around! 28 days later has enough of a really faulty lynchpin that it doesn't scare me so much. Rage? C'mon. Well, not that Zombie-ism is really supposed to make sense anyway. The victims are still kind of human, too. Plus, not only does it happen in England, but the film also has Cillian Murphy naked. But that's not quite the dick I'm talking about.
About the height of my zombie-phobia, I got two excellent reading recommendations at a friend's wedding from my table-mates (all well-cultured sci-fi/horror/cult film afcionados):
One was for the Zombie Survival Guide, a part tongue-in-cheek, part Boy Scout manual to living through a zombie invasion. I know, in my conscious brain, that it's a joke. Author Max Brooks is Mel Brooks' son, and Brad Pitt's production company Plan B just bought the rights to a pseudo-sequel; they are all laughing on the way to the bank. My subconscious brain, the one that goes into overdrive at 3 A.M.--because from my bed, I can see my unit's front door (yes, BAD feng shui. we're working on it.)--was oddly comforted.
The other reading recommendation was for Philip K. Dick. (Yes, finally the long winded punchline.) Oh. My. Wow. Blade Runner is in my all time top film list. Philip K. Dick's work is still being looted for really well-done sci-fi/action films. But it's bleak as hell. In the future, humanity is defeated, over and over, by its own undoing, usually creating machinery that perpetuates a vicious cycle of destruction. Or in a post-apocalyptic world, innocence is lost, religion is alien, pointless and/or frightening, reality is a hallucination, and memory is never to be trusted. Those are just a collection of short stories (including Minority Report and We Can Remember it for You Wholesale/Totall Recall). The most hopeful story hinges on the character's ability to rebel. I'm still digesting it, and I haven't even read A Scanner Darkly or Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Don't worry, I'll get to them--after I've read a truckload of picture books, Peter Pan, the Wee Free Men, City of Ember, a couple of historical romance novels, and a few potty training guides.
I don't need zombies to keep me up at night now that I know in the future it won't really matter. We'll be going through the motions, if that. Um, thanks? I think I'll watch Reign of Fire now. Dragons plunging the civilized world into chaos seems more reassuring.
Monday, August 07, 2006
the muffin man
Owen is all about helping to cook these days. Luckily, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and he's a dessert devil, just like me! But finding eggless batter (hooray, botulism!) is tricky. Mixes that stand out are Krusteaz Blueberry Pancake Mix (just add water), No Pudge Brownie mix (add fat-free vanilla yogurt), and mixes from the Country Gourmet. The Lemon Poppy Scone & Muffin mix is a fave, and the Blueberry Oat Scone & Muffin mix also makes good size muffins--not the lame kind that have zero rise. Oh no. Made incorrectly, these babies could break a window. If small children aren't going to be licking the bowl, go ahead and add the lone beaten egg to the mix and water. The best way to enjoy them is cut in half, toast, and add a little butter or jam. A little "gourmet" at Marshalls ($3.99/lb bag), but they're healthier than a coffee shop muffin.
Monday, July 24, 2006
I didn't forget, I was just lazy
That sociolgy breastfeeding book was At the Breast by Linda Blum. I actually remembered the title the next day. It's not one to rush out and read, but the introduction and conclusion were interesting. The cover and title got me a lot of looks on the train.
monday night's alright for blogging
finished objects: knitting needle cases
My Aunt Ginnie was up this weekend, so I made knitting needle cases for her and my aunt MaryAnn (they're my dad's sisters). Being a title 1 procrastinator, I cut the fabric last weekend, but didn't start the sewing part until 9pm Saturday night. Somehow, they got done around 2:30AM, and I spent about an hour finishing them Sunday AM. They came out pretty good. Ginnie's has half a cherry dishcloth from Crate and Barrel (now discontinued, of course!), half a black Target napkin, leopard upholstry fabric and part of a pillowcase from Ikea. MaryAnn's has the rest of the pillowcase, half of an Issac Mizrahi napkin, more of the leopard upholstry fabric (a NYC find), and plum funky remnant from Michael's.
my new favorite things:
XL Hefty Ziploc heavy duty bags: For storage, these bags are up there with Space Bags. Perfect for storing comforters, a season's worth of toddler clothes, or a couple of pillows. If you sit on them, you can squeeze most of the air out to fit them into funky places. Priced at about $7 at Target for 4, they're a steal. There's also an XXL size, too.
Half portions of single serve Annie's Microwavable Mac & Cheese: Perfect for a toddler-sized side dish, use 1/4 cup macaroni with 1/4 cup water. Microwave for 3 minutes, add about 1 heaping tablespoon of cheese mix. Leave the rest in the packaging for another time. Makes a box of 6 servings last longer. Also, buy the white cheddar at Trader Joe's for $2.19, not $4.19 like at Shaw's or Stop and Shop.
