Sucky: I meant to go to school yesterday to get a few things done, but between my walk and the baby's feedings and naps, it just didn't happen. So I went today and the place is locked up. I could get into my room, but that's useless because my printer and power cords are missing. Not that there's all that much I could have done -- I was promised the class rosters and those didn't show up. So basically I have to show up Tuesday morning and bust ass to get some seating charts made. Someone also mentioned that the secretary called to ask if they wanted copies of the curriculum units. Um, my answer is YES. But did I get a phone call? No. So I guess that's in the hands of fate now, which means it's probably in MY hands to make all those damn copies. How do I get on the courtesy call list? Who do I have to blow (or bring donuts to)?
Neat: Ah, the miracle of Facebook. About a month ago, a guy I knew in freshman year looked me up and added me. I then saw that he had a friend that I knew, so I added that friend. And then there was a friend-a-lanche. Shortly thereafter, someone suggested an informal, multi-year reunion of kids who were in the performing arts program, and I got an invite. It was last night at Fox and Goose, and I went. At first, there were only two people I knew (although there was a third guy there I knew, I just didn't recognize him at first -- those skinny high school boys seem to all end up stocky!). But then more people wandered in from the year just ahead of mine, and all of a sudden I knew lots of people! It was great to catch up. It was odd, too. Many of us had starter marriages, and we all looked thirty-something. Like grown-ups. What a trip.
I took the baby (because she's still got a minor crying issue with Sweetie) and some Brits told me I was the second person they'd seen "out" with a baby since they'd been here. They almost thought I was foreign. I think they mean that in other countries, people actually take their babies out with them. I had her in the sling at first with just her head poking out and they were making a fuss over her, and later I had her out and one of the guys saw us and said "Oh good, she's got a body!" Silly.
Speak of the crying devil, I'd better attend to her.
I'm still not looking forward to going back to work, but I know it's going to be okay.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
This one cracks me up
The photographer thought I could hold Zadie's hands under her head until the last minute, and then let go quickly when she smiled, and then the picture would be Zadie, resting her hands on her head. We tried this several times and got nuthin'. This is one of the shots that happened when she yanked her arms out and I couldn't get my hands out of the frame in time. But she looks so happy!
You know I'm insane in the membrane for this kid
because just this week I've shelled out $200 on getting pictures taken and getting a picture book. For real. Look how cute she is, though! She scratched her eye yesterday, so you can see that in the pictures, but I still think they look cute.
Monday, August 25, 2008
We have forward motion!
Just today I noticed her getting her butt up a little and trying really hard to go forward. I had her on the ground near the entertainment center, and apparently that was just too much temptation: she HAD to get those cords!
She moved forward, and a few minutes later, we caught her on tape trying to get a Lego skull. Here it is. Happy 5 month birthday, baby.
She moved forward, and a few minutes later, we caught her on tape trying to get a Lego skull. Here it is. Happy 5 month birthday, baby.
One goal accomplished, one decision dissected
Well, Azadeh is 5 months old today, the first goal I established for myself. I wanted to breastfeed her until she was at least five months old, and now I have done so. Anything else is gravy (er, please don't think about breastmilk gravy). Anyway, I know breastfeeding advocates everywhere would go "What?! The World Health Organization says you should breastfeed kids until they're two and a half!" or whatever. And listen, I fully intend to continue to nurse her until she tells me she's done. But given the challenges we faced (and face), I think five months is pretty damn good. She got all those crucial immune system benefits. She is less likely to have asthma, ear infections, leukemia... the list is long. So why did I choose five months as my goal? Because I go back to work next week. I wanted to nurse at least until then. I'm planning to pump at work and to nurse her right before I leave and as soon as I get home, but this is where it gets harder... she'll be taking a bottle more often (which delivers the milk faster) and I'll go long stretches without nursing her (which doesn't usually happen now). I may well dry up. She may well decide that the boob is too much work. But whatever happens now, I've made it five months. Yay, me! Yay, us!
Speaking of going back to work, my stomach and back are both tied up in knots and I'm losing sleep. I can't believe I'm going to miss 8 hours of her life every day from now on. That we won't be able to go on our walks, nurse whenever we want, go to Mommy & Me, go to breakfast... That maybe she'll hit milestones that I miss. That she might crawl for the first time, talk for the first time, while I'm showing somebody where a comma goes. I know my job is important, and I like my job, but MAN, has it ever slipped down the list of my priorities. At about two a.m. last night I was going over my decision to go back to work. It's pretty much a no-brainer. To afford to live on just Sweetie's salary, we'd have had to never move from our old house. And our old house is where Monkeygirl's car got broken into twice, our house was broken into once, my car was stolen once, I called the cops because someone was walking down the street with a gun, we almost watched a guy get brained with a shovel... Plus the local schools weren't as good. We wouldn't have the money to visit Oregon, which is really important to both of us because we want Zadie to know her family. Our quality of life would be much, much worse. And "our" now includes the baby. I want her to live in a safe neighborhood with good schools. I want to have discretionary income to travel and do fun stuff. Going back to work is obviously the right decision. It just also sucks.
