Hi all,
My lovely sister-in-law and nephew are here visiting. They came in on Saturday and we hung out a bit in the evening. Then yesterday we pretty much just hung out all day playing video games, then in the evening we went to Roxy for dinner. Today was much more eventful. We got up and hate breakfast, then hit the road and drove to Berkeley. Until we got there, we hadn't decided whether to just spend time in Berkeley, going to Telegraph, eating lunch at Slurp, going to Amoeba records, and then maybe seeing the 5th street shops or Dark Carnival books. Those are most of our favorite things to do there. But when we actually got into town, we decided just to BART into San Francisco itself.
Zadie was a riot on the train. She looked around, smiling, and said "How are you today, people?" She's bound to be like a game show host or something. We overshot our stop and had to walk through a seriously sketchy area, but it was less than a mile to Union Square. We went to Kariktur, the Paul Frank store, H&M, Gap Body, Rasputin Records, North Face, Lacoste, and then to King of Thai for lunch. They screwed up my order, but fixed it, and the waitresses loved Zadie.
After we walked around a bit, we went into the Westfield something (it used to be the "San Francisco Shopping Center"). We went into Sanrio, where Zadie got a lipstick and I seriously considered buying a Badtz-Maru bass. Then we went into several other shops, including a stationery store I really liked. Zadie had some Thai coffee at the restaurant, and so she had a complete and total meltdown at the mall. She turned into the Tasmanian Devil, then she just lay on the floor. Auntie ended up cradling her all the way to BART.
All in all it was a lovely day, and we got to use the carpool lane on the way home, whee! Now it's pizza and more video games.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas in pictures
I'm kicking myself for forgetting the camera earlier in the day on Christmas eve. But here's from about 7pm on.
Hesitant about Santa.
It's okay if Mommy and Daddy are both there.
With Granny.
Asleep in the car with new dolly named "Pepzibah."*
She has probably spent hours pushing this doll stroller around with various creatures in it.
This dolly is named Iris.**
I'm so glad she liked the robe I made.
She enjoyed her Christmas morning pancakes, too.
She was an excited helper.
Otter backpack.
Elmo slippers.
She rarely stops long enough to cuddle, but here she is.
*I was throwing out goofy names, like "Do you want to call her Brunhilda? Esmerelda? Hepzibah?" She misheard Hepzibah, but latched onto it and started calling the dolly Pepzibah.
** I decided to throw out normal names instead, and went through several flower names before Zadie decided on Iris.
Hesitant about Santa.
It's okay if Mommy and Daddy are both there.
With Granny.
Asleep in the car with new dolly named "Pepzibah."*
She has probably spent hours pushing this doll stroller around with various creatures in it.
This dolly is named Iris.**
I'm so glad she liked the robe I made.
She enjoyed her Christmas morning pancakes, too.
She was an excited helper.
Otter backpack.
Elmo slippers.
She rarely stops long enough to cuddle, but here she is.
*I was throwing out goofy names, like "Do you want to call her Brunhilda? Esmerelda? Hepzibah?" She misheard Hepzibah, but latched onto it and started calling the dolly Pepzibah.
** I decided to throw out normal names instead, and went through several flower names before Zadie decided on Iris.
Monday, December 21, 2009
To do list
I'm going to come back and cross things out as I finish them, so you can check back for interactive can-she-beat-the-clock action.
Finish and wrap craft project A.
Make caramels.
(added 8:20pm 12/22)wrap caramels in waxed paper.
Chocolate dip about half the caramels. (Scratched this out because I decided not to do it!)
Make peanut brittle: 1 batch. 2nd batch.
Assemble Z's bike.
Wrap all remaining presents.
Make Z's robe.*
Figure out something to make for my aunt and make it.
(Added 5:30-ish pm 12/21)
Watch Howl's Moving Castle with Zadie.
Make fat noodle soup for dinner.
(Added 9:40pm 12/21)
*The robe had the STUPIDEST instructions ever. For example, step one was "Never press fleece. Finger-press or steam only." Guess what step two is? That's right, "press." So I tried finger pressing. Hey, why don't you see if you can find some fleece and press a crease into it with your fingers. That's okay, I'll wait. Oh, you tried it and found out it's FUCKING IMPOSSIBLE?! Me too. Plus, the same instructions asked me to take an eight-inch piece of fabric and cut it into two six-inch pieces. Now, I only have a very elementary grasp of math, but that seems like a magic trick to me. And they completely forgot to add a step for hemming the sleeves. Are you out there, "See and Sew" patterns? You guys suck.
