April 12, 2008 at 7:25 pm · Filed under animals, family, foxxi
The four of us scored VIP tickets to the taping of the Jeopardy! College Championship semifinals, so this afternoon we clapped and cheered through three back-to-back shows. I learned that there really are APPLAUSE signs that flash on and off so we know when to pump up the enthusiasm. And Alex Trebek is a very funny guy. We were in the third row, right behind the contestants who had already finished competing. I’m pretty sure we won’t be on camera or anything. The UW Band got lots of well-deserved screen time, as did the audience members who had brought signs to wave around.
It was almost like a sporting event, actually.
Yesterday I took Foxxi to the vet for her yearly exam. Third time’s the charm — the doctor was finally able to give her a real exam and get a blood test from her. Of course, they had to give her morphine to accomplish this without being bitten. (Which is why the first two visits failed miserably. Foxxi turned into Cujo when anyone tried to handle her, and it was impossible to put a muzzle on her. I even tried using the cat gloves to do it, but no go.)
I picked her up at noon, and she was pretty out of it the rest of the day. I was glad that I had let Peter stay home from school. (He had missed Monday and Tuesday, but had gone back Wednesday and Thursday.) Moon went back to school Friday because the antibiotics for her ear infection had kicked in. After lunch, I called Peter’s doctor because he’d had an especially nasty coughing attack when I was home. And I brought him in a few hours later.
He’s on antibiotics now, too. Because he has a bit of pneumonia in one lung. Neato.
This is so weird for me, because I could count on the fingers of one hand how many times my kids have needed antibiotics. Both kids. We’ve gone years without needing to see a doctor for anything but regular checkups. What’s with this winter?
Nonetheless, Foxxi was the most expensive by far. She’s also mad at me. She wouldn’t look at me yesterday, and nipped me if I reached over to pet her. I tried to tell her that hey, none of this would have been necessary if she would have been a LITTLE cooperative, but she’s not listening.
Category: Moods
Answer: The vet wrote this next to “disposition,” but it could have described the human as well as the dog.
Question: What is “Grumpy”?
April 9, 2008 at 9:05 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
So, Moon has missed three days of school this week. Turns out she has an ear infection, which was unexpected since she’s never had one until now. In fact, she’s only had antibiotics maybe twice in her life. It’s actually a relief to think that she might feel up for going to school tomorrow.
She’s much more conscientious than I was at that age.
In other news, I’m knitting a Chevron Scarf, and I’ve been working on my YogAhh Pants. And I’ve been trying to figure out what to wear to Sister #3’s wedding in a few weeks. Not to mention the kids, who don’t own a whole heck of a lot of formal wear.
Oh, and Moon and I will be going to Minneapolis for a college visit next week. Let the excitement begin!
March 23, 2008 at 7:25 pm · Filed under spiritual
We went to the in-laws’ today and saw the extended family and all the kiddos. Celebrated some birthdays, too. Now we’re all in front of the TV, watching a DVD about sacred geometry, black holes, aliens, etc.
We kind of believe a little bit of everything, I guess. Keeps things interesting.
March 19, 2008 at 6:42 pm · Filed under spiritual
I feel like I’m getting ready to hatch or something. It’s just been such a long winter, and the past few weeks have been exhausting. Guess what, though? We’re supposed to get snow on the 20th.
We’re settling into a kirtan routine, with Pete playing percussion for MaaShakti Das at a small gathering periodic Fridays. MaaShakti always makes some sort of observation or comment that sticks with me afterwards. Last Friday, it was when he pointed out the deities he’d brought for the altar that evening. The large statue was Ganesha. He reminded us that Ganesha can remove all obstacles.
So when I was out shopping on Saturday, I picked up a small Ganesha. Because I could use a reminder that I have help in that area. I noticed that the word is “remove,” not “overcome.” Somehow that was powerful for me.
March 7, 2008 at 6:57 pm · Filed under blather
I’m so glad to be home. Somehow I made it through the day despite some random dizziness, and now I can stay put in my favorite chair. Moon stayed home from school. We’re very glad it’s the weekend. Pete is finishing up some work and will be walking home soon.
Moon’s school is in the state boys’ basketball semi-finals (and favored to win the whole thing), and the game is on TV. Sweet! It’s shaping up to be a decent Friday night, although I wish the room would stop spinning around.
March 6, 2008 at 10:55 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
I went back to work today, and Moon is starting to show symptoms of the crud. I suggested that she stay home tomorrow, and she argued that she has a presentation to do, her project partner is depending on her, etc. My response (that the teacher would probably grant an extension or something) fell on deaf ears, but I convinced her that I could drop off the materials to her partner before 1st hour tomorrow and the sky probably would not come crashing down upon us.
So she’s finishing up some final touches before heading to bed. I do admire her dedication and her work ethic. I just hope she can keep from stressing out over school. Today’s regret is that she managed to get a B in health class freshman year. I told her she WILL get into the college of her choice despite the mistakes of her youth.
I don’t think she believes me. Aren’t I evidence enough that these things work out?