Speaking of going back to work, my stomach and back are both tied up in knots and I'm losing sleep. I can't believe I'm going to miss 8 hours of her life every day from now on. That we won't be able to go on our walks, nurse whenever we want, go to Mommy & Me, go to breakfast... That maybe she'll hit milestones that I miss. That she might crawl for the first time, talk for the first time, while I'm showing somebody where a comma goes. I know my job is important, and I like my job, but MAN, has it ever slipped down the list of my priorities. At about two a.m. last night I was going over my decision to go back to work. It's pretty much a no-brainer. To afford to live on just Sweetie's salary, we'd have had to never move from our old house. And our old house is where Monkeygirl's car got broken into twice, our house was broken into once, my car was stolen once, I called the cops because someone was walking down the street with a gun, we almost watched a guy get brained with a shovel... Plus the local schools weren't as good. We wouldn't have the money to visit Oregon, which is really important to both of us because we want Zadie to know her family. Our quality of life would be much, much worse. And "our" now includes the baby. I want her to live in a safe neighborhood with good schools. I want to have discretionary income to travel and do fun stuff. Going back to work is obviously the right decision. It just also sucks.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Lawn lady, random gift, Criollo chocolate, band practice
So the other night when my neighbors were over, we all talked about crazy lawn lady. She lives across the street from me and has essentially a putting green in her front yard. She waters twice a day and spends hours out there, sometimes on her knees, tending to the lawn. If that weren't weird enough, she has a screechy voice and a twitch. We've lived here for two years and she's avoided eye contact with me until recently.
Well, she spoke to me the other day. I thought she was finally being friendlier, but it was a ruse. It went like this:
CLL: Oh, she looks so cute in pink. How old is she now?
Me: Almost five months.
CLL: And who's going to take care of her when you go back to work?
Me: My mom. She's retired and she lives close by. It's good to have someone I know I can trust, you know?
CLL: Yeah, yeah... Say, did you see anyone do anything to my lawn?
Me: Huh?
CLL: Well, there's this dead patch! I don't know what could have happened. It looks like someone poured something on it.
Me: Well, it's been pretty hot...
CLL: Lawn doesn't just die!
Ooookaaay. I know lots of people who WANT to pour something on her lawn, just because it's so freakin' perfect. Sweetie is really bothered by her, and the other night we drove down our street, him pointing out all the other lawns, green, but with dry patches, and going "Nice... nice... nice... nice... nice... nice..." and then we get to CLL, and he goes "Crazy!"
Okay, onward and upward. I got a really nice gift from one of the gals on my parenting forum, apropos of nothing. Zadie got two new onesies (an Alice in Wonderland one and one with a skirt, both handmade), a felted headband, and I got tea, two necklaces, a pair of earrings, and some yarn and crochet hooks! Isn't that spectacular?
On the food post the other day I said I'd never had Criollo chocolate, but I went to Corti Bros yesterday and found some, so now I've had it. It was a Terra Nostra organics Double Dark Truffle bar. It was good, but it didn't change my life or anything.
I had band practice last night. Jeff the arrhythmic drummer was weird, as always. He was talking about how he was at a friend's house looking at his computer, and Yahoo Personals was up on the screen, and he sent some chick a message like "Hey, I'm on my friend's computer..." Isn't that kind of odd? And he invited her to band practice, but she wasn't coming until after 9, so I didn't meet her. He also told us a long story about how his friend ended up telling him to F off, and he's like "Have you ever had a friend do that?" No, man. I didn't add it's because I'm NORMAL and have NORMAL relationships. My life isn't all filled with crazy drama, thank goodness.
Okay, I guess that's it for now. Off to try some more Criollo chocolate and see if it changes my life tonight.
Well, she spoke to me the other day. I thought she was finally being friendlier, but it was a ruse. It went like this:
CLL: Oh, she looks so cute in pink. How old is she now?
Me: Almost five months.
CLL: And who's going to take care of her when you go back to work?
Me: My mom. She's retired and she lives close by. It's good to have someone I know I can trust, you know?
CLL: Yeah, yeah... Say, did you see anyone do anything to my lawn?
Me: Huh?
CLL: Well, there's this dead patch! I don't know what could have happened. It looks like someone poured something on it.
Me: Well, it's been pretty hot...
CLL: Lawn doesn't just die!
Ooookaaay. I know lots of people who WANT to pour something on her lawn, just because it's so freakin' perfect. Sweetie is really bothered by her, and the other night we drove down our street, him pointing out all the other lawns, green, but with dry patches, and going "Nice... nice... nice... nice... nice... nice..." and then we get to CLL, and he goes "Crazy!"
Okay, onward and upward. I got a really nice gift from one of the gals on my parenting forum, apropos of nothing. Zadie got two new onesies (an Alice in Wonderland one and one with a skirt, both handmade), a felted headband, and I got tea, two necklaces, a pair of earrings, and some yarn and crochet hooks! Isn't that spectacular?
On the food post the other day I said I'd never had Criollo chocolate, but I went to Corti Bros yesterday and found some, so now I've had it. It was a Terra Nostra organics Double Dark Truffle bar. It was good, but it didn't change my life or anything.
I had band practice last night. Jeff the arrhythmic drummer was weird, as always. He was talking about how he was at a friend's house looking at his computer, and Yahoo Personals was up on the screen, and he sent some chick a message like "Hey, I'm on my friend's computer..." Isn't that kind of odd? And he invited her to band practice, but she wasn't coming until after 9, so I didn't meet her. He also told us a long story about how his friend ended up telling him to F off, and he's like "Have you ever had a friend do that?" No, man. I didn't add it's because I'm NORMAL and have NORMAL relationships. My life isn't all filled with crazy drama, thank goodness.
