Long Live the King

We Texans are currently fuh-reaking out because we are having snow and sleet. (With only a little accumulation!) We're huge weenies when it comes to winter. Schools are shutting down because it will probably ice over later. We don't know how to drive on ice, in fact, knowing how to drive period is negotiable. (Hence the PANIC!!!)

Yesterday the high was 80 degrees, and by bedtime it was in the high 40's. Only in Texas.

Last night, G went to bed in his room as per usual. I knew he wouldn't stay there. Call it mother's intuition. NJ wasn't interested in sleeping alone either. So, by 2 am there were four people bodies in our Queen sized Tempurpedic bed. M was taking up his usual space on his stomach, G next to him on his side, and NJ next to G. Me? I had a few inches to try to perform my balancing act. We have NJ's co-sleeper next to the bed, so I propped my pillow across the space like a bridge. My shoulders hung in the space between the bed and co-sleeper. Very uncomfortable.

I told M if we keep this up for the winter, a king Tempurpedic should be in our future. That *might* actually hold the four humans and four cats, don't you think?

Working Fool

I got up at 6 a.m. this morning. It wasn't the girlie wanting her morning num-nums... it was my alarm. I showered, shaved and PUT ON MAKE-UP. (close yer mouths)

Then I went into the office.

I actually got a hit off of Monster for a contract gig doin' one of the things I do best. Surfin' the 'Net. Granting, this surfing is for something very specific and business-like. Still, I love it. Perhaps this is my calling in life...

A Real Family Shares Cooties

Abs hosting our Thanksgiving meal at her place today and did it with flair. We went semi-traditional and went ham instead of turkey, but went with many of the usual accompaniments. Of course, there had to be pie. Cherry and pumpkin.

G wanted to try some with trepidation. Two small slices were cut and placed on a plate for his consumption.

G: "Where's my fork?"
Me, handing him my spare fork: "Here's one."
G, eyes me wearily: "Are your germs on this?"
Me, takes the fork back and looks at it, licks it and hands it back to G.
Me: "There are now."
The entire table: Mother-in-law, Sister-in-law, Hubby M and my Dad looked at me gaping mouths.
G is watching the shocked faces and not the licked fork.
Me: "It's fine. What's the problem? We swap germs when we kiss."
G: "But we didn't kiss. You just xerbited me."
Me: "Yes and there are now my germs all over your neck and probably crawling up into your ears."
G: "CAN WE NOT TALK ABOUT THIS?!?!?"

Giving Thanks

I've tried to write since my last entry, but the words just won't flow. But I need to write this, because things haven't been all that great lately in many aspects of my life. It is truly time to give some thanks. To reflect. To surrender.

Firstly, I am thankful to my mom for fighting cancer for twenty years. She passed away a year ago on the 15th of this month. Mom went to great lengths to say here in this life and reap much of what she sowed. She saw her daughters graduate school, get married, have grandchildren... so much more. I am thankful for her determination and sheer commitment to living. And, as strange as this may sound, I am thankful for that cancer. Cancer changed the course of my family's lives, much for better for all of us. My mom and I even discussed this in those last days.

Next, I am thankful for my husband. We've been through alot these past couple of years and he's never waivered in his love and devotion. And he's given me two great children, whom I am also thankful for. You three are my everything. I love you so much!

I am thankful for my other family. Those that I am related to: my Dad and my sister. Family is important to me. We've been able to help each other through this year in both subtle and overt ways. My aunts have been wonderful too, and it has been so nice to be more in touch. I am thankful for my sister's husband who has been there for her and her two beautiful daughters. I am thankful for my sister-in-law who is one of my soulmates in this life. I am lucky to have found such a true family with my in-laws.

I am thankful for my other other family. Those who I choose as family because, even though I love my friends, they aren't just friends. My life is what it is because those friends are there. There are friends who I have had since childhood, one of them halfway around the world. Friends who I have lived with, studied with, shared stories with and grew up with in many, many ways. Friends who I have met in work, and in play. Friends I have met once or twice but know because of this venue and friends I have never met. You're in my life, all of you friends, because I fell in love with who you are. I think the world of you.