(Added 1:07 pm 12/22)
Bike assembled, presents wrapped!
(Added 8:20pm 12/22)
Okay, the caramels are done, but it was a nightmare. I used my usual peanut brittle pot, but it was too small, so the stuff boiled over. It ran under the burner, where it caught on fire. All our smoke detectors were beeping, and we had to air out the whole house. Also, after I got the first fire out, it caught fire again. Our stove is encrusted in charred caramel. What a nightmare. And now I still have to wrap all those damn candies. Next year it may just be back to English toffee. I have never had a fire making English toffee. As you can see from the current list, I still have to figure out something for my aunt. I have an idea, but only one day to make it. And my last minute procrastination gifts just arrived, so now I have more wrapping to do, too.
(Added 9:57am 12/23)
I wrapped the caramels, and they are delicious! The almost made me forget the fire. I also made my aunt's gift. I hope they don't look like I got them from a disabled adults art fundraiser. I'm afraid they might. I have a little touch-up painting to do, since the white turned really yellow in the oven. Now I'm just down to the final presents. I have an eyebrow appointment tonight, and while I'm out I might drop off a few goodie bags. But I'm mostly done! I'll update when I've finished wrapping, then this post will rest peacefully and I won't edit it anymore.
(Added 10:52am 12/23)
Presents wrapped. Post retired! Naturally, I have a few things yet to do -- laundry, packing up goodies to take to various places, etc., but nothing more from the big list. Happy holidays!
(added 8:20pm 12/22)
(Added 5:30-ish pm 12/21)
(Added 9:40pm 12/21)
*The robe had the STUPIDEST instructions ever. For example, step one was "Never press fleece. Finger-press or steam only." Guess what step two is? That's right, "press." So I tried finger pressing. Hey, why don't you see if you can find some fleece and press a crease into it with your fingers. That's okay, I'll wait. Oh, you tried it and found out it's FUCKING IMPOSSIBLE?! Me too. Plus, the same instructions asked me to take an eight-inch piece of fabric and cut it into two six-inch pieces. Now, I only have a very elementary grasp of math, but that seems like a magic trick to me. And they completely forgot to add a step for hemming the sleeves. Are you out there, "See and Sew" patterns? You guys suck.
(Added 1:07 pm 12/22)
Bike assembled, presents wrapped!
(Added 8:20pm 12/22)
Okay, the caramels are done, but it was a nightmare. I used my usual peanut brittle pot, but it was too small, so the stuff boiled over. It ran under the burner, where it caught on fire. All our smoke detectors were beeping, and we had to air out the whole house. Also, after I got the first fire out, it caught fire again. Our stove is encrusted in charred caramel. What a nightmare. And now I still have to wrap all those damn candies. Next year it may just be back to English toffee. I have never had a fire making English toffee. As you can see from the current list, I still have to figure out something for my aunt. I have an idea, but only one day to make it. And my last minute procrastination gifts just arrived, so now I have more wrapping to do, too.
(Added 9:57am 12/23)
I wrapped the caramels, and they are delicious! The almost made me forget the fire. I also made my aunt's gift. I hope they don't look like I got them from a disabled adults art fundraiser. I'm afraid they might. I have a little touch-up painting to do, since the white turned really yellow in the oven. Now I'm just down to the final presents. I have an eyebrow appointment tonight, and while I'm out I might drop off a few goodie bags. But I'm mostly done! I'll update when I've finished wrapping, then this post will rest peacefully and I won't edit it anymore.
(Added 10:52am 12/23)
Presents wrapped. Post retired! Naturally, I have a few things yet to do -- laundry, packing up goodies to take to various places, etc., but nothing more from the big list. Happy holidays!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
A few Zadie bits
This morning, she has been dry since she got up (almost 4 hours), so I gave her a cookie I'd just made, then I went back into the kitchen. A moment later, I heard her sobbing. I came back out and found her clutching a crumbled cookie, absolutely bereft. She was sad she'd broken her cookie. I told her it was okay, and that it happens so often there's a saying for it: that's the way the cookie crumbles!