Okay, I guess that's it for now. Off to try some more Criollo chocolate and see if it changes my life tonight.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A meme from Suebob
I thought I was an adventurous eater, but being a vegetarian kind of puts the kibosh on that, doesn't it? I can't explain all the things I said I'd never eat, other than that they fall under the general category of "grody."
1) Copy this list into your blog, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4.Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6.Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich.
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23.Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25.Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41.Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50.Sea urchin Have you SEEN this? Even if I were to eat meat/fish again someday, this would not be on the list.
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62.Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
70.Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost.
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89.Horse
90. Criollo chocolate No, but Id like to!
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
1) Copy this list into your blog, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4.
5. Crocodile
6.
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich.
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23.
24. Rice and beans
25.
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41.
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50.
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62.
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68.
70.
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost.
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89.
90. Criollo chocolate No, but Id like to!
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
On the occasion of my thousandth post
What has blogging done for me lately?
I made several friends, including Suzanne, Des, Alex, and Suebob. I keep in touch with people I didn't know or didn't know well, like Beth and TNWIEB.
I am able to keep my darling sister-in-law up to date on Zadie and make sure everyone can see her pictures, even though they're farther away that we'd like.
I get to write regularly, even if it's not writerly writing.
It has sometimes improved communication between me and my Sweetie. More than once, he's said "I didn't know you felt that way" or "I think you misunderstood me."
I often use it to vent about things that are stressing me out, which in turn relieves the stress.
I've managed to communicate with people I've never met and wouldn't have ever communicated with otherwise.
I went to BlogHer '07 in Chicago, and can't think of the circumstances in which I'd have gone there otherwise, but I loved Chicago (and Suzanne's parents).
I've got a record of all the milestones Zadie hits that I can go back and refer to when I want to fill in her baby book.
I've decided that I had something meaningful to say that people sometimes want to hear.
So thanks, blogging. Next up, post 1001.
I made several friends, including Suzanne, Des, Alex, and Suebob. I keep in touch with people I didn't know or didn't know well, like Beth and TNWIEB.
I am able to keep my darling sister-in-law up to date on Zadie and make sure everyone can see her pictures, even though they're farther away that we'd like.
I get to write regularly, even if it's not writerly writing.
It has sometimes improved communication between me and my Sweetie. More than once, he's said "I didn't know you felt that way" or "I think you misunderstood me."
I often use it to vent about things that are stressing me out, which in turn relieves the stress.
I've managed to communicate with people I've never met and wouldn't have ever communicated with otherwise.
I went to BlogHer '07 in Chicago, and can't think of the circumstances in which I'd have gone there otherwise, but I loved Chicago (and Suzanne's parents).
I've got a record of all the milestones Zadie hits that I can go back and refer to when I want to fill in her baby book.
I've decided that I had something meaningful to say that people sometimes want to hear.
So thanks, blogging. Next up, post 1001.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Excellent question, Suzanne
Who is Wayne Thiebaud?
He's a California artist who is most famous for his pictures of desserts. One of the paintings we saw the other day was "Pies, Pies, Pies". There's some debate as to whether he's really a Pop artist, because some of his work of everyday objects (cakes, lipsticks, gumball machines) predates the Pop movement. I know his work because it's all over Sacramento. He attended the university Sweetie works at. I knew this before reading the Wiki, but here's the link anyway.
He's a California artist who is most famous for his pictures of desserts. One of the paintings we saw the other day was "Pies, Pies, Pies". There's some debate as to whether he's really a Pop artist, because some of his work of everyday objects (cakes, lipsticks, gumball machines) predates the Pop movement. I know his work because it's all over Sacramento. He attended the university Sweetie works at. I knew this before reading the Wiki, but here's the link anyway.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Had a fun weekend & Monday
After the party Friday, we had a chill Saturday, cleaning up a little and just not doing much. That evening, we went to Kamon for sushi. The baby was super-good and Sweetie held her almost the whole time. I had a new appetizer, the sesame tofu, which was good, but next time I'd split it between about four people.
Sunday was kind of the usual. I read the paper in the morning, then hung out with Mom. We took the baby to the Crocker Art Museum, which was having a Pop Art exhibit that included some Lichtensteins, all of Warhol's "Athletes," some Wayne Theibaud (say what you will, they make me happy), and some sculptures I thought were really interesting. Then we went to Macy's and did some back-to-school shopping for me. I tried on six items and all six fit and looked good, which I think is a first. You can look at my Flickr page to see what I got (the pics include some shirts I bought at Target, and yes, some of the pictures are crappy). Then we had dinner at Rubicon and I got a pomegranate cider... Yum!
Today I did some errands with the baby. Sweetie came home early and I made a good dinner -- refried beans, brown rice, and fresh guacamole and salsa plus tortillas. The salsa was quite spicy.
It went like this:
About two pounds of yellow cherry tomatoes
1 jalapeno
three cloves garlic
about 1 Tbs salt
1 small red onion
1 bunch cilantro
Throw it in the blender and blend the shit out of it.
It actually tasted kind of like the Tres Hermanas salsa, which I love. Sweetie says I need to make it again.
Then, despite the big dinner, I decided I'd walk to Sweeties (no, we don't live apart -- there's a dessert joint called that nearby) for a piece of old-fashioned chocolate cake. It was great. I sang loudly to the baby all the way there and back. And when I came home I found that Mom had come by and brought a dessert, too! I'll try it tomorrow. Then the baby and I splashed around in the bath. FYI, the Bumbo seat floats. And she didn't pee in the bath, but she spat up, then peed when I got her out. Good times.
