A Time and Place

Congress worried about sexism?

2009-06-16T13:29:00.001-07:00

Isn't that rich.

Oh, and this blow-hard fuck nuts should also...

2009-06-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

...shut the hell up.

*Thanks to Lizzybird for the great name used for my name callin'

Is it me,

2009-05-22T06:57:00.001-07:00

or has ABCnews gone all entertainment on me? Stink-a-do, I liked their news.

Ruinous has-been...

2009-05-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

...needs to shut the hell up.

-Just sayin'

I wanted Adam to win.

2009-05-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

So sue me, I was rooting for the over-dog.

Ladies Weekend Box Contents Thus Far

2009-05-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

That's So Raven puzzle
Boggle
Corkscrew
Toilet paper
Pizza cutter
Flashlight
Bug spray
Pin the tail on the donkey game
Banagrams

What else?

Ladies Weekend Nostalgia

2009-04-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

At ladies weekend, you can pee whenever you want.

Spring is the time for love.

2009-04-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

I Like:

Flashby Indigo by Clarks

Happy Easter Grampy!

2009-04-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here's your poem:

The bunny came.
We played lots of games.
The wind blew.
And we thought of you.
Sunny day.
Stinks you're away.
Can't wait to see you in May
When you come over to play!

Hugs and kisses-
Ubs and Little E

25 things about me

2009-03-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

I've been reading all of this drival about how evil and narcissistic our generation and GenY are as clearly noted in the "25 things about me" fad on facebook but I can't get to facebook from work so here's mine...just so everyone knows about me, me, me, me.

I’ve had stitches in both big toes and my forehead, all separate incidents.
I can’t smell music.
I have a love/hate relationship with knitting.
I can identify the moment that I’m in as wonderful. -You’ll know I’ve identified the moment when I look you in the eye and say, “This is a moment in time.” or “We’re livin’ large!”
I am impatient in every regard.
I love all colors, and I don’t mean that metaphorically…I really like all colors; periwinkle, umber, beryl, chestnut, leafy-green…I even like their names.
If I could have a super-hero ability, I would be able to swim and read at the same time.
I’m a doer. I get it done.
My weight directly reflects my happiness/stress level.
As I age, it seems, the more I like baked goods.
I write a letter to my boys once a month.
I don’t drink.
I’m moving to an ugly house that I love and might buy.
I love making lists and schedules.
I like my MIL.
I like fruit and vegetables equally and believe organic does make a difference flavor-wise.
I believe in the innate goodness of people.
I’m tired most of the time.
Mostly I’m thankful in life.
Mostly I’m lucky in life.
I work very, very hard.
I really don’t love traveling.
I’m a little floored by the kindnesses extended from friends.
I’m shocked at how long 8am to 5 pm extends on Fridays.
I’m terrified of this recession.

Quick Like a Bunny...

2009-03-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

...and nearly a year after my last post:

If you are in the healthcare field and there are procedures to which you "conscientiously disagree," get out of the damn field. No one made you go into healthcare, jack ass.

Summertime

2008-06-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

Updates

2008-05-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

Elijah...
...is HUGE and hilarious.

Abe...
...is so in love with reading and lazy that I busted him reading my knitting book because, "it was next to my yellow chair."

Darryl...
...is getting fat. The proof, spoken by the man himself:
1. "My ass is trying to crawl out of my pants."
2. "I've decided to call these jeans my nut crackers.
...is not very bright. The proof:
SK: "I'm a 36. What am I'm going to do??"
A: "You could lose some weight or buy 38s."
SK: Completely dumbfounded, "What??????"

The Post That Never Was

2008-05-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

They day after my previous post, I wrote this post in my head:

Title: In Regards To Yesterday's Post or The Nature of Marriage
Text: I take all that nice shit back.

I knew it would have been too mean to write (especially after Mim commented so sweetly), even though the truth of the sentiment echoed through every cell of my body. I also knew that the sentiment would leave after a bit but, man howdy, that truth (the coming and going of love and hate) really is the nature of marriage. At least mine. I will, however, say that if we wish to temper those tendencies, all I need to do is make sure I have time with SK. Not nearly as easy as it sounds.

The Benefits of Aging with a Friend

2008-05-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

My friend SK and I have been together going on 11 years. I know, nutty.

On Monday morning I waved my father off in a cab and went about my day, becoming more and more deflated as the day progressed. Monday night I went to my knitting class and, after arriving home, ignored my family and knit for the rest of the evening.

On Tuesday I gathered my children up with few kisses, hugs and laughs and schlepped them to school, schlepped myself to the train and work all the while being spit on by the sky. I walked through the day arriving home to my bed at 5:45. Stayed there until Wednesday.

Wednesday was a mirror image of Tuesday with the exception of watching tv instead of going directly to bed.

Thursday I woke up feeling as though the darkness was subsiding. I picked up the phone when arriving at my desk and told my friend SK that I could breathe, that I didn't feel like going directly to bed, that the rain that continued was no longer mocking me. He replied, "I'm so glad hon. I know it's hard to say goodbye after visiting your family." What the...? Wait, this was about that? "You always get like this." My very best friend knows me the best of all.

Through this entire week of feeling like crap my sweet friend hugged, kissed, fed and played with the children so that I could wallow. He tucked me in and took the kids out to dinner so that I could sleep without guilt and without noise. He looked at me with his warm brown eyes and rubbed my leg when passing by the lump on the couch. Not only does he know me the best, he loves me the best. Tis a benefit of aging with a friend, no?

Libby is blessed.

Story of the Day from Story People

2008-05-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to the story of the day and this one, as it turns out, is about me!

Lists

When I was younger I used to keep all the stuff I had in my pockets. There were a lot of rocks & little shiny things. As I got older it got to be too much to carry & I couldn't remember why I kept it anyway so I finally got rid of it. Now, I make lists

AWESOME!

-If you'd like to subscribe to Story People's story of the day, go here.

To be a queen

2008-05-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Coworker: Hey!

Me: hey

Coworker: "Blah, blah, blah (overworked/currently working libby not so much paying attention) blah, blah like some people like to weild power. Like you. You're not so much a princess as a queen."

Me: pondering, should I punch her from my powerless thrown or nod agreeably as she may be the official boss oh' libby in the coming weeks? "Yeah, I say. I'm a queen," nodding.

I've determined...

2008-04-24T05:40:00.001-07:00

...that the trouble with dieting for me is that I get hungry. Being the problem-solver that I am, I eat. This seems to fly in the face of conventional dieting strategies.

So Freakin' Nice

2008-04-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

The boys slept over at their nana's house last night and, wow! I always refer to my friend Darryl as "my friend Darryl" but zoinks, he really is such a delight. Who knew? Of course I did, but it's nice to actually sit across a table from him, gaze into his fantastic eyes and giggle at his dorky jokes and silly self. An amazing weekend. Go me with my lucky self!

Feminist Mutha Meme

2008-04-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

ahem, I mean Feminist Mother meme lifted from here.

How would you describe your feminism in one sentence? My feminism is justice-centered, happy and smart. When did you become a feminist? I was born one but came into my own in college. Was it before or after you became a mother? Before, by a long shot.
What has surprised you most about motherhood? The exhaustion.
How has your feminism changed over time? I think I've become softer…more "heartful" than cerebral about injustice. Injustice causes physical reactions where, when younger, only intellectual frustrations manifested. What is the impact of motherhood on your feminism? I believe my heart became exposed when I had children. I became open to pain and love in a very different way. I experienced a lack of control with both that I never knew existed…I believe this was a direct cause of the heartful-ness that I mentioned.
What makes your mothering feminist? My humor and knowing that my children are whole, large, grand, amazing people. Feminists realize that whatever the package, male or female, old or young, abled or disabled, black or white, we are all whole, large, grand and amazing people. How does your approach differ from a non-feminist mother’s? You know, I don't know. I honestly don't know any non-feminist moms. How cool is that?? How does feminism impact upon your parenting? I take kindness and justice very seriously in our household. I also am very aware of how the world would like to impact my sons and make every effort to ensure that they hear a feminist voice as the backdrop to their adulthood through having heard their mother's throughout their childhood.
Do you ever feel compromised as a feminist mother? Every day. I am furious that we have made little to no headway in creating systems of support for working mothers and fathers and their children. It's fascinating and dumbfounding to me that I still must scramble to take my children to a doctor's appointment or to attend a school event. Madness. Do you ever feel you’ve failed as a feminist mother? Not yet, but my boys are only 1 and 4.
Has identifying as a feminist mother ever been difficult? I only get strength from it. Why?
Motherhood involves sacrifice, how do you reconcile that with being a feminist? I do not sacrifice much. I make sure that my needs are met whenever I get the opportunity. I maintain friendships with powerful women, meet with them often, take downtime for reading and knitting and I do all of that for my sons as well as for me. I do not want them to believe that the women in their lives should sacrifice to be loved by them.
Do you feel feminism has failed mothers and if so how? Feminism hasn't failed…society has. See answer 5 for more. Personally, what do you think feminism has given mothers? Choices.

