Friday, May 30, 2008

One Proud Mama-jama

Today, my baby, who somehow managed to sneak up to almost six years old, graduated from PreK. The ceremony was lovely, with a special speech personalized for each child and a Bible verse selected by their teach for them also. Mrs. Eaton-White was the greatest teacher in the world and I can only hope that Ali will be blessed with teachers who are just as awesome in the future.

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Ta da, better photo by Pop Pop.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Make Mii Fit

Much to the chagrin of Alison and Wayne, we do not own a Wii. I explain to them that the expense is just too much for an "entertainment item". Plus, we're up to our eyeballs in every single previous incarnation of the Nintendo. :)

My opinion is changing quickly though, the more I hear about Wii Fit. I think I may covet Wii Fit, but not anyone's specifically so I don't think I'm breaking any commandments.

I've been Jazzercising for a few months now, trying to keep off the 50lbs. I managed to lose on the Byetta. I'm maintaining the weight and get the occasional compliment about looking more toned, but no additional pounds have been lost.

Unfortunately, the Jazzercise facility I attend only has child care for 3 classes a week and up until this week I've only been able to attend 2 of those classes. I started the Couch to 5K program in the week and a half of spring we get here in Sunny Orlando and now it's too darn hot.

I'm supposed to compete in the Urban Dare in September and need some great indoor training so I can beat Wayne. :)

Wii Fit, I need you.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Weekend Blogging: ABCs

I saw this over at Susie's and thought it was terribly cute and great for a weekend "fluff" piece. :)

Accent: Kind of a hodge podge. I say ya'll, but pronounce room more like rum like a northerner. And I knew (and lived with) quite a few people from Mass while in college and adopted the use of "wicked". My British friend Becky says I sound like a real American, like in the movies.

Breakfast or no breakfast: Always coffee and I try for a protein. I seriously love bagels.

Chore I don’t care for: Ironing. It is not done in this house.

Dog or Cat: A dog, named Brewski.

Essential Electronics: My Palm Pilot, the laptop, digital camera, electronic key fob for the car.

Favorite Cologne: Clinique Happy

Gold or Silver: Silver or white gold

Handbag I carry most often: My new, hot pink Dickies tote. Plenty of room for all my stuff plus some diapers and a book to keep the kiddies entertained. I have an amazing Coach bag that was given to me for my birthday two years ago, but I'm terrified to get it dirty.

Insomnia: I am a night person, but occasionally battle with not being able to fall into a deep sleep and then I'm no good the next day.

Job Title: Professional Mommy. Copyeditor.

Kids: Daughters: 5 & 1.

Living Arrangements: Live with the love of my life and my darling daughters in a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house on a park.

Most Admirable Trait: I'm witty. I have it on good authority that people talk about my endearing wittiness.

Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: I like to talk my little seester into things.

Overnight hospital stays: When I gave birth both times, we stayed overnight in the hospital. I stayed in the hospital with Alison when she had to be rehydrated when she was 9-months-old.

Phobias: I am not too excited about home invasion or having my children kidnapped.

Quote: Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got! Deuteronomy 6:5

Reason to smile: I am loved and blessed.

Siblings: Two sisters, one 15 months younger, one 4 years younger.

Time I wake up: 6:00 AM - I'm clocked in at work by 6:10 AM (I work in the living room).

Unusual Talent or Skill: I can figure out almost any movie by midway through.

Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Brussel sprouts - ick!

Worst Habit: I am told I dominate conversations.

X-rays: Normal.

Yummy Stuff: Sundried tomatoes, Chevy's salsa, good bruschetta - and to think I spent the majority of my life hating tomatoes.

Zoo Animal I Like Most: Giraffes


Happy Memorial Day!! :)

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Eventually You Just Won't Hear It

Have you ever been told, maybe while house hunting or visiting a friend, that the train right across the street is no big deal? Eventually you get used to it and tune it out. I happen to know this is 100% true because our second house was right across from the Amtrak tracks, the same ones that will take you from Winter Park all the way to Washington DC. We got a lot of fast, express traffic and with the exception of the demented conductors who blew the horn from the second they were within earshot to the second they left it, we eventually tuned the whole shebang out.

I do this with the girls too. I can totally tune out the fake, just-let-me-have-my-way cries and whines. A skill that Wayne says is annoying to others (him included) who can't pull it off with such adeptness.

The problem is, they know. It's like they possess a secret power and can sense when I've tuned out a sound. Suddenly the ol' screech changes just a few decibels and becomes more of a squeal and bam! I'm paying attention again. It goes from background noise to clawing fingers wrapping themselves around my brain.

These children are crafty I tell you. I wonder if they're sharing notes . . .

Monday, May 19, 2008

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Monday, May 12, 2008

FO: Leyburn Socks

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Pattern: Leyburn Socks by MintyFresh

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock in Christmas Rocks

Started: April 23, 2008 Finished: May 7, 2008

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These lovelies flew off my needles - 14 days!!! All previous socks have taken almost a month per sock and I finished both in just 2 weeks!!! I'm so impressed with myself.

As they knit up so quickly, I remember that Mother's Day was approaching and that soon my Mom will be in England where a sturdy pair of wool socks will get a lot more wear than here in sunny Florida (where it broke 90 degrees over the weekend!!)

So yesterday they were lovingly packaged and given away. And they fit and were lovingly received!

The pattern is easily memorizable and clever and fun to knit. For some reason the little quilted bits remind me of Space Invaders. :)

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For those of you that pay attention, you may notice I've already started another pair - will my efficiency hold or are we back to a sock a month?? Didn't I intend this yarn for another pattern and another pattern for this yarn?? The answers to these questions, coming soon.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

In praise of Yahoo! Answers

Or why one lazy momma has given up on Google.

That's a fib, I have not completely given up on Google - I totally heart gmail too much. But yesterday, they were not my fave.

Alison has a Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP (man that's a mouthful). Unlike other children who you may see playing the GB at the dinner table at restaurants or during church, Ali's only allowed to play her on special occasions. Which may or may not coincide with long car trips or mommy's headaches or lack of afternoon activities.

Recently, it's been giving us some trouble. On occasion, when you'd power it up, the logo screen would come up, but that's all you got. And you'd see a black bar where it should say Nintendo. And they're so in love with owning things that the black bar is trademarked. :)

I googled and googled with no real answers being found anywhere. I tried using different search words, including and excluding things, but nothing was my answer.

I checked online support at Nintendo and almost called, but then I saw Yahoo! Answers. In two short seconds, I not only had the answer, but also another option which took the first fix a step further - just in case it didn't work. Hooray!

Unfortunately, when all was said and done - it's broken. There is one authorized Nintendo repair shop in all of Orlando and it's downtown. I found another one on craigslist for $25. I'm buying it. Maybe I'll still take the original in - then Emi will have her own. :)