Sunday was kind of the usual. I read the paper in the morning, then hung out with Mom. We took the baby to the Crocker Art Museum, which was having a Pop Art exhibit that included some Lichtensteins, all of Warhol's "Athletes," some Wayne Theibaud (say what you will, they make me happy), and some sculptures I thought were really interesting. Then we went to Macy's and did some back-to-school shopping for me. I tried on six items and all six fit and looked good, which I think is a first. You can look at my Flickr page to see what I got (the pics include some shirts I bought at Target, and yes, some of the pictures are crappy). Then we had dinner at Rubicon and I got a pomegranate cider... Yum!
Today I did some errands with the baby. Sweetie came home early and I made a good dinner -- refried beans, brown rice, and fresh guacamole and salsa plus tortillas. The salsa was quite spicy.
It went like this:
About two pounds of yellow cherry tomatoes
1 jalapeno
three cloves garlic
about 1 Tbs salt
1 small red onion
1 bunch cilantro
Throw it in the blender and blend the shit out of it.
It actually tasted kind of like the Tres Hermanas salsa, which I love. Sweetie says I need to make it again.
Then, despite the big dinner, I decided I'd walk to Sweeties (no, we don't live apart -- there's a dessert joint called that nearby) for a piece of old-fashioned chocolate cake. It was great. I sang loudly to the baby all the way there and back. And when I came home I found that Mom had come by and brought a dessert, too! I'll try it tomorrow. Then the baby and I splashed around in the bath. FYI, the Bumbo seat floats. And she didn't pee in the bath, but she spat up, then peed when I got her out. Good times.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Sangria
I made sangria for a wee gathering last night and it was really good, so here you go. I got the recipe from the newspaper, and it's from Tapa the World restaurant.
3 bottles cheap red wine.
1/4 bottle brandy
1 cup sugar
1 can citrus flavored soda
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 can orange juice concentrate
1/2 can apple juice concentrate
Mix all ingredients and chill 30-60 minutes before drinking.
I had a little leftover and am having some again tonight.
The party was a "Green Cleaning" party where I provided recipes and ingredients for making non-toxic household cleaners. I think it went well. Some of my friends and my mom got to mix with some of my neighbors. I didn't want it to be too didactic, so I didn't show the educational video. Everyone actually remembered to bring a spray bottle and made some stuff! We also ate some yummy food. I guess a "theme" party sounds kind of stupid, but I wanted to have some folks over, and any little thing I can do for the earth is something, right?
3 bottles cheap red wine.
1/4 bottle brandy
1 cup sugar
1 can citrus flavored soda
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 can orange juice concentrate
1/2 can apple juice concentrate
Mix all ingredients and chill 30-60 minutes before drinking.
I had a little leftover and am having some again tonight.
The party was a "Green Cleaning" party where I provided recipes and ingredients for making non-toxic household cleaners. I think it went well. Some of my friends and my mom got to mix with some of my neighbors. I didn't want it to be too didactic, so I didn't show the educational video. Everyone actually remembered to bring a spray bottle and made some stuff! We also ate some yummy food. I guess a "theme" party sounds kind of stupid, but I wanted to have some folks over, and any little thing I can do for the earth is something, right?
If we turn our backs for a second
The baby scoots backward and usually ends up under the coffee table.
These were taken on two different occasions, actually. She does it fairly often. I put her on a blanket or her playmat, she flips over, and then she starts scooting backwards. She usually gets under all the way to her big noggin, and then she can't get any further.
These were taken on two different occasions, actually. She does it fairly often. I put her on a blanket or her playmat, she flips over, and then she starts scooting backwards. She usually gets under all the way to her big noggin, and then she can't get any further.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Trial run
I had to work two days this week, all day Tuesday and half a day Wednesday. Zadie stayed with Grandma. It worked pretty well. I woke up at my normal time, got ready, then fed her. Then Mom came over (during the school year, I'll probably drop Zadie at Mom's house instead) and I went to work. They apparently had a good day with no fussing and several naps IN THE CRIB! I haven't been able to get her to sleep in the crib at all, ever. But Grandma used special Grandma tricks, so she took several short naps instead of one long one. I came home at lunch and she was asleep, so I pumped milk for her cereal later. I won't be able to do that when I'm really working (I had an hour, and my real lunch is usually closer to 45 minutes), but it was a good thing I did, because I forgot one of the tubes and the ice packs for the pump (which I had taken with me).
On Wednesday they had a similarly good day, and I took off from work at noon. It looks like it's going to work out better than I expected. I was afraid she wouldn't nap, but she did.
My only lingering concern is that my boobs will dry up. Instead of feeding her every two hours, I'll have to go from 7 (when I feed her) to noon thirty (when I'll pump) and then until around 4 when I can get home (on a day with no meetings). Those are two long stretches. I am proud that I've gotten to five months, or will have, by the time I went back to work. But I really want to breastfeed her until she's ready to wean -- I didn't want to quit just because I go back to work and she can't get any milk from me, you know?
Oh well - I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, and I don't want to be too pessimistic. Maybe my boobs will just get used to the new schedule. And Zadie loves to nurse now -- maybe she won't want to quit just because she gets it faster from the bottle.
I'm really going to miss being home with her all day. I've had so much fun this summer. It's going to be hard only getting to see her a few hours every day. At this point she goes to bed at around ten, and I may keep it that way for a while, just so we have some extra time with her.