Okay.

2008-04-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

All of the wonderful fish are knit however, I repeat, I have no earthly idea how they may one day be joined. I'm considering a joining party that will feature chocolate and wine...those two substances seem to have motivational affects on my friends.

OMG!! Just LOOK at Hazel!! So Beautiful!

2008-04-04T05:56:00.001-07:00

Hazel's Sweater

2008-03-31T07:25:00.001-07:00

The only thing that would make it cuter is if Hazel were in it.

Look, I do NOT have a problem.

2008-03-27T17:48:00.001-07:00

It does not necessarily follow, as my friend SK suggests, that I offered to bathe my eldest child simply so I could sit on the toilet and knit. It doesn't necessarily follow, but it is the case. PLUS I just got onto Ravelry. Dudes, I've been waiting for this for MONTHS!!! Photos of the sweater I made Hazel pending.

What else? Well, I just applied for a director level position at work. What a freakin' HOOT I am! I mean why not, right?? Me wants more money and more money and more money because money is tasty and sweet and makes everything better. YUM!

Back to knitting, I'm going to the Philadelphia Book Festival at the Main Library to see THE YARN HARLOT!!!! Yep, and I'm going with VisMajor, one of the most simply delightful people in my entire circle of delightful people.

Other news, my beautiful friend Mim just brought a new little person into the world. Mazel tov! AND my other beautiful friend, Mathild, is due next week and she is AMAZING with her gorgeous, fantastic self.

Did I mention that I ordered some yarn for a sweater for ME and more yarn for a sweater for Eli and the patterns are in this book that I also bought?? And did I tell you that I'm nearly done knitting the fish blanket though I haven't an idea how I'm going to get my friend Mathild to join the cursed fish together, what with the incredible degree of knocked-up-ness in which she currently finds herself. There are only 64 fish. She could get that done before labor. Sheesh with the laziness.

Okay, I've gotta run. I need to start taking pictures of my stash and projects so that I can post on the BEST KNITTING SITE OF ALL TIME.

Whoa!

2008-03-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

This freakin' year is FLYIN' by! Bumble is 1 and Bubber is 4...zoinks. SK is OLD, and I need more naps. Other than that, reading, knitting, hugging, picking up, trying to exercise and grab a shower, working, losing no roundness and feeling thankful for my blessings.

Cognitive Leap.

So what to make of the serpentine web woven by the DNC? I'll make no attempt to compile facts here...you can certainly do your own homework. I will, however, post those opinions I've been able to cobble-together in the moments between raising my family and trying to feed my soul.

1. The Republicans in Michigan and Florida are not responsible for the disenfranchisement of Democratic voters.
2. Failing to count the votes cast by folks in those states is, indeed, disenfranchisement.
3. The DNC was short-sighted and down-right negligent getting us into this mess and I consider the decision-makers bastards (I warned you people about Howard Dean YEARS AGO - You can't trust a man that is pro-capital punishment. Can. Not.).
4. The super delegate deal is lame.
5. I am tempted to vote for Barack because of this bull-shit Reverend Wright crap. Hello, Barack, like Bill Clinton, affiliated himself with Wright because of power. Politics runs on power. Where is power centralized in the black community? In churches. Who is the most powerful church leader in the Chicago area? Youuuuu guessed it. There is nothing, I repeat, nothing wrong with listening to someone else speak. A retort is not a moral imperative. Sure, it might have been nice if he would have spoken against some of Wright's more whack-a-do statements, but it does not follow that he is whack-a-do himself simply because he did not.
6. Barack saying that his grandmother's particular breed of racism is "typical of white Americans", isn't an outrageous statement. In fact (okay there is one fact I will assert here), typical white Americans do, indeed, possess his grandmother's particular breed of racism. If you're white and this infuriates, take a moment and truly ponder. I was faced with the truth of this in college when I took a class on race in America and opened up my soul to the possibility that I may have, without my consent, internalized some all-be-it slight degree of racism and, would you believe it?-I did and do see that I too must check myself and be aware of the racism that I breathed in as a child and continue to everyday simply because I live in this world, in the space in time.
7. I'm still voting for Hil.

2008 Resolutionz

2008-01-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

Lose some roundness
Drink water
Be more patient/have faith
Figure out financialz
Get PMP Certification
Get Villanova Certification
Get perspective
Slow down
Use "z" in all instancez of pluralz

Care to share?

A Christmas Conversation 'Round the Fire

2007-12-23T20:11:00.002-08:00

Aerenchyma: "Mannheim Steamroller is the worst thing to ever happen to Christmas. Worse than WalMart and worse than Christians."

SK: "Mmmmm," nodding, egg nog in hand, "you might be right."

Knits

2007-12-09T19:11:00.000-08:00

Fall has been good for the knitting (always is). Behold three baby blankets that I've crafted for three of my knocked-up friends.

And here is a little scarfy-scarf I knitted:

Yum!

Exhausted - But in a good way

2007-12-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

Since November 1st, my father visited, my sister, BIL, nephew, niece and mother have visited, my other BIL is now in town, and we've spent a weekend in the Poconos.

In other news, Ubs is reading and has a new nickname; Curls.

Eli has three new teeth in as many days. --I'll try to get a photo of the new little chicklets soon. In the meantime...

Now I shall sleep.

Libby's 2007 Reading Round-up

2007-11-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

A fine year of reading, I had. Thankful am I.

Novels

The Book Shop by Penelope Fitzgerald

Winner of Libby's Book of the Year Award. Fantastic. Wonderful, wonderful. When I slowly closed this book after reading the last few perfect words, I sighed and smiled. This book was a pleasure in all the ways a book can be. Thank goodness for it. I am lucky to have read it.

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

While reading, I felt it a bit trite considering the rather weighty subject matter; concentration camps, illiteracy, secrets, power in sexual relationships. By the end, though, I saw that the book did little to persuade or give answers to any of the questions raised - and this was its grace. I recommend but only insofar as the subject-matter interests you. It's not especially well-written but did the trick for me.

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

Really weird book that I liked immensely. It has a bit of everything; religion, morality, interplay of relationships, cultural amorphism, slavery, social hierarchies, caste systems, political scapegoating…it's all here. This would be a great book club book and is highly recommended.

Crescent by Diana Abu-Jaber

Loved it, loved it, loved it. If you've seen Stranger than Fiction and, like me, thought that the last 10 minutes of the movie should have landed on the cutting room floor, then you'll feel the same about the last 30 pages of this book. Even so, like Stranger than Fiction, it's fantastic. Read it.

The Good Mother by Sue Miller

I wanted to like this book but I couldn't get past the atrocious parenting of the lead character. Thing is, you weren't supposed to think the lead characters was actually a bad mother (hence the title). But in the first 50 pages, she gives her 3 year old some beer, puts her in the tub and leaves her while she goes to sip on some wine and do the dishes and sticks a pacifier in her child's mouth to "keep her quiet." Nuts. To be honest, I didn’t get much further in the book than these first 50 pages but I wanted to write this up to warn anyone wishing to purchase this book.

Blindness by Jose Saramago

From the Nobel Prize winning Jose Saramago comes a 1984esque novel about a strange plague of blindness. The overriding theme of the story is the inhumanity societies inflict upon individuals out of fear. The underlying (and more interesting) theme is the disorientation experienced by the characters. The lack of sensing/lack of seeing is pressed upon the reader by Saramago's writing style. He fails to name the characters, refuses to structure the dialogue using traditional punctuation and description and leaves the reader wondering, "Who said that?" "Who was that?" "What was that sound?" "Where am I?" Truly transfixing and transforming. I did not enjoy the subject matter of this book but loved the book. Really amazing. I plan on adding The Double to 2008's reading list.

Falling Man by Don DiLillo

I liked this book. I did not love it. I didn't enjoy the characters so much…less insight than you'd like with the backdrop of 9/11. I guess that's just the point though; that few of us have made sense of 9/11 and integrated the experience of it into a coherent system of values/thoughts/positions/whatevers. The book felt "true"…that life goes on in much the same way as it always has, that most of us saw the horror and have left it to fade away, and that keeping it close, even if we could, would do little to enlighten our souls or further any meaningful cause.

Senseless.

Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

Ummmmm…okay. Here's the dealio; I think that Kundera is a fantastic writer. Fan-freakin'-tastic. On the other hand, he's got some serious sexuality/women/relationship issues. If you can look past his clear misogyny (which I could actually pull off in parts), you will experience quite a treat. If it happens that you are misogynist, holy cats! you're gonna LOVE this book!

Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve

It's about a young woman (15) who has a tryst with a married man during the late 1800s. I liked it. The writing was fast and smooth. Some have referred to her writing as "economical", which is the case but may lead you to the mistaken belief that it is not beautiful. It is. A fantastic vacation book (which is where I read it along with the next).

Sea Glass by Anita Shreve

Loved it, loved it. Shreve is just a fine writer. This story takes place in the same house as Fortune's Rocks but is set against the backdrop of the depression. I recommend.

Body Surfing by Anita Shreve

Set in current day and takes place in the same house as the two above (I love that the house has become a character to me), but this book was not nearly as good as the two before it. Even so, I'm going to try out The Pilot's Wife that falls between Sea Glass and Body Surfing in time. I'll let you know.

The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart

Wow. This book was really hard on me. I don' t think it was an amazing book by any stretch but I do feel as though it spoke such truth about friendship and running away, about love and pain between women that I will recommend. If you've lost friends to time, place, changes, hurt, mindless actions, or no actions whatsoever, the book will be personal to you. It was to me, maybe a bit too much so.

Herzog by Saul Bellows

I'll leave it to the committee to defend its determination of worthiness for the Nobel. T'was good. T'was well-written, clearly. T'was philosophically interesting, I suppose. What it wasn't was current. The crux of this book is an average joe philosopher slowly losing grip and writing letters to everyone he knows and does not. It's a really good technique that allows a revealing of Herzog's thoughts. The outcome is ontologically grounded; actualized thoughts…putting it on paper does make it real, does it not?

Any which way, I believe I missed the moment in time that this book failed to transcend. Herzog wrote to heads of state, celebrities, wives and children among others. Since these folks are rooted in the past (the book was written in 1961), the book is a victim of time. Sigh, ain't that always the way?

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

I liked it. It was about a man who gave up his and his wife's child (a twin) without his wive's knowledge because the child had down syndrome. I think the book would have been infinitely more interesting if it began in current times (seems a theme this year). The birth took place in the 60s when society's perception of the worth of people with down syndrome was much less than it is now (not that we're in the clear about this IMHO, but still). Anyway, I could wax poetic but the deal is that this jerks giving up of his wive's child seems somewhat less monstrous because of the attitudes and options of the time. I would have liked to see a more complex moral fabric as the backdrop. Of course, that could just be me.

The Sea by John Banville

Currently reading but I will say that, should this book have been completed before publishing this post, it would most likely have been the runner up in the coveted Libby's Book of the Year Award. Lovely.

Non-fiction

The Medium is the Massage: An Inventory of Effects by Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore

Holy crap this book is cool. Super duper cool. Me thinks freakingly awesomely cool. I found it under my bed (turns out it was SKs). If that isn't your type of luck, go buy it. Cool.

On Beauty and Being Just by Elaine Scarry

I read a few reviews of this book before I bought it. Most people "liked" it but there seemed to be a consistent, if not gentle, criticism that it was not analytical enough.

Having been an analytic for many years and having been out of school for a few I felt this an opportunity to see how far I've come. Maybe by now I could just read philosophy without seeking consistency, rigor, and coherency. I could maybe read the words and let them melt over me. Experience the aesthetic, if you will. Certainly if I could, it would be most likely while reading a book entitled "On Beauty and Being Just."

You know, not so much. Yeah, no, not at all. This book was lame. Lame, lame, lame. It's not even the rigor or consistency or coherency that was all lacking that made me nutty, nutty, nutty. It was the preposterous assumptions. Gack! It totally reminded me of the paper I submitted with my Master's applications. And oh my, that's not good! Blesch! Do. Not. Read. It.

Short Stories

I don't generally review the short stories I read over the year unless they're part of a collection but my friend SK gifted me a subscription to One Story. Tis the cat's pajamas. It helps me find authors quick like a bunny and add them to my "keep an eye out for 'em" list.

To this years short stories then:

Picnic After the Flood by Rachel Cantor

This is a story about being a woman who is perpetually drawn to bad boys - and who of us hasn't been? But it revealed nothing of the truth of the matter beyond that experienced by any woman over 25 years of age; They're bad. They cheat. It stinks.

Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing by Lydia Peelle

Loved it. It is about a woman going through a divorce and looking for her ex through it. I think we all lose a bit of ourselves when we couple - always looking to the partner for validation/joy/love/kindness/affirmation so when we decouple we're left to remember ourselves. The main character doesn't…not in this short story but, I suspect, will. And isn't that the beauty of short stories? No closure just a nibble of life. Yum.

What is the Cure for Meanness by Brock Clarke

Loved it, loved it, love it. Best short story of the year! About a 16 year old boy whose mean father leaves his (somewhat) pathetic mother and, get this, it's funny! Really funny. If you can get your hands on it, read it.

217 Pound Dog by Arthur Bradford

A good short story. It wasn't fantastic but certainly entertained me for a bit. It's about a corporate lawyer who is going through a mid-life crisis. Not generally my cup of tea but, again, entertaining enough.

All Good Things by Emily Benz

Oh boy, I liked this story. I can't confidently say that it was because of the writing. What I can confidently say is that this story reminded me of that slow camera-pulling-back-like process when your childhood moves away from you even as you looking longingly at it, pleading with it to just leave a little bit of that awe, carefree, lazy and whimsical identity you once had. Just a crumb please. Instead, there you stand in your early teen-hood, seeing your empty self, isolated, requiring definition as your childhood family reveals its failings. You are no longer defined in context; the perception of which you thought was true. The vision that you once had of summer days on the porch playing Euchre while grampy peacefully sipped on his drink and your brother dove into the chilly lake fade to the reality that your brother was escaping because he can't possible figure out how to be a member of the family and your always quiet grampy was really tanked and wanting to be left alone. Sigh. Growing up stinks. I liked this book.

Murmurations by Bradford Tice

Kinda sad. It's about an old couple existing in the same house…not so much sharing it, but existing in it. It's about quiet isolation. It's about having had too much together to be able to speak. It's about love and growing old. It's sad dudes.

Children's Books

And finally, as a new addition to the Yearly Roundup, I'm adding the best books for kids of my childrens' respective ages.

Book of the year for 3 year olds

Not-a-Box

Book of they year for 8 month olds

The Belly Button Book

Looking Forward - Possible Books for 2008

Moby Dick (recommended by Duf).

The Uncommon Reader (recommended by poppy)

Infidel, an autobiography by Ayaan Kirsi Ali (recommended by Diana)

The Double

The Pilot's Wife

The Gathering

Supercapitalism

Atonement

We're in Trouble

Gifted by Nikita Lalwani

The Portable Virgin

Vital Nourishment: Departing from Happiness

This I Believe: The Personal Philosophie of Remarkable Men and Women

Me, me, me!

2007-11-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

I went to lunch with a coolie pal of mine today and she mentioned taking the Myers-Briggs recently. I took it when I was in my early twenties and wondered whether my results would hold true after 10-15 years of living.

Of course, I was not about to take the test without warming up first. Toward that end, I took this test.

Turns out, I’m an Owl. Seems mostly right.

And that got me wondering what kind of tree I might be.

But then I read my results and thought that it sounded remarkably like my friend SJDude had written it so I don’t so much buy it.

You are a Wheeping Willow: You are a huge crybaby and nobody likes you. Everyone wishes you would go away and leave them alone.

What kind of tree are you?

You Are A Weeping Willow

You are a huge crybaby and nobody likes you. Everyone wishes you would go away and leave them alone.

Click Here to Take This Quiz
Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

Warmed-up, I took this freebie M-B knockoff.

Turns out I’m still a INTJ. For specifics on the traits of INTJ folks click here and here.

Then I got to thinking that maybe I’m a ego-manic being so fascinated with myself so I took this Psychological Disorder test and it turns out that I do have those tendencies.

Disorder	Rating
Paranoid Personality Disorder:	Low
Schizoid Personality Disorder:	Low
Schizotypal Personality Disorder:	Low
Antisocial Personality Disorder:	Low
Borderline Personality Disorder:	Low
Histrionic Personality Disorder:	Low
Narcissistic Personality Disorder:	Moderate
Avoidant Personality Disorder:	Low
Dependent Personality Disorder:	Low
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:	Low
-- Take the Personality Disorder Test -- -- Personality Disorder Info --

Hurumpf.

Baby Boy in his Mommy-Made Knits

2007-11-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Take a look!

Philadelphia

2007-11-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

I've lived a few places and I often get asked why I choose to settle in Philly. It's a really tough question because it's a really tough city. This is the closest that I can come to explaining it. Thank you to the wonderful artist that put it together.

New Blog or Freakin' Finally!

2007-10-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

I know it's taken a long time for me to post. My apologies. Again busy living large. I've been to the Pocono's for the last two weekends; the weekend of the 12^th for Ladies Weekend (thanks girls! -- I still need photos!) and the weekend of the 19^th for my birthday with my mom and babies (thanks mom and boys! -- I have photos and will post shortly).