Yesterday I had on green glittery eyeshadow to be festive for our winter event in the morning. Zadie sat on my lap and poked my eye excitedly. "What's that!? What's that!?" I said "My eyeball, quit poking it!" She poked again and said "What's that!?" I remembered and said "Oh, it's glitter eyeshadow." She somewhat wistfully replied "I love you, glitter eyeshadow."
For her birthday, her Grandpa and Grandma Tia got her a light-up, musical flowerpot. From the beginning, we couldn't get it to work. We changed the batteries, looked for a power cord, and nothing. But Z loves it anyway. Sweetie decided to give it another try the other day. As he was unscrewing the battery panel, I said "I just don't think it's going to work." Zadie said "It works. It works. I fix it. It needs batteries. You gotta shake it real hard." (Incidentally, my dad and Tia came over last night and located the well-camoflauged button, so it works now.)
We've been giving one-minute time-outs when she's been really naughty (usually when she's doing something dangerous and won't listen). A couple nights ago, she hauled off and smacked me in the face. I said "Zadie! We don't hit people. If you hit again, you're going to have a time-out." She whacked me again, then slid off my lap and ran to the time-out chair and climbed up, exclaiming "I got a time-out!"
Last night we were having "Enchilada-inspired polenta pie." Sweetie said "I don't think you've been eating, because you don't have a messy face." She dipped her finger into some polenta and dabbed it delicately into her cheek.
During Sweetie's days with her (he was Mr. Mom three days this week), apparently she told him "I love eating." Every time he asked her what she wanted to eat, no matter what meal or snack, she answered "eggs." He made eggs one day and asked her how many olives she wanted. She said "eight."
Okay, I have to wrap it up, because she wants to watch "videos of Zadie."
Yesterday I had on green glittery eyeshadow to be festive for our winter event in the morning. Zadie sat on my lap and poked my eye excitedly. "What's that!? What's that!?" I said "My eyeball, quit poking it!" She poked again and said "What's that!?" I remembered and said "Oh, it's glitter eyeshadow." She somewhat wistfully replied "I love you, glitter eyeshadow."
For her birthday, her Grandpa and Grandma Tia got her a light-up, musical flowerpot. From the beginning, we couldn't get it to work. We changed the batteries, looked for a power cord, and nothing. But Z loves it anyway. Sweetie decided to give it another try the other day. As he was unscrewing the battery panel, I said "I just don't think it's going to work." Zadie said "It works. It works. I fix it. It needs batteries. You gotta shake it real hard." (Incidentally, my dad and Tia came over last night and located the well-camoflauged button, so it works now.)
We've been giving one-minute time-outs when she's been really naughty (usually when she's doing something dangerous and won't listen). A couple nights ago, she hauled off and smacked me in the face. I said "Zadie! We don't hit people. If you hit again, you're going to have a time-out." She whacked me again, then slid off my lap and ran to the time-out chair and climbed up, exclaiming "I got a time-out!"
Last night we were having "Enchilada-inspired polenta pie." Sweetie said "I don't think you've been eating, because you don't have a messy face." She dipped her finger into some polenta and dabbed it delicately into her cheek.
During Sweetie's days with her (he was Mr. Mom three days this week), apparently she told him "I love eating." Every time he asked her what she wanted to eat, no matter what meal or snack, she answered "eggs." He made eggs one day and asked her how many olives she wanted. She said "eight."
Okay, I have to wrap it up, because she wants to watch "videos of Zadie."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
What a difference a decade makes.
I know I'm a little early, but can you believe the "aughts" are on the way out? Not too long ago, I was thinking about the 90s, because there's a radio station locally that plays all 90s music. It wasn't all my music, but I know a lot of it, so I occasionally listen to the station. And some songs on there remind me of high school, others remind me of my first apartment, and still others make me think of my first marriage breaking up. I just can't freakin' believe I went from freshman in high school to divorcee in a decade!