A friend suggested I go to 4/5ths time if I can. I hadn't looked into it, but maybe I will for next year.
On Wednesday they had a similarly good day, and I took off from work at noon. It looks like it's going to work out better than I expected. I was afraid she wouldn't nap, but she did.
My only lingering concern is that my boobs will dry up. Instead of feeding her every two hours, I'll have to go from 7 (when I feed her) to noon thirty (when I'll pump) and then until around 4 when I can get home (on a day with no meetings). Those are two long stretches. I am proud that I've gotten to five months, or will have, by the time I went back to work. But I really want to breastfeed her until she's ready to wean -- I didn't want to quit just because I go back to work and she can't get any milk from me, you know?
Oh well - I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, and I don't want to be too pessimistic. Maybe my boobs will just get used to the new schedule. And Zadie loves to nurse now -- maybe she won't want to quit just because she gets it faster from the bottle.
I'm really going to miss being home with her all day. I've had so much fun this summer. It's going to be hard only getting to see her a few hours every day. At this point she goes to bed at around ten, and I may keep it that way for a while, just so we have some extra time with her.
A friend suggested I go to 4/5ths time if I can. I hadn't looked into it, but maybe I will for next year.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The writing thing
I have noticed that my blog lately has been mostly kid updates, and before the kid, I am pretty sure I used to write about other things. I don't know what things, but... things. Current events? Politics? Culture? Who knows...
And also? Before I finished grad school (and my enormous Master's project of creative writing), I used to write creatively a lot. Lately? Not so much.
And I've been reading the blogs of these wonderfully creative people and books with powerful themes and magazines by people freelancing and... I think you get the idea.
I think of myself as a writer, but I don't write anything I'm proud of. And that's sad. Now I know I spend a lot of time nurturing and that it's important, too (more important, really), and I know that when I go back to work, I do a good job and that's also important. But there's this part of myself that I don't want to give up and that I miss. So I think I'm going to try to get back to writing. I had an idea for a freelance article for a magazine the other day, but I looked up the archives and they'd already done it. I did write a poem a few days ago, but I got a lukewarm reception from the few people I shared it with. But that's my comfort zone, so poetry is probably where I'll start again. Wish me luck.
And also? Before I finished grad school (and my enormous Master's project of creative writing), I used to write creatively a lot. Lately? Not so much.
And I've been reading the blogs of these wonderfully creative people and books with powerful themes and magazines by people freelancing and... I think you get the idea.
I think of myself as a writer, but I don't write anything I'm proud of. And that's sad. Now I know I spend a lot of time nurturing and that it's important, too (more important, really), and I know that when I go back to work, I do a good job and that's also important. But there's this part of myself that I don't want to give up and that I miss. So I think I'm going to try to get back to writing. I had an idea for a freelance article for a magazine the other day, but I looked up the archives and they'd already done it. I did write a poem a few days ago, but I got a lukewarm reception from the few people I shared it with. But that's my comfort zone, so poetry is probably where I'll start again. Wish me luck.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Darling Nikki, puke
I forgot one important music memory. We were listening to Prince's Purple Rain album on my friend Erinn's porch, about four of us on the afternoon of a slumber party. "Darling Nikki" came on and got to just about the "masturbating with a magazine" line and Erinn's mom came flying out the door, furious, demanding to know what we were listening to and taking the cassette. We were chastened. We felt bad that Erinn might be in trouble. At the same time? The song became TOTALLY tantalizing. It's still one of my favorites.
Poor Zadie did not get along with yesterday's vaccines. She was clingy all afternoon and evening, and in the middle of the night, she was fussing fussing fussing. I picked her up to put her tummy-side-down on my chest (which frequently calms her) and she instantly puked all over me. I put her down and Sweetie turned on the light and she puked more. Like a fountain. It was all over her head and face. On the bright side, it's still all formula and breastmilk, so it didn't have that puke stink I'm used to. On the other bright side, afterwards she calmed down and slept through the rest of the night.
Poor Zadie did not get along with yesterday's vaccines. She was clingy all afternoon and evening, and in the middle of the night, she was fussing fussing fussing. I picked her up to put her tummy-side-down on my chest (which frequently calms her) and she instantly puked all over me. I put her down and Sweetie turned on the light and she puked more. Like a fountain. It was all over her head and face. On the bright side, it's still all formula and breastmilk, so it didn't have that puke stink I'm used to. On the other bright side, afterwards she calmed down and slept through the rest of the night.
Friday, August 08, 2008
The music, the memories
Another blog asked commenters to write about their best and worst memories that had a distinct soundtrack. Here are a few of mine.
Best: I bought the greatest hits of Styx on a lark when I was first hanging around with Sweetie. I put it on in the car and was singing along to "Mr. Roboto." I laughed until I cried and almost had to pull over. I loved that I felt so comfortable with him that I could explore the full extent of my goofballery, even though I didn't know him that well yet. Over the years I'm sure I've exposed myself as the true goofball I am, but that day stands out as fun.
Riding home from Leif's house on my bike, drunk, taking the alleys so we wouldn't be noticed, but then singing the end of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album (the multiple tracks that go "Please pass the milk, please... fingertips!...I hear the wind blow...") at the top of our lungs. I felt young and free and happy.
Driving in the car with Monkeygirl with the B-52s on ("Love Shack") and just losing it... singing at the top of my lungs, bouncing around until the car shook, being young...