Other than that, I've been crafting, reading and consuming sundries. I'll take each in turn.

Crafting

Dudes, this is a super-duper coolie knitting site. I'm still on the wait-list but my friend Amy is up and running and LOVIN' IT!
Speaking of my friend Amy, behold her moment of fame courtesy of the Yarn Harlot (see "Amy's Squared" photo). Ain't she the cutest???
I've been knitting a baby blanket with this yarn in pistachio. OMG, it is lovely to touch. I've also purchased enough to craft another blanket for another knocked up pal in strawberry. The colors are fantastic and it is stupid soft!
I also made one of these amazingly cute stupid sock creatures for a friend for her b-day. I'm so lucky that she likes it because she sits near me in the office and has him sitting on her desk. Every time I see him he makes me happy.

Books

I've been reading like a crazy lady this year. Please be sure to keep an eye out for the 2007 round-up. It will be posted in late November or early December. I need to begin forming my 2008 reading list. Please forward along titles that you've recently read that you adore. No so/so stuff. You must have adored it.
Now to a quick Booking Through Thursday question:

Do you cheat and peek ahead at the end of your books? Or do you resolutely read in sequence, as the author intended? Resolutely read in sequence. What kinda a-hole would skip forward??? Freakin' wrong dudes.
And, if you don’t peek, do you ever feel tempted? Never.

Also, please visit this site. I intend to participate in 63 days.

Consuming Sundries

I've recently stumbled across some products that the gals may like. It's always a challenge to find the right stuff.

Lancome concealer - fan-freakin-tastic. Yeah, I still look tired, but without it, I'd look dead.
Lancome juicy tubes gel - kissable. At least I suspect as much.
St Ives Apricot Scrub - great for skin that is a little oily. Mine is not but my friend's is and he loves it. It makes my pours open too wide…can you imagine the horror???
Olay Complete Facial Lotion with SPF - silky and lovely.
John Freeda Brilliant Brunette - could I have better hair? I think not!
Reach Flosser - my dentist sings Sinatra to me. 'Nuf said.
Band aids - these guys don’t fall off in water.
Cough Syrup - No booze and no drowsy. Totally works.

Bookie Q & A

2007-09-24T17:12:00.001-07:00

I often visit this bookie-blog that posits questions to its readers about bookie matters. These questions particularly interested me.

Imagine that everything is going just swimmingly. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and all’s right with the world. You’re practically bouncing from health and have money in your pocket. The kids are playing and laughing, the puppy is chewing in the cutest possible manner on an officially-sanctioned chew toy, and in between moments of laughter for pure joy, you pick up a book to read . . .

What is it?

Short stories, some favorites:

Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Madadies

Mary Yukari Water's The Laws of Evening

Amy Hempel's Tumble Home

Anything by Eudora Welty

Okay . . . picture this (really) worst-case scenario: It’s cold and raining, your boyfriend/girlfriend has just dumped you, you’ve just been fired, the pile of unpaid bills is sky-high, your beloved pet has recently died, and you think you’re coming down with a cold. All you want to do (other than hiding under the covers) is to curl up with a good book, something warm and comforting that will make you feel better.

What do you read?

Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar

Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale

…I tend to ruminate rather than attempt to be or feel comforted. It's the depressive in me.

Now you!

SK Update

2007-09-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

Lots of people have been asking me how SK's new job is working out. I hesitate to speak for him so, instead I will post the content of an email I received from him just this very day. Read on.

I think a symptom of the problem with the culture of this office is even the slovenly, slightly overweight, former jock/frat boys crave flavored coffees with names like caramel drizzle and misty Irish mint. They keep carafes of the stuff hot and ready at all times of the day and work it into their fantasy football and NASCAR conversations.

I just can't abide by that.

So, yeah...he's not in love with it.

Busy

2007-09-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I've been super busy but can't point to anything in particular that has kept me so. I'll write a bit here but mostly intend to escape to a book tonight. Speaking of which, I am currently reading this and am enjoying it quite a bit. I picked it up after reading three Anita Shreve's in quick succession. Two of which I would highly recommend. But, alas, you must wait for my 2007 reading round-up before you get the specifics. Fear not, we're already into fall. But a few months and you'll be feasting your eyes on it.

Other stuff:

I feel sorry for Britney and no longer have even a tiny crush on Sarah Silverman.

They cut down a huge tree on my block and Ubs, when noticing, put his hand to his chest, turned slowly to me, looked up and said, "That hurts my heart." Damn right it does. We need to seriously consider such impacts when deciding to do such treachery as butchering trees god dammit. Freakin' south philly tree-haters.

I want to get this book. Again with the books...gotta stop.

I'm decided and voting for Hil. You heard it here first.

I miss my friend poppy.

We get to go the the Poconos this weekend if we want. The evil renters have left.

I'm intentionally not commenting on the date.

SK is hot.

I'm out.

I Have to be Honest.

2007-08-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

When Butterscotch sang last night, I cried.

It. Was. Beautiful.

Dudes, get this nightmare.

2007-08-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

Ubs came bounding into our room at 3:30 a.m. last night. He said that Elmo and Zoe were in his dream and Zoe kept telling him to hide and then his room started shaking.

Ain't that some scary shit?

Crazy Life

2007-07-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Man howdy this crazy life has been keeping me busy! In all of this madness, I’ve gathered a few anecdotes together to bring you up to date.

The Beach

On Saturday of last week I had it in my mind that my family should drive out to the shore and have some sand-time. We packed up all of our toys, our diaper bag and backpacks. Strapped the little ones in and drove and drove and drove for what seemed hours, okay, was hours. When we arrived on the island we stopped and picked up some lunch for a picnic, drove into the park, unstrapped the little ones, strapped on backpacks and diaper page, grabbed blanket and towels, toys and umbrella, chairs and sunglasses. Schlepped to the beach, laid out blanket, put up umbrella, chairs, got toys out and food…”Surf’s comin’ in”, SK says. We have to move further in-shore or we’re going to be very wet very soon. Move blanket, umbrella, chairs, toys, food, children…settle in. Break out lunch, no less than 10 minutes pass and the evil whistle of the life guards sound in unison. “Everyone pack up! The beach is closing due to pending lightening storms!”

We pack up toys, blankets, towels, food, children, umbrella, strap on backpack and diaper bag, put shoes on and schlep back to the car…throw umbrella, backpacks, blankets, towels and food in the trunk, strap children in. Get in car to silence. Sit for a moment. Ubs pipes, “Mommy! I had fun at the beach!”

Awesome.

Hand-me downs

On Sunday of this week I’m packing up clothes that Bumble has outgrown (and there’s a lot - He’s wearing 9 month clothing and is 4 ½ months old – zoinks!).

“Mommy, what chew doing?”

“I’m packing up clothes that are too tiny for Bumble so that another little boy can use them because we’re done having babies.”

RCA dog, “We’re done having babies?”

“Yep.”

“Not even one more?”

“Nope Ubs, we’re done.”

“I want two more but one would be okay.”

“Talk to your father.”

Damn Kids

Last week we were driving around, going somewhere, contributing to global warming for no good reason most likely and a little black car sped by making a lot of racket. Diatribe ala SK ensues. “Damn kids! When we were kids, we used to BUILD cars, we didn’t just get a freakin’ exhaust system and tack it onto the car so that it “sounded” cool. We BUILT them so they’d BE cool.”

…hours pass…temper calms…

Aerenchyma to SK: When have you ever built a car?

SK to Aerenchyma: Shut up.

Niblets

2007-07-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Dog the Bounty Hunter is quality.

The heat is unforgivable. I ask not for its forgiveness.

Chef Ramsey is a cock. And no, I don't mean "cook."

That's alls I gots. Libs out.

Aerenchyma and Ubs: Conversation of the Week

2007-07-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Ubs: Mommy, you're my buddy.

Aerenchyma: That's awesome Ubs. Are you my buddy too?

Ubs: No. I'm your sunshine.

Indeed.

Crushes

2007-06-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

I've gotta be honest and tell you that I'm dissatisfied with the babe-pool as of late. Am I just not noticing or are there not as many?

My 2007 Crushes (thus far):

Fareed Zakaria
John Krasinski aka 'Jim Halpert'
Christiane Amanpour
Frank Morrison
Dahlia Lithwick
Nancy Pelosi
Tina Fey
Jeff Goldblum
Solex

Enduring Crushes (those that have rolled over from 2006):

Prince
Barack Obama (wavering)
Christopher Walken
Pharrell Williams
Tom Waits
Margaret Atwood
The White Stripes
Terrence Howard

Those That No Longer Rate:

Sarah Silverman
Jimmy Carter
Joshua Redman
Fiona Apple
Ben Bernanke

Aerenchyma and SK: Conversation of the Week

2007-06-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

From: Aerencyma
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 2:08 PM
To: SK
Subject: I'm sure you've noticed this...