So guess what? Now another decade has passed and brought with it a slew of amazing changes. In 2000, I was living on Freeport Boulevard in a rental with a roommate (Monkeygirl). We couldn't afford high utility bills, so we kept the heat down low and kept our fingers from freezing by holding them over candles. We had a "formal" at the house where people got crunk and passed out under my desk and on the couch. I started a web site (an early blog, really) called "Your Mama's Scene" and reviewed local shows. I went out to a lot of shows and got to meet some of my music idols, including Kevin Seconds, who was a fan of my site. After MG moved out, I went through a few more roommates, like the thankfully brief Mike and Guitargirl. In fact, it was during that time that we started the band, I bought my first bass, and I taught myself to play. We actually played out a lot and had a following, however small. At this time, I was working on my Master's, but I realized I needed a better-paying job. So I decided to substitute teach. At the interview, the woman (Billie Egolf, a name I can't forget) asked if I'd be interested in an internship to get my teaching credential. Just to be polite and seem agreeable, I said yes. I got the flyer in the mail the same day (in fact, an hour before) the interviews for the internship. I realized when I read it that it was a spectacular opportunity, so I threw myself together and went to the interview. Although I had to wait seemingly forever to hear, I did get in, and that fall (2000) I started teaching.
At the end of my second year, I bought a house. Around the same time, I got my credential. I then went back to finally finish my Master's. I had thought about doing it in Pedagogy, but settled on my true passion, poetry. Towards the end of that program, I met Sweetie. Although he was a librarian at my university, that's not how we met and there wasn't anything untoward about it. In fact, I didn't even meet him at school. I met him through our friend Leif. That same year, my mom retired, and we went on a trip to the Virgin Islands. I lost a toxic friend, but had a wonderful time with mom and loved the Caribbean.
Sweetie and I fell in love pretty quickly, and a little more than a year later, he moved in, on Halloween. In 2005, he asked me to marry him (while I was crying about a bad day at work). I had my great-granny's ring sized and we were engaged. It was a quick wedding, which took place at the county office on July 8, 2005 and only a few people attended -- our dear friend Bryan, who came from Portland, Monkeygirl, and my Mom and Boompah. Later that year, we had a reception once the weather had cooled down enough for people to enjoy it. Seeing all our friends and family together was wonderful.
That spring, I interviewed for a new job. I was sad to leave my old school, a middle school I loved, with a faculty and staff who were supportive and, cliche as it sounds, like a family. But the new job offered an opportunity to teach literature I loved and older kids, and I really wanted to make the move. I got the job and started that fall. I'll never have the same kind of faculty to work with, I'm sure, but I do love the kids and the curriculum. I see myself staying here.
In 2006, we decided to expand our family. We started working on it. At the same time, we wanted to upgrade our home. Mom and I had done a lot of work to my first house, and it was in good shape to sell. The bad news was that we found ourselves trying to sell right as the bottom fell out of the market and it sat on the market for a long time. We also didn't get as much as we hoped for for it. On the other hand, the good news was that we found a house we fell in love with, that screamed "home" to us, and we got it for a fair price.
After more than a year of pretty focused trying, we finally got the good news that the baby was on her way. A few weeks after, I went to BlogHer and got to meet many good (internet) friends, including Suzanne, whom I have been lucky enough to meet on several occasions. Around November, we found out the baby's sex and decided for sure her name was Azadeh. Everyone was thrilled for us. She arrived in March, 2008, and has been enriching our lives ever since. We had a scary birth, then some weight issues that included reflux and a milk allergy, but once all that was resolved, she set about showing us how amazing she was in every way. My mom has been her daily care provider, for which I am unutterably thankful.
Earlier this year our friend Bryan passed, and we miss the hell out of him.
Sweetie got tenure this year, which is very good. If he hadn't, we'd be looking around the country for new jobs and a home. I did get to see other parts of the country, though -- Boone, Iowa and Chicago, Illinois. Mom and Zadie and I visited my grandma and went to BlogHer.
I think we've gotten up to Eugene, Oregon about once a year, and I've gained a whole new wonderful family up there.
That doesn't cover everything, not by a long shot. But it sort of hits the big stuff. When the new decade rolls around, I have a lot to reflect on.
Thanks for reading. Sorry for going on so.