The barbecue at senior skip day, when Deb Schlim put on Jane's Addiction's "Ritual de lo Habitual" and the song "Been Caught Stealing" came on, and she and I were the only ones who knew it, but it was so vital and so perfect, the dogs barking on a beautiful summer day.
Worst and worst-ish:
Freshman year: Tom Metcalf was trying to feel me up and I was trying to not let him for the entire length of "I want you (she's so heavy)" by the Beatles, and that is a LONG song.
On the way to the reception after my grandfather's funeral, I heard Pearl Jam's "Last Kiss." I cried like a baby, and then hated that such a sappy song made me cry, and forever after I can't hear that song without thinking about my grandfather's death.
When I hear Temple of the Dog's "Hunger Strike" or STP's "Conversations Kill" I think of my friend Tony, who liked to imitate the singers' deep voices behind the scenes in the auditorium during drama class. I can still see him belting them out. So they're happy memories, but Tony's been dead for more than a decade.
At Tony's funeral, a pallid woman in a pale pink dress sang "Wind Beneath My Wings," and that song was SO inappropriate to who Tony was, to his big personality (if midget-like physique), that I laughed loud and long, and my friend Stacey, horrified, tried to bury me in her lap and cover me with her arms and soon it didn't matter because I was crying anyway.
Not best or worst, just notable:
I remember hearing Elvis's "Hound Dog" in my uncle's Vanagon with the rusted-out bottom on the way to golf with my dad and uncles at about 5 am one Sunday morning.
I was at the fair on the flying bobs and the carnie was yelling "do you want to go FASTER?" and the song was "Welcome to the Jungle."
We were on the way home from Boompah's father's funeral, and as usual, he'd shown no emotion all day. But in the car we were listening to Joni Mitchell, and the song "River" came on, and he said "This song is so sad." I thought that was about as close as we might get to hearing how sad he was.
G3 used to listen to Tori Amos' "Little Earthquakes" over and over in about 1992, and I remember walking into his green living room and hearing it on, again, and thinking, "Oh, for god's sake."
My mom loves Sublime. I remember talking to her about "Caress Me Down," which is dirty enough in the English parts, but there's a long section in Spanish, and I asked Mom (who speaks a little Spanish, poquito) what they were saying. She said "I can make out just enough of it to know that I don't want to know the rest."
I could go on for days, and it's still interesting to me, but it's probably getting boging for you, so I'm out. Take care,
-CM
Best: I bought the greatest hits of Styx on a lark when I was first hanging around with Sweetie. I put it on in the car and was singing along to "Mr. Roboto." I laughed until I cried and almost had to pull over. I loved that I felt so comfortable with him that I could explore the full extent of my goofballery, even though I didn't know him that well yet. Over the years I'm sure I've exposed myself as the true goofball I am, but that day stands out as fun.
Riding home from Leif's house on my bike, drunk, taking the alleys so we wouldn't be noticed, but then singing the end of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album (the multiple tracks that go "Please pass the milk, please... fingertips!...I hear the wind blow...") at the top of our lungs. I felt young and free and happy.
Driving in the car with Monkeygirl with the B-52s on ("Love Shack") and just losing it... singing at the top of my lungs, bouncing around until the car shook, being young...
The barbecue at senior skip day, when Deb Schlim put on Jane's Addiction's "Ritual de lo Habitual" and the song "Been Caught Stealing" came on, and she and I were the only ones who knew it, but it was so vital and so perfect, the dogs barking on a beautiful summer day.
Worst and worst-ish:
Freshman year: Tom Metcalf was trying to feel me up and I was trying to not let him for the entire length of "I want you (she's so heavy)" by the Beatles, and that is a LONG song.
On the way to the reception after my grandfather's funeral, I heard Pearl Jam's "Last Kiss." I cried like a baby, and then hated that such a sappy song made me cry, and forever after I can't hear that song without thinking about my grandfather's death.
When I hear Temple of the Dog's "Hunger Strike" or STP's "Conversations Kill" I think of my friend Tony, who liked to imitate the singers' deep voices behind the scenes in the auditorium during drama class. I can still see him belting them out. So they're happy memories, but Tony's been dead for more than a decade.
At Tony's funeral, a pallid woman in a pale pink dress sang "Wind Beneath My Wings," and that song was SO inappropriate to who Tony was, to his big personality (if midget-like physique), that I laughed loud and long, and my friend Stacey, horrified, tried to bury me in her lap and cover me with her arms and soon it didn't matter because I was crying anyway.
Not best or worst, just notable:
I remember hearing Elvis's "Hound Dog" in my uncle's Vanagon with the rusted-out bottom on the way to golf with my dad and uncles at about 5 am one Sunday morning.
I was at the fair on the flying bobs and the carnie was yelling "do you want to go FASTER?" and the song was "Welcome to the Jungle."
We were on the way home from Boompah's father's funeral, and as usual, he'd shown no emotion all day. But in the car we were listening to Joni Mitchell, and the song "River" came on, and he said "This song is so sad." I thought that was about as close as we might get to hearing how sad he was.
G3 used to listen to Tori Amos' "Little Earthquakes" over and over in about 1992, and I remember walking into his green living room and hearing it on, again, and thinking, "Oh, for god's sake."
My mom loves Sublime. I remember talking to her about "Caress Me Down," which is dirty enough in the English parts, but there's a long section in Spanish, and I asked Mom (who speaks a little Spanish, poquito) what they were saying. She said "I can make out just enough of it to know that I don't want to know the rest."