Lastly, I am thankful for me. That's tough to remember, at times. But I am. I am thankful for this life and this experience and, even on the worst days, I wouldn't trade it. This life is a gift. I am blessed.

Because One Syllable Words are Boring

My lovely Kindergartener son pointed out to me today that he, his sister and all four cats have 3 syllable names. I hadn't really thought about it before, but apprarently my husband and I have a penchant for longer names. Perhaps we subconsciously find our one syllable names boring. I guess G can add that to his therapy list: "My mom expected me to do more in life BECAUSE SHE GAVE ME A THREE SYLLABLE NAME AND THAT'S ALOT FOR ANY CHILD TO HANDLE."

There is a one syllable nickname we could call him but:
1) We chose his name to name him after my favorite singer. If we called G by the nickname, it would go against the spirit of the chosing.
2) G doesn't like the short version of his name. He will only let a handful of people call him that. (Namely one of his best friends, The Other G, and family.) I understand this. I hated it when people added a "y" to my name when I was growing up. It wasn't my name! I have only let a handful of people get away with it too. My one syllable status is fine.

I find it interesting on the day G discovers syllables, he's decided to shorten NJ's name to the natural one syllable version. We all have different nicknames for her, and perhaps one day we'll iron that one out. (or she can start her own therapy list: "People never knew what to call me... it was so confusing!")

Well, whatever her name is, she's yelling...

I Need a Job

It's happened, the time has come. I thought I would make it through the holidays, but I will not.

If anyone can hook me up with some people, please let me know.

~L

A Tasty Dish of Rice

No, this isn't a recipe. Not for food anyhow. Call it a recipe for the soul.

I just found out that Damien Rice is releasing his next album entitled "9." WHEEE!!!! I love me some Damien, so much so I would consider naming my next child after him. (Don't laugh people, G is named after my FIRST favorite male singer on the planet.)

And no, NJ is NOT named after a favorite actress, or singer for that matter. I simple liked the name. If I named NJ after my favorite female singer, that would be Myra. Myra didn't work for me. Neither did the singers "other name," you know, the one she's known by?

Not being all that transparent am I? Back to the dish... Damien.

Damien.
Damien.
Damien.

If you haven't heard his music, I would say it is a crime against humanity. (Okay, so it's NOT, but still.) You can hustle your butt over to www.myspace.com/damienrice and hear three tracks from the new album. Now, most of you might listen to this and say "Um, ~L, that's *DEPRESSING*" and yes, Damien can be. Think of it more as deliciously, delicately haunting. His music isn't for a listener, it is for those who love to EXPERIENCE music. The songs are wholisitic. The lyrics a bit obscure, and the notes are pure genius. And Lisa Hannigan's voice... wow, just wow.

If you haven't heard "O," the previous album, it's amazing. It's a toss-up as to my favorite track. If forced to pick, it would probably be "Delicate." "Delicate" has been used as ambient music on several TV programs, including my beloved "Lost." His song, "The Blower's Daughter" was prominiently featured in the movie "Closer" and if you see the movie, you'll never forget the song. "Volcano" and "Cannonball" are also favorites of mine.

The first release off of "9" is titled "9 Crimes." Damien admits that the new album feels like an extension of the old, but that's perfectly okay with me. His music is like a cozy woobie on a chilly evening. Just wrap yourself up and enjoy.

Tricked or Treated?

So last night, we adults were cracked up by my non-imaginative son. He desperately wanted to be a Red Power Ranger, and luckily we found such a costume at Target. He was thrilled with his outfit that he has talked about for weeks.

During trick or treating, many of the adults asked the typical trick-or-treater question: "So, who are you?"
G's answer: G______ C______ Wood.
Treat-givers, trying to coax the imaginative answer out of my child: "Who are you?"
G: G_____ C_____ Wood!

*sighs*

He's so literal.