So guess what? Now another decade has passed and brought with it a slew of amazing changes. In 2000, I was living on Freeport Boulevard in a rental with a roommate (Monkeygirl). We couldn't afford high utility bills, so we kept the heat down low and kept our fingers from freezing by holding them over candles. We had a "formal" at the house where people got crunk and passed out under my desk and on the couch. I started a web site (an early blog, really) called "Your Mama's Scene" and reviewed local shows. I went out to a lot of shows and got to meet some of my music idols, including Kevin Seconds, who was a fan of my site. After MG moved out, I went through a few more roommates, like the thankfully brief Mike and Guitargirl. In fact, it was during that time that we started the band, I bought my first bass, and I taught myself to play. We actually played out a lot and had a following, however small. At this time, I was working on my Master's, but I realized I needed a better-paying job. So I decided to substitute teach. At the interview, the woman (Billie Egolf, a name I can't forget) asked if I'd be interested in an internship to get my teaching credential. Just to be polite and seem agreeable, I said yes. I got the flyer in the mail the same day (in fact, an hour before) the interviews for the internship. I realized when I read it that it was a spectacular opportunity, so I threw myself together and went to the interview. Although I had to wait seemingly forever to hear, I did get in, and that fall (2000) I started teaching.
At the end of my second year, I bought a house. Around the same time, I got my credential. I then went back to finally finish my Master's. I had thought about doing it in Pedagogy, but settled on my true passion, poetry. Towards the end of that program, I met Sweetie. Although he was a librarian at my university, that's not how we met and there wasn't anything untoward about it. In fact, I didn't even meet him at school. I met him through our friend Leif. That same year, my mom retired, and we went on a trip to the Virgin Islands. I lost a toxic friend, but had a wonderful time with mom and loved the Caribbean.
Sweetie and I fell in love pretty quickly, and a little more than a year later, he moved in, on Halloween. In 2005, he asked me to marry him (while I was crying about a bad day at work). I had my great-granny's ring sized and we were engaged. It was a quick wedding, which took place at the county office on July 8, 2005 and only a few people attended -- our dear friend Bryan, who came from Portland, Monkeygirl, and my Mom and Boompah. Later that year, we had a reception once the weather had cooled down enough for people to enjoy it. Seeing all our friends and family together was wonderful.
That spring, I interviewed for a new job. I was sad to leave my old school, a middle school I loved, with a faculty and staff who were supportive and, cliche as it sounds, like a family. But the new job offered an opportunity to teach literature I loved and older kids, and I really wanted to make the move. I got the job and started that fall. I'll never have the same kind of faculty to work with, I'm sure, but I do love the kids and the curriculum. I see myself staying here.
In 2006, we decided to expand our family. We started working on it. At the same time, we wanted to upgrade our home. Mom and I had done a lot of work to my first house, and it was in good shape to sell. The bad news was that we found ourselves trying to sell right as the bottom fell out of the market and it sat on the market for a long time. We also didn't get as much as we hoped for for it. On the other hand, the good news was that we found a house we fell in love with, that screamed "home" to us, and we got it for a fair price.
After more than a year of pretty focused trying, we finally got the good news that the baby was on her way. A few weeks after, I went to BlogHer and got to meet many good (internet) friends, including Suzanne, whom I have been lucky enough to meet on several occasions. Around November, we found out the baby's sex and decided for sure her name was Azadeh. Everyone was thrilled for us. She arrived in March, 2008, and has been enriching our lives ever since. We had a scary birth, then some weight issues that included reflux and a milk allergy, but once all that was resolved, she set about showing us how amazing she was in every way. My mom has been her daily care provider, for which I am unutterably thankful.
Earlier this year our friend Bryan passed, and we miss the hell out of him.
Sweetie got tenure this year, which is very good. If he hadn't, we'd be looking around the country for new jobs and a home. I did get to see other parts of the country, though -- Boone, Iowa and Chicago, Illinois. Mom and Zadie and I visited my grandma and went to BlogHer.
I think we've gotten up to Eugene, Oregon about once a year, and I've gained a whole new wonderful family up there.
That doesn't cover everything, not by a long shot. But it sort of hits the big stuff. When the new decade rolls around, I have a lot to reflect on.
Thanks for reading. Sorry for going on so.
Monday, December 14, 2009
At the park
Zadie park
Originally uploaded by countmockula
Sweetie had the day off and watched Zadie all day. They went to the park and he sent me this photo. I just love it. Really shows her character.