I could go on for days, and it's still interesting to me, but it's probably getting boging for you, so I'm out. Take care,
-CM
4 month checkup today.
First, the best news: Zadie has moved from the tenth percentile in weight to the 25th! In addition, the doctor commented on how strong she is (I know -- I'm so proud!) and said that since she can roll over and hold her head up so well, if she rolls over to sleep on her tummy, not to worry about it or (as I did last night) push her back over.
She needs to start eating rice cereal once a day, so I pumped some milk and made some today. I thought it would go about how it did last time, with her not eating really any of it. But she ate almost all of it! In fact, I had a paper towel handy to catch the drips, and when all was said and done there was only a little bit on the towel, so the rest of it MUST have gone down her wee gullet. So... oh my god, my baby's eating food!
As it happens, I had my appendectomy follow-up today. I had never met my doctor, because despite the idiocy of trying to move refrigerators by myself (and backwards -- you're right, Dad), I am in generally good health and never need to go to the doctor. I'm serious; I'm not one of those people who won't go to the doctor. I just never need to. Anyway, while I was there, I got a TB test for work, and the doctor mentioned that I was due for a tetanus shot, so I got that, too. And it's been five years since my last cholesterol screen, so I had one of those while I was at it. I suspect it's pretty good right now, despite my weight: I've been off dairy and eating oatmeal every day.
We had a nice breakfast with Monkeygirl this morning. Man, I love Fox and Goose. I have some bloggy things on my mind that I think I'll write about soon. One is the state of my writing, and blogging itself. Another was inspired by Black Hockey Jesus again. He was asking about people's best and worst memories associated with songs, and I have more than one best and worst, and want to do it in something longer than a comments section. So look for that.
Take care,
CM
She needs to start eating rice cereal once a day, so I pumped some milk and made some today. I thought it would go about how it did last time, with her not eating really any of it. But she ate almost all of it! In fact, I had a paper towel handy to catch the drips, and when all was said and done there was only a little bit on the towel, so the rest of it MUST have gone down her wee gullet. So... oh my god, my baby's eating food!
As it happens, I had my appendectomy follow-up today. I had never met my doctor, because despite the idiocy of trying to move refrigerators by myself (and backwards -- you're right, Dad), I am in generally good health and never need to go to the doctor. I'm serious; I'm not one of those people who won't go to the doctor. I just never need to. Anyway, while I was there, I got a TB test for work, and the doctor mentioned that I was due for a tetanus shot, so I got that, too. And it's been five years since my last cholesterol screen, so I had one of those while I was at it. I suspect it's pretty good right now, despite my weight: I've been off dairy and eating oatmeal every day.
We had a nice breakfast with Monkeygirl this morning. Man, I love Fox and Goose. I have some bloggy things on my mind that I think I'll write about soon. One is the state of my writing, and blogging itself. Another was inspired by Black Hockey Jesus again. He was asking about people's best and worst memories associated with songs, and I have more than one best and worst, and want to do it in something longer than a comments section. So look for that.
Take care,
CM
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Don't procrastinate like me!
If you want to have your writing published, this may be your chance. My friends Suzanne and Alex are putting together an anthology of period stories called "Congratulations, You're a Woman Now!". Click the linky-link for more information. I have bits and pieces of my story in my head, but I need to write them down. The deadline for submissions is September 1. So get off the stick!
--CM
--CM
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Rolling, rolling, rolling... keep them babies rolling!
It's official -- she can now roll from tummy to back AND from back to tummy. Let's hope she doesn't start rolling off things! I'm going to have to keep a very careful eye on her. No more putting her down on the couch for a few minutes while I make breakfast. I'm so excited that she met this milestone, but I think I know what I'm in for, too...
The only bad thing about Freecycle
Is all the people you have to say "no" to after the item has been claimed. I feel bad, and want to give stuff to all of them.
I gave away my maternity clothes, the cosleeper, and the smallest diaper cover, which takes us one step further into the really real-life reality of Zadie being an only child. It was just theoretical before, but this is a pretty big dose of truth.
I gave away my maternity clothes, the cosleeper, and the smallest diaper cover, which takes us one step further into the really real-life reality of Zadie being an only child. It was just theoretical before, but this is a pretty big dose of truth.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Leafy Greens, the Japanese, the King in the building?
Yesterday my good friend Leif dropped by. He had transposed the numbers in my phone number and kept getting this very effusive message that said "This phone number will NEVER accept blocked IDs!" So he just came by and we hung out while the baby tasted and tested the relative merits of all ten of his digits. Then Sweetie came home and we all made fun of him for listening to "Pure Moods" and we went to sushi. We had a great time. I miss Leif since he moved away.
Today I went to my grandma's house for lunch, which her live-in-lover, Sam, made. It was a yummy frittata. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get Zadie a nap, so she was a little cranky and wouldn't really let her granny hold her. Both Sweetie and I find Sam kind of funny. He tells implausible war stories and cracks himself up. My favorite moment today was when Grandma wanted the camera and said she didn't know how to use Sam's. He says it "does everything for you. The Japanese... they're ahead in everything." And Grandma brings out this twenty year old point and shoot the size of a brick. It was beautiful.
Look at this photo. The high collar, the open neck, the slightly flared pants... does she look a little like Elvis? Or have I been spending too much time with the baby? Am I losing it? Seriously.