..for a long time we had flags along Market in U City that read “Avenue of Technology” and they’ve replaced them with flags that now read, “Powering Commercialization”…isn’t that bizarre?

From: SK
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 3:32 PM
To: Aeremchyma
Subject: RE: I'm sure you've noticed this...

I did notice. Very strange wording. Do you think they're trying to make a point that it's just the kind of science supporting the debunking of creationism?

From: AerenchymaRager, Elizabeth (TS USA)
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 3:34 PM
To: SK
Subject: RE: I'm sure you've noticed this...

Hadn’t thought about it that way, but you might be on to something.

From: SK
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 3:42 PM
To: Aerenchyma
Subject: RE: I'm sure you've noticed this...

Really? I was just being a crackpot. I think they are just building the notion that this city is growth oriented.

From: Aerenchyma
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 3:44 PM
To: SK
Subject: RE: I'm sure you've noticed this...

If you replace “creationism” with “socialism”, yeah, I think you’re onto something.

By growth-oriented…do you mean selling out the “other” through innovation?

From: SK
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 3:47 PM
To: Aerenchyma
Subject: RE: I'm sure you've noticed this...

Do you mean "others" like in the Dharma initiative? They were kind of socialist, in a way.

From: Aerenchyma
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 3:49 PM
To: SK
Subject: RE: I'm sure you've noticed this...

I was sort of going for a Hegelian other but the Dharma folks will do.

From: SK
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 3:52 PM
To: Aerenchyma
Subject: RE: I'm sure you've noticed this...

…

Didn't Want to Leave for the Weekend on a Sour Note

2007-06-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

So I'll leave you with these:

Try to make this if you can. It looks like a blast and Ubs and I will be there.

This is brilliant. Super fantastic. Sis and I have been talking about the need for just such a rating system about this particular subject matter for years! Enjoy!

And on that note, have a wonderful weekend!

Monsters

2007-06-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

They should burn the place down for what they did.

Aerenchyma and SK Conversation of the Week: The Altruist's Paradox

2007-06-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

The following is a discussion held between me and my beloved after reading this little NYT diddy.

Aerenchyma:

-forwards said article to SK-

SK:

I don't care that it's unseemly that I'm counting; I am right three times this month.

I will submit to calling an act altruistic if the giver (mainly you) would just drop the campaign for martyrdom and admit that it make her feel good to give.

Aerenchyma:

Of course, it makes me feel good. Never denied that. Just said that my motivation didn’t originate in the feeling good but in the doing good.

SK:

Chicken and egg, chickie. Have you learned that doing good makes you feel good and that's the reason you're motivated to do good?

Aerenchyma:

Don’t chickie me, dopey. I have learned nothing of the sort. You assertion of such does not confirm its truthiness.

So I ask you, which one of us is right?

I Think Bumble Has Allergies

2007-06-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

Poor little guy was up all last night…with his father (better he than me). Unfortunately, I myself do not feel entirely well-rested and it is my night tonight. Sigh. Compounding my exhaustion is Goo's refusal to bow to my alpha-ness. -We have a trainer working with the family to teach us how to help him be a better pup and the furry beast is pushing back something fierce. So frustrating. Add on Ubs new-found, "It's too hard, I can't do it!" approach to life and forgeddaboudit. All I can say is it's a good thing each and every one of them is super-duper cute because otherwise I'd ship 'em off.

Kidding, I kid!

…well, that's not entirely true. I would ship them off for a weekend. Any takers?

Richard Rorty Dies

2007-06-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Contemptuous of analytics (of which I am), Rorty promoted fluffy humanism, claiming the goal of philosophy should be to improve the human condition. Nutty pragmatist.

Considered wacky and uninspired by the graduate student me, I now see a thoughtful man whose intellect was applied to the real stuff. What I once thought lacking of intellectual rigor has been replaced with an understanding that rigor for its own sake is a game unworthy of our best thinkers. Rorty got that and lived it. I'm glad I grew up enough to appreciate him. Maybe there's hope for others too.

Suggested title.

Adding to my reading list.

100 Things About Me (Items 26-50)

2007-06-07T11:37:00.001-07:00

26. I hate murder t.v. and have been trying to refrain from viewing any show that has at its center, murder (eg CSI, Law and Order, Dateline Mystery, City Confidential ect…). This is way harder than you would think.

27. I like quiet a lot.

28. I think that doing nothing in the face of harm being caused another is as culpable as causing the harm.

29. I love Dr. Jack Kevorkian; a practicing visionary rather than a theorizing one. This difference is the one that will get him into heaven.

30. I don't believe in heaven.

31. I'm an atheist but am not contemptuous of those that have faith. I just think you all the tiniest bit weird.

32. I do not intend to become more conservative as I age.

33. I like my hands and feet. They are attractive.

34. I prefer white gold to any other color.

35. I am done having children. I know this because I've been giving clothes away that Troubadour has outgrown. I gave nothing away of Ubs.

36. I am a typical girl and love all things perfumey.

37. I do not wear perfume.

38. I love, love, love gerber daisies. My favorite.

39. I love my doggy.

40. I love mom, dad, Jennifer, Sharon, Darryl, Ubs, Troub and Kevin too. Plus a lot more people, including my Ellen and Sam, but these are the ones on my mind currently.

41. I adore photographs of all sorts.

42. I take healthy teeth as a sign of moral goodness. I know that's wrong.

43. I have a hairy chin that's only getting furrier as time speeds past me.

44. I have a black thumb.

45. I secretly want a Volvo. Only good people drive Volvos in the movies and I want to be good.

46. I do not believe that the Justice System is even remotely just. Not even a smidge.

47. I would love for incarceration to be about rehabilitation rather than retribution.

48. I love frogs.

49. I also love bugs of all sorts including spiders.

50. I dig applied systems; mathematical, logical, you name it. Concrete, cut and dry, organized, answerable, binary, yummy.

100 Things About Me (Items 1-25)

2007-06-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine wrote a list of 100 Things About Her that I love and visit often. To you I give the first of four installments about me.

I love coffee in the afternoon but can't handle the caffeine.
I drink loads of diet caffeine free Pepsi even though my brother-in-law works for Coke.
I boycotted Coke in the early 90s when they supported apartheid in South Africa and haven't overcome my disgust.
I continue to boycott Domino's Pizza, though I have no idea whether they are still owned by the right-wing anti-choice wacko that was the founder.
I still miss smoking cigarettes, sweet little delicious friends.
I only miss a beer on a warm spring day.
I vote.
I love purple.
I am unforgiving of those that fail to forgive me.
I sport very little guilt.
I straighten better than I clean.
I "detroit" things.
I make up songs all of the time.
I read the newspaper…the actual (non-electronic) newspaper.
I read as much out of duty as out of enjoyment.
I knit poorly, but I knit.
I love a tub with a slanted back.
My favorite magazine is The Week.
I like to eat food that is not good for me.
I have no idea how women cook healthy meals for their families after a day at work.
I enjoy little people and wish I had the same level of curiosity as they have.
I like going to the movies but always pick poorly.
I'd seriously consider doing Prince, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Carl Levin, LL Cool J (because the ladies do love him), that Time columnist that shows up at Stephanopoulos' roundtable from time to time…his initials are F.Z. but I can't recall his name, Christopher Walken, and Daniel Dennett.
I pondered doing, but decided no on; Stephen Colbert, John Stewart, Keith Olbermann, George Stephanopoulos, Milan Kundera, and George Clooney.
I seriously can't stand the evil and shallow John Stossel. His voice grates on me something fierce and when he's on the television I can't refrain from mumbling obscenities under my breath. Prick. Pompous, righteous prick.

Un. Real.

2007-05-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

In the context of this, I read this.

Fucking crazy. Fucking infuriatingly crazy.

No Way!

2007-05-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

The prince won't be going to Iraq with his unit. Turns out going to war is dangerous.

Who knew?

Dudes,

2007-05-15T10:27:00.001-07:00

I need this.

Too Apathetic or Too Fearful?

2007-05-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

91-Year-Old Beating Victim Calls Bystanders 'Low-Class'

Gadgets for Rex

2007-05-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

If your pup does not have doggles or a collar pedometer, you've gotta ask yourself how much you love the little guy. The only thing I can hope is that, at the very least, your furry beloved has GPS with speaker phone. I mean honestly, these are the basics.

The Media Wants to Kill SK's Belly

2007-05-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

It's true! He said he heard about The War on Obesity this morning on the Today Show.

Sometimes, when I'm listening to The White Stripes...

2007-05-09T08:13:00.001-07:00

...I hear Bernie Mac's voice when James White is singing. Is it just me?