Anyway. Pete has eight (count ‘em) deadlines to meet tonight, so he’s at work until they’re done or he passes out from fatigue, whichever comes first.
Huh. A tad bit of similarity, much?
March 5, 2008 at 8:51 am · Filed under blather, shopping
I’ve been through chills, fever (103 degrees!), body aches, nasal crap and coughing. The fever and chills seem to have subsided, but I still look like a big plate of death warmed over, and I wouldn’t wish this particular virus on anyone. So far I’ve avoided cabin fever because I’ve been sleeping or nearly sleeping around the clock. Plus, too weak to do anything when awake.
My son was kind enough to hold an ice cube to my forehead while I was swaddled in blankets Monday night. Weird combination of body chills and head-on-fire. Really, the kids have been good to me. When I was all feverish, I felt the need to tell them I loved them, over and over, in case I was dying or something. (I guess.)
Anyway, I feel like I’m turning a corner, which would be great because I’d love to get out of the house and actually do something. I miss work. And I have candy for the candy dish — it’s been in the back seat of the car since Sunday.
Now for another IndieFixx photo. I was especially happy to see this in my prize package, as I am quite addicted to bags. This one is by Becky OH! who makes fabulous handmade bags small and large. It’s perfect for just a few little items (i.e. what I usually carry besides my current knitting project).
Wonderful stuff. Time for a nap.
March 3, 2008 at 6:38 pm · Filed under blather
That’s what I feel like right now. And all day until now, too. Peter was sick on Friday, and I realized he wasn’t just messing around when he ended up sleeping most of the day. Same thing Saturday.
Yesterday, I took the kids to see “Enchanted” (I know! but we all loved it). My throat started feeling a little scratchy during the movie, which I chalked up to being out in the damp. By bedtime I was ready to crash, and my voice was almost gone. I woke up several times during the night with a start — and a severe need to either (1) wheeze or (2) pee.
I was worse by morning. After hauling myself out of bed to drive Peter (restored to full health) to school in my PJs, I crashed until around 1 p.m. I made myself stay upright until 3, but that was about all my body could take. Back to bed… until the chills came. Time to take a hot, hot shower. Which was apparently so much exertion that I immediately collapsed in a chair, wet hair, multiple blankets and all.
At least I’m clean. Now Pete and Moon are at chime choir practice, and Peter is at a friend’s house. He’s kind of on my list right now because he didn’t call me to let me know where he was (I had to track him down)… and his progress report arrived in the mail. Moon is righteously indignant about it because she’s been attempting to mentor him. I think I’ve said the kid has a lazy streak. What I should say is that he has an industrious streak, with a default of laziness.
Okay, that’s my rant. I’m in the rocking chair huddled up with blankets, and my laptop is on my actual lap. Can you tell I’ve been alone almost all day? I’m going a little buggy. This is how cruddy I feel: I have not knit a single stitch today. I might try in a little bit, but I’m just as likely to huddle in a pathetic heap.
(P.S. I’m also getting my period.)
March 1, 2008 at 12:13 pm · Filed under shopping
I’ve been totally remiss in not telling you about my triumphant win of a giveaway from Indie Fixx, a blog/shop that celebrates independent design.
Using my dubious presentation skills, I photographed each of the items in the box so I could share them with you…starting with one of my favorite pieces, this gorgeous bracelet by Sha-Sha.
Keep watching, because I’ll be showing more of these treasures. I feel so lucky!
February 22, 2008 at 9:44 am · Filed under idol
“Paint that door and that knob and go for it.” – Paula Abdul
I am so totally going to start using that.
February 18, 2008 at 10:24 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
Yes, I finished my Tunisian crochet prayer shawl — and I’ve already begun another one. (Pete helpfully agreed to demonstrate the finished product before it’s donated.) During Sunday’s ice/snow extravaganza, we were all confined to home for the day. So I dug out an old project and am attempting to revive it. I had made 49 small solid-colored granny squares, and decided at some point that I needed to stop. Now I’m bordering each of the squares in red, and I plan to join them into a lap blanket. Or it might be a dog blanket. I don’t know. At least it’ll be out of the UFO bin.
In other news, did you know Wisconsin has had a record-breaking snowfall this winter? Yeah. There was also this thing where about a thousand motorists were stranded for about 10 hours on a stretch of I-90 right outside Madison. It’s been interesting, and I can hardly wrap my mind around spring being a month away. It seems like a faraway imaginary place.
February 2, 2008 at 11:13 am · Filed under knit/crochet
I haven’t even shown pictures of my Christmas haul, but one of my favorite gifts was a Tunisian crochet hook, personalized with my name burned into the side. I didn’t even know how to do Tunisian crochet, but it looked interesting and I love to learn new stuff.
It turns out that Tunisian crochet is very easy, fun AND looks great when you mix random yarns together. Which makes it a perfect stashbuster for all those little quarter-skeins of leftover yarn that tend to pile up over time.
After a few practice swatches using cheap acrylic, I gathered up some of my favorite leftovers in the purple family and tried my hand with three-color Tunisian. Basically, you alternate three different yarns and it creates a variagated effect very easily. Most of my yarn was already multicolor, so I was a little afraid I’d end up with a monstrosity. What do you think? I love it.