The continuing saga
IMG_0812
Originally uploaded by countmockula
of testing the Oil of Olay stuff. I'm on my second bottle, and I think I am happy with it. I'll probably keep using it. I don't think anyone would mistake me for a college kid (even despite my new pink streak), but I don't feel like I have bags or anything either. So there you have it.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
New video -- Potty train and counting in Spanish
Okay, I know it's crossing a blogging line to not only mention the potty training, but to also include a video with a kid actually talking about potty training, but I swear it's cute and brief and there is no mention of any waste except one reference to "pee-pee."
Anyway, right afterwards she counts to five en Español, so that's worth watching.
Anyway, right afterwards she counts to five en Español, so that's worth watching.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Three Zadie notes
First, we've been telling her about what we will do on Christmas. On Christmas eve, we are going to Uncle Mickey's house. Just now she said "We're going to Uncle Mickey's house. He will be funny. I will laugh at him." Pretty likely, actually.
Also, she's really into stories. She likes longer ones with plots now. Not too long ago (I might have already blogged this), we were reading a Frog and Toad story, and at the point where Toad was on his way to rescue Frog, she yelled "Frog, I'm coming to help you!" She also starts her own stories with "Once upon a time." She can recite a fair chunk of "The Owl and the Pussycat." She really likes "Today Was a Terrible Day." At the end, the teacher writes the main character a note saying that the next day is going to be a good day. Zadie now tells me that tomorrow is going to be a "good day. Happy day."
Also, we just might be potty training. I wasn't planning on trying until after Christmas, but on Thursday and Friday, she just happened to be dry every time Mom changed her. Mom asked whether she wanted to use the potty, and most of the time, she has been saying no. But both days, each time, she said yes. Today she wore "big girl panties" all morning until naptime. She's in a diaper now, but I'd say that's real progress!
Also, she's really into stories. She likes longer ones with plots now. Not too long ago (I might have already blogged this), we were reading a Frog and Toad story, and at the point where Toad was on his way to rescue Frog, she yelled "Frog, I'm coming to help you!" She also starts her own stories with "Once upon a time." She can recite a fair chunk of "The Owl and the Pussycat." She really likes "Today Was a Terrible Day." At the end, the teacher writes the main character a note saying that the next day is going to be a good day. Zadie now tells me that tomorrow is going to be a "good day. Happy day."
Also, we just might be potty training. I wasn't planning on trying until after Christmas, but on Thursday and Friday, she just happened to be dry every time Mom changed her. Mom asked whether she wanted to use the potty, and most of the time, she has been saying no. But both days, each time, she said yes. Today she wore "big girl panties" all morning until naptime. She's in a diaper now, but I'd say that's real progress!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Students and running (two things I love that frustrate me) and new bedtime!
At risk of being Dooced, let me talk about work for a minute. I love what I do. But will you understand if I am sometimes frustrated? With third period (juniors), I keep having conversations like this one:
Kid: How long until break?
Me: Two weeks.
Kid: So, like, next week?
Me: No, you go to school next week, then vacation is after that.
Kid: Wait, I thought we had ten days?
Me: Right. Each school week is five days, and there are two weeks left.
Kid: What day do we get out?
Me: The 18th is the last day of school.
Kid: So vacation is next week?
Me: Look, you stay at school today until 3:15, then go home and sleep. Come back tomorrow. Go home and sleep. School. Sleep. School. Sleep. School, then enjoy a nice weekend. Then come back. There are five more days of that, and then vacation.
Or...
Me: Okay, we're on page 40, the "Change of Heart" article. Please turn to page 40.
Kid: What page are we on?
Me: 40.
Another kid: What page?
Me: 40. Everyone please turn to page 40, the "Change of Heart" article. We're going to read the article "A Change of Heart" on page 40.
Kid: Is it two?
Me: Huh?
Kid: Is it, like, two articles?
Me: Let me see what you're looking at. (I look.) No, those are the letters to the editor. We're on page 40.
Anyway, on to running. I have really been enjoying running. I feel like I have a goal, and I am keeping a schedule. I am challenged, but not overwhelmed. I have a really positive feeling about sticking with it, and I feel like I can reach my goal. I have a happy vision of myself back at a healthy weight. I am providing a good example for my baby, who now declares "I'm exercising!" and "I want to run like Mommy!" In short, it is really good for me. Except for one thing -- I think my knees are about to give out. I'm serious. When I get off the treadmill, I have to hold the handles in order to step to the ground, and after I drive home, I can barely make it up the two steps into the house. And they don't just hurt during or immediately after a workout, either. They pretty much hurt all day, every day. If I sit still for a few minutes, then try to walk, I limp and struggle.