Dump Truck Slept Through My Entire Haircut

2007-04-14T10:04:00.001-07:00

The kid rocks.

The Mad Hatter of Writers Has Left Us

2007-04-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful for his work.

Georgia On My Mind - Among Other Things

2007-04-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

The "Other Things" are:

I'm not behind Nutter for the mayoral democratic nomination. -Thought I was, I'm not. Reason: Don't insult me by running against the democratic incumbent that I voted for and that, oddly enough, isn't running himself. Hello?

I'm not sold on any other candidate, though I will say that I am not feeling Knox either. I don't like his, "I'm rich and paying for my run with my own dough. Hence, I'm not beholden to any private interests. Blather blather tra la la."

I'm not feeling Hilary for president. If I'm not behind Hil, I wonder who might be; non-feminist, non-liberal, non-pro-choice folks?

I like Barack but am not as hot on him as I have been...maybe just because I've been busy and not so much able to keep my attention focused on his beautifulness.

I'm tired of the little guys (okay medium sized guys) getting jacked. Just once, instead of the Albertos, Colins, and Porters, I'd like to see George and Dick get it. Ha! As if I'm alone.

I'm thinking 3 hour catnaps for 5 days running consecutively might make a person go nuts.

I'm pretty sure Gouda has the worst haircut he's ever had. He looks like a freakin Cairn Terrier. Total ass clown cut. My neighbor even said, "Gouda looks prissy." Ouch! He's a boy!

I haven't knit since I gave birth. This displeases me.

I've been reading the same book since before I gave birth. It is 350 pages in length. I am on page 250. This makes me unhappy as I am WAY behind on my 2007 reading list. WAY.

I don't recall the last time my sheets were washed. Gack! I need to do that.

I also need to find the cord to my stairmaster - though I will say that I am currently out of my maternity clothes and into my fat-girl wardrobe. Awesome.

Happy Birthday To Abes!

2007-03-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

Amidst of all of this birthing, knitting, and non-sleep Ubs turned 3 on Monday!

Funny You Should Ask, Ms. McWeasel

2007-03-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

The green hat in question was, indeed, handmade by yours truly. Tis a feast for the eyes, no? Should your peepers remain hungry, behold the tiny blue sweater crafted by my amazingly talented self.*

*Okay, I had help...my talent is but new and I must express my gratitude to Grace of Loop fame as well as Ellen for suggesting the class and Mathild for her willingness to help troubleshoot on the fly. You know what they say, it takes a village.

Libby and Elijah are Home!

2007-03-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Libby brought our new son home on Wednesday. Both are doing really well; in fact, Libby's taken Elijah for a couple of strolls around the neighborhood today.

Eli continues to sleep all day. He kept us both up last night, sleeping 1/2 stints until 5:30 AM or so.

There must be a physiological trigger that turns the brain off from remembering just how long the first few months of parenting a newborn can be; you definitely live the full 24 hour cycle during this period, and then forget how disoriented this makes you. Before you know it, you're talking about popping another one out. I feel duped and want to sue.

Elijah's Here!

2007-03-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Most of you have probably already received an email, but if you haven't this will redeem me for "hacking" into Libby's blog to leave this post:

Elizabeth got her birth on!

On Monday, March 12th at 1:48 PM we welcomed to the world a healthy (and plump) Elijah David Williams born 8 lbs. 4.8 oz at 21 inches. Both he and Elizabeth are doing well, are beautiful, and are resting snuggly at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Abe says he isn't buying some story about a stork.

Whoooooohoooooooo!

2007-03-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Getting induced tomorrow and should have the little person in my arms rather than in my belly Monday. Oh joy! Can. Not. Wait.

Still No Baby

2007-02-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

...and I gotta be honest with you, I can think of little else as I'm constantly focused on trying to become less uncomfortable.

Sigh.

Holy Cats!

2007-02-18T17:17:00.000-08:00

And this was 2 weeks ago!

Thank goodness there's only two weeks to go. Oh my.

Booking Blog

2007-02-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

Lifted from Booking Through Thursday, a fine blog indeed.

What kind of care do you take of your books? Let's review, shall we?

1. Are you careful with the spines? Or do you crack your books open to make them lay flat?

- NEVER cracking. Have you lost your mind? Just the thought of it is like my bare feet on terra cotta. Yackety-nick-tick!

2. Do you use bookmarks? Or do you dog-ear the corners? If you do use bookmarks, do you use those fashionable metal ones? Or paper?

- Never dog-ear, always bookmarks…stray piece of paper or real bookmarks, makes no matter.

3. Do you write in your books? Ever? If you do, do you make small marks, or write in as much blank space as you can find? Pen or pencil? Highlighter? Your name on the front page?

- I'll write in pencil in small, precise notation. Highlighter hurts me, especially if it's in a color other than yellow. No name.

4. Do you toss your books on the floor? Into bookbags? Or do you treat them tenderly, with respect?

- Usually tossed on the floor, in the purse, bookbag, knitting bag. They are everywhere. No super tenderness imparted but I try to be nice to them.

5. Do you ever lay your book face-down, to save your place?

-Rarely. Makes me uncomfortable.

6. Um--water? Do you bathe with your books? Hold them with wet hands? Read out in the rain? Anything of that sort?

- Yes to the water. I know it's wrong but I'm so in love with the water and the reading that I can't see being submerged and not booking. Sometimes I use the mags in the place of the books, but they are never as satisfying.

7. Are your books lined up on a bookshelf? Or crammed in any which way? Stacked on the floor?

- Lined up on bookshelves and bed side table, stacked on the floor in living room, near the front door for quick pick-up, stacked at the foot of the bed, stacked at the side of the bed, stacked near the tub, usually one or two in the knitting bag and one in the purse.

8. Do you make a distinction--as regards book care--between hardcovers and paperbacks?

-I make every effort possible to not buy hardcover. If I do, I treat them like ugly step-children.

Prince Again

2007-02-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

So I'm in love with Prince (as my post last week attests). I was prepping for Prince Sunday with that post and eagerly positioned myself in front of the tv to view the greatness that is him.

WTF? Dude looked BAD. Bad in a way that made me hostile. Wah. Poor me.

On the upside, a guitar is never just a guitar for Prince.

Goodbye Molly

2007-02-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

You were quality.

Things I Think About

2007-02-02T13:24:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I think about music and Prince comes to mind and I think, why's he got so much funk and talent and why's I got none?

Sometimes, when I'm in the Subway Sub Shoppe, I'm reminded of the time I went there with SK and asked him, "What's the freakin' dealio with all these trains on the walls?"

When I think about things that I should feel badly about, I remember revealing to a party full of people that one of our mutual coworker never washed her hands after using the restroom. That was wrong.

Sometimes I wonder how it is that republicans could be so very wrong and I could be so very right and then I'm reminded that I'm my father's daughter and, whatever the reason, I am indeed, that very right.

When I write my monthly check toward paying off my 30 grand in student loans I wonder whether that degree in philosophy was worth it and I immediately think that it was because otherwise I'd have a degree is some stupid career-minded area of study and would be working in a cube. Then I note for myself that I work in a work station and am relieved.

Sometimes I wonder if it's wrong for me to love Snoop Dogg as much as I do after all, he's behind the evil Girls Gone Wild series and depicts drug use as a good thing. But then I remember that he's so awesome that it couldn't be my fault, even if it is wrong.

Sometimes I think that Diane Sawyer should take a freakin' day off.

I think about how truly stupid it is to wonder whether Barack Obama is "black enough" to be Black. Reminds me of the idiot fights the feminist community continually has about being/failing to be radical enough. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Sometimes I think about when I managed that blues bar in Detroit and I am thankful because I believe that experience allowed me to feel more organically tied to such songs as "You Sexy Mother Fucker", "Brick House" and "Let's Get It On."

Sometimes I think about how my friend SK has a crush on Sara Ramirez (Callie Torres) from Grey's Anatomy and I gotta be proud of myself for having chosen him.

Sometimes I think that my friend SK is a babe.

When I think about how I try to live, I think about how truly exhausting it is to live this way.

Sometimes I think that my desire to be fair gets in the way of any assertion of self and, without that, I'll cease to be sooner or later.

When I want a laugh I think of Kings of Comedy when Cedric the Entertainer talked about calling another man Delicious. I also think of the Queens of Comedy when Laura Hayes tore off her wig and said, "OH NO, MUTHA FUCKA, NOT TODAY!"

Sometimes I think that maybe, just maybe, global warming was brought on by people.

When I think of my favorite places in the world, I think about The Rose Garden in Portland Oregon.

Sometimes I think about being the president, but then I think I'd rather be the pope.

Good and Evil

2007-02-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

That which is Evil:

Friday's Crispy Green Bean Fries - Gack!

George Dub.