In fact, I was sad to finish. My mind wandered to the ever-present Lion Homespun prayer shawl project. I’ve made three prayer shawls for my (new thought/new age) church to donate to people in need of support, but I can’t say any of them were all that fun to make. For one thing, Homespun is a pain to work with – it’s very splitty. It’s our yarn of choice because it’s: (1) inexpensive, (2) readily available, (3) looks nice worked up, (4) very easy to care for. My two Homespun traditionally-crocheted shawls were slightly wonky because it was hard for me to keep track of where the loops were. I’m also not the best at keeping the sides straight. I knitted my latest one because I’m faster and more skilled with knitting than with crochet. Except it was so slow and boring that it took me at least twice as long to finish.
I decided to rip out the few inches I’d completed on shawl #4, which was languishing in a plastic bag. Then I started working it in Tunisian. And look! It’s only been about a week, and I’m more than a fourth of the way finished. It’s so addicting that I keep picking it up even though I have socks to work on. What’s especially impressive to me is that the shawl is my at-home-only project, so I’ve made progress without car passenger time or waiting in line time.
Today’s another busy day in a long line of busy days, but I had to take the time to tell you about my latest obsession. And so it goes.
February 1, 2008 at 10:38 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
We just returned from the best high school musical production I’ve ever seen: “Little Shop of Horrors.” I thought there might be some mishaps and mess-ups because it was opening night, but the performance was perfect.
Moon was one of the set decorators, and worked many long hours helping transform the auditorium into a skid row flower shop. (Brooke was part of the crew, too.) She’s at the wrap party, and I’m sure there will be much giddiness and celebration.
I can’t think of a better way to start a weekend.
January 18, 2008 at 4:10 pm · Filed under blather
I haven’t given up on x365, I’ve just been doing all sorts of things away from the computer. What happened to January being a boring, inactive month? Somehow I’ve still managed to knit most of my Juliet sweater, and I’m most of the way done with one black sock for Pete. The house is a mess and very un-feng shui. I don’t think I’ll be doing anything about it this weekend, though.
Moon and I have talked about painting the inside of the house this summer. I’m comforting myself with that thought when I feel myself starting to freak out about the disarray. It’ll improve. I’m just hibernating for now.
January 8, 2008 at 3:10 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
January 8, 2008 at 9:29 am · Filed under friends
One of the last things I did in 2007 was to meet Jeff in person. We had coffee together and went to church, where we burned stuff ritualistically and stood in front of the ladies’ room while Moon took our picture.
Jeff and I met via another website around 4 years ago, had corresponded offline, but had never seen each other face to face. He was in town with a friend, which was why we finally had this opportunity to meet.
He was much taller (and much more blond) than I had expected. But otherwise he was the same good sport and pleasant guy I’d come to know through his writing. I’m glad we got to send off 2007 the way we did, and I hope 2008 brings him everything he’s been working for.
January 4, 2008 at 4:36 pm · Filed under shopping
I am super tempted to buy one of these, even though I have an expensive PDA that should fulfill every one of my planning needs.
January 1, 2008 at 12:07 am · Filed under blather
Moon and Brooke went to a movie this afternoon, so I gave them $20 and said they should stop at the grocery store afterwards and pick up whatever munchies caught their fancy. (Brooke’s parents were planning on having us over, until her dad came down with a cold and her mom was scheduled to work in the morning. We moved the celebration to our house instead.)
Right now our kitchen is a festive array of flavored snacks, s’mores ingredients and other processed sugary items. We played Cranium and Apples to Apples, Brooke called her boyfriend in Pennsylvania, and we watched the ball drop on Fox. I’m pretty tired. It’s been a good day. It’s been a pretty good year, too.
Cheers, and sleep tight.
December 29, 2007 at 11:13 pm · Filed under blather
I had the pleasure of a girls’ day with my singing buddies – we met at a gorgeous house on the lake. The owners are on vacation and invited S. and her husband to spend some time there. It’s the most harmonious, peaceful living environment I’ve ever seen. Everything in the home is placed with intention, and there’s beauty and simplicity everywhere you look.
We laughed, talked and listened to music. Very fun.
Then tonight, Pete and I enjoyed hearing Arturo Sandoval at the Overture Center. Wow. I love Latin music, and Arturo is quite the engaging entertainer. Multi-talented, too. I don’t think my mambo skills could keep up with the beat, though. (Do I even remember any of the steps I learned this fall?)
Moon is fighting a cold and has been quite upfront about her misery. She’s still going to stage crew, but she’s very stuffed up and not sleeping well. We got Indian takeout for dinner so she could benefit from the spices. She said she was able to taste the food, so that’s a good thing.
December 28, 2007 at 3:02 pm · Filed under x365
Tall (6’4″) and thin with light red hair, he was a country boy who once raised a squirrel. We were mutually attracted, but it never really went anywhere, even though he gave me a breathtakingly handcrafted valentine with a poem written in his calligraphic hand.
[I am participating in x365.]
Tags: x365
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