I'd love to know why. Is it because I have bad running form and could fix it with a different stride? Is it because I'm just too damn heavy and am putting too much stress on my joints (I'm not insulting myself -- I am genuinely obese)? Am I just prone to bad joints? (I haven't complained about it in a long time, but I have fairly constant joint pain, just not as bad as the knees.)
Sweetie suggested swimming, which is great low-impact exercise, but for some reason, I don't love it. You can't read a book. You can't listen to music. It's just you and the two ends of the pool and the long stretch in the middle. And cold, wet hair before bed.
Lastly, when Z decided to sleep in the big bed, she also wanted to nurse in there. And then she nursed to sleep, and I didn't see the ENORMOUS problem that was going to cause. She ended up wanting to nurse and stay awake longer and longer until I was spending a couple hours in there every night, falling asleep out of exhaustion, and then sneaking back to my own bed, only to go back in to comfort her when she woke up and I wasn't there. Ugh. I never got anything done in the evening, and neither of us was sleeping very well.
So last week, I decided to change that. I re-read the Sleep Lady book, then re-decided it wouldn't work for us. I decided to institute a bedtime routine, then just let her lie in there and go to sleep by herself. For three nights, she cried like the dickens, though less each night. On the fourth night (and fifth through seventh), she has quietly gone to sleep with no crying and slept all night long. So we're both happy -- she's getting more sleep and I'm getting more time to myself.
If you're interested, out bedtime routine is as follows: I change her diaper. I brush her teeth and recount her day (we play a little game where she purses her lips and I poke them to get the toothbrush in, and she laughs). Then we read "I Love You As Much." Then I give her and Sweetpea (her doll) both a hug and kiss. Then I tell her the little rhyme my grandparents used to say to me: "I love you little. I love you big. I love you like a little pig." Finally, I tell her to sleep well and have sweet dreams, and I tuck her in and remind her to help Sweetpea get to sleep.
Kid: How long until break?
Me: Two weeks.
Kid: So, like, next week?
Me: No, you go to school next week, then vacation is after that.
Kid: Wait, I thought we had ten days?
Me: Right. Each school week is five days, and there are two weeks left.
Kid: What day do we get out?
Me: The 18th is the last day of school.
Kid: So vacation is next week?
Me: Look, you stay at school today until 3:15, then go home and sleep. Come back tomorrow. Go home and sleep. School. Sleep. School. Sleep. School, then enjoy a nice weekend. Then come back. There are five more days of that, and then vacation.
Or...
Me: Okay, we're on page 40, the "Change of Heart" article. Please turn to page 40.
Kid: What page are we on?
Me: 40.
Another kid: What page?
Me: 40. Everyone please turn to page 40, the "Change of Heart" article. We're going to read the article "A Change of Heart" on page 40.
Kid: Is it two?
Me: Huh?
Kid: Is it, like, two articles?
Me: Let me see what you're looking at. (I look.) No, those are the letters to the editor. We're on page 40.
Anyway, on to running. I have really been enjoying running. I feel like I have a goal, and I am keeping a schedule. I am challenged, but not overwhelmed. I have a really positive feeling about sticking with it, and I feel like I can reach my goal. I have a happy vision of myself back at a healthy weight. I am providing a good example for my baby, who now declares "I'm exercising!" and "I want to run like Mommy!" In short, it is really good for me. Except for one thing -- I think my knees are about to give out. I'm serious. When I get off the treadmill, I have to hold the handles in order to step to the ground, and after I drive home, I can barely make it up the two steps into the house. And they don't just hurt during or immediately after a workout, either. They pretty much hurt all day, every day. If I sit still for a few minutes, then try to walk, I limp and struggle.
I'd love to know why. Is it because I have bad running form and could fix it with a different stride? Is it because I'm just too damn heavy and am putting too much stress on my joints (I'm not insulting myself -- I am genuinely obese)? Am I just prone to bad joints? (I haven't complained about it in a long time, but I have fairly constant joint pain, just not as bad as the knees.)
Sweetie suggested swimming, which is great low-impact exercise, but for some reason, I don't love it. You can't read a book. You can't listen to music. It's just you and the two ends of the pool and the long stretch in the middle. And cold, wet hair before bed.