Hummers

The Da Vinci Code

The Class

People that Advocate the Hitting of Children

Web Nannies

Permanent Markers

Reid's brats

That which is Good:

Sally

Puffins

Margaret Atwood

National Coney Island (evil that they are only in Detroit, but still very, very good)

The Week

Yarn Stores

Our wonderful hopefuls

Cape Coral Florida and Harsen's Island Michigan - Home of my family vacations

Libbyisms

2007-01-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me that folks that are not in contact with me on a day-to-day are neglected my brilliant turn of phrase, word spin, and all around playful repartee. To you, I give:

Drop The Dragon - Used in cases in which I find another problematic and wish to motivate them through my will.

"Man-howdy, if he doesn't get that work done, I'm going to have to drop the dragon on him!" or "Don't make me drop the dragon!"

Ass clown* - Replacing Jackhole in most name-calling instances.

"Look Ass Clown, if you don't get off that damn phone and place your order I'm going to drop the dragon on you."

Weenis - Used in place of Ass Clown around my friend SK as he finds Ass Clown distasteful. Origin: Combination of Weener and Penis, Weenis.

"That friggin' guys is such a weenis. Did you know he parks in capper spots?"

Bob and Weave - Used when describing the handling of particularly squirrelly folks.

"I just get in there, sez my peace and gets out. Bob and weave dude, it's the only way to go."

You wanna dance?? - Used when someone is being confrontational with you and you wish to let them know you're fully willing to engage. When you ask, "you wanna dance?" it's implied that you may drop the dragon on them.

"Ubs, I've asked three times for you to put your shoes on. You wanna dance, or what?"**

I guess that's alls I gots…I'm clearly lacking. If you have any "isms" that you'd like to share, please add to the comments.

*Ass clown came from SA who also has a major hand in jack hole. She is a fine resource in collecting turns of phrases. Love her.***
**Note, dropping the dragon on a child entails picking them up, placing them on a soft piece of furniture and then crushing them with your entire upper body as one would a fake wrestler.

Mornings

2007-01-22T13:37:00.000-08:00

Every morning Ubs calls me into his room when he wakes and I crawl into bed next to him and rub his back...he blinks his eyes open and closed several times slowly and then looks me in the eye and whispers, "I love my daddy."

Every morning I quietly tell him that I picked his daddy out of all of the daddies in the world. That still fails to get me my props.

I'll Never Know Why You People Doubt Me, I'm Clearly Brilliant

2007-01-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

My friend Amy McWeasel questioned my insistence that a dog trumps a cat in all things related to the person, with the minor exception of ease of care. Now, many years have passed and my sweet friend has FINALLY added a puppy to her family. And what should she find but the unimaginable joy that a pup brings to the return home. Ahem, told you so dude. Pups rock.

Granted, AM may have questioned my objectivity on the matter as I am an unapologetic cat-hater. Peeps, they have claws and can often be mean. Doggies, not so much. In fact, let me just point out this, my most favorite expression I've found that mirrors my position on cats...furry meanies.

nataliedee.com

Here's another, stating the obvious:

nataliedee.com

And for you other cat haters, just so you know:

nataliedee.com

Card from a Friend

2007-01-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

I got a card from a friend recently that read,

"You are the strongest person I ever met," she said & I said, "You too" and we decided we'd know each other for a long time.

And that made me happy because I like when people see me as strong. One of my main, silly quests is to be perceived as strong. And clearly, my friend is strong...goes without saying.

But then I picked the card up today, after living with it on my desk for over a week and it read,

"You are the strangest person I ever met," she said & I said, "You too" and we decided we'd know each other for a long time.

And that really makes sense but it shifted everything for me for just a second. Odd how we can frame reality to be whatever we want it from time to time. Odder yet, that it persists regardless of our framing.

Negative Nelly

2007-01-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

I don't mean to be a Negative Nelly. Looking back on my last few blogs I see that I have been. It is for this reason that I pledge to you that this will be my final negative post for the next two weeks. *

Now to it, a bit of background:

My pops worked for Chrysler for many, many years. My brother currently works for Chrysler. I buy American (as much as a company owned by Germans can be considered American). I do so largely because unions are still a part of the equation at Chrysler/Ford/GM et al. I also do so because I get a killer employee discount on all of their cars.

And then I read this. Remindin' me of days gone by; of lemonade and guiltless slash and burns of the Amazon, of a geocentric solar system, a flat earth and gentler times when the ages were dark and cool. Oh past, oh ignorance, oh denial; your solace is mine.

Jack ass.

*Hey! Two weeks is a long time!

The Mummers are Disgusting Asses

2007-01-08T08:41:00.001-08:00

Okay, okay...don't get all nutty and defensive. It is my experienced that perhaps there are two distinct categories of mummers; those that compete and those that walk around like nasty freaking drunken losers. It's the latter of which I write.

If you have a doubt about the truthfulness of the title of this post, I have lived 1/2 block from Broad Street for three years and not one of those years have passed that I have failed to view some horrible, self-centered, trashed ass whip out his penis and piss on the side of my neighbors house.

Note to Philly Government: If you insist on making money off of these idiots, the least you could do is put porta-johns in our neighborhoods.

2006 Reading List (Yearly Round-Up):

2006-12-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

History of Love by Nicole Krauss

A sweet book about an old man and his gift of a novel. I've read reviews of this book that described the lead characters are desperate. I found them amazing and quiet. The movement of this book is swaying, so if you're looking for fast, fun read, this isn't it. This is a beautiful read however. Thanks to SA for the recommendation.

Saturday by Ian McEwan

I liked this book very much. -So much so that I had a bit of a crush on the author for a bit (see mid-year crushes post near Julyish). It's well done and quick. I liked the main character quite a bit and his family rang true to me.

1984 by George Orwell

Clearly, the best book of the year. Can't believe it took me so long to get to it. Thank goodness for book club.

Losers Club by Richard Perez

Yeah, read the whole thing…really not good at all.

If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things by Jon McGregor

I really loved this book. It was so slice of life, so ain't that they way, so perfect. Highly recommended.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

I expected to like this book a lot more than I did. I must reread as I clearly missed something. I'll give it another try in five years.

White Noise by Don DeLillo

Loved it. Loved it.

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

Did not love it. Did love the book club discussion but otherwise, unless the back of the book tickles you silly, walk away.

The Friend Who Got Away Edited Jenny Offill and Elissa Schappell

HATED IT. To be honest, I didn't end up reading each and every essay. I couldn't because the vast majority of the essays I did read made me want to punch the editors. These essays somehow always lead from or to some freakin' guy. I'm not saying that us gals don't like the guys or don't do things we maybe aren't proud of because of the guys but it is my contention that men are not at the center of female relationships. -Just sayin'.

Little Children by Tom Perrotta

T'was fun.

Perspheniod - Margaret Atwood

Really good, but me loves Margaret as if she were my own.

Oh the Glory of It All by Sean Wilsey

Crappity crap crap crap. Who gives a flying rat's ass why this rich 20 something ended up having such a non-fun childhood? Ack!

Kafka on The Shore by Haruki Murakami

To be honest, still reading. Totally digging on it though. Really well written and interesting, bordering on fascinating. Yum!

Thanks to all of the folks that posted comments to my last blog. I'm starting to feel better…as if the color is coming back to my life. It's hard but I'm lucky to be so darn lucky and I know that and am thankful for it. Thankful for each of you. Incredibily thankful for each of you. Have a wonderful New Year and hug your Lovelies.

Sorrow

2006-12-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

My friend died last week. Unexpectedly. She was brilliant and beautiful. A writer.

My gramma died yesterday. Not unexpectedly. She was feisty and tough. An artist.

I've gone to a holiday party, grocery shopped and walked the dog since they've died.

I've been working and have been surprised when drops of water fall on my hands from tears rolling down my face that I had not noticed I was crying.

I've done laundry, listened to "The Wheels On The Bus Go Round and Round", and made cereal for dinner since they've died.

I'm trying desperately to make it better so that SK, Ubs and my other beloveds don't have to be faced with my sorrow, which is bigger than me and grayer than me, and silences me…leaving nothing of what they need and what I so wish to give.

There's nothing to be done. I can only be with it. Let it have me. Wish for it to be otherwise and maybe it will get better, like they say.

Dudes,

2006-12-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

This goes a long way in explaining my stealthy fastness.

This cracked me up.

2006-12-05T09:47:00.001-08:00

Read it here.

I'm not sure why but a coworker explaned her humored reponse by saying, and I quote, "The world has come to an end. I am convinced. The great Obama with Ludacris, the famous rapper of lyrics like 'face down ass up…' Jeez man…"

Jeez indeed.

T'is That Time of Year Once Again

2006-11-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

Gifts for me! me! me!

Some ideas:

Since he’s the reason for the season.