Today I went to my grandma's house for lunch, which her live-in-lover, Sam, made. It was a yummy frittata. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get Zadie a nap, so she was a little cranky and wouldn't really let her granny hold her. Both Sweetie and I find Sam kind of funny. He tells implausible war stories and cracks himself up. My favorite moment today was when Grandma wanted the camera and said she didn't know how to use Sam's. He says it "does everything for you. The Japanese... they're ahead in everything." And Grandma brings out this twenty year old point and shoot the size of a brick. It was beautiful.
Look at this photo. The high collar, the open neck, the slightly flared pants... does she look a little like Elvis? Or have I been spending too much time with the baby? Am I losing it? Seriously.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Date Night 2: The Mummy 3 (with spoilers)
Yeah, yeah, there are other movies we could have seen, but we were both in the mood for goofy action-adventure and it fit in with our time scheme better than "The Wackness." We dropped the baby off at Mom's (thank you!) and went a few blocks away to 33rd Street Bistro, one of my favorite restaurants (Sweetie isn't as crazy about it, but wanted to take me to a special dinner). I had my favorite sandwich, the Pike's Market, he had meatloaf, and we shared sweet potato fries. Then we went to the movie.
It was... silly. Hmmm, what was hardest to believe... yetis carrying Brendan Fraser to Shangri-La? The mummy guy turning into a flying three-headed dragon? Said dragon NOT beating a party on foot to two snow-covered mountains over? A dude who has control over all the elements not just lighting everyone on fire and running away? The fight between undead armies? Oh well, whatever.
The best part was the people in the theater, who not only clapped at the end, but one guy PUMPED HIS FISTS IN THE AIR in triumph. I also liked the guy behind us, who couldn't help but comment "See ya! Wouldn't want to be ya!" when the mummy was vanquished. The same guy, after a trailer for "Beverly Hills Chihuaha," guffawed and said (and I am NOT making this up, nor do I believe he was being sarcastic) "Talking dogs. What'll they think of next?" Um, I don't know... flying elephants? Hippos in tutus? A mouse as a steamboat captain? That's wacky, man.
Anyway, we had a nice date night. We considered next time just SAYING we were going to a movie, dropping the baby off, and then just coming back home for a few hours. Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more.
I guess Mom and Boompah and Zadie had an okay night until the end, when she woke up from a little doze and then started in with the bloodcurdling screams we could hear from the street. But that's better than last time, with the bloodcurdling screams for four hours, capped with vomiting.
It was... silly. Hmmm, what was hardest to believe... yetis carrying Brendan Fraser to Shangri-La? The mummy guy turning into a flying three-headed dragon? Said dragon NOT beating a party on foot to two snow-covered mountains over? A dude who has control over all the elements not just lighting everyone on fire and running away? The fight between undead armies? Oh well, whatever.
The best part was the people in the theater, who not only clapped at the end, but one guy PUMPED HIS FISTS IN THE AIR in triumph. I also liked the guy behind us, who couldn't help but comment "See ya! Wouldn't want to be ya!" when the mummy was vanquished. The same guy, after a trailer for "Beverly Hills Chihuaha," guffawed and said (and I am NOT making this up, nor do I believe he was being sarcastic) "Talking dogs. What'll they think of next?" Um, I don't know... flying elephants? Hippos in tutus? A mouse as a steamboat captain? That's wacky, man.
Anyway, we had a nice date night. We considered next time just SAYING we were going to a movie, dropping the baby off, and then just coming back home for a few hours. Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more.
I guess Mom and Boompah and Zadie had an okay night until the end, when she woke up from a little doze and then started in with the bloodcurdling screams we could hear from the street. But that's better than last time, with the bloodcurdling screams for four hours, capped with vomiting.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Le Freak... C'est chic
So after discussing all the possible reasons I might not have gotten a full paycheck, it was sort of on my mind that something could go wrong. And in fact, I did not get paid.
Instead of leaving voice mail messages and waiting for return calls, I just packed up the baby and we went to the district office this morning. I had "fallen off" the payroll because of my month of unpaid leave, and some department forgot to tell some other department to put me back on. But I did have the "summer bucket" money set aside, and they are going to send it to me. It'll just be, like, Tuesday. So it's a good thing the mortgage got paid!
The same guy is always at the front counter of the administration department when I go in, and because of various things, I've been in a lot this year. So today instead of walking and saying "Hi, I'm Count Mockula, and I think there's been a problem with my paycheck. May I speak with someone in payroll?" I walked up to him and said "Dude! I didn't get paid!" He replied in kind: "Dude! That sucks!" And then he got someone for me, but the rest of our conversation was peppered with "dude"s. Not like we're from California or anything.
Off to nap with baby-licious. She's super-tired.
Instead of leaving voice mail messages and waiting for return calls, I just packed up the baby and we went to the district office this morning. I had "fallen off" the payroll because of my month of unpaid leave, and some department forgot to tell some other department to put me back on. But I did have the "summer bucket" money set aside, and they are going to send it to me. It'll just be, like, Tuesday. So it's a good thing the mortgage got paid!
The same guy is always at the front counter of the administration department when I go in, and because of various things, I've been in a lot this year. So today instead of walking and saying "Hi, I'm Count Mockula, and I think there's been a problem with my paycheck. May I speak with someone in payroll?" I walked up to him and said "Dude! I didn't get paid!" He replied in kind: "Dude! That sucks!" And then he got someone for me, but the rest of our conversation was peppered with "dude"s. Not like we're from California or anything.
Off to nap with baby-licious. She's super-tired.
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