Lastly, when Z decided to sleep in the big bed, she also wanted to nurse in there. And then she nursed to sleep, and I didn't see the ENORMOUS problem that was going to cause. She ended up wanting to nurse and stay awake longer and longer until I was spending a couple hours in there every night, falling asleep out of exhaustion, and then sneaking back to my own bed, only to go back in to comfort her when she woke up and I wasn't there. Ugh. I never got anything done in the evening, and neither of us was sleeping very well.
So last week, I decided to change that. I re-read the Sleep Lady book, then re-decided it wouldn't work for us. I decided to institute a bedtime routine, then just let her lie in there and go to sleep by herself. For three nights, she cried like the dickens, though less each night. On the fourth night (and fifth through seventh), she has quietly gone to sleep with no crying and slept all night long. So we're both happy -- she's getting more sleep and I'm getting more time to myself.
If you're interested, out bedtime routine is as follows: I change her diaper. I brush her teeth and recount her day (we play a little game where she purses her lips and I poke them to get the toothbrush in, and she laughs). Then we read "I Love You As Much." Then I give her and Sweetpea (her doll) both a hug and kiss. Then I tell her the little rhyme my grandparents used to say to me: "I love you little. I love you big. I love you like a little pig." Finally, I tell her to sleep well and have sweet dreams, and I tuck her in and remind her to help Sweetpea get to sleep.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Fun weekend!
Friday: Work, then Christmas home tour, then Chinese food, then home.
Yesterday: breakfast at Orphan*, Costco run, Santa's Toy Shop stop**, Mixed Bag,*** Art Beast, home, nap, jog/walk****, snacks, cleaning, grocery run, made lasagna, Jenny came over, we got 1/2 our Christmas stuff up, played some Guitar Hero, drank cocoa.
Today: made waffles, put other 1/2 of Christmas stuff up, Trader Joe's and Co-op run, Z's nap, then later, dinner with Mom. Whew!
*Our favorite server, Amy, wasn't there. Zadie called "Aaaaamyyyyy, where aaaarreee youuuuuu?"
** She wasn't into having Santa read her a story, but she did want to run around the "shop" and play hide and seek. Santa was game.
***I finally found an ornament I liked for Mom, but I was holding one of the other contenders, and Zadie REALLY liked it. She insisted Grandma needed a "red one." So we got both.
**** I have completed week one of "Couch to 5k."
One of the cutest displays on the home tour.
Digging in at Orphan -- she had already eaten eggs and bacon, and I gave her potatoes and bread from my plate.
I failed my restraint roll at Costco (only gamers will likely get that).
Santa chasing Zadie.
They gave her a juice box, which was probably the highlight of her week.
In the play kitchen at Artbeast.
Coloring.
Decorating.
More decorating.
All done!
P.S.
This year with the wooden bead garland.
Last year with the wooden bead garland.
Yesterday: breakfast at Orphan*, Costco run, Santa's Toy Shop stop**, Mixed Bag,*** Art Beast, home, nap, jog/walk****, snacks, cleaning, grocery run, made lasagna, Jenny came over, we got 1/2 our Christmas stuff up, played some Guitar Hero, drank cocoa.
Today: made waffles, put other 1/2 of Christmas stuff up, Trader Joe's and Co-op run, Z's nap, then later, dinner with Mom. Whew!
*Our favorite server, Amy, wasn't there. Zadie called "Aaaaamyyyyy, where aaaarreee youuuuuu?"
** She wasn't into having Santa read her a story, but she did want to run around the "shop" and play hide and seek. Santa was game.
***I finally found an ornament I liked for Mom, but I was holding one of the other contenders, and Zadie REALLY liked it. She insisted Grandma needed a "red one." So we got both.
**** I have completed week one of "Couch to 5k."
One of the cutest displays on the home tour.
Digging in at Orphan -- she had already eaten eggs and bacon, and I gave her potatoes and bread from my plate.
I failed my restraint roll at Costco (only gamers will likely get that).
Santa chasing Zadie.
They gave her a juice box, which was probably the highlight of her week.
In the play kitchen at Artbeast.
Coloring.
Decorating.
More decorating.
All done!
P.S.
This year with the wooden bead garland.
Last year with the wooden bead garland.
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