What's a holiday without grill bling I ask you?

To keep that snow glare from hurtin' the peeps.

A girl's gots to keep warm!

A place to rest the nog.

And, finally, a feast for the eyes.

Me loves gifts!

What I Did Over Thanksgiving Vacation, by Aerenchyma*

2006-11-27T11:42:00.000-08:00

Brined the turkey, resulting in a deliciously moist bird.

Finger painted, water color painted and paint-brush painted, very distinct activies per Ubs.

Played with play-doh.

Napped.

Decorated cookies with Ubs.

Helped MIL move to her condo.

Knitted.

Napped.

Watched Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang with SK and Kevin - a very good film indeed.

Read the Inky front to back, twice.

Ate two eggs over medium with grits, two of the four mornings.**

Cuddled Goo.

Cuddled SK.

Tried to cuddle Ubs.***

Became rounder. Month 6, looking like month 8.

Napped.

Fell in love with my home and life again.

*Topic lifted directly from Duf's blog.
**My new favorite meal.
*** The child has become the speed of light. I get quick cuddles in when I can.

I have no idea whether he did it,

2006-11-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

But this man has children of whoms mother has been murdered. What the hell is wrong with him???

Oh, and what the hell is this?? Could we please spend a freaking moment or two implementing meaningful laws rather than this crap? Just a moment or two is all I ask.

Unions and Women's Rights

2006-11-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

Went to Noon at World Café Live to see Arlo Guthrie with my team at work today. It was really great. Two of his children played along-side and he told stories about his father. It was really, really sweet.

When his daughter, Sarah Lee, sang a song written by Woody about unions and women's rights (a real foot-stompper), I teared-up thinking about how beautiful it is when people gather and, by that very simple act, empower each other and themselves.

I guess some pregnant ladies cry over hallmark commercials and others cry when they hear songs about collective bargaining and civil liberties.

To each her own.

Election Results

2006-11-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

It is with sad fanfare that I acknowledge and appreciate, on a very quiet level, the results of this mid-term election. I even considered refraining from blogging but my friend Sarcasmo insisted. And so I give to you my thoughts.

The republicans lost. That made me very happy.
The democrats won. That made me slightly happy.
I voted anti-choice on Tuesday. That made me sad.

I am mourning my party. I do not pretend that they have not abandoned me. I do not think that they have not sacrificed me. I will not forgive them for making me vote contrary to my bodily integrity and personal worth.

All of this is not to say, however, that I will not move forward and that I do not have high expectations that I believe may very well be fulfilled by Nancy Pelosi.

Tomorrow is another day and by then I may consider myself a democrat once again.

Voted Early!

2006-11-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Couldn't risk getting hit by a bus sometime during the day and dying having not voted. Pretty sure, in this political environment, should that have happened, my pops would have seriously considered skipping the funeral.

Kidding, I kid!--About the pops, not the fear of dying before voting.

Please Forgive the Delay - I Give to You, Ubs

2006-11-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

My Mighty Firefighter

2006-11-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

Ubs decided to be a firefighter for Halloween last night and was qqqqqqquuuuueeewwwwttt!, I don't mind saying. Of course, I considered casting my child in the part of "hero" as not all together wise. I have no interest in him serving his community in any dangerous capacity whatsoever. I wish not to have a police officer son, or firefighter/serviceman/EMT/crossing guard etc...

Even so, my hesitancy could not compete with what I believe to the most central delight to becoming a firefighter; the red hat. He was dazzled with it and his firefighter's jacket, not to mention the ax that his father crafted from cardboard for breakin' down doors.

Ubs was not, however dazzled with all the freaking nutty nut jobs that insist on walking around with masks sporting needles jutting from the "flesh" or blood dripping eyeballs dangling from empty sockets. What is wrong with people??? Ubs went so far as to say repeatedly "This is scary for Ubs"...to which we returned home to the booty we'd amassed and playdough. Still and yet, not an entire wash. Playdough can always save the day.

I'll post a photo of the lil' firefighter soon...

For Years

2006-10-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

For years I've been seaching for the one glimmering object that will give me the street cred that I've been yearning for. Lord knows bumpin'with the windies down to Pharrell hasn't worked. Nor has 4 carat blue tainted bling to rival J Lo's pink engagement. But this. This will do the trick. Fho Sho.

Gimme.

If the Ticonderoga is the Cadillac of pencils,

2006-10-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Then the Smencil is the Mini. See how the deliciously scented Smencil is crafted.

*Thanks to my delightful friend AM who, out of the blue, sent a whole gaggle of 'em to me at work! Too freakin' cool dude.

Awesome

2006-10-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Have you heard? Interracial sex is all the rage.

Oh wait, I guess it's not the good kind of rage.

Shucks. I thought for once, I'd be in fashion...what with my "interracial lifestyle" and all.

To be honest, I'm not at all sure that this ad intends to arouse racist sentiment. I guess I should be sure, but I am not. I think it's cheeky (as Thomas the Train would say) but I don't think it's evil. Of course, (and it wouldn't be the first time) I could be missing the plot...

Distraction from my current bump in the road

2006-10-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Rather than focusing on my current "situation", I figured it'd be good to move back to the basics. Look inward, if you will. Remember me, for me. I do like me after all. So I lifted these questions from this site and took some time. Below you will not only find a coupla questions and answers, but will have witnessed about ½ hour of non-self-contempt-driven thinking nestled among weeks that have been otherwise. Try to enjoy it as much as I have.

If you could boil your life's motivations into one underlying reason WHY you do everything you do, what would that be?

I am singularly and profoundly motivated by the idea of peace; peace of mind, peace derived from justice, peace in prosperity, imparting peace, sharing peace, allowing for peace. All of my ethic, my interactions, my quest for closeness comes down to a quiet moment in which goodness in humanity, self and others permeates.

I know, goofy, but true.

Would you kill 10,000 innocent people if by doing so, you could end world hunger? 1,000? 100? One? Why?
No. I have no right to take a single person's life. None. Believing otherwise has created the world in which we live…certainly not even close to the life we can collectively imagine.

What does a perfect day look like?
I can't even imagine one right now. Maybe you can help me by telling me about yours.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Answering this one may help as well.

Fleh. Stinker-bo-binker and flecka-pah-guck. Not good.

Ass/Not Ass

2006-10-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

Things that are ass:

The Pregnancy Thong. Un'f'in real. Makes me more hostile than pregnancy.

Global Warming.

The prosecution of Lynne Stewart.

Condoms as evidence.

The New Prudence.

Things that are decidedly not ass:

Mr. Barack Obama. You may have heard this before but it worth repeating, I wish to lick his face. His fresh, fresh, beautifully smart face.

Red iPods.

The campaign for real beauty.

Stem cells.

Safe Injection Sites

The Old Prudence.

Yipppee!

2006-10-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Go Orhan! Whooooohooooo!

In other bookie news, I just bought this EVEN THOUGH I have not finished my 2006 book selections. Very radical move of me. Very uncool. Very exciting.

I'm a Little Sorry...

2006-09-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

...but this is funny.

Tid Bits

2006-09-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Below you will find rules of thumb, hints of politeness you can extend to your fellow human beings and interpretations of moments in life that may be gentler than those you are currently using.

1. If you are staying in a family member's home and they must go to work, do not try to chat them up in the morning. In fact, stay in your room and pretend to sleep in.

2. If you must go….I mean, you've gots to go!!!, do not use your poor planning as an excuse to use the empty handicapped stall. Many lovely folks I know would not DREAM of parking in a capper spot simply because they were running late but do not hesitate to use the capper stall. Don't do it people!! It is wrong!

3. If you borrow something and have lost it, own up and buy a replacement.

4. If you make a mess, clean it up.

5. Allow people to be other than happy. It's okay. It really is.

6. If you need time alone, take it. You're not doing anyone any favors by hanging around when you need to refuel.

7. "Needing time alone" does not equate to "needing time away from you." Don't make that assumption.

8. When someone is reading, they are doing something. Please note that before interrupting.

9. Be gentle with yourself. I mean it. Be gentle! You make a concerted effort to be gentle with other people, why not extend that courtesy to yourself?

10. Being gentle on other people does not include handling them so softly that they run you over. Regardless of their mental state, it is not you job to soothe others at the cost of yourself. Stand up and be firm. You're allowed.

11. Apologize when you're an ass. Note when others are asses and don't pretend they weren't. When you watch Deal or No Deal, note that all of those women, dressed exactly the same, used a objects of desire to open other objects of desire is ass. Tell your sons, "That's ass." It's okay if they're two years old. They still need to know that is indeed, ass.

12. Take your vitamins.

If you have tid bits that may be helpful to others, please add them to the comments section of this post.

Thanks all.

Never Again...

2006-09-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

...will I eat egg salad on wheat with blah, blah, blah and sickening gross.