Shocking, isn't it? Some of my key food items--like the Annie's Mac and Cheese, also Envirokids and Barbara's cereal products--are significantly less expensive at Trader Joe's. Even Whole Foods, surprisingly, is less expensive for the organic staples, like...
Consorzio Marinades: California Teriyaki 10-minute Marinade is hands-down a staple in our house, on steak and salmon especially. Mix it with a little of the Baja Lime or Tropical Mango on a thin pork chop (chicken works just as well), and you've got a little slice o' heaven. The Consorzio Organic BBQ sauce is also the right balance of sweet and tangy. Again, it's cheaper at Whole Foods for $2.99 a bottle or $4.99 at Shaw's.
Benedryl Cream for inflamed mosquito bites. Histamine takes the red out. After-Bite does a number on the immediate itchiness, but it stings like crazy at first.
The new Blade series on Spike: not too bad. It's less painful to watch than the Witchblade series a few years ago.
My Aunt Ginnie was up this weekend, so I made knitting needle cases for her and my aunt MaryAnn (they're my dad's sisters). Being a title 1 procrastinator, I cut the fabric last weekend, but didn't start the sewing part until 9pm Saturday night. Somehow, they got done around 2:30AM, and I spent about an hour finishing them Sunday AM. They came out pretty good. Ginnie's has half a cherry dishcloth from Crate and Barrel (now discontinued, of course!), half a black Target napkin, leopard upholstry fabric and part of a pillowcase from Ikea. MaryAnn's has the rest of the pillowcase, half of an Issac Mizrahi napkin, more of the leopard upholstry fabric (a NYC find), and plum funky remnant from Michael's.
my new favorite things:
XL Hefty Ziploc heavy duty bags: For storage, these bags are up there with Space Bags. Perfect for storing comforters, a season's worth of toddler clothes, or a couple of pillows. If you sit on them, you can squeeze most of the air out to fit them into funky places. Priced at about $7 at Target for 4, they're a steal. There's also an XXL size, too.
Half portions of single serve Annie's Microwavable Mac & Cheese: Perfect for a toddler-sized side dish, use 1/4 cup macaroni with 1/4 cup water. Microwave for 3 minutes, add about 1 heaping tablespoon of cheese mix. Leave the rest in the packaging for another time. Makes a box of 6 servings last longer. Also, buy the white cheddar at Trader Joe's for $2.19, not $4.19 like at Shaw's or Stop and Shop.
Shocking, isn't it? Some of my key food items--like the Annie's Mac and Cheese, also Envirokids and Barbara's cereal products--are significantly less expensive at Trader Joe's. Even Whole Foods, surprisingly, is less expensive for the organic staples, like...
Consorzio Marinades: California Teriyaki 10-minute Marinade is hands-down a staple in our house, on steak and salmon especially. Mix it with a little of the Baja Lime or Tropical Mango on a thin pork chop (chicken works just as well), and you've got a little slice o' heaven. The Consorzio Organic BBQ sauce is also the right balance of sweet and tangy. Again, it's cheaper at Whole Foods for $2.99 a bottle or $4.99 at Shaw's.
Benedryl Cream for inflamed mosquito bites. Histamine takes the red out. After-Bite does a number on the immediate itchiness, but it stings like crazy at first.
The new Blade series on Spike: not too bad. It's less painful to watch than the Witchblade series a few years ago.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
zipper pouch
Found it! I thought this might have been taken when we were robbed a couple months ago, but I found it in a bag I hadn't used. It's slightly bigger than an iPod, made from printed canvas swatches from Repo Depot. Yay!
8/20/06: The new Sephora catalog has a line of makeup bags with the exact same print (different material). It's the Mod bag collection.
8/20/06: The new Sephora catalog has a line of makeup bags with the exact same print (different material). It's the Mod bag collection.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
mama is my friend
I just happened to look at the TV, and the film Bent is on, starring Clive Owen. He looks like Michael Stipe in one scene, Vinny Jones in another. Huh. Jude Law & Paul Bettany are also in it. Clive Owen must have a new movie coming out. They've been showing King Arthur like crazy (thanks Kiera Knightly), the Bourne Identity, and now this. Not that I mind, at all. Makes me want to watch Sin City again. At least it's a break from an evening of UFC. And now we have cable in the bedroom. How sweet it is!
I can't stop reading Yarn Harlot's blog. She posted ("the power scares me") about one knitter's support to help WIC in California promote breastfeeding by knitting hats made of veggies, fruits, and judging by some readers' comments, boobies. Since the YH is also a lacation specialist--so, so cool--yet she's still respectful of the choices women make. Yay, on so many levels.
Most of the comments were women's bf stories, offering support & experiences. The US just sucks how little maternity leave we get, and lack of a pumping room in many workplaces. At least at my job, there is a room and another one if needed. Support and education for bf moms is spotty, and can we please, please not gang up on each other about the choices we make for our kids? Like moms don't have enough guilt? OK?
Breastfeeding is a loaded parenting topic, not as much as co-sleeping or Ferberizing (whoa, is that one a party pooper!) but it can get pretty heated. I read a great book when I was breastfeeding--I'll go look for it in the library tomorrow, I promise (it was one of those books that I was trolling the aisles and just picked up)--about the sociology of contemporary breastfeeding. I'm not going to go into *my* feelings now, but it's something near & dear to my heart.
For the record? My son was 6 weeks early, I went back to work part-time after my leave (6 weeks plus my vacation time then a month unpaid=12 weeks, the most allowed by my workplace without having to jump through tons of paperwork hoops) and we breastfed until he was 20 months old. Ups and downs, it was great. We had to stop (which was a relief, in a way) when he had a nasty rotavirus and couldn't keep anything down except Pedialyte. That week was awful, but he's really well adjusted now.
Owen's quotes of the day: "That huge elevator is for big people." (He came to my work and was enthralled with the freight elevator.)
"Mama is my friend." (He went to backup day care. I'm sure they called everyone "friends," so this makes sense.)
I can't stop reading Yarn Harlot's blog. She posted ("the power scares me") about one knitter's support to help WIC in California promote breastfeeding by knitting hats made of veggies, fruits, and judging by some readers' comments, boobies. Since the YH is also a lacation specialist--so, so cool--yet she's still respectful of the choices women make. Yay, on so many levels.
Most of the comments were women's bf stories, offering support & experiences. The US just sucks how little maternity leave we get, and lack of a pumping room in many workplaces. At least at my job, there is a room and another one if needed. Support and education for bf moms is spotty, and can we please, please not gang up on each other about the choices we make for our kids? Like moms don't have enough guilt? OK?
Breastfeeding is a loaded parenting topic, not as much as co-sleeping or Ferberizing (whoa, is that one a party pooper!) but it can get pretty heated. I read a great book when I was breastfeeding--I'll go look for it in the library tomorrow, I promise (it was one of those books that I was trolling the aisles and just picked up)--about the sociology of contemporary breastfeeding. I'm not going to go into *my* feelings now, but it's something near & dear to my heart.
For the record? My son was 6 weeks early, I went back to work part-time after my leave (6 weeks plus my vacation time then a month unpaid=12 weeks, the most allowed by my workplace without having to jump through tons of paperwork hoops) and we breastfed until he was 20 months old. Ups and downs, it was great. We had to stop (which was a relief, in a way) when he had a nasty rotavirus and couldn't keep anything down except Pedialyte. That week was awful, but he's really well adjusted now.
Owen's quotes of the day: "That huge elevator is for big people." (He came to my work and was enthralled with the freight elevator.)
"Mama is my friend." (He went to backup day care. I'm sure they called everyone "friends," so this makes sense.)
Thursday, July 06, 2006
weekend(s) of love
Two weeks ago I took O-man out in the drizzle to the Red Wagon on Charles St. to get him some rain boots. He had such a great time at the store, and the staff was really nice about him opening and closing the door to the upstairs area (where the books, toys, boots, and sale items are). They were even nicer about me having to change a poopy diaper in their supertiny bathroom. I also ended up buying a pair of Curious George boots, which ended up to be just big enough that they fell off when I carried the little dude, and they got stuck in a mucky puddle as O-man tried to jump out of it. That was no fun to clean up, and I was worried about the various kinds of bacteria that might have been swallowed when O. fell on his face. (I think he emerged relatively unscathed.) Top that off with going down the wet slides, slipping down the wobbly bridge, and having to ride the T home with wet pants and 1 sock: priceless.
Easy Mojito: Mint leaves (enough to equal 2 or so sprigs), 2 teaspoons sugar, juice of 1 lime (more if desired, maybe equal to 2 tbls) with at least 1/4-1/2 rind; muddle or bruise leaves with the handle of a wooden meat tenderizer or rice paddle so the sugar is mostly dissolved; add shot (plus/minus) rum, ice, top off with club soda. Enjoy!
4th of July weekend notes:
Zuzu is not the most kid-friendly place, but that's kind of OK. It's a bar. The mojitos are good, and the ice cream/chocolate baklava with fruit makes a yummy dessert. Wish I could have stayed and talked to Aisha more, but I had O-man with me. He had fun being out late.
Upper Crust was a kid-friendly, and we polished off 2 pieces of pizza between the two of us.
Public Service Announcement: The bathrooms at the Frog Pond close at 6PM. Bathrooms at the Visitor Center close at 5PM. Macy's, however is open until 9pm most nights.
Congrats to Lorie & Pete. Yay! Of course, happy birthday to Dan. Rob is the best grill master ever. Dr. Phil should never, ever again be allowed to co-host a fireworks celebration.
Easy Mojito: Mint leaves (enough to equal 2 or so sprigs), 2 teaspoons sugar, juice of 1 lime (more if desired, maybe equal to 2 tbls) with at least 1/4-1/2 rind; muddle or bruise leaves with the handle of a wooden meat tenderizer or rice paddle so the sugar is mostly dissolved; add shot (plus/minus) rum, ice, top off with club soda. Enjoy!
4th of July weekend notes:
Zuzu is not the most kid-friendly place, but that's kind of OK. It's a bar. The mojitos are good, and the ice cream/chocolate baklava with fruit makes a yummy dessert. Wish I could have stayed and talked to Aisha more, but I had O-man with me. He had fun being out late.
Upper Crust was a kid-friendly, and we polished off 2 pieces of pizza between the two of us.
Public Service Announcement: The bathrooms at the Frog Pond close at 6PM. Bathrooms at the Visitor Center close at 5PM. Macy's, however is open until 9pm most nights.
Congrats to Lorie & Pete. Yay! Of course, happy birthday to Dan. Rob is the best grill master ever. Dr. Phil should never, ever again be allowed to co-host a fireworks celebration.
Monday, June 19, 2006
a few of my new favorite things
Clif Nectar bars: specifically, the cinnamon pecan tastes like a little chewy cinnabun. There are four ingredients, all organic: pecans, dates, cinnamon, vanilla. I could eat a bunch of these little bits o' heaven. 3 WW pts.
VitaminWater in Rescue/Green Tea: I have been in love with this since they launched in, what, 2000? And I drank it when I was in labor. This is my fave of ALL the green teas, but is hard to find. Apparently, VitaminWater (even though they are in the process of being bought by a big eevil company) has the same distributor as Snapple, and since Snapple has a similar drink (but not really), oftentimes the same store won't carry both. Which is a shame, because the Vitamin/SmartWaters aren't loaded with high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring.
Krusteaz Blueberry Pancake and Waffle mix vs. Bisquick Healthy Heart mix: Krusteaz is airy and fluffy, Bisquick is hearty and thicker. Both are delicious. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and vanilla. Guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Trader Joe's rules! English Cheddar with Carmelized Onion. $3 buck Chuck (because in MA we have to pay a distributor). Dry Rub All-natural Bacon. Frozen Wild Alaskan salmon. Turkey meatballs. British muffins. Soycatash. Always an over-shopping opportunity. I pity the poor folks who don't have one near them.
veganlunchbox.blogspot.com: Jennifer shmoo is a creative genius and an inspiration to fulltime working omnivore moms like me. But since my little dude is going to a nut free school, this'll be tricky. But she's got so many great ideas, and she's funny, it's worth checking out.
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: always a great read.
VitaminWater in Rescue/Green Tea: I have been in love with this since they launched in, what, 2000? And I drank it when I was in labor. This is my fave of ALL the green teas, but is hard to find. Apparently, VitaminWater (even though they are in the process of being bought by a big eevil company) has the same distributor as Snapple, and since Snapple has a similar drink (but not really), oftentimes the same store won't carry both. Which is a shame, because the Vitamin/SmartWaters aren't loaded with high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring.
Krusteaz Blueberry Pancake and Waffle mix vs. Bisquick Healthy Heart mix: Krusteaz is airy and fluffy, Bisquick is hearty and thicker. Both are delicious. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and vanilla. Guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Trader Joe's rules! English Cheddar with Carmelized Onion. $3 buck Chuck (because in MA we have to pay a distributor). Dry Rub All-natural Bacon. Frozen Wild Alaskan salmon. Turkey meatballs. British muffins. Soycatash. Always an over-shopping opportunity. I pity the poor folks who don't have one near them.
veganlunchbox.blogspot.com: Jennifer shmoo is a creative genius and an inspiration to fulltime working omnivore moms like me. But since my little dude is going to a nut free school, this'll be tricky. But she's got so many great ideas, and she's funny, it's worth checking out.
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: always a great read.
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